It’s a must-read edition of the DVD/Blu-ray Roundup, filled with big blockbusters and critically acclaimed independents – something for everyone. As always, be sure to click on any links to read full reviews of many of the pictures listed. So if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
Big New Releases!
Avengers: Age of Ultron – The second biggest movie of the year follows Marvel superheroes for another team up against the forces of evil (this time a sentient robot). The movie made a whole lot of coin, but only received mild recommendations from the press.
They mentioned that it was fun and had its moments, but felt it was both overstuffed and underdeveloped when it came to plot and characters. The movie stars Robert Downey Jr. Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, James Spader, Samuel L. Jackson, Paul Bettany, Don Cheadle, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Cobie Smulders, and lots of other actors. To read a detailed review of the movie, click here. And it you want to read (what some feel is) a controversial article ranking the Marvel universe films, check it out by click on this link.
Black Coal, Thin Ice – A disgraced ex-cop contacts his ex-partner, in the hopes of reopening an unsolved series of murders (not long after a new series of similar killings begin). This foreign-language police procedural from China earned a lot of positive notices earlier in the year. While viewers were warned to expect a gritty, downbeat and slowly-paced crime film, they were also told to expect some incredible cinematography and an effectively menacing vibe. Fan Liao and Lun Mei Gwei headline the effort.
The Connection – This French/Belgian foreign-language co-production is a 70s set thriller about a magistrate who concocts all sorts of extreme plans to take down a drug cartel. His efforts end up putting his life and family at risk. Described as a sort of Gallic take on The French Connection, the movie garnered decent reviews from the press. While they wrote that it tells a familiar story with no big surprises, they also called it well-acted and generally suspenseful. The cast includes Jean Dujardin, Gilles Lellouche and Celine Sallette.
Cop Car – Two kids decide to steal a cop car and take it on a joyride in this independent suspense flick. The sheriff whose ride they’ve taken pursues them relentlessly, although the children soon realize that the lawman’s motivation to recover his vehicle may not be what they initially thought. Reviews were good for the title and the film played incredibly well at film festivals. It has been called an efficient, exciting little flick with a dark streak that takes a few welcome and unexpected turns. It features James Freedson-Jackson, Hays Wellford, Kevin Bacon, Camryn Manheim, and Kyra Sedgwick.
The Duke of Burgundy – Here’s yet another well-reviewed indie effort. It’s a British flick from the director of cult item Berberian Sound Studio. The plot involves an entomologist who decides to “test the limits of her relationship” with her girlfriend. Reportedly, moths are involved. As mentioned, critics gave the movie positive notices. They called it offbeat and an acquired taste, but also found it unnerving, beautifully shot and impeccably acted. If you can handle the insect weirdness, you might want to give it a try. Chiara D’Anna and Sidse Babett Knudsen take on the lead roles.
Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films – This documentary comes with a personal recommendation. It tells the story of Israeli producers Menahem Golem and Yoram Globus, two go-getters who founded a film production company in the late 70s that attempted to compete with the major studios (they funded a ton of action titles throughout the 80s, many of which starring Chuck Norris). You’ll get their crazy tale along with the stories behind the hits and numerous duds that they made. It’s an entertaining blast and a fun-filled nostalgia trip that charts their unorthodox rise and fall in Hollywood. In fact, it’ll leave viewers wanting even more tidbits about the numerous productions. The flick features interviews with many of the actors and crewmembers behind the scenes. If you remember the 80s, you definitely need to check this one out.
Entourage – After 8 seasons of the HBO television series, the cast reunites for a feature film. The plot follows movie star Vincent Chase as he attempts to hustle his way into directing a new project, encountering numerous celebrities along the way. Reviews were generally negative, suggesting it would best serve fans of the series and that the characters did little to ingratiate themselves to the audience. There were, however, a few positive write-ups that called it fun escapism. The large cast includes, Jeremy Piven, Kevin Dillon, Adrian Grenier and an endless supply of celebrity cameos. To read more about the flick, just click here.
Poltergeist – This remake of the 1982 Steven Spielberg/Tobe Hooper supernatural horror flick retells the story of a suburban family who move in to a new house, only to learn that it is haunted and that a malevolent force is after one of the clan’s kids. As expected, most critics weren’t impressed by the all-new version of the tale (that featured extensive use of 3D in the cinema). Many stated that while the cast members were likable, it wasn’t as chilling as the movie that inspired it. Truthfully, your enjoyment will likely depend on how much reverence you have for the original. It stars Sam Rockwell, Rosemary DeWitt and Jared Harris. If you’d like to read more about the film, click here.
Spy – In this wacky comedy, a modest desk worker at the CIA is unexpectedly sent out on an undercover assignment after her partner runs into trouble on duty. What follows are a series of situations and scenarios poking fun at spy movies. The press seemed to enjoy this comedy and gave it solid reviews. A few complained that it was overlong and relied on too many gross-out gags, but almost all admitted that the lead actress and strong supporting cast members kept a consistent stream of laughs coming. Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Jason Statham, Jude Law, Allison Janney, Peter Serafinowicz and 50 Cent headline the movie. To read a detailed write-up of this title, click here.
Unexpected – An inner-city teacher learns that she is pregnant and forms a close bond with a young woman going through the same situation. The catch is that the teacher’s new best friend is also one of her students. Reviews were decent for this independent comedy/drama. While some found it decent but unmemorable and a little forced in its drama, more gave it a pass thanks to naturalistic work of the very likable lead performers. They include Cobie Smulders, Gail Bean, Anders Holm and Elizabeth McGovern.
Zipper – Sex addition is the theme of this thriller. It’s about a successful prosecutor with a bright future who risks losing both his family and career due to his obsession with escorts. The press were not taken with this indie flick, suggesting that the script didn’t delve deeply enough into its characters and that the end came across as silly and heavy-handed. Now viewers can make up their own minds. It stars Patrick Wilson, Lena Headey, Ray Winstone, Richard Dreyfuss and John Cho.
Blasts From the Past!
If, in addition to watching Electric Boogaloo: The Wild Untold Story of Cannon Films, you also want to see some of the films chronicled, you can’t go wrong with The Bombs, Babes and Blockbusters of Cannon Films: 10 Pack DVD Collection. It includes the Electric Boogaloo documentary, as well as 9 cheesy Cannon flicks – Missing in Action (1984), Invasion U.S.A. (1985), Cobra (1986), The Delta Force (1986), Masters of the Universe (1987), Over the Top (1987), Bloodsport(1988), The Hitman (1991) and Hellbound (1994). What are you waiting for? Grab some friends and some beers and then start watching Norris, Stallone, Lundgren and Van Damme at their best (and sometimes worst). You’ll have a great time.
Kino Lorber has two choices for Blu-ray collectors. They have the slasher Savage Weekend (1979), a horror picture about couples being stalked by a masked killer. If Robert Mitchum westerns are more your speed, you have plenty of options – three, to be exact. You can pick up Man With the Gun (1955), The Wonderful Country (1959) and Young Billy Young (1969). In the last title the grizzled veteran shares the screen with Angie Dickinson.
Here are a couple of personal favorites finally arriving on Blu-ray. First, Shout! Factory are releasing The Bear (1988) in high definition. This winner tells the tale of two bears in the wilderness, struggling to survive against the odds. It’s a beautifully shot flick that features almost no dialogue, yet is completely captivating. The disc is named the 25th Anniversary Collector’s Edition and comes with a making-of documentary. What it doesn’t include is an explanation as to why it’s being called a 25th Anniversary edition (the movie is 27 years old). Oh well, at least we’re getting the flick on Blu-ray.
Christine (1983) is a Stephen King adaptation that has really grown on this reviewer over the years – Sony are releasing a Blu-ray of the film this week. The story involves an outcast high school student who buys a beat up ’57 Plymouth Fury and becomes obsessed with it, raising concern in his parents and best friend. Of course, the car also seems to be equally attached to its owner and neither will allow others to come between them. It’s a low-key but effective piece that oozes visual style courtesy of director John Carpenter (Halloween, The Thing) and features excellent performances from its teenage cast (Keith Gordon, Alexandra Paul and John Stockwell). It’s about as good as a possessed car movie can possibly be. The disc includes a director’s commentary and deleted scenes.
Criterion have two Blu-ray releases featuring completely different tones and subject matter. The Honeymoon Killers (1969) is a indie drama follows a real-life pair of creeps who would seduce lonely single women, murder them and take their money. It’s a gritty but interesting effort. The disc includes a sharper transfer, new interviews with cast members, an old interview with the director and several other extras.
Criterion also have the Merchant and Ivory arthouse opus, A Room With A View (1985). This Oscar-winning adaptation of the E. M. Forster novel stars Helena Bonham Carter and Maggie Smith. The disc include a 4K digital restoration of the drama supervised by the cinematographer, as well as new interviews with the director, producer, costume designer and cast members. Period romance fans will certainly enjoy it.
You Know, For Kids!
Here are the week’s releases aimed at kids. Seems like there’s a general Halloween theme that’s starting to emerge.
The Bear: 25th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray (feature film)
Monster High: Boo York, Boo York: A Monsterific Musical
My Little Pony – Friendship is Magic: Games People Play
R.L. Stine’s Monsterville: Cabinet of Souls
On the Tube!
It’s a slower week than usual on the TV front, but there are still some noteworthy titles. Check them out below.
There’s not a whole lot to show in the way of clips, so here’s a trailer for Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films. Did I mention it was coming out this week (sorry, I’ll stop now). Enjoy!
Anne Frank’s Holocaust (National Geographic)
Bones: Season 10
Brickleberry: The Complete Season 3
Deutschland 83: Season 1
Fresh Off the Boat: Season 1
George Gently: Series 7
The Great American Dream Machine
Great Performances: Driving Miss Daisy (BBC)
Grimm: Season 4
iZombie: Season 1
Jane the Virgin: Season 1
Outlander: Season 1, part 2
The Slap (miniseries)