Welcome back to another look at highlights of what is coming your way on DVD and Blu-ray. Much like the last edition, the pickings are slim, but there are a couple of noteworthy releases both new and old. So if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure and give one of these titles a try!
Big New Releases!
3 Hearts - Those with a taste for melodrama may be interested in this foreign-language romance tale from France. It follows a young woman who meets the man of her dreams, but fate pulls their lives in different directions. The heroine gets a shock a year later when she’s invited to her sister’s wedding, and discovers the groom is the man she fell for. Critics were generally positive about the film. While they admitted it was overwrought, most felt that it eventually worked its charm over viewers and didn’t resort to giving characters easy answers to the dilemma at hand. Cast members include Benoit Poelvoorde, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Chiara Mastroianni and Catherine Denueve.
Glass Chin - A pugilist well past his prime makes a shady deal with a crooked restaurateur to try and resurrect his career. Naturally, his guilty conscience begins to get to him as the big event nears. This independent mystery drama received strong notices during its limited run at theaters. It has been described as a B-movie about boxing that works, engaging viewers with great performances, punchy dialogue and a nifty neo-noir sense of style. The movie stars Billy Crudup, Corey Stoll and Kelly Lynch.
Home - This animated hit tells the tale of an invasion by inept aliens. When a young girl escapes capture and befriends an outcast from the invading party, the two join forces to try and reunite the child with her mother. Reviews were mixed for this children’s effort. While most thought it was a colorful adventure that would be fine for those under 8, they also wrote that anyone older would find it a rather dull (and occasionally annoying) effort that does little to separate itself from other animated efforts. The voice talent includes Jim Parsons, Rhianna, Steve Martin and Jennifer Lopez.
White God - A teenage girl desperately searches the streets for her runaway dog, which has suffered at the hands of the girl’s father. After more mistreatment, the canine teams with others of his kind to stage a revolt against humans. Yes, you read that correctly - it’s a doggy revolution. This foreign-language drama from Hungary was well reviewed by the press. While a few found some of the acting was uneven and felt that the violent acts were difficult to watch, all found the perspective unique, the animal performers incredible and the overall metaphor potent. Zsofia Psotta stars along with a lot of pooches.
Blasts From the Past!
Kino Lorber have some new Blu-rays that’ll definitely be of interest to some readers. Cherry 2000 (1987) is a futuristic sci-fi action flick about a man whose pleasure robot breaks down. He hires a female part tracker to help him scavenge for a duplicate model and soon finds himself developing feelings for a real human being. This odd effort features David Andrews and Melanie Griffith in the lead roles.
Miracle Mile (1988) is a solid drama about a man who gets a big shock after picking up a ringing payphone on an LA street corner. The voice on the other end tells him that nuclear war has broken out and that only 70 minutes remain before the nukes hit the city. He and group of nearby strangers attempt to determine if the call is real and what to do next if the world is truly on the brink of nuclear war. Anthony Edwards, Mare Winningham and Denise Crosby star in this effective apocalypse-themed project.
In the mood for more hard-boiled action? Monte Walsh (1970) is a western featuring Lee Marvin and Jack Palance as two cowboys at the end of an era. As civilization expands into the west, the men must decide if there’s any place for them in the modern world.
Prime Cut (1972) is a gritty little gangster flick set in the 30s that pits a mob enforcer (also played by Lee Marvin) against a sadistic rancher Gene Hackman who is heavily involved in the drug and sex trade. Reportedly, it shocked audiences in its day with its harsh tone and brutal violence. Who wouldn’t want to see this, based on that poster pictured?
Finally, Kino are delivering Zone Troopers (1985), a cult effort that mashes up World War II movies with sci-fi flicks. This low-budget, tongue-in-cheek effort stars Tim Thomerson.
Shout! Factory are bringing the horror/western Ghost Town (1988) to Blu-ray. The story follows a cop who chases an evil ghost and his kidnapping victim into the past - specifically, an old west town where he must face off against all sorts of supernatural entities. If memory serves, it sounds a lot better than it actually is, but the movie has amassed followers over the years. This particular release doesn’t feature any extras, so it’s for fans only.
You Know, For Kids!
Although the week’s big feature is also a children’s film, there isn’t a whole lot else for the kids.
Justice League: Gods and Monsters