It’s another busy week of DVD releases, with plenty of viewing options, including a couple of big blockbusters and a lot of independent fare. So if you can’t make it out to the movies this weekend, be sure to check some of these titles out!
Big New Releases!
Adore – This independent Aussie/French co-production features Naomi Watts and Robin Wright as close friends and neighbors with college age sons. When both women become intimate with each other’s young man, it leads to some very awkward social functions. Spots for the film advertised the more provocative story elements, but it was ultimately ignored upon its release. Despite the strong leads, reviews were less than stellar, with many suggesting that the film quickly veers into over-baked and silly melodrama. Now viewers can find out for themselves.
Battle of the Year – Josh Holloway and Chris Brown appear in this dance flick about an international B-Boy dance off competition. After 15 years of shameful failure, a team of young American misfits train to win the prize and take it back home to the US. Of course, it was decimated by critics, who called it a ridiculous pastiche of clichés with laughable dialogue.. and those are just the nicer reviews. The title seems certain to appear on many year end “worst of” lists. Be warned, unless you’re the kind of person who enjoys a so-bad-it’s-good kind of experience.
Despicable Me 2 – One of the biggest hits of the summer comes to DVD and Blu-ray just in time for the holidays. The plot features ex-evil mastermind Gru turning good, joining an anti-villain league and trying to stop a nasty criminal from world domination The voice cast includes Steve Carell, Kristin Wiig, Benjamin Bratt, Miranda Cosgrove, Russell Brand, Ken Jeong and Steve Coogan, among many others. Besides making a killing at the box office, the movie also garnered good notices from the press. Those interested in knowing more should read the original review here.
Fast & Furious 6 – It’s unfortunate timing after the tragic passing of series co-star Paul Walker, but this week brings the latest installment in the extremely popular franchise. The plot involves the gang of outlaw riders out to earn themselves a pardon from the government for past crimes. To do this, they must stop a villain and his team of mercenary drivers. It was one of the biggest box office hits of the year. Vin Diesel, Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez, Dwayne Johnson, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang and Ludacris also star. For more details, read the original review right here. And if you do intend to pick this title up, Universal have announced that a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Walker’s non-profit disaster relief foundation, Reach Out WorldWide.
The Hunt – This grim Danish flick received raves from the press earlier in the year. The story follows a ex-teacher trying to get his life together who must contend with an entire town out to crucify him after a nasty, untrue rumor about sexual abuse is spread. Mads Mikkelsen (of Casino Royale and TV’s Hannibal) stars as the put upon protagonist. It’s reportedly very heavy material, but incredibly effective. Time will tell if this receives a Best Foreign Language Film nomination at the Oscars, but in the meantime international film fans will want to seek this title out.
Museum Hours – Another independent art film, this title garnered excellent reviews and acclaim for its cinematography, although a few suggested that it may be more thoughtful and slow-moving fare than some might be accustomed to. It follows a security guard at a Vienna museum and a lost visitor who meet by chance and become friends. Musician and actress Mary Margaret O’Hara (who is also the sister of comedienne Catherine O’Hara) and Bobby Sommer star. It seems like this title may appeal to fans of the Before Sunrise series.
Saving General Yang – An entirely different kind of foreign film, this Hong Kong period war epic from Ronny Yu (director of the spectacular The Bride with White Hair and the campy Bride of Chucky) should provide some bang for a renter’s buck retells. This dramatic interpretation of a legendary Chinese story follows the wife and seven sons of a kidnapped army general. They decide to lead a gang of their own to battle a massive army and rescue their dad. It received a mixed reception at theaters, but should be of interest to those who enjoy martial arts movies.
Sightseers – This British independent flick has “cult movie” written all over it. Mixing elements of comedy and horror, it follows a pair of oddball travelers visiting a caravan park in the wilderness. After accidentally hitting a person with a vehicle, events spiral out of control. Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, The World’s End) was executive producer for this unusual flick from director Ben Wheatley (Kill List). It received plenty of festival buzz, but didn’t get much of a release stateside. In the end, this one should appeal to those looking cinema with a bizarre slant.
Blasts from the Past!
Mary Poppins – There’s not a whole lot in the way of cult movies this week, but a children’s classic and has made its way to Blu-ray. This 50th anniversary edition from Disney features a reportedly superb digitally restored transfer and features plenty of extras. These include an audio commentary, a deleted musical number and numerous features and trailers. If you have a soft spot for this multiple Oscar-winner, then you’ll definitely want to own this package.
You Know, For Kids!
Despicable Me – This title is written up in the new release section and reviewed here.
The Great Muppet Caper/Muppet Treasure Island Blu-ray – This double feature disc features two Muppet movies new to Blu-ray. The first London-set caper followed The Muppet Movie and arrived at movie theaters in 1981, while the second film in this set came along much later (1996 to be specific). Both provide plenty of fun for kids and adults.
Mary Poppins Blu-ray – As mentioned above in the Blasts from the Past section.
On the Tube!
It’s a bit quiet on the TV release front, but there a few titles of note arriving today.
Doc Martin: Season 6
Doctor Who: 50th Anniversary Special
Teen Wolf: Season 3 – Part 1