Toys Based on Call of Duty

So, there are now Call of Duty toys in the toy section - right next to the LEGOs. They're just toys, I know, and kids have been playing with army men and GI Joes for years now, which is fine, but this is different. The media are always talking about how violence in video games is having a negative impact on children, specifically games like Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto, and this is true - but these games aren't designed for children. The M for Mature rating means it's for people 17 and older. This is reinforcing the idea in parents' minds (stupid parents) that letting their children play Call of Duty is perfectly fine - which it can be, if you feel your child can handle it.

These days we are always hearing gripes and complaints from the media, politicians, and parents about violence in video games. The ESRB rating system was put in place to protect children and inform parents about what they're playing. If you're a parent or a grandparent, or even an aunt or an uncle who isn't familiar with games, look at that little black and white box in the bottom left corner before you buy a child in your life a game; know what you're putting in their hands. Same goes for those who are familiar with games; if you feel your child can handle it, and is responsible enough, then by all means - just don't go blaming the games when something goes wrong. Any time there's a school shooting or something, everyone always blames the video game industry (and guns), and not the parents.

The targeting of young children by the Call of Duty series in this way sort of feels like it's undermining the ESRB rating all of it's games hold (M for Mature). I am by no means for censorship, not in the slightest - but I am for common sense, and the sheer amount of young children playing these games shows that there's a severe lack of it.

Hey Arnold! The Complete Series (DVD) - A Walmart Exclusive from Shout! Factory

One release that completely slipped under my radar last week was Shout! Factory's release of Hey Arnold! The Complete Series on DVD, a release completely exclusive to Walmart. I had picked up their release of Rocko's Modern Life The Complete Series last year, which they did a great job on, so picking up Hey Arnold! was a no brainer.

For less than $20, you get all 99 episodes spread across 16 discs, adding up to a whopping 38 hours of mid-to-late-90s bliss. The only thing it's missing is the 2002 feature length movie, Hey Arnold! The Movie, though that's not too big of a deal, as it can be picked up for relatively cheap.

The set is housed in a cardboard sleeve. Inside you'll find two over-sized DVD cases, each containing 8 discs. The interior of the cases shows off the episode listings for each disc, as well as some promotional art. Each disc also shows off character art (one character per disc) and running time (though no episode listings; you'll have to refer to the cases).

Check out these pictures of the set: 

While a few special features would have been more than welcome... there are none. But, for the price, and the sheer amount of content in this release, I think we'll let it slide, especially since this release is much better than the previous burn-on-demand season releases.

Unfortunately, Walmart.com is sold out, and second-party sellers online are jacking the prices up. If you want to pick up a copy, your best bet would be to check your local Walmart locations; the odds of finding a copy still on store shelves are slim, but you might get lucky. Prices on eBay are ranging anywhere from $45 and up.

If you for whatever reason would like to see me unbox this set, check out the video linked below, and if you enjoy it, feel free to like and/or subscribe to my channel.

Thanks for dropping by!

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The Walking Dead: The Complete Fourth Season (Blu-ray) - Walmart Exclusive Prison Key Edition

So, whilst walking through the electronics department at Walmart, I realized that season four of AMC's The Walking Dead had been released - and that Walmart had their own limited edition in both Blu-ray and DVD form. Seeing as I had completely missed out on season four during it's original broadcast, I had to pick it up, especially with the neat-o limited edition packaging.

Featuring cover art by Alex Ross, the set is housed in a pretty solid magnetic, flip-top box made of hard cardboard. After opening the lid, you find the tri-fold Digipak sporting the same cover art as the box, and under that is the soundtrack, housed in a simple sleeve. Inside the Digipak you'll find the five Blu-ray discs, each of which bears two promo shots of the main characters, as well as the UV digital copy slip and a Walking Dead catalog. The Digipak itself sports more promo shots of the characters, as well as an episode/special features listing for each disc.

Check out some pictures of the set:

The packaging overall is top-notch, especially Ross' artwork. Also included is the album Songs of Survival Vol. 2.

The track listing is as followed:
1. Good Day Bad - Meshell Ndegeocello
2. Visions of China - The Lumineers
3. Never Going Home (Thom Alt-J Remix) - Phantogram
4. All the Young Thugs - Crooked Fingers
5. The Way I Was - Colbie Caillat
6. Escape (acoustic) - Kongos
7. Turning to Stone - Godsmack
8. The Light - Alela Diane

Overall, I really like the set. Is it as cool as the regular limited edition with the statue? No, but it is pretty classy (and roughly $35 cheaper). It's also a heck of a lot better than the usual standard Blu-ray case the standard edition comes in. The show itself has been pretty standout so far (the first three seasons, at least, not counting some slow bits in season two), so I can't wait to bite into season four.

If you for whatever reason would like to see me unbox this set, check out the video linked below, and if you enjoy it, feel free to like and/or subscribe to my channel.

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