With New Year’s Eve, well, tonight, that means it’s another slow week for new releases on DVD and Blu-ray. However, there is one major title on the shelves today and a couple of curious oddities (including one that has been generally considered of the worst movies in recent memory). So, if you can’t make it out to the cinemas to check out all that Oscar bait, here’s a list of things you may be able to see at home. Check them out!
Big New Releases!
CBGB – The famed New York club that gave a start to so many famous late 70’s and early 80’s underground bands like Talking Heads and The Ramones gets the bio-flick treatment. Alan Rickman, Rupert Grint, Johnny Galecki, Malin Ackerman and Freddy Rodriguez star in a plot that features numerous cast members portraying musicians like Debbie Harry, Joey Ramone, Iggy Pop and Lou Reed. In spite of the great cast and fascinating subject matter, reviewers decimated the final result when it was released at theaters. They called it dull, superficial and strangely reminiscent of a TV-movie. At least it’s now available on DVD for viewers not turned off by the negative press.
Don Jon – Star Joseph Gordon-Levitt makes his directorial debut with this comedy drama. He plays a New Jersey ladies man who loves to clean and harbors a secret addiction to internet porn. The cast also features Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore, Glenne Headly, and, yes, Tony Danza. It was a modest success at the box office and received a great deal of positive notices upon its release, with many praising the performances of the cast. Of all the flicks being released this week, this title is probably the best bet.
Hell Baby – Rob Corddry, Leslie Bibb and Paul Scheer star in this low-budget, New Orleans set parody of horror flicks like The Exorcist. A husband and his pregnant wife get a deal on a residence dubbed the “House of Blood” by locals. After moving in, they must deal with a possession and other kinds of supernatural nonsense. It wasn’t particularly well received by the mainstream press, but did receive some positive notices on the internet. Considering the cast involved, there might be a chuckle or two to be had.
InAPPropriate Comedy – This critical and commercial turkey got a limited release in March and is currently viewable on Netflix, but for those who’ve been waiting in baited breath for the DVD, now is your chance. This comedy from director Vince Offer (the “Sham-Wow” guy) features Lindsay Lohan, Rob Schneider, Adrian Brody and Michelle Rodriguez in a series of Kentucky Fried Movie-style parody sketches. I don’t normally express a personal view in these columns, but frankly, you don’t want to see this. If you must, the morbidly curious can view it on Netflix with Movie 43 and determine for themselves which is the worst film of 2013.
Ninja II – Originally released as Ninja: Shadow of a Tear, this Thailand/US co-production is a sequel to the 2009 film Ninja. It follows an American seeking revenge on the drug lord responsible for the death of his wife. One assumes his vengeance involves a lot of lengthy martial arts and ninja-like moves. As low-budget action/thrillers go, this has gained a few solid reviews from film festivals, and might serve as a solid B-movie rental.
Sweetwater – This western, about a ex-prostitute who teams with a sheriff to take down a psychotic religious leader, didn’t do much business in limited release a couple of months back. It didn’t receive many positive reviews either, but if you’re hankering for some western-themed entertainment, you may want to give it a go. Ed Harris, January Jones, Jason Isaacs, Stephen Root and Amy Madigan round out the cast.
Blasts from the Past!
It’s a very slow week for re-releases. The only option for cult movie fans is the Blu-ray of Nightmare City, a very cheesy Italian zombie-virus flick from 1980. It’s a new transfer featuring improved subtitles, trailers and an interview with the film’s director. If you’re a devoted fan of the work of actor Hugo Stiglitz, knock yourself out, but others would be wise to check it out as a rental before purchasing.
On the Tube!
There isn’t much coming out this week on TV either, but here’s a list of what is available.
Californication: Season 6
Dragon Ball Z: Season 1
Wolf Blood: Season 1