{"id":19036,"date":"2019-09-09T14:34:45","date_gmt":"2019-09-09T21:34:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/?p=19036"},"modified":"2019-09-09T14:34:45","modified_gmt":"2019-09-09T21:34:45","slug":"dvd-blu-ray-roundup-for-september-10th-2019","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cinemastance.com\/?p=19036","title":{"rendered":"DVD\/Blu-ray Roundup for September 10th, 2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The fall is here, which means it\u2019s a great time to\nenjoy Blu-rays and DVDs. Numerous summer releases are now making their debuts and\nthere\u2019s plenty of independent fare and documentaries to keep audiences\ninformed. So if you can\u2019t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give\none of these titles a try!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Big New Releases!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5th<\/sup> of July<\/em>\n\u2013 This independently produced comedy follows a young professor who sets out to\nfulfil a last wish\u2026 to drive to the mountains and spread his dad\u2019s ashes over a\nfavorite lake. But by the time the lead arrives at his destination, he\u2019s tired\nand curses out his late father. The universe soon turns against him. Thieves\nsteal his wallet and valuables, he\u2019s drugged by hippies on their way to Burning\nMan, and other encounters jeopardize his life. No one has seen this picture\nyet, so there are no reviews. As such, one shouldn\u2019t necessarily expect a\nmasterpiece. It features Jaleel White (yes, \u201cUrkel\u201d himself in the protagonist\nrole), Sean Kanan, Gary Anthony Williams, Dyana Ortelli and Sy Richardson. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Aladdin<\/em> \u2013 The famous Disney animated musical gets a live action update in this big budget family flick. Once again, a kind street urchin finds a strange and magical lamp that holds a wish-granting genie. He decides to be turned into a prince in order to win the affections of the Sultan\u2019s daughter, Jasmine. Meanwhile, the Sultan\u2019s advisor wants to use the lamp for his own nefarious purposes. This effort was a box office hit, but earned middling notices (although they were slightly more positive than negative). Most described it as mediocre, saying it looked impressive but paled in comparison with Disney\u2019s classic animated film. Still, the majority did concede that it would, if nothing else, impress children. The movie stars Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Marwan Kenzari, Billy Magnussen and Alan Tudyk. To read this site\u2019s review, click here<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Armstrong<\/em> \u2013\nAs one might have guessed when reading the title, this documentary chronicles\nthe life of astronaut Neil Armstrong. The film shows viewers never-before-seen\nhome movie footage, along with incredible images of his work and missions for\nNASA. Viewers will also be treated to stories of his years as a fighter pilot\nin Korea. This non-fiction feature earned good if not exceptional marks from\nthe press. About one quarter of them complained that the information wasn\u2019t\ndynamically presented and felt the movie didn\u2019t offer as much depth or insight\nas needed. Still, the majority thought it demonstrated the man\u2019s calm and\nmeasured nature and offered some thrills when examining the legendary moon\nlanding. Harrison Ford narrates the picture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Crystal City<\/em>\n\u2013 Here\u2019s another doc for those interested in non-fiction titles. This effort is\nfocused around a new problem arising over the last 20 years in the gay community\n(and elsewhere, too). Specifically, use of the highly addictive and illegal drug\ncalled crystal meth. The filmmakers chart its rise in popularity at dance clubs\nand its effect on the population by focusing on the struggles made by three men\nto break their dependence on the substance. After playing a few festivals, the\npicture is making its debut on disc. There aren\u2019t many write-ups of it as of\nright now, but the one or two online reviews state that it is an effective and\nsensitively handled look at the troubling phenomenon.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Dead Don\u2019t Die<\/em> \u2013 Zombies rise again in this comedy from acclaimed independent writer\/direct Jim Jarmusch (Paterson<\/em>, Only Lovers Left Alive<\/em>, Mystery Train<\/em>). A small town full of eccentrics are invaded by the dead and try to figure out how to survive attacks from their neighbors-turned-flesh-eating monsters. Critics were mixed about this feature, although there were a few more recommendations overall. Those who disliked the picture said it wasn\u2019t as passionately made as some of the filmmaker\u2019s other projects. They noted that it was too laid back for its own good and that the story failed to gain much momentum. Slightly more admitted that it had flaws, but found the some of the characters, situations and events amusing to witness. The cast includes Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Tilda Swinton, Chloe Sevigny, Steve Buscemi, Danny Glover, Caleb Landry Jones, Rosie Perez, Iggy Pop, RZA, Selena Gomez, Carol Kane and Tom Waits. To read a full review from this site, click here<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Echo in the Canyon<\/em>\n\u2013 Laurel Canyon, California has been fertile ground for incredible musical\ntalent. This documentary details the period from 1965 to 1967 in which several\nperformers developed their skills there or travelled to the locale to record\nmusic. It including groups like The Byrds, The Beach Boys and The Mamas and the\nPapas. The documentary includes an incredible assortment of interviews with music-makers\nwho share their memories and stories about the period. Reviewers all liked the\nmovie, stating that while there weren\u2019t any stunning revelations, the tales\nshared were very entertaining. Participants include Brian Wilson, Ringo Starr,\nMichelle Phillips, Eric Clapton, Stephen Stills, David Crosby, Graham Nash,\nRoger McGuinn, Jackson Browne, Tom Petty (in his very last film interview),\nBeck, Fiona Apple, Cat Power, Regina Spektor and Norah Jones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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John Wick: Chapter 3 \u2013 Parabellum<\/em> \u2013 The third chapter in this high-energy action series finds its title character, a no-nonsense retired assassin, being excommunicated from his profession. With a target on his head and every hit man out to finish him off and claim a hefty reward, the protagonist must use extreme measure to try and survive the onslaught. This newest follow-up was a box office hit and earned solid notices. A few write-ups found themselves feeling a bit worn down and didn\u2019t think the sequel impressed outside of its well-staged action scenes. However, the consensus was that the fights presented were unforgettable and that the picture delivered on it promise of thrilling, bone-crunching confrontations. It stars Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry, Laurence Fishburne, Mark Dacascos, Lance Reddick, Angelica Huston and Ian McShane. To read a detailed review of the picture, click here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wish Man<\/em> \u2013 A cop manages to survive a near fatal accident and later finds himself being falsely accused of police brutality. Feeling lost, he comes into contact with a terminally ill young child. The child sets out to reunite the officer with his long-lost father. Inspired by the boy\u2019s actions, the man ultimately forms the Make-a-Wish foundation. This independent biopic drama of the man behind the actual organization received a limited theatrical release in June and hasn\u2019t garnered many reviews as of yet. Those that have popped up haven\u2019t been raves. They all admire the work of the institution, but gripe that there some issues with the film. Some thought that it wasted energy focusing on subplots involving crooked cops instead of the institution\u2019s origins. The cast includes Andrew Steel, Kirby Bliss Blanton, Tom Sizemore, Danny Trejo and Frank Whaley. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blasts from the Past!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This week boasts numerous older titles that are getting a Blu-ray upgrade. Shout! Factory have the Hammer Films monster movie, Blood from the Mummy\u2019s Tomb<\/em> (1971). It\u2019s about an evil, well-preserved queen whose Egyptian tomb is raided. Naturaly, she leaves a horrible curse on the interlopers and possesses people to get her revenge. The movie is presented in two aspect ratios and includes a film historian audio commentary, an interview with the sound recordist and camera operator, a documentary featuring talks with the star as well as the movie\u2019s screenwriter. This is in addition to US and UK trailers and all sorts of publicity materials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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They also have a Blu-ray of the chilling Circus of Horrors<\/em> (1960). The plot involves a deranged plastic surgeon hunted by the authorities. He manages to evade the law and then takes over a circus troupe in Europe. The doctor performs several procedures on his scarred female show members to win them over and turn them into his beautiful performers. However, when the employees begin to find out about his past, they start dying in horrific accidents. This disc for this creepy little British production comes with a Trailers from Hell<\/em> segment featuring director John Landis (The Blues Brothers<\/em>, An American Werewolf in London<\/em>) as well as a theatrical trailer, TV spots and still gallery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scars of Dracula<\/em>\n(1970) from Hammer Films features Christopher Lee in the fifth title featuring\nthe actor as the blood-sucker. In this effort, he\u2019s resurrected once again and\ngoes on the rampage around his old Eastern European haunting grounds. The Shout!\nBlu-ray is presented in two different aspect ratios and arrives with a new film\nhistorian audio commentary, an older commentary featuring Lee and the director,\na featurette going into the production and publicity spots like trailers used\nto promote the movie during its original release. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kino also have plenty of interesting Blu-rays. They\ninclude the Rock Husdon\/Claudia Cardinale spy comedy\/thriller Blindfold<\/em>\n(1965). The release includes an animated image gallery and trailer. Speaking of\nthrillers, the distributor is delivering a Special Edition Blu-ray of Mirage<\/em>\n(1965). This picture stars Gregory Peck about an accountant with amnesia who\nhires a private investigator (played by Walter Matthau) to find out who he is.\nWhat is discovered ultimately makes the hero the target of a murder plot. The\ndisc comes with an interview with co-star Diane Baker, a film historian audio\ncommentary, an image gallery and the trailer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They also have the John Wayne drama Pittsburgh<\/em>\n(1942), which follows two friends working in the coal mining industry who pine\nafter the same woman. Many years later, the three reunite and sparks fly once again.\nThey\u2019ve also got Reap the Wild Wing<\/em> (1942) an adventure picture starring\nthe same actor that involves shipwreck salvagers. The Spoilers<\/em> (1942) is\na western featuring Wayne in more conventional surroundings, fighting off bad\nguys in Alaska during the Gold Rush. All three Blu-rays come with trailers and\nimage galleries, and the latter also includes a film historian commentary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Additionally, Kino are releasing a Blu-ray of the\nBette Midler tear-jerker, Stella<\/em> (1990), about a single mother and her\nlifelong struggles as she attempts to raise a daughter all on her own. As the girl\ngrows up, the parent\u2019s concerns about providing a good life and opportunities\nfor her offspring lead her into making some hard decisions. It comes with a\ntrailer.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As always, Criterion have a new Blu-ray as well. This\nweek, it\u2019s The Cloud-Capped Star<\/em> (1960). It\u2019s a much-admired Bengali\ndrama about a young woman who quietly endures having a hard life, in which she\nmust forgo everything she desires and instead serve the interests and care for\nher siblings and parents. The noted French film journal Cahiers du Cinema<\/em>\nranked it as one of the best pictures ever made in India. It has been given a\nnew 2K digital restoration, a new conversation between moviemakers Saeed Akhtar\nMirza and Kumar Shahani, a stills gallery featuring rare pictures and other\nbonuses.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Juniper Tree<\/em> (1991) is another interesting Blu-ray, this time coming from Arbelos Films. This Icelandic tale involves two sisters who get involved in witchcraft \u2013 famous musician Bj\u00f6rk plays one of the main characters. The feature has received a new 4K restoration from the original 35mm camera negative. And for those who purchase the Blu-ray, they\u2019ll get incredible bonuses including three newly remastered short films by director Nietzchka Keene, a new interview with the cinematographer, an archival discussion with Keene, never-before-seen outtakes and a US theatrical trailer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Golden Globe nominee for Best Foreign-Language Film, The\nMad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob<\/em> (1973) is hitting disc for the first time\never courtesy of Film Movement. For those curious, it\u2019s a Gallic title about a\nbigoted Frenchman forced to impersonate a rabbi while on the run from a group\nof hired killers – and the police. Those who purchase the Blu-ray will see a\nnew 4K restoration of the film and get an interview with the co-screenwriter of\nthe picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Warner Archive are giving 3D enthusiasts something to\ncheer about as they release two of their classic titles on Blu-ray along with\nan option to watch them as they were originally released. The first is the very\nstrong Alfred Hitchcock classic, Dial M for Murder<\/em> (1954). There aren\u2019t\nmany extras listed, but there are plenty of great three-dimensional tricks\nplayed in the flick and it will be thrilling to finally be able to see the film\nrestored and ready to watch in both 2D and 3D. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are doing the same with the musical comedy, Kiss\nMe Kate<\/em> (1953), which will more than likely involve plenty of big numbers\nand dancers kicking and throwing themselves around across the screen and right out\nof your television. In regular 2D, you can now order the George Segal\/Glenda\nJackson rom-com A Touch of Class<\/em> (1973) in high definition. These three\nreleases are currently available as made-to-order discs on the Warner Archive\nwebsite\u2026 and will eventually find their way onto Amazon and other sellers\nshortly thereafter.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And finally, some readers will want to know that\nDisney are rereleasing a stack of older Blu-rays this week. They include all of\nthe Tim Allen Santa Clause<\/em> movies, as well as a massive selection of\nDisney animated pictures and Pixar flicks (you can read most of the titles in\nthe kid\u2019s listing below). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You Know, For Kids!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It may seem a bit early, but studios are already\nputting out some family-themed holiday releases. You\u2019ll find highlights listed below.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blu-ray re-releases of many Disney pictures like The\nSanta Clause<\/em>, The Santa Clause 2<\/em> and The Santa Clause 3: The\nEscape Clause<\/em> as well as Disney and Pixar animated classics including the\nanimated Aladdin<\/em>, Brave<\/em>, A Bug\u2019s Life<\/em>, the Cars<\/em>\nfilms, Finding Nemo<\/em>, Finding Dory<\/em>, The Incredibles<\/em>, Inside\nOut<\/em>, Monsters Inc.<\/em>, Monsters University<\/em>, Ratatouille<\/em>\nand Wall-E<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Charlie Brown Christmas<\/em> (1965) Blu-ray\/DVD combo
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving<\/em> (1973) Blu-ray\/DVD combo
Curious George: Royal Monkey<\/em>
Dinosaur Train: Dinosaurs Big and Small!<\/em> (PBS Kids)
Thomas & Friends: Big World! Big Adventures \u2013 The Movie\ufeff<\/em>
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On the Tube!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And here are the week\u2019s TV-themed releases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Alienist<\/em>: Season 1
A Charlie Brown Christmas<\/em> (1965) Blu-ray\/DVD combo
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving<\/em> (1973) Blu-ray\/DVD combo
Chicago P.D.<\/em>: Season 6
Dinosaur Train: Dinosaurs Big and Small!<\/em> (PBS Kids)
Harvest Love<\/em> (Hallmark TV-movie)
Hawaii Five-O<\/em>: Season 9
SEAL Team<\/em>: Season 2
Serengeti<\/em> (BBC Mini-series)
Supernatural<\/em>: Season 14
This is Us<\/em>: Season 3
When Whales Walked: Journeys in Deep Time<\/em> (PBS) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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