In case you can’t make it out to the movies this week, here are some home video release highlights. It seems like there is something for everyone this week, so be sure to check them out!
Big New Releases!
Before Midnight – Director Richard Linklater follows Before Sunrise and Before Sunset with the third chapter in this indie romantic comedy/drama film series. Unlike many sequels, this edition was adored by pretty much everyone who saw it. Set in Greece, Ethan Hawke and Sophie Delpy star as a couple who stroll around scenic locales discussing their lives, as well as their hopes and fears for the future. If you’re a fan of the first two films, this one shouldn’t disappoint.
The Conjuring – Arguably the biggest surprise hit of the summer has made a quick trip from theaters to home video just in time for Halloween. This horror flick touched a nerve with both critics and audiences. It depicts the “true story” of a family tormented by a vengeful spirit. Spookiness abounds as they hire paranormal investigators to try to get to the bottom of it. The movie stars Vera Farmiga, Lili Taylor, Patrick Wilson and Ron Livingston. Read the original review here.
The Internship – This comedy didn’t make much of an impact this summer. Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson play a couple of unemployed, wisecracking pals who charm their 
way into intern positions at Google; computer-based wackiness ensues. Critics slammed the film – some called it too formulaic and bland, while others accused it of essentially being a two-hour commercial for Google. Whatever the case, this type of fare may play better on home video and presents the perfect opportunity for viewers to make up their own minds. Or if you haven’t seen it, you could just check out The IT Crowd on Netflix instead. Your call…
Only God Forgives – Director Nicolas Winding Refn and Ryan Gosling previously collaborated on Drive and re-team for this effort. The grimy story follows a Thailand drug smuggler (Gosling) whose mother (Kristen Scott Thomas) demands he violently avenge the his brother’s killer. Reports suggest it’s cold, mean and stylistically minimalist… which pretty much describes all of Refn’s films. The movie didn’t get nearly as much press as Drive and radically divided those who saw it. Viewers looking to take a chance on some artier fare may want to give it a try, although all should beware that it will definitely be one of those love-it-or-hate-it experiences.
The Way Way Back – This Sundance hit was a big indie-film success story and, along with Before Sunset, is one of the best reviewed movies of the year. Boasting an incredible cast (including Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Sam Rockwell, Maya Rudolph, Rob Corddry), the comedy/drama follows an awkward teen trying to survive his summer vacation. The Descendants writers Nat Faxon and Jim Rash (more familiar to some as Dean Pelton from the TV series Community) not only penned this effort, but make their directorial debuts. Read the original review here.
Blasts from the Past!
The Vincent Price Blu-ray Collection – Shout! Factory horror movie division Scream Factory has comes up with another winner. This time it’s a collection of 6 horror classics starring Vincent Prince, newly transferred to blu-ray with superior image and sound as well as a few fun extra features. The set includes the amusing Roger Corman films The Fall of House of Usher (1960), The Pit and the Pendulum (1961), The Haunted Palace (1963) and The Masque of the Red Death (1964). But my personal recommendation goes to the last two titles in the compilation, Witchfinder General (1968) and The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971). Witchfinder General is a grim and disturbing period tale of a corrupt government official that brands and burns people as witches when they don’t give him what he wants. And Dr. Phibes is a satirical horror flick about a madman plotting elaborate deaths of the doctors that he feels are responsible for his wife’s death. Completely different in tone but incredibly effective, these two are among the best of Price’s career.
On the Tube!
It’s a quiet week for television releases. Make that really, really quiet. The following is what is new and available.
Nikita – Season 3
Primeval New World: The Complete Series
Young Riders – Season 2