Login

Blu-ray/DVD Roundup for February 12, 2021

Print

Welcome to another busy article detailing highlights arriving on Blu-ray and DVD. You’ll find all kinds of new and noted features, as well as plenty of older catalog films arriving in high definition. So, since you can’t, or likely shouldn’t be going out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try!

BIG NEW RELEASES!

DEEP IN VOGUE: This documentary tells the history of gay ballrooms of 1980s New York and their influence on a new annual celebration in England called Vogue in Manchester. Viewers are taken to the UK and introduced to the updated show and the people involved. The film shows what goes on to bring it all together and create a safe space for all those who participate. Reviews were all good for this non-fiction feature.

All the articles stated that the movie was bright and energetic, while also doing a solid job of providing a sense of history and showing what it all means for those involved. Many articles also focused on the stage performances captured by the cameras, saying the performers were talented and these acts were well shot.

HAL KING: This effort is said to be part drama, part musical and part war film. Based loosely on Shakespeare’s Henry IV, the tale is set in the 1950s beatnik jazz era. A musician spends his time with drug addicts and various women, only to make a deep connection with one lady on his travels. When the lead is drafted into the Korean War, he is forced to choose between serving his country or staying with his new love.

This independent feature film appears to be premiering on disc and on streaming platforms this week. Tyrik Ballard, Sophia Stephens, Steve Wallace, Alvin J. Frazier II and Esjae headline the feature.

JIANG ZIVA: Also known as Legend of Deification, this computer-animated fantasy feature from China is actually a sequel to a 2019 film, Ne Zha. The story involves a noble commander named Jiang Ziya, who is given the job of protecting his kingdom against the dangerous Nine-tailed Fox Demon. When he learns that the monster’s health has a direct correlation to that of a young girl, he is faced with the challenge of whether or not to harm the kid in order to end the monstrous threat. The press gave the movie good marks overall.

A few did complain that the feature was all style and flash, adding that the characters were underdeveloped. Still, the majority stated that the visuals were absolutely incredible and that this tale served as another winning chapter in the animated series.

BLASTS FROM THE PAST!

 

If there isn’t already enough new material out there to keep viewers entertained, plenty of classic titles are also being upgraded to Blu-ray.

Criterion is presenting a Blu-ray of the political thriller, The Parallax View (1974). It has been described as a brilliant and chilling post-Watergate narrative about a Seattle reporter (played by Warren Beatty) who sets out to learn the truth after witnessing the bizarre murder of a political figure. Naturally, big government figures are involved in the slaying. The image arrives on disc from a new 4K digital transfer.

Warner Archive is presenting two new made-to-order Blu-rays that are available through their site or via Amazon. They are the documentary Six by Sondheim (2013) and an early epic adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, A Tale of Two Cities (1935).

YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!

Here are some new releases that kids may enjoy.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Tigertastic 50 Pack (PBS)

Hero Elementary: Sparks’ Crew Pet Rescue!

The Little Prince (2015)

ON THE TUBE!

And these are all of the week’s TV-themed releases.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Tigertastic 50 Pack (PBS)

Dog’s Best Friend: Season 1, Volume 2

Dog’s Best Friend: Season 1, Volume 3

Dog’s Best Friend: Season 2, Volume 2

Dog’s Best Friend: Season 2, Volume 3

Helter Skelter: An American Myth Miniseries (Warner Archive) DVD only

Masterpiece: All Creatures Great and Small: Season 1 (PBS)

The Other One: Series 1

VISIT: WWW.CINEMASTANCE.COM

By Glenn Kay
For the Sun