It looks like a fairly quiet week for new Blu-ray and DVD releases. Regardless, there are a few noteworthy titles which are highlighted below. As always, be sure to click on the links to read full-length, detailed reviews of the films coming your way. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give of these titles a try!
Big New Releases!
Bad Country – This independent action-thriller is arriving in theaters and on DVD on the same day. The plot involves a cop who teams with a hired assassin to take down a mob boss. Matt Dillon, Willem Dafoe, Tom Berenger, Neal McDonough and Amy Smart headline the cast. Critics complained that the final product had straight-to-video written all over it and that in spite of the impressive cast, the movie was dull and formulaic.
Devil’s Due – Horror movie fans can now check out this supernatural found footage flick that came and went pretty quickly from cinemas in January. A husband decides to extensively videotape his wife during her pregnancy and soon learns that Satanic forces, neighbors and obstetricians may be involved in a mass conspiracy. He naturally decides to continue documenting the ordeal. It was widely panned, with many complaining that the found footage technique was forced and ineffective and the story made little sense, becoming sillier by the moment. Read our original, full-length review here.
Escape from Tomorrow – This very low budget, black & white independent film garnered some press when it was revealed that the filmmakers shot surreptitiously in both Disney parks without approval. The story involves a father who loses his job and hides it from his family while on vacation at the theme park. Viewers witness the troubled man’s unusual visions and innermost thoughts as he lusts after two teenage visitors. Reviewers gave it very mixed reviews. Many found themselves intrigued by the scenario, but criticized the film for eventually losing its focus and becoming repetitive.
Labor Day – The highest profile effort of the week was released at theaters before Valentine’s Day, but didn’t make an impact at the box office despite of the talent in front of and behind the camera. When an armed fugitive takes an eccentric mother and her son hostage, an unusual bond forms between them. Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin take the romantic leads for director Jason Reitman (Juno, Up in the Air). Critics were negative about the film, with most calling it an over-the-top cornball melodrama. For more, read the detailed review here.
The Legend of Hercules – Another Hercules film is arriving in cinemas in a couple of months, but this title got to cinemas first in January, only to be largely ignored by audiences. This efforts follows the origins of its protagonist from simple boy to gladiator-in-chains and finally hero. The press uniformly razzed the movie, with many suggesting it ranked among the cheesiest of cheesy gladiator flicks. Kellan Lutz, Gaia Weiss, Scott Akins and Rade Serbedzija star. Both 2D and 3D versions of the film are present on the same Blu-ray. To read more about it, check out our original review right here.
The Rocket – This inspirational, foreign language drama is among the most well received movies coming to home video this week. The story features a young boy plagued with bad luck who is struggling to survive in war torn Laos. When he learns of a local rocket building contest, he attempts to win it and shake off the curse. Almost every critic who reviewed the film gave it high marks as a masterfully told tale that was both well acted and sweetly heartwarming.
The Selfish Giant – It wasn’t seen by many, but this British coming-of-age drama also garnered near perfect marks from reviewers. Two young outcast boys and a girl begin collecting scrap metal to sell to a salvage yard. As their relationship develops, wedges and jealousies form and eventually bubble to the surface. Reviewers called the independent film dark, bittersweet and extremely effective, praising the performances of the young cast members.
Blasts from the Past!
There are a couple of releases of note. Those looking for some weird comedies from yesteryear might want to check out the latest from Universal Pictures. They’re bringing one of their biggest screen stars of the 1950’s to DVD. Nope, not Cary Grant or Doris Day… it’s Francis the Talking Mule. Francis the Talking Mule – Complete Collection compiles all seven of his starring vehicles made from 1950-1956. For those who don’t know of the equine star, Francis was an army mule who not only possessed the gift of gab, but a sharp, mocking wit. Typically, he was smarter than his human counterparts. The titles include Francis, Francis Goes to the Races, Francis Goes to West Point, Francis Covers the Big Town, Francis Joins the WAC, Francis in the Navy and, of course, Francis in the Haunted House.
Those interested in something a little more highbrow might want to give Criterion’s Il Sorpasso (1962) a try. The well regarded film follows a student and 40 year old who meet by chance and decide to take a road trip across the Italian countryside together. As with all Criterion titles, it features the highest quality image available and several extra features.
A personal highlight is a reissue of a title that has been out of print for some time on DVD – the 1979 CBS television miniseries Salem’s Lot. Based on the book by Stephen King, it’s arguably the best television adaptation of the author’s work. It also finds director Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre) in top form, telling the story of vampires slowly draining a Maine town dry. The Nosferatu-inspired lead vampire is a spine-tingling creation and the climactic search inside the antagonist’s lair features some of the most memorably eerie images ever seen on television. If you haven’t seen it and don’t mind the 70’s fashions on display, it’s certainly worth the three hour running time. The great cast includes David Soul, James Mason, Bonnie Bedelia, George Dzundza, Geoffrey Lewis and Fred Willard.
You Know, For Kids!
If you’re a kid, you’ve only got two options. Here they are…
Godzilla: The Complete Animated Series
Spongebob: Spongebob, You’re Fired!
On the Tube!
It’s a slow week for television-related releases as well. Listed below are the most notable efforts.
Civil War: The Untold Story (PBS)
Dynasty: Season 8, Vol. 1 & Vol. 2
Hill Street Blues: The Complete Series
Masterpiece: Mr. Selfridge, Season 2
Star Trek: Enterprise – The Complete 4th Season