Happy Halloween! In case you can’t make it out to the movies this week, here are some home video release highlights. As you might have expected, much of the titles coming out this week are horror-themed. Be sure to check them out!
Big New Releases!
Byzantium – In this independent thriller, director Neil Jordan revisits the subject matter of one of his previous hits, Interview with the Vampire. Based on a stage play of the same name, it’s the story of mother and daughter bloodsuckers who move from town to town in order to evade capture after feasting on human prey. When they arrive in a coastal town and take up residence in the title hotel, grotesque complications arise. It didn’t get a great deal of press upon its limited release earlier in the year, but received decent notices. It may be worth a look. Gemma Arterton, Saoirse Ronan and Jonny Lee Miller star.
Monsters University – One of the biggest hits of the year debuts on home video. This prequel introduces the characters of Mike and Sully in university as rivals who must overcome their differences and win a “Scare Games” competition in order to continue their education. Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren and about a dozen other recognizable names provide the voice talent. Despite raking in the cash, many critics weren’t as favorable towards this effort as they were to the original. Read the original review here.
R.I.P.D. – This $130 million buddy cop action/comedy from director Robert Schwente (Red) failed to connect with audiences this summer and ended up as one the biggest box office flops of the year. Ryan Reynolds plays a cop killed in the line of duty, only to return from the dead and be recruited into an afterlife police force. Jeff Bridges plays his partner, who previously served as an officer in the Wild West. It didn’t receive much promotion on its release or love from critics, but now curious viewers can rent it and make up their own minds.
Blasts from the Past!
Demons – Horror movie aficionados with deep pockets and a taste for gory 80’s Italian monster movies may want to pick this one up. A varied group of individuals head out 
to a special movie screening. They soon find themselves locked inside and come under attack by demons who infect and turn victims into one of their own. It’s a silly and badly-dubbed but enjoyably high energy gore flick with great make up effects. You’d definitely want to rent it first if you haven’t seen it, but fans of the film will be impressed by this new re-release. Synapse Films has put out a “Steelbook” blu-ray special edition (limited to 3000 copies) with multiple language tracks, a cast/crew commentary and numerous other featurettes. You’ll have to visit their website and it’ll set you back about $46. Those who can’t have the first film without its sequel will also find the less effective but similarly crazy Demons 2 available in a similar package on the same day.
You Know, For Kids!
Monsters University – Whatever adults may have thought about it, this is probably the ideal choice for your kids this week.
On the Tube!
It’s a quieter week for television releases as well, but there a few new titles and an old one for interested parties. Personally, I’m curious about Family Tree, the HBO comedy series from mock documentary expert Christopher Guest (Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind). It stars Chris O’Dowd as a man exploring his family history who finds out much more than he prepared for.
Damages – The Complete Series
Degrassi – Season 12
Family Tree – Season 1
Line of Duty – Season 1
Nikita – Season 3