Welcome to the latest edition of new highlights on Blu-ray and DVD. It’s a really busy week with lots of fascinating flicks. So if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
Big New Releases!
Hell or High Water - A Texas rancher desperate to provide for his family recruits his brother to help him hold up banks; they are endlessly pursued by Rangers eager to catch them before their getaway. This independent drama/thriller earned fantastic reviews earlier in the year. It has been called a tense and exciting heist picture with eerie and desolate photography. Additionally, most believed that it also had something to say about banks and the financial system. It stars Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Jeff Bridges and Gil Birmingham.
Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World - Famed German filmmaker Werner Herzog (Fitzcarraldo, Grizzly Man and countless others) narrates this documentary that explores several facets of modern technology and how it affects our lives. Starting from the beginnings of the internet and extrapolating into the future, issues are explored through conversations with a variety of experts on various subjects. While admitting that it goes off on tangents, the press greatly enjoyed the feature. They called it an interesting and at times frightening look at the technology that holds incredible power over our lives.
Mechanic: Resurrection - This sequel to the 2011 remake of the old Charles Bronson movie arrived at theaters as a bit of a surprise to audiences. Many may have asked if there were really and unresolved questions left from the previous entry. In this follow-up, the title character has his wife kidnapped and is forced to take part in three dangerous assignments to free her. Naturally, he’s plotting his own retaliation as he takes on the missions. Write-ups were poor, stating that while the locations and stunt work were above average, everything else was strictly by-the-numbers. It stars Jason Statham, Jessica Alba, Tommy Lee Jones and Michelle Yeoh.
Kubo and the Two Strings - The latest from Laika (Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls) is a Japanese-themed tale of a young boy on the run from strange forces that want to capture him and take away his one working eye. Of course, he finds help in the form of a magical monkey and large samurai insect. Reviews were quite strong, complimenting the powerful and impressive visuals on display and praising the theme of forgiveness. It features the voices of Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, Ralph Fiennes, Rooney Mara and George Takai.
Silicon Cowboys - Computer company Conpaq is the subject of this documentary, which charts their rise from a small group of friends to successful entrepreneurs, to their eventual demise at the hands of competitors and lawyers. Reaction was pretty good for the film. Most were pleased with the filmmaker’s attempt at a different approach to delivering the information; in this case, telling the story in a manner akin to a thriller. They stated that the fast pace and vintage advertising spots made it of interest to computer fans and general viewers.
War Dogs - This biopic involves two 20-year-olds who managed to gain a weapons contract from the US government by undercutting their competition. Unfortunately, it means that they have to make good on their promises, leading them into danger. Notices were mixed for the feature, although there was slightly more positive reaction than there was negative feedback. Almost all felt that it contained some funny bits, but didn’t take advantage of using its subject to explore deeper themes and told its tale in a somewhat typical and predictable manner. The cast includes Jonah Hill, Miles Teller, Ana de Armas, Kevin Pollak and Bradley Cooper.
Yoga Hosers - The latest from writer/director Kevin Smith is reportedly the second in a trilogy of films loosely connected to the country of Canada. This tale involves two convenience store clerks and their adventures stopping an ancient, evil force from wiping out the city of Winnipeg. Critics slammed the effort, suggesting that while the performers were fine, the movie felt shaggy and unfocused, almost as if one were watching the filmmaker shoot a home movie. They may have felt that way because it stars the director’s daughter, Harley Quinn Smith, along with Lily Rose Depp, Johnny Depp, Justin Long, Haley Joel Osment and Natasha Lyonne.
Blasts From the Past!
Shout! Factory have a couple of noteworthy Blu-ray releases this week. If you haven’t seen it, To Live and Die in L.A. (1985) is a great cop flick about a detective who lives “on the edge” in his attempts to stop a murderous counterfeiter. It’s very steeped in the 80s, but it’s a great thriller with plenty of memorable scenes and unexpected surprise up its sleeve. This Collector’s Edition contains a new scan from the original film negative supervised by director William Friedkin (who also made The French Connection, The Exorcist and Sorcerer) as well as new interviews with the stars and crew. It also contains a previously recorded director’s commentary, deleted scenes and other bonuses.
They are also releasing Rabid (1977) on Blu-ray. This early effort from David Cronenberg (The Brood, Videodrome, The Fly and Dead Ringers to name but a few) is about a woman who, after surgery, finds herself desiring the taste of human blood. The epidemic spreads as victim after victim are attacked and show similar symptoms. This release includes a new director approved transfer, new interviews with the writer and some of the cast, multiple audio commentaries and featurettes with producers and finally, publicity materials. If you like disturbing, low-budget horror, this flick may do the trick.
Criterion also have a couple of new releases. The first is the western, One-Eyed Jacks (1961), directed by and starring Marlon Brando. He plays a robber who leaves his cohort for dead and then suffers from pangs of guilt. The disc includes a new digital restoration of the film in 4K, as well as an introduction from Martin Scorsese and featurettes on the movie’s troubled production. They also have the more recent title, The Squid and the Whale (2005). It’s a sharp and biting black comedy about a teen who witnesses the bitter break-up of his intellectual parents first hand. This release also features a nice new transfer, as well as new interviews with director Noah Baumbach (Mistress America, While We’re Young), and cast members Jeff Daniels, Jesse Eisenberg, Owen Kline and Laura Linney as well as plenty of other extras.
Kino have a couple of Blu-rays to offer as well. They include the western, 100 Rifles (1969) and the early creature feature, The Undying Monster (1942).
The Warner Archive are bringing back a big selection of titles that have been out-of-print for some time. It’s Always Fair Weather (1955) is a classic Gene Kelly musical that is getting the Blu-ray treatment. On the DVD front, you can now special order the Christopher Walken/Natalie Wood sci-fi flick Brainstorm (!983) and the underrated John Carpenter horror flick, In the Mouth of Madness (1994). Additionally, they’re putting out a Best Picture nominee with The Killing Fields (1984). Other titles include the comedy Little Giants (1994), the drama One Night Stand (1997) and the political thriller Seven Days in May (1964). There’s plenty of great stuff there to choose from.
You Know, For Kids!
Unfortunately, it’s a slow week for kid’s stuff with only one dubious title coming your way.
Space Dogs: Adventure to the Moon
On the Tube!
And below are the TV-themed releases.
American Experience: Tesla (PBS)
The DePatie/Freeling Collection (The Ant and the Aardvark, The Inspector, Roland and Ratfink, Tijuana Toads)
Lou Grant: Season 3
Mystery Science Theater 3000: Vol. XXXVII
Nature: Super Hummingbirds (PBS)
Poldark: Season 2 (PBS Masterpiece)
Sam Benedict: The Complete Series (Warner Archive)
Time For School (PBS)
Willie Velasquez: Your Vote is Your Voice (PBS)
By Glenn Kay
For the Sun