It’s another exciting week with plenty of big releases that include a couple of Oscar contenders as well as some unusual and quirky titles. As always, click on the links to read more detailed reviews of these films. So if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, read ahead for highlights of new home viewing options. Be sure to check something out!
Big New Releases!
Blue is the Warmest Color – This three hour French drama tells the story of a teen who falls for and begins a passionate affair with an older art student. It was one of the most well received films of the year, with many members of the press highlighting it on their end of the year lists. The film has been described as a thoughtful, poetic and engaging coming of age story. Through sensitive viewers should be warned that the love scenes are very graphic, foreign and art film fans will likely want to give this effort a try.
Gravity – Most should be familiar with this Best Picture nominee was a massive success with both critics and audiences. The drama follows an astronaut who faces a terrifying ordeal trying to survive after space debris destroys her shuttle. Sandra Bullock stars with George Clooney. The press marveled at the incredible images and technical showmanship (the film is shot using mostly long takes with only a handful of visible cuts). It’s likely to win an Oscar or two and definitely one of the safest bets of the week. For those looking to purchase a copy, there are two separate versions, one containing the 2D edition and another with a 3D version. Read our original, full length review here.
Ice Soldiers – B-movie fans may want to give this cheesy Canadian flick a try. The story involves a trio of Russian soldiers from decades past who are discovered frozen in the ice. When they’re thawed out, they go on a rampage of destruction. The film is pretty much debuting on DVD and Blu-ray and few reviews are available. With a plot out of a 50’s Cold War science-fiction film, this one could provide some silly laughs. Or it could just be terrible – brave viewers will just have to take that chance. Domenic Purcell and Michael Ironside headline the cast.
Lost in Thailand – This comedy from China was one of the all time highest grossers in its home country. Essentially a take on The Hangover, it involves a group of businessmen who travel to Thailand to meet a potential client and get themselves into all kinds of raunchy nonsense. Despite the massive domestic grosses, reviewers were split on the film. Most caveats revolved around the somewhat sloppy and rambling construction as well as its similarity to the American film previously mentioned, but others claimed that the likable cast and big laughs save it.
Mr. Nobody – Here’s a curious science-fiction/drama/fantasy that was produced in 2009 and is only now coming to home video. It’s an ambitious Belgian, French, Canadian and German co-production about a man telling his story through three alternate timelines and showing how a few important decisions alter his life trajectory in radically different directions. Jared Leto, Sarah Polley, Diane Kruger and Rhys Ifans star. It wasn’t seen by many outside the festival circuit, but reportedly has a very passionate fan base. Critics were also intrigued, with more falling on the positive side than negative. While a few found it pretentious, others praised the visuals and found it a fascinating, if eccentric, journey.
Nebraska – Another Best Picture nominee, this low-key, character-centered comedy follows a father determined to collect a contest prize that he believes that he’s won. His estranged son begrudgingly agrees to drive him across the state – along the way the way the two deal with regrets and attempt to come to some sort of understanding. It was extremely well received and has been described as a darkly funny and touching look at family dynamics. Much acclaim was heaped on Bruce Dern for his work as the father, with many calling it some of the best work of his career. Will Forte, June Squibb, Bob Odenkirk and Stacey Keach are also featured. Read our original review here.
Sword of the Assassin – Also known in some circles as Blood Letter, this 2012 Vietnamese effort is inspired by the many period martial arts movies of Hong Kong. It tells the tale of a martial arts warrior and sword wielding lady who take revenge on an empress after their families are set up and murdered. Those craving action in the vein of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon might want to give it a try.
Thor: The Dark World – Likely the biggest release of the week, this comic book sequel hit follows the titular superhero as he encounters a new and devastating force that could threaten both the Earth and his home planet of Asgard. Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston and Anthony Hopkins lead the cast. For the most part, the press enjoyed the film, calling it a fun and loopy ride, although far from the best release from Marvel studios. As with all the other Marvel films, be sure to scan through all of the credits and see some extra bits setting up next chapters. And like Gravity, the Blu-ray is available in separate 2D and 3D versions. Read this site’s full length review here.
Blasts from the Past!
Breathless – The first of two re-releases from Criterion is a Blu-ray of this 1960 Jean Luc Godard art film classic. Shot in black and white, the plot involves a thief who attempt to convince a young journalism student to flee Paris with him. Like all Criterion releases, it features an impressive transfer and extras, including a feature length documentary as well as interviews and a short film by the famed New Wave director.
The Shadow (Collector’s Edition) – It seems that this 1994 adaptation of the popular 30’s radio, pulp novel and comic book character has developed something of a cult following over the last 20 years. As a result, Shout! Factory brings another impressive Blu-ray package with a high quality transfer (reportedly far superior to the previous Universal release) and new interviews with the cast and filmmakers. The story follows the title character as he attempts to stop the detonation of an atomic bomb in New York City by a nefarious crime lord. Personally, I wasn’t much of a fan upon its original release, but I’m curious to revisit it and see if it has aged well. Alec Baldwin plays the title character. The solid cast also includes Penelope Ann Miller, John Lone, Ian McKellan and Tim Curry.
Tess – Long out of print, Criterion brings this Oscar winning (most notably for cinematography), three hour romance/drama from Roman Polanski to Blu-ray. Originally released in 1979, the movie tells the tale of a young peasant woman (played by Nastassja Kinski) in Victorian-era England who finds herself in love with two men. Reportedly, the film has been fully beautifully restored with a jaw-dropping transfer.
You Know, For Kids!
There seems to be a fair number of notable releases for tykes as well. Here’s a listing of some of the highlights.
Adventure Time: The Complete 3rd Season
Caillou: Caillou’s Garden Adventures (PBS)
Daniel Tiger’s Adventures: Daniel’s Big Feelings (PBS)
Daniel Tiger’s Adventures: Life’s Little Lessons (PBS)
Peep and the Big Wide World: Diva Duck
The Wiggles: Furry Tales
Wild Kratts: Bugging Out (PBS)
On the Tube!
Again, there’s plenty of variety, so no matter what your interests may be, you might find something to your liking. Personally, it’s interesting to see the complete low-budget TV anthology series Monsters (1988-1990) arriving on DVD. The set features 9 discs compiling 72 episodes. Episodes included some interesting adaptations of works by Stephen King and Robert Bloch and featured familiar faces early in their acting careers, including Steve Buscemi, Matt LeBlanc, Luiz Guzman, Gina Gershon, Meat Loaf, Rob Morrow, Tom Noonan, Chris Noth, Tony Shalhoub, David Spade, Tori Spelling and Lili Taylor. Might be a bit of nostalgic fun.
Above Suspicion: Set 3
Adventure Time: The Complete 3rd Season
Ghost Adventures: Season 5
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo: Season 1
L.A. Law: Season 1
Law & Order: The 14th Year
Legit: Season 1
Mama’s Family: The Complete 3rd Season
The Middle: Season 4
Monsters: The Complete Series
Murder She Wrote: Seasons 2,3,4,5
Spiral: Season 2