"THE McCULLOCHS", a "red-neck" version of "DYNASTY" meets "GIANT" is available via ANCHOR BAY.  Max Baer, aka "Jethro" from the "Beverly Hillbillies", writes, directs, and stars in this often predictable, but always amusing fight-filled soap-opera.  The supporting cast, including Forrest Tucker and Julie Adams, is quite good, helping to make the film almost have class!  Tucker stars as J.J. "Mac" McCulloch, a Texas millionaire trying to preserve both his family and fortune, while dealing with teen-age rebellion, rivals, and more!  The 1949 setting actually aids the film greatly, giving it a real sense of time that the low-budget doesn't hinder.

The transfer is decent.  ANCHOR BAY deserves its usual praise for
choosing to present the film with 16:9 enhancement in its proper 1.85:1
ratio.  Fleshtones appear natural, and contrast is fine, but colors
aren't as vivid as they should be, even appearing muted at times.  There
is also some grain, inevitably from the source material, but it still
doesn't prevail enough to stop us from recommending an otherwise
enjoyable transfer.  The mono sound is fine, with clear dialogue, free
of distortion.

"THE LITTLEST HORSE THIEVES" is one of those Disney films with a real "social conscience", and we can't recommend it highly enough for the entire family.  Set in 1909, when a new manager of a coal mine decides to replace ponies used for hauling coal with machinery, two little boys are startled to find that the ponies await a trip to the glue factory. Together with the aid of the manager's daughter, the children attempt to save the horses.  The film has just enough mischief to please the children too young to "really" understand what's going on with the
animals,  and the narrative is strong enough for older adolescents to
appreciate.  However, be warned: Director Charles Jarrot tends to drag out certain scenes for no reason, as evidenced from the excruciating opening sequence, making the 104 minute film appear longer at times, but it's enjoyable and rewarding in the end.

While the transfer looks good for the most part, there are scenes in
which the image is just too dark.  Contrast is problematic at times.
It's also disappointing that ANCHOR BAY didn't elect to enhance this
title for 16:9 enhancement.  Fleshtones appear natural and color values
are solid.  The film is offered in either its 1.85:1 ratio or full frame
on alternate sides.  The monaural sound is fine, although limited in
frequency.  There is no distortion and dialogue is always clear.

Just in time for "HALLOWEEN", ANCHOR BAY has released "HALLOWEEN 5:THE REVENGE OF MICHAEL MYERS".  While most sequels, especially those in the horror film genre are mediocre or worse, this entry into the "HALLOWEEN" series, proves the exception.  The film picks up where part 4 left off. The film's star, Danielle Haris, is under the care of psychiatrist Donald Pleasance, following the breakdown she suffered at the hands of Michael Meyers.  Of course, the Haddonfield police "wrongfully" assume Meyers is dead, but in reality he's been nursed back to physical, rather than
 mental health, by an idiot.  The majority of the film has Danielle(as
Jamie) running from Michael's revenge.  A great sub-plot involves the
arrival of a sinister man in black who appears from nowhere.  We don't
want to ruin the surprise, but it's a good one!

ANCHOR BAY deserves credit for electing to present this film with 16:9 enhancement and the proper 1.85:1 ratio.  They're really becoming a major player in terms of consistent high-quality releases.  The film is offered in both 1.85:1 or full frame versions.  While the full frame version doesn't really have any failings, the 1.85:1 version seems more aptly framed.  The colors are solid and contrast is perfect.  There are no artifacts and grain is minimal.  The dolby digital 5.1 mix is pretty
restrained, with little directional effects.  However, the music sounds
great and utilizes the 5.1 mix effectively.  A featurette is included,
offering behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.  It's not all that
interesting, except for the chance for fans to see Don Shanks, who plays Michael Meyers.