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That Time of The Week – DVD & Blu-ray Tax Day Edition

Published

April 19, 2016

And, we’re back. Somehow, it’s mid-April and summer movie season has begun.

Assuming you’ve already sat through Batman v Superman and are anxiously awaiting Civil War, there’s a few weeks free which will give you plenty of time to watch DVDs and Blu-rays at home.

Lots of interesting stuff this time out, so fire up that queue and prep that shopping cart…it’s That Time of The Week….

The Hunger Games: Complete 4 Film Collection
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

Lionsgate / Released 3/22/16

Experience the epic adventure of The Hunger Games series – from start to finish – in this action-packed collector’s set! Follow Katniss Everdeen’s transformation from Tribute to “The Girl on Fire” to the symbolic leader of the rebellion, The Mockingjay, in this thrilling collection that movie lovers will treasure. Featuring all four films, The Hunger Games Collection contains over fourteen hours of special features that take you behind the scenes of the movie phenomenon.

Extras:

Complete Collection: Two feature length documentaries, commentary, interviews, deleted scene, music video and over 30 featurettes.

Mockingjay Part 2: Feature length documentary, actor interviews and featurettes.

Last Word:

The Hunger Games: In a dystopian future, the totalitarian nation of Panem is divided into 12 districts and the Capitol. Each year two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal retribution for a past rebellion, the televised games are broadcast throughout Panem. The 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors while the citizens of Panem are required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss’ young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12’s female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this their whole lives. (– Suzanne Collins)

Adapted by Gary Ross, Jennifer Lawrence stars as Katniss, who not only takes her sister’s place, but also juggles two romantic interests Peeta (Josh Hutchinson) and Gale (Liam Hemsworth) while establishing herself as an alpha female role model. Ross fills the film with a strong ensemble and entertaining set pieces. He also does a remarkable job allowing the film stand on it’s own, with future plot threads established but not dominating the story. (– Stefan Blitz)

Catching Fire: Full disclosure: I’m a BIG fan of the Hunger Games Trilogy so my feelings in this review are biased. In short – Catching Fire is EPIC.

The last we saw, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark were headed back to District 12. There they deal with the aftermath of their actions in the arena. To be clear, threatening double suicide with poisonous berries is a VERY BIG F-YOU to the Capitol and was NOT okay (to say the least) with President Snow. As victors of the Hunger Games, they must get ready to tour the country, face their victims’ families, and deal with the repercussions of their “lover’s act” – it may or may not have sparked a rebellion. And the second film begins…

Katniss and Peeta tour the country parading their love and promoting the propaganda of the Capitol’s magnificence with the main objective of suppressing any ideas of revolting. But as the 75th Annual Hunger Games approach we are given the sick twist of the story: the Tributes will be chosen from all existing pools of Victors. That means Katniss and Peeta are returning to the arena – which is a perfect depiction of Collins’ incredible world. And the forces within are ever present and torturously deadly.

The fantastical, childish nature of the first movie isn’t present in the second. Catching Fire is mature, sad and uncomfortable. It brings to light the allegoric obsession with media and reality TV and the ever-widening class systems of our current society. What I love so much about Collins’ work is that it’s an introduction to war to teens in a non-romanticized fashion. These tributes are tortured emotionally and physically for upper-class amusement and there is rarely pause for a sweet moment. This film relishes in the agony and terror of its subjects. Achieving the tension and fast pace of the book, making the two and half hour production feel full and exciting.

Every performance in this film is fantastic. The entire cast looks comfortable and confident in their respective roles and the depth of each character is subtle and incredibly genuine to the story. Jennifer Lawrence is the queen of the film. And she takes the inner monologue of the book and beams it effortlessly through her eyes with pure fear and anxiety. Katniss suffers from severe post-traumatic-stress disorder and it’s all she can do to not be trembling at any given moment. Lawrence’s ability to maintain her strength, however, in the face of all that fear is just pure genius acting. Peeta similarly suffers from PTSD, but Josh Hutcherson has such tenderness in his delivery, that even while he might be floundering under the surface, his capacity to love outweighs his fears, making him the lovable rock of these characters. While his competition, Liam Hemsworth as Gale, is towering, gorgeous and strong, he doesn’t have that innate lovability that Peeta does. The dynamic is incredible. The rest of the supporting cast is equally wonderful: starting with the unnerving calm of Phillip Seymour Hoffman as the new Head Gamemaker, Plutarch Heavensbee. Sam Claflin as Finnick Odair is sexy and confident. I have had an odd disdain for Jena Malone for a long time, but she completely kicks ass as the hardened, deadly Johanna Mason. Of course, Stanley Tucci is brilliant, terrifying, but brilliant as a comedic Host. And President Snow’s sadistic cruelty is made more horrifying by Donald Sutherland’s gentle smile and almost seductive demeanor. Woody Harrelson is tragic and comedic as the tormented victor, Haymitch. And Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket, promotes one of the most emotional moments of the film just with her quivering chin as her world is shattered when her young victors are forced back into the arena. The actors are so immersed that they seem to have been doing this for years, they’re deep into their roles so the emotions are authentic making the horror of the arena even more palpable. I can’t praise this film enough. There is so much more to expand upon, analyze, and cherish about this successful book-to-film production. It was done so right. (– Caitlyn Thompson)

Mockingjay Part 1: As Mockingjay Part 1 begins we’re back in District 13. That’s right. The place we thought was decimated by the Capital is in fact, a militarized state that has been preparing for an uprising since the rebellion which resulted in the creation of the Hunger Games seventy-five years ago.

Third installments should ascend in some way, and Mockingjay Part 1 is, overall, rather stagnant. The film feels like it might reveal something exciting, something new, something, or at least you hope it might. I’m sorry to say that it doesn’t and should have been condensed into forty minutes.

Mockingjay’s action scenes are great. The rebel acts of defiance are fast-paced and assembled well, although occasionally the soundtrack and choreography (a bit too organized) of the events make them corny instead of suspenseful. Still, they’re the most satisfying portions of the film, but they’re infrequent.

The camera work and execution of the film are awesome. The landscapes and various sets (whether CGI or real) are powerful, beautiful, and terrifying. So far we’ve seen District 12 and the Capitol, but in Mockingjay Lawrence guides us through the claustrophobic subterranean environment of District 13 where everything is cement, gloomy, and grey; it’s a survival bunker and training base, nothing more.

Contrasting the close-shots of District 13, are the long shots of flying hovercrafts, which glide over other districts, showing their incredible landscapes as well as each contributive resource (which collectively feed the Capitol’s wealth). Green mountain ranges, rich forests, and a gargantuan dam – all breathtaking sites, but home to oppression. These sections of the film are powerful. It’s when people start talking that my engagement is negatively interrupted.

The dialogue is rigid and formal, numbing even the most talented actors, which are plentiful in this film. Every time someone speaks, the film becomes a cheesy montage of non-motivating monologues and they are definitely not convincing enough to inspire citizen-soldiers for battle – it feels forced and disingenuous.

After everything the characters have been through I thought they’d depict more than an ever-teary Katniss.

Jennifer Lawrence can’t do much with her talent, neither can Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Julianne Moore as President Alma Coin is far too stiff – I find her delivery was the worst of the film. Moore comes off as constrained and indifferent instead of strict and intimidating. Her color-contacted eyes also diminish any domineering qualities her character might have had.

The redeeming stars: Woody Harrelson and Elizabeth Banks as Haymitch Abernathy and Effie Trinket. Their timing and mannerisms are always spot on and entertaining. But is this because they are the comic relief characters and it’s perhaps easier to write funny things than war speeches? Maybe so, but Harrelson and Banks are always genuine and delightful.

Other main characters such as Finnick (Sam Claflin) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) don’t have a huge presence, but they are good when onscreen. And Liam Hemsworth – still gorgeous, but still has zero impact.

The Hunger Games illustrates the intensity of war without romanticizing it – an important concept for younger folks to grasp. As seen so far in the films, people die, and they die with swift brutality – that’s the horror of the series: death is an exciting form of entertainment for the Capitol, the bloodier the better. And attacks on innocent people within the districts aren’t drawn out; nobody gets to say goodbye. Gunshots, bombs, and it’s done. Doesn’t matter that the violence feels appropriate in Mockingjay, the script cripples the authenticity of the story’s message, thus diminishing the whole point of Collins’ books. (– Caitlyn Thompson)

Mockingjay Part 2: Mockingjay Part 2 is the best of the Hunger Games series. Without question. Now, I’m wondering if it’s because there was so much more action than dialogue, that the film surpassed the others.

Looking back, Catching Fire had a similar quality. Great sets, great action, appropriate violence, and few words. Same formula in Mockingjay Part 2, but with even better sets, make-up, and cinematography, that culminated into a suspenseful journey. And even though I knew what was going to happen (having read the books), I found myself holding my breath many times. A mark of a job well-done I think.

We left off with Katniss in a neck brace, needed after Peeta nearly strangled her to death. She watches him struggle in his bed; restrained and brainwashed by the Capitol to believe she is a deceitful, dangerous horror to all. It’s agonizing for her to see this friend she loves with compassionate confusion. He has been her serenity and now he has been tortured into despising her. The dynamic between the actors throughout the film is intense with a juxtaposing combination of love and trepidation.

So, immediately the story continues, satisfyingly, on the battlefield. The contrived and dull “let’s fight together and be merry” speeches within the depths of District 13 were few, happily, and the story didn’t stall for too much exposition.    Admittedly, I was worried at first, thankfully only briefly, that the movie would be just as kitschy as its predecessor, but Joanna Mason, played with perfect spite, wit and a sly smile by Jena Malone, came to the rescue and called out the vomit-worthy monologues and phoniness of the “Hope for Panem” typical to the movies thus far—directly to Katniss’s face. It was as though writers Peter Craig and Danny Strong were saying (through Joanna), “it’s not gonna be like last time viewers, we picked up the ball and threw it up really high and caught it and held on really tight—for YOU!” And from that abandonment of child-friendly, trite portrayal of most characters, the story came together quite organically.

Jennifer Lawrence was wonderful, and she played the role of Katniss true to the book—it was hard for me not to compare. In this final chapter the character is accurately portrayed as a sensitive, indecisive young woman who wants the war to be over. She’s done leading, she never wanted the role. Katniss is horribly depressed and her disdain for the depiction of herself as a triumphant hero has simmered into a mix of anger, depression and apathy for life and death. Her survival is ridden with guilt and her suffering won’t ever end, so it’s time to fight—win or die, she is ready, albeit more so for the latter. And Francis Lawrence did the best job in this last installment because he made these elements so potent. The rest of the cast did a great job as well. Again, as the script was not overdrawn, each character was far more likable, even if they were meant to be hated. Now, of course there were awkward love moments between Gale (Liam Hemsworth) and Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence), but those were expected. Hemsworth was actually the odd man out in this film. He’s been the same glowering, handsome, droopy-eyed guy in the background, repeating the same line every time he gets a kiss, “I knew you’d do that.” A-boo-hoo-hoooo. Good thing the actor has a beautiful face.

The other romantic (turned psychotic) lead, Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) impressed me with a consistent performance that was actually quite poignant at times. His constant tear-filled eyes and trembling chin felt genuine, and more importantly, accurate to the story.

The Hunger Games is about war. And its catalysts are suffering from PTSD, having been traumatized by relentless loss and torture. It was nice to see that those qualities weren’t glossed over in Mockingjay Part 2. I’ve said before that this series is meant to be an introduction to warfare, without romanticizing the subject, for young adults. People die swiftly and brutally—there’s no time to cue the violins and weep. Enjoy that successful aspect of this production. (– Caitlyn Thompson)

Daddy’s Home

Paramount / Released 3/22/16

Brad (Ferrell), who always dreamed of having the perfect family, is determined to become the best step-dad to his new wife’s (Linda Cardellini) children. But when their biological father Dusty (Wahlberg) shows up unexpectedly, Brad’s idyllic family life is turned upside down and he must go toe-to-toe with Dusty. Also stars Bobby Cannavale, Thomas Haden Church, Paul Scheer, Bill Burr, and Hannibal Buress. Extras include interviews, deleted & extended scenes, and featurettes.

Last Word: Despite some genuine chemistry, Ferrell and Wahlberg do little other than utilize their established screen personas in a forgettable, mess of a comedy. Daddy’s Home has a sweet message, but it’s so completely lost in over the top set pieces that ultimately, it just doesn’t work. By the time the end comes, and we see another take on the situation, it’s a huge reminder how emotionally false the film is. And it’s not particularly funny.

Bandits

Olive Films / Released 3/22/16

Barry Levinson mines cinematic gold in Bandits, starring Cate Blanchett, Bruce Willis and Billy Bob Thornton. Conjuring up memories of another silver screen trio – Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy and Myrna Loy in Test Pilot – Willis and Thornton star as Joe and Terry, escaped convicts on the lam planning to rob a few banks to fund a new life just south of the border. Blanchett (Carol) stars as Kate Wheeler, a woman also on the run – from an unhappy marriage. Fate intervenes when Kate runs into Terry (quite literally) with her car. She soon finds herself joining the boys on their cross-country trek in this comic caper co-starring January Jones and William Converse-Roberts.

Freaks And Geeks: The Complete Series

Shout! Factory / Released 3/22/16

What high school was like for the rest of us.

The modern classic, Freaks And Geeks, has arrived on Blu-ray at last! Set in 1980 at the fictional McKinley High in Detroit, Freaks And Geeks focused on two groups of outsiders: the stoners, tough kids and bad girls; and the brains, nerds and squares. Although this Emmy award-winning series ran for only one season, it has remained a cult favorite and a benchmark of quality television.

A funny and authentic portrait of high school life with all of its horrors and triumphs, Freaks And Geeks resonates with anybody who has ever felt like they don’t quite fit in. The series’ legacy – including the ongoing success of many of its key personnel, from creator Paul Feig (Bridesmaids), to executive producer Judd Apatow (The 40-Year-Old Virgin), to cast members such as Linda Cardellini, Seth Rogen, James Franco, and Jason Segel – is undoubtedly secure in the hearts and minds of its passionate (and ever-growing) fanbase.

Jam-packed with a treasure trove of extras, this Blu-ray collection also features all 18 episodes in both original broadcast aspect ratio and a special widescreen presentation. Join Shout! Factory in celebrating this one-of-a-kind series with a set you’ll Geek out over. Icludes All 18 Episodes in Both Original Aspect Ratio and New Widescreen Presentations The series included appearances by Ben Foster, Joanna García, Lizzy Caplan, Dave “Gruber” Allen, Trace Beaulieu, Steve Higgins, Tom Wilson, Joel Hodgson, Claudia Christian, Samaire Armstrong, David Koechner,Kevin Corrigan, Jason Schwartzman, David Krumholtz, Allen Covert, Rashida Jones, Alex Breckenridge, Mike White, Shia LaBeouf, Bianca Kajlich, Ben Stiller, and Leslie Mann. Extras include conversation with Paul Feig and Judd Apatow, 28 commentary tracks, audition footage, deleted scenes, alternate takes, outtakes, bloopers, behind the scenes footage, promo footage and digital yearbook.

Episodes include:

Pilot: A group of high school students in 1980 faces various social struggles. Wealthy “brain” Lindsay wants to rebel. Her geeky freshman brother Sam and his two friends are targeted by a bully.

Beers and Weirs: When Mr & Mrs. Weir go out of town for the weekend, Lindsey hosts a keg party. Sam, Bill, and Neal, worried that the party-goers will get too rowdy, substitute a keg of non-alcoholic beer for the one the freaks have on ice.

Tricks and Treats: Halloween doesn’t go as expected for Sam, Lindsey, or their parents.

Kim Kelly Is My Friend: Kim befriends Lindsay for ulterior motives, while Sam is bullied unmercifully by Karen Scarfolli, whose locker is next to his.

Tests and Breasts: Daniel cons Lindsay into helping him pass an algebra test, while Sam and his pals try to figure out the basics of human sexuality.

I’m with the Band: Lindsay encourages Nick to pursue a career in music. Nick continues to practice with his current band, but quickly decides he’s better than them. Lindsay encourages Nick to audition for a bigger local band. When things don’t go well in the audition, Lindsay is there to comfort Nick. Sam, Bill, and Neal struggle with having to shower in gym class.

Carded and Discarded: Sam, Neal, and Bill befriend a pretty new transfer student, but soon fear of losing her to the popular crowd and try to win her over with a series of fun things they plan for her. Lindsay, Nick, Daniel, and Ken decide to get fake IDs so they can see a hot local band perform at a bar. However, after they go through the trouble of getting their IDs and going into the bar, the group is stunned to find out who the hot local bands lead singer is.

Girlfriends and Boyfriends: Lindsay and Nick get more serious, and her parents give unwanted advice. Sam joins the yearbook staff to get closer to Cindy, who thinks of him only as a friend.

We’ve Got Spirit: Sam tries out to be the school mascot hoping to impress Cindy. Meanwhile, Daniel, Ken, and Kim suddenly become the basketball team’s most rabid fans following a series of run-ins with jocks from the rival school, Lincoln High. Lindsay tries to figure out the best way to break up with Nick.

The Diary: Lindsay’s parents are convinced Kim is leading their daughter down a path toward drugs and sex, so they consider taking a peek in her diary. Meanwhile, Bill is tired of the same jocks picking the teams during P.E., often leaving him picked last, so he makes prank calls to Coach Fredricks then confronts him directly. The adults may be the ones learning lessons from the students.

Looks and Books: A car accident results in Lindsay deciding to stop hanging out with her “freak” friends. She decides to rejoin the mathletes and start hanging out with Millie again. Sam adopts a new modern hair style in the hopes of impressing Cindy. When this fails, he seeks out a new wardrobe.

The Garage Door: Neal learns his father is cheating on his mother. Ken develops a crush on the tuba player in the school’s marching band and Lindsay helps set them up.

Chokin’ and Tokin’: When Bill talks about being allergic to peanuts in class, Alan tries to prove he’s lying but Bill ends up in the hospital after an allergic reaction. Lindsay smokes weed for the first time.

Dead Dogs and Gym Teachers: Lindsay tries to convince Harold to let her join her friends at a Who concert. Kim and Lindsay accidentally run over Millie’s dog. Kim starts hanging out with Millie. Lindsay wants to tell Millie the truth about her dog, but Kim does not. Meanwhile, Nick teaches himself to play guitar and writes a love ballad for Lindsay. Ms. Haverchuck stuns Bill with the news that she has been dating Coach Fredricks.

Noshing and Moshing: Neal wrestles with the dilemma of whether to tell his mother about his father’s affair. Lindsay is given detention after coming to the aid of a girl being attacked by a boy. Daniel deals with pressures at home and with Kim. He escapes from his problems through punk music.

Smooching and Mooching: Nick stays with the Weirs while he’s on the outs with his dad, and the geeks go to a make-out party.

The Little Things: As McKinley High prepares for a visit from Vice President Bush, Ken and Sam must sort out conflicted feelings in their love lives.

Discos and Dragons: Nick explores disco, Lindsay listens to the Grateful Dead, and Daniel tries something new. What’s cool? Friendship.

Disturbing Behavior

Shout! Factory / Released 3/22/16

In this fantasy thriller, when teenager Steve Clark (James Marsden) moves to Cradle Bay, Steve is immediately cautioned by Gavin Strick (Nick Stahl) that something sinister is happening… something dark… something disturbing. Sure, the “Blue Ribbons” – the clique that’s at the top of the food chain at Cradle Bay – appear perfect in every way. But underneath their clean-cut, well-mannered facades lurks a shocking secret – one that a group of Cradle Bay High’s outsiders and rebels must uncover in order to save their school, their town… and their own lives. Also stars Katie Holmes,Steve Railsback, Bruce Greenwood, Katharine Isabelle, William Sadler and Ethan Embry. Extras include commentary, deleted scenes alternate ending and trailer.

After the Fox

Kino Lorber / Released 3/22/16

This wildly funny farce gives the comic genius of Peter Sellers (The Party, What’s New Pussycat?) free reign as he assumes several wacky personalities, each one funnier than the last! Superb direction by Vittorio De Sica (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow) and a sparkling script by Neil Simon (The Odd Couple) make After the Fox an absolute must-see. Millions of dollars worth of gold bullion is on its way from Cairo to an unknown Italian destination. There is only one criminal mastermind capable of stealing it: Aldo Vanucci (Sellers), also known as “the Fox.” Aldo devises the perfect plan to seize the gold: Posing as a flamboyant film director, he casts an aging, egotistical film star (Victor Mature) and his own voluptuous sister (Britt Ekland) in a fake film about a gold theft! The stellar cast includes Martin Balsam, Akim Tamiroff and Italian comedy legend Lando Buzzanca. Extra includes Trailers From Hell with Larry Karaszewski.

Making the Grade

Olive Films / Released 3/22/16

Rich, preppy Palmer Woodrow (Dana Olsen) would much rather be skiing in Europe than attending Hoover Academy prep school, which provides Palmer with his last shot at graduating. As it turns out Palmer is more motivated than anyone imagines. Enter Eddie Keaton (Judd Nelson), a low-rent con artist in need of cash and on the run from a loan shark Diceman (Andrew Dice Clay). With $10,000 and a Porsche courtesy of Palmer, Eddie assumes his identity. Disguised as the perfect preppy, Eddie easily fools the faculty, charms the coedsand rocks the campus! But when the Diceman tracks him down, streetwise Eddie must keep his cover to stay in school or go back to the ‘hood for good. Hoover Academy will never be the same.

Making The Grade, directed by Dorian Walker (Teen Witch) from a screenplay by Gene Quintano based on a story by Quintano and Charles Gale, co-stars Jonna Lee, Gordon Jump and Ronald Lacey.

Undertow

Olive Films / Released 3/22/16

Following the death of his wife, John Munn (Dermot Mulroney) moves to Georgia with his two sons Chris (Jamie Bell) and Tim (Devon Alan) in hopes of making a new start for his family.

Once there, rebellious Chris finds a kindred spirit in his Uncle Deel (Josh Lucas), recently released from prison and holding a grudge against his brother for marrying the woman he loved. Resentments soon boil over with tragic consequences sending Uncle Deel in hot pursuit of his fleeing nephews in the dramatic thriller Undertow.

Undertow, directed by David Gordon Green (All the Real Girls) from a screenplay by Joe Conway and Green, based on a story by Lingard Jervey, co-stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Longstreet and Terry Loughlin.

Fear the Walking Dead: The Complete First Season 1 Special Edition

Starz/Anchor Bay / Released 3/22/16

Living in the same universe as The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead is a gritty drama that explores the onset of the undead apocalypse through the lens of a fractured family. Set in a city where people come to escape, shield secrets, and bury their pasts, a mysterious outbreak threatens to disrupt what little stability high school guidance counselor Madison Clark and English teacher Travis Manawa have managed to assemble. The everyday pressure of blending two families while dealing with resentful, escapist, and strung out children takes a back seat when society begins to break down. A evolution, a necessary survival of the fittest takes hold, and our dysfunctional family must either reinvent themselves or embrace their darker histories. Extras include commentaries, pilot episode in widescreen, deleted scenes, and featurettes

Includes the episodes:

Pilot: A highly dysfunctional blended family is forced together when they realize a reported virus is actually the onset of the undead apocalypse.

So Close, Yet So Far: While Madison struggles to keep Nick from crippling withdrawal, Travis ventures out to find his son before the city of Los Angeles falls.

The Dog: After escaping a violent riot Travis, Liza, and Chris seek refuge with the Salazar family. Meanwhile Madison defends her home.

Not Fade Away: Madison and Travis witness different sides of the National Guard’s occupation of their neighborhood as our family tries to adapt to the new world.

Cobalt: The National Guard’s plan for the neighborhood and its residents is revealed, forcing Travis and Madison to make a difficult decision.

The Good Man: As civil unrest continues to grow and the dead take over, Travis and Madison must explore new ways to protect their families.

The War Between Men and Women

Kino Lorber / Released 3/22/16

Opposites attract, fight, and fall in love in The War Between Men and Women. This one-of-a-kind comedy stars screen legend Jack Lemmon (The Apartment) and features live-action and animated sequences based on the artwork of James Thurber. Cartoonist Peter Wilson (Lemmon) has successfully avoided marriage for his entire life… until he meets Theresa (Barbara Harris, Family Plot). Peter and Theresa couldn’t be more wrong for one another, but Cupid has a sense of humor and soon the pair finds themselves dangerously close to living happily ever after. If they can overcome flirtatious ex-husbands, clashing lifestyles and Peter’s potential blindness, they might just see their relationship for what it is… true love. The wonderful cast includes Jason Robards (Julia), Herb Edelman (The Odd Couple) and Lisa Eilbacher (Beverly Hills Cop) – directed by Hollywood veteran Melville Shavelson (Cast a Giant Shadow).

Turn: Washington’s Spies Season 2

Anchor Bay / Released 3/22/16

Jamie Bell stars as Abraham Woodhull, a farmer living in British-occupied Long Island during the Revolutionary War who bands together with his childhood friends to form the Culper Ring, America’s first spy ring. TURN: Washington’s Spies – The Complete Second Season moves deeper into the battles waged by soldiers and civilians alike in the pursuit of freedom and the sacrifices they’re willing to make to secure it. As Abe becomes more committed to the Culper Ring activities, George Washington (Ian Kahn) battles both personal demons and betrayal from within his ranks that threaten both his leadership and the fate of the revolution. As the colonies struggle to become a nation, the outcome of the revolution will hinge on alliances both on and off the battlefield.

Along with Bell and Kahn, the series features a talented cast including 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 John Simcoe. Joining the cast for season two are Ksenia Solo as Peggy Shippen and Owain Yeoman as Benedict Arnold.

TURN: Washington’s Spies – The Complete Second Season is based on the book Washington’s Spies by Alexander Rose. The author and historian served as a consultant for the first season and joins the writing staff for Season 2. Extras include featurettes and deleted & extended scenes.

Episodes include:

Thoughts Of A Free Man: A spy in London sends an urgent message to America. Mary impedes Abe’s attempt to restart the spy ring. Benedict Arnold arrives in camp.

Hard Boiled: Abe gathers intelligence in New York. Simcoe escapes his punishment. John Andre attends a ball in Philadelphia and meets Peggy Shippen.

False Flag: Ben sets a trap to capture a traitor in camp. Richard discovers Abe is conspiring with Major Hewlett. Caleb collides with Robert Rogers.

Men Of Blood: Abe tries to recruit a new agent in New York. Caleb races Rogers as they hunt down intelligence from London. Andre’s history is exposed.

Sealed Fate: Abe makes a last-ditch effort to recruit a spy inside New York. Ben must determine which of two deserters is a double agent.

Houses Divided: Mary pleads with Richard to help free Abe from prison. Anna must seduce Simcoe. Ben and Caleb plot to rescue Hewlett from his captors.

Valley Forge: Washington faces a personal crisis with the help of his slave Billy Lee. Abe struggles to maintain his cover while in prison.

Providence: Caleb sails a one-man submersible into New York Harbor. France becomes an ally to America. Andre and Peggy plot to elope.

The Prodigal: Abe returns from prison with critical intel. Tensions rise between Hewlett and Simcoe. Arnold rescues Peggy from a rebel mob.

Gunpowder, Treason, And Plot: Abe plots to assassinate Major Hewlett. Ben fights at the Battle of Monmouth. Benedict Arnold continues to covet Peggy Shippen.

The Black Sleep

Kino Lorber / Released 3/22/16

The masters of classic horror, Basil Rathbone (Tales of Terror), Bela Lugosi (Dracula, White Zombie), Lon Chaney, Jr. (The Wolf Man) and John Carradine (House of the Long Shadows) co-star in this terrifying horror classic about a crazed brain surgeon and his unorthodox experiments at a spooky old dark house. When the wife of a lunatic surgeon (Rathbone) slips into a coma, the doctor sets out to find a donor for a highly unorthodox brain transplant. The subsequent experiments result in the creation of a number of dangerous zombies, mutants and freaks that are soon unleashed on an unsuspecting populace. The stellar cast also includes Akim Tamiroff (After the Fox) and Tor Johnson (Plan 9 From Outer Space). From Reginald Le Borg, the director of horror classics, Diary of a Madman and The Mummy’s Ghost. Extras include commentary by film historians Tom Weaver & David Schecter and Trailers From Hell with Joe Dante.

The Royals Season 2

Lionsgate / Released 3/22/16

After the tragic murder of King Simon by an unknown assailant, Simon’s arrogant brother, Cyrus, has taken the throne with the help of Queen Helena (Elizabeth Hurley). Prince Liam (William Moseley) seeks vengeance for the death of his father while Princess Eleanor (Alexandra Park) struggles to live her seemingly fairytale life. While allies are formed and enemies are made in the royal palace, nothing is what it seems.

The stellar cast is led by Elizabeth Hurley as the calculating Queen Helena, and she is joined by William Moseley as the vengeful Prince Liam, Alexandra Park as an uncontrollable Princess Eleanor, Tom Austen as the Prince’s devious bodyguard Jasper Frost, Oliver Milburn as the troubled head of the Royal security, and Jake Maskall as the newly-crowned and universally despised King Cyrus. Lydia Rose Bewley, Andrew Bicknell, Victoria Ekanoye, Poppy Corby-Tuech, Simon Thomas, and Scott Maslen co-star along with Joan Collins as the Grand Duchess of Oxford. The series, which ranks as one of 2015’s top new scripted cable series, is produced by Lionsgate and Universal Cable Productions, executive produced, written and directed by Mark Schwahn, and executive produced by Brian Robbins, Joe Davola and Shauna Phelan.

Episodes include:

It Is Not, nor It Cannot Come to Good: Cyrus restores Liam and Eleanor’s titles in an attempt to secure their allegiance and capitalize on their popularity, while they seek the access that may allow them to destroy Cyrus. Investigating the deaths of his father and brother, Liam enlists the aid of Jasper, who has been following a self-destructive Eleanor to protect her from herself. With the Prime Minister in her power, Helena plots to secure her grasp on the throne.

Welcome Is Fashion and Ceremony: Beck returns to Eleanor, while Liam and Jasper discover a secret about Cyrus that complicates their investigation.

Is Not This Something More Than Fantasy?: Helena faces off with the Deputy Prime Minister, Liam visits Ophelia in New York and Eleanor must face the inevitable in her rekindled relationship with Beck.

What, Has This Thing Appear’d Again Tonight?: Eleanor escapes her troubles with her new friend Mandy as Cyrus puts a stop to Helena’s monument for Simon, which does not sit well with the queen. Liam and Jasper loop in Ted on their investigation of the Domino symbol.

The Spirit That I Have Seen: Eleanor and Mandy’s relationship goes public, and Helena gets to the bottom of Lacey’s disappearance.

Doubt Truth to Be a Liar: As the twins celebrate their birthday, Helena makes a shocking discovery and Mandy’s plan comes to fruition.

Taint Not Thy Mind, nor Let Thy Soul Contrive Against Thy Mother: Helena confides her past in Eleanor as Liam and Ted each discover the truth about Domino.

Be All My Sins Remembered: Cyrus is devastated when Violet goes missing; Liam and Eleanor confront Helena about Dominique Stewart.

And Then It Started Like a Guilty Thing: Eleanor helps a friend while the Deputy Prime Minister makes Liam an offer, and Jasper finally discovers who murdered Simon.

The Serpent That Did Sting Thy Father’s Life: With Ted revealed as Simon’s killer, the Royal Family bands together to foil Jeffrey Stewart’s plan to destroy them.

American Experience: The Perfect Crime

PBS / Released 3/22/16

In 1924, the murder of a 14-year-old boy by two wealthy college students shocked the nation. But more horrifying than the brutal killing — the boy was bludgeoned to death — was the motive. Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb admitted they planned to abduct and kill a child at random simply for the thrill of it. Legendary defense attorney Clarence Darrow summoned experts to show that the murderers had been shaped by childhood trauma and that it was society and its barbaric death penalty that deserved to be put on trial. Set in 1920s Chicago — a city of gin joints, gangsters, and political corruption — The Perfect Crime tells a story that set off a national debate about morality, individual responsibility, and capital punishment.

Noma: My Perfect Storm

Magnolia / Released 3/22/16

With automatic access to genius, René Redzepi plays with wilderness and interprets a forgotten edible world into a language we all understand. A modern ugly duckling, bullied by his peers, Redzepi found his home in the no man’s land and transformed into swan. Noma, My Perfect Storm is a creative journey into the mind of René Redzepi.

How did he manage to revolutionise the entire world of gastronomy, inventing the alphabet and vocabulary that would infuse newfound pedigree to Nordic cuisine and establish a new edible world while radically changing the image of the modern chef? His story has the feel of a classic fairy tale: the ugly duckling transformed into a majestic swan, who now reigns over the realm of modern gourmet cuisine. But beneath the polished surface, cracks appear in the form of old wounds. 2013 stands as the worst year in René Redzepi’s career.

We follow him as he fights his way back to the top, reinventing NOMA and reclaiming the title of best restaurant in the world in 2014 for the fourth time. Extras include deleted scenes, featurettes, trailer and gallery.

The Hateful Eight

Starz/Anchor Bay / Released 3/29/16

In The Hateful Eight, set six or eight or twelve years after the Civil War, a stagecoach hurtles through the wintry Wyoming landscape. The passengers, bounty hunter John Ruth (Kurt Russell) and his fugitive Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh), race towards the town of Red Rock where Ruth, known in these parts as “The Hangman,” will bring Domergue to justice.

Along the road, they encounter two strangers: Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson), a black former union soldier turned infamous bounty hunter, and Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins), a southern renegade who claims to be the town’s new Sheriff. Losing their lead on the blizzard, Ruth, Domergue, Warren and Mannix seek refuge at Minnie’s Haberdashery, a stagecoach stopover on a mountain pass. When they arrive at Minnie’s, they are greeted not by the proprietor but by four unfamiliar faces. Bob (Demian Bichir), who’s taking care of Minnie’s while she’s visiting her mother, is holed up with Oswaldo Mobray (Tim Roth), the hangman of Red Rock, cow-puncher Joe Gage (Michael Madsen), and Confederate General Sanford Smithers (Bruce Dern).

As the storm overtakes the mountainside stopover, our eight travelers come to learn they may not make it to Red Rock after all…Extras include featurettes.

Point Break

Warner Bros. / Released 3/29/16

Young FBI agent Johnny Utah infiltrates a cunning team of thrill-seeking elite athletes led by the charismatic Bodhi. Deep undercover, with his life in danger, Utah races to prove the team is responsible for a string of inconceivable crimes. The adrenaline flows in this fast-paced action thriller as world-class athletes go high-wave surfing, wingsuit flying, sheer-face snowboarding, free-rock climbing and high-speed motorcycling in some of the most daring sequences ever filmed. Extras include featurettes, deleted scenes and trailers.

Last Word: Point Break, originally starring Keanu Reeves as FBI agent Jonny Utah and a shaggy-haired Patrick Swayze as free-spirited Bodhi, gets a remake that doesn’t do the original justice; which, is saying something, since the original didn’t exactly leave the most lasting impression. Core’s vision is unclear from the very start and the result unsatisfying and somewhat baffling.

Utah, played this time around by Luke Bracey, is an ex-extreme poly athlete. He abandoned that career after an accident involving one of his close friends. Seven years later, he inexplicably finds himself gung-ho to join the F.B.I, telling his potential boss (Delroy Lindo) that he “wants this,” sitting across from him wearing a flannel, showing tattooed knuckles, and giving a fierce look. Instructor Hall isn’t so sure and tells him that he has to prove it.

Johnny gets wind of some eco-terrorists committing crimes in a Robin Hood-esque fashion (they shower a small village with cash they liberate from an airplane) and then executing death defying stunts. He does some research and comes to the conclusion that these guys are trying to complete the “Ozaki 8.” This is a series of 8 trials, none of which anyone has ever completed and, supposedly, Ozaki himself dies trying. These trials are meant to honor the earth, and to give back what has been taken. True to the original, Johnny decides to infiltrate the group and uncover their next move, with a little guidance from Angelo Pappas (Ray Winstone), who does nothing like what zany Gary Busey did for the character.

Enter Bodhi (Edgar Ramirez). He soulful-eyed leader of the gang, and spends most of the movie spouting his philosophies with morbid sincerity, and to some degree, Utah falls right in and gets attached to the ideals, and to Bodhi.

These elements all fit the basic structure of the original, but most of the similarities, and what made the original watchable, end there. Dizzying stunt scenes in beautiful locales across the globe seem to dominate here, edging out story and plot for importance. Not to say that the stunts weren’t terrifying impressive, especially the snowboarding down dangerous cliffs, the big-wave surfing, or flying through mountain valleys and crevices in wingsuits. But these montages linger and, when they end, the film loses its purpose all over again.

That is to say, whatever purpose it was trying to achieve, which seemed like trying to infuse as much adrenaline in there as possible. That being said, what ultimately stifled the film was the lack of character development. In Kathryn Bigelow’s version, you cared about charismatic Bodhi, even though he liked to rob banks for the thrill of it, and his decisions wound up killing all of his friends. Even so, there was a connection, and his actions made sense; he made for a compelling character, minus his forced usage of the word “brah.” Adrenaline and action scenes were only part of the package, and underneath was a story that hinted at psychological complexity. When we want to care for the characters in this version, it’s almost impossible, and big choices made don’t make any sense, and are surprising only in a “what just happened,” sort of way.

This is mostly noticeable with Bracey’s character. He makes all of these decisions, but we have no idea of his motivation, his reasoning, his wants, or anything other than he has great abs and sweet tats. The breaking point (ha) comes at the end of the film. He’s confronted with a choice, and even though it’s predictable that he is going to do it, it made zero sense. An example of this can also be found in Samsara (Teresa Palmer), a floaty, groupie-type whose reason for inclusion in this group of people is never explained thoroughly, and the barely-there romance she has with Utah is underwritten and almost unnecessary for all the importance it had in the plot. We only get the tiniest of backstory from her, so all she does throughout the movie is basically smile and parrot back some of Bodhi’s ideals.

Point Break could have easily stood on its own had it thought more about what the heart of the story truly is, and not about how sweet it’s going to look to send four dudes cascading over mountain tops in colorful wingsuits. It would have made more sense if it did try to be its own entity, without taking bits and pieces of the original and not knowing how to use them or fit them in, like the scene where Johnny can’t catch Bodhi and he screams while firing his gun into the air. When Keanu Reeves did it, it was because his old football injury came back during the chase and caused him to lose his quarry, resulting in a lot of frustration in the moment. When done by Bracey, it seemed only to serve the purpose of reminding you that they didn’t forget that this is a remake.

Thrilling at times, yes, but it looks like almost the entire budget was spent on these stunts, and the big finale of a scene used a green screen to its fullest potential. Suspending belief was hard for 90 percent of the film, and this was the breaking point (sorry). If you have seen the original, then just know that after this scene, the ride is almost over.

And what a dull, confusing ride. Kudos to Ramirez and Bracey for being young and good-looking, and for doing the best that they really could with what they were given. And try watching the original, for nothing if not to watch a young and cocky Keanu strut around while Gary Busey eats meatball subs. Two of them. (– Amanda Hogan)

Humans: The Complete First Season

Acorn Media / Released 3/29/16

In the near future, humanoid servants called synthetics – or synths – have been created to help busy families simplify their lives. But will these perfect servants stay compliant forever?

When Joe Hawkins (Tom Goodman-Hill, The Imitation Game) buys synth Anita (Gemma Chan, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit), he hopes it will relieve the pressure on his lawyer wife, Laura (Katherine Parkinson, The IT Crowd). Although Anita is a hit with Joe’s young children, Laura feels uneasy about sharing her home with a synth.

Meanwhile, retired engineer George (Oscar winner William Hurt, A History of Violence) refuses to dispose of his beloved but malfunctioning synth, Odi (Will Tudor, Game of Thrones). And mysterious Leo (Colin Morgan, Merlin) hides secrets that could transform the future of synth technology. Thought-provoking and thrilling, Humans explores the intersection of man and machine with emotional depth and pulse-pounding tension. Extras include featurettes, behind the scenes footage and gallery.

Includes the episodes:

Episode 1: A couple buy a synthetic human, or ‘synth’ to help around the house, but the new arrival threatens to expose their secrets. A retired engineer’s paternal relationship with his own synth is threatened by a malfunction, an android and his owner go on the run, and a detective grows suspicious of his wife’s close bond with her synth.

Episode 2: Laura becomes increasingly suspicious, feeling threatened by the presence of Synth Anita, the ‘so-called’ perfect mother figure in her home. Hobb holds Fred prisoner in his facility, but while Hobb’s superiors marvel at this unique specimen, Fred voices his fears about what this means to humanity.

Episode 3: Anita saves Toby’s life; George tries to break free; and Pete is angry at the brothel-murder cover-up.

Episode 4: Joe gets too close to Anita, and Karen is not what she seems. Meanwhile, Leo gets one step closer to finding Mia, and Niska gets revenge.

Episode 5: With Karen on her tail, Leo sends Niska to George’s house and an unlikely friendship begins. Joe’s secret threatens to destroy the Hawkins family.

Episode 6: Laura and Mattie’s relationship reaches a breaking point; Karen decides to tell Pete the truth.

Episode 7: A desperate Karen hunts down Niska; and the synths stay with the Hawkins family, but Hobb is not far behind.

Episode 8: In the Season 1 finale, after the synths are captured by Hobb, the Hawkins must save them as the future of humanity is in their hands.

Exposed

Lionsgate/ Released 3/29/16

A New York City police detective Scotty Galban (Keanu Reeves) investigates the truth behind his partner’s death. The mysterious case reveals disturbing police corruption and a dangerous secret involving an unlikely young woman (Ana de Armas), who holds the key to solving his partner’s murder. Extras include trailers, featurette and extended cast interviews.

Cherry Falls