THAT TIME OF THE WEEK…The Long Overdue DVDs & Blu-rays To Check Out/Review Extravaganza

And suddenly, spring has arrived.

Weather wise it’s been a rough winter on the East Coast.  Things seem to be finally clearing up and after this week we’re hopefully back on track.  There’s lots and lots of goodness in here including a few Oscar films, some classic television, some great catalog titles and two decent werewolf pics.

Fire up that queue and prep that shopping cart.

Maude: The Complete Series

Shout! Factory / Released 3/17/15

Uncompromising, enterprising, anything but tranquilizing…

Television history has given us many memorable, amazing women… and then there’s Maude. Bea Arthur (The Golden Girls) stars as the feisty and funny title character in Maude: The Complete Series, finally available on DVD from Shout! Factory.

Created by Norman Lear (All In The Family), Maude pushed the boundaries for network television during its six-year network run from 1972 to 1978. Often controversial and always refreshingly honest, the series never shied away from tackling the topical issues of the day, yet its depth of character and humor left audiences laughing all the way.

Decades after its initial broadcast, Maude remains a benchmark in television for its sharp, intelligent writing, impressive supporting cast (including Bill Macy, Adrienne Barbeau, Conrad Bain and Rue McClanahan) – and of course, the amazing Ms. Arthur. In a role that earned her a well-deserved Emmy award, Bea Arthur created an indelible portrait of a fiercely liberated woman, paving the way for other noteworthy, female-driven sitcoms from Roseanne and Murphy Brown to 30 Rock. Right on, Maude!

Extras include Original All In The Family Episode “Cousin Maude’s Visit”, Original All In The Family Episode “Maude – Pilot”, Unaired Episode 115 “The Double Standard”, Unaired Episode 316 “Maude’s New Friends”, and featurettes.

Last Word: There wasn’t likely a more interesting and observant commentator on American culture than television producer in the Seventies than Norman Lear.

The fact that series like Maude and All in The Family wouldn’t likely make it to air today is a testament to how groundbreaking his work was. And during the height of women’s lib, Lear’s series Maude was a revelation. The character, portrayed by Bea Arthur, was a fierce Democrat, a civil rights and equality advocate who very much an independent woman, and occasion a little too intense for the people around her. She’s married to her fourth husband Walter (Bill Macy) and very involved in the life of her daughter, Carol (Adrienne Barbeau).

Among the topical issues covered over the course of the series were alcoholism, nervous breakdowns, abortion, domestic violence, prescription anti-depressants, marijuana, psychotherapy, and suicide; all taboo topics for network television at the time. Esther Rolle appeared as Maude’s houskeeper, Florida Evans who was later spun off into her own series, Good Times). Conrad Bain and Rue McClanahan played recurring characters and among the recognizable guest stars during the series’ six season run were Ed Begley Jr., Cesare Danova, Vincent Gardenia, Van Johnson, Tom Bosley, John Amos, Johnny Brown, Ron Glass, Fred Grandy, John Hillerman, Conchata Ferrell, John Wayne, Jill Clayburgh, Hector Elizondo, James Cromwell, Paul Benedict, Audra Lindley, Richard Dysart, Matthew ‘Stymie’ Beard, Bernadette Peters, Teri Garr, Lyle Waggoner, Alice Ghostley, Henry Fonda, Jerry Houser, Clive Revill, Bob Balaban, Martin Balsam, Dick Van Patten, Michael O’Keefe, William Schallert, Conrad Janis, James Coco, John Byner, Michael Keaton, Eve Arden, Richard Kline, Roscoe Lee Browne, Tim Reid, Terry Kiser, and James Hong.

A combination of smart writing and strong performances from over three decades ago are as sharp as ever, making Maude both a snapshot of the times and a constant reminder of how far we still need to come. Highest recommendation.

Into the Woods

Disney / Released 3/24/15

From the director of Chicago and the producer of Wicked comes a modern twist on the beloved fairy tales you thought you knew. Meryl Streep stars in this epic musical saga about daring to venture – Into The Woods. Iconic characters, such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel, find their fates intertwined with a humble baker and his wife, whose longing to have a child sends them on a quest to reverse a witch’s (Streep) curse. With an all-star cast, this spellbinding adventure is everything you could ever wish for! Extras include commentary, featurettes, and never before performed song by Stephen Sondheim (performed by Meryl Streep).

Last Word: This production was perfect to me.  Some musical productions don’t translate well to film but Into the Woods is actually mesmerizing on screen.  Centering around a childless baker and his wife, Into the Woods intertwines several familiar fairy tales stories (Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel) as the main characters scramble to find ingredients for a potion that will lift a witch’s curse of infertility. Charming and hilarious we follow each character through mishaps and songs as shenanigans ensue.

Hilarious and witty, the entire cast is lovely and on point.  While every line is sung, the movie is never awkward because of the lack of dialogue. Look at Les Miserables–it was a powerful production, intense and imposing, but there were times when it felt just incorrect on-screen–the singing dialogue was unnatural where it wouldn’t have been in stage. Some productions should just remain there, on stage. Les Miserables is one. And Rent is another. I won’t even discuss the atrocity of that film adaption.

Into the Woods is rich with stellar performances. Meryl Streep is, as ever, spectacular. Emily Blunt and Anna Kendrick having excellent timing and charm. Chris Pine is hilarious — I didn’t know Captain Kirk had such a sultry voice. Everyone’s enthusiasm is infectious and delightful. The majestic settings and exuberant story are so incredible and exciting, enthralling even. The camera immerses you into the thick woods, rich with detail and color. And through each adventure we bounce along with wonder and smiles with the story.

Really I could not stop smiling. I really enjoy musicals, hence my intense compliments of this film–truly it’s a wonderful and visually pleasing movie that should be enjoyed by the whole family. Perhaps not the young ones however, the second half is a bit more mature, even depressing–albeit still surprisingly upbeat. The overall life lessons are appropriate and well-delivered. Into the Woods emphasizes that “nice is different than good”, illustrating the flaws in fairytale characters and the importance of recognizing reality versus fantasy.  An odd fact considering this show is full of magic. (– Caitlyn Thompson)

Foxcatcher

Sony / Released 3/3/15

Based on true events, Foxcatcher tells the dark and fascinating story of the unlikely and ultimately tragic relationship between an eccentric multi-millionaire (Steve Carell) and two champion wrestlers (Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo). Directed by Academy Award nominee Bennett Miller (2005, Best Director, Capote), it is a rich and moving story of brotherly love, misguided loyalty and the corruption and emotional bankruptcy that can accompany great power and wealth. Extras include featurette and deleted scenes.

Last Word: There’s a fascinating movie to be made about the true-life events surrounding wrestlers Dave and Mark Schultz and eccentric billionaire, John du Pont but Foxcatcher isn’t it. The pre-release buzz on the film was inordinately high, with massive praise for Carell’s serious (and heavily made up) turn as du Pont. While there are moments where Carell’s humor shines through, the actor seems intent on being as absent as possible from the proceedings, as if being more present would ruin his characterization. du Pont was evidently an eccentric, socially awkward man, but Carell is so determined not to be his usually funny, charming self that he makes very little impact as the odd character.

Channing Tatum is equally opaque as the troubled wrestler Mark Schultz, who is trying to get out from the shadow of his older, more confident brother (Mark Ruffalo). Although Carell earned a Best Actor Oscar nomination, the lead role is really Tatum’s. We’re sympathetic to Mark’s struggles, but we never really get to know or care about him. Deeper troubles are hinted at, but never revealed. The one bright spot in the film is Ruffalo, who has less screen time than his two co-stars, but whose natural affability comes across despite the limitations of the script.

The film opens three years after the 1984 Olympics where the brothers took gold, Dave has a family and a job, but Mark is struggling. He’s taking the place of his more famous brother at speaking gigs for a mere $20.  When he gets a call out of the blue from du Pont, Mark is flattered but puzzled. He’s flown from his dingy apartment to the palatial du Pont estate, where the billionaire offers to sponsor him for the next Olympics. Mark tries to talk Dave into accepting the same deal, but Dave doesn’t want to uproot his family.

And so the pieces are set for a strange relationship of power, money, ambition, and overwhelming jealousy. We see brief glimpses of why du Pont and Mark might bond: du Pont learned at 16 that his mother (Vanessa Redgrave) was paying his only companion, the chauffeur’s son, to be his friend. Mark was raised by his brother and the two were constantly on the move. They’re both adrift and, for a moment, seem to find some hope in each other.  Unfortunately, the film is glacially paced and we never get much insight into the main players’ motivations or thoughts. You leave the film wanting to know more: Was there a sexual relationship between du Pont and Mark?

It’s only hinted at in the film, which also glosses over some key developments after a horrible crime has been committed. (The Wikipedia article has the whole story, as does Mark’s book. Regardless of how many details you know going in, you’ll likely need to hit up Wikipedia to fill in the film’s many blanks.)  The failure to connect may also lie with wrestling itself; It’s not a particularly cinematic sport. unlike, say, running or racing.The settings are also decidedly unattractive, mostly dull gray gym interiors and sports arenas. Apart from the beautiful du Pont estate and his mother’s horses (which John has always hated), there is very little to catch the eye in the whole film.  It’s a film I wanted to like, having been a fan of Bennett Miller’s Capote. But his aloof approach means we are never given enough pieces of the puzzle and never get involved in the story. (– Sharon Knolle)

The Flintstones and WWE: Stone Age Smackdown

Warner Bros. / Released 3/10/15

Get ready for some raw-kin’ action in this all-new, original movie that brings some of WWE’s toughest, wildest superstars to Bedrock! When Fred loses his family’s vacation money, he hatches one of his hair brained plans to get it back. It’s a sports entertainment spectacle that involves throwing his best bud, Barney into the wrestling ring with the likes of John Cenastone (John Cena), Rey Mysteriopal (Rey Mysterio) and even The Undertaker, with Fred himself as event promoter! The crowds roar, the “clams” are pouring in from ticket sales and even Mr. McMagma (Vince McMahon) is taking notice of all the hoopla. Can Fred keep serving up bigger and badder matches or is he in for the rocky ride of his life? Including all-star appearances from The Boulder Twins (Brie and Nikki Bella) Marble Henry (Mark Henry) and Daniel Bry-Rock (Daniel Bryan), it’s time to get the whole family together for a collection of hard-hitting, side-splitting laughs from the most epic event in all of prehistory!

Last Word: For fans of WWE this is a must have.  Personally, I thought that the inclusion of real life wrestlers was a misstep, simply because none of them do a particularly good job with their line delivery.  Fortunately, the character design by Shane Glines is amazing (reminscent of the great Ed Benedict) and the primary voice cast (Jeff Bergman, Tress MacNeille, Kevin Michael Richardson, and Grey Griffin) is fantastic.  The writing on the other hand is a stumbling block.  For fans of The Flintstones, it’s nice to see that the franchise isn’t completely dead and hopefully, Warner will see this as a sign to do a new feature without a gimmick or tie in.

WKRP In Cincinnati: Season 1

Shout! Factory / Released 3/17/15

The ’70s ushered in a whole new era of rock ‘n’ roll and soul. And no one spun the hits better than Cincinnati’s own WKRP! But while its airwaves carried pure bliss, this iconic radio station was total anarchy behind the scenes! With its on-air personalities — slick Dr. Johnny Fever (Howard Hesseman), hip Venus Flytrap (Tim Reid) and nebbish news anchor Les Nessman (Richard Sanders) — and smart program director Andy (Gary Sandy), ingénue Bailey (Jan Smithers), indecisive manager Carlson (Gordon Jump), unscrupulous advertising executive Herb (Frank Bonner) and, of course, the station’s lovely receptionist, Jennifer (Loni Anderson), WKRP In Cincinnati gives you a whole new appreciation for the hilarity of radio!

Includes all 22 episodes of this classic sitcom’s first season.

WKRP In Cincinnati: Season 2

Shout! Factory / Released 3/17/15

When it comes to the music on-air, nobody does it better than WKRP In Cincinnati. Behind the scenes, however…that’s another story! Join Andy (Gary Sandy), the station’s program director, as he tries to cope with the wild and crazy antics of the WKRP crew, including its DJs Dr. Johnny Fever (Howard Hesseman) and Venus Flytrap (Tim Reid), news anchor Les Nessman (Richard Sanders), clueless manager Carlson (Gordon Jump), slimy advertising executive Herb (Frank Bonner), young journalist Bailey (Jan Smithers) and the station’s lovely receptionist, Jennifer (Loni Anderson). Between the classic tunes and hilarious comedy, WKRP In Cincinnati is the only sitcom that will have you tapping your toes while you’re slapping your knee!  Includes all 24 episodes of this WKRP In Cincinnati’s second season!

Last Word: A wonderful snapshot of a no longer relevant era; that of a rock n’ roll radio station. The cast is fantastic, the writing is solid (with several truly fantastic episodes) and this release is saved by Shout! Factory’s dedication to negotiate to get as much of the originally broadcast soundtrack as possible (it’s easy to be disappointed, but it’s unlikely anyone would have been successful to get any more of the music, so kudos to Shout!).  For fans of the series this release seemed like it was never going to happen, but here it is.  And it’s glorious.

The Night They Raided Minsky’s

Olive Films / Released 2/24/15

Directed by William Friedkin (The Exorcist, The French Connection), The Night They Raided Minsky’s is a comedy set in the exotic world of burlesque and stars Elliott Gould (M.A.S.H.), Britt Ekland (Royal Flash) and Jason Robards (Magnolia).

When an innocent Amish girl, Rachel Schpitendavel (Ekland) with dreams of becoming a dancer leaves her Pennsylvania home for the big city of New York, she could never have imagined where it would lead. Although her audition at the famous Minsky’s burlesque theatre is deemed too dull for their clientele, Billy Minsky (Elliott Gould making his film debut) decides to use Rachel’s inoffensive dance routine to shame the local moral crusader Vance Fowler (Denholm Elliott), a man intent on having Minsky’s shut down for good only to witness a more demure version of the regular acts. As you may have guessed, the best-laid plans don’t always turn out they way you think they will.

Minsky’s features the final film performance of Bert Lahr (the beloved Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz) – a standout among a list of supporting players that includes Norman Wisdom, Jack Burns, Joseph Wiseman, Forrest Tucker and Harry Andrews.

The Night They Raided Minsky’s is produced by Norman Lear (TV’s All in the Family, Maude) from a screenplay written by Lear, Sidney Michaels and Arnold Schulman based on the novel by Rowland Barber. Extras include trailer.

Last Word: An incredibly charming and amusing film, Minsky’s wouldn’t likely be produced today (if it were it would be a drama). A period piece farce that’s essentially a love letter to vaudville and burlesque, there’s not much not to like and some great performances by an amazing ensemble. If you only know Friedkin from his horror work and crime thrillers, Minsky’s is a revelatory piece of work.

52 Pick-Up

Kino/Lorber / Released 2/24/15

Greed. Extortion. Revenge. Based on Elmore Leonard’s exciting bestseller, director John Frankenheimer’s star-filled 52 Pick-Up evokes the chilling reminder that if you have a lot, you have a lot to lose… Life is good for Los Angeles entrepreneur Harry Mitchell (Roy Scheider) – business is great, his home is beautiful, and his wife (Ann-Margret) just might land a seat on the city council. But Harry’s life suddenly spins out of control when a trio of pornographers, led by the ruthless Alan Raimy (John Glover), shows up with a video of Harry in bed with his mistress (Kelly Preston). And when Harry goes on the offensive and tried to pit one blackmailer against the other, the tension mounts – as does the possibility of murder. Extras include trailer.

Last Word: A more than adequate thriller, missing any of Elmore Leonard’s wit or sharp dialogue, 52 Pick-Up fortunately succeeds with several solid performances, especially from Scheider, Glover, and Clarence Williams III. Unfortunately, 52 Pick-Up never achieves it’s potential. It plays like one of those perennial HBO movies that plays regularly at 4:00 AM.

Which, it is.

Outlander: Season One – Volume One

Sony / Released 3/3/15

British combat nurse Claire Randall is reunited with her husband after returning from the battlefields of World War II. While on their second honeymoon, she walks through one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles and is suddenly transported to 1743 Scotland, torn by war and rogue Highland clans. Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into intrigue and danger when she is accused of being a spy. Forced by circumstance to marry an outlawed Highlander, she finds herself falling in love and torn by her loyalties to two men in vastly different times, all of which may threaten her life and shatter her heart. Diana Gabaldon’s best-selling book series is stunningly realized by Executive Producer Ronald D. Moore in Season One’s first eight episodes. Extras include featurettes and 21 deleted scenes.

Last Word: Checking it out based on the strength of producer Ron Moore, Outlander plays like a cross between Somewhere in Time Meets Highlander. As a viewer, the first eight episodes are deliberately slow, but very well executed. Personally, I wish the entire first season was released at once, because as someone who hasn’t read the books (which have a rabid following), I was hoping for a bit more resolution in this initial batch. Nevertheless, it’s stunningly shot and if you’re someone who wishes Downton Abbey had a bit more action or Game of Thrones had more relationships that weren’t incestual, than Outlander is definitely worth trying. Recommended.

Da Vinci’s Demons: The Complete Second Season

Starz/Anchor Bay / Released 3/3/15

Florence is thrown into chaos in the wake of the Pazzi conspiracy and Leonardo da Vinci must push the limits of his mind and body to defend the city against the forces of Rome. When the dust settles, friends are buried and rivalries are enflamed. While the Medicis go to unthinkable lengths to deal with new threats, da Vinci continues on his quest to find the fabled Book of Leaves and uncover the secret history of his mother. He’ll come to realize that he has lethal competition in his quest – new enemies who may be even worse than the forces of Pope Sixtus. His search will take him to faraway lands and force him to reevaluate everything he knew about the world and his own personal history. Extras include featurettes.

Dangerously Close

Olive Films / Released 2/24/15

The Sentinels are self-proclaimed guardians of their high school, where they rule the school by weeding out those they consider undeserving and undesirable. Their activities come under scrutiny when a fellow student is found murdered. Uncovering who is responsible becomes a mission for the editor of the school newspaper. With answers being sought, the behavior of The Sentinels becomes more aggressive, ratcheting up the action in this thriller directed by Albert Pyun (Bulletface, Cyborg) which features music by Robert Palmer, Fine Young Cannibals, Van Halen, and the hit song “Blood and Roses” performed by The Smithereens. Dangerously Close stars John Stockwell, Don Michael Paul, Carey Lowell and Dedee Pfeiffer.

Last Word: Certainly more style than substance, Dangerously Close offers little in terms of story or character and all of the high school students appear to be in their late twenties. In many ways it reminded me of Streets of Fire: The High School Years; a fun little film with amazing music and deserving of a cult audience.  Dangerously Close is pretty strange little Eighties movie; even if you grew up in the Eighties.

Caveman

Olive Films / Released 2/17/15

The Beatles’ Ringo Starr is Atouk, the caveman of the title. As the leader of a rag-tag group of cavemen considered inferior by a larger group of cavemen, Atouk has his work cut out for him when he sets his sights on the beautiful Lana (Barbara Bach). Trouble is … Lana belongs to Tonda (John Matuszak) the leader of the “superior” cavemen. Undeterred, Atouk sets out to win Lana’s hand while being pursued by the caveman-crazy Tala (Shelley Long) and fending off some very hungry dinosaurs. Caveman is directed by Carl Gottlieb (screenwriter Jaws, The Jerk).

Last Word: Nothing screams comedy more than Ringo Starr and dinosaurs! Actually, under Carl Gottlieb’s direction (he also co-wrote with Rudy de Luca), Caveman has plenty of charm and some truly hilarious gags (dialogue is limited to Cave-speak). The unspoken hero of the film is Jim Danforth, the designer of the fantastic dinosaurs, which look like they stepped out of a William Stout illustration and are brought to life via stop motion by Danforth, a former Ray Harryhausen collaborator. Caveman is an unexpectedly sweet and charming visit to One Zillion BC.

Blacula / Scream Blacula Scream

Shout! Factory / Released 3/3/15

The eternally cool William Marshall puts a fresh spin on the age-old legend of the vampire, condemned to wander the Earth with an insatiable lust for blood in these riveting Blaxploitation classics.

Blacula: His Bite Was Outta Sight! Urban action and fatal attraction give rise to a groove from beyond the grave in this funkadelic, fangadelic Soul Cinema sensation! The eternally cool William Marshall puts a fresh spin on the age-old legend of the vampire, condemned to wander the Earth with an insatiable lust for blood.

In 1780, African Prince Mamuwalde (Marshall) pays a visit to Count Dracula in Transylvania, seeking his support in ending slave trade. Instead, the evil count curses his noble guest and transforms him into a vampire! Released from his coffin nearly two centuries later by a pair of luckless interior decorators, Mamuwalde emerges as “Blacula,” one strange dude strollin’ the streets of L.A. on a nightly quest for human blood!

Scream Blacula Scream: Blacula lives, and only the legendary Pam Grier (Jackie Brown) has the power to deep-six his reign of terror. William Marshall is “magnificent” (Los Angeles Times) as the noble African prince turned bloodthirsty fired in this hair-raising sequel to the terrifying hit Blacula!

This time, it’s voodoo power versus vampire fury when Willis (Richard Lawson), the son of a late high priestess, seeks revenge on the cultists who have chosen his foster sister Lisa (Grier) as their new leader. Hoping to curse Lisa, Willis unwittingly resurrects Blacula’s earthly remains – and lets loose the Prince of Darkness and his freaked-out army of the undead!

Exterminators Of The Year 3000

Shout! Factory / Released 3/3/15

In a post-apocalyptic future where the earth is a desert and water is the most precious substance of all, a band of survivors must turn to a mysterious stranger to battle a ruthless gang of motorcycle psychos for control of the wasteland and the water. A glorious crash of guns, nuclear fallout, and synthesizers make this a must-see for anyone who’s been longing for the day in which they can finally get beyond Thunderdome. Extras include commentary, interview and TV spots.

Late Phases: Night of the Lone Wolf 

MPI Media / Released 3/10/15

Blind war veteran Ambrose McKinley (Nick Damici, Stake Land) has recently moved to Crescent Bay, a seemingly peaceful community on the outskirts of a dense forest. On his first night in his new home, McKinley hears his elderly neighbor attacked by something he s convinced isn t human. When the creature then kills his seeing eye dog, McKinley s thirst for justice turns into a one-man vendetta against the monster that s terrorizing his neighborhood. And when he s stonewalled by both the police and his fellow residents, he decides to gear up and prepare to fight the beast one-on-one. Now it s man vs myth as McKinley readies himself for what could be his final battle.

With a stunning lead performance from Damici as the take-no-prisoners McKinley and jaw-dropping practical special effects, director Adrian Garcia Bogliano’s Late Phases: Night Of The Lone Wolf is a suspense thrill ride unlike any other. Extras include commentary, featurettes and trailer.

Last Word:  The werewolf film Late Phases resembles a cross between the Stephen King adaptation Silver Bullet and the Don Coscarelli cult fave Bubba Ho-Tep. It’s better than the former and not quite as good as the latter, but it’s got a nice, old-school vibe, fun practical werewolf effects and make-up, and a blast of a cast for genre fans, led by the terrific Nick Damici. Damici is a blind Vietnam vet who, as our story begins, is being taken to a retirement community by his son (Ethan Embry, quite good and seemingly channeling Hank Azaria), presumably to spend his remaining years.  As Damici says later, “This isn’t a place where people come to live. It’s a place where people come to die.”

Damici is none to happy about the move, but he’s none too happy about anything; he has deep regrets and some nightmarish memories, and is plainly a bitter, miserable man.  After a vicious (and well-staged) “animal attack” leaves his neighbor dead, Damici soon pieces it together that the community is under siege by a werewolf once every full moon (how he comes to this realization is kinda glossed over; thankfully, the filmmakers don’t drag out the protagonists’ resistance to a supernatural explanation for an interminable stretch, but really, he just accepts it too readily).

Damici spends the next 30 days preparing for a battle with the mystery werewolf. He feels out potential candidates: the local priest (Tom Noonan, good as always), an acolyte of the priest (Lance Guest, in a good turn, though it was a shock when I realized it was him; he’s no longer the fresh-faced lad from Halloween 2 and The Last Starfighter), neighbors Tina Louise and Rutanya Alda. Twin Peaks’ Dana Ashbrook and cult fave Larry Fessenden are also on hand, and Karen Lyn Gorney from Saturday Night Fever even has a small role!

The majority of the film deals with this preparation, which also serves as a character study and a showcase for Damici’s talents. He is wholly believable as an older man (he’s aided by the very effective old-age make-up that is thankfully understated) and as a physically blind one. I found this stretch to be interesting and enjoyable, but it didn’t have the punch of a Bubba Ho-Tep. It seems with a rewrite or two, Late Phases could have been a minor classic, so there’s the mild feeling of a missed opportunity, but there’s still plenty to enjoy and admire here. There’s a nifty transformation scene (though it’s accompanied by a “Don’t stand there and gawk! RUN!” character, á la The Howling), and the climax is exciting, with the unusual thrill of watching an old blind man devising ways to trap and defeat his foe. The whole notion of a man beaten down by life, who’s made life miserable for his loved ones, and then gets a shot at redemption is irresistible, and it’s well-handled here.

The make-up and effects crew deserves kudos, as does Wojciech Golczewski for his nifty score. If you’re expecting a wall-to-wall monster mash, you’ll surely be disappointed. But if you’re a discriminating genre fan – and especially if you’re a fan of werewolf movies – do give Late Phases a shot; it’s pleasures far outweigh its problems. (–Dean Galanis)

The Humbling

Millennium / Released 3/3/15

The Humbling tells the story of aging, suicidal stage actor Simon Axler (Al Pacino) and his struggles to find passion for life again. Near his breaking point, he finds motivation in the form of a young and lustful lesbian, Pegeen Stapleford (Greta Gerwig), who has had a crush on Simon since childhood. As their relationship heats up, Simon has a hard time keeping up with the youthful and exuberant Pageen. He feels more alive than ever before but with many disapproving people protesting their relationship, Simon must decide where his true passion lies. Extras include featurette.

Captive 

Lionsgate / Released 3/3/15

In this psychological thriller from Academy Award-nominated director Atom Egoyan, Matthew (Ryan Reynolds) steps briefly into a diner and comes out to find that his young daughter Cassandra has vanished without a trace from the back of his truck. Her unsolved abduction destroys Matthew’s once-happy relationship with his wife, Tina (Mireille Enos), who, haunted by mementos of Cassandra that appear mysteriously at her work, suspects her husband of foul play. Years later, when detectives Nicole (Rosario Dawson) and Jeffrey (Scott Speedman) discover recent images of Cassandra online, Matthew risks everything to ensure his daughter’s safe return-and to save himself and Tina from the limbo of unrelenting despair.  Extras include commentary, deleted scenes, featurette and alternate ending.

Let’s Kill Ward’s Wife

Wellgo USA / Released 3/3/15

Everyone hates Ward’s wife and wants her dead, Ward (Donald Faison) most of all. But when his friends’ murderous fantasies turn into an (accidental) reality, they have to deal with a whole new set of problems – like how to dispose of the body and still make their 3 p.m. tee time.

Let’s Kill Ward’s Wife, Scott Foley’s directorial debut, also starring Foley, Patrick Wilson, Amy Acker, and Nicolette Sheridan, is a blackly comic caper about helping a friend out of a bad relationship – by any means necessary. Extras include outtakes and a trailer.

On Any Sunday: The Next Chapter

Red Bull Media / Released 2/10/15

Following up his father’s Academy Award-nominated classic On Any Sunday, Dana Brown shows that the passion for riding motorcycles is as strong as ever. A modern take on the original, On Any Sunday: The Next Chapter captures the heart and soul of motorcycle culture and the fearless riders taking biking to brave new heights all over the world. Go inside customized bike shops with Hollywood stars like Mickey Rourke. Soar through the air with phenomenal athlete and professional daredevil Robbie Maddison. Even ride alongside visionaries in Africa, who use motorcycles to save lives. No matter the background, whether a motocross champion like Ashley Fiolek or a Grand Prix champion like Marc Marquez, The Next Chapter shows that all riders share the passion for the race, the love of family and friends, and, of course, the thrill of the ride.  Extras include featurettes and trailers.

The Better Angels

Starz/Anchor Bay / Released 3/3/15

From producer Terrence Malick comes this look at the childhood of Abraham Lincoln like you’ve never experienced it before. it is the monumental yet quietly intimate story of a harsh rural land, a family facing hardship and tragedy, the power of a mother’s love, and a boy who would grow to be the man who changed our nation forever. Jason Clarke (Zero Dark Thirty), Diane Kruger (Inglorious Basterds), Brit Marling (Another Earth), Wes Bentley (American Beauty) and newcomer Braydon Denney star in the debut film from writer/director A.J. Edwards.

To Write Love on Her Arms

Sony / Released 3/3/15

Based on the true story that started a global movement, To Write Love on Her Arms presents a vision of hope, healing and redemption. Kat Dennings (2 Broke Girls) stars as Renee, a Florida girl who struggles with addiction and abuse. In a creative blend of artistic fantasy and music conflicted with harsh reality, Renee discovers the value of genuine friendships and embarks on a daunting yet courageous journey toward recovery. The film also stars Chad Michael Murray, Rupert Friend and Corbin Bleu. Extras include deleted scenes, featurettes, on set video blogs and character profiles.

Last Word: With the cast involved, I really wanted to like this.  But, ultimately, the film falls flat.  It’s not that the story isn’t inspiring or that the cast doesn’t deliver good performances; it just ultimately isn’t particularly very engaging.  The visual effects are both cheesy and distracting and the musical numbers play like bad music videos.  In terms of the cast, this film needed better than good performances, and they received only one which comes from Dennings, who truly is fantastic in a rare vulnerable performance.  Although the film has a “happy ending” and is based on true events, it comes across as preachy anti-drug propaganda.  And no one needs to see that.

Adventure Time – Frost & Fire

Cartoon Network / Released 3/3/15

Created by Pendleton Ward, the Adventure Time television series is an original animated comedy from Cartoon Network that follows the everyday adventures of unlikely heroes Finn the Human and his best friend, the shape-shifting dog Jake, as they travel across the Land of Ooo and encounter its unique inhabitants. Whether it’s saving Princess Bubblegum, defeating zombie candy, mocking the “oxy-moronic” Ice King, or rocking out with undead music wiz Marceline the Vampire Queen, with Finn & Jake it’s always Adventure Time!  Flame Princess and Ice King battle it out in the 16 episodes included: Frost & Fire, Earth & Water, Jake the Brick,  The Prince Who Wanted Everything, Something Big, Return to the Nightosphere, Daddy’s Little Monster,  Joshua and Margaret Investigations, Davey, The Pit, Freak City, Memories of Boom Boom Mountain, James, Time Sandwich, Apple Thief, and Thanks for the Crabapples, Giuseppe.

The Bridge

Kino Lorber / Released 3/3/15

The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic structure; a symbol of San Francisco, the West, freedom – and something more, something spiritual, something words cannot describe. The director and crew spent an entire year focusing on the Bridge. Running cameras for almost every daylight minute, they documented nearly two dozen suicides and a great many unrealized attempts. In addition, the director captured nearly 100 hours of incredibly frank, deeply personal, often heart-wrenching interviews with the families and friends of the departed, as well as with several of the attempters themselves. The Bridge is a visual and visceral journey into one of life’s gravest taboos, offering glimpses into the darkest, and possibly most impenetrable corners of the human mind.

Web Junkie

Kino Lorber / Released 3/3/15

Internet addiction is now a global issue, and China is the first country to classify it as a clinical disorder. Web Junkie, directed by Shosh Shlam and Hilla Medalia, takes audiences inside a Beijing treatment center and explores the cases of three teenagers who suffer from this 21st century disorder. The program admits children between the ages of 13 and 18, and forces them to undergo military-inspired physical training and comply with monitored sleep and food standards.

Despite such conditions, parents voluntarily send their children to the treatment center and relinquish personal involvement. But as these young teens struggle with online withdrawal and a controversial treatment, questions about the nature of addiction, emotional attachments and cure come to the fore. Ultimately, Web Junkie provides a microcosm of modern Chinese life and takes a hard look at one of the symptoms of the so- called Internet Age.

Sound of Music 50th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition 

20th Century Fox / Released 3/10/15

Celebrate Rodgers & Hammerstein’s cinematic treasure with this all-new 5-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition. Featuring the restored film on Blu-ray and DVD with over 13 hours of bonus content, this set also includes an exclusive 50th Anniversary CD soundtrack. Plus, the all-new hour-long documentary, The Sound of a City: Julie Andrews Returns to Salzburg, details Julie Andrews’ visit to Salzburg where she filmed her iconic role as Maria half a century ago! Extras include commentaries, sing-along, featurettes, vintage programs, screen tests, interviews, virtual map of filming locations, photo galleries, all-new documentary, and original soundtrack.

Last Word: If you don’t own this cinematic classic, this edition is the one to get.  If you do have it, it’s really only for you to determine if you need  a new featurette and CD soundtrack.  Regardless of whatever you decide, The Sound of Music is a must in any cinegeek’s collection.  With a memorable score and fantastic performances, this intensely optimistic film is had not to like.  Highly recommended.

The Breakfast Club – 30th Anniversary Edition 

Universal / Released 3/10/15

From writer/director John Hughes (Sixteen Candles, Weird Science), The Breakfast Club is an iconic portrait of 1980s American high school life. When Saturday detention started, they were simply the Jock, the Princess, the Brain, the Criminal and the Basket Case, but by that afternoon they had become closer than any of them could have imagined. Featuring an all-star ’80s cast including Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, and Ally Sheedy, this warm-hearted coming-of-age comedy helped define an entire generation! Extras include commentary by Judd Nelson and Anthony Michael Hall, trivia track, documentary, featurette and trailer.

Last Word:  One of the most important films for Generation X, The Breakfast Club united several high school archetypes together, to explore the similarities and differences they shared in a single day of Saturday detention.  We’re thrown into the teen’s world with only Paul Gleason’s principal Richard Vernon and Carl Reed, the former BMOC now custodian (John Kapelos) as the only significant adults making appearances (We are given a glimpse several of the parents including John Hughes as Anthony Michael Hall’s Brian (The Brain) Johnson’s father).

The film still resonates today, the messages are still there.  Social standing, peer pressure, identity are all issues that teens still contend with;  Rarely has a film’s message been quite so clear.

“We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was that we did wrong. What we did was wrong. But we think you’re crazy to make us write this essay telling you who we think we are. What do you care? You see us as you want to see us… in the simplest terms and the most convenient definitions. You see us as a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, and a criminal. Correct? That’s how we saw each other at seven o’clock this morning. We were brainwashed.”

Or so accurate.  Highest recommendation.

The Red Tent

Sony / Released 3/10/15

The Red Tent is a sweeping tale that takes place during the times of the Old Testament, told through the eyes of Dinah (Rebecca Ferguson), the daughter of Leah (Minnie Driver) and Jacob (Iain Glen). Dinah happily grows up inside the red tent where the women of her tribe gather and share the traditions and turmoil of ancient womanhood. The film recounts the story Rachel (Morena Baccarin), Leah, Zilpah and Bilhah, the four wives of Jacob. Dinah matures and experiences an intense love that subsequently leads to a devastating loss, and the fate of her family is forever changed. The all-star cast also includes Debra Winger and Will Tudor.

Russell Madness

20th Century Fox / Released 3/10/15

This tail-wagging comedy-adventure from the creators of Air Bud and Air Buddies stars John Ratzenberger, Will Sasso and Fred Willard. Russell is an undersized but big-hearted terrier who dreams of having a family of his own. After running away from his pet store, Russell gets taken in by the Ferraros, a family desperate to revive their grandfather’s pro wrestling arena. That’s when they discover their new pet pooch has incredible wrestling skills. With help from his coach, Hunk, a savvy and hilarious monkey, Russell rockets to the top of the pro wrestling world and becomes a famous sports superstar. But when a dishonest promoter double-crosses the Ferraros, Russell will face his biggest challenge and discover that the strongest tag team is family. Extras include sing-along, featurette and gag reel.

The Red Road: The Complete First Season

Starz/Anchor Bay / Released 3/10/15

The Red Road is a hard-hitting drama that revolves around a local cop (Martin Henderson of Devil’s Knot and The Ring) struggling to keep his family together while simultaneously policing two clashing communities: the small town where he grew up and the neighboring mountains, home of a Native American tribe. After a terrible tragedy and coverup occurs involving the cop’s wife (Julianne Nicholson of August: Osage County and Boardwalk Empire), an unholy alliance is forged between the cop and Phillip Kopus (Jason Momoa of Wolves and Game of Thrones), a dangerous member of the tribe that will come back to haunt all involved.

Wolfcop

Image Entertainment / Released 3/10/15 Best Buy Exclusive Through 5/15/15

Officer Lou Garou isn’t the best cop in small-town Woodhaven – in fact, he’s probably the worst. He mostly just looks to avoid anything that could possibly interfere with his goal of getting wasted. One evening during the night shift, Lou investigates a mysterious disturbance at the edge of town and wakes up with a pentagram carved in his chest, heightened senses and body hair that’s growing at an alarming rate. To solve the mystery of his transformation, he’ll have to take on a case no normal cop would be able to solve, but this half-man, half-beast is not just a cop…he’s a WOLFCOP. Includes feature length documentary, commentary, outtakes, music video, and original concept trailer.

Last Word: Wolfcop is a tremendously entertaining love letter to 80s cinema that’s full of practical effects, one liners and good old fashioned ridiculousness.  It’s hard to declare if a film like this is good or bad.  Wolfcop isn’t a great film, but it is delightful one.  And one that stands up to repeat viewings.

Both the filmmakers and cast are fully committed, which allows them to plant their tongue firmly in cheek and bring the silliness to life.  So many films declare themselves as “cult movies” (something which is determined by an audience not by a marketing company), but Wolfcop earns the moniker.  It’s as absurd and fun as a film called Wolfcop should be.

Fireball XL5: The Complete Series

Shout! Factory / Released 3/10/15

Blast off into the farthest reaches of space in Fireball XL5! In the future, mankind has at last made its giant leap beyond the bonds of Earth. Under the supervision of the World Space Patrol, the galaxy and all its wonders are finally being explored by a fleet of spaceships unlike anything we have had before. Under the command of the rugged Colonel Steve Zodiac, the fleet’s flagship Fireball XL5 investigates the deepest corners of Galactic Sector 25 in search of faraway planets, alien life and adventure.

Another distinctive creation from the mind of producer Gerry Anderson (Thunderbirds, Stingray, Captain Scarlet), Fireball XL5 debuted in 1962 and soon became a favorite of young viewers with one eye aimed at the television and the other on the rapidly growing Space Race. Anderson’s famous SUPERMARIONATION technique is of course on full display here, offering its unique look and style to the adventures of Colonel Zodiac and his crew. All thirty-nine fantastic tales from Fireball XL5 – in glorious black and white – are presented here in an out of this world box set. Extras include Gerry Anderson interview, Printable publicity brochure, featurette and commentary on two episodes.

Pioneer

Magnolia / Released 3/10/15

Pioneer is set in the early 1980s, at the beginning of the Norwegian Oil Boom when enormous oil and gas deposits were discovered in the North Sea. Authorities aim to bring the oil ashore and Petter, a professional diver, has the discipline, strength and courage to take on the world’s most dangerous mission. But a sudden, tragic accident changes everything. Petter is sent on a perilous journey and gradually, he realizes that he is in way over his head and that his life is at stake. Extras include featurettes.

Pee-wee’s Playhouse: Seasons 3, 4 & 5

Shout! Factory / Released 3/10/15

The final 23 incredible episodes of this ground-breaking series — including Pee-wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special — have been METICULOUSLY RE-MASTERED from the original film elements and now YOU can see them for the very first time looking better than ever before!

Scream along to the SECRET WORD with Pee-wee Herman and his pals — Jambi the Genie, Miss Yvonne, Cowboy Curtis, Reba the mail lady, Captain Carl, Magic Screen, Conky, Globey, Chairry, Pterri, Randy and many more!

• Reba Eats and Pterri Runs: Pee-wee wants a letter mailed, so he asks Jambi to make Reba appear at the Playhouse. This makes Reba mad because it’s her day off. Pee-wee convinces her to stay for an imaginary breakfast of oatmeal and potatoes. Meanwhile, Pterri disappears when Pee-wee sends him to his nest for being naughty. The Playhouse gang blames themselves for Pterri’s punishment until Pterri comes back – from hiding underneath the bed!

• To Tell the Tooth: Pee-wee has to eat his words when he tells the gang how important dental hygiene is and, then, develops an ow-some toothache! Since Jambi is taking a head-turning vacation at Mount Rushmore, Pee-Wee is forced to face his greatest fear – the dentist! He’s so afraid, it’ll take Miss Yvonne’s coaxing just to get him to go. When he finally does make “it,” Pee-wee learns that visiting the dentist is nothing to grit his teeth over and can actually be fun.

• Pee-wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special: It’s the wildest holiday ever when some V.I.P.’s (Very Important Persons) stop by to wish Pee-wee a V.M.C. (Very Merry Christmas)! Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon are off the beach and on Pee-wee’s floor making Christmas cards, Magic Johnson joins Pee-wee for a wild sleigh ride in the Magic Screen, and Dinah Shore sings the “12 Days (or so) of Christmas!” Joan Rivers, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg wish Pee-wee a merry Christmas and a happy new “year.” Pee-wee shows Little Richard how to ice skate, and Charo, K.D. Lang, the Del Rubio triplets, and Grace Jones perform fun yuletide carols! However, Pee-wee’s got a problem larger than his mounting fruitcake collection when perhaps the M.I.P. (Most Important Person), Santa Claus, drops by to tell him that his Christmas wish list is just too long, and no one else will get presents if he doesn’t shorten it! Will he keep the gifts, or will he help Santa deliver?

• Dr. Pee-wee and the Del Rubios: When Reba isn’t feeling too “well,” Pee-wee tells her to be patient because he’s going to be her doctor. With the help of Chandelier, Magic Screen, and Pterri, Pee-wee takes an X-ray and her temperature before removing a splinter from her finger! Then, the Del Rubio Triplets stop by but not for long because their “Boots Are Made For Walkin’!”

• Fire in the Playhouse: When Pee-wee and Miss Yvonne decide to bake bread to make peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches for snack time, Randy decides to break the rules and change the temperature on Miss Yvonne’s baking bread to 700 degrees! Though Pee-wee’s been dreaming of Miss Yvonne, she develops a sizzling crush on the four-alarm Fireman Frank when he arrives to share the cold hard facts of fire safety! Listen for the secret word, – you know the “one” – and you’ll have a red-hot time.

• Love That Story: What’s your favorite story? You’re sure to hear it when Pee-wee and the gang start telling tales! Pee-wee and Ricardo put a new spin on The Nutcracker, Miss Yvonne tells a wild story in hula, and, when Magic Screen gives Pee-wee magic beans, they lead him into a giant adventure! Miss Yvonne’s delicious storybook recipes and the secret word “end” up the fun.

• Sick, Did Someone Say Sick?: Randy’s got the whole Playhouse barking at the word “go” – today’s secret word. However, Pee-wee has bigger concerns. Jambi is sick, so Pee-wee has to call a genie-ologist! It’s Dr. Jinga-Janga to the rescue, but he’s got a wacky bedside manner that may just be worse than Jambi’s disease – Mecca Lecca Hi Mecca Heinyitis!

• Miss Yvonne’s Visit: While her house is being painted, Miss Yvonne accepts an invitation to stay at the Playhouse. Perfumey as she is, Miss Yvonne is a stinker of a houseguest! Since Pee-wee’s too “nice” to ask her to leave, he has to get a little help from Jambi to get her house painted lickety split. Now, the Cowntess wants to stay over while her barn is painted. What will Pee-wee do?

• Rebarella: The laughs and fun never “stop” when Pee-wee, Miss Yvonne, and the Playhouse crew pretend to take a plane trip around the world. Reba has to steal Miss Yvonne, who’s the plane’s stewardess, away for some girl talk because she’s got a date. With Pee-wee and Miss Yvonne acting as chaperones, Reba and her date take in a drive-in movie – Playhouse style!

• Heat Wave: There’s a heat wave today “here” at the Playhouse. Judge Pee-wee Herman is set to “hear” the arguments in a trial pitting Miss Yvonne against Mrs. Rene after they both wear the same one-of-a-kind dress.

• Chairry-Tee Drive: Pee-wee is on the hunt for the Cowntess’ pencil sharpener. While he searches to find it, he and the rest of the gang collect things from the Playhouse that they don’t use anymore so that he can give them to charity. “Wait” until you see what the secret word is.

• Let’s Play Office: Pee-wee and Miss Yvonne are playing office and taking turns as boss and secretary. But when it’s time for Miss Yvonne to be the boss, Pee-wee takes his break. Later on, Cowboy Curtis stops by with a new friend: a cactus who decides “that” it’s fun to stick around.

• I Remember Curtis: When Pee-wee finds Cowboy Curtis’ magic lasso, it spurs some great memories for the Playhouse gang. Included are the times Cowboy Curtis showed Pee-wee his fantastic rope tricks, sang “The More Song,” got some new boots courtesy of Jambi, played hide-and-seek with Pee-wee, and prepared for a date with the lovely Miss Yvonne. “Remember” the secret word, and you’ll have a wildly wonderful time.

• Conky’s Breakdown: When Pee-wee’s robot, Conky 2000, breaks down, the Playhouse gang suddenly doesn’t feel so “great.” When Pee-wee tries to fix the sick robot, Conky winds up in a million pieces! What’ll Pee-wee do, now? Call the Authorized Conky Repairman – that’s what. Will the repairman be able to fix their pal, or will lovelorn Miss Yvonne wrench him away first?

• Mystery: Everyone better start looking “around” because some of Pee-Wee’s favorite possessions are missing! When Miss Yvonne offers to take his suits to the cleaners, Pee-Wee can’t find them. Soon, he discovers that his spoon, cereal bowl, and even his connect-the-dots are gone! When the culprit is revealed, Pee-Wee discovers more than just his treasured possessions; he discovers a new friend and a valuable lesson about being yourself!

• Front Page Pee-wee: Pee-wee’s revving up the presses to print the Playhouse’s first newspaper! The Playhouse crew starts researching their articles with the five “W’s” and “H”: who, what, when, where, why, and “how.” When Pee-wee puts the paper to bed, and then goes to bed himself, sneaky Randy changes everyone’s stories to lies! How will the Playhouse pals live it down?

• Tango Time: Mrs. Rene is learning how to tango! With a rose in her mouth and Pee-wee’s magic footprints on the floor, she dances up a storm until Pee-wee dips her right out the Playhouse door! Cowboy Curtis remembers his first and last whirl on rollerskates, and Jambi helps Pee-wee relive the whole show with a replay that goes by all too “fast.”

• Playhouse Day: Because Cowboy Curtis, Miss Yvonne, and Cowntess all have to work, Pee-wee and the Playhouse crew create a special holiday: “Playhouse Day!” To celebrate, they decorate a tree, the Playhouse, and even the King of Cartoons! When they find out it’s an official holiday, Cowboy Curtis, Miss Yvonne, and the Cowntess take the day off. After all, it is the fun “thing” to do!

• Accidental Playhouse: Mrs. Rene stops by to give Pee-wee a letter from a faraway “place” – Japan! It’s from Oki Doki, a young Japanese man who soon appears at the Playhouse door. By introducing Pee-wee to sushi, origami, and Gamara, Oki proves that he has a lot to share about his homeland, and Pee-wee has a lot to learn!

• Fun, Fun, Fun: Miss Yvonne teaches the gang how to make cheese balls, and Pee-wee makes a mobile. The fun goes “on” and on! 

• Camping Out: Pee-wee goes on a camping trip with Cowboy Curtis and leaves Mrs. Rene to house-sit the Playhouse. Pee-wee and Cowboy Curtis ride horses, roast wieners, and sleep under the stars. Curtis does his best to “show” Pee-wee a good time, and Pee-wee thinks Curtis is lucky to be a cowboy!

• Something to Do: Pee-wee can’t figure out what to “do” today, so Jambi gives him a to-do list which includes blowing a big balloon, dressing up as a pirate, and going for a walk with Miss Yvonne. The list also mentions cleaning up Pee-wee’s room. 

• Playhouse for Sale: Miss Yvonne pays a visit to the Playhouse, yet Pee-wee is nowhere to be found. Miss Yvonne finds, instead, the words “For Sale” in front of the Playhouse abode. Shocked and confused, Miss Yvonne and everyone else try to remember all the better times that the Playhouse has gone through. Watch for today’s secret “word.”

Aaaaarrrrrrrrr!!! I know you are, but what am I!?! Mecka-lecka hi… Mecka-hiney ho! Extras include interviews.

Low Down

Oscilloscope Laboratories / Released 3/17/15

Based on the memoir by Amy-Jo Albany, Low Down is a compassionate, tender look at the complex relationship between Amy-Jo (Elle Fanning) and her father Joe (John Hawkes), a man torn between his musical ambition, his devotion to his teenage daughter, and his suffocating heroin addiction. Set against a sensuously textured 1970s Hollywood, the film beautifully evokes a colorful, seedy world of struggling musicians, artists, and vagabonds, in which Joe and Amy-Jo strive to live the lives they want against seemingly insurmountable odds. Extras include commentary, interview, trailer, featurettes and excerpt from Amy-Jo Albany’s memoir.

Exodus: Gods & Kings 

20th Century Fox / Released 3/17/15

From acclaimed director Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Prometheus) comes Exodus: Gods and Kings, the epic tale of one man’s daring courage to take on an empire. Using state-of-the-art visual effects, this spectacular adventure brings new life to the story of Moses (Christian Bale) as he defies the Pharaoh Ramses (Joel Edgerton), setting 400,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues.  Extras include commentary, historical guide, deleted and extended scenes, featurettes and documentary.

Top Five

Paramount / Released 3/17/15

Pulsing with the rhythm of his greatest stand-up, Chris Rock’s Top Five takes things to the next level, reveling in the high and the low, and blending a star-studded comedic romp with an irresistible romance. Top Five digs under the surface of show business, politics, rap, and the exigencies of being black and famous today – holding it all up to the light in the way only Chris Rock can. Mingling echoes of Woody Allen and Dick Gregory with the energy of Kanye West and Jay Z, Top Five is an original and radically new kind of American movie.

Written, directed by, and starring Chris Rock, Top Five tells the story of New York City comedian-turned-film star Andre Allen, whose unexpected encounter with a journalist (Rosario Dawson) forces him to confront the comedy career – and the past – that he’s left behind.  Extras include commentary, deleted scenes, stand-up outtakes, featurettes, making of and extra footage.

Last Word:  Chris Rock’s best movie (as both a filmmaker and actor), Top Five is a semi-autobiographical look at an artist’s transition in both his career and personal life.  A recovering alcoholic, Andre “Dre” Allen (Rock) is simultaneously promoting his new film Uprize!, a drama about a Haitian slave revolt while his girlfriend reality star Erica Long (Gabrielle Union) coordinates their Bravo network wedding telecast.  The film chronicles Dre spending the day with New York Times reporter Chelsea Brown (Rosario Dawson), who interviews him for a profile piece.  Along the way she meets his family, friends, and bonds with Dre as she reveals her agenda with him which consists of a single question, “Why isn’t he funny anymore?”

Rock fills the cast with talented supporting players including J.B. Smoove, Romany Malco, Cedric the Entertainer, Ben Vereen,  Michael Che, Sherri Shepherd, Jay Pharoah, Tracy Morgan, Leslie Jones, Tichina Arnold, Luis Guzman, and Kevin Hart.  Rock also blurs the lines of reality by including a number of recognizable people playing themselves, including Jerry Seinfeld, Adam Sandler, Whoopi Goldberg, Charlie Rose, Taraji P. Henson, Gabourey Sidibe  and DMX (in a hilarious cameo).

There’s a huge precedent for comedians to suddenly focus on serious work (Robin Williams, Tom Hanks, Jim Carrey, Michael Keaton, etc.) and Top Five attempts to answer at least a few reasons why.  The relationship and rapport between Rock and Dawson is honest, raw and very funny.  Highly recommended.

Turn: Washington’s Spies – The Complete First Season

Starz/Anchor Bay / Released 3/17/15

Based on the book Washington Spies by Alexander Rose, Turn: Washington’s Spies centers on Abraham Woodhull, a farmer living in British-occupied Long Island during the Revolutionary War, who bands together with a disparate group of childhood friends to form the Culper Ring.

 A character-driven drama set during the Revolutionary War, “TURN: Washington’s Spies: The Complete First Season” takes us behind the battlefront to a shadow war fought by everyday heroes who vowed to keep their heroics a secret. Based on Alexander Rose’s book “Washington’s Spies,” “TURN: Washington’s Spies,” centers on Abe Woodhull, a farmer living in British-occupied Long Island, who bands together with a disparate group of childhood friends to form the Culper Ring. Together they risked their lives and honor, and turned against family and King, for a fight they believed in passionately, ultimately helping George Washington turn the tide of the Revolutionary War in favor of the rebels. Their daring efforts also revolutionized the art of espionage, giving birth to modern tradecraft as we know it today, along with all of the moral complexity that entails.

“TURN: Washington’s Spies: The Complete First Season” features a talented cast including Jamie Bell as Abraham Woodhull, Seth Numrich as Ben Tallmadge, Daniel Henshall as Caleb Brewster, Heather Lind as Anna Strong, Kevin R. McNally as Judge Richard Woodhull, Meegan Warner as Mary Woodhull, Burn Gorman as Major Hewlett, Angus MacFadyen as Robert Rogers, JJ Feild as Major John André and Samuel Roukin as Captain Simcoe.

Together they risked their lives and honor, and turned against family and King, for a fight they believed in passionately, ultimately helping George Washington turn the tide of the War in favor of the rebels. Extras include featurettes and deleted scenes.

Lady From Shanghai

Mill Creek / Released 3/17/15

Baffling murders, fascinating plot twists and remarkable camera work all contribute to this spellbinding, time-honored film noir written, directed by and starring Orson Welles. Hired to work on a yacht belonging to the disabled husband of femme fatale Rita Hayworth, Welles plays an innocent man drawn into a dangerous web of intrigue and murder.

The subject of great controversy and scandal upon its initial release, The Lady From Shanghai shocked 1948 audiences by presenting Hayworth with her flaming red hair cut short and dyed champagne blonde. Fifty years later, The Lady From Shanghai is considered vintage Welles, his famous hall of mirrors climax hailed as one of the greatest scenes in cinematic history.

Muck

Starz/Anchor Bay / Released 3/17/15

This throwback horror film just raised the hacked-up bar: Horror legend Kane Hodder and Playboy Playmate of the Year 2012, Jaclyn Swedberg star in this scary, sexy, indie shocker that joins a group of friends just as they emerge from the thick, murky darkness of the marshes tattered, bloody, and lucky to be alive. But they will soon find out that the lucky ones are already dead. Muck is packed with old-school gore effects and brutal stunts, without any CGI or apologies. Lachlan Buchanan (Pretty Little Liars) co-stars in writer/director Steve Wolsh’s searing directorial debut that unfolds like a blood-stained love letter to horror fanatics everywhere!

The Wild One 

Mill Creek / Released 3/17/15

An angry young Marlon Brando scorches the screen as The Wild One in this powerful ’50s cult classic. Brando plays Johnny, the leader of a vicious biker gang which invades a small, sleepy California town. What’s Johnny rebelling against? What have you got? – he sneers. The leather-jacketed young biker seems hell-bent for destruction until he falls for Kathie (Mary Murphy), a good girl whose father (Robert Keith) happens to be a cop. Unfortunately for Johnny, his one shot at redemption is threatened by a psychotic rival, Chino (Lee Marvin), plus the hostility and prejudice of the townspeople. All their smoldering passions explode in an electrifying climax!

My Girl 

Sony / Released 3/17/15

A coming-of-age comedy starring Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis, Macaulay Culkin (Home Alone) and newcomer Anna Chlumsky, My Girl is an irresistible story of first love and loss. Chlumsky makes an extraordinary acting debut as Vada Sultenfuss, a precocious 11-year-old tomboy obsessed with death. Dan Aykroyd is her widowed father, the town mortician, and Jamie Lee Curtis is the sexy cosmetician he employs. Macaulay Culkin, in another endearing performance, is Thomas J., the boy next door who idolizes Vada. Their summer adventures from first kiss to last farewell which introduce Vada to the world of adolescence. Extras include commentary, featurettes and trailer.

Last Word: Fifteen years after it’s debut, My Girl still delivers an an emotional punch that resonates. Anna Chlumsky is a true discovery as well as the heart of the film, with a nuanced and subtle performance that still impressive. Dan Aykroyd is fantastic as Vada’s father who adds a bit of levity to the film. Jamie Lee Curtis and Macaulay Culkin are also quite effective in their roles. The film’s handling of mortality is quite interesting. Vada’s obsession with the subject might have her mentally aware and prepared for the concept, but it’s the emotional reaction that she isn’t prepared to deal with. My Girl is refreshingly honest, unexpectedly sweet and resonates as much today as it did upon it’s initial release. Recommended.

Hester Street

Scorpion / Released 3/17/15

Carol Kane (Annie Hall, Carnal Knowledge, Dog Day Afternoon) stars with Doris Roberts (Everybody Loves Raymond) in Joan Micklin Silver’s touching tale of Gitl (Kane), a young Jewish woman who comes to America in the 1890s, only to discover that her husband, Jake (Stephen Keats, from The Executioner’s Song and Black Sunday), has given up the ways of the old country, and taken up with a new girlfriend, and a new life. By turns heartbreaking, comic, and sharply observed, this remarkable film won Kane an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in 1975, and launched director Joan Micklin Silver’s career.

Day of Anger

Arrow / Released 3/31/15

When Sergio Leone turned Lee Van Cleef into a major star with For a Few Dollars More and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, the actor sensibly stayed in Italy to make several more spaghetti westerns, including this one from Leone’s former assistant Tonino Valerii that genre aficionados rank amongst the best ever made. Giuliano Gemma plays street cleaner Scott Mary, relentlessly bullied by the people of the small town of Clifton. When legendarily ruthless master gunfighter Frank Talby (Van Cleef) rides into town, Scott seizes the opportunity to lift himself out of the gutter, and possibly even surpass Talby’s own skills. But what is Talby doing in Clifton in the first place? This lively, intelligent western, notable for the chemistry between its charismatic leads, some memorable action set-pieces (including a rifle duel on horseback that has to be seen to be believed), and a jazzy Riz Ortolani score, is presented here in an exclusive high-definition restoration from the original Techniscope negative.  Extras include interviews, deleted scene and trailers.

Mark of The Devil

Arrow / Released 3/17/15

Once proclaimed as “positively the most horrifying film ever made”, Mark of the Devil arrives in a director-approved edition featuring a new restoration of the feature. A bloody and brutal critique of religious corruption, Mark of the Devil sees horror icon Udo Kier (Flesh for Frankenstein, Suspiria) play a witchfinder’s apprentice whose faith in his master (Herbert Lom) becomes severely tested when they settle in an Austrian village. Presided over by the sadistic Albino (a memorably nasty turn from Reggie Nalder), the film presents its morality not so much in shades of grey as shades of black. Written and directed by Michael Armstrong, who would later pen Eskimo Nell, The Black Panther and House of the Long Shadows, this classic shocker has lost none of its power over the years.  Extras include commentary, featurettes, interview, documentary, outtakes, gallery and trailer.

Troop Beverly Hills 

Sony / Released 3/17/15

Shelley Long discovers that when the going gets tough, the tough go camping in Troop Beverly Hills, a comedy about lifestyles of the rich and outrageous. Flamboyantly wealthy Phyllis Nefler (Long) has everything money can buy – a drop-dead Beverly Hills mansion, a classic Rolls, furs, jewelry and designer gowns. The one thing she doesn’t have is her husband Freddy (Craig T. Nelson), who’s leavingher for good. Maybe. Determined to prove she’s still the creative, energetic woman Freddy once loved, Phyllis throws luxury to the wind and becomes leader of her daughter’s Wilderness Girls troop. But how much can this chic cookie take before she crumbles? Is saving her marriage really worth trading Gucci bags for sleeping bags – not to mention actually touching bugs? Featuring cameos by Robin Leach, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Pia Zadora, Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Dr. Joyce Brothers and Cheech Marin. Extras include interviews, deleted scenes and trailer.

Vice

Lionsgate / Released 3/17/15

Julian Michaels (Bruce Willis) has designed the ultimate resort: Vice, where anything goes and the customers can play out their wildest fantasies with artificial inhabitants who look, think and feel like humans. When an artificial (Ambyr Childers) becomes self-aware and escapes, she finds herself caught in the crossfire between Julian’s mercenaries and a cop (Thomas Jane) who is hell-bent on shutting down Vice, and stopping the violence once and for all. Extras include commentary, featurettes, interview and trailers.

Life Itself

Magnolia / Released 3/17/15

Acclaimed director Steve James (Hoop Dreams) and executive producers Martin Scorsese (The Departed) and Steven Zaillian (Moneyball) present Life Itself, a documentary film that recounts the inspiring and entertaining life of world-renowned film critic and social commentator Roger Ebert – a story that is by turns personal, funny, painful, and transcendent. Based on his bestselling memoir of the same name, Life Itself, explores the legacy of Roger Ebert’s life, from his Pulitzer Prize-winning film criticism at the Chicago Sun-Times to becoming one of the most influential cultural voices in America. Extras include deleted scenes, Sundance tribute, director interview, featurette and trailer.

Last Word: How do I go about reviewing a movie like Life Itself? Most of us have spent our whole lives reading his reviews, so I can’t ignore the feeling of dissonance when writing about his life, now that he’s gone. It doesn’t feel right, like I’m breaking a rule. But then again, how can one not want to write about something so cinematically profound? The idea of the movie itself seems to come full circle in a cinematic fashion, starting with director Steve James. James’s first hit documentary Hoop Dreams, in 1994, can thank its success almost solely to Ebert for praising it on his show. It only seems perfectly fitting to have him direct Life Itself, a heartbreaking, personal, and poignant look into a legend whose voice echoed through decades, even when his body did not.

Admittedly, I am a bit of a stranger to Ebert’s reviews, but I am no stranger to his legacy as a critic. One does not have to have personally grown up with his reviews to adequately appreciate just how huge of an impact he had on the world of not only film criticism, but also journalism as a whole. This was a man, much much more intelligent than I had previously realized, who essentially dedicated his life to watching and reviewing films not because he felt he had a duty, and not because he felt it was the right thing to do. He reviewed these films for decades and decades simply because he loves films. It’s hard not to respect that.

Naturally fittingly so, Steve James did a fantastic job chronicling Ebert’s life as well as poignantly documenting the last six-or-so months of his life with his beautiful wife Chaz. After so many years and so much hardship near the end you’d think somebody would give up, but Ebert expressed an optimistic head throughout the entire ordeal, and James brings the camera almost TOO close for comfort throughout the journey. There are shots of the film that James lets linger for a bit, framing both Ebert himself and Chaz as they discuss topics maybe a little too close for comfort, and those shots are some of my favorite because they’re so authentic.

These are shots meant for the viewer to observe, peer into these lives in a most personal state in one of the most poignant moment in their lives. I know the word “poignant” is used often in this review but the word is perfect for a movie like this, a personal journey through the life of somebody who never kept things to himself, especially after the death of his partner in crime, Gene Siskel. Siskel should be mentioned, as his presence is seen throughout most of the film, seeing how his presence was so impactful for Ebert’s life. Director James does a great job showing how he and his own legacy tied in with Ebert’s life and just how hostile their relationship was, when hidden behind the curtain.

It is a fantastically fascinating segment of the film that really shows a unique and interesting glimpse into the lives of these two greats of film criticism. One particular scene shows an extended shot from their show Siskel and Ebert at the Movies, wherein both of these titans of printed press bicker like six-year-olds in between takes. It’s a fascinating look at these two that shows that, as paraphrased by Ebert, “they’re both assholes, but they’re each other’s assholes.”

Being a documentary one cannot easily critique something like cinematography, but more so one can comment on how the segments are shot. As previously mentioned James likes to have the camera linger during personal moments when documenting, say, a hospital or rehab visit with Ebert and Chaz, but it’s the moments of his life, like a simple feeding time, that are so heartbreaking, when you’re forced to watch this great legend of the press accepting his meal through a straw in his throat. It is tremendously personal and is truly an eye-opening exploration into where his life has gone. That being said, it really shows his strength to see him so optimistic in the midst of this “tragedy”. Surely it takes a whole hell of a lot to stop Roger Ebert.

Life Itself is a film that is not easily reviewable because it is better to experience it yourself than to rely on a reviewer. Everybody’s image of Roger Ebert and his legacy is different, but it is impossible not to respect his impact on the writings of film. This is a man who, as mentioned in the film, has been writing reviews for nearly half the life of films themselves, and has watched these films literally evolve over time. There is plenty of content I haven’t mentioned, mostly of his past before writing for the Chicago Sun-Times, that is best left for the viewer to experience, but it is indeed a bittersweet thing to write about this film. Life Itself is a personal, heartbreaking, yet inspirational film that proves that films have the power to lift us up no matter what may bring us down. (– Steve Carly)

Son of a Gun

Lionsgate / Released 3/17/15

When JR (Brenton Thwaites) is sent to prison for a minor crime, he becomes the apprentice to Brendan Lynch (Ewan McGregor), Australia’s public enemy number one. When JR helps Brendan break out, they go on the run and form a complex co-dependent relationship. JR quickly learns in the criminal world, life is like a game of chess. To gain control, you have to stay a few moves ahead of your opponent. Lose that control, and you risk becoming a pawn in their very dangerous game. Extras include commentary and featurette.

A MusiCares Tribute To Paul McCartney 

Shout! Factory / Released 3/24/15

On February 10, 2012, Sir Paul McCartney was honored as the 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year. At a gala event in Los Angeles, McCartney and a cast of superstar guests performed some of the quintessential songs from his renowned and celebrated career.

Proceeds from the sale of this product will provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

Includes the following performances:

• “Get Back / Hello Goodbye / Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” – Cirque du Soleil featuring The Beatles “Love” Cast 
• “Magical Mystery Tour” – Paul McCartney 
• “Junior’s Farm” – Paul McCartney 
• “Blackbird” – Alicia Keys 
• “No More Lonely Nights” – Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas 
• “And I Love Her” – Duane Eddy 
• “Oh! Darling” – Norah Jones 
• “I Saw Her Standing There” – Neil Young with Crazy Horse 
• “The Fool On The Hill” – Sergio Mendes 
• “We Can Work It Out” – Coldplay 
• “Yesterday” – James Taylor with Diana Krall 
• “For No One” – Diana Krall with James Taylor 
• “My Valentine” – Paul McCartney 
• “Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five” – Paul McCartney 
• “Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight / The End” – Paul McCartney featuring Dave Grohl and Joe Walsh

The Sure Thing (30th Anniversary Edition)

Shout! Factory / Released 3/24/15

When college student Walter Gibson (John Cusack) gets set up for a date with an incredibly gorgeous blonde (Nicollette Sheridan in her film debut), he’s ready to go to the ends of the earth — or at least across the country — to capitalize on this “sure thing.” Paired up with tightly-wound coed Alison Bradbury (Daphne Zuniga) via the campus ride-share program, he heads west for Los Angeles. But as the obstacles begin to pile up, he and Alison begin to form an unexpected bond… and soon Gib must choose between the sure thing and the real thing.

Directed by Rob Reiner (This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride), The Sure Thing is exactly what the title suggests for fans of raucously funny road trips, red-hot romantic comedies and romps through 80’s angst featuring John Cusack!  Extras include commentary, featurettes, and trailer.

Best Seller

Olive Films / Released 3/24/15

Owing his publisher a yet-to-be written and long overdue novel, author (and police detective) Dennis Meechum (Brian Dennehy) is intrigued when approached by a self-professed hit man named Cleve (James Woods) to pen his story. Skeptical at first, but curious, Meechum is eventually convinced that Cleve is in fact telling the truth when presented with a list of “hits” requested by high powered executive David Matlock (Paul Shenar). The stakes are raised when news of a possible tell-all is revealed, endangering those closest to Meechum. Best Seller, directed by John Flynn (Lock Up, Out For Justice) from an original screenplay by Larry Cohen (It’s Alive), co-stars Victoria Tennant and Alison Balson. Extras include trailer.

Tom Sawyer – A Musical Adaptation

Shout! Factory / Released 3/24/15

Ride a riverboat back to the good old days with Johnny Whitaker (Sigmund and the Sea Monsters, Family Affair) and Jodie Foster in 1973’s Oscar-nominated musical adaptation of Mark Twain’s classic novel, Tom Sawyer. The irrepressible Tom (Whitaker) and his pal Huck Finn (Jeff East, Superman: The Movie, Pumkinhead) are well known in the town of Hannibal, Missouri as mischief-makers and tellers of tall tales. But when they witness a shocking crime for which the lovable town drunk Muff Potter (Warren Oates, The Wild Bunch) is framed, the two boys find themselves in bigger trouble than they’d ever imagined possible! Can Tom clear Muff’s name, win the heart of the town’s new arrival Becky Thatcher (Foster)…and save his own skin?

Celeste Holm (All About Eve) also stars in this charming take on one of America’s great books. Featuring a screenplay and songs written by the legendary Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman (Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), Tom Sawyer is a glorious musical adventure for the whole family.  Extras include trailer.

At the Earth’s Core

Kino Lorber / Released 1/13/15

They’re in it Deep now! Murderous monsters, scantily clad prehistoric playmates and telepathic pterodactyls inhabit the center of our world in this colorful fantasy-adventure about a manned “drill-craft” boring its way to the center of the Earth! Starring sci-fi superstars Doug McClure (The Land That Time Forgot), Peter Cushing (Nothing But the Night) and Caroline Munro (Maniac), this subterranean chiller is the most endearingly whimsical entertainment on – or under – the planet’s surface! There’s more than lava at the Earth’s core. There’s also Pellucidar: an underground empire where gargantuan pterodactyls torture and enslave all humanoids – including the lovely Dia (Munro). But all that could change when a surface-dwelling scientist (Cushing) and an American businessman (McClure) drive their powerful “Iron Mole” straight into Pellucidar… stirring up a great deal more than dirt, rocks and lava! Wonderfully directed by sci-fi specialist, Kevin Connor (The People That Time Forgot).

Foxes

Kino Lorber / Released 1/13/15

Two-time Oscar winner Jodie Foster (Silence of the Lambs) shines in this intimate, astonishing and powerful film from director Adrian Lyne (Fatal Attraction) that takes you on a teenage rock ‘n’ roll filled trip through the fast lane in the San Fernando Valley. Jeanie (Foster) has a lot to cope with… her mom (Sally Kellerman, Back to School) is divorced and desperate; her friends abuse drugs, her friend Annie (Cherie Currie, Wavelength) wants to run away from her abusive father and the only ones she can lean on are her three best friends. Lyne’s feature film debut features an amazing soundtrack by Giorgio Moroder (Flashdance) including the megahit On the Radio sung by Donna Summer. Co-starring Scott Baio (Zapped!) and Randy Quaid (Kingpin). Extras include commentary, interview and trailer.

The Falcon and the Snowman

Kino Lorber / Released 1/13/15

Timothy Hutton (Ordinary People) and Sean Penn (Mystic River) deliver superb performances in a true-story spy thriller that is scathing, arresting and laced with white-knuckle excitement. From legendary director John Schlesinger (Midnight Cowboy) and writing great Steven Zaillian (Schindler’s List) comes a film that blows the lid off the modern-day American dream in this riveting story of two young men of privilege, money and ambition who end up selling government secrets to the Russians. Christopher Boyce (Hutton) works a low-level job at a defense plant where he uncovers documents that prove that the C.I.A. is secretly coercing foreign governments. He confides in his friend, Daulton Lee (Penn), a reckless drug dealer and user, who convinces him to sell this information to the Soviets for big bucks. Lee boldly cuts a deal with the KGB, but soon the stakes spin out of control as the Soviets up the ante. Lee descends further into drug abuse, and the C.I.A. prepare to take the informants down. Extras include trailer.

The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming

Kino Lorber / Released 2/10/15

When sightseeing Soviet commander (Alan Arkin, The In-Laws) runs his submarine aground off the New England coast, his crew’s attempts to find a boat to dislodge the sub almost starts World War III. Arkin leads and all-star cast that includes Carl Reiner, Eva Marie Saint, Brian Keith and Jonathan Winters – in this riotous, uproarious and sidesplitting comedy. Russian Lt. Rozanov (Arkin) and his crew hit the beaches of Massachusetts unaware of the panic they’re about to start. Despite the Russians’ harmless intentions, the folks in town think a full-scale Soviet invasion has been launched! What’s worse, their police chief (Keith) has left his hysterical assistant (Winters) in charge… and the one man who knows the truth (Reiner) is only stirring up more chaos! The great Norman Jewison (In the Heat of the Night) directs this wonderful comedy based on the Nathaniel Benchley novel with a screenplay by William Rose (It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World). The hilarious cast includes Paul Ford, Theodore Bikel and John Phillip Law. Extras include trailer and featurette.

Interstellar

Paramount / Released 3/31/15

From director Christopher Nolan (Inception, The Dark Knight trilogy) comes the story of a team of pioneers undertaking the most important mission in human history. Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyer’s Club) stars as ex-pilot-turned-farmer Cooper, who must leave his family and a foundering Earth behind to lead an expedition traveling beyond this galaxy to discover whether mankind has a future among the stars. Academy Award winner Anne Hathaway and Academy Award nominee Jessica Chastain also star in the landmark film Lou Lumenick of the New York Post calls “one of the most exhilarating film experiences so far this century.”  Extras include documentary, featurettes and trailer.

Last Word: Interstellar is a hefty film. I am not even talking about its almost 3 hour running time either.  Christopher Nolan has presented us with his personal 2001: A Space Odyssey. Now before you all fly off the handle and tell me there is no way this film is as good as 2001, let me remind you that when 2001 came out in 1968 it was met with stunningly bad reviews. Later, of course, it is heralded as one of the greatest pieces of Science Fiction film making ever made.

Has Mr. Nolan achieved this? Not entirely but I believe that it comes close. Only time will tell. Interstellar is a grand film and had me intrigued from the opening frames till the final credit rolled. It tells the story of a dying Earth. One that is slowly becoming unable to sustain life on it. A group of hopeful explorers led by Cooper, played by Matthew McConaughey, must travel through a mysterious worm hole, discovered near Saturn, to find a new planet for the Human race to continue its existence on.  That is just the briefest of explanations of what the story of the film is about and it doesn’t even come close to encompassing the breadth and scope of the film.

This film is an epic on most every scale. It is also methodical and very deliberately paced. It is also a true Science Fiction film in every sense of the meaning. This film harkens back to the heady days of Asimov, Clarke, Dick, Bester, Herbert and Bradbury. Nolan and his writing partner and brother, Jonathan have crafted a well thought out and gripping story with both heart and suspense.  The cast of this film are all perfect and give fantastic performances. Cooper’s space mission team, Academy Award Winner, Anne Hathaway as Amelia, Wes Bentley as Doyle, David Gyasi as Romilly and both Bill Irwin and Josh Stewart as the voices of the robots, TARS and CASE are outstanding.

Back on Earth, Michael Caine as Amelia’s father and brilliant scientist Professor Brand, the architect of the mission must finish his formula to get everyone off the planet when a suitable new planet is found. Rounding out the already amazing cast are Matt Damon as the stranded Dr. Mann, Casey Affleck as Cooper’s adult son, Tom,  who desperately hopes to save his father’s farm, Jessica Chasten as Cooper’s grown up daughter, Murph, who is the entire reason Cooper is on this mission in the first place and is Professor Brand’s assistant in trying to both save the human race as well as her father.  I can only hope that anyone who reads this will watch this film. I loved it and it made me feel like a kid again watching hopeful and wondrous Science Fiction films for the first time. Yes, it has it’s flaws and it has it’s inherent paradoxes that are always going to be there when you deal with time and space. But if you let the film just tell its story, on the other side of that is a great piece of filmmaking and a film about hope discovery in this rather cynical and hopeless real world.  It is a breath of fresh air in the rather stale and stagnant terrarium we call movies. (– Benn Robbins)

Wild Card

Lionsgate / Released 3/31/15

Nick Wild (Jason Statham) is a Las Vegas bodyguard with lethal professional skills and a personal gambling problem. When a friend is beaten by a sadistic thug, Nick strikes back, only to find out the thug is the son of a powerful mob boss. Suddenly Nick is plunged into the criminal underworld, chased by enforcers and wanted by the mob. Having raised the stakes, Nick has one last play to change his fortunes… and this time, it’s all or nothing.  Extras include commentary, featurette and script vingette.

The Imitation Game

Starz / Anchor Bay  / Released 3/31/15

During the winter of 1952, British authorities entered the home of mathematician, cryptanalyst and war hero Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) to investigate a reported burglary. They instead ended up arresting Turing himself on charges of ‘gross indecency’, an accusation that would lead to his devastating conviction for the criminal offense of homosexuality – little did officials know, they were actually incriminating the pioneer of modern-day computing.

Famously leading a motley group of scholars, linguists, chess champions and intelligence officers, he was credited with cracking the so-called unbreakable codes of Germany’s World War II Enigma machine. An intense and haunting portrayal of a brilliant, complicated man, The Imitation Game follows a genius who under nail-biting pressure helped to shorten the war and, in turn, save thousands of lives.  Extras include commentary, deleted scenes, making of, and Q&A Highlights.

Last Word: Heartbreaking. From start to finish, that is how I would describe The Imitation Game.  Based on the book Alan Turning: The Enigma by Andrew Hodges, The Imitation Game is the story of Alan Turning (Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock) a brilliant but socially inept mathematician who invented the computer that cracked the enigma machine, the Nazi’s cipher machine; and after the war, was persecuted for being homosexual at a time when homosexuality was illegal in England.

Norwegian director, Morten Tyldum weaves a complex story. The film follows three timelines; Turning as a precocious and isolated schoolboy, his time working secretly for the British Government in WWII, and his tragic and solitary life after the war. each timeline enhances the other, giving the viewer a living, breathing Turning.

The Imitation Game paints a picture of just how desperate life was in England during the early years of WWII. From the evacuation of the children from London during the Blitz, to the sinking of the food convoys from the United States to a starving Great Britain, Tyldum gives the modern audience access to how importance of breaking the enigma code.

The ensemble cast makes it hard not to become engrossed in the story. Most of the time you are watching people standing around and talking or writing things down. However, it is the performances of these masterful actors that create the energy and suspense of a thriller. Alan Turning’s story is a tragic one. Alan Turning’s contributions to the war effort essentially turned the tide in the Allies favor and saved countless lives. Because his work was top secret, he was never seen as a war hero. Because of his sexual preferences, when his secret was revealed, he was arrested and treated like a criminal, taking everything that he had left that was important to him.

Benedict Cumberbatch is brilliant as Turning. It would have been simple for Cumberbatch to have played Alan Turning as just another Sherlock. Instead, he moves past the superficial similarities (genius with no social skills) to deliver a unique performance that plays well with his fellow cast mates. It is heart wrenching to watch Cumberbatch’s Turning try to decipher people that way he deciphers codes, and not understanding how he is failing.

Charles Dance (Game of Thrones) takes another turn as the steely authoritative figure in the form of Commander Denniston, the Navy commander that reluctantly hires Turning to the Enigma project. His stern delivery is the perfect foil to Cumberbatch’s naivety. Mark Strong (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy) injects a bit of levity (and steals scenes) as the cool Mi6 operative. Matthew Goode and Allen Leech (both Downton Abbey alumni) round out the boy’s club of code breakers that flux between wanted to kill Turning to defending his genius back to wanting to kill him. The addition of Kiera Knightly’s Joan, shows just how limited the opportunities were even for the most brilliant of women at that time. The Imitation Game is a vindication of the life of a brilliant man who was almost remembered as a deviant instead of a British patriot and the genius who is the father of the modern computer. (– Elizabeth Robbins)

Silicon Valley: Season 1

HBO Home Video / Released 3/31/15

From the offbeat minds of Alec Berg and Mike Judge, Silicon Valley is an all-new comedy series set in the high-tech gold rush of modern Silicon Valley, where the people most qualified to succeed are the least capable of handling success.  Extras include commentaries and featurettes.

Last Word: Since the end of the cult classic Entourage, HBO has struggled greatly to find a new show that stands tall against the many phenomenal comedies that are bringing in the best ratings. It is here that we venture to Silicon Valley. We find ourselves in the middle of the high-tech gold rush that is the land of modern Silicon Valley. Creator Mike Judge brings a show that brilliantly satirizes tech boom culture that is sure to create quite the audience. Amongst the power houses like Google, Facebook, and Twitter is the fictional tech company Hooli run by billionaire Gavin Belson (Matt Ross).

A simple, low level employee of Hooli is our main character Richard (Thomas Middleditch). Richard speaks to all of the tech geeks and computer nerds of the world with his painfully shy and awkward approach to basically everything in his life. This is what makes us like him from his very first moments. As Richard gets picked on by the other Hooli dorks that reside higher up the food chain, he spends his spare time creating an application of his own called Pied Piper. This is a music based app that allows artists to search a database to see if any of their music or lyrics have been used before in previous material. While it doesn’t seem like an app that would change the foundation of the tech world, the algorithm that Richard has developed for it might be.

Once this is discovered, Richard is immediately approached by Gavin with an offer to buy the algorithm from him for millions of dollars. However at the same time he is also propositioned with an offer by billionaire venture capitalist Peter Gregory (Christopher Evan Welch, who sadly passed away during filming). While Peter’s offer is for far less money, it comes with the opportunity for Richard to continue to own a majority stake in his company and be his own boss. After a panic attack, overwhelming , and even some vomiting, Richard decides to turn down the money and go with Peter.

Poor Richard is then faced with building his team, the components of which absolutely make the show. Erlich (TJ Miller) the stand alone best character on the show joins the company by default as he already owns 10% of Pied Piper as an agreement for Richard to live in his house. The rest of the team are fellow roommates, Gilfoyle (Martin Starr), Dinesh (Kumail Nanjiani) and also Gavin Belson’s former assistant Jared (Zach Woods) who left Hooli after being so impressed with Richard for turning down the money.

The pilot does everything that it needs to do by presenting the audience with a lovable group of tech geeks with a relatable struggle in front of them. There is a great mix of crude jokes and awkward situations that keep us laughing throughout. With a topic that could easily be too advanced for most people, Silicon Valley does a wonderful job of not making things too complicated to follow. Judge delivers a perfect set up that leaves us wanting more, and keeps us excited for the next episode.

Arguably the most important episode of a show’s first season is the second and HBO must have let out a great sigh of relief when SV delivered. Episode 2 dives right into the gang getting Pied Piper off of the ground. We get to know Richard’s team which looks like a great collection of characters that play off of each other brilliantly. The dynamic between the always competing Gilfoyle and Dinesh promises to provide sharp one liners and hysterical arguments all season. More importantly the show delivers a believable and worrisome conflict when a team at Hooli attempts to deconstruct Richard’s app to get his algorithm.

Episodes 3 through 5 lack a solid punch unfortunately. There are too many forced problems that seem to be resolved almost immediately and without sense. After Richard finds that another company already has claim to the name Pied Piper he manages to obtain it with almost no effort at all. Episode 5 is focused on an issue over a company mural that ends up being outrageously graphic and nonsensical. The highlight of the episode introduced a program competition that Richard accidentally entered Pied Piper into, that puts a timeline on the company’s release. This will inevitably lead to some much desired progress in coming episodes.

Episode 6 of Silicon Valley was set up perfectly by episode five as it gave it a fantastic direction and much needed goal for Pied Piper. Third Party Outsourcing begins wonderfully as it presents the audience with a tech issue that is clogging up the progress of the company. The issue however, fails to develop into a lasting conflict and fizzles out quickly much like this lackluster episode. Focused around three separate plot points episode five maintains to bring a substantial amount of comedy however it fails to move the direction of the show forward in any way.

Episode 7 was a breath of fresh air as it gave the audience a pleasant change of scenery. We find the Pied Piper gang at the TechCrunch Disrupt start up competition which presents a whole new collection of tech geeks. The guys are struggling to finish their demo presentation and a few more unexpected speed bumps are not helping to hurry up the process. Richard is informed that a girl who he went to college with is at the competition and she has been gallivanting around the conference telling people that he is obsessed with her. This brings Richard’s progress to a halt as he cannot stop thinking about how much it annoys him. The problem is that his incessant whining begins to annoy us. Richard’s awkward and uncomfortable personality begins wearing a bit thin in this episode and leaves us wanting more of the quiet goof genius and less of the whimpering slacker.

Erlich steals the episode. After hearing that one of the judges of the competition is Dan Melcher, Erlich informs the group that he slept with this man’s wife a few years ago. He is unsure if Melcher knows about the tryst and sets himself on a mission to find out. We get more tastes of his self-praising attitude with his hysterical and eccentric demands for the lighting during his presentation as well as his effective intimidation and insulting of competing start up groups. In his attempts to find out more about his issue with the judge he cuckolded Erlich meets Melcher’s new wife. While it is easily expected it is still hilarious when he ends up sleeping with this woman too. This comedy is only topped when Melcher spear tackles Erlich at the very beginning of his presentation.

The final episode picks up right where we left off at the TechCrunch Disrupt contest with the sprawling clash between Erlich and the cuckolded judge. In hopes to avoid a law suit, the TechCrunch board decides to put Pied Piper straight through to the finals and after some wheel greasing by Erlich, they also put them up in the hotel suite. This victory is short lived soon after when the gang sees the presentation by Gavin Belson and Hooli’s Nucleus. In Gavin’s presentation he shows that Nucleus will be synced with all other Hooli programs and the dagger in Pied Piper’s heart is that they have the exact same Weisman score.

After this blow the PP team goes into a full scramble to try to come up with a response for this presentation and the cast delivers some of the episodes best moments. Jared, who looks like a complete mess, brings up the idea of a “pivot” suggesting that the company changes gears and focusses on something else for their direction. Here we see how sleep depraved he has become and seems to be losing his mind. Not only does actor Zach Woods keep us doubled over with his absurd idea pitches to complete strangers and his borderline psychotic behavior, but he also addresses his four day stint on Peter Gregory’s robot island. This was great to see that the writer’s didn’t completely forget about that little detail.

When it looks like the team is facing an uphill battle that they simply cannot climb the guys sit in the hotel suite and discuss their plan which turns into an intelligent and formulaic discussion based around the always classic “dick joke.” After deciding that the only way to win over the judges and the audience is by Erlich servicing each one of them, the PP team begins discussing a method and formula which would make it feasibly possible to do so. This provides likely the greatest moments of the season. The cast finds their best momentum and play off each other perfectly to create the funniest moments we’ve seen yet.

Our team shows how determined and productive they can truly be and more importantly it sparks the solution to their problem. Richard takes the “middle out” idea originally devised when thinking about how to most efficiently give hand jobs to the audience and applies it to a new code for Pied Piper’s modules. The brilliance of the episode lies in the fact that they used a comedic discussion that on any other day would have distracted the guys as we have seen many times before and allowed it to be the key to their success.

With the confidence of his work creating the new compression engine, Richard makes the decision to present in the finals. After the first couple of episodes, Richard’s nervous and mumbling personality was wearing thin. His redemption and value comes storming into play with this performance as it shows his intelligence and guts. This was a monumental stride forward as it reminded us why we care about this character. He completely throws out the entire platform of Pied Piper, creates a newer and better one, and then presents to an audience of hundreds. The new compression engine blows the judges away leaving Pied Piper with the 50 thousand dollar grand prize and dozens of potential investors.

We leave this finale filled with emotion and excitement. One of the hardest things to do at times with comedies is provide the audience with a cast and a goal that we truly care about. Overall Silicon Valley seems to be exactly what HBO has been looking for. A quality comedy with a very likable cast. It delivers of variety of jokes that are both genuine and new to the game which is exactly what is going to keep people watching. It is without doubt that the guys at Pied Piper are a group that we are seriously rooting for and I for one cannot wait to see what they have in store for us next. (– Dan Powers)

Life Partners

Magnolia / Released 3/3/15

At 29, the most long-term relationship Sasha (Leighton Meester) and Paige (Gillian Jacobs) have ever been in is with each other, using their co-dependent friendship as an excuse not to venture out into the dating world alone. But when Paige meets Tim (Adam Brody) and starts to get serious for the first time, the nature of their friendship begins to shift. Fearing she’s being cast aside, Sasha tries to keep their relationship the same, but does growing up also mean growing apart? Extras include featurettes and trailers.

V/H/S: Viral

Magnolia / Released 2/17/15

A stream of police cars chasing after a deranged ice cream truck driver has captivated the attention of the greater Los Angeles area. Dozens of teens flock to the streets with their video cameras and cell phones, hell-bent on capturing the next viral video. But there is something far more sinister occurring in the streets of L.A. As they’ll soon find out, these fame-obsessed amateur videographers, capturing salacious footage for the amusement of the public, are themselves the stars of the next big viral video – one where they face their own horrifying deaths.  Extras include featurettes, commentary, galleries and storyboards and interviews.

Force Majeure

Magnolia / Released 2/10/15

This wickedly funny and precisely observed psychodrama tells the story of a model Swedish family handsome businessman Tomas, his willowy wife Ebba and their two blond children on a skiing holiday in the French Alps. The sun is shining and the slopes are spectacular but during a lunch at a mountainside restaurant, an avalanche suddenly bears down on the happy diners. With people fleeing in all directions and his wife and children in a state of panic, Tomas makes a decision that will shake his marriage to its core and leave him struggling to reclaim his role as family patriarch.  Extras include featurette and interviews.

Wild

20th Century Fox / Released 3/31/15

Academy Award Winner Reese Witherspoon stars in this inspirational true story from the director of Dallas Buyers Club and based on the best-selling book by Cheryl Strayed. After years of reckless behavior and being haunted by memories of her mother Bobbi (Academy Award Nominee Laura Dern), Cheryl (Witherspoon) makes a rash decision to embark on a challenging trek across the Pacific Crest Trail. With absolutely no experience, she sets out to hike more than a thousand miles all on her own – in what becomes a remarkable journey of self-discovery and redemption that strengthens and ultimately heals her.  Extras include commentary, featurettes, deleted scenes, interactive map, and gallery.

Last Word:  didn’t know what to expect from Wild. I knew it was a about a woman on a hike. An intense hike. And I prayed it wouldn’t be some feel-good “I’m discovering how happy life can be and how wondrous nature is” film. And it wasn’t.

Jean-Marc Vallee’s depiction of Cheryl Strayed’s hike along the Pacific Crest Trail is an enthralling journey. It’s jarring, beautiful, and a really intense emotional experience of the paralyzing impacts of grief and guilt, much more so than the experience of hiking. After four years of grief-driven sexual exploits and drug use, triggered by the early death of her mother, Cheryl Strayed is at rock bottom. It seems clear that her hike is meant to cleanse her of her wrongdoings, but that’s not what it does.

Wild is about acceptance more so than moral victory. We don’t see the character become a better person throughout this trip and we aren’t meant to see her do so, so much as recognize her cowardice and relate to the crippling effects of grief. There is no montage scene of triumph. The hike never gets easier. Cheryl never buffs up and runs up a mountainside smiling and proud. She remains exhausted the entire time. And appropriately so. She is paralyzed in her damaging lifestyle until she puts herself in an environment where she will ultimately be killed in some form or another if she doesn’t move forward. And that’s why the film is so powerful.

Wild isn’t a movie where the character needs to get stronger to forge ahead, not physically anyway. Instead, we get to watch Strayed accept and acknowledge her behavior. I never felt sympathetic towards her either. But as the film progressed, my respect for her definitely grew. Reese Witherspoon delivers Strayed’s life story with flawless expertise. Makes me think her Oscar for June Carter Cash was silly. Her performance here is incomparable to her previous work. The actress uses her entire body to illustrate the defeat, exhaustion and self-hatred of Strayed. Witherspoon’s physical expression is much to be admired. Contrasting Witherspoon’s performance is Laura Dern as her mother, Bobbi. Dern is lovely and soft, making Witherspoon that much more hard. Dern’s kindness is incredibly warm and enchanting and it’s impossible not to love and cherish her time on screen. Their relationship is so tragic because of Cheryl’s selfish attitude, her lack of understanding of her privilege and potential.

Jean-Marc Vallee doesn’t condone or condemn Strayed’s behavior through the camera, but merely opens the window to her satisfaction and shame as she experiences it. The direction feels neutral, not judgmental, which only enhances the emotion further. The camera movement consistently maintains just the right amount of unease so as to never allow the audience to completely relax. The editorial compilation of past and present pain is also incredible. Through soft and seamless transitions, we are guided through Cheryl’s mental and physical journey along the Pacific Crest Trail as well as her life leading up that point. Typically, stories that deal with self-discovery are contrived and dull. Wild is a personal story where the environment works as the backdrop to force some kind of movement, mental and physical. Cheryl Strayed isn’t battling her surroundings, she’s battling herself. The objective is to share the pain, understand and accept that pain, and acknowledge that it isn’t going to disappear from the past. It probably won’t disappear in the future either, but at least it might be managed in a productive manner. Cheers to the beauty and pain of this film. (– Caitlyn Thompson)

Island of Lemurs: Madagascar

Warner Bros. / Released 3/31/15

Fall in love with nature’s greatest explorers as they leap, sing and dance their way into your heart! Narrated by Academy Award-winner Morgan Freeman, Island of Lemurs: Madagascar will take you and your family on a spectacular journey into the wondrous world of these ultimate survivors.  Extras include featurettes.

Last Word:  Suburbly shot, Island of Lemurs: Madagascar packs an awful amount of information within it’s forty minute running time.  Certainly aided by the melodic voice of narrator Morgan Freeman, Island of Lemurs: Madagascar features some truly adorable animals that are currently fighting for the survival for the species.  Come for the adorable Lemurs.  Stay for the information.  Recommended.

Harlock: Space Pirate

Ketchup / Released 3/31/15

Many years into the future, battle has been raging across the galaxies as 500 billion humans, whose forebears were exiled from Earth, plan to return to what is still called home. Forced to flee a ravaged Earth, humans have now depleted the corners of the galaxy to which they fled. Earth has now become the most valued and precious resource of all, controlled by the corrupt Gaia Coalition which governs the human race across the different galaxies. Captain Harlock and his trusted crew are the only hope mankind has of discovering the secrets that the Gaia have kept hidden. 

ABC’s Of Death 2

Magnolia / Released 2/3/15

In 2013 the most ambitious anthology ever created was released to an unsuspecting public. It divided audiences. Some claimed it was a much needed adrenaline shot to the heart of horror. Many others claimed it was reprehensible and vile.

After its release on home-video and especially Netflix, the film evolved into the equivalent of a cinematic boogeyman with teenagers daring each other via social media to watch the film.

In 2014 it’s happening all over again.

ABC’s Of Death 2 is the follow-up to the most ambitious anthology film ever conceived. It features segments directed by over two dozen of the world’s leading talents in contemporary genre film. The motion picture is comprised of twenty-six individual chapters, each helmed by a different director assigned a letter of the alphabet. Provocative, shocking, and at times funny, ABC’s Of Death 2 is another global celebration of next generation genre filmmaking.

Features the following segments:

• A Is for Amateur: An aspiring hitman plans the perfect hit in his movie-addled imagination. Reality is far different. Witty and gross. Directed by E. L. Katz (Cheap Thrills). 
• B Is for Badger: An imperious journalist is shooting a report on how a nuclear plant has decimated the local English countryside, killing off the wild badger population. Nature has a comment for the record. For all its lengthy setup, this is really an elaborate joke with a killer punchline. Directed by Julian Barratt (who starred in A Field in England). 
• C Is for Capital Punishment: A cautionary tale about vigilante justice. Messy and heavy-handed, but effective. Directed by Julian Gilbey (A Lonely Place to Die). 
• D Is for Deloused: This stop-motion animated short involves bugs and revenge, but it plays like a bad dream; indeed, the director was inspired by a childhood fever dream. A Freudian field day, but not much of a story. Directed by Robert Morgan. 
• E Is for Equilibrium: Two male castaways on a desert island discover a third washed up on the beach: a woman. Establishing a new balance among the three proves challenging. The ending is perhaps too flippant, but the story is ingeniously told without dialogue. Directed by Alejandro Brugués (Juan of the Dead). 
• F Is for Falling: A female Israeli paratrooper is hanging from a tree in which her chute is entangled. An Arab boy finds her, and she agrees to become his prisoner, if he will just cut her down. It’s a reasonable bargain, but it doesn’t work. Sadness pervades this segment, which distinguishes it from any other short in the collection. Directed by Aharon Keshales and Navot Papushado (Big Bad Wolves). 
• G Is for Grandad: A young man resents his grandfather for clinging to his life and wealth, and the grandfather resents the young man for being young. What starts as humor ends in grotesquerie. Directed by Jim Hosking. 
• H Is for Head Games: In this surreal cartoon, a simple kiss transforms into a deadly battle between the sexes, fought entirely face to face. The animation is inventive and inspired. Directed by Bill Plympton. 
• I Is for Invincible: In a nod to a certain style of Mexican horror comedy, a family tries to kill their 120-year-old mother for her property. Unfortunately, she’s a witch who cannot die, even though she says she wants to, unless one of her heirs accepts the curse of eternal life along with the inheritance. This segment might be considered gory, if it weren’t so over-the-top. Directed by Erik Matti. 
• J Is for Jesus: A wealthy and traditional Brazilian father, who is shocked to discover that his son is gay, engages a priest and a violent “deprogrammer” to cast out the demon of homosexuality. So extreme is the suffering inflicted on the son that heaven intervenes in an unlikely form. Guaranteed to offend some viewers. Directed by Dennison Ramalho. 
• K Is for Knell: A woman witnesses an unexplained phenomenon that may signal the End of Days or possibly an alien invasion. An intriguing premise that ends just when it seems to be getting started. Directed by Kristina Buozyte and Bruno Samper. 
• L Is for Legacy: In Africa, tribesmen prepare to perform a ritual sacrifice, but one of them has second thoughts. At least, I think that’s what happens, because the dialogue is sketchy. In the aftermath, a monster appears. Directed by Lancelot Odawa Imasuen. 
• M Is for Masticate: This is a clever and stylish take on the zombie/cannibalism genre, shot almost entirely in extreme slow motion, except for the end, which serves as a parting shot and a kind of comic explanation for all the mayhem. Directed by Robert Boocheck. 
• N Is for Nexus: In a triumph of editing, Halloween, a date between Frankenstein and his bride, a manic taxi ride through Manhattan and too much texting all intersect in tragedy. As a New Yorker, I was terrified, because it all seemed perfectly believeable. Directed by Larry Fessenden (Wendigo). 
• O Is for Ochlocracy (mob rule): What would happen if someone invented a drug to cure zombie-ism? How would former zombies returned to their normal state regard fellow citizens who had so recently been hunting them? This segment explores one possibility by way of a courtroom proceeding. Directed by Hajime Ohata. 
• P Is for P-P-P-P SCARY!: For me, this qualifies as the weirdest of the bunch. It’s in black-and-white and is obviously meant as a homage to early comedies, but it doesn’t feel like a throwback. Three men in prison uniforms and long fake noses wander through an empty space that looks like the set from a Samuel Beckett play. All of them stutter. They encounter a man in a rocking chair holding a baby. He does terrible things to them. Directed by Todd Rohal. 
• Q Is for Questionnaire: This story has a simple moral: Don’t take a random intelligence test offered by an attractive woman at a sidewalk booth. You never know what they may be screening you for. Directed by Rodney Ascher (Room 237).
• R Is for Roulette: The roulette of the title is, of course, Russian roulette, and this is one of the most tensely directed renditions I have seen in a long time. Who are the three players and why are they playing? Just as we’re about to find out, the segment ends. Directed by Marven Kren. 
• S Is for Split: This nasty little tale begins with a man on a business trip abroad calling his wife to check in. Suddenly he is horrified to hear a home invasion in progress. He calls the local police, but is it too late? The ending is straight out of O. Henry. Directed by Juan Martinez Moreno. 
• T Is for Torture Porn: A model auditioning for a role in what appears to be a sado-masochistic skin flick has a big surprise for the crew filming her audition. Directed by Jen and Sylvia Soska (American Mary). 
• U Is for Utopia: In a brilliant parody, the world and everyone in it looks as glossy and perfect as a high-fashion magazine ad. Into its midst clomps an ordinary-looking guy who is overweight, balding and clumsy. We very quickly discover how this elegant domain maintains its perfection. Directed by Vincenzo Natali (Cube and Splice). 
• V Is for Vacation: Here’s a tip: While taking a “guys only” vacation, do not video chat with your girlfriend so that you can show her the view from your terrace. You may not be able to control what else slips into view, and terrible consequences may result. Directed by Jerome Sable (Stage Fright). 
• W Is for Wish: Be careful what you wish for, as two kids successfully wish themselves into Champions of Zorb, the violent fantasy world of their favorite action hero. Unfortunately, this segment ends just as it’s getting really interesting. Directed by Steven Kostanski. 
• X Is for Xylophone: What does a filmmaker do if he’s unlucky enough to be stuck with the letter “x”? This disgusting tale takes every parent’s worst nightmare about leaving their child with a babysitter and pushes it to unimaginable extremes. The kid’s favorite toy is, naturally, a xylophone. Directed by Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo. 
• Y Is for Youth: Youth is a curse, when your mother and stepfather are so busy fighting that they ignore and mistreat you. In this elaborate revenge fantasy, part live-action, part stop-motion, a young Japanese girl plots her revenge with great inventiveness. Directed by Soichi Umezawa. 
• Z Is for Zygote: It’s hard to know whether to laugh or vomit at the film’s concluding segment, in which a woman manages to prevent herself from giving birth for thirteen years. During that time, she “raises” the child inside her to the point where they converse and develop a relationship. Eventually, though, there isn’t enough room for both of them. The most extreme case of mother-child amalgamation since Norman Bates. Directed by Chris Nash.

Extras include commentaries, featurettes, making ofs, and galleries.

Richard Pryor: Omit The Logic

Magnolia / Released 2/3/15

Mike Epps, Richard Pryor Jr. and others recount the culture-defining influence of Richard Pryor one of America’s most brilliant comic minds in this new documentary. Pryor remains an inspiration to many: a man who broke taboos, provoked change and propelled himself through life as a result of sheer force of personality. Directed by Emmy winning filmmaker Marina Zenovich, executive produced by Emmy winning producer Roy Ackerman and Pryor’s widow, Jennifer Lee Pryor.  Extras include additional interviews with David Banks, Mel Brooks, Whoopi Goldberg, Quincy Jones, Willie Nelson, Jennifer Lee Pryor, David Steinberg, Lily Tomlin

Predestination

Sony / Released 2/10/15

Based on the short story “All You Zombies” by Robert A. Heinlein, Predestination chronicles the life of a Temporal Agent (Ethan Hawke) sent on an intricate series of time-travel journeys designed to prevent future killers from committing their crimes. Now, on his final assignment, the Agent must recruit his younger self while pursuing the one criminal that has eluded him throughout time and prevent a devastating attack in which thousands of lives will be lost. . Extras include feature length documentary, featurette and bloopers.

Beat Generation

Olive Films / Released 3/31/15

By the end of the 1950s, Hollywood’s fascination with bongo-beating, poetry-spouting Bohemians was waning. With The Beat Generation, co-writers Richard Matheson (Duel, I Am Legend) and Lewis Meltzer (The Man With the Golden Arm) seized an opportunity to playfully mock the pseudo intellectual by using the beatnik world as a backdrop for their detective story – at turns a potboiler and an exploration of the criminal mind.

Steve Cochran stars as Dave Culloran, a woman-hating cop who has much in common with the serial rapist (played by Ray Danton) he is pursuing.  The paths of the black-hearted cop and the black-gloved stalker converge when Culloran’s wife (Fay Spain) is assaulted by the criminal, becomes pregnant and, not knowing which man is the father, must decide whether or not to keep the baby.

In its final act, the grim drama takes an unexpected detour into slapstick, as Culloran pursues the culprit through a Beatnik hootenanny, and must navigate through a bizarre assortment of counter-culture stereotypes.

In addition to featured cameos by trumpeter Ray Anthony and popular personality Vampira, this Albert Zugsmith production includes musical cameos by Louis Armstrong and his All-Stars and early pop star Dick Contino (playing guitar, rather than his usual accordion).

Dr. Who: Last Christmas

BBC Home Video / Released 2/17/15

Veep: The Complete Third Season

HBO Home Video / Released 3/31/15

Starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus in her three time Emmy-winning role, the Emmy-nominated comedy series Veep, created by Oscar nominee Armando Iannucci, follows the whirlwind day-to-day existence of Vice President Selina Meyer. Following the revelation that the President will not seek re-election, the Veep begins eying a promotion. With all of America now watching her and her team, Selina and her staff head off to Detroit and Silicon Valley, go on a drug bust with the Maryland Coast Guard, and fly to London to confer with heads of state. The ensemble cast includes Tony Hale in his Emmy-winning role, Anna Chlumsky in her Emmy-nominated role, Matt Walsh, Reid Scott, Timothy Simons, Sufe Bradshaw, Kevin Dunn, and Gary Cole.

Season Three episodes include:

• Some New Beginnings: In Iowa, Selina courts possible caucus voters at a book signing for her new autobiography, while her team attends a staff wedding in D.C. As the day proceeds, she and her staff get word of a rumor that could affect the next election.
• The Choice: After a quick visit to their new campaign HQ, Selina and her team go on a ride-along with the Coast Guard, where they learn the president has flipped on a major issue, which makes Selina reexamine her own stance. Meanwhile, Gary questions his role with the Veep, and Jonah’s new political blog causes trouble.
• Alicia: While Selina and her staff prepare for an Annapolis event where she will announce her candidacy, Dan gets word that “Saturday Night Live” has done a not-so-flattering sketch about her.
• Clovis: On a fundraising trip in Silicon Valley, Selina is challenged by an anti-fracking mom and visits the campus of Clovis, a tech company with an ambitious young CEO. In D.C., Jonah makes a crude viral video of the Selina-mom encounter, and Dan, with Ben’s (Kevin Dunn) help, gets an idea for a rumor he can spread against Chung.
• Fishing: Selina enjoys a secret lunch with a major strategist that she hopes could become her campaign manager, even though Amy and Dan are vying for the job. Maddox invites the vice president to his country estate.
• Detroit: Selina heads to Detroit for a economic summit. However her personal trainer comes along for the trip and annoys the rest of her staff and her family. Jonah and Mike try and organize a photo opportunity between Maddox and the vice president.
• Special Relationship: To commemorate the 100th centenary of World War I, Selina visits the UK. Whilst on the trip, Ben is called back to Washington, putting Dan on edge. Jonah is also sent to London and spies on the vice president for Maddox.
• Debate: Selina has to prep for a debate against her prime opponents. The vice president has an article written about him in the newspaper by Mike’s wife.
• Crate: Selina and her staff wonder how to make her seem more down-to-earth, when they learn that Thornhill is leading in the polls. Jonah meets Bill Ericsson, a strategist about a new job. The Vice president is interviewed by a journalist who has no idea what they are doing.
• New Hampshire: Selina and her staff have to deal with many setbacks on the days leading up to the New Hampshire primary.

Extras include commentaries and deleted scenes.