THAT TIME OF THE WEEK: NEW ON BLU/DVD 8/6/13 & 8/13/13!

Two weeks of titles for you!  Disney Classics!  Cult Classics!  Hollywood Blockbusters!  Indie Films!  TV Shows!  Muppets!  One of the most (wrongfully) maligned films of all time, Ishtar and one of the best movies I’ve seen all year, Mud.

Fire up that queue and prep that shopping cart.  It’s that time of the week.

Mud

Lionsgate / Released 8/6/13

Mud is a timeless adventure about two boys, Ellis and his best friend Neckbone, who find a mysterious man named Mud (Matthew McConaughey) hiding out on a deserted island in the Mississippi. Mud tells the boys fantastic stories about his life, including how he killed a man in Texas and that vengeful bounty hunters are coming to get him. He says he is planning to meet and escape with the love of his life, Juniper (Reese Witherspoon), who is waiting for him in town. Skeptical but intrigued, Ellis and Neckbone agree to help him. But it isn’t long until Mud’s tall tales come to life, and their small town is besieged by bounty hunters out for blood. Extras include featurettes and commentary.

Last Word: A truly wonderful movie, Mud is unquestionably one of the best films of 2013. Like so many films that depict the difficult period between childhood and adulthood, Mud never treats it’s characters without respect and honesty. The entire cast is wonderful and the magic of this touching film will stay with you long after the credits roll. Highest recommendation.

The Sapphires

Anchor Bay / Released 8/6/13

Four smart, gutsy young women become unlikely stars in the most unlikely of places, with the most unlikely of allies, in The Sapphires. Set in 1968, the film follows Gail (Deborah Mailman), Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell), Julie (Jessica Mauboy) and Kay (Shari Sebbens) as they seize a risky, but irresistible, chance to launch a professional career singing for U.S. troops in Vietnam. Under the tutelage of an R&B-loving Irish musician, Dave Lovelace (Chris O’Dowd), the girls transform themselves into a sizzling soul act and set out to make a name for themselves hundreds of miles from home. Inspired by a true story, The Sapphires is a celebration of music, family and self-discovery.  Extras include featurettes and interviews.

Last Word:  A familiar story and definitely clichéd, but nonetheless disarming,  The Sapphires begins as several Aboriginal girls are discovered by the drunken, soul-music-loving, Dave Lovelace, played wonderfully by Chris O’Dowd. He books the group’s first real gig and from there acts as the girls’ unexpected musical guide and mentor across Vietnam. Everyone is thrust into a mature world they have not been exposed to and must shield one another from the external dangers while sanely managing their personal drama.

The group is comprised of three sisters and their cousin: the “mama bear” Gail (Deborah Mailman), her rambunctious younger sister Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell), their youngest sister who carries the group with her mind blowing voice, Julie (Jessica Mauboy), and their cousin, Kay (Shari Sebbens) who is reluctantly chosen to be the fourth member. Each woman is unique and has memorable onscreen presence. It could have been quite a cheesy dynamic but the family history and local discrimination they face is genuine and relatable.

Interpersonal family hardships juxtaposed with world issues; the film depicted a microcosm of what the world was going through. The hardships of segregation and racism, a stolen generation, finding dreams and hoping for a happy ending in the midst of war. It was a lot of matter in one film, yet it never felt overloaded or dramatic.  While many issues presented in the film are controversial, the movie overall isn’t negative or judgmental. It isn’t a war epic nor is it rom-com. The Sapphires is satisfyingly unique. The film isn’t disingenuous with its presentation of aboriginal life or war and is genuinely fun and heartfelt.  The more profound ideas are somewhat subtle which means that The Sapphires never preaches. It relays a message, a story (and loosely, some history), lightheartedly and respectfully. We root for the girls, we sneer at the racist characters. The film is quickly paced with high-energy musical numbers that are appropriately flashy and wonderful. The singing is exquisite and the chemistry is tangible and fun. Have a good time at this show. And enjoy the unexpectedly outstanding solos by Chris O’Dowd. ( – Caitlyn Thompson)

The Muppet Movie: The Nearly 35th Anniversary Edition

Walt Disney Home Entertainment / 8/13/13

Celebrate The Nearly 35th Anniversary of the ultimate frogs-to-riches story with the one that started it all – The Muppet Movie. Laugh along with the mostly-true story of how the Muppets got their start, now for the first time ever in vibrant Blu-ray hi-def picture and sound. From the very first “plunk!” of Kermit’s banjo playing “The Rainbow Connection” (Oscar nominee, Best Original Song, 1979), to they hysterical road trip that brings our fearless frog together with Fozzie, Gonzo, Animal, and most importantly of all, Miss Piggy, join the jam-packed heartwarming hilarity, outrageous antics and big-shot Hollywood cameos. Extras including an all-new Frog-E-Oke sing-along, test footage, Doc Hopper’s commercial, trailers and a featurette.

Last Word:  It would be almost inconceivable to audiences who discovered The Muppets from last year’s release what a force they were by the time that this film was released in 1979.  I was 8 years old and by then was part of the first generation of Sesame Street viewers and was familiar with the work of Jim Henson, Frank Oz and their talented collaborators from various television appearances as well as The Muppet Show.  The Muppets were part of that rare Seventies culture that insisted on both introducing young audiences to vaudeville-esque variety shows (where else would children be exposed to George Burns, Milton Berle, Pearl Bailey and Mummenschanz?)  but also to elements from the history of pop culture (including performing songs like Lydia, the Tattooed Lady popularized by Groucho Marx, 1931’s Lady of Spain and 1927’s Mississippi Mud).  By the time The Muppet Movie came out, Henson had perfected his material to appeal on two different levels (one for children, and a much more clever one for adults; which in no small part is why it’s still so appealing today) and loaded the film with cameos of both popular actors, but also Hollywood legends (Mel Brooks, Orson Welles, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Dom DeLuise, Elliott Gould, Madeline Kahn, Steve Martin, Richard Pryor, Telly Savalas as El Sleazo tough  and Paul Williams).  The Muppet Movie might be close to 35 years old, but it’s as fresh and entertaining as ever.  Highest possible recommendation.

Robin Hood: 40th Anniversary Edition

Walt Disney Home Video / Released 8/6/13

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Disney’s unforgettable animated classic about the power of courage and friendship. Join Robin Hood, his trusted companion Little John and his hilarious band of Merry Men as they outfox greedy Prince John to save the good people of Nottingham. Dashing from one daring deed to the next, Robin won’t rest until he wins the hand of Maid Marian and restores King Richard to the throne. Extras include alternate ending, storybook, sing along feature, deleted story line, gallery and bonus Mickey Mouse cartoon, “Ye Olen Days”.

Last Word: Despite it’s limited animation, Robin Hood rose above Disney Studios’ tepid Seventies releases with a film which had both charismatic character design and a voice cast that has made this one of my favorite Disney animated films of all time.  This timeless tale has never looked better and features some truly fantastic and indelible voice performances including Peter Ustinov, Phil Harris, crooner Roger Miller, Terry-Thomas and Pat Buttram.  There has been some controversy over the aspect ratio compared to previous releases, but regardless of the accuracy (and there is some debate), Robin Hood is without question an essential addition to any cinegeek’s Blu-ray library. 

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls

Shout! Factory / Released 8/6/13

Join Twilight Sparkle and her new Canterlot high friends in this brand new animated feature! When her crown is stolen from the Crystal Empire, Twilight Sparkle pursues the thief into an alternate world where she finds herself turned into… a teenage girl! To regain her crown and return to Equestria, Twilight must learn how to fit into this strange new world and defeat Sunset Shimmer in a competition to becomes crowned Princess of the Fall Formal at Canterlot High. Luckily, she’ll have the assistance of Spike and five teenage girls who remind her of a certain group of ponies back home.  Extras include featurettes, karaoke songs, and printable poster.

Last Word: I’m certainly not the audience for this (no Bronie street cred I’m afraid), and the plot is more than a little bizarre (the ponies find themselves in an alternate dimension where they are anthropomorphic teenage girls), but it’s certainly watchable animated fluff.  There are lots of what I imagine are “in jokes” and Easter Eggs, but more than anything else, it’s a movie for kids with some solid morals and some overall positive messages thrown in as well.

As well as many opportunities for new, tie-in merchandise.

Tom And Jerry’s Giant Adventure

Warner Home Video / Released 8/6/13

In this all-new original movie, Tom and Jerry are among the last animals living in Storybook Town, a fairy tale-inspired theme park – “where dreams come true, if you believe.” Young Jack is desperate to save the park from the hands of a greedy billionaire, setting out with his loyal cat and mouse friends to sell his prize cow for… some magic beans?! What follows is a journey up a beanstalk to a magical land ruled by a massively mean and hungry giant, and home to fun, fabled fellows like Droopy, Spike and even a golden goose! Will Tom and Jerry put an end to their furry feud long enough to save Storybook Town? You don’t need to wish upon a star. Join Tom and Jerry on their amazing adventure and find out!

Last Word: An oddball concept to say the least with Tom and Jerry taking supporting roles opposite other MGM animated characters (including Droopy Dog, Barney Bear, Tuffy the Mouse, Screwy Squirrel, Spike and Tyke) in a retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk.  The animation is pretty to look at, but there’s not much else memorable, especially as it doesn’t put the famous cat and mouse in their classic roles as enemies.  Other characters appearing include storybook icons Peter Pumpkin Eater, Humpty Dumpty, the Three Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood, and Little Bo Peep.  Tom And Jerry’s Giant Adventure will likely appeal best to younger audiences more familiar with the fairy tales than with the animated icons.

Cavalcade

20th Century Fox/ Released 8/6/13

This Best Picture Academy Award Winner based on Noel Coward’s classic play arrives on Blu-ray for the first time. A British family’s triumphs and tragedies unfold across the decades of the early twentieth century. From World War I to the sinking of the Titanic, this sweeping saga captures the cavalcade of life like no film before.  Includes Movie Tone News and commentary.

The Sword in the Stone (50th Anniversary Edition)

Walt Disney Home Video / Released 8/6/13

Disney proudly presents the 50th anniversary edition of a spellbinding and beloved animated classic.  Take an amazing journey with a young orphan named “Wart” and the extraordinary wizard Merlin. According to legend, only someone with the purest character and inner strength can pull the enchanted sword from the stone and claim the throne of England. Armed with newfound confidence and the power of friendship, Wart discovers his destiny and learns the best magic is the kind you find inside yourself!  Extras include alernate opening, featurettes, sing along and two bonus shorts.

Last Word:  Despite having all of the touchstones of an animated classic, this loose adaptation of T.H. White’s The Once and Future King, has it’s moments, but is definitely a lesser addition to the infamous Disney Vault.  Like The Black Cauldron, Disney hasn’t always excelled at boy’s adventure films with a human lead (though years later they knocked it out of the park with Atlantis), and although The Sword in The Stone isn’t bad by any means, it’s just not particularly engaging or memorable.  In addition to the lackluster content, the film suffers from both misframing and a truly distracting digital restoration that has left the image blurry, flat with far too much ghosting that should be deemed unacceptable.  For Disneyphiles or animation fans it’s a likely must have; for those curious, rent it before purchasing it or wait until a significant price drop.

Oblivion

Universal / Released 8/6/13

On a spectacular future Earth that has evolved beyond recognition, one man’s confrontation with the past will lead him on a journey of redemption and discovery as he battles to save mankind. 2077: Jack Harper (Tom Cruise) serves as a security repairmen stationed on an evacuated Earth. Part of a massive operation to extract vital resources after decades of war with a terrifying alien threat who still scavenges what’s left of our planet, Jack’s mission is almost complete. In a matter of two weeks, he will join the remaining survivors on a lunar colony far from the war-torn world he has long called home. Living in and patrolling the breathtaking skies from thousands of feet above, Jack’s soaring existence is brought crashing down after he rescues a beautiful stranger from a downed spacecraft. Drawn to Jack through a connection that transcends logic, her arrival triggers a chain of events that forces him to question everything he thought he knew. With a reality that is shattered as he discovers shocking truths that connect him to Earth of the past, Jack will be pushed to a heroism he didn’t know he contained within. The fate of humanity now rests solely in the hands of a man who believed our world was soon to be lost forever.  Extras include deleted scenes, featurettes and commentary.

Oliver & Company: 25th Anniversary Edition

Walt Disney Home Video / Released 8/6/13

Strike Back: The Complete Second Season

HBO Studios / Released 8/6/13

Diplomacy is overrated.  Strike Back – the high-octane, globe-spanning Cinemax Original Series returns for a second season. An unlikely alliance between two crack special agents – one an American renegade, the other an elite British spy – fuels a new season of breakneck action and heart-pounding suspense. This season Michael Stonebridge (Philip Winchester), Damien Scott (Sullivan Stapleton), and new boss Rachel Dalton (Rhona Mitra) scour Africa in pursuit of a fresh convey of criminals, each vying for possession of valuable nuclear triggers that could launch Armageddon if they fall in the wrong hands.  Extras include commentaries and Banshee television pilot.

Last Word: One of television’s most intense series, Strike Back is a gem that deserves a larger audience.  Reminiscent of a better made addition to the Andy Sidaris oeuvre, Strike Back features guns, girls, beautiful scenery, tough guys, and the free world at stake.  The cinematography is phenomenal and the intensity palpable.  Strike Back isn’t interested in mythology or world building, it’s just hardcore action and is tremendously entertaining.

Ishtar

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment / Released 8/6/13

Rogers and Clarke (Warren Beatty and Dustin Hoffman) are two inept songwriters, down on their luck and desperate for money. Taking the advice of their shifty agent, the duo are whisked off on a tour of the mystical republic of Ishtar. On their arrival, our heroes are separately recruited into spying on opposing sides of a planned revolution, while simultaneously vying for the attention of a gorgeous female freedom fighter (Isabelle Adjani). But Clarke and Rogers make worse spies then they do songwriters, and soon they’re left stranded in the desert with only a blind camel and several CIA assassins for company.

Last Word: A love letter to the Road pictures of Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, the much misaligned Ishtar is actually a very entertaining comedy.  The chemistry between stars Dustin Hoffman and Warren Beatty is phenomenal and extremely entertaining   The cast overall is fantastic with good performances by  Isabelle Adjani, Charles Grodin, Jack Weston, Tess Harper and Carol Kane.  Ishtar is far from from a perfect film, but it’s certainly not the abomination that it’s reputation would suggest.  Regardless, I’m just happy to finally see it on disc.  It certainly isn’t everyone’s taste, but I’m a fan.  Recommended.

Community: The Complete Fourth Season

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment / Released 8/6/13

Entering their epic senior year at Greendale Community College, these people aren’t just a study group, they’re family! They’ll have to be, if they hope to survive a comedy-crammed year with everything from an alienating sci-fi convention, a German re-invasion and a Thanksgiving dinner from hell, to a hostage taking Christmas, a life-changing father/son reunion and even an epic transformation into puppets! In its wildly inventive fourth season, this phenomenal comedy hits an incredibly hilarious, new level! Prepare to “Pop! Pop!” with laughter.  Extras include commentaries, outtakes, deleted and extended scenes and featurettes.

Last Word: After the departure of creator Dan Harmon, much of the fourth season of Community was the show regaining it’s footing.  It felt like the showrunners were doing their best Harmon impression, but it lacked the soul and heart that was at the center of the series prior.  With an abbreviated half season, the series struggled to figure out it’s direction.  But it did.  Don’t get me wrong.  Season four never regained the magic of Harmon’s creativity, but by the time it ended, there were several episodes that were pretty good (In case you’re wondering: I enjoyed the last few episodes, and Jim Rash delivers a truly amazing performance as Joel McHale’s Jeff Winger in Basic Human Anatomy.)   Community: The Complete Fourth Season certainly isn’t revolutionary or brilliant as the previous seasons, but it certainly is solid, and occasionally inspired compared to other sitcoms.

On the Road

MPI Home Video / Released 8/6/13

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Walter Salles (Central Station, The Motorcycle Diaries) and based on the iconic novel by Jack Kerouac, On The Road tells the timeless story of Sal Paradise (Sam Riley, Control), a young writer whose life is shaken and ultimately redefined by the arrival of Dean Moriarty (Garrett Hedlund), a free-spirited, fearless, fast-talking Westerner and his girl, Marylou (Kristen Stewart). Traveling cross-country, Sal and Dean venture out on a personal quest for freedom from the conformity and conservatism engulfing them in search of the unknown, themselves, and the pursuit of “it” – the pure essence of experience. Seeking uncharted terrain and the last American frontier, the duo encounters an eclectic mix of men and women who each indelibly impact their journey toward self-discovery. Featuring an all-star cast that includes Viggo Mortensen, Kirsten Dunst, Tom Sturridge, Academy Award Nominee Amy Adams, Alice Braga, and Elisabeth Moss, On The Road is a landmark odyssey from America’s legendary Beat writer brought to vivid life by one of the most talented filmmakers of modern times. Extras include deleted scenes and trailer.

Last Word:  I’ve never connected with the work of the various Beat writers and tried several times (unsuccessfully) to read the book when I was a teenager.  Now, more than a few decades later, I watched On The Road and walked away with the same feelings; I just don’t care.  It’s a beautiful looking film.  Both the directing and cinematography are top notch, but the film’s very execution might be explanation enough why it had yet to be adapted.  What might be appealing in one medium doesn’t necessarily indicate a clear adaptation.  Uneven performances and an overall dullness permeate every moment; event the sex scenes.  After decades in development, On The Road just doesn’t work.

Swamp Thing

Shout! Factory / Released 8/6/13

Swamp Thing is the perfect blend of thrills, chills, and amazing special effects from master of horror Wes Craven.  Deep in the Florida everglades, a brilliant scientist, Dr. Alec Holland (Ray Wise), and a sexy government agent, Alice Cable (Adrienne Barbeau), have developed a secret formula that could end world hunger. Little do they know, however, that their arch nemesis, Arcane (Louis Jourdan, is plotting to steal the serum for his own selfish schemes. Looting the lab and kidnapping cable, Arcane douses Holland with the chemicals and leaves him for dead. Mutated by his own formula, Holland becomes “Swamp Thing” – a half-human/half-plant superhero who will stop at nothing to rescue cable and defeat Arcane…even if it costs him his life!  Extras include interviews, commentaries, trailer and photo galleries.

Last Word: Wes Craven does an admirable job capturing Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson’s bog-infused Beauty and the Beast with this fun, campy movie that’s got everything a twelve year old boy wants in a movie: monsters, a mad scientist, mercenaries and a busty woman wearing a wet shirt for most of the film.  Fortunately, my tastes haven’t evolved much since then and revisiting Swamp Thing after three decades I was pleasantly surprised that it was more entertaining than I remembered it.  Unlike it’s sequel or television series, this film featured both a solid lead cast with Louis Jourdan (the only one to reappear in the sequel), Adrienne Barbeau and Ray Wise and offers an interesting combination of horror with a light touch which ultimately makes the film a love letter to it’s comic book roots.  Highly recommended.

5 Souls

Inception Media Group / Released 8/6/13

When a disgraced architect awakens from a coma, he is confronted by an agent of evil with a proposition; kill five people to reconcile his life’s misdeeds and live, or decline the offer and die. As he proceeds with his grim assignment and begins collecting the fifth and final soul, he learns that his pact may have eternally horrifying consequences…

My Amityville Horror

MPI Home Video / Released 8/6/13

For the first time in 35 years, child eyewitness Daniel Lutz recounts his version of the infamous Amityville haunting that terrified his family in 1975. His parents’ story of their 28 days in the allegedly possessed house on Ocean Avenue went on to inspire a best-selling novel and subsequent film series that have both captivated and frustrated the public since their release. My Amityville Horror is a gripping documentary that details the struggle behind growing up as part of a world famous haunting and shows that while Daniel’s facts may be other’s fiction, the psychological scars he carries are all too real. Extras include featurette, commentary and trailer.

Last Word: The documentary unravels some of these more bizarre tidbits here and there, but the real fun is in the recounting of the events that drove out the Lutz’s from their home only 28 days after moving in. There are plenty of interviews with witnesses from the time of the story, ranging from news investigator Marvin Scott to paranormal researchers Laura DiDio and Lorraine Warren. They expand the usual insight into the hauntings themselves, but the real fun comes from the psychologists hired by the filmmakers to dig deeper. Daniel is subjected to let his guard down throughout numerous therapy sessions caught on camera and audio recordings. None of them are pretty. Often agitated and quick to defend his story, he’s a prime candidate for advanced level anger management. Does any of this start to paint a slightly more suspicious element to the most famous haunted house story of our time? The filmmakers seem to want you to think so. By not sticking to just the point of view of the film’s subject, the documentary succeeds in balancing a little “fact or fiction” detective work for the audience to varying success. Personally, I found some of the first hand accounts, not to mention arguments for their validity, as chilling as anything depicted in the original film and book of the same name. Sure, there there moments of dramatic license, because Daniel is a very intense person to tell the tale. But, one can’t deny the man is, to this day, haunted by something that changed his life forever, and this makes for one hell of an entertaining documentary. (– Todd Sokolove)

To the Wonder

Magnolia Home Entertainment / Released 8/6/13

Written and directed by Terrence Malick, To The Wonder is a romantic drama about men and women grappling with love and its many phases and seasons – passion, sympathy, obligation, sorrow and indecision – and the way these forces merge together and drift apart, transforming, destroying and reinventing the lives they touch. Starring Ben Affleck, Olga Kurylenko, Rachel McAdams and Javier Bardem, this deeply moving visual film intermingles love, nature and spirit. “All things work together for the good.” Extras include making of, featurettes and trailer.

Last Word: To the Wonder is an amalgam of moments, of feelings, of streams of consciousness. Dialogue is scarce if nonexistent. The film gives us glimpses of love, the joy of feeling completely ravished, infatuated, romantic, and supported, while also consumed, confused, tortured, controlled, and lost within it. Olga Kurylenko drives home these raw feelings with her gorgeous smile and large eyes, while Ben Affleck is stoic and mute. Contrasting the intense passion of Kurylenko is Rachel McAdams whose naiveté and charm are endearing while heartbreaking. Alongside these intertwined lovers is a priest, played solemnly by Javier Bardem, who inspires sympathy in his struggles with his faith. To The Wonder is about actual love. Love manifesting from passion, history, environment. Abandoning love when it hardens and reveals only pain. Sickening love that creates burning and insanity and somehow evolves into hate. It’s passionate, it’s complicated, and it’s hard to depict. But it is actually what the film is about rather than a formulaic romantic love story.

Terrence Malick uses his trademark swarming, ever zooming camera movements and cropped shots to emphasize the dreamlike quality of his subjects. The audience is not supposed to be a coolly analytical voyeur. Viewers are immersed in the emotions, in the minds, the heartache and the passion of the characters. The beautifully soft and heartfelt voiceovers hypnotically pull you closer to their thoughts. Malick gives us questions about faith, fidelity and the swift ache or elation that our dedication to love can produce. ( – Caitlyn Thompson)

Political Animals: The Complete Series

Warner Home Video / Released 8/6/13

Politicians are a breed of their own, striving to serve their country while their personal dramas play out under the media spotlight’s glare. Golden Globe award winner Sigourney Weaver stars as Elaine Barrish Hammond, a former first lady and current Secretary of State, who struggles to keep her family together as she deflects probing questions from prize-winning journalist Susan Berg (Carla Gugino). While resolving international crises alongside manipulative colleagues and strategizing her own Oval Office bid, Elaine must also cope with her brilliant ex-husband’s philandering exploits and her twin sons’ struggles with drugs and guilt. Watch this captivating First Family weather the all-too-real dynamics of political and personal life with grit, intelligence, and vulnerable honesty in all 6 provocative episodes of Political Animals: The Complete Series.  Extras include unaired scenes.

Last Word: A thinly veiled metaphor for the Clinton family, Political Animals has a healthy dose of tongue in cheek soap operatic execution.  Not as addictive or intense as House of Cards, Political Animals is a bit like The Good Wife meets The West Wing.  Unfortunately it takes a few episodes to get going and then ends far too soon.  Without a second season on the horizon, it’s hard not to be a little cautious to get involved, but it’s the perfect length to binge on a rainy weekend afternoon.

The Thick of It: Seasons 1-4

BBC Home Entertainment / Released 8/6/13

The Thick of It smashes its way through the corridors of power in a bulldozer of amusing slip-ups and sharp satire. This brilliant and hilarious series chronicles the blunders of the fictitious Department of Social Affairs and Citizenship, a government department barely registering on the national radar. In this Ministry, every announcement is followed by a whirlwind of u-turns, every policy is a scramble and every mishap is met with abuse from the Prime Minister’s policy enforcer. Garlanded with rave reviews and packed with awards, this irreverent, brilliant, and painfully funny series is justly seen as a jewel in the BBC’s crown.

Paradise: Love

Strand Releasing / Released 8/6/13

Teresa, a 50-year-old woman, travels to the beaches of Kenya as a sex tourist or “Sugar Mama”. There, she moves from one Beach Boy to the next, buying their love only to be disappointed and quickly learning that there, love is strictly a business. With his very unique brand of realism, socio-political critique and warped humor, Mr. Seidl deals with the market value of sexuality, older women and young men, the power of skin color, Europe and Africa, and the exploited, who have no choice but to exploit others.  Extras include trailers and photo gallery.

West of Memphis

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment / Released 8/6/13

From Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Amy Berg (2006, Best Documentary Feature, Deliver Us From Evil) in collaboration with the multiple Academy Award-winning team of Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh (2003, Best Picture & Best Adapted Screenplay, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King), West Of Memphis tells the untold story behind an extraordinary and desperate fight to stop the State of Arkansas from killing an innocent man. Told and produced by those who lived it, Damien Echols and Lorri Davis, the film uncovers new evidence surrounding the 1993 murders of three eight-year-old boys in the small town of West Memphis, Arkansas, and exposes the wrongful conviction of three teenagers who lost 18 years of their lives imprisoned for crimes they did not commit.  Extras include commentary, re-creations and deleted scenes.

Last Word:  Despite the case having been explored previously in the Paradise Lost documentary trilogy, West of Memphis is a worthwhile examination of crime and the sometimes more heinous Justice System of the United States.  With little in terms of revelation, West of Memphis does a good job of summarizing the details and does provide a bit of a conclusion.  More distracting are the celebrity appearances that adds a strange connotation that their efforts in the continuing examination of evidence has led them to entitlement of sharing the spotlight.  It’s extremely well done, and the film focuses not only on exonerating Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley, but also on the evidence that paints Terry Hobbs (stepfather of one of the murdered boys) as the killer.  Recommended.

A Boy And His Dog

Shout! Factory / Released 8/6/13

Originally based on a short story from science fiction writer Harlan Ellison, A Boy and His Dog is an epic tale of a boy, Vic (Don Johnson), and his telepathic dog, Blood, as they trudge through a post-apocalyptic world. The pair travels together on a search for food and other pleasures that leads them to an underground society where life has been preserved! While Vic finds that he has escaped the devastation of the war, he ends up finding something even more odd!  Extras include commentary, featurettes and trailers.

Last Word: Don Johnson a decade before Miami Vice and Tiger from the Brady Bunch team up in this bizarre, but highly entertaining film that was a staple in Seventies syndication.  It’s a strange film to say the least (Jason Robards appears in clown makeup, a rarity for most post-apocalyptic films), and the friendship between Vic and Blood (Blood is clearly the smarter one) is reminiscent at times of Bullwinkle‘s Sherman and Mr. Peabody.  Sharp and clever, A Boy and His Dog is smart science fiction that lives up to it’s cult status and once again, another tremendous release from Shout! Factory.  Recommended.

Aftershock

Anchor Bay / Released 8/6/13

Chile has it all: gorgeous landscapes, smokin’ hot babes, cool dudes, and the wildest parties. For an American tourist, nicknamed Gringo (Eli Roth) by his two Chilean pals Ariel (Ariel Levy) and Pollo (Nicolas Martinez), the trip has been heaven on Earth – except that he just can’t hook up with the ladies. Gringo’s luck seems to change when the group meets a trio of babes: Russian model Irina (Natasha Yarovenko), non-stop party girl Kylie (Lorenza Izzo) and her serious sister Monica (Andrea Osvart). A night at the hottest local dance club turns into a night of terror and panic when a violent earthquake brings down paradise. Our unlucky heroes must run for their lives from looters, escaped convicts, and the inevitable aftershocks.  Extras include commentary and featurettes.

Last Word: A brutal, gory disaster/horror hybrid that systematically kills one cast member after another in shocking, horrible ways.  The violence is unforgiving, the characters forgettable, but without a doubt producer Roth and director López have creates a post modern Irwin Allen thriller that shocks, thrills and entertains.  Recommended.

Fridays: The Best Of

Shout Factory! / Released 8/6/13

For the first time ever on DVD, ABC’s cult hit Fridays is here! Originally airing from 1980 to 1982, these sixteen episodes showcase the edgy and subversive sketch comedy that helped launch the careers of Larry David, Michael Richards, Melanie Chartoff, and more. Also featuring Mark Blankfield, Maryedith Burrell, Darrow Igus, Brandis Kemp, Bruce Mahler, and John Roarke, Fridays presented a hilariously twisted view of the early ’80s to adventurous viewers on a weekly basis. Their outrageous characters – from the paranoid Drugs R Us Pharmacist to the rabbinical action heroes of Matzoi! to the laid-back Nat E. Dred, “The Rasta Gourmet” – left audiences laughing long into the wee hours of the night.  With vintage musical performances (including Devo, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, The Cars, The Clash, Dire Straits, Pat Benatar, Kiss and more) as well as the show’s infamous guest appearances by the legendary Andy Kaufman, Fridays proved that late-night live comedy wasn’t just for Saturday night. Extras include Cast And Writers Reunion, Behind The Scenes Photos and The Andy Kaufman Incident – What Really Happened? featurette.

Last Word:  When the legend becomes fact, print the legend.  When a television show becomes legend, release it on DVD cautiously.  Fridays became a legend in no small part from cast members Larry David and Michael Richards, the musical guests and the infamous appearance of Andy Kaufman who broke character during a sketch which led to a fistfight on live television.  Unfortunately the series itself doesn’t live up to it’s reputation.  The comedy, far more experimental and meta than Saturday Night Live, and looking at it decades later is pretty bold for the time, especially as much of it doesn’t generate laughs.  The entire contents of this “Best of” collection certainly is a bit more performance art than found in the “Not Ready For Prime Time Players” (including of course the Kaufman appearance).  One of the truly remarkable features of the set are the music performances including The Cars, KISS, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Devo, Pat Benetar, Dire Straits,The Clash, The Stray Cats. and The Busboys.  A curiosity for fans of Kaufman or meta comedy, a must see for fans of the musicians included and worth a rental for people curious enough to see Larry David play Han Solo in a Star Wars sketch.

King of the Streets

Well Go USA / Released 8/6/13

Only the strong survive. Yue Feng (Yue Song) is a young thug with exceptional streetfighting abilities. He will stop at nothing to defeat all challengers – until, in an tragic accident, he kills a fellow competitor and is sent to prison. Eight years later, Yue Feng emerges a changed man. He no longer fights, and is looking for a new life of peace and fulfillment. But it’s brutal on the streets, and redemption doesn’t come easy. His brotherhood is destroyed, family members murdered, and a loved one humiliated – a deadly chain reaction that leaves him no choice but to unleash his power in the name of justice.

Antiviral

MPI Home Video / Released 8/6/13

Inject some celebrity into your life. Celebrity obsession has reached an all-time high, with the public now clamoring to be infected with the same diseases their idols carry. At the Lucas Clinic, Syd March sells injections of live viruses to those fans who can afford it. But Syd also has a black market trade in illness, selling viruses smuggled in his own body to piracy groups. After super sensation Hannah Geist reveals a new disease she carries.  Antiviral is a masterpiece of biological horror and a searing indictment of celebrity culture run amok.  Extras include commentary and making of documentary.

Last Word:  Much like his father, director David Cronenberg, Brandon Cronenberg’s debut feature is an amalgam of disturbing images and ideas.  Caleb Jones stars as Syd March and is somewhat miscast (he seems far too young for the role, although the character is tremendously underwritten).  The combination of celebrity worship culture and biological MacGuffins, winds up providing not much more than a film that is full of ideas, but ultimately makes little sense (for instance, celebrity-cell created “meat” that’s a much desired delicacy).  Ultimately, the film suffers from just being stagnant and dull, overwhelmed by it’s own pretentiousness and weirdness.  A mild recommendation for fans of the elder Cronenberg, otherwise watch at your own risk.

Olympus Has Fallen

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment / Released 8/13/13

When the White House (Secret Service Code: “Olympus”) is captured and the President (Aaron Eckhart) is kidnapped by a terrorist mastermind, disgraced former Presidential guard, Mike Banning (Gerard Butler), moves to action. As the national security team scrambles to respond, the secret service ground team is wiped out and it’s up to Banning to retake the White House, save the President and avert an even bigger crisis. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and also starring Morgan Freeman, Angela Bassett, Melissa Leo, Ashley Judd and Rick Yune.  Extras include featurettes and bloopers.

Last Word: Tremendously silly and entertaining action film that features well choreographed carnage with solid, albeit dry performances from Aaron Eckhart and Gerard Butler.  Anton Fuqua destroys the capital with some B level CGI (compared to Roland Emmerich’s A-level CGI in White House Down), but takes himself a littler too seriously, especially as the film’s plot, betrayals and twists get more and more over the top.  Nevertheless, I had a blast watching the film and it’s an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a well crafted and fun evening of entertainment.  Recommended.

Once Upon A Time: The Complete Second Season

ABC Studios / Released 8/13/13

The curse is broken, magic has arrived, and there’s no telling what – or who – will be unleashed! Now the exiled fairytale characters must grapple with a flood of awakened memories as they come to grips with their new “reality.” Old loyalties will be tested, new heroes will emerge and vengeful villains will wreak havoc – including ruthless pirate Captain Hook and the relentlessly wicked Cora. Amidst the backdrop of previously unexplored lands and a newly magical Storybrooke, love and sacrifice will set the stage for the ultimate battle between good and evil. For, in the words of Rumplestiltskin, where magic is concerned, only one thing is certain: it always comes at a price. From Storybrooke to Fairy Tale Land and beyond, experience the mystery, romance, action and adventure of Once Upon A Time‘s remarkable second season. Complete with all 22 unforgettable episodes, plus exclusive bonus features, this must-own 5-disc boxed set is pure enchantment on an epic scale.  Extras include Good Morning Storybrooke: Wake Up With Storybrooke’s Favorite Morning Show, Sincerely, Hook: Swoon Over The Dashing Killian Jones; AKA Captain Hook, Girl Power: A High Impact Look At The Series’ Women, Bloopers, Audio Commentaries, Deleted Scenes, Fractured Family Tree, Narrated By Sarah Hyland Of ABC’s Modern Family: Go Deep Into The roots Of The Show’s Twisted Fairy-Tale Family and Audio Commentary: The Miller’s Daughter.

Southland: The Complete Fifth & Final Season

Warner Home Video / Released 8/13/13

A tourist flattened by a Hollywood tour bus. Rival gangs at a drug dealer’s funeral. Victims cooked by their killer. Welcome to sunny Los Angeles, where LAPD beat cops and detectives work 24/7 doing jobs that require an arsenal of razor-sharp instincts and quicksilver reflexes. The fallout seeps into the personal lives of the flawed but dedicated officers, who must also cope with new motherhood, a penchant for painkillers, domestic drama and corruption’s temptation. But even heroes need heroes, and when two cops are kidnapped, the entire department scrambles to save their own in an explosive series finale. This 2-Disc set contains all 10 provocative, action-packed episodes of The Complete Fifth and Final Season of the highly acclaimed, brutally authentic Southland.

Last Word: One of the best police procedural series in the history of television, Southland‘s explosive final season does the rare feat of ending exactly where it should.  With a strong ensemble (which has evolved throughout it’s run), the final season puts it’s core cast;  Michael Cudlitz, Shawn Hatosy, Regina King, Ben McKenzie and C. Thomas Howell through the physical and emotional ringer, eventually revealing that Cudlitz’s Officer John Cooper was truly the moral center of the series.  Southland never glorified police work or crime, but rather showed how both things affected the lives of these characters.  A must see and like, the four seasons prior, deserving of my highest recommendation.

Hatchet III: Unrated Director’s Cut

Dark Sky Films / Released 8/13/13

In the epic third installment of Adam Green’s modern slasher franchise, the vengeful Marybeth (Danielle Harris) teams up with the local policeman (Zach Galligan) and his ex-wife (Caroline Williams) to uncover the secret to killing the seemingly invincible maniac Victor Crowley (Kane Hodder) once and for all. While the trio races to find a way to stop the monster’s murderous rampage, a heavily-armed team of mercenaries takes to the bayou surrounding Crowley’s home and goes head-to-severed head with the lunatic in an all-out bloodbath that raises both the bar and the body count of the previous two Hatchet films put together. Featuring a cast of beloved horror icons and jaw-dropping stunts and gore effects, Hatchet III is an action-packed and explosive conclusion to the blood-soaked saga of Louisiana’s most fearsome killer.  Extras include trailers, featurettes and two commentaries.

Last Word: Writing and producing the third installment of his Hatchet trilogy, Adam Green manages to revive a bit of the fun missing from the second installment.  One of the film’s true assets is it’s cast which includes returning Kane Hodder, Danielle Harris, Rileah Vanderbilt, Cody Blue Snider and Parry Shen, but also new additions Zach Galligan, Derek Mears, Caroline Williams, and Sid Haig.  Hatchet III isn’t particularly scary, but it is entertaining, and Green once again breathes life into the genre.

Doctor Who: Spearhead from Space (Story 51) Blu-ray Edition

BBC Home Entertainment / Released 8/13/13

Exile! The Time Lords have banished the newly regenerated Doctor to Earth.  But the Doctor isn’t the only alien to have arrived, as a swarm of meteorites have crashed into the sleepy English countryside, bringing with them a terrible new threat to mankind.  As the Nestene plan takes shape, Unit, the Doctor and his newly appointed scientific advisor, Liz Shaw, race against time to stop humanity being replaced by a terrifying plastic facsimile race.  Extras include: Restoration Comparison: Digitally Remastered Picture and Sound Quality, A Dandy and a Clown, Carry On: The Life of Caroline John  and Title Sequence Material.

The Hot Spot / Killing Me Softly

Shout Factory / Released 8/13/13

The Hot Spot: Experience film noir like never before when a lowlife drifter (Don Johnson), who sells used cars in a Texas burg, robs the local bank and gets involved with two sultry women: one bad, one innocent. Based on Charles Williams’ 1952 novel Hell Hath No Fury and directed by Dennis Hopper, this steamy noir also stars Barry Corbin, Charles Martin Smith, Jack Nance, Jennifer Connelly, Jerry Hardin, Leon Rippy, Virginia Madsen and William Sadler.

Killing Me Softly:  From the very moment that Alice (Heather Graham) locks eyes with Adam (Joseph Fiennes), a mysterious stranger, she is catapulted into a whirlwind of intense erotic desire and adventure, risking everything just to be with him. But when secrets from Adam’s past begin to surface, Alice finds herself in a bizarre and potentially lethal situation she can’t escape. Acclaimed director Kaige Chen directs this contemporary suspense thriller, now on blu-ray for the first time UNRATED and UNCUT.

Last Word:  Nudity and noir are abundant in this double feature pairing that seems to have little else in common.  Both films aren’t particularly good, although The Hot Spot fairs better with a solid cast, a fantastic performance by Virginia Madsen and a wonderfully voyeuristic and memorable moment of Jennifer Connelly sunbathing nude.  

Doctor Who: The Green Death Special Edition

BBC Home Entertainment / Released 8/13/13

UNIT is called in after a miner from the Welsh village of Llanfairfach is found dead, his skin glowing bright green. Jo joins forces with a local environmental group, led by Professor Clifford Jones, while the Doctor investigates the nearby plant of a company called Global Chemicals.  They discover that the mine workings are full of giant maggots and green slime – both lethal to touch – that have been produced by chemical waste pumped from the Global plant.  Stevens, the director of Global, has been taken over by the BOSS – Bimorphic Organisational Systems Supervisor – a computer with a will of its own.  The BOSS plans to seize power by linking itself to every other major computer in the world, but the Doctor uses a blue crystal – a souvenir from a brief visit to the planet Metebelis 3 – to break its hold over Stevens, who then programs it to self-destruct.  The maggots, on the point of pupating into giant insects, are destroyed with a type of fungus. Jo falls in love with Professor Jones and decides to leave UNIT in order to accompany him on an expedition up the Amazon – and to marry him. The Doctor gives her the blue crystal as an early wedding present.

The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec

Shout! Factory / Released 8/13/13

From revered filmmaker Luc Besson comes the extravagant and wildly vivid adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec, the coolest author and adventurist in all of Paris. The year is 1912. A 136 million-year old pterodactyl egg, housed on a shelf in the Natural History Museum, has mysteriously hatched, unleashing a prehistoric monster onto the Parisian streets. But nothing fazes Adele, when she finds a connection with the ancient bird and reveals many more extraordinary surprises. Based on the acclaimed historical fantasy books by Jacques Tardi, The Extraordinary Adventures Of Adele Blanc-Sec follows this intrepid adventurer as she uncovers mysterious Egyptian treasures, attempts to tame a wild pterodactyl, eludes dangerous enemies and braves a formidable phenomenon to save her ailing sister. Extras include making of, interviews, deleted scenes, and featurette.

Last Word:  Visually stunning, The Extraordinary Adventures Of Adele Blanc-Sec never received a wide domestic release which is a shame because it’s terrific fun for all ages.  Director Luc Besson truly captures the spirit of the material and the result is a charming and exciting adventure film that deserves to find a wider audience.  With top notch special effects, first rate production design and a true discovery with the wonderful lead, Louise Bourgoin. the film captures the spirit and energy missing from most “event pictures.”  Highly recommended.

 
The Guillotines

Well Go USA / Released 8/13/13

During the Manchurian-ruled Qing Dynasty, Emperor Yong Zheng established a secret assassination squad known as the Guillotines to eliminate all who opposed him. Once heavily favored by the Emperor, the Guillotines are deemed expendable once Emperor Qian Long ascends to the throne and adopts Western ideas and technology. To consolidate his power under a new regime, the Emperor continues to use the Guillotines to persecute the conquered Han Chinese in a reign of terror and oppression. Led by master fighter Leng, the top ranked guillotine squad consists of five young warriors: Mu, San, Tai, Hutu, Buka. Serving the Qing Court unquestioningly, they have never failed in 348 missions to eliminate their targets. But their success has made them arrogant and complacent. Their next mission is to eliminate Wolf and his Shepherd gang. During the operation, the squad manages to trap Wolf. Just as they are about to execute him, the squad commander orders that he be captured alive. He secretly plans to use Wolf as a pawn in his bid for power. Wolf s gang of rebels ambushes the Guillotines in their moment of hesitation. Wolf escapes, taking Mu hostage. With reports that Wolf has fled to the outer frontiers, the squad tracks him to a remote village outpost. On the other hand, the Emperor has sent his most trusted agent Du for the same mission and most importantly, to end the era of the Guillotines by replacing cold weapons with firearms. If only they make one false move, they will become the hunted. Facing annihilation, Leng and his Guillotines must outfight and outwit enemies from both sides. Extras include making of, interviews and trailer.

The Amazing World of Gumball 3: The Party

Cartoon Network / Released 8/13/13

Cartoon Network is releasing the third and final DVD installment from season 1 of the award-winning show, The Amazing World of Gumball. In the feature episode, the pressure is on as Gumball and his best friend, Darwin, set out to find dates to an upcoming high school party! Will Gumball be too shy to ask his long-time crush, Penny? Leave it to Gumball and Darwin to turn this party into a night no one will forget. The DVD includes 12 laugh-out-loud episodes from season 1 and a character gallery. Featured Episodes: The Party, The Debt, The Painting, The Kiss, The Goons, The Secret, The Poltergeist, The Date, The Fight, The Ghost, The Prank, and The Robot.

The Damned

Cohen Media Group / Released 8/13/13

Oslo, April 19th 1945, as the Third Reich is living its last day, a group of Nazis and sympathizers (a Wehrmacht general, an SS leader and his “assistant”, an Italian industrialist and his wife who is also the general’s lover, a French collaborator) board a submarine that will take them to South America, where they hope to find shelter. While they sail off the shores of liberated Royan they manage to kidnap a French doctor to have him look after a wounded passenger. Dr Guilbert will be forced to share the restricted space of the submarine with the fugitives. The atmosphere soon becomes unbreathable and the stage is set for scheming, intrigue and mutiny. A claustrophobic and gritty post-war rediscovered gem from director René Clément. Extras include a bonus documentary and feature length audio commentary/conversation between French and German film scholars.

Last Word: Interesting, albeit a bit pretentious, I had a hard time getting into this film. There is little characterization and despite the claustrophobia of the the submarine setting, it never really builds to the level of expected intensity. Beautifully shot with solid performances, The Damned is a must see for cinephiles and fans of World War II noir.

Reality

Oscillioscope / Released 8/13/13

From acclaimed director Matteo Garrone, Reality is a darkly comic look at Luciano, a charming and affable fishmonger whose unexpected and sudden obsession with being a contestant on the reality show “Big Brother” leads him down a rabbit hole of skewed perceptions and paranoia. So overcome by his dream of being on reality TV, Luciano’s own reality begins to spiral out of control, making for one of the most compelling tragicomic character studies since Scorsese’s The King of Comedy. Extras include deleted scenes, new interview with director Matteo Garrone, featurettes, and trailer.

A Werewolf Boy

CJ Entertainment / Released 8/13/13

An unexpected phone call summons an elderly woman, who has lost interest in life, back to Korea and the remote cottage in the countryside where she spent a tumultuous time in her youth. Memories overwhelm Suni of a feral and mute orphan who the family took in … only to discover that he was a creature never meant to exist. But damaged by life s struggles herself, the beautiful, young Suni is patiently determined to tame the wolf boy and teach him to live among people. In return, he repays her uncommon kindness with unparalleled devotion. When a threat to Suni brings out the boy s bestial instinct, he abruptly becomes the target of the villagers fears. To safe his life, Suni must abandon him, but promises that she will return … Is it possible that he continues to wait for her?

What Maisie Knew

Millennium Entertainment / Released 8/13/13

A contemporary reimagining of Henry James’ novel, What Maisie Knew tells the story of a captivating little girl’s struggle for grace in the midst of herparents’ bitter custody battle. Told through the eyes of the title’s heroine, Maisie navigates this ever-widening turmoil with a six-year-old’s innocence, charm and generosity of spirit. An aging rock star (Julianne Moore) and a contemporary art dealer (Steve Coogan)—Susanna and Beale are too self-involved even to notice their neglect and inadequacy as parents; their fight for Maisie is just another battle in an epic war of personalities. As they raise the stakes by taking on inappropriate new partners, the ex-nanny Margo and the much younger bartender Lincoln (Joanna Vanderham and Alexander Skarsgård), the shuffling of Maisie (Onata Aprile) from household to household becomes more and more callous, the consequences more and more troubling. Always watchful, however, Maisie begins to understand that the path through this morass of adult childishness and selfish blindness will have to be of her own making.

Zombie Massacre

Entertainment One / Released 8/6/13

There is no hope. A top-secret bacteriological weapon developed by the U.S. Government to create an army of super soldiers triggers an epidemic that turns the citizens of a quiet town into mutated zombies. In an effort to conceal the outbreak, a team of mercenaries is assembled to infiltrate the infected city and detonate an atomic bomb – destroying the monsters and all the evidence along with them. No one has to know the truth… unless the mission fails. Extras include featurette, storyboard comparison, teaser and trailer.

Last Word: A terrible film with topless zombies (one of two redeeming factors, the other being Uwe Boll as the President). The cast could be out acted by a random sampling of people standing in line at the DMV and the film packs in barely enough originality to fill a thimble. One day you’ll die and think about moments in life that you wasted. This is ninety minutes of future regret.

Welcome to the Punch

MPI Home Video / Released 7/23/13

Three years ago, master criminal Jacob Sternwood (Mark Strong) escaped London during a daring robbery that left detective Max Lewinsky (James McAvoy) physically and emotionally scarred. When a failed heist puts Sternwood’s son in a hospital, the fugitive is forced to come out of hiding – giving Max his second chance to get the one criminal who got away. But as Max returns to the pursuit of his arch-nemesis, he begins to uncover evidence of a vast conspiracy that may put him in even greater danger than his personal vendetta. The ensemble includes Andrea Riseborough, David Morrissey and Peter Mullan. Extras include Making Of, Interviews and Trailer.

Last Word: Two of the best actors working today, Mark Strong and James McAvoy are pretty much wasted in this clichéd British gangster film. Messy and overcomplicated, Welcome to the Punch isn’t more than a series of gunfights and chase scenes among a contrived, derivative plot. The filmmakers genuinely seem like they are trying to make a fun shoot em up, but unfortunately it doesn’t work overall. It’s entertaining enough, but could have been so much more. If you’re in the mood for some great actors (including The Walking Dead’s David Morrissey) in an otherwise silly production or just want to shut your mind off, you could do far worse than Welcome to the Punch. Mildly recommended.

Jeffrey Dahmer Files

MPI Home Video / Released 7/23/13

How close were you to the most infamous serial killer of our time? What drives a seemingly mundane man to commit a series of acts so heinous that it captured the attention of a horrified nation? In the summer of 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer was arrested in Milwaukee and sentenced to 957 years in prison for killing 17 people and dismembering their bodies. The Jeffrey Dahmer Files explores this Midwestern city by meeting those who knew Dahmer during and after his hidden killing spree. Recollections from Milwaukee Medical Examiner Jeffrey Jentzen, Police Detective Patrick Kennedy, and neighbor Pamela Bass are interwoven with archival footage and everyday scenes from Dahmer’s life, working collectively to disassemble the facade of an ordinary man leading an ordinary existence. Extras include deleted scenes, kickstarter videos, q & a and trailer.

Last Word: Hauntingly creepy documentary (with some staged footage), The Jeffrey Dahmer Files is unnerving as it is engrossing. The film unfortunately doesn’t provide any insight or revelations, but instead serves as a reminder of the ramifications of the people left behind by it’s monstrous subject. Recommended.