In case you can’t make it out to the movies this weekend, here are some home video release highlights. Check them out!
Big New Releases!
World War Z – Brad Pitt’s efforts at an epic action/zombie movie franchise resulted in a troubled production. Despite shambling to the screen half a year after its original planned release date, it was a hit and will provide plenty of thrills for interested parties. Read the original review here.
The Bling Ring – The latest from director Sophia Coppola (Lost in Translation, The Virgin Suicides) stars Emma Watson and Leslie Mann. It’s the true story of a gang of self-obsessed teens who robbed the homes of several Hollywood celebrities. Although the film got mixed reviews upon its release, the talent behind and in front of the camera make it one to check out.
Behind the Candelabra – This HBO film about Liberace was widely praised upon its airing. Michael Douglas stars as Liberace and Matt Damon takes on the role of the pianist’s partner in this biopic from director Steven Soderbergh (Side Effects, Traffic, Ocean’s Eleven). Now audiences who don’t subscribe to the channel can catch up on the musician, his pals and all the crazy, bouffant hairdos.
Disconnect – Jason Bateman, Hope Davis and Alexander Skarsgard are featured in this narrative film featuring three parallel stories exposing the negative impact that our technology has in upon our lives. It received a limited release in April and received mostly positive notices, although many felt that some plotlines worked better than others.
The East – Another Alexander Skarsgard flick, this one an espionage thriller about an intelligence agent infiltrating an anarchist organization. It also received a limited release earlier in the year and gained strong notices from critics. Directed by Zal Batmanglij, who also helmed the creepy cult drama Sound of My Voice, this effort also stars Ellen Page.
And Now a Word from Our Sponsor – A small, character-based comedy with arthouse film aspirations about an advertising agency CEO who only speaks using product slogans. Read the original review here.
Blasts from the Past!
Day of the Dead – Shout! Factory is a fantastic company that has been bringing some of the best 80’s horror and sci-fi flicks to blu-ray. This 1985 George A. Romero zombie classic (which comes after Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead) arrives from their horror movie division, and it’s certain to be another fantastic release, with a sparkling new transfer and loads of extras. The last remaining survivors of a zombie apocalypse find tensions rising as they hole themselves up in an underground bunker. Features jaw dropping effects work from Tom Savini, engaging socio-political subtext and big scares. If you’re a zombie fan who hasn’t seen it or are already a fan, be sure to pick it up.
Slacker – The Criterion Collection brings the first film of director Richard Linklater (Dazed and Confused, School of Rock, Bernie, Before Midnight). It’s the 1991 no-budget slacker flick that put this director on the map. Told in a episodic manner featuring a sampling of eccentric characters living in Austin, Texas, it’s a unique effort that proves money isn’t always necessary to make an engaging film. With loads of special features and a new transfer (although the film was shot on 16mm film and was pretty grainy to begin with, so don’t expect home theater demo material).
You Know, For Kids!
Thomas & Friends: King of the Railway – The Movie – Train loving toddlers rejoice! This is a new, feature length Thomas tale made exclusively for the home video market.
Adventure Time: Jake the Dad – Fans of the Adventure Time series might want to give this a look. It runs nearly three hours and features 16 episodes of the animated television series.
On the Tube!
If you’re got more time on your hands, you can always check out one of these TV series, newly released to blu-ray and DVD.
Arrow – Season 1
Bates Motel – Season 1
Grimm – Season 2
The Mentalist – Season 5
Nashville – Season 1