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Unique West Hills Lot near Ahmanson Ranch with Italian Terrace Sells

Monday, September 29, 2014 / No Comments
Images courtesy Keller Williams Realty
Image courtesy Bing Maps
For the hikers heading toward Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve (Ahmanson Ranch), you will easily recognize this unique Italian style terrace adorning the hillside of Victory Blvd in West Hills which was recently sold on May 2, 2014 for $750,000. I was surprised to learn of this sale as this 0.78 acre lot remained undeveloped for such a long time but had an awesome yet mysterious terrace that spread over two properties.

I wasnt sure of the history of this mysterious terrace so did some digging around and this is what I found. First and foremost, there is no historical significance to this property as the home located next door at 24802 Wooded Vista Road was built in 1996 along with the rest of the homes in this development. The massive terrace structure I believe was built sometime in the late 90's but I could be wrong so dont quote me here. The property at 24802 Wooded Vista is owned by Leonardo and Carmela Cordola who are the original owners. The Cordola's operate Van Nuys Marble and Granite (4.5 stars on Yelp) which  I am guessing helps explain why it was built since the Cordola's are in the home construction business specializing in masonry and could easily obtain the materials, design, and resources needed to build such a unique structure. The Cordola's also own or have owned other properties in the SFV. 

The vacant land next door located at 24808 Wooded Vista Road featured in this post was purchased by Jacqueline Cordola for $235,000 on March 9, 1988 which I am guessing is related to the Cordola's mentioned above. I am guessing both sides agreed to build this massive terrace which is connected with the intentions to build a home on the vacant land but that obviously never came to fruition. Jacqueline is based in the Stevenson Ranch area sold this property in May 2014 to Charash Gill. Gill owns many properties in the SFV primarily in Encino and Sherman Oaks with construction and maintenance business based in Encino. So its only a matter of time before this property is developed and flipped back on the market. 

The listing description states:
This lot with breathtaking views in exquisite Valley Circle Estates is NOT YOUR ORDINARY LOT. There are existing retaining walls and at the rear of the lot (Victory side) there is extensive masonry work, hillside terrace and stairways with Baluster railings. Lot is surrounded by large estate properties and is ready for development.
Youc an view more SFV Architecture and Real Estate here

Celeb R.E.: LA Native and Dallas Cowboys Orlando Scandrick Purchases Woodland Hills MCM

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Image courtesy Dilbeck Real Estate
Back on September 12, 2014, the fine folks at LA Times Hot Property revealed that Orlando Scandrick of the NFL Dallas Cowboys purchased a Woodland Hills MCM in the Forest Hills area for $1,755,000 on August 26, 2014 just before the NFL season started. However, Scandrick was suspended for the first 4 games of the 2014 season due to testing positive for Molly, a performance-enhancing drug so he has plenty of time to decorate the place and hang up some pictures. 

The home measures 5 Beds/3.75 Baths on 5,103 sqft on a total lot size of 0.41 acres built in 1965. The listing description states: 
This breathtaking Contemporary home is located in the exclusive S. of the Blvd enclave known as Forest Hills named for its towering mature trees, sophistication and serenity. This completely remodeled retreat manifests luxury living at it's finest. The 5 comfortable BR's include the inviting mstr. suite with its generous use of space and loft area, grand dual-tired walk in closet, spa, stone counters and stylish cabinetry. The 4th enormous b. r. has a loft with a sitting area and vu and could easily be used as a Media/F. R. The Chef's kitchen has been newly appointed with Viking Appliances, pot filler, stone counter tops, artisan cabinetry and a walk in wet wine pantry. The spacious form. din. rm. is pfct for grand-scale entertaining; bkfst rm. looks out over the rear yard's towering trees; huge laundry rm. contains a dbl. sink; priv. 5th b. r. has its own entrance, cent. air and full ba. allowing for use as in-laws/ maid's quarters/ teenager's retreat, or a priv. office/ studio; priv. pool and spa area contain a cook's station and patio for entertaining. The rest of the yard contains a river rock pond w/ waterfall. This home/neighborhood brings tranquility and seclusion. Forest Hills also has 24 hour camera surveillance. Call listing agent for website.
Prior to the Woodland Hills home, Scandrick was living in a Hollywood Hills that sold for $2.1 million on the same day he purchased his new home which was also discussed at the LA Times. It's also interesting to see someone leave the "beloved" westside area and head over to the "boring" SFV so we welcome Scandrick with open arms who was born in Torrance and attended Los Alamitos High School. 

This listing was represented by Jeff Schermer aka "Mr. Woodland Hills" and Phyllis Rabin of Dilbeck Real Estate. 

You can view more SFV Celeb R.E. here. 

Celeb R.E. LA Native and NBA Star DeMar DeRozan Calls Tarzana Home

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Images courtesy Wish Sotheby's International Realty
Image courtesy Bing Maps
Back on September 4, 2014, the fine folks at Trulia Luxe Living revealed that NBA star and LA native DeMar DeRozan of the Toronto Raptors purchased a Tarzana mansion in the celebrity filled gated Mulholland Park community for $3,752,500 on August 20, 2014. 

The home measures 7 Beds/8 Baths on 6,609 sqft on a total lot size of 1.07 acres built in 1995. The property is somewhat unique for the community as its actually spread over two parcels with the home on one parcel measuring 17,543 sqft and the pool, basketball court, and backyard on a second parcel measuring 28,778 sqft although some of this land is not usable. There is always the possibility to subdivide and built another home on the second lot but would be two small homes next to each other (relatively speaking for this area) that makes the investment questionable. The listing description states: 
Guard Gated Mullholland Park! Plan 6 that sits on one of the best lots in the development, almost 1 acre flat. This house was remodeled throughout 2 years ago. Dual staircase, distressed wood floors, media room, kitchen with double island, top of the line stainless steel appliances, family room with beamed ceilings, kitchen opens to outdoor covered patio and fireplace, large formal dining area, living room with high ceilings, fireplace, and doors that open to the backyard, office, maids and laundry room. All bedrooms are suites, huge master retreat w/ sitting area, balcony, 2 closets and an INCREDIBLE master bathroom with soaking tub and steam shower. The backyard has rolling lawns, full sports court, large sparkling pool and spa with slide, covered dining, and loggia. This is a great opportunity to live in One of the Best houses in Mulholland Park!
DeRozan is a LA native born in Compton where he played at the local High School as well as attending USC. He was drafted 9th overall in 2009 by the Toronto Raptors. In addition to the newly purchased Tarzana home, DeRozen also owns a Baldwin Hills house that was purchased on September 13, 2010 for $789,000 and a Las Vegas home that was purchased on June 12, 2013 for $519,000. 

You can view more SFV Celeb R.E. here

Morningside School in San Fernando Postcard

Friday, September 26, 2014 / No Comments



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Porter Hotel and Flynn's Grill in San Fernando Postcard

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Picking Olives in San Fernando Postcard

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Pacoima Wash in San Fernando Postcard

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Celeb R.E.: Whoa! Joey Lawrence Lists Calabasas Mansion

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Images courtesy Berkshire Hathaway HomeService
Back on August 15, 2014, the always informative Lauren Beale at LA Times Hot Property revealed that actor Joey Lawrence from the hit TV shows, Blossom, Brotherly Love, and Melissa & Joey has listed his Calabasas home for $1,899,000 on August 13, 2014 which currently has no takers at the time of writing this post. 

The home measures 4 Beds/3.5 Baths on 4,562 sqft on a total lot size of 0.26 acres built in 1988. The listing description states: 
GORGEOUS WESTRIDGE REMODEL FEATURING CUSTOM WOOD BEAM CEILINGS, STONE COVERED FIREPLACES, SUEDE TEXTURED WALLS, HARDWOOD FLOORS, MOSAIC TILE WALLS IN DINING ROOM, CROWN MOLDINGS, NEW A/C UNITS & COMPRESSORS NEW DOORS AND HINGES THRU-OUT, NEW LIGHT SWITCHES & CANS PLUS NEW GARAGE DOORS AS WELL. KITCHEN BOASTS CUSTOM WOOD CABINETRY WITH CORIAN COUNTERS WITH CUSTOM TILED BACKSPLASHES, SIGNATURE SERIES KITCHEN-AID STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES INCLUDING 4 OVENS. FAMILY ROOM BOASTS WET BAR, FIREPLACE AND LEATHER WALL COVERINGS. MASTER SUITE WITH 3RD FIREPLACE, HARDWOOD FLOORS, VAULTED CEILINGS, 2 WALK-IN CLOSETS, SPA STYLE BATH WITH CUSTOM TILE WORK, ALL NEW SINKS AND HARDWARE AND BALCONY OVERLOOKING THE LUSHLY LANDSCAPED GROUNDS WHICH INCLUDES A (SAFETY FENCED) NEWLY PLASTERED POOL & SPA WITH ROCK WATERFALL, BBQ CENTER, DECK, LAWNS AND PATIOS ALL WITH FULL PRIVACY. THIS SHARP, MOVE-IN READY HOME IS GORGEOUS.
Lawrence last purchased this property on December 13, 2011 for $1,442,500 which was also blogged on this site  back on January 23, 2012 including his previous home in Encino. 

So will Joey Lawrence continue to call the SFV home?

You can read more SFV Celeb R.E. here

4 Story 80-unit Hotel Coming to Victory Blvd in North Hollywod

Thursday, September 25, 2014 / No Comments
Top image courtesy Google Maps, lower image courtesy Bing Maps
The latest development news is the planning of a 4 story 80-unit hotel on a 37,919 sqft lot at 12425 Victory Blvd in North Hollywood near the intersection of Whitsett Avenue. This news is surprising on two different fronts with the fact that there has been little to no new hotel developments in the SFV in the past couple of years (to the best of my knowledge) and its location is unique which is decent walking distance from the languishing Valley Plaza after you make the trek under the 170 Freeway. 

This property is split into two zones with the left side of the property measuring 6,893 sqft with a building zoned for restaurant use at 1,056 sqft built in 1971 which is located at 12409 Victory Blvd. The second portion of the property measures 28,854 sqft with a building measuring 1,906 sqft built in 1969 located at 12409 Victory Blvd. Both properties were sold on October 31, 2013 for $3,125,000 to SiRRR LLC with a mailing address at 10688 Riverside Drive Toluca Lake CA 91602. A search into this address doesnt reveal much so I am wondering if this is being built by a large hotel chain or a smaller operation. 

There is no historical significance to this location so I have no objections but I wonder how the new owner-operator feels about the just passed law to increase the minimum wage for hotel workers in LA to $15. The other minor significance to this location for the filming location fanatics like myself is that the first Lethal Weapon was filmed across the street from this location where the old Kinney Shoes store can be seen. 

You can view the Planning Commission notice below.

You can view more SFV Architecture and Real Estate here

Celeb R.E.: Panic! at the Disco's Brendon Urie Purchases Encino Ranch Home

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Images courtesy John Aaroe Group
The fine folks at LA Times Hot Property first revealed back on August 5, 2014 that the lead singer of Panic! at the Disco, Brendon Urie, purchased an Encino home for $1,170,000 on July 25, 2014 for $1,170,000.

The home measures 3 Beds/2 Baths on 1,935 sqft on a total lot size of 7,996 sqft. The listing description states: 
This beautiful gated and private 3 bedroom 3 bath home is located moments away from shops and restaurants. The formal entry welcomes you with dark hardwood floors into the spacious living room with vaulted ceilings. The open and light kitchen is equipped with built in appliances and a center island with wine rack. All bedrooms have spacious walk-in closets. Luxurious master bathroom with relaxing spa tub and separate shower. The living and dining rooms open up to a private backyard with a glistening pool and waterfall perfect for a weekend BBQ and parties. Property is located in the Lanai School District, per Seller.
You can view more SFV Celeb R.E. here

Sidney Lanier Library Branch in North Hollywood Postcard (Now Amelia Earhart Branch)

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Photo Mammoth Murals in North Hollywood Postcard

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Tom McMoore Wholesale Furniture in North Hollywood Postcard

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Fiesta Motor Hotel in North Hollywood Postcard

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Support the Opposition of Weddington Golf and Tennis Development By Sending a Postcard

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Hello Supporters,

Thank you for attending the Special SCNC meeting on Sept. 8.  The huge 350+ turnout had the desired impact on the Neighborhood Council boardmembers and on the owner's representatives.  Not one attendee spoke in support of the owner's project.

Important Next Steps:

PLEASE PRINT this email, cut out the postcard at bottom, fill in the information, put in envelope with stamp and then mail it to:

Studio City Residents Association (SCRA)
P.O.Box 1374
Studio City, CA 91614

*Only do so if you haven't already filled one out.  We're collecting them to give to Councilmember Krekorian.  We must let him know we oppose the zone change at Weddington Golf and Tennis!

Also, please send in your Public Comment letter opposing the development to Adam Villani at City Planning by Sept. 30.   More information on this and a Sample letter template you may you use and revise is on our website at

Please forward this email to your friends too! 
Thank you!!

Save LA River Open Space and the SCRA.


Cut below this line
**************************************

Dear Councilmember Krekorian,

Thank you for your service and leadership within our community. You have frequently been identified as a supporter of Save LA River Open Space and their efforts to preserve Weddington Golf and Tennis as open space for recreational uses. The Weddington parcel as you know is the largest remaining unprotected open space on the L.A. River in the San Fernando Valley.  A flawed DEIR has been filed which would divide the parcel with cynical zoning changes. This would allow demolition of the tennis courts and construction of a dense condo complex that would compromise recreation for Studio City residents and the surrounding area, jeopardize the vision of the L.A. River Revitalization Master Plan, and add unwanted congestion and infrastructure demands to the community.  The timing is particularly bad given the projected work on the Harvard Westlake site and Sportsmen's Lodge which will exacerbate the damage. 
Please join me in fighting this project in keeping with your historical position on the issue, and let's preserve Studio City's unique character.  How can I help?

Respectfully yours,   

                                                  
Name  _____________________________________________________________
            
Home Address ______________________________________________________                                    
City, State, Zip______________________________________________________

Email/phone    (optional)        __________________________________________  

***********************
Cut above line

Celeb R.E.: Seinfeld Writer and "The Real Elaine" Carol Leifer Settles Down in Sherman Oaks

Wednesday, September 24, 2014 / No Comments
Image courtesy Teles Properties
Back on August 5, 2014, the always hilarious Your Mama at Variety Real Estalker first disclosed that comedienne Carol Leifer purchased a Sherman Oaks 50's style ranch home in Sherman Oaks for $1.26 million on June 16, 2014. 

Leifer first started as a stand up comedian in the 70's who was later discovered by David Letterman in the 80's. She is also an actor, producer, and writer with credits for writing TV shows such as Seinfeld and The Larry Sanders Show. She was also partially based on the Seinfeld character "Elaine" and has become known to be as "the real Elaine." 

The home measures 3 Beds/2.5 Baths on 3,215 sqft on a total lot size of 0.35 acres built in 1952. The listing description states:
Sprawling Mid-Century sited on a 15,000 plus sq ft lot. Authentic styling is found throughout this special home. The open plan of the residence includes glass walls from living/dining room, den, kitchen, and master bedroom surrounding a spectacular pool. Three bedrooms make this the perfect house for a family or the versatile layout can be used for guest room plus office or gym for singles or couples. Beyond the pool is a grass yard with mature fruit trees. House is set back from street with a circular driveway and high hedge that produces a sense of privacy. Lovely street in a great north Sherman Oaks neighborhood.
Prior to the Sherman Oaks home, Leifer was previously living in a Studio City home that was sold on June 25, 2010 for $2,795,000 and originally purchased on June 1, 2006 for $2,827,500 which resulted in a small loss. 

Prior to the Studio City home, Leifer owned 3 Bed/2.5 Bath on 2,871 sqft home near Mulholland Drive in Laurel Canyon area that was purchased on August 6, 1998 for $875,000 and later sold on August 24, 2007 for $1,975,000 to Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine. Leifer also picked up a 8,733 sqft lot across the street for $500,000 on October 17, 2005 and later sold on May 1, 2008 for $625,000. This land most recently sold on February 13, 2014 for $575,000 which I imagine will now be developed. Lastly, Leifer also owned a 2 Bed/2 Bath home across the street that was purchased on June 24, 2005 for $1,405,000 and sold on March 1, 2006 for $1,565,000. 

Leifers partner, Lori Wolfe is a real estate agent who helped buy the Sherman Oaks home thus saving on closing costs. 

You can view more SFV Celeb R.E. here.

Celeb R.E.: Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Calls Sherman Oaks Home

Tuesday, September 23, 2014 / No Comments
Image courtesy Bidamar Corporation
The man known as Zack Morris whose real name is Mark-Paul Gosselaar from the late 80's/early 90's hit TV comedy series, Saved by the Bell, has just purchased a Sherman Oaks home for $2.3 million  on July 18, 2014 which was first reported by the fine folks at Trulia Luxe Living on July 31, 2014. 

The home measures 5 Beds/5 Baths on 4,966 sqft on a total lot size of 0.44 acres built in 2005 which appears to have been on the market ever since it was first built but dont quote me on that as I may be wrong. The home comes with Viking Stainless Steel appliances, hardwood flooring and marble, and even a bonus room basement (I didnt know they made those in SoCal). 

Previous to the Sherman Oaks home, Gosselaar was living in a long time owned Castaic entertainers home which he sold on March 4, 2010 for $1.2 million  and was purchased for $717,500 on June 30, 1999. This home was most recently purchased by Miami Dolphins Quarterback, Matt Moore, for $1,525 million as reported by the LA Times

Gosselaar also previously owned a Valencia home that was purchased on July 16, 2004 for $446,504 and sold at a small loss on Mary 26, 2010 for $440,004. I am not sure what manner this was house used but possibly an income property or for family. I am guessing both home sales in 2010 were the result of his divorce to former Revlon model, Lisa Ann Russell which was finalized in May 2011. 

And one final tidbit that I never knew about,  Gosselaar was actually born in Panorama City and his father was a plant supervisor at an Anheuser-Busch Brewery which I am guessing is the one in Van Nuys. Its possible he living in the SFV area as a child but its known that he spent his teenage years in the Santa Clarita area attending Hart High school. So its great news to have Gosselaar back in the SFV. 

You can view more SFV Celeb R.E. here

Heritage Motel in Sherman Oaks Postcard

Thursday, September 18, 2014 / No Comments


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Far East Terrace Restaurant Interior in North Hollywood Postcard

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Seafood Broiler Restaurant and Fish Market in Glendale (Also Tarzana) Postcard

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Note: this postcard is from the Glendale location. 



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Filming Locations: Lethal Weapon 1 (1987), 2 (1989), 3 (1992), & 4 (1998)

Tuesday, September 9, 2014 / 1 Comment

These locations in the SFV as well as the rest of the LA area (this was a classic "L.A." film) were already found at Seeing-Stars.com and Filming Locations of Chicago and Los Angeles (1, 2, 3, and 4). Please visit these awesome sites as a token of appreciation for taking the time to find the locations. 

You can view more SFV Filming Locations here

Lethal Weapon is a 1987 American buddy cop action comedy directed by Richard Donner, starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as a mismatched pair of L.A.P.D. detectives and stars Mitchell Ryan and Gary Busey as their primary adversaries. (Wikipedia). 


The Murtaugh Residence was filmed at Warner Brother Ranch located at 411 Hollywood Way Burbank CA 91505. This same residence is used in all 4 films. 


Riggs makes a drug bust at a used car dealership is now Autonet Bank Repo Cars located at 12460 Victory Blvd North Hollywood. In the background, you will see a Kinney Shoes store. 



You can see Kinney Shoes in the background. 

You can see Kinney Shoes in the background. 
Murtaugh talking on the phone on Universal Studios Blvd over the 101 Freeway. You can also see the Hanna Barbera building in the background. 



You can see Hanna-Barbera sign in the background. 


And the trailer:

Lethal Weapon 2 is a 1989 American buddy cop action film directed by Richard Donner, and starring Mel Gibson,Danny Glover, Patsy Kensit, Joe Pesci, Derrick O'Connor and Joss Ackland. It is a sequel to the 1987 film Lethal Weapon and second installment in the Lethal Weapon series.
Gibson and Glover respectively reprise their roles as L.A.P.D. officers, Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh, who protect an irritating federal witness (Pesci), while taking on a gang of South African drug dealers hiding behind diplomatic immunity. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Sound Editing (Robert G. Henderson). The film received mostly positive reviews and earned more than $227 million worldwide.

The House on Stilts is actually located in LA but on the border of Studio City. This house is known as The Garcia Residence a.k.a. The Rainbow House designed by world renowned architect John Lautner in 1962 located at 7436 Mulholland Drive Los Angeles. A replica house was entirely removed by Riggs in a pickup truck which brought it down in a spectacular crash. Its such an awesome scene that I had to include it here.  



















Eating at the Subway which still exists today at 4954 Van Nuys Blvd Sherman Oaks. 




 And the trailer:

Lethal Weapon 3 is a 1992 American buddy cop action film directed and produced by Richard Donner, and starring Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci, Rene Russo and Stuart Wilson. It is the third film in the Lethal Weapon series.
In the film, which is set three years after Lethal Weapon 2 (1989), Martin Riggs (Gibson) and Roger Murtaugh (Glover) pursue Jack Travis (Stuart Wilson), a former L.A.P.D. lieutenant turned ruthless arms dealer, during the six days prior to Murtaugh's retirement. Riggs and Murtaugh are joined by Leo Getz (Pesci), as well as Internal Affairs Sergeant Lorna Cole (Russo).
Unlike the first two films which received generally positive reviews, Lethal Weapon 3 was met with mixed reviews, but has been a box office success, grossing over $320 million worldwide. It was the fifth highest-grossing film of 1992 and the highest grossing film in the Lethal Weapon series. A fourth film, Lethal Weapon 4, was released on July 10, 1998 (Wikipedia). 

Riggs saves Murtaugh's daugther from being kidnapped but its actually a film set was shot at La Cana restaurant which is currently being restored. The truck is parked at 4832 Lankershim Blvd and La Cana is located across the way at 4842 Vineland Avenue in North Hollywood. 














Riggs and Murtaugh stop at Fast Eddie's Burgers located at 11304 Chandler Blvd North Hollywood. This location is in front of the historic Southern Pacific Lankershim/North Hollywood train station which is currently being restored. I dont believe this burger joint existed and was built for the movie but I could be wrong. 













Riggs and Cole (Rene Russo) are on an industrial street located at 9644 Lurline Avenue Chatsworth.











And the trailer:

Lethal Weapon 4 is a 1998 American buddy cop action film directed and produced by Richard Donner, and starring Mel GibsonDanny GloverJoe PesciRene RussoChris Rock and Jet Li (in his American film debut). It is the final installment in the Lethal Weapon series (Wikipedia). 


Surprisingly (and sadly) there were no SFV locations used in the 4th film aside from Murtaugh's home in the Warner Brothers Ranch as mentioned above in the 1st film. The fourth film had a memorable scene where Murtaugh's home was set and fire. 








And the trailer: