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Blu-ray/DVD Roundup for September 25, 2020

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Welcome to another look at some of the highlights coming your way on Blu-ray and DVD. It’s another curious week that doesn’t feature many big Hollywood picks, but this edition is full of curious little efforts, as well as high definition upgrades of classic titles. So, since you likely can’t or shouldn’t go out to the movies, be sure to give one of these titles a try!

BIG NEW RELEASES!

BABYSPLITTERS: Juggling family and a career is no easy chore these days. This comedy details two couples who have mixed feelings about becoming parents. They end up deciding that the best option for them is to share an infant between them. Initially, the unusual plan seems to work as they divide their time and efforts equally.

However, complications arise and the situation soon begins to spiral completely out of control. Overall, the press generally liked this independent feature. Those who didn’t care for it stated that the flick started well, but that it was overlong and that the problems and characters eventually wore out their welcome. Still, more called the movie a raunchy and sweet ride, noting that it had some humorous observations on modern parenting. It stars Danny Pudi, Emily C. Chang, Maiara Walsh and Eddie Alfano.

A FERAL WORLD: This science-fiction flick is yet another tiny production that has found a distributor and is premiering on streaming outlets like iTunes as well as on disc. Set after an apocalypse, the story involves a grieving woman trying to locate her daughter in the vast, empty wasteland. She finds an orphaned boy and the two eventually locate a tyrannical ruler who may be responsible for the family member’s disappearance. The movie played at a few film festivals, where it picked up some prizes.

A note from the filmmaker on IMDb states that the picture was made in Denver, Colo. with a young crew of film students and local professors. If you feel like supporting some youngsters making a little indie picture, give it a try. The cast includes Caleb Liban, Danielle Prall and Timothy McCracken.

NAIL IN THE COFFIN: THE FALL & RISE OF VAMPIRO: While the title of this movie might suggest something along the lines of an independent horror flick, this is actually a documentary about a pro wrestler who used to perform in the WCW. It is described as a candid look at the man known to fans as Vampiro, detailing his career and his public persona, as well as the hardships and demons he faced in his life after retiring from the ring. This picture also features enlightening interviews from many of the subject’s wrestling contemporaries.

There currently aren’t any negative reviews. All of the write-ups state that this is one of the best documentaries about the sport, saying that while the subject of the film lived an unusual life, his story was relatable and even powerful.

RED SHOES AND THE SEVEN DWARFS: This animated effort comes from South Korea. The story involves a group of princes who make fun of the wrong lady. They are cursed to transform into the title green characters whenever others look at them. The group discovers that to break the spell, they need to earn a kiss from a special red-shoed princess.

Reaction was mixed toward this family flick. Some thought it was cute and ultimately had a nice message. Slightly more complained that the themes were clumsily delivered and it took too long to make its point.

The English-language voice cast includes Chloe Grace Moretz, Sam Clafin, Gina Gershon, Patrick Warburton and Jim Rash.

THE SECRET: DARE TO DREAM: Inspired by a 2006 bestselling self-help book on a positive-thinking philosophy that promises to help readers attain everything in life they desire, this fictional drama involves a widow struggling to raise her kids and make ends meet. After a storm hits town, a mysterious stranger appears who begins to teach her about the aforementioned “secret” (the cynical part of me wonders if the big plan involves writing an expensive book guaranteeing wealth and riches to those who purchase it). Anyway, in a few short days, her world and attitude change. This drama was not well-received by critics.

It features Katie Holmes, Josh Lucas, Celia Weston and Jerry O’Connell.

BLASTS FROM THE PAST!

Zeiram 2 (1994) is a popular action/sci-fi/comedy from Japan about intergalactic bounty hunters. Media Blasters is delivering a new Blu-ray of the title that also includes a making-of and other bonuses.

Sony also has a great many releases of note. The Bitter Tea of General Yen (1933) from Frank Capra (It’s a Wonderful Life) is about two missionaries tying the knot in Shanghai during the Chinese Civil War. The studio is also rereleasing a Double Feature package of the hit comedies, Ghostbusters (1984) and Ghostbusters II (1989) at a discounted price.

If you’re a fan of arthouse auteur Michelangelo Antonioni (Red Desert, Blow-Up, Zabriskie Point), you can now pick up a Blu-ray of The Passenger (1975), the filmmaker’s collaboration with Jack Nicholson. Additionally, Sony is releasing the more recent Oscar-winning drama Whiplash (2014) in 4K.

YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!

Here are the latest options for youngsters.

The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl Blu-ray (2005)

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Explore the Outdoors (PBS Kids)

Nickelodeon Movies Family Adventure 3-Movie Collection DVD – Dora the Explorer (2019), Monster Trucks (2016), Wonder Park (2019)

Nick Jr: Fantastic Fall! (Nickelodeon)

Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs

Spooky House (2002)

Spy Kids Triple Feature Blu-ray 2001-2003

ON THE TUBE!

And here are the week’s TV-themed releases.

DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: Season 5

The Good Fight: Season 4

Legends of Tomorrow: Season 5

Lucy Worsley’s 12 Days of Tudor Christmas (PBS)

Man With a Plan: Season 3

Nick Jr: Fantastic Fall! (Nickelodeon)

Rick & Morty: Season 4

Royal Pains: The Complete Series

Sanctuary: Season 1

VISIT: WWW.CINEMASTANCE.COM

By Glenn Kay
For the Sun