Once again, it’s time to run through some of the new releases coming to Blu-ray and DVD. There’s a good mix of high profile and independent films, which suggests that there should be something out there for everyone to enjoy. As always, some of these movies have already been reviewed by the site in detail – just click on the links to read more about them. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, you might want to give one of these a try!
Big New Releases!
American Hustle – This black comedy and multiple Oscar nominee was one of the biggest hits of the winter season. Based on the Abscam investigations of the 70’s, the story involves a con artist who is coerced by an eager FBI into inventing a sting to take down a prominent mayoral figure. The amazing cast includes Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Jeremy Renner. The film received excellent notices, with many praising the performances at times hilarious improvised dialogue. Read the original review here.
Frozen – Winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, Disney’s latest has garnered over a billion dollars in worldwide box office receipts. It seems almost a certainty that it will connect with kids, but a lot of adults seemed to enjoy it as well. Critics suggested that while it was somewhat generic and not a classic Disney flick, it was an effective and entertaining update of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Snow Queen. Kristin Bell, Idina Menzel (or Adele Dazeem, as pronounced by John Travola), Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad and Alan Tudyk provide the voice talent. Read the site’s original review here.
Here Comes the Devil – Here’s a unique title for any old school horror fans out there. It’s a Spanish language, Mexican-American, independent arthouse/B-movie throwback to 70’s supernatural thrillers. The story follows a family on a hike and encounter more than the typical mosquitoes. The film garnered very mixed reactions, with some complaining that the film was too weird to engage. Others were impressed, calling it a strange but interesting mood piece. Brave viewers can now take a chance on what appears to be a love it or hate it kind of experience.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom – This biographical drama about the famed South African civil rights leaders was an Oscar hopeful in the fall, but only took one nomination for its original song (written and performed by U2). Idris Elba, Naomie Harris headline as Nelson and Winnie Mandela. The press were very mixed on the film, saying that despite the excellent work of its star, the movie gave a superficial look at the man’s life and played events out in the manner of a TV-movie of the week. Now viewers at home can give it a look and decide if it deserved more recognition.
Outpost 3: Rise of the Spetznaz – You’re in luck if you enjoy the low-budget Outpost horror series about ghostly zombie Nazis on the rampage. In this second sequel, the Russian Spetnaz forces go toe to toe with the undead menace. The first film from 2008 has a small cult following and while the second effort wasn’t as well received, early reviews have suggested that this is a stronger effort.
Saving Mr. Banks – Another Oscar hopeful, Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson, Colin Farrell, Bradley Whitford, Paul Giamatti and Ruth Wilson head up a massive cast to tell the true life tale of Walt Disney attempting to secure the movie rights to Mary Poppins from austere author P.L. Travers. Overall, the press were kind to the film and gave it mostly positive press. They suggested that while it is overly sentimental, it’s an interesting story effectively told. Read our original review here.
Sparks: The Origin of Ian Sparks – Also known as Sparks and based on a graphic novel this small, independent comic book hero flick is inspired by 40’s noir caped crusaders. It boasts a cast that includes Chase Williamson, Ashley Bell, Clancy Brown, Clint Howard, Jake Busey and William Katt. There haven’t been a lot of reviews posted, but the few who have seen it have been positive, admiring the film’s nifty visual panache despite the very low budget.
A Touch of Sin – Finally, those wanting to enjoy a foreign film might be impressed by this effort. It’s a contemporary Chinese drama that features four segments following desperate people within a corrupt system who end up having to commit violent acts simply to survive. Reportedly, it’s a minimalist effort with almost no score. The press were very impressed by the film, praising the artistry as well as the jarring and effective sequences of brutality intended to critique capitalism at its worst.
Blasts from the Past!
Perhaps the most noteworthy title this week is for kids, with The Black Stallion arriving on Blu-ray. This 1979 effort was produced by Francis Ford Coppola and directed by Carroll Ballard (Never Cry Wolf, Fly Away Home). It’s a period film about a young boy who becomes stranded with an Arabian horse after their ship sinks. The two soon form a bond and decide to compete in one of the biggest races in America. It’s an unusually artistic and effective effort for a children’s film that is beautifully shot. Those with kids or others who are nostalgic for the Oscar nominated film might want to pick it up.
This week, Shout! Factory releases The Slumber Party Massacre, a slasher flick from 1982 that owns the distinction of being one of the first of its kind to be directed by a woman. The Blu-ray includes a new HD transfer from the original camera negative and a commentary, which should please fans. Redemption brings the 1974 horror film Frightmare (aka Cover Up) to Blu-ray. It’s about a couple who are released from an asylum and suffer from cannibalistic tendencies. Apparently, they fall off of the wagon pretty quickly. I haven’t seen this effort, but I have viewed other films by director Pete Walker and they are at best an acquired taste. Be warned.
One of the most popular TV horror/disaster movies of its time was the 1973 effort The Horror at 37,000 Feet. It’s about a plane crossing the Atlantic with an invisible demon on board that causes complete chaos. Chuck Connors, Buddy Ebsen, William Shatner (as the drunken plane pilot!), Paul Winfield and Russell Johnson (the Professor from Gilligan’s Island!) are just a few members of the all star cast. Truthfully, this title sounds like a lot of cheesy fun for B-movie fans – the DVD is now available from Paramount.
You Know, For Kids!
There are plenty of direct-to-DVD kids titles coming this week, just some of which are listed below.
Beetlejuice: Seasons 2 & 3 (animated)
The Black Stallion
DCU: Justice League: War
Doc McStuffins: Mobile Clinic
Jungle Book 2
Justin Time Amazing Adventures
Justin Time Far Away Friends
Justin Time Goes Exploring
Octonauts: Meet the Octonauts
Octonauts: To the Gup-X!
Peppa Pig: My Birthday Party
Transformers Rescue Bots: Heroes on the Scene
On the Tube!
Atlantis (BBC)
Beetlejuice: Seasons 2 & 3 (animated)
Devious Maids: The Complete 1st Season
Mako Mermaids – An H20 Adventure Season 1, Vol. 1: Island of Secrets
Mako Mermaids – An H20 Adventure Season 1, Vol. 2: Moon Pool Magic
The Mod Squad: The Complete Season 1
The Mod Squad: The Complete Season 2
The Mod Squad: The Complete Season 3
The Mod Squad: The Complete Season 4
Nova: Roman Catacomb Mystery