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That Time of the Week: Catch Up DVD/Blu Releases From 9/17/13 & 9/24/13

A week plus in bed with the worst documented head cold brings a slew of new (and overdue) recommendations including zombies, superheroes, classic cinema, TARDIS travelers, must see horror, television series and more!

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

World War Z

Paramount / Released 9/17/13

The story revolves around United Nations employee Gerry Lane (Pitt), who traverses the world in a race against time to stop a pandemic that is toppling armies and governments and threatening to decimate humanity itself. Extras include featurettes, making of with Unrated version on Blu-ray and theatrical cut on DVD.

Last Word: Some say that falling asleep is the closest a person can come to death without actually dying. I kept thinking about this during World War Z, a movie that constantly gives its audience the promise of something exciting, but never truly delivers that excitement. It is quiet-loud-quiet like a Pixies song but without the catchy riff that draws people back. World War Z will try to shock you to death, but instead will just put you to sleep.

This kind of movie might have worked well 10 or 15 years ago, before audiences were exposed to the brutal, high-speed zombies in Zack Snyder’s 2004 Dawn of the Dead remake. At PG-13, it would have especially worked well if it was not being released after three riveting seasons of AMC’s The Walking Dead in which every week we watch characters change and grow as they try to survive a Basic Cable-approved zombie apocalypse. WWZ forgets that we have seen this all before and just rehashes old clichés for…what?

There is quite a bit of character interaction but nothing that comes close to the rich character development or interplay that is The Walking Dead. It is 2013 and we have been given a shallow franchise blueprint, but, it’s been done better. World War Z really does just come off as a teaser for things to come. Brad Pitt’s character has a breakthrough in Cardiff that leads to the movie’s finish via his narration. The world he describes amounts to what might be a Clone Wars-style series of movies or games, but here just furthers the feeling that nothing has really happened since zombies started biting people. It just gets the audience exited for something else in the future. Too bad they forgot to give the present anything to get excited about. ( – Joe Yezukevich)

Arrow: The Complete First Season

Warner Home Video / Released 9/17/13

Justice hits its mark! Based on DC Comics series, Arrow reinvents the edgy and iconic character for today’s audiences in the year’s most thrill-packed and visually stunning action series. After being marooned for five years on a remote island, billionaire Oliver Queen comes home with a mysterious agenda and lethal new skills to fight crime in Starling City. Wearing the dark hood of a “vigilante” archer, Oliver’s fiercely determined to right the wrongs of his father and thwart those who’ve corrupted his city. But his crusade is complicated by his own family’s dark secrets, a best friend’s unwitting ties to evil, and the woman he loves but betrayed in his earlier life. From Oliver’s harrowing island ordeals to Arrow’s breathtaking urban stealth warfare, this 23-episode Season One is a heroic adventure delivered dead center! Extras include featurettes, unaired scenes and a gag reel.

Last Word: After appearing for the last several seasons of Smallville, Warner Bros. Television wasted no time in reimagining Oliver Queen for the small screen. This time, Nolan’s Bat-Universe was the model, combined with Lost-style flashbacks as Queen’s origin is told parallel to his fight against the forces of evil in Starling City. Utilizing a number of characters from the DC Comics universe, Arrow quickly finds it’s footing, becoming one of television’s best guilty pleasures. Recommended.

Iron Man 3

Walt Disney Home Video / Released 9/24/13

When Tony Stark/Iron Man finds his entire world reduced to rubble, he must use all his ingenuity to survive, destroy his enemy and somehow protect those he loves. But a soul-searching question haunts him: Does the man make the suit… or does the suit make the man? Featuring spectacular special effects, Marvel’s Iron Man 3 is a wildly entertaining movie you’ll watch against and again. Extras include a Gag Reel, deleted scenes, a new Marvel Short; Agent Carter and an interactive Second Screen Experience app hosted by Jarvis.

Last Word: There are few actors that have embraced a role so fully as Robert Downey Jr. and Tony Stark. And in his fifth big screen appearance as Stark (Yes, I’m counting his cameo in The Incredible Hulk), the character for the first time seems real. Establishing the backstory in 1999 (with a clever cameo of Shaun Toub reprising his role as Ho Yinsen from the first film) and then jumping to the present, several months past the events of The Avengers, the film immediately establishes a very different Tony Stark. Sleepless, obsessed, wrought with panic attacks, Stark is a changed man. Vulnerable for the first time onscreen, Stark is no longer the cocky asshole and instead is trying to make sense of his place and purpose.

When an international terrorist known as The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) commits a series of horrible attacks, Tony volunteers his services to Rhodey (Don Cheadle), who has been rebranded as Iron Patriot. At the same time, we catch up with a character introduced back in 1999, Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce), a scientist who pitches his Extremis project to Tony’s love, Stark Industries CEO Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow). Killian has a plan to rewire DNA and wants Pepper’s support. She declines, fearful of it’s possible weaponization. And so it begins…

Without going into spoiler territory, Iron Man 3 might be my favorite of any of the Marvel Studios releases. Co-writer/director Shane Black and cowriter Drew Pearce have actually produced a movie that focuses on the man inside the suit. So much so, in fact, that much of Iron Man’s actual exploits don’t even have Tony inside. This film reminds us that it’s Tony that’s special, not Iron Man. There are laugh out loud funny moments, my favorite being Stark bodyguard Happy Hogan (Iron Man 1 & 2 director Jon Favreau) in 1999, dressed as a Pulp Fiction inspired Vince Vega. Black and Pearce also introduce Harley (Ty Simpkins), a young boy who’s workshop becomes Tony’s base of operations post Mandarin attack. Teaming up the hero with a kid seems like a ridiculously bad idea, but Harley helps center Tony by asking both the audience’s questions and centering the panic attack stricken hero. Since The Avengers was released, I’ve though that the film represented the appropriate ending of the Marvel movie universe. These characters now know one another. If one’s in trouble, they should all come a running.

Yet, Iron Man 3 establishes the once cocky Stark as a more vulnerable, smaller piece of his universe. And that vulnerability makes Iron Man 3 not just a good comic book movie, but a good film overall.

Modern Family: The Complete Fourth Season

20th Century Fox / Released 9/24/13

With Jay and Gloria’s baby on the way and Haley going off to college, the entire Pritchett/Dunphy clan faces some major surprises as they bicker and bond over house-flipping headaches, unwanted play dates, and everything from hot-tempered hormones to in utero karaoke. Featuring a stellar array of guest stars including Matthew Broderick, Shelley Long and Elizabeth Banks, Season Four takes a heartfelt and laugh-out-loud hilarious look at what it means to be a Modern Family.   Extras include deleted and alternate scenes, commentaries, gag reel, interviews and an extended cut of the episode “Goodnight Gracie.”

Last Word: Four seasons in and Modern Family is starting to lose a bit of it’s luster, but only compared to other seasons, not other shows.  What was once sharp and funny, has become a bit forced and cartoonish, as if the actors were doing impressions of their characters.  That being said, it’s still one of the best comedies on television, with a terrific cast; it’s just much rarer to laugh out loud. It’s also not entirely fair to judge an entire season for it’s worth.  Modern Family is also an honest look at contemporary families and when it hits it’s mark, it does so with far more effectiveness than anything else on television.  Recommended.

Halloween (35th Anniversary Edition)

Anchor Bay / Released 9/24/13

For this very special release, Anchor Bay and Trancas went back to the vaults to present this legendary terror classic as never before, including creating an all-new HD transfer personally supervised by the film’s original cinematographer, Academy-Award nominee Dean Cundey. Halloween stars Jamie Lee Curtis in her debut role. Anyone who’s ever watched a horror film in the last 35 years knows the story of Michael Myers, who as a child, butchered his sister with a kitchen knife. Committed to a mental institution and watched over by Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasance), he engineers his escape 15 years later, returning to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois on Halloween night to terrorize anyone who gets in his way, including babysitter Laurie Strode (Curtis). Extras include New Audio Commentary With Writer/Director John Carpenter and Actor Jamie Lee Curtis, featurettes, TV Version Footage, Trailer and TV & Radio Spots.

Last Word:  Like The Evil Dead and Dawn of the Dead, you can count on a regular new edition of Halloween every few years.  Yet, as a fan of both John Carpenter and the film itself, I have absolutely no problem giving myself an excuse to revisit the film again.  First, it’s never looked better and it sounds pretty fantastic.  Second, and most importantly, it’s a fantastic film.  Halloween is among my favorite thrillers and it never ceases to surprise me when I revisit it, always discovering another subtle music cue or interesting shot.  An essential title for every home library, this is, unquestionably highly recommended.

Doctor Who: The Complete Seventh Series

BBC Home Video / Released 9/24/13

Matt Smith returns as the Eleventh Doctor in thirteen blockbuster episodes plus two specials, each a brand new epic adventure with new monsters and familiar foes like you’ve never seen them before. In The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe, a madcap caretaker greets evacuee Madge Arwell and her two children and leads them into a magical wintry world. Then, the first part of series seven sees the Ponds (Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill) in their final voyage with The Doctor. They save a spaceship full of dinosaurs, don Stetsons in the Wild West and are even kidnapped by The Doctor’s oldest foe. But when they arrive in Manhattan the Weeping Angels are waiting for them. Christmas brings The Doctor a new friend (Jenna-Louise Coleman) but how, where, and when will he meet her? And the final eight episodes see The Doctor and his new companion battle monsters on distant alien planets, become trapped in a Russian submarine with a deadly passenger, chase terrifying ghosts, and come face to face with an army of upgraded Cybermen, while The Doctor’s oldest secret threatens to be revealed. Packed with extras, the complete seventh series is not to be missed. Extras include featurettes, interviews, four specials, episode prequels, and commentaries.

Prince Of Darkness (Collector’s Edition)

Scream Factory / Released 9/24/13

Master of horror John Carpenter directs this terrifying battle between mankind and the ultimate evil. A group of graduate students and scientists uncover an ancient canister in an abandoned church, but when they open it, they inadvertently unleash a strange liquid and an evil force on all of humanity. As the liquid turns their co-workers into zombies, the remaining members realize they have released the most unspeakable horror of them all. Terror mounts as the team must fight to save the world from a devilish fury that has been contained for over seven million years. Extras include commentary, new interviews with Carpenter, Alice Cooper and Robert Grasmere, featurettes, alternate opening and trailer.

Last Word: It’s more like Christmas than Halloween season as Scream Factory pushes out another fantastic John Carpenter title.  The best way to enjoy Prince of Darkness is with a tongue planted firmly in cheek.  It’s a B-Movie and Carpenter wisely fills the cast with many of his memorable, regular players (including Donald Pleasance, Victor Wong, Susan Blanchard and Dennis Dun), who definitely elevate the material.  If you’re a fan of Carpenter, it’s a must have, and any horror fan unfamiliar with it, consider this an easy recommendation as a sleeper from one of the genre’s best directors.  Recommended!

The Dark Knight Trilogy: Ultimate Collector’s Edition

Warner Home Video / Released 9/24/13

Batman Begins explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight’s emergence as a force for good in Gotham. In the wake of his parents’ murder, disillusioned industrial heir Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful. He returns to Gotham and unveils his alter-ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect and an array of high tech deceptions to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city.

In The Dark Knight, with the help of Lt. Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham for good. The triumvirate proves effective, but soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as The Joker (Heath Ledger), who thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces Batman closer to crossing the fine line between hero and vigilante.  

The Dark Knight Rises, it has been eight years since Batman vanished into the night, turning, in that instant, from hero to fugitive. Assuming the blame for the death of D.A. Harvey Dent, the Dark Knight sacrificed everything for what he and Commissioner Gordon both hoped was the greater good. For a time the lie worked, as criminal activity in Gotham City was crushed under the weight of the anti-crime Dent Act. But everything will change with the arrival of a cunning cat burglar with a mysterious agenda. Far more dangerous, however, is the emergence of Bane, a masked terrorist whose ruthless plans for Gotham drive Bruce out of his self-imposed exile. But even if he dons the cape and cowl again, Batman may be no match for Bane.

 The trilogy includes a pantheon of talent including Maggie Gyllenhall, Cillian Murphy, Michael Caine, Lucius Fox, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Marion Cottelard, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes Tom Wilkinson Heath Ledger, Cillian Murphy, Aidan Gillen Ken Watanabe Marion Cotillard and Rutger Hauer. Extras include 5 Original Frameable Villain Prints From Mondo, Reproductions Of The Tumbler, Bat-Pod and Bat, Large 48-Page Photo Book Of The Trilogy, A Letter From Director Christopher Nolan, The Fire Rises: The Creation And Impact Of The Dark Knight Trilogy, Christopher Nolan And Richard Donner: A Conversation and The Complete IMAX Sequences From The Dark Knight And The Dark Knight Rises.

Disconnect

Lionsgate / Released 9/17/13

A hard-working lawyer attached to his cell phone can’t find the time to communicate with his family. A couple is drawn into a dangerous situation when their secrets are exposed online. A widowed ex-cop struggles to raise a mischievous son who cyber-bullies a classmate. An ambitious journalist sees a career-making story in a teen that performs on an adult-only site. They are strangers, neighbors and colleagues, and their stories collide in this riveting dramatic thriller about ordinary people struggling to connect in today’s wired world. Extras include Audio Commentary With The Director, Making The Connections: Behind The Scenes Of Disconnect and Theatrical Trailer.

The East

20th Century Fox / Released 9/17/13

Spy on us, we’ll spy on you. From producer Ridley Scott and directed by Zal Batmanglij comes a taut, sexy thriller starring Brit Marling, Alexander Skarsgard and Oscar Nominee Ellen Page. Sarah Moss (Marling) is an ambitious new recruit at an elite private intelligence firm. Her first undercover assignment is to infiltrate “The East,” an elusive activist collective that terrorizes corporate leaders who commit crimes against humanity. The more involved she gets, the more Sarah’s life is in danger.  Extras include featurettes, and deleted scenes.

Day Of The Dead (Collector’s Edition)

Scream Factory / Released 9/17/13

The darkest day of horror the world has ever known! In this third and final shocker in the continuing saga of the undead from writer/director George A. Romero (Dawn of the Dead, Night of the Living Dead, Diary Of The Dead, Survival Of The Dead), a small group of scientists and soldiers have taken refuge in an underground missile silo where they struggle to control the flesh-eating horror that walks the earth above. But will the final battle for the future of the human race be fought among the living or have they forever unleashed the hunger of the dead? Lori Cardille, Joe Pilato, Richard Liberty and Howard Sherman star in this controversial classic with groundbreaking gore effects by Tom Savini.   Extras include New Documentary: World’s End: The Legacy Of Day Of The Dead, Audio Commentary With Writer/Director George A. Romero, Special Makeup Effects Artist Tom Savini, Production Designer Cletus Anderson and Actress Lori Cardille ,Behind The Scenes Footage From Special Makeup Effects Creator Tom Savini’s Archives, Photo Galleries, Theatrical Trailers and TV Spots.

Last Word: Scream Factory might very easily be one of Blu-ray’s most exciting labels.  Not only are they releasing some amazing genre and cult classics, but also do so with love and care.  Day of the Dead might have been cinegeek’s least favorite installment of the original Living Dead Trilogy, but this new release has me for the first time conflicted on my preferences.  Day of the Dead is less “fun” than Dawn, but takes a chance and handles the infestation with a far more cerebral approach.  The documentary is fantastic and even a casual fan should consider this as part of their collection.  Recommended.

Doctor Who: The Ice Warriors

BBC Home Video / Released 9/17/13

In the distant future, Earth faces a new Ice Age. While a dedicated team of scientists battle to hold the approaching glaciers at bay, a startling discovery is made deep within the ice: An alien warrior, frozen for millennia. When the Doctor, Jamie and Victoria arrive they soon discover Earth is under threat from the Ice Warriors – fearsome Martians intent on conquering our planet for themselves. This special DVD release contains the existing original episodes plus brand new animated versions of Episodes Two and Three, currently missing from the BBC Archives.

The Mentalist: The Complete Fifth Season

Warner Home Video / Released 9/17/13

Last season’s assault, narcotics and fraud charges against California Bureau of Investigation (CBI) consultant Patrick Jane have been dropped, and it’s back to business as usual. Or business as unusual for Jane, who uses mind games, tricks and his super sharp skills of observation to solve the state’s most puzzling homicides. In a new season that includes the 100th episode, Jane’s obsession with finding Red John consumes his every waking moment, drawing him outside the law and closer than ever to the serial killer’s true identity. But when Homeland Security and the FBI team up with the CBI on the case, Jane’s unorthodox methods antagonize even his most loyal allies. Can Jane’s skill and charm continue to see him through? How far is too far? Extras include featurettes.

Leverage: Season 5

20th Century Fox / Released 9/17/13

Leverage focuses on a team led by former insurance investigator turned thief, Nate Ford (Timothy Hutton). Together, they try to level the playing field for people whose lives have been destroyed by the rich and powerful. In the final season of Leverage, the team will be forced to face changing personal dynamics as the relationship between Parker (Beth Riesgraf) and Hardison (Aldis Hodge) heats up, and Nate continues to struggle with inner demons. Among their upcoming jobs, they will target a conniving shipping executive (guest star Cary Elwes); wealthy scientist; an ex-hockey-player-turned-team-owner (guest star Treat Williams); a corrupt restaurateur; and a corrupt businessman (guest star Matthew Lillard). In addition, the team will once again face their nemesis, insurance-investigator-turned Interpol-agent Jim Sterling (guest star Mark Sheppard).  Extras include commentaries, deleted scenes and gag reel.

Last Word:  One of television’s more underrated series, Leverage was an extremely entertaining, fun series with a great ensemble and solid writing.  The characters and their universe were extremely well defined and the continued creativity of John Rogers and his writing staff to create intricate and clever cons on a regular basis deserve to be lauded.  Prematurely cancelled, the final two episodes do an excellent job wrapping up the show.  If you’ve never checked it out, take a chance and pick up the first season and watch it; you’ll likely be buying this one not long after.  Recommended.

Behind the Candelabra

HBO Home Video / Released 9/17/13

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Steven Soderbergh and executive produced by Jerry Weintraub, this HBO Films drama recreates the glittering private world of Liberace (Michael Douglas), the flamboyant, phenomenally successful entertainer whose extravagant costumes, trademark candelabra, and elaborate stage shows made him the most bankable entertainer of his time. The story focuses on Liberace’s tempestuous relationship with Scott Thorson (Matt Damon) in Las Vegas from 1977 to 1982 – a time when Liberace was at the peak of his popularity but remained closeted as a homosexual. Featuring a pair of electrifying performances by Douglas and Damon (the first time either has starred in an HBO production), Behind the Candelabra captures the essence of Liberace’s appeal while reminding viewers how different attitudes were at the time, as few high-profile entertainers (including Liberace) could admit they were gay, at least in front of the public which made them stars.

Last Word:  Fantastic performances from the entire cast (including Douglas, Damon and also Rob Lowe, Debbie Reynolds, Scott Bakula and Dan Aykroyd) in an otherwise average bio-flick.  Part of the problem is that the film takes place over a few decades and much of the story and the relationships are played as vignettes rather than with any actual weight or ramifications.  With much of Liberace’s world being played for camp, it’s hard to get past the caricature of the leering evil queen found in Richard LaGravenese’s otherwise entertaining script.  Mildly recommended.

The Hollow Crown: The Complete Series

Universal Studios / Released 9/17/13

From executive producer Sam Mendes comes a stunning adaptation of four of Shakespeare’s most celebrated historical plays: Richard II, Henry IV (Part 1 and Part 2), and Henry V. Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons, Tom Hiddleston,  and Ben Whishaw in his award-winning role as Richard II star in this epic tale of three Kings and their battle for survival, and the rise and fall of a dynasty.  Richard II tells the classic story of murder and revenge that led to the fall of England’s royal family. In Part 1 (of) Henry IV,  the king tries to convince his son Prince Hal to join him in battling uprisings across the country and Part 2, Henry IV reaches the end of his reign amidst rebellion, as his son prepares to take the crown.  Finally, in Henry V (Tom Hiddleston), the newly crowned king must overcome incredible odds to win a war with France.  Extras include making of featurettes.

Doctor Who: Scream of the Shalka

BBC Home Video / Released 9/17/13

The TARDIS lands in a small English village in 2003, where the population is living in fear from a malevolent alien force. With the help of UNIT and his new friend Alison, the Doctor discovers that a race called the Shalka are residing underground, preparing to strip away the earth’s ozone layer and embark on a full-scale invasion of the planet. Audio Commentary With Writer Paul Cornell, Director Wilson Milam and Producer James Goss, featurettes, interviews, gallery and more.

 Adventure Time: Jake the Dad

Cartoon Network / Released 9/17/13

The latest post volume of the apocalyptic adventures of Finn, a human boy with a funny hat, and his friend Jake, a magic and mischievous dog.  What time is it? Time to meet Jake and Landy Rainicorn’s puppies! You’ve never met more adorable pups or a worrywart of a dad more in need of a power nap.  Now, check out this fluffy litter of episodes below! Includes a Jake Hat and featurette.  Episodes Include: Jake The Dad, Burning Low, Gotcha!, Sons Of Mars, BMO Noire, The Hard Easy, I Remember You, All The Little People, Mystery Dungeon, All Your Fault, Five More Short Graybles, Vault Of Bones, Simon & Marcy, Puhoy, One Last Job, and BMO Lost.

Shanghai Calling

Anchor Bay / Released 9/17/13

Sometimes home is far away from home.  Hotshot Chinese-American attorney Sam Chao (Daniel Henney) is certain he’ll be named a partner at his New York City law firm. Instead, his bosses send him to Shanghai where Sam’s problems soon include a language he doesn’t speak, a culture he can’t understand, a relocation specialist (Eliza Coupe) he’s instantly insulted, and a billion dollar deal he’s about to lose. But just when his world is falling apart, will Sam find more than he bargained for in the place he least expected? Zhu Zhu, Alan Ruck and Bill Paxton co-star in this smart and surprising romantic comedy about foreign business, domestic pleasures, and discovering the expat wonders of Shanghai Calling.  Extras include featurette.

Scenic Route

Vertical Entertainment / Released 9/17/13

Mitchell (Josh Duhamel) and Carter (Dan Fogler), life-long friends who have drifted apart, are on a road trip when their old pickup breaks down, leaving them stranded on an isolated desert road. Nobody can pick apart a man like his best friend, and as the relentless elements of the desert grind them down, they start to attack each other s life decisions with unwavering brutality. As they question who they are and who they could have been, their agitation leads to physical confrontation and ultimately knife-wielding madness, and what begins as an inconvenience becomes a very real life or death struggle.  Extras include commentary.

Gimme the Loot

IFC Films / Released 9/17/13

Malcolm and Sofia are the most determined teenage graffiti-writers in the Bronx. But when a rival gang buffs their latest masterpiece, they hatch a plan to get their revenge by planning the ultimate graffiti tag – to “bomb” the New York Mets’ home run apple. The only hitch is that they need to raise $500 to pull off their spectacular scheme. Over the course of two whirlwind, sun-soaked summer days, Malcolm and Sofia travel on an epic urban adventure involving black market spray cans, illicit bodegas, stolen sneakers, a high stakes heist, and a beautiful girl whose necklace is literally their key to fame. Gimme The Loot is the charming, funny, daring story of two taggers that will do anything to become the biggest writers in the city.

Last Word:  An interesting, albeit shallow slice of life chronicling two taggers who set out to achieve the ultimate tag.  Literally begging, borrowing and stealing to get the money to pay off a security guard at Mets stadium so they can tag the Home Run Apple.  There’s not much in terms of plot, but the film’s loose, easy pace captures the streets of New York and feels reminiscent of Raising Victor Vargas and early Spike Lee.  Both of the film’s leads, Tashiana R. Washington and Ty Hickson radiate natural charm and charisma and are incredibly watchable.  Writer/director Adam Leon does an admirable job with this unique slice of life that’s worth a watch.  Recommended.

Simon Killer

IFC Films / Released 9/17/13

A heartbroken American on a soul-searching trip to Paris finds his buried secrets clawing their way to the surface in this neo-noir thriller from writer/director Antonio Campos. Lovelorn in the aftermath of a recent break-up with his longtime girlfriend, American college graduate Simon (Brady Corbet) wanders the streets of Paris aimlessly, and drifts into a sex parlor where he encounters mysterious prostitute Victoria (Mati Diop). His emotions suddenly reawakened, Simon hatches a plan to blackmail one of her wealthy clients — a crime that has some unexpected repercussions for all involved.

Last Word:  It only takes several minutes to realize that Brady Corbet’s Simon is both an unreliable narrator and an unlikeable lead.  As the film unravels, we watch Simon build one lie after another, manipulating one person after another until he finds himself in a situation that he can’t lie his way out of.  Corbet delivers an almost magnetic performance, but it’s not a character you find appealing, but rather nasty and unlikeable.  As a result, the film plays as a far less interesting or captivating The Talented Mr. Ripley.  Worth a watch but a mild recommendation at best.

Slugterra: Slug Power!

Shout! Factory / Released 9/17/13

The competition to crown the best slugslinger in Slugterra rages on! Our money’s on Eli Shane, son of the legendary Will Shane, and leader of the Shane Gang consisting of his best friends Trixie, Pronto and Kord Zane. But they’re up against some serious competition, including the nefarious Dr. Blakk, who will stop at nothing to collect the finest slugs and add them to his ghoul arsenal. It’s up to the Shane Gang to make sure Dr. Blakk’s plans to conquer Slugterra don’t come to fruition. Includes the episodes: Mecha Mutiny Undertow Mario Bravado and The New Kid, Parts 1 and 2.  Extras include a featurette.

The Last Tycoon

Well Go USA / Released 9/17/13

From Hong Kong action superstar Chow Yun-Fat and powerhouse director Wong Jing comes a story of the rise and fall of real-life gangster Cheng Daqi, spanning 30 tumultuous years in Shanghai. For Cheng, innocence and young love are shattered by circumstance, wrongful imprisonment, murder, and escape. He finds himself in the crime gangs of Shanghai and apprenticed to the local “tycoon” (Sammo Hung). As the years pass, Cheng rises to the upper echelons of power and finds himself torn between the love of two women, the murderous plots of the secret service, and the looming threat of war that may destroy the entire city. 

Fear Files

A & E Home Video / Released 9/17/13

Fear Files explores the paranormal, the bizarre and the history of some of man’s more macabre traditions. Case by case, each strange occurrence will be closely examined, with both believers and skeptics weighing in. You’ll meet families who are terrified in their own homes, who’ve seen everything from doors that open and close on their own to butcher knives flying through the air. We’ll focus on paranormal phenomena, such as ESP, UFOs, miracles cures and the power of prayer. We’ll deconstruct the vampire legend that’s 1,000 years older than the Transylvanian version with which people are most familiar. And no collection would be complete without a look at Halloween, the time when pint-sized ghouls and goblins wander through neighborhoods with no idea that they are carrying out an ancient tradition dating back thousands of years.

South Park: The Complete Sixteenth Season

Paramount / Released 9/24/13

All fourteen episodes from South Park‘s legendary 16th season are jam-packed into this exclusive three-disc DVD set and 2-disc Blu-ray set. Join Cartman, Kyle, Stan and Kenny as they hunt down the mythical Jewpacabra, `sketti wrestle with reality stars, and go jackin’ it in San Diego. Pile on never-before-seen deleted scenes and a healthy dose of cat breading, and you’ve got a box set that could just “raise the bar”.  Includes the episodes Reverse Cowgirl, Cash For Gold, Faith Hilling, Jewpacabra, Butterballs, I Should Have Never Gone Ziplining, Cartman Finds Love, Sarcastaball, Raising The Bar, Insecurity, Going Native, A Nightmare on Facetime, A Scause For Applause and Obama Wins!  Highly recommended.

Room 237

MPI Home Video / Released 9/24/13

In 1980 Stanley Kubrick released his masterpiece of modern horror, The Shining. Over 30 years later we re still struggling to understand its hidden meanings. Rodney Ascher’s wry and provocative documentary Room 237 fuses fact and fiction through interviews with both fanatics and scholars, creating a kaleidoscopic deconstruction of Kubrick s still-controversial classic. Special Features: The mastermind Speaks: Feature Commentary with Kevin McLeod, Secrets of The Shining: Panel Discussion from the First Annual Stanley Film Festival, 11 Deleted Scenes, The Making of the Music Featurette, Mondo Poster Design Discussion with Artist Aled Lewis, Trailers.

Last Word:  I’ve never been the kind of cinegeek that bows before the great and powerful Kubrick. There’s no doubt to his talent and skill as a filmmaker, but generally, his films never really connect with me on an emotional level.  Which is the complete opposite of the obsessed fans and participants of Room 237.  With an obsessive encyclopedic knowledge of Kubrick’s The Shining, the filmmaker  has created one of the most pretentious, ridiculous and overreaching attempts to find importance, rationalize and explain even the most inane level of minutiae.  And of course, Kubrick was in on the faking of the moon landing.  Personally, I found the film tedious, but if you’re a fan of The Shining, it’s a must see.  And if director Ascher is ready to micro-analyze Flash Gordon, I’ll be the first in line.

2 Broke Girls: The Complete Second Season

Warner Home Video / Released 9/24/13

Best friends Max (Kat Dennings) and Caroline (Beth Behrs) are still waiting tables in Brooklyn, but the future looks bright for their start-up business venture. There’s a boost from a famous television personality’s review of Max’s cupcakes, a lucky break in real estate, and a surprise influx of cash, resulting in the grand opening of Max’s Homemade Cupcakes! But success doesn’t happen overnight. There are rat droppings to be dealt with. Plus ex-boyfriends and a new flame. Not to mention long nights packing a pastry gun. And that eviction notice. The girls’ hearty humor and wicked sarcasm, diner pals Earl (Garrett Morris), Oleg (Jonathan Kite) and Han (Matthew Moy), and sexpot neighbor Sophie (Jennifer Coolidge) make working for a living worth laughing about in season two.  Extras include featurettes, PaleyFest excerpt, deleted scenes and gag reel.

Last Word: Crass, obvious and with as much depth as Laverne & Shirley, Two Broke Girls‘ second season shows little evolution from it’s first season.  Which is fine.  The series, although clichéd at times is genuinely amusing and is elevated immensely by it’s fantastic cast.  It might not be for everyone, but it’s a definite recommendation.

Two and a Half Men: The Complete Tenth Season

Warner Home Video / Released 9/24/13

The Malibu beach house men have matrimony on the brain in Season Ten. But where the heart (or other body part) is concerned, even the most honorable dude can screw up. Billionaire entrepreneur Walden Schmidt (Ashton Kutcher) extends an extravagant proposal only to indulge in a fling with a stalker before finding true love under an assumed identity. Nebbish housemate Alan Harper (Jon Cryer) decides life with his longtime girlfriend is better with her than without, then gets caught in an internet scandal with his super hot ex-wife. And newly enlisted man Jake (Angus T. Jones) pops the Big Q to a tattoo queen twice his age, then decides he likes her daughter better! It’s just what dudes do while under the influence of testosterone, women’s wiles, and Berta’s occasional pot brownies. Extras include a featurette and a gag reel.

Last Word: In his second season as lead, Kutcher’s Walden Schmidt is no Charlie Harper.  And there’s no place where that’s more obvious than in the writing.  Schmidt is fairly dull and Cryer’s Alan has become so far removed from any reality, he’s nothing more than a cartoon in search of a laugh track.  Angus T. Jones, who in his younger years had the best delivery on the show, shows up sporadically (before a very public meltdown).   Unfortunately, Two and a Half Men suffers this season, and although it’s easy to blame Kutcher, it’s really Chuck Lorre and his creative team that didn’t create a character interesting enough and that allowed Cryer to become not much more than an unfunny punchline.

The Kings of Summer

Sony Pictures / Released 9/24/13

The Kings of Summer is a unique coming-of-age comedy about three teenage friends – Joe (Nick Robinson), Patrick (Gabriel Basso) and the eccentric and unpredictable Biaggio (Moises Arias) – who, in the ultimate act of independence, decide to spend their summer building a house in the woods and living off the land. Free from their parents rules, their idyllic summer quickly becomes a test of friendship as each boy learns to appreciate the fact that family – whether it is the one you are born into or the one you create – is something you can’t run away from.

Last Word: As far as coming-of-age films go, The Kings of Summer is authentic and funny without being overly dramatic or trite. It’s a unique story of three teenage boys who decide that the only hope for independence from their overbearing parents is to run away and build/live in a house completely secluded in the woods. Luckily it’s not too far from a Boston Market.

The first character we meet is Joe (Nick Robinson), rattled with teen angst and hormones, is emotionally beat down by his insensitive and not-so-nurturing widowed father, Frank, played as a sympathetically sarcastic brute by Nick Offerman. Their frustration ranges from near silent fury in the first scene when Frank interrupts (and ruins) Joe’s long shower, to shouting, chasing, and a cop call after a dick move during a Monopoly game. We understand Frank and Joe quickly and their chemistry is tangible, tragic, and hilarious.

The second character with a phenomenally awkward parental duo (Megan Mullally and Mark Evan Jackson) is Joe’s best friend, Patrick (Gabriel Basso). Unlike Joe, he deals with his parents’ smothering oddities by gritting his teeth and bearing it. Patrick is a far more sensitive character and by no means the usual sidekick cast in coming-of-age movies. While his parents’ worrisome and overbearing tendencies are insufferable, clearly the caution has made Patrick an independent, kind hearted, and very aware young man. He may go along with Joe’s perpetual shenanigans, but he offers responsibility and maturity that sets him apart as incredibly independent. Kudos to Basso for doing a tremendous job.

Then meet Biaggio, played superbly by Moises Arias – he’s the weird kid. Arias’ presence in the film appears to be purely for comedic relief when actually his role brings in the grand theme of friends-sticking-together. Biaggio doesn’t exclaim over bad parenting, he is around because Joe and Patrick accept him where clearly no other peers have. It’s a beautifully subtle addition to the film that I think could be overlooked because of the character’s totally out-there non-sequiturs. But it shouldn’t be. He’s funny without being too ridiculous and brings the film back to friendship instead of focusing on two teens whining about parents. Now when kids run away there tends to be dramatic moments with corny lines of exposition but Kings of Summer doesn’t do this. The boys really get to be Kings.

Of course paradise does not last forever (enter female love interest), but it never turns into a sappy sobfest. Inevitably, conflict develops between Nick and Joe. Joe’s need to be the alpha male along with Nick’s passivity is fun to watch especially with their itty bitty bits of stubble. I was thankful that the movie never became too bromantic or bogged down in expository melodrama.

While Offerman and Mullally carry the awkward and awfully smothering scenes, Allison Brie has a great role as Joe’s older sister. Being older, not living at home, having a silly boyfriend who tries exquisitely too hard to make Offerman smile, she has a fierceness that is not to be forgotten. Joe longs for her support but she is clearly glad to not be the subject of their father’s wrath and so keeps a healthy distance when they hash it out. She can’t be penetrated by her father’s misery and lets him know this without skipping a beat. Brie is a wonderful addition to the film. She provides hope that eventually teens do develop some semblance of control over their lives.

Amidst typical pining for independence they may or may not be ready for, the two main boys embody accurately typical male responses to conflict – aggression or withdrawal – and they perform well. The story is relatable, funny, and well worth a watch this season. ( – Caitlyn Thompson)

Unfinished Song

Starz/Anchor Bay / Released 9/24/13

Unfinished Song is a funny and inspiring story about Arthur (Terence Stamp), a curmudgeonly old soul, who is perfectly content sticking with his dull daily routine until his beloved wife (Vanessa Redgrave) introduces him to a local seniors singing group. The group is led by the youthful and charming Elizabeth (Gemma Arterton) and her unexpected friendship with Arthur reignites his passion for new adventures and shows us all life should be celebrated at any age.

V/H/S/2

Magnolia Home Entertainment / Released 9/24/13

From the innovative minds that brought you last year’s V/H/S comes V/H/S/2, an all-new anthology of dread, madness, and gore. Searching for a missing student, two private investigators break into his abandoned house and find a collection of mysterious VHS tapes. In viewing the horrific contents of each cassette, they realize there may be terrifying motives behind the student’s disappearance.

Last Word: Featuring work from directors Simon Barrett, Jason Eisener, Gareth Evans, Gregg Hale, Eduardo Sánchez, Timo Tjahjanto and Adam Wingard V/H/S/2 is fairly entertaining, but like all anthologies it’s fairly uneven, but a definite improvement over it’s 2012 predecessor.  A definite recommendation for the Halloween season.

New Tricks Collection, Seasons 1-5

Acorn Media / Released 9/24/13

Retired cops solve cold cases in this hit British series.  At the Unsolved Crime and Open Case Squad, three former detectives and their lovely, ambitious boss (Amanda Redman, Sexy Beast) tackle cases abandoned by the Metropolitan Police. Although their crime-solving skills are top-notch, the detectives each have their fair share of personal demons. Gerry Standing (Dennis Waterman, The Sweeney) is a womanizer, Brian Lane (Alun Armstrong, Garrow’s Law) is depressed, and Jack Halford (James Bolam, The Beiderbecke Affair) is mourning the death of his wife. Can this curmudgeonly trio of crime busters learn new tricks to crack tough crimes?  Seen on public television, this long-running, award-winning British series features a brilliant cast, top guest stars, deft writing, and an irresistible blend of compelling drama and dry humor. This collection contains Seasons 1-5.  Highly recommended.

I Spit on Your Grave 2

Anchor Bay / Released 9/24/13

I Spit on Your Grave 2 stars beautiful newcomer Jemma Dallender as Katie, a beautiful girl on her own in NY, who is trying to make it in the cutthroat world of modeling. When Katie innocently accepts an offer to have new photos taken for her portfolio, the experience quickly turns into an unthinkable nightmare. Severely beaten, battered, bruised, and broken, she will have to tap into the darkest places of the human psyche to not only survive her ordeal, but to ultimately find the strength to exact her brutal revenge. The film co-stars Joe Absolom and Alexander Aleksiev. The film was directed by Steven R. Monroe, the director of the critically acclaimed 2010 film and written by Neil Elman and Thomas Fenton.  Extras include deleted scenes.

Letter to Three Wives: 65th Anniversary

20th Century Fox / Released 9/24/13

Joseph Mankiewicz’s unique intriguing comedy stars Ann Southern, Linda Darnell and Jeanne Crain as three wives who must wait out a long day to learn which of them has lost her husband to another woman.  Just as their boat sets off for the day, Deborah (Crain), Rita (Southern) and Lora Mae (Darnell) receive a letter from the alluring Addie Ross (narrator Celeste Holm) stating she has left town with one of their husbands. Each wife spends the fretful day pondering the state of her marriage and the affection each of their husbands has for Addie. By the end of the day, each woman is convinced she must surely be the betrayed wife.  This Best Picture Nominee and two-time Oscar Winner features commentary, Biography of Linda Darnell, MovieTone News and trailer.

Family Guy: Volume Eleven

20th Century Fox / Released 9/24/13

In this hysterical assortment of 23 uncensored Family Guy episodes, Peter has another painful encounter with the angry Giant Chicken, Quagmire tries to get giggity with Meg, and Brian and Stewie are beside themselves when they travel back in time to the show’s pilot episode. It’s a side-splitting blast to the past packed with celebrity guest voices, including Cate Blanchett, Ricky Gervais, Ellen Page and Ryan Reynolds.  Extras include animatics, commentary, featurettes, and deleted scenes.

Last Word:  Nothing I can say will convince you either way regarding Family Guy.  If you like self referential bad taste humor filled with celebrity guest stars claiming to be fans of the series because it’s so hilarious, you’ve already made up your mind.

Blood of Redemption

Entertainment One / Released 9/24/13

A business man by day and criminal mastermind by night, Quinn Forte (Billy Zane) had it all: money, power, respect…until someone from his inner circle murdered his father and stole it all away. Now, years later, Quinn is out of jail and, with the help of his former henchman, Axel (Dolph Lundgren), back to bring down everyone who betrayed him.  Extras include featurette.

Last Word:  Mindless, typical direct-to-DVD fodder for one time draws Lundgren and Zane.  Best watched at 2 am with some pizza and a drink (or two).

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