Well, sometimes it isn’t a great week for new DVD releases. At least home video offers an inexpensive opportunity to sample some of the box office and critical duds that you passed up earlier in the year. Maybe there’s an under appreciated masterpiece waiting for rediscovery. Or maybe not. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for some turkey (or, in this case, turkeys), so read ahead and check these holiday titles out!
Big New Releases!
The Canyons – This low-budget independent film gained some press earlier in the year due to the bizarre behavior of headliner Lindsay Lohan (as chronicled in the New York Times). Famous for helming Affliction and writing Taxi Driver and The Last Temptation of Christ, Paul Schraeder directs this Kickstarter-funded erotic thriller. It tells the story of a film producer who flies into a violent rage after learning that his actress girlfriend is having an affair with her leading man. Adult film player James Deen and Glee‘s Nolan Gerard Funk co-star. The majority of reviews were very poor, though the curiosity factor may make it of interest to some.
Getaway – Another film destined to appear on several “worst of” year-end lists is this thriller, featuring a stunt car driver whose wife is kidnapped by a mysterious criminal. He’s forced to participate in an elaborate series of driving maneuvers through the streets of Sofia, Bulgaria. Ethan Hawke slums his way through this effort with Selena Gomez as his grating passenger. Reviews were toxic, complaining that the film was poorly written, featured some unlikable characters and made little sense. To get all the details, read the full review here.
The Grandmaster – It seems like only a couple of weeks since the last flick about Chinese folk hero Ip Man came to DVD… wait a minute, it was two weeks ago. Chungking Express director Kar Wai Wong is responsible for the latest adaptation, which reportedly features gorgeous locations and stunning cinematography. Notices for this foreign language feature were mostly positive, making the kung-fu period drama the best reviewed release of the week.
Jobs – This Steve Jobs bio-pic follows the famed Apple Inc. founder blazing a trail as an inventor and entrepreneur. Aston Kutcher stars as the title character, with Dermot Mulroney, Josh Gad, Lukas Haas, Matthew Modine, J.K. Simmons and James Woods. Despite a noble effort from Kutcher and the impressive supporting cast, critics complained that the film was far too reverential of its subject and played it too safe, resulting in a bland and uninteresting finished product. Frankly, audiences didn’t seem all that excited about it either; the film crashed at the box office upon its theatrical release.
Red 2 – The sequel to the 2010 hit featured a retired and extremely dangerous ex-black ops agent finding himself embroiled in a globe-trotting adventure plot. The incredible cast includes Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Mary-Louise Parker, Helen Mirren, Anthony Hopkins, Byung-hun Lee and Catherine Zeta-Jones. This time out, the emphasis seemed to focus on the comedic interplay between characters and critic reviews were far more negative than positive (and a little harsh to boot). Truthfully, it will give most action movie fans the fix they need. Read the full length, original review here.
Blasts from the Past!
Once again, Shout! Factory is putting out blu-rays of a couple of cult films that fans may want to pick up. George A. Romero’s 1981 jousters on motorcycles flick Knightriders has a large following, and this new release comes with a high-quality image and commentary track. The 1989 release The Horror Show from director James Isaak (Jason X) and producer Sean S. Cunningham (Friday the 13th) isn’t a personal favorite, but it has its fans too. It comes with a commentary track from Cunningham.
Day of the Animals – This low-budget, 1977 disaster/eco-horror flick isn’t exceptional, but it is great entertainment as a cheeseball b-movie. Newly re-mastered in widescreen from ADA Corp, hikers come under attack by the animal residents of the most densely populated park ever committed to celluloid. The violent wildlife includes crazed hawks, rats, dogs and mountain lions. Remember kids, don’t mess with Mother Nature! This is also the movie where a shirtless Leslie Nielsen wrestles a large bear to the death.
On the Tube!
There some interesting TV coming to DVD, including a great new Mystery Science Theater 3000 set that includes the hilarious feature The Day the Earth Froze! It’s well worth picking up.
Agetha Christie’s Poirot: Series 10
Breaking Bad: The Final Season
Cranford (BBC)
Diagnosis Murder: Season 6, Parts 1 & 2
Ghost Hunters International: The Final Season
Impractical Jokers: Season 1
Murdoch Mysteries: Season 6
Mystery Science Theater 3000: 25th Anniversary Edition