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OnVideo's Weekly Guide to Home Video Releases

Tuesday, October 10 -- Monday, October 16

All DVD Releases

  • Baby Driver

    photo for The surprise hit of the year -- no surprise, actually, if you know the work of director Edgar Wright ("Shaun of the Dead," 2004; "Hot Fuzz," 2007; "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World," 2010, and "The World's End," 2013) and his offbeat movies that draw in diverse audiences and great reviews. Here he tells the story of Baby (Ansel Elgort), a young getaway car driver in Atlanta who drives for crime kingpin Doc (Kevin Spacey) to pay off an old debt. Suffering from tinnitus, Baby blocks the noise in his ears by constantly listening to music mixes on iPods -- and although he's absorbed with his music, he's the best driver around. Doc never uses the same crew twice, and the current crew -- consisting of trigger-happy Bats (Jamie Foxx), Buddy (Jon Hamm), an easy-going killer, and Darling (Eiza González), Buddy's lawless girl -- have little faith in Baby -- or Doc. When their heist goes wrong, Baby kills Bats using his car in an unbelievable way, Darling is shot dead by the police, and Buddy goes after Baby with a vengeance. On the run from Buddy, Doc and the police, Baby's only hope is to get of town fast with his money and his waitress girlfriend (Lily James). The beauty of the film is its no-frills dialogue, extremely fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping action, and its music -- the actor's timing (in particular Baby's driving) and movements are synced with the killer soundtrack -- that has become one of the best-selling records of the year). It's stylish, thrilling, exciting, innovative, well-directed and acted. Not to be missed. Vitals: Director: Edgar Wright. Stars: Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Lily James, Jon Bernthal, Eiza González, with Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx. 2017, CC, MPAA rating: R, 113 min., Action Thriller, Box office gross: $105.930 million, Sony. Extras: "I Need A Killer Track: The Music" featurette explores how the film's phenomenal soundtrack dictated both the writing process and all aspects of production; "That's My Baby: Edgar Wright" featurette follows Wright's vision of the film from its inception two decades ago, to its ultimate realization on the big screen; "Meet Your New Crew: Doc's Gang" behind the scenes featurette; "Devil Behind The Wheel: The Car Chases" featurette examines the amazing craftsmanship and sheer determination that made the film's incredible car chases possible, from closing down Atlanta's interstates to creating eyepopping maneuvers for a variety of vehicles; "Mint Royale -- Blue Song" music video, directed by Wright years ago for the band Mint Royale, showcases some early inspiration for Baby Driver; director commentary; filmmaker commentary (Edgar Wright and director of photography Bill Pope). Blu-ray adds 20 minutes of extended/deleted scenes; "Mozart in a Go-Kart: Ansel Drives" featurette riding shotgun with star Ansel Elgort as he works with the talented stunt drivers to become the ultimate getaway driver; "Find Something Funky on There: The Choreography" featurette: With every frame of "Baby Driver" set to a specific beat, it took precise choreography by the cast, crew and editors to create a cinematic dance like nothing that's been done before; "Animatics" featurette with over 35 minutes of the numerous pre-vis animatics developed by Wright; "Ansel Elgort Audition"; "Annotated Coffee Run Rehearsal" featurette on Day one of production, which involved one of the film's most elaborately choreographed sequences where every movement is carefully crafted; "Hair, Make Up & Costume Tests"; "Complete Storyboard Gallery." 4 stars


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  • The Beguiled

    photo for The Beguiled Lurid for its time, Don Siegel’s 1971 Civil War drama “The Beguiled,” about a Union Soldier hiding out in a girls boarding school in the South near the end of the Civil War, was all lust and sex and anger, as Clint Eastwood's woman-crazy soldier jumped from one bed to another. It was definitely a male-made and male-dominated film; an emblem of its time (even with the shocking, female empowered ending). Sofia Coppola decided to redo "The Beguiled" -- from the women's point of view -- and has made a gorgeous, lush drama that stays close to the framework of the original film, and Thomas P. Cullinan’s 1966 novel “A Painted Devil,” on which the first film was based. But where the 1971 version was gritty, this version is cool, with pastel colors, beautiful landscapes and sets, and a sound design of crickets and birds chirping. As the film progresses, the colors darken -- as if to signify that the arrival of the wounded union solder at the girl's school has totally disrupted the natural order of things. Yes, there is lust and envy here, and while some of the girls allow themselves to be taken in by the soldier's flirting -- or start to act out their own repressed sexuality with him -- it's all pretty innocuous until the soldier makes a fatal mistake and sets off the film's denouement. As Corporal John McBurney, Colin Farrell steals the show, alternating between passive acceptance of his role with the woman and his desire to control the situation; his outbursts of anger are truly frightening. As headmistress for Miss Farnsworth’s Seminary for Young Ladies, Nicole Kidman is the solid center of the film, playing a devout Christian who -- though tempted by the flesh -- controls her emotions for the good of her girls -- she's not a prude, or repressed, just realistic. The supporting cast -- Elle Fanning as a bratty, oversexed young woman, Kirsten Dunst as a shy teacher who thinks she's in love with McBurney, and Oona Laurence as the youngest of the girls, who finds the wounded McBurney in the woods, are all top-notch. Like the South of yore it portrays, Coppola's "The Beguiled" is slow and languorous, building up its plot to an explosive ending that really never comes. It's beautiful to watch, but, as a filmic meal, it doesn't have enough calories. Vitals: Director: Sofia Coppola. Stars: Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Colin Farrell, Oona Laurence. 2017, CC, MPAA rating: R, 93 min., Drama, Box office gross: $10.576 million, Universal. Extras: "A Shift in Perspective": Filmmakers and cast discuss how this version of "The Beguiled" is a departure from the novel of the same name and its earlier film adaptation; "A Southern Style" behind-the-scenes featurette. 3 stars

  • The House

    photo for The House When Scott and Kate Johansen’s daughter gets into the college of her dreams it’s cause for celebration. That is, until Scott and Kate (Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler) learn that the scholarship they were counting on didn’t come through, and they’re now on the hook for tuition they can’t begin to afford. With the help of their friend and neighbor Frank (Jason Mantzoukas) -- also in need of a major payday -- they decide to open an illegal casino in his suburban house, risking everything together on a Vegas-style bacchanal where money flows, inhibitions are checked at the door, and all bets are off. Vitals: Director: Andrew Jay Cohen. Stars: Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Jason Mantzoukas, Nick Kroll, Jeremy Renner. 2017, CC, MPAA rating: R, 88 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $25.353 million, Warner. Extras: Gag reel. Blu-ray adds: "The House: Playing With a Loaded Deck": Pranks, practical jokes and unpredictability; "If You Build The House They Will Come" featurette on how the cast and crew transformed an ordinary quiet suburban house to a full-blown underground Vegas-style casino complete with high-roller tables, a pool party and Fight Night, and how the cast went to poker school, learning to place their bets from the pros; deleted scenes; extended/alternate Scenes; Line-O-Ramas. 2 stars

  • Wish Upon

    photo for Wish Upon Twelve years after discovering her mother’s suicide, 17-year-old Clare Shannon (Joey King) is bullied in high school, embarrassed by her manic, hoarder father Jonathan (Ryan Phillippe) and ignored by her longtime crush. All that changes when her father comes home with an old music box whose inscription promises to grant its owner seven wishes. While Clare is initially skeptical of this magic box, she can’t help but be seduced by its dark powers, and is thrilled as her life radically improves with each wish. Clare finally has the life she’s always wanted and everything seems perfect -- until the people closest to her begin dying in violent and elaborate ways after each wish. Clare realizes that she must get rid of the box, but finds herself unable and unwilling to part with her new-and-improved life -- leading her down a dark and dangerous path. Vitals: Director: John R. Leonetti. Stars: Sherilyn Fenn, Joey King, Shannon Purser, Ryan Phillippe, Elisabeth Rohm. 2017, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 90 min., Horror, Box office gross: $11.737 million, Broad Green Pictures. 2 stars


    This Week's Digital Releases

    October 10:

    Batman vs. Two-Face: Batman and Robin are back in classic 1960s animated action, protecting Gotham City from some of the most nefarious villains in comics history. (DVD, Blu-ray release: October 17)
    Lady-Like: Follows Allie (Simbari), who is simultaneously a hilarious loudmouth and brilliant introvert, as she struggles to find her place at a prestigious university. Hindered by her inclination to simply throw on a pair of sweatpants, order take out, and watch Netflix, Allie effectively eludes the obstacles in her life—preferring gossip and humor to working hard and finding concrete solutions. (Digital only)
    One Percent More Humid: A pair of childhood friends (Juno Temple and Julia Garner) reunite during their summer break from college and deal with a traumatizing experience from their past. (Digital only)
    War for the Planet of the Apes: In the third chapter of the franchise. Caesar and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel. (DVD, Blu-ray release: October 24)

    October 13:

    M.F.A.: The gripping story of a young woman forced to take action to protect herself Noelle (Francesca Eastwoods), an art student struggling to find her voice, is sexually assaulted by a fellow classmate. Attempting to cope with her trauma, she impulsively confronts her attacker, leading to a violent altercation that culminates in his accidental death. (Digital only)

    October 16:

    Insecure: The Complete Second Season (Digital only)

    Read more.


    Blu-ray Debuts

  • Dudes [Collector’s Edition] (1987) (Shout! Factory)
  • The Lure (2015 -- Poland) (Criterion)
  • Othello (1952/1955) (Criterion)
  • The Sea Wolf (1941)
  • T-Men (1947)

    Read more.




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All DVD Releases

Armed Response (2017) Wesley Snipes, Anne Heche, Seth Rollins. A team of highly trained operatives find themselves trapped inside an isolated military compound after its artificial intelligence is suddenly shut down. The crew begins to experience strange and horrific phenomena as they attempt to uncover the unidentifiable threat that killed the previous team. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: “Inside the Minds of Armed Response” featurette. (Lionsgate).

photo for Baby Driver Baby Driver (2017) Dir: Edgar Wright; Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Lily James, Jon Bernthal, Eiza González, with Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx. After being coerced into working for a crime boss (Kevin Spacey), Baby (Ansel Elgort), a young getaway driver, who relies on the beat of his personal soundtrack to be the best in the game, finds himself taking part in a heist doomed to fail. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Combo, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: "I Need A Killer Track: The Music" featurette explores how the film's phenomenal soundtrack dictated both the writing process and all aspects of production; "That's My Baby: Edgar Wright" featurette follows Wright's vision of the film from its inception two decades ago, to its ultimate realization on the big screen; "Meet Your New Crew: Doc's Gang" behind the scenes featurette; "Devil Behind The Wheel: The Car Chases" featurette examines the amazing craftsmanship and sheer determination that made the film's incredible car chases possible, from closing down Atlanta's interstates to creating eyepopping maneuvers for a variety of vehicles; "Mint Royale -- Blue Song" music video, directed by Wright years ago for the band Mint Royale, showcases some early inspiration for Baby Driver; director commentary; filmmaker commentary (Edgar Wright and director of photography Bill Pope). Blu-ray adds 20 minutes of extended/deleted scenes; "Mozart in a Go-Kart: Ansel Drives" featurette riding shotgun with star Ansel Elgort as he works with the talented stunt drivers to become the ultimate getaway driver; "Find Something Funky on There: The Choreography" featurette: With every frame of "Baby Driver" set to a specific beat, it took precise choreography by the cast, crew and editors to create a cinematic dance like nothing that's been done before; "Animatics" featurette with over 35 minutes of the numerous pre-vis animatics developed by Wright; "Ansel Elgort Audition"; "Annotated Coffee Run Rehearsal" featurette on Day one of production, which involved one of the film's most elaborately choreographed sequences where every movement is carefully crafted; "Hair, Make Up & Costume Tests"; "Complete Storyboard Gallery." (Sony).

The Beguiled (2017) Director: Sofia Coppola. Stars: Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Colin Farrell, Oona Laurence. The unexpected arrival of a wounded Union soldier at a girls' school in Virginia during the American Civil War leads to jealousy and betrayal. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: "A Shift in Perspective": Filmmakers and cast discuss how this version of "The Beguiled" is a departure from the novel of the same name and its earlier film adaptation; "A Southern Style" behind-the-scenes featurette. (Universal).

Demonic (2015) Maria Bello, Frank Grillo, Cody Horn, Dustin Milligan. The film centers on the aftermath of a horrific massacre where five college students were brutally murdered inside an abandoned home. Detective Mark Lewis (Grillo) and psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Klein (Bello) question one of the few survivors who explains they were amateur ghost-hunters, seeking out paranormal phenomenon at the abandoned house, which was believed to be haunted. But what started out as a harmless activity turned into something truly terrifying. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). (Lionsgate).

photo for Dudes Dudes [Collector’s Edition] BLU-RAY DEBUT (1987) Urban angst meets the Wild West when three NYC punks (Jon Cryer, Daniel Roebuck and Flea) on a road trip to California cross paths with a vicious gang and their psycho leader (Lee Ving). Aided by a pistol-packin’ knockout (Catherine Mary Stewart), a daredevil Elvis Presley impersonator (Pete Willcox), and mystical spirits of the past, they relentlessly pursue the gang to an epic, hallucinogenic, final showdown. Directed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Penelope Spheeris ("The Decline of Western Civilization," "Suburbia," "Wayne’s World"), "Dudes" blasts a killer soundtrack featuring The Vandals, The Little Kings, Keel, Jane’s Addiction and Steve Vai. Extras: Jon Cryer interviewed by Penelope Spheeris; Flea Interviewed by Spheeris; Catherine Mary Stewart interview; Daniel Roebuck interviewed by Spheeris; J. Randall Johnson and Miguel Tejada-Flores interview; trailer; Vintage featurette: Making of Dudes"; photo gallery. (Shout! Factory’s Shout Select).

Dynasty: The Complete Series (1981-89) Fifty-seven disc set with all 217 episodes. An icon of catfights, camp and 80s excess, the Golden Globe-winning (Best Television Series - Drama, 1984) primetime soap opera arrives on DVD for the first time in a new shelf-friendly complete series collection -- timed for the modernized reboot of the series on The CW. The outrageously photo for Dynasty: The Complete Series entertaining pop culture phenomenon aired from 1981-1989, and changed the entertainment landscape with its larger-than-life portrayal of the luxurious lives and passionate loves of the wealthy and powerful Carrington family. Famous for its plotlines of treachery and betrayal mixed with unforgettable camp and larger-than-life glamour, the captivating series was created by Richard and Esther Shapiro and produced by TV legend Aaron Spelling. The primetime soap opera features Golden Globe-winning performances by John Forsythe as oil magnate Blake Carrington, Joan Collins as former wife Alexis Carrington Colby, Linda Evans as Blake's new wife Krystle Carrington, Heather Locklear as Sammy Jo Dean Carrington, Pamela Sue Martin as Fallon Carrington Colby, and Diahann Carroll as Dominique Deveraux. Formats: DVD. Extras: Character profiles on Steven and Fallon Carrington; "Family, Furs and Fun: Creating Dynasty" behind-the-scenes interviews with show creators, Richard and Esther Shapiro, along with actors Al Corley and Pamela Sue Martin; "Interactive Dynasty Season Two Family Tree," an interactive family tree map of each character and how they relate to one another; "Entertainment Tonight" interview from 1985 with Linda Evans and Rock Hudson. (CBS/Paramount).

photo for Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas 40th Anniversary Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas 40th Anniversary (1977) Based on the treasured book by Russell and Lillian Hoban, the film is the touching story of a down-on-its-luck otter family that risks everything for the chance to win the cash prize at a Christmas talent contest. In 1977, the television special featured a special appearance by the Kermit the Frog as the narrator. In subsequent airings, Kermit’s narration was edited out, but this fully remastered version includes the restored scenes with Jim Henson’s iconic character. Formats: DVD. Extras: “Behind the Scenes in Frogtown Hollow” featurette, deleted/alternate scenes, outtakes, lost song: “Born in a Trunk.” (Sony).

Everybody Hates Chris: The Complete Series (2005-09) Sixteen-disc set with all four seasons. Coming-of-age comedy that follows the childhood of legendary comedian Chris Rock. Narrated by Rock and inspired by his formative years, the acclaimed sitcom follows a black teen in Brooklyn during the early 1980s who attends a mostly white photo for Everybody Hates Chris: The Complete Seriesschool. Bolstered by a soundtrack that beautifully evokes the 80s, he show chronicles the life-of the young Chris, whose family's penny-pinching is leavened by love (and laughs). Formats: DVD. Extras: Behind-the-scenes moments, commentary from the cast and crew, deleted scenes, gag reels. Includes "Everybody Hates the Making of Everybody Hates Chris," "Everybody Hates the Set," "Everybody Hates Video Cameras," "Everybody Hates the Music," "Everybody Hates Bloopers," "Everybody Hates the Cast and Crew Again," "Everybody Hates Standins," "Everybody Hates Wardrobe," "Location, Location, Location," "Give 'em Props," more. (CBS/Paramount).

Fallen (2017) Addison Timlin, Jeremy Irvine, Harrison Gilbertson, Lola Kirke, Daisy Head, Hermione Corfield, Malachi Kirby, Joely Richardson. A supernatural love story that transcends the boundaries of heaven and earth. Luce (Timlin) is just an ordinary teen girl until a shocking accident sends her to a mysterious reform school for misfit and eclectic teenagers. There, she meets two students, Daniel (Irvine) and Cam (Gilbertson). Torn between the instant electrifying connection she feels with Daniel and the attracting force of Cam, Luce is quickly pulled into a passionate love triangle. As she tries to piece together deeply fragmented memories, she is left with a feeling of undeniable longing for her one true love and the revelation of a love story that has been going on for centuries. Based on Lauren Kate’s worldwide best-selling young adult book of the same name, Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital. Extras: “The Making of Fallen,” featuring interviews with “Fallen” best-selling author Lauren Kate, director Scott Hicks and stars Addison Timlin and Jeremy Irvine; “Missing Footage From Fallen:” deleted and alternate scenes; “Lauren Kate: The Author's Blessing”; “Meet the Fallen” cast behind-the-scenes featurette. (Sony).

Heartstone (2017 -- Iceland) Baldur Einarsson, Blær Hinriksson, Diljá Valsdóttir, Katla Njálsdóttir, Gunnar Jónsson, Søren Malling, Nína Dögg Filippusdóttir. In a remote fishing village in Iceland, teenage boys Thor and Christian experience a turbulent summer as one tries to win the heart of a girl while the other discovers new feelings toward his best friend. When summer ends and the harsh nature of Iceland takes back its rights, it's time to leave the playground and face adulthood Formats: DVD, VOD. (Breaking Glass Pictures).



The House (2017) Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Jason Mantzoukas, Nick Kroll, Jeremy Renner. Scott and Kate Johansen must figure out a way to earn some money after their daughter's scholarship falls through and, when all else fails, the desperate couple join forces with their neighbor Frank to start an underground casino in his home. As the cash rolls in and the good times fly, Scott and Kate soon learn that they may have bitten off more than they can chew. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Extras: Gag reel. Blu-ray adds: "The House: Playing With a Loaded Deck": Pranks, practical jokes and unpredictability; "If You Build The House They Will Come" featurette on how the cast and crew transformed an ordinary quiet suburban house to a full-blown underground Vegas-style casino complete with high-roller tables, a pool party and Fight Night, and how the cast went to poker school, learning to place their bets from the pros; deleted scenes; extended/alternate Scenes; Line-O-Ramas. (Warner).

photo for House by the Lake House by the Lake (2017) James Callis, Anne Dudek, Amiah Miller. A struggling couple, Scott and Karen, pack up their troubled young daughter and head to a picturesque lake house to reconnect and put their problems behind them. As Emma spends time with her new nanny, the little girl begins fixating on an imaginary friend she calls the Fish Man. Karen's fear of the strange man down the beach, Emma's fear of the water and her recurring sleepwalking continue to raise tensions in the house and drive a wedge between Scott and Karen until one night Emma disappears. When she's found breathing underwater in the tub, Emma insists she's been with the Fish Man. And he's coming back for her. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital. (Random Media).

Impractical Jokers: The Complete Fifth Season (2016) Four-disc set with all 26 episodes of truTV’s top-rated series. In season five, the guys visit the world-famous Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in New York, play an epic game of catch-and-release at the supermarket and go on a helicopter ride from hell. The four jokers also pose as receptionists, cashiers, restaurant hosts, pet store employees and wreak havoc at a pawn shop. The season ends with a two-hour event in which the guys team with NITRO CIRCUS and face obstacle courses, high-flying jumps, and much more. Formats: DVD. Extras: Deleted Scenes, "British Invasion Special," "Impractical Jokers: Inside Jokes." (truTV).

Justice League Action: Season 1 Part 1 (2016-17) Two-disc set with 26 episodes. The first DVD collection of the hit Cartoon Network animated series. The “Trinity” of DC’s Justice League -- Superman (voiced by Jason J. Lewis), Batman (Kevin Conroy) and Wonder Woman (Rachel Kimsey) -- are joined by a galaxy of rotating allies and enemies like John Constantine, Zatanna, Booster Gold, Plastic Man, Lobo, Mr. Freeze, Black Adam and Swamp Thing. The Super Heroes must battle enemies that include space invaders and bizarre forces of magic as they try to defend Earth from Super-Villains intent on destroying the planet. The star-studded voice roster includes Mark Hamill (The Joker, Swamp Thing), Carl Reiner (The Wizard), James Woods (Lex Luthor), Jon Cryer (Felix Faust), Christian Slater (Deadshot), Sean Astin (Shazam), Ken Jeong (Toyman), Diedrich Bader (Booster Gold), Andy Richter (Chronos), Jake T. Austin (Blue Beetle), Mena Suvari (Killer Frost), Lacey Chabert (Zatanna), Jerry O’Connell (The Atom), and Patton Oswalt (Space Cabbie). Formats: DVD. (Warner).

Lewis Black: Black to the Future (2017) Known as the king of the rant, Lewis Black uses his trademark style of comedic yelling and animated finger-pointing to skewer anything and anyone that gets under his skin. His live performances provide a cathartic release of anger and disillusionment for his audience. A passionate performer who is a more pissed-off optimist than mean-spirited curmudgeon, Black is the rare comic who can cause an audience to laugh themselves into incontinence while making compelling points about the absurdity of our existence. Recorded live just a few blocks from his home in New York City, Black sheds light on this crazy, messed-up world. Also available on CD and LP. Formats: DVD. Extras: Bonus performance: "The Rant Is Due: Live From Napa." (MVD Entertainment Group). Due October 13.

The Lure photo for The Lure (2015 -- Poland) This genre-defying horror-musical mash-up -- the bold debut of Polish director Agnieszka Smoczynska -- follows a pair of carnivorous mermaid sisters drawn ashore to explore life on land in an alternate 1980s Poland. Their tantalizing siren songs and otherworldly auras make them overnight sensations as nightclub singers in the half-glam, half-decrepit world of Smoczynska's imagining. The director gives fierce teeth to her viscerally sensual, darkly feminist twist on Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid," in which the girls' bond is tested and their survival threatened after one sister falls for a human. A coming-of-age fairy tale with a catchy synth-fueled soundtrack, outrageous song-and-dance numbers, and lavishly grimy sets, The Lure explores its themes of emerging female sexuality, exploitation, and the compromises of adulthood with savage energy and originality. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, with high-definition digital master, supervised by director of photography Kuba Kijowski, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack on the Blu-ray. Extras: New program about the making of the film, featuring interviews with director Agnieszka Smoczynska, actors Marta Mazurek and Michalina Olszanska, screenwriter Robert Bolesto, Kijowski, composers Barbara and Zuzanna Wronski, sound designer Marcin Lenarczyk, and choreographer Kaya Kolodziejczyk; deleted scenes; "Aria Diva" (2007) and "Viva Maria!" (2010), two short films directed by Smoczynska; an essay by writer Angela Lovell. (The Criterion Collection)

Maudie (2016) Sally Hawkins, Ethan Hawke. The true story of folk artist Maud Lewis (1903-1970) (Hawkins) and the unlikely romance between Maud and a hardened reclusive bachelor, Everett Lewis (Hawke). Maud Lewis, a bright-eyed, intelligent woman, hunched with crippled hands from arthritis, yearns to be independent and to live away from her overly protective family. She escapes her solitary existence in her aunt’s home through her art, dreaming away the days, until in her early 30s she finds, and answers, an advertisement for a housekeeper. With the eventual support of Lewis, she becomes a famous folk artist. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital. Extras: Deleted scenes, “Inside Story” featurette. “Directors Look Book” featurette. (Sony).

photo for Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland (2017) Based on the best-selling book written by the late Michael Jackson’s most trusted bodyguards, Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard with Tanner Colby, the scripted Lifetime Original Movie -- featuring the acting debut of Navi, a Michael Jackson tribute artist who worked closely with the pop legend as his body double for many years -- gives an intimate view of The King of Pop both as a caring father and as a man enduring untold hardships during the last years of his life. A behind-the-scenes perspective from those closest to the music icon. Co-stars Chad L. Coleman, Sam Adegoke. Formats: DVD. (Lionsgate).

Murdoch Mysteries: Once Upon a Murdoch Christmas (2016) Set in Toronto in the late 1890s and early 1900s during the age of invention, Murdoch Mysteries (aka The Artful Detective) centers on Detective William Murdoch, a methodical and dashing detective, who enlists radical new forensic techniques to solve some of the city’s most gruesome murders. Days before Christmas in Edwardian-era Toronto, Detective William Murdoch is called to investigate a daring train robbery. When witnesses insist the culprit exhibited superhuman abilities, Constable Crabtree realizes the robber bears a striking resemblance to the title character of his new graphic novel, Jumping Jack. As more robberies targeting gifts from Eaton’s luxury department occur around Toronto, Murdoch and his team are forced to consider the possibility that Crabtree’s character has come to life. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurettes. (Acorn Media).

Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas (2017) It’s Christmas Eve and Elmo couldn’t be more excited for a visit from Santa and gifts under the tree. To coax the little monster into drifting off to sleep, Elmo's dad spins him a bedtime story about his great-great-grandmonster, back when Sesame Street was a very different place and everyone was so grouchy Santa didn’t even visit. With some help from his friends it is Elmo’s job to bring kindness, holiday cheer, and the spirit of Christmas to Sesame Street. Formats: DVD. Extras: Full length special "Elmo Saves Christmas." (Warner).

Open Water 3 Cage Dive (2017) Joel Hogan, Megan Peta Hill, Josh Potthoff, Pete Valley. Nail-biting third chapter in the popular Open Water series has three friends from California heading to the rugged Australian coast for a cage-dive encounter with deadly great whites. But after attracting a swarm of vicious sharks, their tour boat is destroyed by a massive rogue wave. As clouds gather and darkness descends, the three friends find themselves alone and defenseless, afloat in the chilly ocean as hungry man-eaters begin to circle. With little hope of rescue, they must fight to survive using only their courage. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). (Lionsgate).


photo for Othello Othello (1952/1955) Gloriously cinematic despite being made on a tiny budget, Orson Welles's "Othello" is a testament to the filmmaker's stubborn willingness to pursue his vision to the ends of the earth. Unmatched in his passionate identification with Shakespeare's imagination, Welles brings his inventive visual approach to this enduring tragedy of jealousy, bigotry, and rage, and also gives a towering performance as the Moor of Venice, alongside Suzanne Cloutier as his innocent wife, Desdemona, and Micheál MacLiammóir as the scheming Iago. Shot over the course of three years in Morocco, Venice, Tuscany, and Rome and plagued by many logistical problems, this fiercely independent film joins "Macbeth" and "Chimes at Midnight" in making the case for Welles as the cinema's most audacious interpreter of the Bard. New, restored 4K digital transfers of two versions of the film, the 1952 European version and the 1955 U.S. version, with uncompressed monaural soundtracks on the Blu-ray. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Audio commentary featuring filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich and Orson Welles scholar Myron Meisel; "Return to Glennascaul," a 1953 short film made by MacLiammóir and actor Hilton Edwards during a hiatus from shooting "Othello"; new interview with Welles biographer Simon Callow; new interview with Welles scholar François Thomas on the differences between the two versions; new interview with Ayanna Thompson, author of "Passing Strange: Shakespeare, Race, and Contemporary America"; interview from 2014 with Welles scholar Joseph McBride; an essay by film critic Geoffrey O'Brien. (The Criterion Collection).

Peppa Pig: Princess Peppa, (2017) Twelve magical “peppasodes” from the top-rated "Peppa Pig" TV series seen daily on Nick Jr. In the new DVD, preschoolers join Peppa and her little brother George as their bedtime story turns them into “Princess Peppa” and “Sir George the Brave.” Together, they meet a wizard, encounter a scary dragon and celebrate a huge party. The fun continues with a visit from the tooth fairy, a trip to a castle and a special drive to find a rainbow’s end. Each DVD also comes with an “oinktastic” surprise -- a limited edition princess Peppa plush. Formats: DVD. (Fox).

Pilgrimage (2017) Tom Holland, Jon Bernthal, Richard Armitage. Leaving his Irish monastery for the first time, a young novice (Holland) departs with a devoted group of monks and a mysterious former Crusader (Bernthal) as they attempt to transport a holy relic to Rome. Threatened at every turn by savage tribes, traitorous Norman soldiers and those that seek the power they believe the relic holds, the young man finds surprising courage while faced with deadly challenges that will push his body, mind and spirit to the breaking point. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo. Extras: Five behind-the-scenes featurettes, interviews with the cast and crew, photo gallery, poster gallery. (RLJ Entertainment).

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) Written and directed by the incomparable John Hughes, the celebrated comedy makes an on-time arrival for its 30th anniversary on Blu-ray Combo Pack with a Digital HD copy and on DVD. Starring comedy greats Steve Martin and John Candy, the uproarious classic follows a businessman (Martin) who is struggling to get home for Thanksgiving, but burdened by one travel mishap after another, as well as the company of an annoying traveling salesman (Candy). Filled with outrageously funny situations and a generous helping of warmth, the film also features appearances by Michael McKean, Edie McClurg and Kevin Bacon. The Blu-ray features an in-depth retrospective on John Hughes’ career that includes interviews with those who worked with him and explores his indelible impact as a writer and filmmaker. Additional features include “Getting There is Half the Fun: The Story of Planes, Trains And Automobiles,” “John Hughes For Adults,” a tribute to John Candy and a deleted scene. (Paramount).

Reign: The Fourth and Final Season (2017) Three-disc set with all 16 episodes. The story of young Mary Queen of Scots comes to an end. Season four finds Mary rising to the challenge, taking back her country and establishing her rule in Scotland, the land of her birth but a wild nation foreign to her, and now, once again, her home. It's a season of impossibly high stakes, unexpected betrayals, sexual exploits, a royal wedding, a royal birth and a rising body count as three queens in three nations fight for their people, their loves, and their lives. Formats: DVD. (Warner).

Reign: The Complete Series (2013-17) Seventeen-disc set. Formats: DVD. (Warner).

photo for The Sea Wolf The Sea Wolf (1941) Edward G. Robinson, John Garfield, Ida Lupino, Alexander Knox, Barry Fitzgerald, Gene Lockhart, Howard da Silva. One of the great Warner Bros. classics that has existed only in truncated form for 70 years has been restored to its original length as first released in 1941, with 14 minutes of long-missing footage, remastered from a 4K scan. "The Sea Wolf" stars Edward G. Robinson, Ida Lupino and John Garfield and is directed by Michael Curtiz. It was one of Warner Bros. highest-grossing titles of 1941, well-received by both critics and audiences. Robert Rossen’s adapted screenplay -- which contemporized the story by adding a strong anti-fascist component by making the main character a thinly disguised figure reminiscent of a European dictator -- is still considered the benchmark version of Jack London’s best-selling psychological thriller. Executive producer Hal B. Wallis brought together a stellar team of Warner talents to further the studio’s reputation for prestigious, action-packed, yet socially conscious productions. "The Sea Wolf" was the fifth screen version of London’s 1904 best-seller. The story had been filmed three times during the silent era and was released as an early talkie from Fox Film Corp. in 1930, before the rights were eventually acquired by Warner Bros. Eight worldwide film and television versions followed. In order to present a 1947 "sea-faring" double feature re-issue with 1940's "The Sea Hawk," Jack Warner cut both films to accommodate more daily showings in theaters. The 14 minutes from "The Sea Wolf" were physically edited and removed from the original camera negative and no 35mm copies were thought to have remained -- until a recent extensive archival search yielded a thought-lost nitrate positive fine grain master made at the time of the film’s production. The latter became the basis for the new 4K scan which was used by Warner Bros. Motion Picture Imaging to meticulously restore the picture. An audio restoration was also performed to take full advantage of the rich musical underscoring by Erich Wolfgang Korngold. Robinson gives one of his strongest performances as Wolf Larsen, the brutal sea captain of the seal-hunting schooner “Ghost,” who gives save haven to fugitives George Leach (Garfield), Ruth Webster (Lupino) and writer Humphrey van Weyden (Knox). Larsen’s crew mutinies against his horrific abuses; van Weyden, Webster and Leach attempt an escape, only to return to find what they think is a deserted ship. They tangle with Larsen, during which the commander reveals a dark secret he’s been hiding as he and the boat sail toward disaster. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Original trailer remastered in HD; 1950 condensed radio production from the “Screen Director’s Playhouse” series starring Edward G. Robinson and directed by Michael Curtiz. (Warner Archive).

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Complete Ninth Season (2017) Four-disc set with 54 episodes, including three double-length episodes. SpongeBob, Sandy, Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs and Plankton are up to even more of their wet-and-wild, deep-sea dilemmas. Whether it's SpongeBob searching for a job, Squidward learning the art of kah-rah-tay or Mr. Krabs getting married (to a pile of cold-hard-cash), the nautical nonsense is as rampant as ever. Formats: DVD. (Nickelodeon/Paramount).

Summer of Fear (aka Stranger in Our House) (1978) Linda Blair, Lee Purcell, Jeremy Slate, Jeff East, Fran Drescher, Carol Lawrence, Macdonald Carey, Jeff McCracken. Wes Craven's 1978 cult favorite, based on the best-selling young adult novel by Lois Duncan of "You Know What I Did Last Summer" fame. A country family of five take in cousin Julie (Purcell), whose parents recently died in a car crash. While the rest of the family and those around them are completely charmed by Julie, teenaged daughter Rachel (Blair) grows suspect that her cousin has an alternative agenda; one that possibly includes witchcraft. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, VOD. Extras: New interview with Linda Blair; director commentary by Wes Craven; poster; still gallery; original trailer. (Doppelganger Releasing).

photo for T-Men T-Men (1947) Dir.: Anthony Mann; Dennis O’Keefe, Alfred Ryder, Wallace Ford, Charles McGraw, Jane Randolph, June Lockhar. When the trail goes cold on a counterfeit ring in Los Angeles, Treasury agents Dennis O’Brien (O’Keefe) and Tony Genaro (Ryder) are called upon to infiltrate the shadowy and dangerous underworld of organized crime. Their only lead takes them to Detroit where they convince mob kingpin Carlo Vantucci of their criminal pedigree and start piling up clues to tie the Vantucci mob to the “tough, tight outfit” in L.A. But the deeper O’Brien penetrates the organization, the more harrowing the mission becomes for him and fellow T-Man Genaro, with their every move being scrutinized and carrying the risk of deadly exposure. A major box office success upon its release, "T-Men" holds a special place in the film noir canon not only as director Anthony Mann’s breakout film, but as the initial pairing of the filmmaker and cinematographer John Alton. Like none before them, their combination of highly stylized camera set-ups, along with the brilliant uses of light and shadows, created the gritty realism and visual tension that made their crime thrillers popular with critics and movie patrons alike. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Audio Commentary by biographer & producer Alan K. Rode; "Into the Darkness: Mann, Alton and T-Men" featurette with cinematographer Richard Crudo, film critic and author Todd McCarthy, writer and film historian Julie Kirgo, film historian and director Courtney Joyner and biographer and producer Alan K. Rode; "A Director’s Daughter: Nina Mann Remembers" interview with Nina Mann; 24-page booklet with an essay by author Max Alvarez ("The Crime Films of Anthony Mann") featuring stills, posters and other production material. The mono soundtrack has been restored and is uncompressed (Blu-ray only) (ClassicFlix).

Wish Upon (2017) Sherilyn Fenn, Joey King, Shannon Purser, Ryan Phillippe, Elisabeth Rohm. A teenage girl receives a mysterious music box that carries magic powers -- and a deadly price for using them. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital. (Broad Green Pictures).


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