Welcome to another look at highlights arriving on Blu-ray and DVD.
BIG NEW RELEASES!
BAD CITY: Set in a city awash in poverty and crime, this Japanese effort follows a shady businessman who decides to run for mayor. Unfortunately, the area is already run by persons connected to the local mafia. So, in order to get ahead, the candidate begins killing his opponents and threatening the mob. A former police captain serving time for murder is released and told to go undercover and stop the candidate.
This foreign-language feature received generally upbeat notices. A small number suggested that while the action scenes were solid, the motivations and plot were convoluted. All others stated that the fight scenes and chases were incredible to witness and that this stylish effort delivered thrills despite being produced on a small budget.
BIOSPHERE: After a global apocalypse wipes out the majority of the planet, there are only two survivors who manage to eke out an existence inside a sealed and protected dome. One is the ex-president of the U.S., and the other is his chief scientific advisor. The two lonely men are horrified when the only female fish in their pond dies and one of the remaining males takes ill. The scientist makes a discovery about what is occurring and reveals that similar changes may occur to them.
Critics enjoyed this eccentric effort. There was a minor contingent who found the humor hit-and-miss and wished the film had dealt with its theme more thoughtfully. However, the majority called the movie totally unique and consistently surprising, with wonderful performances from its two leads that kept them enthralled throughout.
LINOLEUM: A middle-aged host of a children’s show about space travel still dreams of becoming an astronaut. When a satellite crashes into his backyard, he collects the pieces and begins to work on creating his own rocket. Naturally, the man’s family are deeply concerned about his obsession. Things get even stranger when the protagonist sees a doppelgänger living nearby and experiences more strange visions from the sky.
This independent “dramedy” was well-received by reviewers. One-fifth did complain that the story felt overly extended and they didn’t like the finale. However, most thought it was an intelligent and engrossing satire that veers effectively into drama thanks to an exceptional lead performance.
THE LITTLE MERMAID: The latest Disney animated classic to get a live-action reboot is this famous tale based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. A rebellious daughter of a king wants to travel beyond the sea and see the human world. She sneaks away, meets a prince and falls in love, but understands that she can’t live on land. When a witch makes the young lead an incredible offer she accepts the terms, but soon realizes that the decision has put the undersea kingdom in jeopardy.
More members of the press liked this adaptation than disliked it. About one-third criticized it as being an overlong and less-effective redo of the 1989 animated version that lacked drama or thrills. Still, the general consensus on the film was that it was fun.
WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?: A young documentary filmmaker struggles to find a romantic partner in this comedy from the UK. After using dating apps and finding no spark between herself and potential suitors, she decides to make a movie about her British-Pakistani neighbor and childhood friend. He opts for an arranged marriage through his parents and she records him as he meets and plans to marry a stranger from abroad. Along the way, her ideas about relationships begin to alter.
The film garnered more positive reviews than negative ones. Nearly one-third complained that the final product was conventional and closed on a predictable note, lacking the ability to delve deeply into its themes. Still, most thought that the cast were extremely charismatic, the movie itself was sweet and that the end result was breezy and enjoyable.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Here is a list of kid-friendly titles arriving this week.
The Little Mermaid (2023) (Disney) multiple editions, including 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray, or Blu-ray only
Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series (NCircle Entertainment) DVD
ON THE TUBE!
Below is a selection of this edition’s TV-themed releases.
Cannes Confidential (Acorn) DVD
Fire Country Season 1 (Paramount) DVD
Sonic the Hedgehog The Complete Series (NCircle Entertainment) DVD
The Way Home Season 1 (Hallmark) DVD
VISIT: WWW.CINEMASTANCE.COM
By Glenn Kay
For the Sun