Holy cow! It’s an incredibly busy week for new DVDs and Blu-rays with loads of highlights (almost too many to keep track of, but I’ll do my best). As always, click on any links to read full reviews of some of these movies. So if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure and given one of these titles a try!
Big New Releases!
Fugly! – It didn’t receive much press, but this independent comedy features a big cast that includes John Leguizamo, Radha Mitchell, Rosie Perez, Griffin Dunne and Ally Sheedy. The plot follows a young man from his awkward early days to a successful career in film and television. Reportedly, more twists come when he becomes involved with an actress desperate for success. There weren’t many reviews for this little title and unfortunately most of them were negative. They felt that the roles were unbelievable caricatures and the humor too broad.
Gone Girl – This hit thriller (based on the hit novel) involves a husband whose wife disappears mysteriously. As the investigation continues, the man becomes the prime suspect. The movie received very good notices from the press, with many complimenting the visuals from director David Fincher (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Social Network, Zodiac) and the performances of its lead actors. In fact, the flick found itself on a few best-of-the-year critic lists. It stars Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Tyler Perry and Neil Patrick Harris. Read the site’s full-length review here.
Honeymoon – Newlyweds head out to lake after their nuptials, but events take a strange turn when the young bride begins “sleepwalking” into the woods for no reason. This low-budget horror-thriller impressed the majority of critics. While a few thought the climax and reveal could have been stronger, most praised the uneasy mood and tense atmosphere created. Sounds like a genre flick that may be worth checking out. Harry Treadaway and Rose Leslie play the couple.
The Identical – Set during the Great Depression, this drama follows two twin brothers separated at birth who both aspire to become successful musicians. Their lives end up intersecting as they grow into men. Reviews were uniformly terrible for this independent production, with descriptions that included goofy, corny, bizarre, overwrought and unintentionally hilarious. It’s a Christian film, so viewers should also expect a religious slant to the material. Blake Rayne, Ray Liotta, Ashley Judd, Seth Green and Joe Pantoliano headline the film.
Jessabelle – This horror flick from the producers of Paranormal Activity and Insidious only got a limited release earlier in the year. It’s about a ghost that torments a young woman who returns to her childhood home after a car accident. The press appreciated the performances of the young lead, but faulted the movie in general. They called it a routine and uninspired scare flick with clunky plotting that doesn’t chill. It stars Sarah Snook, Mark Webber and David Andrews.
Love Is Strange – Two men living together in Manhattan decide to finally tie the knot. Unfortunately, after one of them is fired from their job and finances are strained, they are forced to live apart. Reaction was incredibly positive for this comedy/drama, which complimented the work of the lead actors and described it as a low-key, effective and realistic love story. They also suggested that it may even eke out a tear or two from viewers. The cast includes John Lithgow, Alfred Molina and Marisa Tomei.
Men, Women & Children – This timely drama explores the internet world and its negative effects on families. It follows the trails of several teens and their parents as they attempt to navigate this new, strange influence on their lives. Unfortunately, it didn’t connect with audiences or critics. Many called it a surface treatment of the issue that doesn’t enlighten and is filled with too many plotlines to engage viewers. It does include some impressive actors, including Jennifer Garner, Adam Sandler, Emma Thompson, Dean Norris, Judy Greer, J.K. Simmons and Dennis Haysbert. Read a full review of the movie right here.
Revenge of the Green Dragons – Here’s an unusual one. It’s an independent Hong Kong/US co-production that takes a page from crime films. The story involves a pair of immigrant brothers indoctrinated into a Chinatown gang within the criminal underworld. They come under fire from a cop played by Ray Liotta. Reviews weren’t especially kind to this effort, referring to it as a clichéd, generic and choppily pasted together mess. At least it does have the endorsement of famed director Martin Scorcese (The Departed, Goodfellas), who serves as executive producer.
The Scorpion King 4: Quest for Power – This title looks like it’s exclusively for those with a taste for corny, straight-to-video action efforts. An evil heir to the throne of the ancient world frames the Scorpion King. The titular hero must escape death, fight an army and engage in plenty of B-movie sword-clanging and cheesy CGI to clear his name. No reviews currently exist for the movie, but at least it features Michael Biehn, Barry Bostwick, Lou Ferrigno and Rutger Hauer in supporting roles.
The Two Faces of January – Wealthy American tourists befriend a Grifter while vacationing in Greece in this tale based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith (The Talented Mr. Ripley). Soon after, the three become embroiled in a mystery when an acquaintance is murdered. While this thriller didn’t receive a wide release, it did get plenty of good notices from critics. It’s been described as a stylish, low-key effort that may not break genre conventions, but simmers with suspense effectively enough. It stars Viggo Mortensen, Kristen Dunst and Oscar Isaac.
A Walk Among the Tombstones – This pulpy tale from the novel by Lawrence Block follows an unlicensed private investigator hired to find the party responsible for murdering a heroin trafficker’s wife. The cast includes tough-guy movie staple Liam Neeson and Dan Stevens. There were more positive reviews than negative from the press for the movie. While most admitted that the flick was formulaic, they suggested that the work of star Neeson was engaging enough to carry the film through its weaker sections. Those interested can read the site’s review of the flick here.
Wetlands – An 18 year-old woman with a penchant for breaking social taboos finds herself in the hospital in this independent comedy/drama. While there, she attempts to reconcile with her parents and befriends a male nurse. The movie was very well-received. While many warn that it is full of crude, crass and at times disgusting situations, most suggested that the flick was fascinating and included a bold and impressive lead performance. Carla Juri stars.
Blasts From the Past!
It looks like we’re going to be seeing more interesting titles in the coming months from Shout! Factory that aren’t necessarily horror-themed. The big Blu-ray release this week is director Werner Herzog’s incredible 1982 epic, Fitzcarraldo. Klaus Kinski plays a man with a crazy dream to bring opera to the jungles of Peru. To do it, he has to sail supplies to his locale and circumvent some difficult waters. Terrible conditions lead him to undertake an outlandish task – pulling a steamship up the side of a mountain. It’s a fantastic film that has been previously featured on the company’s expensive Herzog box set, but it now being released separately. Reportedly, the transfer isn’t fantastic, but it’s still the best you’re likely to find. The disc comes with a director commentary and trailer. I haven’t been able to find out the audio details, so viewers should double check that it contains both the original German version along with the English language dub.
Criterion have the well-regarded 1972 drama The Bitter Tears of Petra von Camp coming to Blu-ray. It’s a German-language film adaptation of a stage play that is set in single location, and involves a love/possession triangle between three women. Extras include documentaries on the making of the film and an interview with cinematographer Michael Ballhaus.
As always, Kino have some fascinating oddities coming to Blu-ray and DVD. They include the cheesy 1976 sci-fi flick At the Earth’s Core. It’s not very good, but may provide some B-movie laughs. More interesting are a series of 80’s titles that include the 1980 drama Foxes, starring Jodie Foster and directed by Adrian Lyne (Nine 1/2 Weeks, Fatal Attraction, Indecent Proposal). It follows a group of San Fernando Valley teens coming of age and dealing with sex and drugs.
Speaking of troubled teens, Kino are also responsible for bringing us a Blu-ray of the very grim 1986 drama River’s Edge. This critical darling involves a student who murders his girlfriend. Surprisingly, he tells his friends all about and they appear just as nonplussed over the tragic situation as he is. The movie helped establish a young Keanu Reeves as a movie star and also features Crispin Glover and Dennis Hopper in strange, stand-out roles. Kino also have the impressive Sean Penn/Timothy Hutton cold-war drama The Falcon & the Snowman.
Additionally, Timeless Media is releasing the 1978 flick Capricorn 1, Fox is bringing the 1946 drama The Razor’s Edge to hi-def and Lionsgate have Blu-rays of the 1989 Oscar-winning drama My Left Foot, the 1995 cult western Dead Man, and the 1996 title Marvin’s Room.
You Know, For Kids!
It appears that there are a lot of Disney related TV titles making their debuts on home video this week. Read below to find out more.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Welcome to the Neighborhood (PBS)
Ducktales: The Movie – Treasure of the Lost Lamp (Disney)
Goof Troop: Volume 1 (Disney)
Goof Troop: Volume 2 (Disney)
Steven Universe: Gem Glow (Cartoon Network)
Talespin: Volume 3 (Disney)
The Tom & Jerry Show: Season 1, Part 2
On the Tube!
Those who were kids in the early 90s will likely remember the Disney’s Goof Troop and Talespin. The latter series took the animal characters featured in The Jungle Book and re-vamped them, taking on an adventure show format. The character of Baloo is re-imagined as an Indiana Jones-esque cargo pilot with little to no regard whatsoever for safe air travel (I wouldn’t exactly trust them with my shipment packages, either). Don’t believe me? Take a look at a promo reel for the show below.
And while this is only tangentially related, Talespin also inspired a popular Nintendo video game. I couldn’t find an ad for that particular cartridge, but I did find a Super Nintendo commercial that would have likely aired around 1991 during the show’s commercial breaks. It features a familiar actor whose upcoming superhero flick has been in the news this week. Enjoy!
Ancient Aliens: Season 6, Vol. 2
Boardwalk Empire: The Complete Season 5
Dallas: Season 3
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Welcome to the Neighborhood (PBS)
Episodes: The Third Season
The Facts of Life: The Complete Series
Gargoyles: Season 2, Vol. 2
Goof Troop: Volume 1 (Disney)
Goof Troop: Volume 2 (Disney)
Hitmakers: The Changing Face of the Music Business (PBS)
House of Lies: Season 3
Ice Cold Gold: Season 1
Masterpiece: The Jewel in the Crown (PBS)
Mythbusters: 10th Anniversary Collection
Nature: A Sloth Named Velcro (PBS)
NYPD Blue: Season 8
Steven Universe: Gem Glow (Cartoon Network)
Stingray: The Complete Series
Talespin: Volume 3 (Disney)
The Tom & Jerry Show: Season 1, Part 2
To Catch a Comet (PBS)
Tyrant: Season 1