In case you can’t make it out to the movies this week, here are some home video release highlights. Check them out!
Big New Releases!
The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec – This isn’t a brand new release, but it will be unfamiliar to most American audiences. Based on a series of graphic novels, it’s a French language, Indiana Jones-style family film that follows the title character and her encounters with a pterodactyl and Egyptian mummies. The film was released to good reviews that praised the visuals of director Luc Besson (La Femme Nikita, Leon: The Profession, The Fifth Element and most recently The Family), but it never received a substantial release in North America. It may have had a difficult time getting distributed here because of the language barrier, but strong rumors have persisted it is due to a very brief flash of female nudity in a bathtub scene. Shout! Factory (whose usual releases are reissues of 80’s horror flicks) brings the Director’s Cut of the 2010 film, featuring the original language track with subtitles, a English language dub and also restores the bathtub bit.
Fright Night 2: New Blood – There hasn’t been a peep about this straight-to-video sequel to the 2011 remake of the original Fright Night feature. In fact, based on press materials, it appears as if this sequel is a remake of the remake. All of the original characters are present but recast, and the only significant differences are a change in locale (now it’s set on a Romanian university campus) and the vampiric villain Jerry Dandridge re-imagined as a woman. It might be best to proceed with caution.
The Frozen Ground – Nicolas Cage and John Cusack star as an Alaskan state trooper and serial killer in this wilderness thriller. The flick didn’t get much of a release here, but received surprisingly decent critical notices from the few who did see it. In fact, many actually praised Cage for his unusually subdued performance. Curious viewers might want to give it a try.
This is the End – The week’s biggest release is this hilarious flick was a big summer hit at the box office and should prove to be just as popular on blu-ray and DVD. Seth Rogen co-wrote and co-directed this effort that features the actor playing himself, or at least a caricature of himself. When he and estranged buddy Jay Baruchel attend a Hollywood party at the house of actor James Franco, they immediately find a biblical Rapture upon them. Of course, all of the attendees (the flick includes numerous movie star cameos) have their share of vices and are left behind on a literal a hell on earth. It’s crude, rude, and very, very funny. Read the original review HERE.
Blasts from the Past!
House of Wax 3D – Those with a 3D television will want to pick up this release from Warner Home Video. This is the original 1953 horror classic starring Vincent Price and also featuring Charles Bronson. Finally re-mastered and presented as it was originally filmed and released, in clear “Natural Vision” 3D, this promises to be a highlight title in any 3D friendly home. Watch out for that paddleball! The blu-ray also comes with a 2D version of the film, various special features, and the earlier 1933 version, Mystery of the Wax Museum. For fright film aficionados, it’s a must buy.
The Amityville Horror Trilogy – Looking for something a little more recent? This collection from Shout! Factory includes the first three Amityville features from 1979, 1982 and 1983 re-mastered in all their glory. They’re not personal favorites of mine, but this extra-packed collection should please fans of the series. Amityville 3-D comes with both a 2D print and the original 3D version (be sure to duck when that swordfish comes flying at ya!). Alas, the there has been some criticism of the 3D transfer being soft, so interested parties might want to look into the issue.
The Monster Club – Honestly, I enjoyed this 1981 British horror omnibus film as a kid, but I haven’t seen it since and can’t speak as to how well it holds up. Coming at the tail end of a UK anthology horror craze that included Tales from the Crypt, Tales that Witness Madness and From Beyond the Grave, this one stars Vincent Price, Donald Pleasance, John Carradine and Stuart Whitman in several tales featuring vampires and ghouls. This new blu-ray arrives from Scorpion Releasing. Give it a rent if you can find it.
You Know, For Kids!
The Croods – This animated kids flick from Dreamworks (who gave us the Kung Fu Panda series) and distributor Fox (also responsible for the Ice Age series) was a massive worldwide hit early in the year. It tells the story of a family of cavemen who lose their home and set out on an adventure across dangerous prehistoric environments. The film garnered good reviews and features a strong voice cast, including Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Catherine Keener and Cloris Leachman.
The Little Mermaid – The much beloved, double Oscar winner Disney animated classic comes to blu-ray in a “Diamond Edition.” It includes the original 2D theatrical version along with a new 3D transfer and is filled with features that includes a commentary making-of featurettes and deleted scenes among the many other goodies. If you have small ones and don’t own it, it’s a sure bet.
The Wizard of Oz 3D – It’s a good week for kid’s movies! Another classic comes to the small screen on a blu-ray that includes both the original version and a new 3D conversion that recently playing to great response in IMAX cinemas. It’s another safe bet for families who don’t yet have this title.
On the Tube!
There’s plenty of TV being released to DVD this week, including the Vietnam war drama China Beach from the late 80’s and the CW network’s recent, not-to-be-confused-wth-the-Ron-Perlman-late-80’s take on Beauty & the Beast.
Beauty & the Beast – Season 1
China Beach – The Complete Series
Glee – Season 4
Hell’s Kitchen – Season 10
How I Met Your Mother – Season 8
New Girl – Season 2