Hello once again to our roundup of titles coming to DVD and Blu-ray. This week features plenty of interesting new releases. Be sure to click on any links to read full-length reviews and find out more. So if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure and give one of these titles a try!
Big New Releases!
Art & Craft – The world’s most prolific art forger is chronicled in this documentary, following his life’s scams and cons. It got superb write-ups from the press, who called subject Mark Landis a fascinating characters. They were also impressed by the filmmakers attempts to help viewers understand the why and how he was able to do what he did.
Before I Go To Sleep – This thriller involves a married woman who wakes up every day with no memory of the past. When she decides to use a videocamera to learn more, disturbing secrets are revealed that put her life in jeopardy. The movie received more negative reviews than positive, with many stating that the good cast were wasting in a silly vehicle that’s filled with plot holes. It stars Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth and Mark Strong. Read a full-length review right here.
The Book of Life – Three childhood friends reunite as adults and become part of a fantastic adventure in this Mexican-influenced animated film produced by Guillermo del Toro (Pacific Rim, Pan’s Labyrinth). Noted for its unique visual style, it received a great deal of praise from critics. They called it a fun, colorful and fast-paced flick with plenty of appeal for all ages. The voice cast includes Diego Luno, Zoe Saldana, Channing Tatum, Ron Perlman, Christina Applegate, Ice Cube, Hector Elizonda and Danny Trejo. From the sounds of it, this is a can’t miss family flick.
Felony – After an on-the-job accident wounds an innocent child, three detectives come under fire from investigators and turn on each other in a tense battle of wills. The majority of notices for this Australian-produced independent cop drama were complementary. According to many, while the story isn’t groundbreaking, the performances are solid and many called it an interesting and subtle take on the cop genre. Jai Courtney, Joel Edgerton and Tom Wilkinson play the detectives under fire.
Fury – This period drama set during WWII follows allied soldiers in a Sherman tank behind enemy lines who come under fire from Nazi forces. Male bonding and mass carnage follow. Critics were mostly positive about this war drama. Some felt that the violence was too graphic, but most called it well-acted effort that effectively depicts the camaraderie or soldiers amidst the horrors of war. It stars Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Michael Pena and Joe Bernthal.
The Judge – When an elderly judge is charged with murder, his estranged, fast-talking lawyer son arrives to defend his pop and determine what really happened. Reviews were mixed with a few more pans than picks. It has been called a slow-moving and overly sentimental courtroom drama that even an exceptional cast can’t jolt to life. Now viewers can decide for themselves. Robert Downey Jr., Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga, Billy Bob Thornton and Vincent D’Onofrio headline the cast.
Miss Meadows – Katie Holmes plays a new schoolteacher who arrives in a small town and begins dating the local sheriff. Little do they know that she’s also a violent, gun-toting vigilante. Despite the interesting concept, this low-budget black comedy was poorly received. The press suggested that it failed to take adventure of the satirical opportunities and felt a little confused about what it was trying to accomplish. The supporting cast includes Jean Smart and Mary Kay Place.
My Old Lady – This independent comedy/drama follows a man who inherits a Parisian flat. His attempts to sell it don’t turn out as planned because of a feisty tenant and some very complicated legalities. While write-ups weren’t exceptional, it received a more upbeat notices from writers. There were some comments about strange tonal shifts and a twee approach to the material, but more allowed it a pass thanks to the work of its cast that includes Kevin Kline, Maggie Smith and Kristin Scott Thomas.
Open Windows – Nacho Vigalondo (director of the Spanish cult hit Timecrimes) returns to the thriller genre in this small, English-language effort starring Elijah Wood and Sasha Grey. The plot revolves around a young man who wins a date with a popular Hollywood actress. When she blows it off, her Manager attempts to schedule an alternative that leads to danger for both parties. Reactions were mostly negative – some called it inventive, but most found it to be confounding, preposterous and ultimately silly.
The Remaining – Distributed by Sony in the US, this indie Christian-themed horror flick involves a group of friends at a wedding who experience Biblical terrors and must survive end-times phenomena. It didn’t get a lot of press and disappeared from cinemas very quickly. The reviews it did get were split – while they all admitted the film was adequately-produced, they suggested the message and theological ideas seemed to become confused within the terror film setting. It stars Alexa Vega and Shaun Sipos.
Blasts From the Past!
Only a few older titles coming your way in this Blu-ray DVD edition. Shout! Factory, normally known for their genre pictures, are delivering a Blu-ray of the 1989, Oscar-winning film Henry V. This well-regarded Shakespeare adaptation came from Kenneth Branagh, who directed and starred. Besides the hi-def presentation, the only extra is a theatrical trailer.
Olive also has a group of older films that may be of interest. This includes the 1959 Frank Capra comedy A Hole in the Head, starring Frank Sinatra. Also up for grabs is the 1959 Korean War flick, Pork Chop Hill. It features Gregory Peck. There’s the 1974 flick Amazing Grace, starring Moms Mabley as an elderly woman who unites the community against a crooked politician.
Finally, La cinega is a strange comedy/drama from 2001 set in Argentina. It follows the exploits of a very strange family and their dynamic. The Blu-ray from Criterion features a new 4K digital transfer with new and more accurate English subtitles, as well as interviews about the film’s production.
You Know, For Kids!
Here’s what is available for the young (or young-at-heart) in your household.
Arthur’s Fountain Abbey and 3 Other Adventures (PBS)
The Book of Life
Justice League: Throne of Atlantis
My Little Pony – The Movie: 30th Anniversary
On the Tube!
It’s a very slow week on the tube. Obviously, the big release is the latest season of the popular British family drama Downton Abbey. Other than that, you’ve got a Roger Corman B-movie and DVD of the “best” episodes from the fourth season of Mama’s Family. For those who don’t remember, it was a successful but often mocked 80s cable sit-com. It was popular enough that the cast made guest appearances on game shows of the day, including the clip below. Circa about 1980, it features two cast members “in character” on Password Plus. Endure and/or enjoy!
Attack of the 50 Ft. Cheerleader (Epix 3D TV Movie produced by Roger Corman)
Downton Abbey: Season 5
Mama’s Family – Mama’s Favorites: Season 4
Regular Show: Vol. 7 (Cartoon Network)
Suze Ormands Financial Solutions for You (PBS)
Wagonmasters (PBS)