In case you can’t make it out to the movies this week, here are some home video release highlights. It’s a much quieter week, but there’s certainly a couple of new and interesting titles. Check them out!
Big New Releases!
Birdemic 2: The Resurrection – Yes, it’s the sequel that… somebody must have been waiting for. For many, the first film qualifies as a “so-bad-it’s-good” cult success. This follow-up features returning director James Nguyen and the same two lead characters, now working in the Hollywood film industry. Once again, they come under assault by various avian species. Festival screenings received mixed reactions, with some complaining that this time out the crew were purposely trying to make a terrible movie, diffusing the camp factor. Brave souls can now make up their own minds.
The Heat – This buddy cop comedy starring Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy was a hit this summer with both critic and audiences. Bullock’s straight-laced detective is teamed with McCarthy’s foul-mouthed counterpart to not only solve a drug related crime but survive each other, which leads to some dangerous and outrageous scenarios. The comic timing of Bullock and McCarthy is excellent, meaning lot of laughs for the viewer. The blu-ray includes numerous special features, including a longer unrated cut, bloopers and audio commentary tracks.
Maniac – It’s icky, it’s nasty and very, very ugly, but it’s also well made with some great camerawork. Elijah Wood stars in the titular role of a mentally unstable mannequin shop owner/serial killer who brutally murders women in order to add lifelike features to his dummy collection. Ultimately, it’s not for the majority, but fans of extreme horror may appreciate it. Read the original review here.
Pacific Rim – It wasn’t a big hit, but this summer spectacle did receive mostly positive reviews upon its release. Guillermo Del Toro’s monster melee features large scale bone-crunching fights and a big cast including Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, Idris Elba, Charlie Day and Ron Perlman. The impact factor may be diminished on the small screen, but it should still be a fun rental. Read the original review here.
Blasts from the Past!
The Haunting – Fans of The Conjuring way want to check out this Robert Wise haunted house flick from 1963. Julie Harris, Claire Bloom, Richard Johnson and Russ Tamblyn star in this Warner Bros. classic about a team arriving to study paranormal occurrences. they get much more than they bargained for. The film features great jolts and some spectacular black and while visuals, including some nifty camera moves. This blu-ray doesn’t have a lot of special features, but all serious horror movie fans should check it out.
You Know, For Kids!
Shrek: The Musical – This isn’t a new animated title, but rather the live production of the Tony Award winning Broadway musical. Expect a whole lot more singing and dancing from this effort.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Season 5 – Star Wars collectors and fans have something new to purchase this week, in the form of this season of the animated series. Reportedly, this set of episodes is considered one the best yet.
On the Tube!
It’s a quieter week for television releases as well, but there a few new titles and an old one for interested parties.
Defiance – Season 1
The Fall – Series 1
I Dream of Jeannie – The Complete Series
Vikings – Season 1