Welcome to yet another look at highlights arriving on Blu-ray and DVD. Comparatively speaking, this edition represents a bit of a dip before bigger films start arriving over the next few editions. Still, there’s some quirky stuff here that may be worth checking out. So, since you likely can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
BIG NEW RELEASES!
CAPITAL IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY: This documentary is based on a bestselling book by Thomas Piketty that investigates wealth and power through accumulation of capital and examines the negative consequences that such a system has on the world. The film goes back in history to the French Revolution and moves forward through two World Wars into the modern age, documenting dramatic shifts in the physical world around us, as well as new ideologies that have resulted in the current state of affairs. Reviews were excellent for the non-fiction feature. One or two didn’t believe that the movie was detailed or specific enough to make a strong argument.
However, all others thought it was an insightful look at the history of capitalism and its effects on class disparity around the world.
COMA: A massive and tragic event knocks a young architect unconscious. When he awakens, the lead finds himself in a new world made up of the memories of various persons who also have found themselves living here. The lead begins to wonder if he’s actually in the collective unconscious of those around him. He tries to figure out the laws and rules of the land in the hopes of finding a way out and back to the regular world.
This foreign-language feature from Russia opened earlier in the year in Eastern Europe and is now debuting on disc in North America. There aren’t any reviews from the press, but a few have appeared online from viewers in other nations. They describe it as a Russian Inception and commented that while it wasn’t quite as effective, it was a mind-bending and visually impressive adventure. It features Rinal Mukhametov and Lyubov Aksyonova.
EXIT PLAN: A private investigator looking into a cold case decides to travel to a secretive hotel that you won’t find on Priceline. After checking in, he begins to suspect that the business caters to customers seeking out elaborate suicide fantasies. As his work progresses, the lead begins to fear for his own life and question his own perception of reality. This is a Danish picture that for now is being released exclusively on DVD.
The movie earned a few award nominations at European film festivals, but the press in this part of the world didn’t take to the movie. A small group called it beautifully shot, tense and unique. However, the majority complained that it was too low-key and didn’t build tension or delve deeply enough into its interesting themes. It stars Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Tuva Novotny and Robert Aramayo.
HOUSE OF HUMMINGBIRD: Set in Seoul, South Korea in 1994, this film involves an introverted teenager searching for happiness in her unpleasant life. After being ignored by family members and treated by a doctor for an unidentified illness, the girl attempts to find joy roaming through her community. After witnessing some unsettling things around her, the youth does find an unexpected outlet of support from a new teacher at her school. This little coming-of-age film has won numerous awards at film festivals and it received nothing but praise since its debut from reviewers.
They said that while the feature doesn’t deliver thrills and instead focuses on the confused inner state of its lead, it is a caring slice-of-life portrait of youth that stays with the viewer. The cast includes Park Ji-hoo, Saebyuk Kim and Lee Seung-yeon.
SATAN’S SLAVES: A cash-strapped family living in the country struggles to make ends meet after the mother comes down with a mysterious illness. After a few years, she finally passes away and the clan lays her to rest. However, when the father travels out of town to sort out legal affairs in the city, the kids are visited by their deceased matriarch. They learn that their mother may have joined a cult before she died and has now returned to take them away.
This Indonesian/South Korean co-production was produced a couple of years ago in its homeland and is debuting on disc in this part of the world. Reaction was actually very positive and the movie won some awards. It has been described as a familiar, but well-told tale with excellent cinematography and plenty of atmosphere. It stars Tara Basro, Endy Arfian and Nasar Annuz.
SWALLOW: A newly pregnant housewife appears to have the perfect life, maintaining an immaculate home and beautiful garden. But as viewers enter the household, they discover that she must endure extreme expectations placed upon her by her controlling husband and his even more extreme in-laws. The wife begins to crack and starts to display symptoms of a disorder called Pica – it involves ingesting inedible objects. This suspenseful drama impressed many critics.
There was a small contingent who had trouble buying into the concept and had issues with the execution. Still, the majority were impressed by the lead performance and thought that while the movie was difficult to watch, it was disturbing. Haley Bennett, Austin Stowell, Elizabeth Marvel, David Rasche, Luna Lauren Velez and Zabryna Guevara headline the feature.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
There are significantly fewer older films arriving on disc this week, but there are some that are certainly of interest. Arrow Academy is premiering the award-winning Toto the Hero (1991) on Blu-ray. This Belgian/French/German co-production involves two young babies born at the very same time and place. One is raised by a wealthy family while the other has a rougher time.
As an old man, the protagonist decides to enact a strange and elaborate plan of revenge. Through flashbacks, we see a surreal version of his childhood mixed with fantasy about how various opportunities were stolen from him by his competition. Of course, it all ends with the lead’s final act of protest. You’ll get a high definition digital transfer of the movie, new and more accurate English subtitles, and an extensive documentary on the making of the movie with the cast and crew.
Additionally, it comes with a piece on comic book artist Francois Schulten, whose concepts helped inspire the movie’s production design.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
These are some titles that children may enjoy.
Kid Brainiac: The Solar System
Paddington Bear: The Complete Series (1989-90 animated series) (Warner Archive)
ON THE TUBE!
And here are the week’s TV-themed releases.
Dispatches from Elsewhere: Season 1
Doctor Who: Tom Baker: Season 3 (BBC)
The Good Doctor: Season 3
Hallmark 2-Movie Collection: You’re Bacon Me Crazy/The Secret Ingredient
His Dark Materials: Season 1
Love Under the Rainbow (Hallmark TV-movie)
NCIS: Lost Angeles: Season 11
Paddington Bear: The Complete Series (1989-90 animated series) (Warner Archive)
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Season 2
VISIT: WWW.CINEMASTANCE.COM
By Glenn Kay
For the Sun
