Another week brings another batch of new and interesting movies in a variety of genres on DVD and Blu-ray. As always, click on the links provided to read more detailed reviews. So if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to check out one of these releases!
Big New Releases!
Lone Survivor – This military action/drama is based on a true story and follows a group of Navy Seals. While in Afghanistan on a mission targeting a Taliban force, they come under heavy fire. Despite a title that presumably gives away far too much plot information, the movie was a hit at the box office. Additionally, more critics were positive about the film than negative, pointing to the tense and realistic battle sequences as being effective. Mark Wahlberg, Ben Foster, Emile Hirsch, Taylor Kitsch and Eric Bana star.
The Motel Life – Lone Survivor‘s Emile Hirsch is certainly busy this week. He also stars in this small independent drama that follows two small town brothers from Reno who find themselves on the run from the law after a traumatic car crash. Reviews were mostly upbeat, suggesting the performances really helped to keep the relationships and story interesting despite a few moments that come across as pretentious. Stephen Dorff, Dakota Fanning and Kris Kristofferson round out the impressive cast.
Parts Per Billion – Here’s another potentially depressing, low-budget independent drama that follows three couples struggling with their relationships as a biological disaster threatens to end the world. It’s forgoing a theatrical release for an online and DVD premiere this week, so the press haven’t been able to comment on the movie as of yet. The cast includes Josh Hartnett, Teresa Palmer, Rosario Dawson, Gena Rowlands and Frank Langella.
The Pretty One – Zoe Kazan, Jake Johnson and Ron Livingston lead this coming of age comedy about an introverted teenage girl who attempts to break out of her shell. This independent film received very mixed notices with more views falling on the disapproving side. While most admitted it made them chuckle once in a while, they also found it quirky to a fault.
Robocop – This remake of the beloved 1987 sci-fi action flick retells the story of Alex Murphy, a policeman who is fatally wounded in the line of duty and turned into a robotic super-cop. While the press weren’t as negative about this effort as they have been about other reboots, reaction was still mixed. The majority of reviews stated that the film was well produced, but muddled in its focus and lacking the razor sharp satire of the original. This version stars Joel Kinnaman, Abbie Cornish, Samuel L. Jackon, Michael Keaton and Gary Oldman. Read our full length, original review here.
Son of God – The story of Jesus is told from birth through the Crucifixion and Resurrection in this religious effort. It may have raised strong numbers at the box office, but the picture didn’t lift the spirits of the press. They uniformly called it a bland and by-the-numbers effort that resembles a cheesy TV film. They also stated that it lacked the grand scope expected of a biblical epic. Diogo Morgado takes on the lead role.
The Trouble With the Truth – This independent comedy/drama stars John Shea and Lea Thompson as a divorced couple who meet over dinner to discuss concerns about their daughter. Over the course of the meal, they also begin to reexamine their own relationship. Critics were pleasantly surprised by the effort, suggesting that the impressive work of the lead actors carried the film through its simple, character based set up.
Blasts for the Past!
There are a bunch of older titles being brought to Blu-ray, with one exceptional standout.
Ravenous wasn’t well received by critics or audiences when it came out in 1999 – it seems as though at the time of release, most couldn’t identify the movie’s ulterior motives and messages. Set in the mid-19th century, the story follows a group of outcasts at a Sierra Nevada military checkpoint who encounter a maniacal cannibal. It’s an exceptionally well acted and eccentric horror movie that not only features some tense moments but a strong dose of black comedy. Even more impressive is the subversive subtext that makes pointed comments about the nature of political power as well as man’s horrific desire to consume. The late Antonia Bird (Priest) directs this staggeringly underrated effort that stars Guy Pearce, Robert Carlyle, Jeremy Davies, Neal McDonough, Jeffrey Jones and David Arquette. It also features a memorable and unique score co-written by Blur and Gorillaz front man Damon Albarn. The new Blu-ray from Shout! Factory marks the first time this title has been available in anamorphic widescreen on home video, which means a radical improvement in picture quality. It also comes with three commentary tracks, deleted scenes and trailers. This reviewer is incredibly pleased to see this brilliant horror flick finally arrive on Blu-ray.
If cannibalism doesn’t sound appealing, there are a few other options. Apparently, director Oliver Stone can’t seem to stop tinkering with his 2004 flick, Alexander. While the movie was poorly received, the filmmaker created a director’s cut many years back for its DVD release. Now, Alexander – The Ultimate Cut 10th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray features an all new and definitive edition of the film. Let’s hope he’s done with it once and for all. The disc comes with a 40 page booklet on the movie’s production and other extras including his original, theatrical version.
Speaking of alternate cut, The Outsiders: Complete Novel Edition gives audiences a reedited version of the 1983 Francis Ford Coppola all-star teen melodrama that presents the story exactly as it appeared in the original novel. It’s also re-scored with classic musical cuts from the late 60’s setting. The 1983 adaptation was just fine on its own, but those who have always wanted to see a more faithful version of the book can now do so. Alas, this release doesn’t include the theatrical cut, so those who just want the original will have to continue waiting for that Blu-ray.
Finally, Death Bed: The Bed that Eats is one of those notorious cult films that has developed a following over the past couple of years. The title does indeed say all there is to say about this 1977 horror film, and the new Blu-ray includes several extras including a commentary. For those who haven’t seen it, despite the accolades that this title is so-bad-it’s-good, it really falls into the category of so-bad-it’s-just-bad. There are a couple of laughs, but it’s drags and is mostly just awful. Cheesy movie fans would be wiser to stick to the outrageous delights of Troll 2, Miami Connection, Samurai Cop and Mac & Me (among others) for bad movie laughs.
You Know, For Kids!
There are also a few notable titles for the young ones. Here are the highlights:
Adventures of Batman
Curious George: Season 7
New Adventures of Superman: Season 2 & 3
Power Rangers: Turbo, Vol. 2
On the Tube!
There is plenty of TV shows this week as well. There’s new material, but of particular interest to this reviewer is Acorn’s release of Barbary Coast. It’s a western adventure series from 1975 that only lasted one season, and starred William Shatner, Doug McClure and Richard “Jaws” Kiel. While the series is unknown to this writer, one can’t imagine it not being entertaining… Hey! Speaking of Shatner and television, here’s an advertisement he starred in from that era for a Canadian supermarket chain.
Barbary Coast (Acorn)
Breaking Bad: The Complete Series
Falling Skies: Season 3
Graceland: Season 1
Highway to Heaven: Season 4
Inside Animal Minds (PBS)
Nature: Snow Monkeys (PBS)
New Tricks: Season 10
Pretty Little Liars: Season 4
Rawhide: The Eighth & Final Season
Stephen Hawking’s Grand Design
True Blood: Season 6
Workaholics: Season 4