Welcome back for another edition of DVD and Blu-ray highlights coming your way. Some of the summer releases are starting to arrive, so there are plenty of big flicks hitting shelves. If you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure give one of these titles a try!
Big New Releases!
Free State of Jones - This Civil War biopic revolves around Newton Knight, a liberal Southern Unionist in Mississippi who rallied slaves, deserters, and like-minded farmers to fight against the Confederacy. The movie itself had some trouble gaining supporters — reaction was split with a few more weighing unfavorably on the results. While the performers earned compliments, there was a feeling that the script was muddled and attempted to cover too much in too short a time. It stars Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali, and Keri Russell.
Ma Ma - Penelope Cruz stars in this Spanish-language drama. She plays a woman whose husband leaves her for a younger woman. Even worse, she loses her job and develops a serious illness. Despite the tragedies, the lead attempts to find some joy in life. Notices weren’t particularly good, calling the screenplay a blunt and obvious tearjerker that’s as preposterous and melodramatic as it comes.
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising - This comedy sequel follows the family from the first movie. After managing to survive a male fraternity as next-door neighbors, they now find a wild sorority moving in. While there was more positive reaction to the film than negative, critics were a bit muted on the final result. The majority liked the feminist streak and thought it had a few moments, but also admitted it was scattershot and didn’t hit the gross-out heights of the original. Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne, Zac Efron, Chloe Grace Moretz, and Ike Barinholtz star.
Sacrifice - A couple who’s just moved to the remote Shetland Islands makes an unpleasant discovery... the body of a brutally murdered young woman with strange signs carved into her. As they attempt to learn more about the victim, their own lives are threatened. The press wasn’t overwhelmed by this independent thriller; they complained that the final product was bland and the movie relied on too many genre clichés. The cast includes Radha Mitchell, Rupert Graves, and David Robb.
Star Trek Beyond - The latest entry in this popular sci-fi series takes the crew of the Enterprise on a rescue mission. Unfortunately, soon after arriving, the heroes find themselves under attack, stranded on a remote planet, and separated from one another. Critics were fairly positive about this entry. They stated that while the movie wasn’t particularly thoughtful, it was an improvement on the previous chapter, thanks to the well-staged action and strong chemistry between cast members. It features Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Anton Yelchin, and Idris Elba.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows - The reptilian kung-fu protagonists return in this sequel to 2014 live-action reboot of the franchise. In this follow-up, villain Shredder escapes custody and teams with another nasty otherworldly character to take over the world. Only the turtles can save the day. The press didn’t have any of it. Very few liked this one. It stars Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Laura Linney, Stephen Amell, and Tyler Perry.
The Witness - This documentary earned great praise upon its limited release earlier in the year. It tells the story of a crime in 1964, in which a young woman in Queens was brutally murdered on the streets. Despite the fact that 38 witnesses saw the event occur, no one came to her help or attempted to stop the attack. This exposé of apathy has been called thought-provoking and upsetting, but is also said to be gripping and even inspiring by its close. It looks like a must-see for viewers with an interest in non-fiction filmmaking.
Blasts From the Past!
Olive Films has a new imprint specializing in classics titles. It’s called Olive Signature, and the first two releases are debuting this week. The first is the all-time great Western, High Noon (1952). It stars Gary Cooper as a Sheriff on his last day after spending years cleaning up his local town from criminals. When a group of murderers announce word that they’re coming back to kill the Sheriff, he attempts to round up some assistance. Despite his stellar service, none of the locals are willing to help.
In the same genre, Johnny Guitar (1954) stars Joan Crawford as a saloon owner who becomes the target of a lynch mob after being set up for a crime she didn’t commit. She hires the title character to help train her to defend herself for an impending showdown. Besides a new 4K restoration, the amazing extras include an introduction from Martin Scorcese, a film historian commentary track, as well as some features in which critics comment on its impact on the genre and the use of role-reversal with a female gunslinger.
Disney has a big Blu-ray re-release arriving as well. It’s a 25th Anniversary edition of the beloved animated musical, Beauty and the Beast (1991). In addition to owning the feature in high-definition, you’ll get a commentary track with the directors, producer, and music composer, as well as featurettes on its production.
Speaking of anniversaries, it’s been 30 years since the late, great David Bowie donned spandex to join Jennifer Connelly in the Jim Henson fantasy picture, Labyrinth (1986). Sony’s 30th Anniversary Blu-ray comes with a 4K picture restoration, as well as some new bonuses.
But that’s not all. Criterion has a couple of great Blu-rays on the way. Blood Simple (1984) is the first movie from the Coen Brothers. It’s phenomenal little thriller with plenty of twists and turns that ended up jump starting a modern day film noir movement.
The Val Lewton/Jacques Tourneur horror classic Cat People (1942) comes out in high definition. This beautifully shot chiller exudes atmosphere as it tells the tale of a woman who falls for a man, but believes that any intimacy with him will turn her into well... an actual feline.
Not to be outdone, Kino’s releasing some eccentric titles on Blu-ray. Beware! The Blob (1972) is a low-budget sequel to the 1958 Steve McQueen scare flick The Blob that emphasizes comedy over scares. It pits Larry Hagman, Carol Lynley, Gerrit Graham, and Dick Van Patten against the gelatinous killer.
Robert Mitchum stars in the WWII, Destroyer vs. U-boat flick The Enemy Below (1957), while Fixed Bayonets! (1951) finds a platoon coming under fire during the Korean War.
Arrow’s providing some B-movie thrills: Dead End Drive-In (1986) is an Australian post-apocalyptic action flick about a young couple who’s put into a futuristic drive-in prison for undesirables, where they are fed diner food and watch exploitation movies on the big screen. The two plot a daring escape. This Special Edition package includes a restored picture, commentary with the director as well as an earlier short made by the filmmaker, a documentary about the stunt performers, and publicity materials.
Bayview Entertainment is releasing a DVD Double Feature that contains The Giant Gila Monster (1959) and The Killer Shrews (1959). They’re boasting enhanced widescreen transfer of the movies of 1.66:1 taken from the original 35mm film elements.
And there’s more! Shout! Factory has Fanny! (1961), a French-set romance story between a young woman and an aspiring sailor. Once childhood friends, the pair finally expresses their feelings for one another, but must choose between love and their careers. The movie was nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture.
Finally, Eastern Star’s delivering Golgo 13: The Professional (1983). This is an animated feature from Japan about an oil baron hunting down the assassin who killed his son, who was set to inherit the lead’s estate. It’s a well-regarded effort that is being made available on Blu-ray for the first time ever.
You Know, For Kids!
Here’s what you can expect to find in the kid’s section of your local retailer:
Kate & Mim-Mim: The Mimiloo Zoo
The Lion Guard: Unleash the Power!
Little Charmers - Spooky Pumpkin Moon Night
