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OnVideo's Weekly Guide to Home Video Releases
April 18:
Bigger Fatter Liar: A teenage habitual liar leaves suburbia to prove a sleazy executive stole his idea for a video game.
April 21:
Rings: Samara returns: A young woman finds herself on the receiving end of a terrifying curse that threatens to take her life in seven days. (DVD, Blu-ray release: May 2)
Apocalypse Child
(2015) What if all your life you were told that you were the son of the Francis Ford Coppola? Myth and real-life intertwine in this slice-of-life relationship drama from the Philippines. After Coppola shot Apocalypse Now on the sun-drenched Philippines beaches of Baler, his crew unintentionally transformed the small town into a future surfing destination after a surfboard from the movie set was left behind. Fast forward to today, where Ford (Sid Lucero), a surfing instructor, is content to while away the hours on the azure blue waves and in the arms of his pretty runaway girlfriend (Annicka Dolonius). But there is a restlessness about him that is about to unravel. Formats: DVD, Digital. (Candy Factory Films).
Bigger Fatter Liar
(2017) Ricky Garcia, Barry Bostwick, Jodelle Ferland. Kevin Shepherd (Garcia) has gotten away with lying his entire life, but when scheming producer Larry Wolf (Bostwick) steals Kevin's idea for a hot new video game, the tables get turned, and Kevin must team with his best friend (Ferland) to plot a series of devious pranks to set the record straight. Extras: "The Making of Bigger Fatter Liar," "Bigger Fatter Liar: The Players." Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital. (Universal).
Buena Vista Social Club
A Cowgirl’s Story
(2017) Bailee Madison, Chloe Lukasiak, Aidan Alexander, Froy Gutierrez, Pat Boone. The story follows the adventures of Dusty Rhodes (Madison), who goes to live with her grandfather (Boone) while her military parents are serving in the armed forces in Afghanistan. When she starts an equestrian club at her new school in an effort to support the troops, she unites the community like never before. Formats: DVD, Digital. (Samuel Goldwyn Films/Sony).
Disturbing the Peace
(2016) A story of the human potential unleashed when we stop participating in a story that no longer serves us and, with the power of our convictions, take action to create new possibilities. The film follows former enemy combatants -- Israeli soldiers from elite units and Palestinian fighters, many of whom served years in prison -- who have joined together to challenge the status quo and say "enough." The film reveals their transformational journeys from soldiers committed to armed battle to nonviolent peace activists, leading to the creation of the group Combatants for Peace.
Formats: DVD, Digital. (Virgil Films).
In the Doghouse
(2014) Kim Hamilton, Matt Masella, Alana Baer. When a divorced mom tries to start dating again, her kids and the family dog set out to sabotage the dates. They're successful until her high school sweetheart shows up and he quickly catches on. Now the kids find themselves in a comedic battle of wits to sway their mom’s heart away from the new man in her life, and back to their father. Formats: DVD, VOD.
(Breaking Glass Pictures).
A League of Their Own 25th Anniversary Editon
(1992) Dir.: Penny Marshall; Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Lori Petty, Madonna, Rosie O'Donnell, Megan Cavanagh, Tracy Reiner, Bitty Schram, Ann Cusack, Anne Ramsay. Formats: Blu-ray Disc, Digital. Extras: New “Bentonville, Baseball & The Enduring Legacy of A League of Their Own” featurette that includes a visit to the annual softball game at the Bentonville Film Festival, featuring all-new interviews with Geena Davis, and more; 15 deleted scenes; nine-part documentary featuring interviews with the cast and filmmakers; Madonna’s “This Used to Be My Playground” music video; filmmaker commentary; theatrical trailer. (Sony).
Masterpiece: Home Fires: Season 2
(2016) Two-disc set with six episodes of the BBC series that follows the story of a group of inspirational women in an English village during World War II. As the conflict takes hold and the separation from their husbands, fathers, sons and brothers becomes more painful, the women rely on one another and the friendships forged through village life.
Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: (PBS Distribution).
The Red Queen Kills Seven Times
(1972 - Italy) Giallo chiller from director Emilio P. Miraglia that was previously only available in the "Killer Dames" limited edition box set. Miraglian blends the grisly
Sleepless
(2017) Jamie Foxx, Michelle Monaghan, Dermot Mulroney, David Harbour, Tip “T.I.” Harris, Gabrielle Union, Scoot McNairy. An undercover homicide detective (Foxx) seeks revenge on his son’s kidnappers during one sleepless night. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Deleted scenes, "One Long Night: The Making of Sleepless." (Universal).
Split
(2017) Dir.: M. Night Shyamalan; James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Haley Lu Richardson, Kim Director, Jessica Sula, Brad William Henke, Betty Buckley. A man with 23 personalties kidnaps three girls, who must try to escape before the last and most sinister 24th personality begins emerges to take control. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital,
UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Alternate ending, deleted scenes, "The Making of Split" behind-the-scenes featurette, "The Many Faces of James McAvoy," "The Filmmaker’s Eye: M. Night Shyamalan" with producers, cast, and crew discussing how Night’s process gives them the freedom to execute their roles to the fullest. (Universal).
Tales From the Hood BLU-RAY DEBUT
(1995) This cult horror anthology from director Rusty Cundieff and executive producer Spike Lee was lauded for its take on complex social issues like police brutality and domestic abuse. Stack, Ball and Bulldog arrive at a local funeral parlor to retrieve a lost drug stash held by the mortician Mr. Simms (Clarence Williams III). But Mr. Simms has plans for the boys. He leads them on a tour of his establishment, introducing them to his corpses. Even the dead have tales to tell and Mr. Simms is willing to tell them all. And you better listen -- because when you’re in the ‘hood, even everyday life can lead to extraordinary terror. Formats: Blu-ray Disc. Extras: New "Welcome to Hell: The Making of Tales from the Hood" featurette featuring interviews with director-writer Rusty Cundieff, producer-writer Darin Scott, actors Corbin Bernsen, Wings Hauser and Anthony Griffith, special effects supervisor Kenneth Hall, doll effects supervisors Charles Chiodo and Edward Chiodo; commentary with Cundieff; vintage “Making of” featurette; original theatrical trailer; original TV spots; still gallery. (Scream Factory).
Teen Titans: The Judas Contract
(2017) New feature-length animated film inspired by the 1984 DC story
arc from Marv Wolfman and George Pérez. Led by Starfire, the Teen
Titans -- Beast Boy, Raven, Blue Beetle, Robin and the just-returned
Nightwing -- have built a cohesive team in their never-ending battle
against evil; but their newest teammate, the mysterious, and powerful
Terra, may be altering that dynamic. Meanwhile, an ancient evil,
Brother Blood, has awakened, and familiar foe Deathstroke is lurking
in the shadows -- both waiting to pounce. Ultimately, the Teen Titans
will need to battle their enemies and their own doubts to unite and
overcome the malicious forces around them, in this twisting tale of
intrigue, adventure and deception. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD
Combo, Blu-ray Deluxe Edition, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud).
Blu-ray extras: "Titanic
Minds: Wolfman and Perez" documentary explores a creative partnership
that has lasted decades as Marv Wolfman and George Pérez come together
to discuss their careers and one of the most famous runs in Teen Titan
history, The Judas Contract; "Villains United—Deathstroke" featurette;
"Batman and Harley Quinn" sneak peek; the Deluxe Edition adds an
exclusive figurine of Blue Beetle in a numbered, limited edition gift
set. (Warner).
Woman of the Year
Split
While the mental divisions of those with dissociative identity disorder have long fascinated and eluded science, it is believed that some can also manifest unique physical attributes for each personality, a cognitive and physiological prism within a single being. Though Kevin (James McAvoy) has evidenced 23 personalities to his trusted psychiatrist, Dr. Fletcher (Betty Buckley), there remains one still submerged who is set to materialize and dominate all the others. Compelled to abduct three teenage girls led by the willful, observant Casey (Anya Taylor-Joy), Kevin wages a war for survival among all of those contained within him -- as well as everyone around him -- as the walls between his compartments shatter apart.
Vitals: Director: M. Night Shyamalan. Stars: James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Haley Lu Richardson, Kim Director, Jessica Sula, Brad William Henke, Betty Buckley.
2017, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 116 min., Horror, Box office gross: $131.089
million, Universal.
Extras: Alternate ending, deleted scenes,
"The Making of Split" behind-the-scenes featurette, "The Many Faces of James McAvoy,"
"The Filmmaker’s Eye: M. Night Shyamalan" with producers, cast, and crew discussing how Night’s process gives them the freedom to execute their roles to the fullest.
The Founder
The true story of how Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton), a salesman from Illinois, met Mac and Dick McDonald, who were running a burger operation in 1950s Southern California. Kroc was impressed by the brothers' speedy system of making the food and saw franchise potential. He maneuvered himself into a position to be able to pull the company from the brothers and create a billion-dollar empire.
Vitals: Director: John Lee Hancock. Stars: Michael Keaton, Linda Cardellini, Patrick Wilson, Nick Offerman, Laura Dern, John Carroll Lynch, B.J. Novak.
2017, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 115 min., Drama, Box office gross: $11.205
million, The Weinstein Co./Anchor Bay
Extras: “The Story Behind the Story” featurette, “Michael Keaton as Ray Kroc” featurette, “The McDonald Brothers” featurette, "The Production Design” featurette, "Building McDonald’s: Time Lapse Video,” press conference with filmmakers and cast.
Sleepless
Undercover police officer Vincent Downs (Jamie Foxx) thrives in the high stakes web of corrupt cops and the mob-controlled casino underground of Las Vegas. But when a heist goes wrong and a crew of homicidal gangsters kidnaps Downs’ teenage son, he must evade an internal affairs investigation, rescue his son, and bring the kidnappers to justice all in one sleepless, pulse-pounding night.
Vitals: Director: Baran bo Odar. Stars: Jamie Foxx, Michelle Monaghan, Dermot Mulroney, David Harbour, Tip “T.I.” Harris, Gabrielle Union, Scoot McNairy.
2017, CC, MPAA rating: R, 96 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $20.133 million, Universal.
Extras: Deleted scenes, "One Long Night: The Making of Sleepless."
(1999) Traveling from the streets of Havana to the stage of Carnegie
Hall, this revelatory documentary captures a forgotten generation of
Cuba’s brightest musical talents as they enjoy an unexpected brush
with world fame. The veteran vocalists and instrumentalists
collaborated with American guitarist and roots-music champion Ry
Cooder to form the Buena Vista Social Club, playing a jazz-inflected
mix of cha-cha, mambo, bolero, and other traditional Latin American
styles, and recording an album that won a Grammy and made them an
international phenomenon. In the wake of this success, director Wim
Wenders filmed the ensemble’s members -- including golden-voiced
Ibrahim Ferrer and piano virtuoso Rubén González -- in a series of
illuminating interviews and live performances. The result is one of
the most beloved music documentaries of the 1990s, and an infectious
ode to a neglected corner of Cuba’s prerevolutionary heritage.
Formats: DVD and Blu-ray. New high-definition digital transfer,
with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack on the Blu-ray.
Extras: Audio commentary
from 1999 featuring director Wim Wenders; new interview with Wenders;
"We Believe in Dreams," a new piece featuring never-before-seen
outtakes from the rehearsals for the Buena Vista Social Club’s
Amsterdam concerts; interview from 1998 with musician Compay Segundo
on his career and the Cuban music scene; radio interviews from 2000
featuring musicians Ibrahim Ferrer, Rubén González, Eliades Ochoa,
Omara Portuondo, and others; additional scenes; trailer; an essay by
author and geographer Joshua Jelly-Schapiro. (The Criterion
Collection)
Donnie Darko Limited Edition
(2001) Fifteen years before "Stranger Things" combined science fiction, Spielberg-ian touches and 80s nostalgia to much acclaim, Richard Kelly set the template -- and the high-water mark -- with his debut feature, "Donnie Darko." Initially beset with distribution problems, it would slowly find its audience and emerge as arguably the first cult classic of the new millennium. Donnie is a troubled high school student: in therapy, prone to sleepwalking and in possession of an imaginary friend, a six-foot rabbit named Frank, who tells him the world is going to end in 28 days 06 hours 42 minutes and 12 seconds. During that time he will navigate teenage life, narrowly avoid death in the form of a falling jet engine, follow Frank's maladjusted instructions and try to maintain the space-time continuum. Described by its director as "The Catcher in the Rye as told by Philip K. Dick," "Donnie Darko" combines an eye-catching, eclectic cast -- pre-stardom Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal, heartthrob Patrick Swayze, former child star Drew Barrymore, Oscar nominees Mary McDonnell and Katherine Ross, and television favorite Noah Wyle -- and an evocative soundtrack of 80s classics by Echo and the Bunnymen, Tears for Fears and Duran Duran. Brand new 4K restorations of both the Theatrical Cut and the Director's Cut from the original camera negatives produced by Arrow Films exclusively for this release, supervised and approved by director Richard Kelly and cinematographer Steven Poster, with original 5.1 audio. Formats: Blu-ray/DVD Combo. Extras: Audio commentary by writer-director Richard Kelly and actor Jake Gyllenhaal on the Theatrical Cut; audio commentary by Kelly, producer Sean McKittrick and actors Drew Barrymore, Jena Malone, Beth Grant, Mary McDonnell, Holmes Osborne, Katharine Ross and James Duval on the Theatrical Cut; audio commentary by Kelly and filmmaker Kevin Smith on the Director's Cut; new interviews with Richard Kelly and others; "The Goodbye Place," Kelly's 1996 short film, which anticipates some of the themes and ideas of his feature films; "The Donnie Darko Production Diary," an archival documentary charting the film's production with optional commentary by cinematographer Steven Poster; 20 deleted and alternate scenes with optional commentary by Kelly; archive interviews with Kelly, actors Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Drew Barrymore, James Duval, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Holmes Osborne, Noah Wyle and Katharine Ross, producers Sean McKittrick, Nancy Juvonen, Hunt Lowry and Casey La Scala, and cinematographer Steven Poster; three archive featurettes: "They Made Me Do It," "They Made Me Do It Too" and "#1 Fan: A Darkomentary"; storyboard comparisons; B-roll footage; "Cunning Visions" infomercials; "Mad World" music video by Gary Jules; galleries; trailers; TV spots; illustrated collector's booklet containing new writing by Nathan Rabin; reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Candice Tripp. (Arrow Video/MVD Entertainment).
The Handmaid’s Tale BLU-RAY DEBUT
(1990) Dir.: Volker Schlöndorff; Natasha Richardson, Faye Dunaway, Robert Duvall, Aidan Quinn, Elizabeth McGovern. Based on Margaret Atwood's controversial and critically acclaimed best-selling novel. In the not-so-distant future, the strong-willed and beautiful Kate (Richardson) possesses a precious commodity that most women have lost and most men want to control... fertility. Having committed a crime by trying to escape the country, she is sentenced to life as a Handmaid. Leaving a brain-washing bootcamp that turns fertile women into surrogate mothers for elite men and their infertile wives, Kate thinks she's made out well when she's assigned to an eminent party leader (Duvall). But when she learns that he's sterile, she's faced with the impossible choice: produce him an heir or die. Formats: Blu-ray/DVD Combo. (Shout! Factory’s Shout Select).
The Night Evelyn Came Out of the Grave
(1971 - Italy) Giallo chiller from director Emilio P. Miraglia that was previously only available in the "Killer Dames" limited edition box set. Miraglian blends the grisly whodunnit of the giallo with gothic and supernatural elements to create some truly unique chills in tales of revenge from beyond the grave and killer curses. Troubled aristocrat Alan Cunningham (Anthony Steffen), haunted by the death of his first wife Evelyn, tries to move on by marrying the seductive Gladys (Marina Malfatti). Marital bliss is short-lived, however, as various relatives meet untimely and gruesome deaths, prompting speculation that a vengeful Evelyn has risen from the grave. Formats: Blu-ray/DVD Combo. (Arrow Video/MVD Entertainment).
headed back to school for what looks like another uneventful year. But they soon find their friendship tested by the arrival of Rikako, a beautiful new transfer student from Tokyo whose attitude vacillates wildly from flirty and flippant to melancholic. When Taku joins Rikako on a trip to Tokyo, the school erupts with rumors, and the three friends are forced to come to terms with their changing relationships. "Ocean Waves" was the first Studio Ghibli film directed by someone other than studio founders Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, as director Tomomi Mochizuki led a talented staff of younger employees in an adaptation of Saeko Himuro’s best-selling novel ("Ocean Waves" was also a rare Studio Ghibli made-for-TV film). Full of shots bathed in a palette of pleasingly soft pastel colors and rich in the unexpected visual details typical of Studio Ghibli’s most revered works, "Ocean Waves" is an accomplished teenage drama and a true discovery. The film received a limited US run in 2016. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: The short film "The Ghiblies Episode 2," a rare gem not available to own in North America until now. An animated collection of vignettes following the daily adventures of employees at an animation studio. "Looking Back: Staff Reunion," US theatrical trailer. Blu-ray adds feature-length layouts for the film. (GKIDS/Universal).
whodunnit of the giallo with gothic and supernatural elements to create some truly unique chills in tales of revenge from beyond the grave and killer curses. An age-old family curse hits sisters Kitty (Barbara Bouchet) and Franziska (Marina Malfatti) following the death of their grandfather Tobias (Rudolf Schündle). Every hundred years, so the legend goes, the bloodthirsty Red Queen returns and claims seven fresh victims. Was Tobias just the first ... and are Kitty and Franziska next? Formats: Blu-ray/DVD Combo. (Arrow Video/MVD Entertainment).
(1942) Before Katharine Hepburn ever met Spencer Tracy, she wanted him
as her co-star in this film. George Stevens’ "Woman of the Year,"
conceived to build on the smashing comeback Hepburn had made in "The
Philadelphia Story," is the story of rival newspaper reporters who wed
only to find that their careers aren’t so compatible, and in it the
pair forged a fresh and realistic vision of what marriage could be.
The freewheeling but pinpoint-sharp screenplay by Ring Lardner Jr. and
Michael Kanin won an Academy Award, and Hepburn was nominated for best
actress. "Woman of the Year" marks the beginning of the personal and
professional union between Hepburn and Tracy, who would go on to make
eight more films together, and it stands as a dazzling, funny, and
sometimes rueful observation of what it takes for men and women to get
along — both in the workplace and out of it.
Formats: DVD and Blu-ray. New high-definition digital
restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray.
Extras: New interview with
George Stevens Jr., the director’s son; new interview with George
Stevens biographer Marilyn Ann Moss; new interview with writer Claudia
Roth Pierpont on actor Katharine Hepburn; "The Spencer Tracy Legacy: A
Tribute by Katharine Hepburn," an 86-minute documentary from 1986;
trailer; an essay by critic Stephanie Zacharek. (The Criterion
Collection)
© 1996 -- 2017 OnVideo. All rights reserved
April 19, 2017
(ISSN 1094-3676).
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