And, we’re back. Somehow, it’s mid-April and summer movie season has begun.
Assuming you’ve already sat through Batman v Superman and are anxiously awaiting Civil War, there’s a few weeks free which will give you plenty of time to watch DVDs and Blu-rays at home.
Lots of interesting stuff this time out, so fire up that queue and prep that shopping cart…it’s That Time of The Week….
The Hunger Games: Complete 4 Film Collection
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2
Lionsgate / Released 3/22/16 |
Experience the epic adventure of The Hunger Games series – from start to finish – in this action-packed collector’s set! Follow Katniss Everdeen’s transformation from Tribute to “The Girl on Fire” to the symbolic leader of the rebellion, The Mockingjay, in this thrilling collection that movie lovers will treasure. Featuring all four films, The Hunger Games Collection contains over fourteen hours of special features that take you behind the scenes of the movie phenomenon.
Extras:
- Complete Collection: Two feature length documentaries, commentary, interviews, deleted scene, music video and over 30 featurettes.
- Mockingjay Part 2: Feature length documentary, actor interviews and featurettes.
Last Word:
The Hunger Games: In a dystopian future, the totalitarian nation of Panem is divided into 12 districts and the Capitol. Each year two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal retribution for a past rebellion, the televised games are broadcast throughout Panem. The 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors while the citizens of Panem are required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss’ young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12’s female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this their whole lives. (– Suzanne Collins)
Adapted by Gary Ross, Jennifer Lawrence stars as Katniss, who not only takes her sister’s place, but also juggles two romantic interests Peeta (Josh Hutchinson) and Gale (Liam Hemsworth) while establishing herself as an alpha female role model. Ross fills the film with a strong ensemble and entertaining set pieces. He also does a remarkable job allowing the film stand on it’s own, with future plot threads established but not dominating the story. (– Stefan Blitz)
Catching Fire: Full disclosure: I’m a BIG fan of the Hunger Games Trilogy so my feelings in this review are biased. In short – Catching Fire is EPIC.The last we saw, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark were headed back to District 12. There they deal with the aftermath of their actions in the arena. To be clear, threatening double suicide with poisonous berries is a VERY BIG F-YOU to the Capitol and was NOT okay (to say the least) with President Snow. As victors of the Hunger Games, they must get ready to tour the country, face their victims’ families, and deal with the repercussions of their “lover’s act” – it may or may not have sparked a rebellion. And the second film begins…
Katniss and Peeta tour the country parading their love and promoting the propaganda of the Capitol’s magnificence with the main objective of suppressing any ideas of revolting. But as the 75th Annual Hunger Games approach we are given the sick twist of the story: the Tributes will be chosen from all existing pools of Victors. That means Katniss and Peeta are returning to the arena – which is a perfect depiction of Collins’ incredible world. And the forces within are ever present and torturously deadly.
The fantastical, childish nature of the first movie isn’t present in the second. Catching Fire is mature, sad and uncomfortable. It brings to light the allegoric obsession with media and reality TV and the ever-widening class systems of our current society. What I love so much about Collins’ work is that it’s an introduction to war to teens in a non-romanticized fashion. These tributes are tortured emotionally and physically for upper-class amusement and there is rarely pause for a sweet moment. This film relishes in the agony and terror of its subjects. Achieving the tension and fast pace of the book, making the two and half hour production feel full and exciting.
Every performance in this film is fantastic. The entire cast looks comfortable and confident in their respective roles and the depth of each character is subtle and incredibly genuine to the story. Jennifer Lawrence is the queen of the film. And she takes the inner monologue of the book and beams it effortlessly through her eyes with pure fear and anxiety. Katniss suffers from severe post-traumatic-stress disorder and it’s all she can do to not be trembling at any given moment. Lawrence’s ability to maintain her strength, however, in the face of all that fear is just pure genius acting. Peeta similarly suffers from PTSD, but Josh Hutcherson has such tenderness in his delivery, that even while he might be floundering under the surface, his capacity to love outweighs his fears, making him the lovable rock of these characters. While his competition, Liam Hemsworth as Gale, is towering, gorgeous and strong, he doesn’t have that innate lovability that Peeta does. The dynamic is incredible. The rest of the supporting cast is equally wonderful: starting with the unnerving calm of Phillip Seymour Hoffman as the new Head Gamemaker, Plutarch Heavensbee. Sam Claflin as Finnick Odair is sexy and confident. I have had an odd disdain for Jena Malone for a long time, but she completely kicks ass as the hardened, deadly Johanna Mason. Of course, Stanley Tucci is brilliant, terrifying, but brilliant as a comedic Host. And President Snow’s sadistic cruelty is made more horrifying by Donald Sutherland’s gentle smile and almost seductive demeanor. Woody Harrelson is tragic and comedic as the tormented victor, Haymitch. And Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket, promotes one of the most emotional moments of the film just with her quivering chin as her world is shattered when her young victors are forced back into the arena. The actors are so immersed that they seem to have been doing this for years, they’re deep into their roles so the emotions are authentic making the horror of the arena even more palpable. I can’t praise this film enough. There is so much more to expand upon, analyze, and cherish about this successful book-to-film production. It was done so right. (– Caitlyn Thompson)
Mockingjay Part 1: As Mockingjay Part 1 begins we’re back in District 13. That’s right. The place we thought was decimated by the Capital is in fact, a militarized state that has been preparing for an uprising since the rebellion which resulted in the creation of the Hunger Games seventy-five years ago.
Third installments should ascend in some way, and Mockingjay Part 1 is, overall, rather stagnant. The film feels like it might reveal something exciting, something new, something, or at least you hope it might. I’m sorry to say that it doesn’t and should have been condensed into forty minutes.
Mockingjay’s action scenes are great. The rebel acts of defiance are fast-paced and assembled well, although occasionally the soundtrack and choreography (a bit too organized) of the events make them corny instead of suspenseful. Still, they’re the most satisfying portions of the film, but they’re infrequent.
The camera work and execution of the film are awesome. The landscapes and various sets (whether CGI or real) are powerful, beautiful, and terrifying. So far we’ve seen District 12 and the Capitol, but in Mockingjay Lawrence guides us through the claustrophobic subterranean environment of District 13 where everything is cement, gloomy, and grey; it’s a survival bunker and training base, nothing more.
Contrasting the close-shots of District 13, are the long shots of flying hovercrafts, which glide over other districts, showing their incredible landscapes as well as each contributive resource (which collectively feed the Capitol’s wealth). Green mountain ranges, rich forests, and a gargantuan dam – all breathtaking sites, but home to oppression. These sections of the film are powerful. It’s when people start talking that my engagement is negatively interrupted.
The dialogue is rigid and formal, numbing even the most talented actors, which are plentiful in this film. Every time someone speaks, the film becomes a cheesy montage of non-motivating monologues and they are definitely not convincing enough to inspire citizen-soldiers for battle – it feels forced and disingenuous.
After everything the characters have been through I thought they’d depict more than an ever-teary Katniss.
Jennifer Lawrence can’t do much with her talent, neither can Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Julianne Moore as President Alma Coin is far too stiff – I find her delivery was the worst of the film. Moore comes off as constrained and indifferent instead of strict and intimidating. Her color-contacted eyes also diminish any domineering qualities her character might have had.
The redeeming stars: Woody Harrelson and Elizabeth Banks as Haymitch Abernathy and Effie Trinket. Their timing and mannerisms are always spot on and entertaining. But is this because they are the comic relief characters and it’s perhaps easier to write funny things than war speeches? Maybe so, but Harrelson and Banks are always genuine and delightful.
Other main characters such as Finnick (Sam Claflin) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) don’t have a huge presence, but they are good when onscreen. And Liam Hemsworth – still gorgeous, but still has zero impact.
The Hunger Games illustrates the intensity of war without romanticizing it – an important concept for younger folks to grasp. As seen so far in the films, people die, and they die with swift brutality – that’s the horror of the series: death is an exciting form of entertainment for the Capitol, the bloodier the better. And attacks on innocent people within the districts aren’t drawn out; nobody gets to say goodbye. Gunshots, bombs, and it’s done. Doesn’t matter that the violence feels appropriate in Mockingjay, the script cripples the authenticity of the story’s message, thus diminishing the whole point of Collins’ books. (– Caitlyn Thompson)Mockingjay Part 2: Mockingjay Part 2 is the best of the Hunger Games series. Without question. Now, I’m wondering if it’s because there was so much more action than dialogue, that the film surpassed the others.
Looking back, Catching Fire had a similar quality. Great sets, great action, appropriate violence, and few words. Same formula in Mockingjay Part 2, but with even better sets, make-up, and cinematography, that culminated into a suspenseful journey. And even though I knew what was going to happen (having read the books), I found myself holding my breath many times. A mark of a job well-done I think.
We left off with Katniss in a neck brace, needed after Peeta nearly strangled her to death. She watches him struggle in his bed; restrained and brainwashed by the Capitol to believe she is a deceitful, dangerous horror to all. It’s agonizing for her to see this friend she loves with compassionate confusion. He has been her serenity and now he has been tortured into despising her. The dynamic between the actors throughout the film is intense with a juxtaposing combination of love and trepidation.
So, immediately the story continues, satisfyingly, on the battlefield. The contrived and dull “let’s fight together and be merry” speeches within the depths of District 13 were few, happily, and the story didn’t stall for too much exposition. Admittedly, I was worried at first, thankfully only briefly, that the movie would be just as kitschy as its predecessor, but Joanna Mason, played with perfect spite, wit and a sly smile by Jena Malone, came to the rescue and called out the vomit-worthy monologues and phoniness of the “Hope for Panem” typical to the movies thus far—directly to Katniss’s face. It was as though writers Peter Craig and Danny Strong were saying (through Joanna), “it’s not gonna be like last time viewers, we picked up the ball and threw it up really high and caught it and held on really tight—for YOU!” And from that abandonment of child-friendly, trite portrayal of most characters, the story came together quite organically.
Jennifer Lawrence was wonderful, and she played the role of Katniss true to the book—it was hard for me not to compare. In this final chapter the character is accurately portrayed as a sensitive, indecisive young woman who wants the war to be over. She’s done leading, she never wanted the role. Katniss is horribly depressed and her disdain for the depiction of herself as a triumphant hero has simmered into a mix of anger, depression and apathy for life and death. Her survival is ridden with guilt and her suffering won’t ever end, so it’s time to fight—win or die, she is ready, albeit more so for the latter. And Francis Lawrence did the best job in this last installment because he made these elements so potent. The rest of the cast did a great job as well. Again, as the script was not overdrawn, each character was far more likable, even if they were meant to be hated. Now, of course there were awkward love moments between Gale (Liam Hemsworth) and Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence), but those were expected. Hemsworth was actually the odd man out in this film. He’s been the same glowering, handsome, droopy-eyed guy in the background, repeating the same line every time he gets a kiss, “I knew you’d do that.” A-boo-hoo-hoooo. Good thing the actor has a beautiful face.
The other romantic (turned psychotic) lead, Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) impressed me with a consistent performance that was actually quite poignant at times. His constant tear-filled eyes and trembling chin felt genuine, and more importantly, accurate to the story.
The Hunger Games is about war. And its catalysts are suffering from PTSD, having been traumatized by relentless loss and torture. It was nice to see that those qualities weren’t glossed over in Mockingjay Part 2. I’ve said before that this series is meant to be an introduction to warfare, without romanticizing the subject, for young adults. People die swiftly and brutally—there’s no time to cue the violins and weep. Enjoy that successful aspect of this production. (– Caitlyn Thompson)
Paramount / Released 3/22/16 |
Brad (Ferrell), who always dreamed of having the perfect family, is determined to become the best step-dad to his new wife’s (Linda Cardellini) children. But when their biological father Dusty (Wahlberg) shows up unexpectedly, Brad’s idyllic family life is turned upside down and he must go toe-to-toe with Dusty. Also stars Bobby Cannavale, Thomas Haden Church, Paul Scheer, Bill Burr, and Hannibal Buress. Extras include interviews, deleted & extended scenes, and featurettes.
Last Word: Despite some genuine chemistry, Ferrell and Wahlberg do little other than utilize their established screen personas in a forgettable, mess of a comedy. Daddy’s Home has a sweet message, but it’s so completely lost in over the top set pieces that ultimately, it just doesn’t work. By the time the end comes, and we see another take on the situation, it’s a huge reminder how emotionally false the film is. And it’s not particularly funny.
Bandits
Olive Films / Released 3/22/16 |
Barry Levinson mines cinematic gold in Bandits, starring Cate Blanchett, Bruce Willis and Billy Bob Thornton. Conjuring up memories of another silver screen trio – Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy and Myrna Loy in Test Pilot – Willis and Thornton star as Joe and Terry, escaped convicts on the lam planning to rob a few banks to fund a new life just south of the border. Blanchett (Carol) stars as Kate Wheeler, a woman also on the run – from an unhappy marriage. Fate intervenes when Kate runs into Terry (quite literally) with her car. She soon finds herself joining the boys on their cross-country trek in this comic caper co-starring January Jones and William Converse-Roberts.
Freaks And Geeks: The Complete Series
Shout! Factory / Released 3/22/16 |
What high school was like for the rest of us.The modern classic, Freaks And Geeks, has arrived on Blu-ray at last! Set in 1980 at the fictional McKinley High in Detroit, Freaks And Geeks focused on two groups of outsiders: the stoners, tough kids and bad girls; and the brains, nerds and squares. Although this Emmy award-winning series ran for only one season, it has remained a cult favorite and a benchmark of quality television.
A funny and authentic portrait of high school life with all of its horrors and triumphs, Freaks And Geeks resonates with anybody who has ever felt like they don’t quite fit in. The series’ legacy – including the ongoing success of many of its key personnel, from creator Paul Feig (Bridesmaids), to executive producer Judd Apatow (The 40-Year-Old Virgin), to cast members such as Linda Cardellini, Seth Rogen, James Franco, and Jason Segel – is undoubtedly secure in the hearts and minds of its passionate (and ever-growing) fanbase.
Jam-packed with a treasure trove of extras, this Blu-ray collection also features all 18 episodes in both original broadcast aspect ratio and a special widescreen presentation. Join Shout! Factory in celebrating this one-of-a-kind series with a set you’ll Geek out over. Icludes All 18 Episodes in Both Original Aspect Ratio and New Widescreen Presentations The series included appearances by Ben Foster, Joanna García, Lizzy Caplan, Dave “Gruber” Allen, Trace Beaulieu, Steve Higgins, Tom Wilson, Joel Hodgson, Claudia Christian, Samaire Armstrong, David Koechner,Kevin Corrigan, Jason Schwartzman, David Krumholtz, Allen Covert, Rashida Jones, Alex Breckenridge, Mike White, Shia LaBeouf, Bianca Kajlich, Ben Stiller, and Leslie Mann. Extras include conversation with Paul Feig and Judd Apatow, 28 commentary tracks, audition footage, deleted scenes, alternate takes, outtakes, bloopers, behind the scenes footage, promo footage and digital yearbook.
Episodes include:
- Pilot: A group of high school students in 1980 faces various social struggles. Wealthy “brain” Lindsay wants to rebel. Her geeky freshman brother Sam and his two friends are targeted by a bully.
- Beers and Weirs: When Mr & Mrs. Weir go out of town for the weekend, Lindsey hosts a keg party. Sam, Bill, and Neal, worried that the party-goers will get too rowdy, substitute a keg of non-alcoholic beer for the one the freaks have on ice.
- Tricks and Treats: Halloween doesn’t go as expected for Sam, Lindsey, or their parents.
- Kim Kelly Is My Friend: Kim befriends Lindsay for ulterior motives, while Sam is bullied unmercifully by Karen Scarfolli, whose locker is next to his.
- Tests and Breasts: Daniel cons Lindsay into helping him pass an algebra test, while Sam and his pals try to figure out the basics of human sexuality.
- I’m with the Band: Lindsay encourages Nick to pursue a career in music. Nick continues to practice with his current band, but quickly decides he’s better than them. Lindsay encourages Nick to audition for a bigger local band. When things don’t go well in the audition, Lindsay is there to comfort Nick. Sam, Bill, and Neal struggle with having to shower in gym class.
- Carded and Discarded: Sam, Neal, and Bill befriend a pretty new transfer student, but soon fear of losing her to the popular crowd and try to win her over with a series of fun things they plan for her. Lindsay, Nick, Daniel, and Ken decide to get fake IDs so they can see a hot local band perform at a bar. However, after they go through the trouble of getting their IDs and going into the bar, the group is stunned to find out who the hot local bands lead singer is.
- Girlfriends and Boyfriends: Lindsay and Nick get more serious, and her parents give unwanted advice. Sam joins the yearbook staff to get closer to Cindy, who thinks of him only as a friend.
- We’ve Got Spirit: Sam tries out to be the school mascot hoping to impress Cindy. Meanwhile, Daniel, Ken, and Kim suddenly become the basketball team’s most rabid fans following a series of run-ins with jocks from the rival school, Lincoln High. Lindsay tries to figure out the best way to break up with Nick.
- The Diary: Lindsay’s parents are convinced Kim is leading their daughter down a path toward drugs and sex, so they consider taking a peek in her diary. Meanwhile, Bill is tired of the same jocks picking the teams during P.E., often leaving him picked last, so he makes prank calls to Coach Fredricks then confronts him directly. The adults may be the ones learning lessons from the students.
- Looks and Books: A car accident results in Lindsay deciding to stop hanging out with her “freak” friends. She decides to rejoin the mathletes and start hanging out with Millie again. Sam adopts a new modern hair style in the hopes of impressing Cindy. When this fails, he seeks out a new wardrobe.
- The Garage Door: Neal learns his father is cheating on his mother. Ken develops a crush on the tuba player in the school’s marching band and Lindsay helps set them up.
- Chokin’ and Tokin’: When Bill talks about being allergic to peanuts in class, Alan tries to prove he’s lying but Bill ends up in the hospital after an allergic reaction. Lindsay smokes weed for the first time.
- Dead Dogs and Gym Teachers: Lindsay tries to convince Harold to let her join her friends at a Who concert. Kim and Lindsay accidentally run over Millie’s dog. Kim starts hanging out with Millie. Lindsay wants to tell Millie the truth about her dog, but Kim does not. Meanwhile, Nick teaches himself to play guitar and writes a love ballad for Lindsay. Ms. Haverchuck stuns Bill with the news that she has been dating Coach Fredricks.
- Noshing and Moshing: Neal wrestles with the dilemma of whether to tell his mother about his father’s affair. Lindsay is given detention after coming to the aid of a girl being attacked by a boy. Daniel deals with pressures at home and with Kim. He escapes from his problems through punk music.
- Smooching and Mooching: Nick stays with the Weirs while he’s on the outs with his dad, and the geeks go to a make-out party.
- The Little Things: As McKinley High prepares for a visit from Vice President Bush, Ken and Sam must sort out conflicted feelings in their love lives.
- Discos and Dragons: Nick explores disco, Lindsay listens to the Grateful Dead, and Daniel tries something new. What’s cool? Friendship.
Disturbing Behavior
Shout! Factory / Released 3/22/16 |
In this fantasy thriller, when teenager Steve Clark (James Marsden) moves to Cradle Bay, Steve is immediately cautioned by Gavin Strick (Nick Stahl) that something sinister is happening… something dark… something disturbing. Sure, the “Blue Ribbons” – the clique that’s at the top of the food chain at Cradle Bay – appear perfect in every way. But underneath their clean-cut, well-mannered facades lurks a shocking secret – one that a group of Cradle Bay High’s outsiders and rebels must uncover in order to save their school, their town… and their own lives. Also stars Katie Holmes,Steve Railsback, Bruce Greenwood, Katharine Isabelle, William Sadler and Ethan Embry. Extras include commentary, deleted scenes alternate ending and trailer.
After the Fox
Kino Lorber / Released 3/22/16 |
This wildly funny farce gives the comic genius of Peter Sellers (The Party, What’s New Pussycat?) free reign as he assumes several wacky personalities, each one funnier than the last! Superb direction by Vittorio De Sica (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow) and a sparkling script by Neil Simon (The Odd Couple) make After the Fox an absolute must-see. Millions of dollars worth of gold bullion is on its way from Cairo to an unknown Italian destination. There is only one criminal mastermind capable of stealing it: Aldo Vanucci (Sellers), also known as “the Fox.” Aldo devises the perfect plan to seize the gold: Posing as a flamboyant film director, he casts an aging, egotistical film star (Victor Mature) and his own voluptuous sister (Britt Ekland) in a fake film about a gold theft! The stellar cast includes Martin Balsam, Akim Tamiroff and Italian comedy legend Lando Buzzanca. Extra includes Trailers From Hell with Larry Karaszewski.
Making the Grade
Olive Films / Released 3/22/16 |
Rich, preppy Palmer Woodrow (Dana Olsen) would much rather be skiing in Europe than attending Hoover Academy prep school, which provides Palmer with his last shot at graduating. As it turns out Palmer is more motivated than anyone imagines. Enter Eddie Keaton (Judd Nelson), a low-rent con artist in need of cash and on the run from a loan shark Diceman (Andrew Dice Clay). With $10,000 and a Porsche courtesy of Palmer, Eddie assumes his identity. Disguised as the perfect preppy, Eddie easily fools the faculty, charms the coedsand rocks the campus! But when the Diceman tracks him down, streetwise Eddie must keep his cover to stay in school or go back to the ‘hood for good. Hoover Academy will never be the same.
Making The Grade, directed by Dorian Walker (Teen Witch) from a screenplay by Gene Quintano based on a story by Quintano and Charles Gale, co-stars Jonna Lee, Gordon Jump and Ronald Lacey.
Undertow
Olive Films / Released 3/22/16 |
Following the death of his wife, John Munn (Dermot Mulroney) moves to Georgia with his two sons Chris (Jamie Bell) and Tim (Devon Alan) in hopes of making a new start for his family.Once there, rebellious Chris finds a kindred spirit in his Uncle Deel (Josh Lucas), recently released from prison and holding a grudge against his brother for marrying the woman he loved. Resentments soon boil over with tragic consequences sending Uncle Deel in hot pursuit of his fleeing nephews in the dramatic thriller Undertow.
Undertow, directed by David Gordon Green (All the Real Girls) from a screenplay by Joe Conway and Green, based on a story by Lingard Jervey, co-stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Longstreet and Terry Loughlin.
Fear the Walking Dead: The Complete First Season 1 Special Edition
Starz/Anchor Bay / Released 3/22/16 |
Living in the same universe as The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead is a gritty drama that explores the onset of the undead apocalypse through the lens of a fractured family. Set in a city where people come to escape, shield secrets, and bury their pasts, a mysterious outbreak threatens to disrupt what little stability high school guidance counselor Madison Clark and English teacher Travis Manawa have managed to assemble. The everyday pressure of blending two families while dealing with resentful, escapist, and strung out children takes a back seat when society begins to break down. A evolution, a necessary survival of the fittest takes hold, and our dysfunctional family must either reinvent themselves or embrace their darker histories. Extras include commentaries, pilot episode in widescreen, deleted scenes, and featurettesIncludes the episodes:
- Pilot: A highly dysfunctional blended family is forced together when they realize a reported virus is actually the onset of the undead apocalypse.
- So Close, Yet So Far: While Madison struggles to keep Nick from crippling withdrawal, Travis ventures out to find his son before the city of Los Angeles falls.
- The Dog: After escaping a violent riot Travis, Liza, and Chris seek refuge with the Salazar family. Meanwhile Madison defends her home.
- Not Fade Away: Madison and Travis witness different sides of the National Guard’s occupation of their neighborhood as our family tries to adapt to the new world.
- Cobalt: The National Guard’s plan for the neighborhood and its residents is revealed, forcing Travis and Madison to make a difficult decision.
- The Good Man: As civil unrest continues to grow and the dead take over, Travis and Madison must explore new ways to protect their families.
The War Between Men and Women
Kino Lorber / Released 3/22/16 |
Opposites attract, fight, and fall in love in The War Between Men and Women. This one-of-a-kind comedy stars screen legend Jack Lemmon (The Apartment) and features live-action and animated sequences based on the artwork of James Thurber. Cartoonist Peter Wilson (Lemmon) has successfully avoided marriage for his entire life… until he meets Theresa (Barbara Harris, Family Plot). Peter and Theresa couldn’t be more wrong for one another, but Cupid has a sense of humor and soon the pair finds themselves dangerously close to living happily ever after. If they can overcome flirtatious ex-husbands, clashing lifestyles and Peter’s potential blindness, they might just see their relationship for what it is… true love. The wonderful cast includes Jason Robards (Julia), Herb Edelman (The Odd Couple) and Lisa Eilbacher (Beverly Hills Cop) – directed by Hollywood veteran Melville Shavelson (Cast a Giant Shadow).
Turn: Washington’s Spies Season 2
Anchor Bay / Released 3/22/16 |
Jamie Bell stars as Abraham Woodhull, a farmer living in British-occupied Long Island during the Revolutionary War who bands together with his childhood friends to form the Culper Ring, America’s first spy ring. TURN: Washington’s Spies – The Complete Second Season moves deeper into the battles waged by soldiers and civilians alike in the pursuit of freedom and the sacrifices they’re willing to make to secure it. As Abe becomes more committed to the Culper Ring activities, George Washington (Ian Kahn) battles both personal demons and betrayal from within his ranks that threaten both his leadership and the fate of the revolution. As the colonies struggle to become a nation, the outcome of the revolution will hinge on alliances both on and off the battlefield.Along with Bell and Kahn, the series features a talented cast including Seth Numrich as Ben Tallmadge, Daniel Henshall as Caleb Brewster, Heather Lind as Anna Strong, Kevin R. McNally as Judge Richard Woodhull, Meegan Warner as Mary Woodhull, Burn Gorman as Major Hewlett, Angus Macfadyen as Robert Rogers, JJ Feild as Major John André, and Samuel Roukin as Captain John Simcoe. Joining the cast for season two are Ksenia Solo as Peggy Shippen and Owain Yeoman as Benedict Arnold.
TURN: Washington’s Spies – The Complete Second Season is based on the book Washington’s Spies by Alexander Rose. The author and historian served as a consultant for the first season and joins the writing staff for Season 2. Extras include featurettes and deleted & extended scenes.
Episodes include:
- Thoughts Of A Free Man: A spy in London sends an urgent message to America. Mary impedes Abe’s attempt to restart the spy ring. Benedict Arnold arrives in camp.
- Hard Boiled: Abe gathers intelligence in New York. Simcoe escapes his punishment. John Andre attends a ball in Philadelphia and meets Peggy Shippen.
- False Flag: Ben sets a trap to capture a traitor in camp. Richard discovers Abe is conspiring with Major Hewlett. Caleb collides with Robert Rogers.
- Men Of Blood: Abe tries to recruit a new agent in New York. Caleb races Rogers as they hunt down intelligence from London. Andre’s history is exposed.
- Sealed Fate: Abe makes a last-ditch effort to recruit a spy inside New York. Ben must determine which of two deserters is a double agent.
- Houses Divided: Mary pleads with Richard to help free Abe from prison. Anna must seduce Simcoe. Ben and Caleb plot to rescue Hewlett from his captors.
- Valley Forge: Washington faces a personal crisis with the help of his slave Billy Lee. Abe struggles to maintain his cover while in prison.
- Providence: Caleb sails a one-man submersible into New York Harbor. France becomes an ally to America. Andre and Peggy plot to elope.
- The Prodigal: Abe returns from prison with critical intel. Tensions rise between Hewlett and Simcoe. Arnold rescues Peggy from a rebel mob.
- Gunpowder, Treason, And Plot: Abe plots to assassinate Major Hewlett. Ben fights at the Battle of Monmouth. Benedict Arnold continues to covet Peggy Shippen.
The Black Sleep
Kino Lorber / Released 3/22/16 |
The masters of classic horror, Basil Rathbone (Tales of Terror), Bela Lugosi (Dracula, White Zombie), Lon Chaney, Jr. (The Wolf Man) and John Carradine (House of the Long Shadows) co-star in this terrifying horror classic about a crazed brain surgeon and his unorthodox experiments at a spooky old dark house. When the wife of a lunatic surgeon (Rathbone) slips into a coma, the doctor sets out to find a donor for a highly unorthodox brain transplant. The subsequent experiments result in the creation of a number of dangerous zombies, mutants and freaks that are soon unleashed on an unsuspecting populace. The stellar cast also includes Akim Tamiroff (After the Fox) and Tor Johnson (Plan 9 From Outer Space). From Reginald Le Borg, the director of horror classics, Diary of a Madman and The Mummy’s Ghost. Extras include commentary by film historians Tom Weaver & David Schecter and Trailers From Hell with Joe Dante.
The Royals Season 2
Lionsgate / Released 3/22/16 |
After the tragic murder of King Simon by an unknown assailant, Simon’s arrogant brother, Cyrus, has taken the throne with the help of Queen Helena (Elizabeth Hurley). Prince Liam (William Moseley) seeks vengeance for the death of his father while Princess Eleanor (Alexandra Park) struggles to live her seemingly fairytale life. While allies are formed and enemies are made in the royal palace, nothing is what it seems.The stellar cast is led by Elizabeth Hurley as the calculating Queen Helena, and she is joined by William Moseley as the vengeful Prince Liam, Alexandra Park as an uncontrollable Princess Eleanor, Tom Austen as the Prince’s devious bodyguard Jasper Frost, Oliver Milburn as the troubled head of the Royal security, and Jake Maskall as the newly-crowned and universally despised King Cyrus. Lydia Rose Bewley, Andrew Bicknell, Victoria Ekanoye, Poppy Corby-Tuech, Simon Thomas, and Scott Maslen co-star along with Joan Collins as the Grand Duchess of Oxford. The series, which ranks as one of 2015’s top new scripted cable series, is produced by Lionsgate and Universal Cable Productions, executive produced, written and directed by Mark Schwahn, and executive produced by Brian Robbins, Joe Davola and Shauna Phelan.
Episodes include:
- It Is Not, nor It Cannot Come to Good: Cyrus restores Liam and Eleanor’s titles in an attempt to secure their allegiance and capitalize on their popularity, while they seek the access that may allow them to destroy Cyrus. Investigating the deaths of his father and brother, Liam enlists the aid of Jasper, who has been following a self-destructive Eleanor to protect her from herself. With the Prime Minister in her power, Helena plots to secure her grasp on the throne.
- Welcome Is Fashion and Ceremony: Beck returns to Eleanor, while Liam and Jasper discover a secret about Cyrus that complicates their investigation.
- Is Not This Something More Than Fantasy?: Helena faces off with the Deputy Prime Minister, Liam visits Ophelia in New York and Eleanor must face the inevitable in her rekindled relationship with Beck.
- What, Has This Thing Appear’d Again Tonight?: Eleanor escapes her troubles with her new friend Mandy as Cyrus puts a stop to Helena’s monument for Simon, which does not sit well with the queen. Liam and Jasper loop in Ted on their investigation of the Domino symbol.
- The Spirit That I Have Seen: Eleanor and Mandy’s relationship goes public, and Helena gets to the bottom of Lacey’s disappearance.
- Doubt Truth to Be a Liar: As the twins celebrate their birthday, Helena makes a shocking discovery and Mandy’s plan comes to fruition.
- Taint Not Thy Mind, nor Let Thy Soul Contrive Against Thy Mother: Helena confides her past in Eleanor as Liam and Ted each discover the truth about Domino.
- Be All My Sins Remembered: Cyrus is devastated when Violet goes missing; Liam and Eleanor confront Helena about Dominique Stewart.
- And Then It Started Like a Guilty Thing: Eleanor helps a friend while the Deputy Prime Minister makes Liam an offer, and Jasper finally discovers who murdered Simon.
- The Serpent That Did Sting Thy Father’s Life: With Ted revealed as Simon’s killer, the Royal Family bands together to foil Jeffrey Stewart’s plan to destroy them.
American Experience: The Perfect Crime
PBS / Released 3/22/16 |
In 1924, the murder of a 14-year-old boy by two wealthy college students shocked the nation. But more horrifying than the brutal killing — the boy was bludgeoned to death — was the motive. Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb admitted they planned to abduct and kill a child at random simply for the thrill of it. Legendary defense attorney Clarence Darrow summoned experts to show that the murderers had been shaped by childhood trauma and that it was society and its barbaric death penalty that deserved to be put on trial. Set in 1920s Chicago — a city of gin joints, gangsters, and political corruption — The Perfect Crime tells a story that set off a national debate about morality, individual responsibility, and capital punishment.
Noma: My Perfect Storm
Magnolia / Released 3/22/16 |
With automatic access to genius, René Redzepi plays with wilderness and interprets a forgotten edible world into a language we all understand. A modern ugly duckling, bullied by his peers, Redzepi found his home in the no man’s land and transformed into swan. Noma, My Perfect Storm is a creative journey into the mind of René Redzepi.How did he manage to revolutionise the entire world of gastronomy, inventing the alphabet and vocabulary that would infuse newfound pedigree to Nordic cuisine and establish a new edible world while radically changing the image of the modern chef? His story has the feel of a classic fairy tale: the ugly duckling transformed into a majestic swan, who now reigns over the realm of modern gourmet cuisine. But beneath the polished surface, cracks appear in the form of old wounds. 2013 stands as the worst year in René Redzepi’s career.
We follow him as he fights his way back to the top, reinventing NOMA and reclaiming the title of best restaurant in the world in 2014 for the fourth time. Extras include deleted scenes, featurettes, trailer and gallery.
The Hateful Eight
Starz/Anchor Bay / Released 3/29/16 |
In The Hateful Eight, set six or eight or twelve years after the Civil War, a stagecoach hurtles through the wintry Wyoming landscape. The passengers, bounty hunter John Ruth (Kurt Russell) and his fugitive Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh), race towards the town of Red Rock where Ruth, known in these parts as “The Hangman,” will bring Domergue to justice.Along the road, they encounter two strangers: Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson), a black former union soldier turned infamous bounty hunter, and Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins), a southern renegade who claims to be the town’s new Sheriff. Losing their lead on the blizzard, Ruth, Domergue, Warren and Mannix seek refuge at Minnie’s Haberdashery, a stagecoach stopover on a mountain pass. When they arrive at Minnie’s, they are greeted not by the proprietor but by four unfamiliar faces. Bob (Demian Bichir), who’s taking care of Minnie’s while she’s visiting her mother, is holed up with Oswaldo Mobray (Tim Roth), the hangman of Red Rock, cow-puncher Joe Gage (Michael Madsen), and Confederate General Sanford Smithers (Bruce Dern).
As the storm overtakes the mountainside stopover, our eight travelers come to learn they may not make it to Red Rock after all…Extras include featurettes.
Point Break
Warner Bros. / Released 3/29/16 |
Young FBI agent Johnny Utah infiltrates a cunning team of thrill-seeking elite athletes led by the charismatic Bodhi. Deep undercover, with his life in danger, Utah races to prove the team is responsible for a string of inconceivable crimes. The adrenaline flows in this fast-paced action thriller as world-class athletes go high-wave surfing, wingsuit flying, sheer-face snowboarding, free-rock climbing and high-speed motorcycling in some of the most daring sequences ever filmed. Extras include featurettes, deleted scenes and trailers.Last Word: Point Break, originally starring Keanu Reeves as FBI agent Jonny Utah and a shaggy-haired Patrick Swayze as free-spirited Bodhi, gets a remake that doesn’t do the original justice; which, is saying something, since the original didn’t exactly leave the most lasting impression. Core’s vision is unclear from the very start and the result unsatisfying and somewhat baffling.
Utah, played this time around by Luke Bracey, is an ex-extreme poly athlete. He abandoned that career after an accident involving one of his close friends. Seven years later, he inexplicably finds himself gung-ho to join the F.B.I, telling his potential boss (Delroy Lindo) that he “wants this,” sitting across from him wearing a flannel, showing tattooed knuckles, and giving a fierce look. Instructor Hall isn’t so sure and tells him that he has to prove it.
Johnny gets wind of some eco-terrorists committing crimes in a Robin Hood-esque fashion (they shower a small village with cash they liberate from an airplane) and then executing death defying stunts. He does some research and comes to the conclusion that these guys are trying to complete the “Ozaki 8.” This is a series of 8 trials, none of which anyone has ever completed and, supposedly, Ozaki himself dies trying. These trials are meant to honor the earth, and to give back what has been taken. True to the original, Johnny decides to infiltrate the group and uncover their next move, with a little guidance from Angelo Pappas (Ray Winstone), who does nothing like what zany Gary Busey did for the character.
Enter Bodhi (Edgar Ramirez). He soulful-eyed leader of the gang, and spends most of the movie spouting his philosophies with morbid sincerity, and to some degree, Utah falls right in and gets attached to the ideals, and to Bodhi.
These elements all fit the basic structure of the original, but most of the similarities, and what made the original watchable, end there. Dizzying stunt scenes in beautiful locales across the globe seem to dominate here, edging out story and plot for importance. Not to say that the stunts weren’t terrifying impressive, especially the snowboarding down dangerous cliffs, the big-wave surfing, or flying through mountain valleys and crevices in wingsuits. But these montages linger and, when they end, the film loses its purpose all over again.
That is to say, whatever purpose it was trying to achieve, which seemed like trying to infuse as much adrenaline in there as possible. That being said, what ultimately stifled the film was the lack of character development. In Kathryn Bigelow’s version, you cared about charismatic Bodhi, even though he liked to rob banks for the thrill of it, and his decisions wound up killing all of his friends. Even so, there was a connection, and his actions made sense; he made for a compelling character, minus his forced usage of the word “brah.” Adrenaline and action scenes were only part of the package, and underneath was a story that hinted at psychological complexity. When we want to care for the characters in this version, it’s almost impossible, and big choices made don’t make any sense, and are surprising only in a “what just happened,” sort of way.
This is mostly noticeable with Bracey’s character. He makes all of these decisions, but we have no idea of his motivation, his reasoning, his wants, or anything other than he has great abs and sweet tats. The breaking point (ha) comes at the end of the film. He’s confronted with a choice, and even though it’s predictable that he is going to do it, it made zero sense. An example of this can also be found in Samsara (Teresa Palmer), a floaty, groupie-type whose reason for inclusion in this group of people is never explained thoroughly, and the barely-there romance she has with Utah is underwritten and almost unnecessary for all the importance it had in the plot. We only get the tiniest of backstory from her, so all she does throughout the movie is basically smile and parrot back some of Bodhi’s ideals.
Point Break could have easily stood on its own had it thought more about what the heart of the story truly is, and not about how sweet it’s going to look to send four dudes cascading over mountain tops in colorful wingsuits. It would have made more sense if it did try to be its own entity, without taking bits and pieces of the original and not knowing how to use them or fit them in, like the scene where Johnny can’t catch Bodhi and he screams while firing his gun into the air. When Keanu Reeves did it, it was because his old football injury came back during the chase and caused him to lose his quarry, resulting in a lot of frustration in the moment. When done by Bracey, it seemed only to serve the purpose of reminding you that they didn’t forget that this is a remake.
Thrilling at times, yes, but it looks like almost the entire budget was spent on these stunts, and the big finale of a scene used a green screen to its fullest potential. Suspending belief was hard for 90 percent of the film, and this was the breaking point (sorry). If you have seen the original, then just know that after this scene, the ride is almost over.
And what a dull, confusing ride. Kudos to Ramirez and Bracey for being young and good-looking, and for doing the best that they really could with what they were given. And try watching the original, for nothing if not to watch a young and cocky Keanu strut around while Gary Busey eats meatball subs. Two of them. (– Amanda Hogan)
Humans: The Complete First Season
Acorn Media / Released 3/29/16 |
In the near future, humanoid servants called synthetics – or synths – have been created to help busy families simplify their lives. But will these perfect servants stay compliant forever?When Joe Hawkins (Tom Goodman-Hill, The Imitation Game) buys synth Anita (Gemma Chan, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit), he hopes it will relieve the pressure on his lawyer wife, Laura (Katherine Parkinson, The IT Crowd). Although Anita is a hit with Joe’s young children, Laura feels uneasy about sharing her home with a synth.
Meanwhile, retired engineer George (Oscar winner William Hurt, A History of Violence) refuses to dispose of his beloved but malfunctioning synth, Odi (Will Tudor, Game of Thrones). And mysterious Leo (Colin Morgan, Merlin) hides secrets that could transform the future of synth technology. Thought-provoking and thrilling, Humans explores the intersection of man and machine with emotional depth and pulse-pounding tension. Extras include featurettes, behind the scenes footage and gallery.
Includes the episodes:
- Episode 1: A couple buy a synthetic human, or ‘synth’ to help around the house, but the new arrival threatens to expose their secrets. A retired engineer’s paternal relationship with his own synth is threatened by a malfunction, an android and his owner go on the run, and a detective grows suspicious of his wife’s close bond with her synth.
- Episode 2: Laura becomes increasingly suspicious, feeling threatened by the presence of Synth Anita, the ‘so-called’ perfect mother figure in her home. Hobb holds Fred prisoner in his facility, but while Hobb’s superiors marvel at this unique specimen, Fred voices his fears about what this means to humanity.
- Episode 3: Anita saves Toby’s life; George tries to break free; and Pete is angry at the brothel-murder cover-up.
- Episode 4: Joe gets too close to Anita, and Karen is not what she seems. Meanwhile, Leo gets one step closer to finding Mia, and Niska gets revenge.
- Episode 5: With Karen on her tail, Leo sends Niska to George’s house and an unlikely friendship begins. Joe’s secret threatens to destroy the Hawkins family.
- Episode 6: Laura and Mattie’s relationship reaches a breaking point; Karen decides to tell Pete the truth.
- Episode 7: A desperate Karen hunts down Niska; and the synths stay with the Hawkins family, but Hobb is not far behind.
- Episode 8: In the Season 1 finale, after the synths are captured by Hobb, the Hawkins must save them as the future of humanity is in their hands.
Exposed
Lionsgate/ Released 3/29/16 |
A New York City police detective Scotty Galban (Keanu Reeves) investigates the truth behind his partner’s death. The mysterious case reveals disturbing police corruption and a dangerous secret involving an unlikely young woman (Ana de Armas), who holds the key to solving his partner’s murder. Extras include trailers, featurette and extended cast interviews.
Cherry Falls
Shout! Factory / Released 3/29/16 |
A serial killer is stalking the peaceful town of Cherry Falls. At first, it seems that he is just targeting teenagers, but after the third killing it becomes clear that all the victims have been virgins. When the town’s students hear about this, they realize that there is only one way to protect themselves and begin planning a “Pop Your Cherry” party where they will all lose their virginities together. Meanwhile, Jodi (Brittany Murphy, Clueless, Sin City), the virtuous daughter of the town’s sheriff (Michael Biehn, Aliens, Grindhouse), decides to take matters into her own hands and trap the killer herself.This chiller is directed by Geoffrey Wright (Romper Stomper) and co-stars Jay Mohr (Hereafter, Jerry McGuire), Gabriel Mann (The Bourne Supremacy) and Candy Clark (The Blob, Amityville 3-D). Extras include commentary, interviews, behind the scenes footage, original script and trailer.
The Sicilian
Shout! Factory / Released 3/29/16 |
From Mario Puzo, the best-selling author of The Godfather, comes the riveting saga of the life, loves and dreams of the infamous Sicilian bandit, Salvatore Giuliano. Directed by the Academy Award-winning director of The Deer Hunter (1978), Michael Cimino, this epic motion picture stars Christopher Lambert (Highlander) in the most powerful performance of his career.World War II is finally over, and a war-torn world is at rest. But for the island of Sicily, whose inhabitants dreams of independence from Rome’s oppressive, ironhanded regime, the struggle has just begun. Three powers have always ruled the island – the Church, the landowners and the Mafia – until Salvatore Giuliano pronounced himself the fourth.
Determined that Sicily shall gain its freedom, Giuliano and his “brothers” rob and ransom the rich, cold-bloodedly murdering all who dare to defy or betray them. As Giuliano proudly redistributes his newfound wealth among the peasants, Don Masino, the head of the Sicilian Mafia, declares that Giuliano must be stopped – at any cost. Now it’s a fight for survival, as the bloodiest manhunt in Italian history sweeps the countryside of the notorious outlaw, Giuliano.
Murders in the Rue Morgue / The Dunwich Horror
Shout! Factory / Released 3/29/16 |
Terrifying Tales From Literary Legends! A pair of horror’s most famous authors – Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft – provide the inspiration for a most diabolical double feature.Murders in The Rue Morgue
Your first frightening film is 1971’s Murders in the Rue Morgue. In early 20th-century Paris, a theatrical company with a specialty in Grand Guignol undertakes their most gruesome production yet. But when a madman with an axe to grind arrives on the scene, the stage is set for real mayhem and murder most foul. Will the backstage bloodshed be quelled – or is it curtains for the cast? Jason Robards and Herbert Lom star in this marvelously macabre mystery. Extras include commentary, featurette and trailer.The Dunwich Horror
From the City of Lights (and frights), our tour of terror moves on to a small New England town in 1970’s The Dunwich Horror. When a beautiful student named Nancy catches the eye of the weird Wilbur Whateley, it’s up to her professor, the good doctor and occult expert Dr. Henry Armitage, to warn her that no good will come of it. But as Armitage digs deeper into the Whateley family history, he uncovers a buried secret – and a plot intended to call forth an evil beyond imagination. A cult favorite that proves that The Old Ones are good ones, The Dunwich Horror stars Dean Stockwell, Ed Begley, and Sandra Dee. Extras include commentary and trailer.
The Gong Show Movie
Shout! Factory / Released 3/29/16 |
From the dangerous mind of Chuck Barris comes one of the most infamous motion pictures ever – The Gong Show Movie! Long absent from home video formats, this one-of-a-kind cult film has at last taken its act to Blu-ray. Inspired by the TV talent(less) show, The Gong Show Movie presents a week in the life of beleaguered game show producer and Gong Show host Chuck Barris (played by Mr. Barris himself, in a masterstroke of casting.) Between a ratings-obsessed executive, out-of-control contestants and judges, and a seemingly endless string of auditions and encounters with “fans,” Chuck’s got his hands full… which leaves him no room to keep a grip on his own sanity. Can he get it together before the gong is struck on both his private life and his career?Co-written by Barris and underground film legend Robert Downey Sr. (Putney Swope), The Gong Show Movie is by turns anarchic and melancholy, a wild mood swing of cinema. This highly entertaining film includes appearances by Gong Show favorites including Gene Gene The Dancing Machine, Jamie Farr, The Unknown Comic, Jaye P. Morgan, Pat McCormick, and Rosey Grier, plus moments that got gonged by the censors, and more stuff! Extras include commentary.
Mystery Science Theater 3000: XXXV
Shout! Factory / Released 3/29/16 |
As the excitement justifiably mounts for the sexy new MST3K, let us not forget the classic MST3K that kept us warm and fed for many years. When we first scraped our knees on the sidewalk of cheesy movies, it was there to patch us up with inspired riffing. When we were too scared to face bikers, knockoff spies, process shots and rubber-suited monsters, it was MST3K that took us by the hand and made us feel safe in its soft blanket of loving mockery.
We were raised by ten seasons of cable comedy genius, and there’s still plenty more classics to enjoy. Case in point: the four Joel, Mike and their robot compadres Crow and Tom serve it up old school in this delirious celebration of cinema’s cracks and seams — like-old-times. Extras include original version of Time Walker, featurettes, and 4 exclusive mini posters.Titles Include:
Teenage Cave Man: Robert Vaughn stars as a white 25-year-old teenage caveman with styled hair who seeks to discover what is in the uncharted jungles beyond his tribe’s campsite. It is against the Word (and the Word is the Law), but he breaks it anyway. Soon he discovers a strange creature which kills with its touch.
Being From Another Planet (aka Time Walker): A mummified alien unearthed at King Tut’s tomb runs amok when a university professor exposes it to radiation.
12 To The Moon: Landed on the moon, Capt. John Anderson (Ken Clark) and his fellow astronauts quickly find their mission threatened — first by the disappearance of two team members, then by a troubling interaction with aliens who appear to be living within the moon itself. The aliens have weapons that could plunge parts of Earth into another ice age, and they’re aiming for the United States. Most of the astronauts are bent on saving the nation, but the international makeup of the team is a complicating factor.
Deathstalker And The Warriors From Hell: A medieval hero (John Allen Nelson) meets twin princesses (Carla Herd) and warrior women on a quest for a magic diamond.
The Primary Instinct
Kino Lorber / Released 3/29/16 |
Actor Stephen Tobolowsky has acted in over 200 TV shows and films over the past 40 years, possessing one of the most dazzlingly diverse filmographies on the planet. But even more compelling than the stories he’s been a part of onscreen are those he tells off-screen.In The Primary Instinct, Stephen plays himself and uses the art of storytelling to take the audience through a riveting and moving journey about life, love, and Hollywood. Along the way, he just may answer one of the questions that’s dogged humanity since the beginning of time: Why do we tell stories in the first place? Extras include additional interviews with Stephen Tobolowsky, deleted scenes and trailer.
Killing Them Safely
IFC Films/ Released 3/29/16 |
Killing Them Safely is an enlightening – and sometimes disturbing – look at one of America’s most fascinating and controversial corporations. Sold as an effective way to subdue violent suspects without injuring them, Tasers have changed the way police officers do their jobs. One company is responsible for this revolution: TASER International. In 1993, brothers Rick and Tom Smith, just in their early 20s, started what would become TASER International in their parents’ garage. They had been shaken by the shooting deaths of two of their friends and imagined a world without guns. By 1999, after years of trial and error, the Smith brothers claimed to have found the right combination of safety and power for their new electroshock weapon. Almost immediately, Tasers began to change the way officers did their jobs and in less than five years, the Smith brothers went from flirting with bankruptcy to running a multimillion-dollar company. But by 2008 more than 300 people had died from Tasers and they were found to cause officers to use them with less and less restraint. Through direct access to the principal figures as well as never-before-seen archival footage, Nick Berardini’s Killing Them Safely brings the Smiths’ work into the open and asks if in the realm of law enforcement the ends justify the means.
Sam Klemke’s Time Machine
Virgil Films / Released 3/29/16 |
In 1977, decades before the modern obsession with selfies and status updates, Denver native Sam Klemke started obsessively documenting his entire life on film. As he films his comments about himself and the year just ended, we see Sam grow from an optimistic teen to a self-important 20-year-old, into an obese, self-loathing thirtysomething and onwards into his philosophical 50s. The same year that Sam began his project, NASA launched the Voyager craft into deep space carrying the Golden Record, a portrait of humanity that would try to explain to extraterrestrials who we are.
From director Matthew Bate, Sam Klemke’s Time Machine follows these two unique self-portraits as they travel in parallel – one hurtling through the infinity of space and the other stuck in the suburbs of Earth – in a freewheeling and at times emotionally overwhelming look at time, memory, mortality and what it means to be human.
Documentary pop-culture excavator Bate (Shut Up Little Man! An Audio Misadventure, I Want to Dance Better at Parties) discovered Klemke after seeing his viral YouTube video “35 Years Backwards Thru Time,” which showed Sam reverse-aging through his whole adult life. Klemke began sending the director decades’ worth of obsessively documented warts-and-all footage, from which Bate has miraculously sculpted this gonzo biopic. It’s a real-life Boyhood, a strange and intimate biopic about an “extraordinary nobody.”
Journey to the Seventh Planet
Kino Lorber/ Released 4/5/16 |
In futuristic 2001, the United Nations has sent a special team of scientists to explore Uranus. And what this interstellar crew discovers is a planet not unlike Earth-complete with a small Danish village filled with voluptuous women! But underneath the Utopian veneer is a so powerful and so heinous that it’s using the crew’s memories against them so it can take their spaceship back to Earth-and conquer it! Wonderfully directed by cult producer, writer and director, Sidney W. Pink (Reptilicus, The Angry Red Planet) and featuring campy performances by John Agar (Invisible Invaders, Miracle Mile) and Greta Thyssen (Terror is a Man) with an amazing title song by Mitchell Tableporter (aka Teepee Mitchell). This Danish and American co-production is now considered to be one of the greatest cult classics of all time. Extras include commentary by Tim Lucas.
The Hallow
Shout! Factory / Released 4/5/16 |
When a London-based conservationist is sent to Ireland with his wife and infant child to survey an area of forest believed to be hallowed ground by superstitious locals, his actions unwittingly disturb a horde of demonic creatures who prey upon the lost. Alone and deep within the darkness of the remote wilderness, he must now fight back to protect his family against the ancient forces’ relentless attacks. Starring Joseph Mawle (The Awakening, Game of Thrones) and Bojana Novakovic (Devil, Drag Me to Hell), The Hallow marks acclaimed visual stylist Corin Hardy’s feature directorial debut.
Hardy displays a technical elegance and sophisticated approach to the macabre in this modern and disquieting horror fable. Extras include commentary, making of, featurettes, director’s storyboards and sketchbook, galleries and trailers.
Tumbledown
Starz/Anchor Bay / Released 4/5/16 |
Pop culture scholar Andrew (Jason Sudeikis) comes to Maine to interview Hannah (Rebecca Hall), the protective widow of an acclaimed singer. When the unlikely pair strike a deal to co-write a biography, Andrew finds himself clashing with a cast of locals, including Hannah’s hunky suitor (Joe Manganiello), and her loving but defensive parents (Blythe Danner, Richard Masur). When Hannah and Andrew’s stormy partnership blossoms into an unexpected connection, they face the possibility that the next chapter in their lives may involve each other. Dianna Agron and Griffin Dunne costar in this startlingly funny and sweetly romantic tale of moving on and finding love in the unlikeliest of places. Extras include featurettes.
Episodes: Season 4
Showtime / Released 4/5/16 |
Just when everybody thinks the ailing show Pucks! has been put out of its misery, the network un-cancels it. For Matt, the hits keep coming as an embezzlement scam drains his finances, him to scramble for cash. Meanwhile, Pucks! creators Sean and Beverly are back on top with a hot new script, but Hollywood politics tear them right back down. Includes the episodes:
- Episode One: Sean and Beverley return to LA to shoot once-thought-to-be-cancelled “Pucks”. Matt discovers his money guy has been stealing from him.
- Episode Two: Matt looks at ways to cut back money. Sean and Beverley look to sell their other sitcom.
- Episode Three: Beverly and Shawn have sold their new show. Shawn’s old writing partner shows up with interesting news. Merc pitches a show idea to Carol and Helen. Matt reconnects with his ex-wife.
- Episode Four: Matt and his ex-wife get more than cozy and he contemplates re-marrying her. Sean’s old writing partner, Tim, contacts Sean about the new script, saying it is one they wrote together years ago. Carol tells Bev that she and Helen had sex.
- Episode Five: Sean and Beverly may be forced to work with Sean’s old writing partner. Matt’s financial problems are worse and he may resort to drastic measures.
- Episode Six: Matt considers selling his father’s condo, but then he ends up in the hospital for heart surgery. Carol tries to come up with a pet name for Helen.
- Episode Seven: Matt thinks that he is in Sean and Beverly’s new show, but Sean and Beverly don’t want him in their show, so they have to tell him somehow.
- Episode Eight: Matt desperately tries to pay off his IRS bill by any means necessary.
- Episode Nine: Carol and Helen are still trying to figure out their indefinable relationship, while Matt starts shooting his new game show with Merc Lapidus.
Mojave
Lionsgate / Released 4/5/16 |
In this intense classical thriller, from an original screenplay by Oscar-winning writer William Monahan (The Departed), a violent artist, Thomas, (Garrett Hedlund) has an ominous encounter in the desert with a homicidal, chameleon-like drifter, Jack, (Oscar Isaac). Jack follows Thomas back to his privileged L.A. home life, holding a dark secret over his head as he attempts to infiltrate and destroy his seemingly-perfect life. Thomas must come to terms with his own insecurities and self-doubt to protect himself and his family, and go head-to-head with his nemesis in a riveting two-man clash that plays out in exciting and unexpected ways. Extras include featurettes and deleted scenes.
The Odd Couple: Season 1
Paramount / Released 4/5/16 |
Oscar (Matthew Perry) is an endearing slob. Felix (Thomas Lennon) is a loveable neat freak. When their wives leave them, the two former college buddies become unlikely roommates – big mistake! As they learn to deal with each other’s eccentricities, Oscar works to keep his sport-radio career on track, and Felix must readjust to bachelorhood. Extras include featurettes, gag reel and deleted scenes. The first season ensemble and guest stars include Lindsay Sloane, Yvette Nicole Brown, Wendell Pierce, Geoff Stults, Judy Kain , Dave Foley, Leslie Bibb, Lauren Graham, Erinn Hayes, ’Weird Al’ Yankovic, and Regis Philbin.
Episodes include:
- Pilot: After their marriages fail, Oscar and his former college roommate, Felix, decide to live together.
- The Ghostwriter: Felix offers his help when Oscar is hired to ghostwrite a retired baseball player’s autobiography.
- The Birthday Party: When Oscar realizes he forgot Felix’s birthday, he plans an impromptu surprise party.
- The Blind Leading the Blind Date: Oscar fixes Felix up on a blind date without his knowledge.
- The Wedding Deception: Oscar hopes to reconnect with an old flame; Felix tries to show his ex that he is a changed man.
- Heal Thyself: When Oscar begins dating Felix’s doctor, Felix’s hypochondria is exacerbated.
- Secret Agent Man: Against Teddy’s advice, Felix persuades Oscar to appear on a sports TV show.
- The Unger Games: When Oscar feels threatened by Felix’s surprising performance on the softball field and basketball court, they agree to a decathlon to determine which one of them is the better athlete.
- Sleeping Dogs Lie: When Oscar and Felix make a trip to Ashley’s (Christine Woods) to retrieve Felix’s special pillow, a secret that he has kept from Oscar is revealed. Five-time NBA All-Star Chris Webber guest stars.
- Enlightening Strikes: Oscar and Dani get stuck on the subway. Meanwhile, Felix takes over at his yoga class.
- Jealous Island: Oscar becomes weirdly obsessed with living up to Murph’s reputation when he finds out that the girl he is seeing used to date the handsome ex-baseball player.
- The Audit Couple: When the IRS decides to audit Oscar and his ex-wife, Gaby and Felix offers to mediate between the contentious exes and suddenly realizes that he might be the reason Oscar was audited in the first place.
Casual Season 1
Lionsgate / Released 4/5/16 |
From creator Zander Lehmann and executive producer Jason Reitman (Academy Award-nominated director of Up in the Air and Juno) comes Casual, a Golden Globe-nominated comedy that explores the funny and awkward dynamics of modern families and relationships. Recently divorced Valerie (Michaela Watkins) and her 16-year-old daughter, Laura (Tara Lynne Barr), move in with Valerie’s brother, Alex (Tommy Dewey), an eternal bachelor and master of casual relationships. Together, they coach each other through the crazy world of dating while raising her teenage daughter.
Includes the episodes:
- Pilot: Newly-divorced Valerie and her teenage daughter, Laura, move in with Valerie’s younger brother, Alex. A committed bachelor and casual dater, Alex sets Valerie up via his popular dating website.
- Friends: Alex hangs out with Valerie’s new friend, Leon. Valerie parties with a group of 20-somethings. Laura gets in over her head at a house party.
- Animals: Valerie starts house hunting. Alex, in a misguided attempt to get them to stay, decides to adopt a puppy only to realize that they’re more work than he expected.
- . . .: Valerie breaks Alex’s rules on casual sex. Alex is interviewed about his dating website. Laura takes things up a notch with an older man.
- Mom: The Siblings’ Mom shows up creating chaos and conflict, and oddly enough clarity. Each member of the household has a different interaction.
- Biden: Alex’s secret profile gets its first real match. Laura bonds with Michael after her sex tape goes viral at school. Valerie gets closure with her ex-husband.
- Home: Alex and Emmy have a foursome. Laura discovers Valerie as been seeing Michael and moves out.
- Bottles: Laura, now living at her father’s house, invites her dad’s girlfriend and her estranged grandparents to Thanksgiving dinner. The night ends with hurt feelings, slammed doors and broken dishes.
- Mars: Tensions run high at Dawn and Charles’ rehearsal dinner. Laura attends an art exhibition. A discovery shocks Alex to his core.
- Dave: Alex leans on Leon for emotional support. Laura contemplates a new life. Valerie, Alex, and Emmy reach an impasse.
#Horror
Shout! Factory/ Released 4/5/16 |
You’ve got followers… cyberbullying goes offline. #Horror follows a group of preteen girls living in a suburban world of money and privilege. But when their obsession with a disturbing online game goes too far, virtual terror becomes all too real. Chloë Sevigny (American Horror Story, American Psycho) leads an ensemble cast that includes Timothy Hutton (American Crime, The Dark Half) and Orange Is The New Black‘s Natasha Lyonne and Taryn Manning. This chiller, inspired by a shocking true story, is written and directed by actress/designer Tara Subkoff (The Cell, The Last Days Of Disco).
Identicals
Sony / Released 4/5/16 |
The organization Brand New-U identifies networks of IDENTICALS – people who walk like you, talk like you, but are walking through different, better lives – and helps their customers make a life upgrade: eliminating the better-life donor, and relocating their client to that brand new life. Slater seems to have the perfect life, the perfect job and the perfect girlfriend. But when Slater’s girlfriend is abducted by Brand New-U, and a corpse left in her place, he is forced to become an Identical. As he moves through a series of parallel lives, he becomes more and more obsessed with finding his girlfriend, but what he must find in the end is himself. The film stars Nick Blood (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D), Lachlan Nieboer (Charlie Countryman), Nora-Jane Noone (Brooklyn), Michelle Asante (London Boulevard) and Tony Way (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo). Extras include featurettes.
They Call Me Superseven
R Squared Films / Released 4/5/16 |
Super7even is an international man of mystery and the top agent for T.H.E.M! (A secret organization, sworn to battle the world wide forces of evil!). Superseven’s code name is DANGER! His passport…to HELL!
Follow the masked, crimson avenger and his lethal, beautiful and reluctant partner, Sandra West (A former agent of T.H.E.M), as they battle villains, femme fatales, monsters, robots, invading aliens, henchmen, assassins and criminal masterminds bent on world domination…And destruction! Spies, babes, action, gadgets and a hefty body count …All in the name of good old fashioned, wholesome spy fun! In the tradition of James Bond, Matt Helm, Get Smart, Man From U.N.C.L.E., The Avengers and the masked hero movies!
Dixieland
IFC Films/ Released 4/5/16 |
Featuring explosive chemistry between rising stars Chris Zylka (The Leftovers, The Amazing Spider-Man) and Riley Keough (Mad Max: Fury Road, Starz’s new The Girlfriend Experience) and impressive supporting performances from music legends Faith Hill and Steve Earle, Dixieland is an intoxicating portrait of life and love on the margins. Fresh out of prison, Kermit (Zylka), a mostly good kid mixed up with local drug dealers, returns home to his rural Mississippi trailer park. As he struggles to keep his nose clean, he falls for Rachel (Keough, the granddaughter of Elvis Presley), his sultry neighbor who has turned to dancing in a club to support her sick mother. Determined to overcome their inauspicious circumstances, the star-crossed lovers make a desperate, last-ditch effort to escape their dead-end town – but soon find themselves ensnared in a cycle of crime.
Writer-director Hank Bedford’s “authentic” (Los Angeles Times) debut feature, an IFC theatrical release, joins Winters Bone, Mud and The Place Beyond the Pines on the leading edge of heartland American cinema.
The Great Hypnotist
Well Go USA / Released 4/5/16 |
Xu Ruining (Xu Zheng), a nationally renowned therapist incredibly skilled in hypnotherapy. But when his career takes off, he meets a patient named Ren Xiaoyan (Karen Mok) who brings him a complex problem. Xu Ruining discovers that with this particular case, the struggle between the doctor and the patient is not as easy as he expected. Despite her thin and weak appearance, Ren Xiaoyan always reacts violently to any problems with Xu Ruining. He wonders what exactly makes her closed-off to everyone. Is it from a painful memory in her childhood or the ring mark still visible on her middle finger? While sparing no efforts to figure out what has happened, he finds himself falling into a horrible trap…
Bride of Re-Animator
Arrow Video / Released 4/12/16 |
DATE. MATE. RE-ANIMATE. The success of Stuart Gordon’s hit horror-comedy Re-animator meant that a sequel was all but inevitable. The resulting follow-up, Bride of Re-animator – this time helmed by director Brian Yuzna (Society, Return of the Living Dead 3) – would prove that there was a good deal more life left in the story of Dr. Herbert West and his ghoulish exploits. It is 8 years since the Miskatonic massacre. Unperturbed by the disastrous outcome of his previous meddling with the dead, Dr. West (again played by Jeffrey Combs) continues his research into the phenomenon of re-animation; only this time, he plans to create life – starting with the heart of his young protégé Dan’s dearly deceased, Meg Halsey. Surely nothing could go wrong?
With special effects master Screaming Mad George (the man behind the infamous “shunting” sequence in Society) on hand to contribute a host of characteristically weird and wonderful creations – including zombified bats and a one-eyed finger spider – Bride of re-animator is a more than worthy successor to Gordon’s original cult classic. Extras include commentary, featurettes, deleted scenes, and R-Rated cut.
The Forest
Universal / Released 4/12/16 |
A young woman’s hunt for her missing sister leads to horror and madness in The Forest, starring Natalie Dormer (Game of Thrones and The Hunger Games) and Taylor Kinney (Chicago Fire, Zero Dark Thirty).
When her troubled twin sister Jess mysteriously disappears, Sara Price (Dormer) discovers Jess vanished in Japan’s legendary Aokigahara Forest. Searching its eerie dark woods with the help of journalist Aiden (Kinney), Sara plunges into a tormented world where angry spirits lie in wait for those who ignore the warning: stay on the path. Extras include commentary, featurette, gallery and storyboards.
Village of the Damned
Shout! Factory/ Released 4/12/16 |
From the master of suspense, John Carpenter, comes a chilling new version of the sci-fi classic.
Something is terribly wrong in the tiny village of Midwich. After an unseen force invades a quiet coastal town, ten women mysteriously find themselves pregnant. Local physician Dr. Alan Chaffee (Christopher Reeve) and government scientist Dr. Susan Verner (Kirstie Alley) join forces when the women simultaneously give birth… and the reign of supernatural terror begins and the people of Midwich must try to find a way to stop the unstoppable in the Village of the Damned. Extras include making of, featurettes, vintage interviews ans featurettes, trailers and still gallery.
Shadows in an Empty Room
Kino Lorber / Released 4/12/16 |
Tension and thrills await in this all-star slice of 70s crime excitement! When his sister is poisoned at a party, hardened Canadian cop Tony Saitta (Stuart Whitman, Maniac) embarks on a violent investigation that turns into a shocking whirlpool of revenge and betrayal. Featuring one of the decade’s greatest car chases and an arsenal of plot twists, this blend of fast- paced action film and tough police procedural from cult director Alberto De Martino (The Antichrist, Holocaust 2000) features a stellar cast including John Saxon (Queen of Blood), Oscar winner Martin Landau (Ed Wood), Tisa Farrow (Zombie), Carole Laure (Sweet Movie), Jean Leclerc (Whispers) and Gayle Hunnicutt (The Legend of Hell House).
Destroyer / Edge of Sanity
Shout! Factory / Released 4/12/16 |
A Double Feature of Horror starring Anthony Perkins.
Destroyer
When Ivan Moser (football great Lyle Alzado), a convicted serial killer, is set to be electrocuted, a devastating prison riot erupts on the day of the execution. In the wake of the destruction and mayhem, the prison is shut down and Moser becomes a legend. No proof of his death exists. Eighteen months later, a film director (Anthony Perkins) intrigued by the legend of Moser, decides to use the prison as a film set. One the last night of filming, the truth of Moser’s fate is about to be revealed. The film crew, trapped inside the prison, begin to disappear one by one. This electrifying thriller also stars Deborah Foreman (Valley Girl) and Clayton Rohner (I, Madman).Edge of Sanity
Anthony Perkins (Psycho) stars as an outwardly rational Dr. Jekyll who rapidly descends into a world of sexual obsession and murder as Mr. Hyde… and who may also be Jack the Ripper! A shocking new twist on one of the most infamous crime stories of all time, this terrifying thriller will keep you on the cutting edge of fear! After a lab experiment unleashes mysterious fumes, Dr. Henry Jekyll undergoes a horrifying transformation into a savage alter ego who calls himself “Jack Hyde.” Meanwhile, the depraved killer Jack the Ripper is slicing his way through the alleys of Whitechapel, leaving mutilated streetwalkers in his wake. Is there a connection between Jekyll/Hyde and Jack the Ripper? And can anyone stop his reign of terror?
Lady in the Car With Glasses & A Gun
Magnolia / Released 4/12/16 |
Based on the novel by Sébastien Japrisot (One Deadly Summer, A Very Long Engagement), the neo-noir thriller rides along with Dany (Freya Mavor) after she steals her boss’ blue Thunderbird in hopes of finally making her way to the sea.
Dany’s fantasy joyride along the Mediterranean Coast quickly turns into a nightmare when a dead body is discovered hiding inside the trunk of her stolen car. While attempting to piece together the murder, Dany is soon battling her own psyche as she tries to understand how locals from a seaside town she’s never been to claim they have seen her before. Has she lost her mind, or is the quaint seaside town trying to pin her for a murder she didn’t commit?
Lady in the Car With Glasses & A Gun also stars Benjamin Biolay, Elio Germano and Stacy Martin.Extras include interview with director Joann Sfar, featurette and trailer.
A Tale Of Two Cities
Shout! Factory / Released 4/12/16 |
An epic love story. An unforgettable adventure. Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities comes to magnificent life in a lavish adaptation of the literary classic set against the backdrop of the French Revolution.
Chris Sarandon (The Princess Bride, Fright Night) takes on a dual role as French aristocrat Charles Darnay and London lawyer Sydney Carton – both of whom are in love with the beautiful Lucie (Alice Krige, Ghost Story). As the world around them grows more and more uncertain, one of them will make the ultimate sacrifice in the name of love and honor. Also featuring David Suchet, Barry Morse, and the legendary Peter Cushing, this Golden Globe and Emmy nominee is a glorious telling of Dickens’ tale of passion, intrigue, and revolution.
Grace And Frankie Season 1
Lionsgate/ Released 4/12/16 |
For as long as they can recall, Grace (Jane Fonda) and Frankie (Lily Tomlin) have been at odds with each other. But their relationship suddenly changes when they learn that their husbands, Robert (Martin Sheen) and Sol (Sam Waterston), have fallen in love and asked for divorces – so they can marry one another!
As everything around the ladies is coming apart, the only thing they can really rely on is each other. Cast also includes Brooklyn Decker, Ethan Embry, June Diane Raphael and Baron Vaughn. Extras include commentaries, featurettes, and gag reel.
Episodes include:
- The End: Grace & Frankie are stunned when their husbands inform them that they want divorces. They’re even more stunned when they find out why.
- The Credit Cards: The messy realities of divorce start to sink in for Grace, Frankie, Robert, Sol and their equally frazzled adult children.
- The Dinner: Grace and Frankie decide to go back to work. Robert and Sol have an awkward dinner party for their children.
- The Funeral: Emotions run high When a funeral throws Grace, Frankie, Robert and Sol together in public for the first time since the split.
- The Fall: Grace has an eye-opening experience when she goes out for frozen yogurt with Frankie and Brianna on a Saturday night.
- The Earthquake: Sol takes care of Frankie after she has an earthquake freak-out, while Grace goes on her first date. Coyote pays Mallory a surprise visit.
- The Spelling Bee: Frankie, Grace and Brianna have unexpected encounters when they try new ways to deal with being single.
- The Sex: Frankie takes a new look at her Yam Man Jacob, while Grace and Guy get closer. Bud and Coyote have a brotherly talk. Sol is terrified of Brianna.
- The Invitation: Brianna tries Frankie’s homemade organic beauty product. Robert finds out about Guy and Grace. Frankie tries to set boundaries with Sol.
- The Elevator: After they sign the divorce papers, Frankie, Grace, Sol, Robert and Bud remember a pivotal weekend from five years before.
- The Secrets: Grace tells Frankie a secret that Frankie shares with Sol, setting off multiple arguments in both houses. Brianna gets closer with a co-worker.
- The Bachelor Party: Bud and Coyote ask Brianna and Mallory to help them throw Sol and Robert’s bachelor party. Grace offers to do ANYTHING to cheer up Frankie.
- The Vows: As the wedding day approaches, Grace and Robert have problems expressing themselves, while Sol and Frankie finally clear out their old house.
Sisters: Season 4
Shout! Factory/ Released 4/12/16 |
The story of the unforgettable Reed women continues in the fourth season of Sisters, the hit television series from creators Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman. Following the lives of Alex (Swoozie Kurtz), Georgie (Patricia Kalember), Frankie (Julianne Phillips), and Teddy (Sela Ward) – four very different women forever connected by the bonds of family – Sisters: Season Four beautifully builds upon the well-defined characters and seriocomic storylines that made the series a standout among its broadcast peers.
George Clooney (2005 Best Actor Oscar winner for Syrianna) and Jo Anderson (Beauty and the Beast, Roswell) join an already strong supporting cast for this must-see chapter in the lives of the Reed siblings. Through triumph and tragedy, and with humor and heart, you can always count on your Sisters. Notable guest stars include Ken Jenkins, Kirsten Dunst, Nora Dunn, Paul Rudd, Jayne Meadows, Audrey Meadows, Ashley Judd, Diane Ladd, Bodhi Elfman, Robert Klein, and Jeffrey Combs.
Flight 7500
Lionsgate/ Released 4/12/16 |
From the director of The Grudge comes this spine-chilling journey into fear. On a flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo, a plane is shaken by severe weather. When the turbulence subsides, a passenger suddenly dies — and a supernatural force is unleashed, overtaking the passengers as they desperately fight to figure out what it is and how to stop it. Flight 7500 stars Leslie Bibb, Jamie Chung, Jerry Ferrara, Ryan Kwanten, Johnathon Schaech, and Amy Smart. Extras include featurette.
Power Rangers: Wild Force: The Complete Series
Shout! Factory/ Released 4/12/16 |
An ancient evil has awakened from a time long forgotten. The only hope for the world is the floating island in the sky known as the Animarium – the remains of an ancient kingdom destroyed by the Orgs 3000 years ago. Living on the Animarium, giant beasts, known as Wild Zords, recruit five young heroes from the modern world and grant them the power to become Power Rangers. To aid the Power Rangers in their battle to save the Earth from the evil Orgs, the Wild Zords descend from their habitat in the sky when the Rangers need them the most. With a virtual zoo of gigantic animals fighting by their side, the Power Rangers Wild Force prove that when humans and animals work together to save the planet, nothing can stop them. Includes all 40 episodes!
This season includes the episode “Forever Red,” an episode which brings back many actors in on-screen appearances as past characters: Austin St. John as “Jason Lee Scott/Red Morphin Ranger”; Jason David Frank as “Tommy Oliver/Red Zeo Ranger”; Selwyn Ward as “TJ./Red Turbo Ranger”; Christopher Khayman Lee as “Andros/Red Space Ranger”; Danny Slavin as “Leo Corbett/Red Galaxy Ranger”; Sean Cw Johnson as “Carter Grayson/Red Lightspeed Rescue Ranger”; Jason Faunt as “Wesley Collins/Red Time Force Ranger”; Daniel Southworth as “Eric Myers/Quantum Ranger,” and special cameos by Paul Schrier and Jason Narvy as “Bulk & Skull.”
Ken Burns: Jackie Robinson
PBS / Released 4/12/16 |
Jackie Robinson rose from humble origins to cross baseball’s color line and become one of the most beloved men in America. A fierce integrationist, Robinson used his immense fame to speak out against the discrimination he saw on and off the field, angering fans, the press, and even teammates who had once celebrated him for “turning the other cheek.” After baseball, he was a widely read newspaper columnist, divisive political activist and tireless advocate for civil rights, who later struggled to remain relevant as diabetes crippled his body and a new generation of leaders set a more militant course for the civil rights movement. Featuring intimate and revealing interviews with his family and rarely seen photographs and film footage, this two-part, four-hour documentary tells the extraordinary story of an American icon whose lifelong battle for first class citizenship for all African Americans transcends even his remarkable athletic achievements. “Jackie Robinson,” Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “was a sit-inner before sit-ins, a freedom rider before freedom rides.”
Part One: Jack Roosevelt Robinson rose from humble origins to break the color barrier in baseball, becoming one of the most beloved men in America. Born to tenant farmers in rural Georgia and raised in Pasadena, California, Robinson excelled at athletics from an early age, eventually enrolling at UCLA, where he lettered in four sports and met his future wife, a nursing student named Rachel Isum. Facing racism and discrimination everywhere, Robinson refused to give in, defying Jim Crow segregation in Pasadena and, as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, standing up for his rights when ordered to move to the back of a military bus. Robinson’s tremendous baseball skill, strength of character and insistence on equality made him the perfect choice for Branch Rickey, the manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, in his search for a black player with the talent and fortitude to integrate Major League Baseball. On April 15, 1947, Robinson, wearing the number 42, became the first African American player in the Major Leagues in more than half a century. He faced slurs, threats and abuse, as fans and managers taunted him, pitchers threw at his head, and runners tried to spike him, but he suppressed his natural instinct to fight back. Despite the torments and pressure, Robinson performed spectacularly on the field, helping the Dodgers clinch the National League pennant and winning the first ever “Rookie of the Year” award.
Part Two In 1949, Robinson led the Dodgers to the World Series for the second time in three seasons and won the Most Valuable Player award. He also began to speak out, arguing calls with umpires and challenging opposing players. His outspokenness drew the scorn of fans, a once-adoring press, even his own teammates. He was accused of being “uppity,” a “rabble-rouser,” and urged to be “a player, not a crusader.” After baseball, he found new ways to use his fame to fight discrimination, writing newspaper columns, raising money for the NAACP and jailed protesters, supporting the political candidates he believed would push for equality and working towards economic empowerment for blacks. But as the civil rights movement he had once seemed to embody became more militant, its demands more strident, he was accused of being out of touch – an Uncle Tom. Yet even as diabetes crippled his body and unspeakable tragedy visited his home, Robinson continued to fight for first class citizenship for all African Americans. Extras include The Anderson Monarchs outtakes, a conversation with the filmmakers.
Standoff
Lionsgate/ Released 4/12/16 |
Carter (Thomas Jane) is a troubled veteran who gets a chance at redemption by protecting a 12-year-old girl from a deadly assassin (Laurence Fishburne) after she witnesses a murder. Holding a shotgun with a single shell, he engages in physical and psychological warfare in a desperate fight for the girl’s life. Extras include featurette.
Prisoners’ Wives Complete Collection
Acorn Media/ Released 4/12/16 |
When men are sent to prison, what happens to their women? After Gemma’s (Emma Rigby, Endless Love) husband is arrested for murder and her perfect life comes crashing down, she becomes part of a strange sorority including the glamorous wife of a career criminal, a struggling young mother, and a respectable widow, all left behind to pick up the pieces. Polly Walker (Rome), Iain Glen (Game of Thrones), Natalie Gavin (The Syndicate), and Pippa Haywood (Mr. Selfridge) star in a saga of love, heartbreak, and unlikely friendship.
Includes the episodes:
- S01E01: Gemma has the perfect life: a beautiful home, a doting husband, and a baby on the way. But her world comes crashing down when her husband, Steve, is arrested for murder. During her first visit to the prison, Gemma meets the glamorous Francesca, wife of a career criminal, and Lou, who is bringing her seven-year-old son to visit his father for the first time.
- S01E02: Needing money after her house is seized, Francesca gets a job as a hospital cleaner and finds herself enjoying her new independence and the company of her coworker, Lukasz. Gemma takes action to clear Steve’s name, and respectable mother Harriet tries to visit her son, Gavin.
- S01E03: When Gavin is beaten and threatened by other inmates, Harriet considers doing the unthinkable to save him. Francesca and her children move in with her father after their eviction, and Gemma uncovers disturbing details about Steve’s business that make her question their whole relationship.
- S01E04: Harriet and Gavin start to reconcile, even as Francesca and Paul grow farther apart. Gemma hides her cooperation with the police from Steve, and Lou’s supplier, Tapper, uses Mason in a drug-dealing scheme that leads to disastrous consequences for Lou.
- S01E05: Out on bail, Lou stays at Harriet’s house, but the women quickly clash. During Family Day at the prison, Steve begins to suspect that Gemma is talking to the police, Lou breaks the news to Sean about what happened, and Gavin gets annoyed that his mother seems more interested in Lou than in him.
- S01E06: Sean is released from prison and moves in with Harriet, Lou, and Mason. Harriet and Gavin finally start to mend their relationship, while Francesca has an opportunity to earn some money from a drug deal. Gemma enters witness protection when Andy threatens her and reveals the truth about Steve.
- S02E01: After fleeing a house fire set by one of Paul’s rivals, Francesca also contends with her husband’s request to facilitate a business transaction. Paul’s runner Brendan hopes to get out of jail in time for the wedding of his daughter, Aisling. Harriet begins dating Ian, and Kim is distraught when her husband, Mick, is charged with sexual assault of a minor.
- S02E02: Kim looks for evidence to prove Mick’s innocence, while Francesca starts a car-cleaning business as a front to Paul’s illegal activities, despite DCI Fontaine’s ongoing investigation into Chris’s death. Aisling rekindles her friendship with Francesca’s son, Matt, and Harriet invites Ian over for a romantic dinner.
- S02E03: Frank confronts Francesca about the passports and visits Paul in prison for the first time. When Brendan is taken to the hospital, Aisling abandons the perfect façade she keeps up for her fiancé’s family so that she can see him. Mick learns of Kim’s affair, and Kim struggles to control the children when they start acting out.
- S02E04: Francesca is released on bail, but DCI Fontaine warns her that her family could be in danger. Gavin is charged for attacking Ian, and Harriet must make a difficult decision. Mick has mixed feelings about returning home, while Aisling pursues a relationship with Matt.
Miracle Beach
MGM Limited/ Released 11/17/15 |
A romantic comedy-fantasy set in the Southern California beach scene. Scotty McKay (Dean Cameron, Summer School) is a down on his luck yuppie who used to have it all, but has lost everything, even his girl. One day he and his buddies discovers a magic lamp which conjures the very lonely and beautiful Jeannie (Ami Dolenz, She’s Out of Control) and she grants them their every wishes. Soon the guys are carousing in splendor surrounded by their hearts desires. Unfortunately, it isn’t enough for Scotty, who really wants his sexy super-model neighbor and asks Jeannie to make him more desirable, but as she disobeys her commands and interferes with Scotty’s wishes, all sorts of mayhem ensues. Pat Morita (The Karate Kid), Alexis Arquette (The Wedding Singer), Allen Garfield (Busting), Vincent Schiavelli (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Ghost) and Martin Mull (Clue, Mr. Mom) all co-star in this hilarious and heart-warming comedy about finding one’s true love.
It Happened In Flatbush
Fox Cinema Archives / Released 12/15/15 |
Aging baseball manager Frank “Butterfingers” Maguire (Lloyd Nolan) is a hard-liner when it comes to coaching his Brooklyn team, whose members hope to oust him with a petition. But then Frank falls in love with the team’s owner (Carole Landis) and also manages to stop a young baseball player from giving up on his career. In the end, Frank ignores the petition and takes his team all the way to the pennant!
Bad Boy
Fox Cinema Archives / Released 12/15/15 |
In this slapstick comedy Nolan (James Dunn) a good-hearted ne’r-do-well, hustles for a living as a pool shark. He’d like to marry his girl Sally Larkin (Dorothy Wilson), but hasn’t figured out how to blend his life style with a marriage. Then Eddie hustles a man who turns out to be Sally’s father. To make matters worse, some gangsters put the squeeze on. Eddie and Sally work together to save her dad and to save the day.
Weird Loners: The Complete Series
Fox Television/ Released 11/17/15 |
The world is filled with happy couples. Meet a group of friends who have no idea what that’s like. Four 30-something misfits- Caryn (Becki Newton), Stosh (Zachary Knighton), Zara (Meera Rohit Kumbani) and Eric (Nate Torrence) may be relationship challenged, but at least they found each other in the Queens, New York townhouse they call home. And whether they’re sabotaging relationships with nice people, trying to avoid relatives or pretending to be gay, the quirky quartet will make you laugh at their relationship foibles- and possibly your own! Includes the episodes:
- Weird Pilot: A sitcom about the relationship foibles of four different thirtysomethings unsuspectingly thrown together in a townhouse in Queens begins. The roommates include a romantic, a womanizer, a free spirit and a man-child.
- Weird Dance: Caryn’s mother insists she go to Florida to tell her grandmother about breaking her wedding engagement. However, upon arrival Caryn can’t muster up the courage so she resorts to Plan B. Meanwhile, to help Eric deal with his father’s death, Zara pretends to communicate with the man from the hereafter.
- Weirded Out: Caryn and Zara are extremely pleased about Stosh cooking dinners for them and Eric, until they discover from where he gets his groceries. Meanwhile, Stosh is in debt to a bookie, and pays him off owes with money Eric gave him to buy a new television.
- Weird Knight: Caryn does Eric a favor by going to dinner with a nerdy member of his human chess league, but then is bummed when the guy doesn’t give her a follow-up call. Meanwhile, Stosh turns “agent” for Zara and convinces her to sign up for an art contest.
- The Weirdfather: During a visit to meet his 12-year-old son for the first time, Stosh and he bond over watching “The Godfather.” Meanwhile, Zara deals with Caryn, who’s turned clingy and overbearing in their budding friendship.
- We’re Here. We’re Weird. Get Used to Us: The gang goes to a lesbian bar where Caryn and Stosh compete for the same woman.
Cristela: The Complete First Season
Fox Television / Released 11/17/15 |
In her sixth year of law school, Cristela is finally on the brink of landing her first big (unpaid) internship at a prestigious law firm. The only problem is that her pursuit of success is more ambitious than her traditional Mexican-American family thinks is appropriate. She’s stuck straddling the old culture she’s trying to modernize at home with her working-class family and the modern world she’s trying to embrace in her professional career. Breakout comedian Cristela Alonzo stars in this hilarious comedy about laughing your way down the path to the new American dream. Includes the episodes:
- Pilot: A prestigious internship becomes available in the opener of this series, in which an ambitious Mexican-American law-school student struggles to balance her career with her family life.
- Soul Mates: Cristela wants nothing to do with online dating but agrees to one date after her online profile, created by Daniela, proves popular.
- Mr. Felix and Ms. Daniela: Felix helps calm tensions between Daniela and Cristela when Daniela’s friend mistakes Cristela for the family’s nanny, a mistake which Daniela does not correct. Meanwhile, Alberto tries to get closer to Cristela.
- Hall-Oates-Ween: Cristela plans a Halloween party. Meanwhile, Natalia voices her dislike for the holiday.
- Super Fan: When Cristela connects with Trent by talking sports, Josh asks her to teach him in the hopes that it will help his chances at landing a permanent position.
- Equal Pay: When the interns are asked to prepare arguments for a client which are in favor of gender based pay inequality, Cristela refuses to participate. Meanwhile, an emotional argument breaks out at home over the same issue.
- Enter Singing: Cristela looks forward to taking Henry to West Side Story, especially when Maddie gives her box seats. Unfortunately, Felix refuses to allow her to take Henry.
- Floor Favor: When Trent wants the floor of his office redone, Cristela recommends Felix and Alberto for the job. Meanwhile, Daniela tries to teach the internet to Natalia.
- It’s Not About the Tamales: Cristela looks forward to the family Christmas tradition of making tamales with her mom and sister. Daniela and Cristela’s brother Eddie, who is the apple of his mother’s eye, returns from an out of state job. Josh joins the tamale making when he mistakes a joke for an invitation.
- Veronica: Trent and his wife, Veronica, are at loggerheads with each other with Cristela caught in the middle. Meanwhile, Henry and Isabella disagree about the best way to sell chocolates for their school’s fundraiser.
- Dead Arm: When Isabella is accused of being a bully at school, Cristela sets out to find the person whom she learned the behavior from.
- Hypertension: Thinking that Cristela is neglecting her health, Daniela deviously uses Henry to get her to exercise and in the process causes a rift between the sisters. At the office, Josh jumps on an opportunity to learn CPR so that he can put it on his resume. Believing Cristela should be the one to get the First Aid stipend, she sets out to teach Josh a lesson.
- Mexican Mona Lisa: Cristela is thrilled to fill in as Trent’s assistant for the week. Meanwhile at home, Daniela and Cristela assume the worst after Felix tells Daniela that the doctor’s office called for Natalia.
- Marriage, Counselor: Cristela acts as a marriage counselor for Trent and Veronica. Meanwhile, Daniela becomes upset with Felix after she uncovers a lie.
- Gifted & Talented: Cristela is determined, perhaps too determined, to help Isabella get into a program for the gifted and talented; meanwhile, Trent makes Maddie accountable for her actions when she is in another car accident.
- Confirmation: Cristela’s loyalty is tested when Henry chooses her as his confirmation sponsor at the same time Trent asks her to work on his charity walk-a-thon. Later, Trent, accused of being racist, attempts to clear his name.
- Fifteen-Something: When the entire family is invited to a quinceañera (a 15th birthday celebration), Natalia wants everyone to look their best to show up the hostess. For Cristela, she insists on her bringing her ‘white boyfriend’ from work.
- Latino 101: When Trent represents a landlord accused of refusing to rent to minorities, he has Cristela sit at the counsel table during the trial hoping to demonstrate that the defendant doesn’t have any prejudices, but his plan backfires. Meanwhile, Alberto bonds with Natalia and Daniela questions his motives.
- Great Expectations: When Maddie doesn’t do her share of a joint project that Trent gave to her and Cristela, Cristela asks Trent to give her a chance to motivate Maddie to work harder. At home, Daniela goes on a business trip leaving Felix to look after the kids by himself.
- Last Goose Standing: In a crossover episode with “Last Man Standing,” Tim Allen plays his Mike Baxter character from that show and seeks Cristela’s legal help in expanding his gun range in Dallas, which requires her to curry favor with a zoning commissioner.
- Village Mode: With the bar exam approaching, Cristela, Josh and Maddie all deal with the pressure in a different way, and when Daniela loses her job, Natalia leans on Cristela to reconsider taking the test and perhaps try another profession.
- Movin’ on Up: After Cristela, Josh and Maddie find out their bar exam results, each is left with major decisions to make regarding their futures.
Married: The Complete Season 2
Fox Television / Released 11/17/15 |
Despite Russ and Lina Bowman’s (Nat Faxon and Judy Greer) struggle to reclaim their youth, middle age is about to claim them! Meanwhile, as Lina’s mom slips mentally, Russ’s mom slips into something slinky for a cruise with a wealthy man. When Lina agrees to help AJ (Brett Gelman) by directing his children’s play about addiction, Russ also tries to help- while drunk. The girls test their limits with their parents, Miranda pushes the envelope with Russ, and the man in the guesthouse may or may not be a serial killer as the second hilarious season of Married unfolds! Guest stars include Paul Reiser, M.C. Gainey, Frances Conroy, John Hodgman, Martin Starr, Joanna Cassidy, Rob Huebel and Ronny Cox.
Includes the episodes:
- Thanksgiving: Russ and Lina have a surprise Thanksgiving. Jess and AJ pretend not to know each other.
- Aftershocks: Lina and Russ let the wrong friends host her 40th birthday party.
- The Sandwich: Russ and Lina go on separate dates.
- Koreatown: Russ and AJ have a big night out. Lina tries to be the cool mom.
- Pimps: Russ & Lina go to extreme lengths for a family vacation.
- Murder!: Lina and Russ play hooky from work to investigate the man living in their guest house.
- The Cruise: Lina helps Russ manage his relationship with his mother.
- Mother’s Day: Lina bails on her Mother’s Day brunch.
- Guardians: Russ and Lina try to figure out who gets the kids if they die.
- 1997: Russ and Lina go back to their old school and party like it’s 1997.
- Triggers: AJ ropes Russ into working on a children’s book. Lina butts heads with Abby’s ex.
- Gymnastics: Russ and Lina bump into Russ’s old flame at a gymnastics meet.
- The Waiter: Russ and his assistant start to get too close. Lina and AJ work together on a children’s play about the dangers of addiction.
Stomping Ground
Brink / Released 3/8/16 |
Ben & Annie are a young couple living in Chicago, on a weekend trip to Annie’s small North Carolina hometown. At the local bar they run into Paul, a charming old friend of Annie’s, and Ben learns something he never knew about his girlfriend: She believes in Bigfoot. In fact, she and her friends used to hunt for the creature when they were kids. Before Ben knows it, he’s off on an impromptu Squatchin’ trip deep in the Carolina backwoods. Amidst the Squatch calls, campfire stories and beers, Ben quickly realizes that Paul may have an ulterior motive in bringing Annie to the woods. And something else out here seems to be after her as well. Everyone but Ben thinks its Bigfoot. But it can’t be, can it? After all, Bigfoot isn’t real…
Last Word: Director/co-writer Dan Riesser’s fun Bigfoot flick is surprisingly enjoyable, especially considering the big guy doesn’t make an appearance until the film is nearly over! Billed (not inaccurately) as a horror/comedy, Stomping Ground follows a young couple, Ben and Annie, to Annie’s hometown in the rural South for Thanksgiving with her mom.
Ben, born and raised in Chicago, already feels out of place in this setting. His insecurity is greatly exacerbated by the entrance of Annie’s old friend, Paul, who obviously stills holds a torch for Annie and never misses an opportunity to dig at Ben the city slicker or to tell stories of Annie’s wilder days, of which Ben had no knowledge.
It’s also revealed that Annie and Paul (with friend Jed) would go on excursions in the nearby woods to search for Bigfoot. Ben is incredulous that his girlfriend actually believes in the beast, but reluctantly agrees to go with the three into the woods for old times’ sake the next (badly hungover) morning.
Most of the running time is spent with the four hiking in the woods, finding apparent clues (footprints, etc), talking with supposed witnesses, and camping out. It quickly becomes badly clear to Ben that Paul plans to steal Annie from Ben, playing up the idea that she and Ben have nothing in common and that she belongs in her hometown, not some damned metropolis up North.
Meanwhile, it would seem that there is something out there, whether it’s actually Bigfoot or not is unclear… What may sound tedious is actually fast-paced and amusing. Happily, this isn’t a spoof or jokefest full of weak one-liners. The comedy mostly comes from poking fun at stereotypes, both Northern and Southern. Jed, who looks and sounds like a true redneck, knowingly subverts Ben’s (and likely many viewers’) expectations. And the locals underestimate Ben’ strength, even while in surroundings uncomfortable to him. Riesser does two very smart things. The first is that he takes the central conflict seriously.
There are many amusing – as well as some laugh-out-loud – putdowns between Paul and Ben, but the stakes – their mutual love for Annie – is played for real. The second is casting. All four leads (and supporting roles as well) are quite good. The acting and repartee is consistently natural.
As Ben, John Bobek (who evokes Alan Tudyk) has an easy charm but doesn’t sugarcoat the moments when Ben acts like an insecure ass. Tarah DeSpain, who bears more than a passing resemblance to fellow Southerner KaDee Strickland, is completely convincing as a former wild gal who’s trying to act like an adult, while Jeremy Blackford and Justin Giddings are just right as two young adults who’d just as soon remain kids. It’s nice that Bigfoot plays directly into this central conflict as opposed to just being a sidebar, which, considering his limited screen time, it very well could have been.
And there is also a very good reason Annie believes in the creature, which we learn late in the film. The effects and photography are pretty decent for a micro-budget film, the score (lotsa banjo) is fun and effective, and the rural locations are key. Those looking for a creature-feature rampage are going to be sorely disappointed. But if you’re feeling a tad adventurous, and are aware that this is basically a comedy-drama with horror elements, you could have a good time with Stomping Ground. (– Dean Galanis)
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