Seasons greetings, folks! Today marks a double edition of the weekly DVD/Blu-ray Roundup. This isn’t due to the fact that I didn’t have the time to write up an article for next week. Simply put, it’s because there’s only one major release on Dec. 24th (it’s the last title listed in the Big New Releases section). Other than that, there’s… zilch… nada… nothing… on the 24th. So, viewers will have to make do with the following releases for the next couple of weeks. We reviewed most of the movies being mentioned below, so it you want the full details be sure to click on the links. Here’s what new, so read ahead and check them out!
Big New Releases!
Ain’t Them Bodies Saints – This indie flick is reportedly a throwback to Robert Altman and Terrence Malick films of the 1970s. The story follows a convict who breaks out of jail and attempts to track down his wife and daughter. It received acclaim in many circles during its limited release back in August, but kind of dropped off of the radar soon afterwards and didn’t get a push this awards season. Rooney Mara, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster and Keith Carradine star. Adventurous viewers may want to try it.
Elysium – Another release in August was this sci-fi thriller about a poor man who lives on the slums of Earth. When he discovers that he is dying, he attempts to receive treatment by breaking in to a city floating in the atmosphere comprised of the wealthy upper class. Matt Damon, Jodie Foster and Sharlto Copely are the leads. The film received mostly mixed to positive reviews when it came out, although many had some strong caveats. However, despite the problems, this title should definitely provide a enjoyable enough rental. Read the original review here.
The Family – This black comedy wasn’t a big hit and received wildly mixed reviews from critics, but it may still be worth checking out. The plot features a mafia boss turning witness and hiding out with his family in France. However, old habits die hard and before long events his family’s old-fashioned, over-reactive mob tendencies begin to make themselves evident threaten to blow their cover. Director Luc Besson (The Professional, The Fifth Element) rounds up a stellar cast that includes Robert De Niro, Michelle Pheiffer and Tommy Lee Jones.
Kick Ass 2 – The second sequel released this week is yet another effort that fared poorly with both the press and public. It finds the protagonist from the first film continuing his superhero vigilante activities, only to face a new threat from an old foe. Aaron Taylor Johnson, Chloe Grace Moretz and Christopher Mintz-Plasse return alongside new cast member Jim Carrey. The film was poorly received in general, with many claiming that it didn’t have the bizarre charm of the original. Interested parties can find out for themselves. Read the original review here.
The Lone Ranger – As box office busts go, you couldn’t get much bigger than this summer flop. Despite a cast that included Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer, William Fichtner, Tom Wilkinson, and Helena Bonham Carter, it seems that audiences weren’t interested in this retelling of the classic western legend. Critics were even harsher, with many unable to reconcile the mix of violent action and oddball humor. Some of the spectacle will likely be lost on the small screen, but curious viewers can now check it out for themselves and come to their own conclusions. In the meantime, read the original review here.
Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters – This sequel that appeared out of the blue came and went without much of a splash this summer, but fared better overseas. The plot picks up after the events of the first movie and follow the title character as he tries to find the Golden Fleece in order to stop the Kronos monster from destroying the world. It received mixed to poor notices, with many criticizing its similarity to another fantasy film franchise. While adults may not find much here, it may be a good choice for kids. Read the original review here.
Prisoners – Also arriving this week is this morally hazy, hard-hitting drama in the vein of Zodiac and Seven. It received strong reviews a few months back and should appeal to thriller fans with strong stomachs. The lives of two families fall apart after their young daughters are kidnapped when the father of one of the girls takes the law into his own hands and brutally interrogates a mentally disabled suspect. Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Mario Bello, Terrence Howard, Viola Davis, Paul Dano and Melissa Leo star. Read the original review here.
Dec.24th – Insidious: Chapter 2 – It isn’t the first film many would think of watching this week, but it’s there for you if you enjoy celebrating the holidays in a less traditional manner. Picking up where the first film in the series left off, the story follows a family as they try to tie up all the loose ends associated with their previous haunting. In general, reviews weren’t especially glowing, but those looking for a scare will definitely get a jolt out of it. Read the site’s original review here.
Blasts from the Past!
There isn’t anything this week that really speaks to me, but Shout! Factory do have another couple of early 80’s cult flicks coming out. Even though they’re not personal favorites. The Beast Within from 1982 is really trashy stuff, but if you do enjoy the movie this is the finest presentation of it that you’re likely to see. The same goes for the 1986 Klaus Kinki freak-fest Crawlspace. Audio commentaries and trailers are included on both Blu-rays.
You Know, For Kids!
One Direction: This is Us – Do you have a young daughter? If so, you can pick this up for her, plug your ears and walk away. She’ll probably be overjoyed to see this behind-the-scenes documentary that also features concert footage from their latest tour. This flick actually grossed nearly $30 million dollars at the box office and garnered okay reviews when it originally came out, so it should satisfy its target demographic.
On the Tube!
Burn Notice: The Complete Series
Family Guy: Volume 12
Justified: Season 4
Shameless: Season 3