Welcome to another look at highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. Last week was a quiet edition, which means that this one is very, very busy with some big titles, notable independents and international cinema efforts. There’s definitely something for everyone. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies this week or need to stay indoors for a few days, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
BIG NEW RELEASES!
ABIGAIL: A band of kidnappers decide to kidnap the 12-year-old daughter of an underworld figure. They capture the young ballerina, take her to a remote mansion and demand a $50 million dollar ransom for her return. Unfortunately, the group soon discovers that the kid is far more dangerous to themselves than they are to her. In fact, she may be a vampire.
Critics were generally positive toward this horror/comedy. About one-fifth of them did complain that the movie’s early twist was made obvious in the advertising and that the rest of the story was predictable and lacked scares. Still, the majority thought it was a fun genre picture that delivered gruesome chuckles. They also wrote that it was enjoyable to see the kidnappers panic and turn on each other.
The movie stars Angus Cloud, Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, Kathryn Newton, Willaim Catlett, Matthew Goode, Giancarlo Esposito and Alisha Weir.
BOY KILLS WORLD: In a world where the most popular form of entertainment involves citizens battling to the death, a young boy’s family is executed by a ruthless crime family. The attack leaves the kid deaf, mute and waiting for his chance to get revenge. Adopting an inner-voice based on his favorite video game character, he grows up, trains and joins a resistance group in order to fight his enemies.
This extreme action/comedy split the press, although more did appreciate its eccentric charms than dislike it. Almost half couldn’t get on the movie’s wavelength. They didn’t find it amusing and grew tired of the violence. Yet slightly more called the feature odd and hilarious, with creatively staged and exciting action scenes, helped by the charismatic performances.
This title can be purchased in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo or on Blu-ray. It features Bill Skarsgård, Jessica Rothe, Michelle Dockery, Brett Gelman, Isaiah Mustafa, Yayan Ruhian, Sharlto Copely and Famke Janssen.
THE BOY AND THE HERON: The latest from legendary Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki (My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away) is a period piece set during World War II. It follows a boy grieving the death of his mother and attempting to deal with his father’s remarriage. He escapes into a dreamlike space, befriends an unusual gray heron and tries to build a better world for himself.
This picture won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and received raves from reviewers. A tiny handful commented that the story was weak and that, while beautiful to look at, the picture didn’t engage them emotionally. Everyone else called it a gorgeously animated and fitting close to Miyazaki’s career that examined the theme of loss in a moving and original manner.
This picture is available in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack, a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook and a standalone Blu-ray. It contains both the original Japanese-language version with subtitles and an English dub.
The English voice cast includes Robert Pattinson and Christian Bale.
CHALLENGERS: This drama involves a tennis prodigy-turned-coach whose championship-winning husband has hit a rough patch. She enters him in a smaller tournament, thinking it will help him regain his confidence. However, the lead discovers that her ex-boyfriend (and her husband’s ex-best friend) has also entered the competition. Viewers learn about the complicated pasts of all three individuals and see how each responds to this unexpected reunion.
Reaction was very positive toward\ this feature. A small contingent believed that the drama was too exaggerated and over-the-top, stating that it didn’t deliver on its dramatic potential. Regardless, the consensus was that the cast was very strong and that the movie delivered plenty of heat as it showed the complicated relationships that come out of intense competitive spirit.
Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist headline the picture.
CIVIL WAR: Set in the future during a Civil War in the U.S., a group of journalists head out in a vehicle to try and interview the President before he is forcibly removed from office. In order to get there, they must travel backroads filled with military figures from both sides. As they stop and interact with them during various battles, their lives are put into danger.
In general, critics spoke highly of this chilling war picture. About one-fifth were upset that the movie refused to take sides and didn’t feel satisfied by the resolution or what the movie was saying. However, others thought it was harrowing to watch, impeccably made and acted, also showing how everyone involved were changed and dehumanized by the horrors of war.
The film is available as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set, a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Amazon exclusive and a Blu-ray only release. It stars Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, Stephen McKinley Henderson and Nick Offerman.
FOOD, INC. 2: This is a sequel to the 2008 Oscar-nominated documentary that revealed major problems with the corporate food industry in America. It details the positive changes that have begun to occur in the last 15 years and the steps that many are taking to make food healthier for us. The movie also investigates new issues caused by the recent pandemic and features interviews with some of those attempting to improve food quality in the U.S.
Reaction towards this non-fiction feature was positive overall. A small number called it a repeat of the first film that bit off more than it could chew and didn’t add much to the conversation of sustainability. Still, most thought the picture gave a fascinating update and had even stronger arguments than the original, still maintaining a positive and uplifting outlook on the future and the work of those helping all living species.
TAROT: A group of college students rent an old mansion and throw a big party. They discover tarot cards and decide to do readings for each other, ignoring warnings not to use someone else’s deck. Naturally, their night of fun turns to terror when they realize that the cards are cursed and that all of their lives are in danger. As they begin suffering horrible deaths, the survivors try to figure out how to destroy the deck.
The press slammed this horror picture. A very small group had a good time with the film, saying that the elaborate death scenes were well-staged. However, everyone else thought that the screenwriters failed to focus on anything but the slayings, stating that the characters were bland and poorly written and that the movie didn’t generate any suspense.
It stars Harriet Slater, Adain Bradley, Jacob Batalon, Avantika and Humberly Gonzalez.
TITANIC: THE MUSICAL: Who knew that the true story of the Titanic sinking actually inspired a 1997 Tony-award winning musical? Well, it is likely that Broadway fans were aware of the production, but anyone unfamiliar with stage shows could be surprised to learn about this musical. It indeed follows the maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic, following its passengers and the ship’s tragic end, incorporating song and dance to tell the story.
This is a recording of a production that was performed in England. There are few critical reviews of the show, but reports suggest it is a faithful adaptation. It seems that those who already enjoy the musical should find this effort to their liking.
Martin Allanson, Valda Aviks, Graham Bickley, Sam Brown and James Darch are credited as performers in this version.
UNSUNG HERO: This faith-based picture is a drama that is said to be based on a true story of the Christian rock band For King and Country. In the early 1990s, an Australian family moved to America in the hopes of rebuilding their lives after suffering from financial setbacks. Realizing that their children are particularly gifted, the parents put their own dreams on hold and use everything at their disposal to help their kids succeed. In the process, two of their kids end up becoming huge stars in the Christian recording industry.
Critics gave the picture a few more positive write-ups than negative ones. Nearly half called it sweet but bland and predictable, as well as less-than-subtle in its religious message. Still, a few more thought the music was impressive and that the story felt believable and authentic.
It features Daisy Betts, Joel Smallbone, Kirrilee Berger, Jonathan Jackson, Candace Cameron Bure and Terry O’Quinn.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Here are a couple of titles that may appeal to youngsters.
PBS Kids: Get Creative! (PBS Kids) DVD
Ponysitters Club: The Big Sleepover (Dreamscape Media) DVD
ON THE TUBE!
And below is a list of all the week’s TV-related releases.
Doctor Who: Tom Baker Season 4 (1977-1978, so actually season 15 of show) (BBC) Blu-ray
Hallmark 2-Movie Collection: Love & Jane, Paging Mr. Darcy (Hallmark) DVD
NOVA: Great American Eclipse (PBS) DVD
PBS Kids: Get Creative! (PBS Kids) DVD
Ponysitters Club: The Big Sleepover (Dreamscape Media) DVD
Roots of Comedy with Jesus Trejo (PBS) DVD
True Detective: Night Country (Season 4) (Warner Bros.) Blu-ray or DVD
VISIT: WWW.CINEMASTANCE.COM
By Glenn Kay
For the Sun
