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January 5

Adulterers (2015) Mehcad Brooks, Danielle Savre, Sean Faris. On a steamy New Orleans afternoon, Sam Deuprey (Faris) decides to surprise his beautiful wife Ashley (Savre) for their anniversary and comes home early. But Ashley is not alone in the bedroom. She and her lover, Damien (Brooks) are about to learn how far a jealous husband will go in this psychological drama about dirty little secrets and uncontrollable passions. Formats: DVD, Digital. Extras: (RLJ Entertainment).

Agatha Christie's Partners in Crime (2016) Two-disc set with six episodes. An ordinary married couple gets caught up in international intrigue and discovers that they have a knack for crime solving in this charming detective series. Charming crime-solvers Tommy and Tuppence Beresford are an ordinary married couple living in 1950s Britain at the start of the Cold War. Sometimes bickering but always sweet on each other, they find themselves knee-deep in danger when they stumble into spy craft and end up being rather good at it. In "The Secret Adversary," they search for a missing woman and a recording that could unmask a Soviet hit man. In" N or M?", they must discover which person at a seaside guesthouse has stolen a nuclear bomb. Each thrilling adventure abounds with humor, international espionage, visual flair, and chic period fashion. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Two behind-the-scenes featurettes about the making of the show and the costume design, an interview with Clarke Peters, photo gallery. (Acorn Media).

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Ancient Aliens: Season 8 (2015) Two-disc set with 10 episodes. The eighth season continues exploring unexplained phenomena, from enormous manmade caves and unexplainable structures, to crop circles and mathematical and astronomical equations that perplex our leading scientists, to NASA's Kepler space telescope identifying thousands of life-sustaining planets. Formats: DVD. (Lionsgate).

Battle for Skyark (2015) Caon Mortenson, Taylor Coliee, Garrett Coffey. After mysterious creatures invade the Earth, humanity is forced to live on Skyark, a city in the sky. When a rebellion against Skyark's corrupt human leadership fails, the rebels are exiled to Earth. Rags, the rebel leader's son, steps up to fight the invaders, but soon finds he has a bigger part to play in the fight to save humanity. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). (Lionsgate).

A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story (2015) A documentary following the inspiring journey of 26-year-old, 58-pound Lizzie from cyber-bullying victim to anti-bullying activist. Born with a rare syndrome that prevents her from gaining weight, Elizabeth "Lizzie" Velasquez was first bullied as a child in school for looking different and, later online, as a teenager when she discovered a YouTube video labeling her "The World's Ugliest Woman." Formats: DVD. (Cinedigm).

Captive (2015) David Oyelowo, Kate Mara. Drama about the spiritual collision of two lost souls. Brian Nichols (Oyelowo), on the run from police and desperate to make contact with his newborn son, takes recently widowed mother Ashley Smith (Mara) hostage in her own apartment. Fearing for her life and desperately hoping to see her daughter again, she turns to Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life" for guidance. Ashley and her captor face a crossroads where they discover hope and light in the midst of despair in this depiction of a real-life event. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital. Extras: "Journey Through Darkness: Filming Captive." "Faith and The Purpose Driven Life." (Paramount).

Close Range (2015) Scott Adkins. After rescuing his kidnapped niece from a powerful drug cartel, Colton MacReady (Adkins) begins a relentless fight to save his family. The cartel, aided by the corrupt local sheriff and his crew of deputies, descend upon MacReady's secluded ranch with a thirst for revenge, resulting in a non-stop assault and a blow-by-blow survival marathon to protect his loved ones and save his life. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. (XLrator Media).

The Complete Lady Snowblood A young woman (Meiko Kaji), trained from childhood as an assassin and hell-bent on revenge for her father's murder and her mother's rape, hacks and slashes her way to gory satisfaction. Rampant with inventive violence and spectacularly choreographed swordplay, Toshiya Fujita's pair of influential cult classics "Lady Snowblood" (1973) and "Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance" (1974), set in late 19th- and early 20th-century Japan, respectively, are bloody, beautiful extravaganzas composed of one elegant widescreen composition after another. The first "Lady Snowblood" was a major inspiration for Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" saga, and both of Fujita's films remain cornerstones of Asian action cinema. New 2K digital restorations of both films, with uncompressed monaural soundtracks on the Blu-rays. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: New interviews with Kazuo Koike, the writer of the manga on which the films are based, and screenwriter Norio Osada; trailers, an essay by critic Howard Hampton. (The Criterion Collection).

Condemned (2015) Dylan Penn, Ronen Rubinstein, Lydia Hearst, Jon Abrahams, Honor Titus,Genevieve Hudson-Price. Poor-little-rich-girl Maya (Dylan Penn) moves in with her boyfriend in an old, condemned building on Manhattan's Lower East Side inhabited by meth heads, junkies and degenerates. A virus born from the combined noxious waste and garbage infects the building’s residents and one by one they succumb to a terrifying pathogen that turns them into bloodthirsty, rampaging killers. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, VOD. (RLJ Entertainment).

Deathgasm (2015) Milo Cawthorne, James Blake. Two teenage boys form a heavy metal band and unwittingly summon an ancient evil entity known as The Blind One by delving into black magic when they come across a mysterious piece of sheet music. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital. (Dark Sky Films).

Elmo's World: Elmo Wonders (2016) Elmo wonders all about the exciting and adventurous world around him. Sesame Street's curious red monster takes preschoolers on a journey to learn all about the sky, weather, doctors, bicycles, jumping and many other things inquisitive little kids like yours ask questions about. Over two hours of fun, this wonderful compilation also features "Elmo's World: Transportation" for the first time on DVD. As an added bonus segment, Elmo's good friend Ernie joins the fun to sing the "I Wonder" song. Formats: DVD, Digital. (Warner).

Experimenter (2015) Peter Sarsgaard, Jim Gaffigan, Winona Ryder. At Yale University in 1961, Stanley Milgram (Sarsgaard) designs a psychology experiment that remains relevant to this day, in which people think they’re delivering painful electric shocks to an affable stranger (Gaffigan) strapped into a chair in another room. Disregarding his pleas for mercy, the majority of subjects don't stop the experiment, administering what they think are near-fatal electric shocks, simply because they've been told to. With Nazi Adolf Eichmann’s trial airing in living rooms across America, Milgram's exploration of authority and conformity strikes a nerve in popular culture and the scientific community. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

Flesh and Bone (2015) Ballet is the ultimate optical illusion, graceful and dignified on the outside but brutal, cruel and ruthless underneath. These eight episode of the Starz series rips away the illusion of the dance world and shows us what's behind the curtain. "Flesh and Bone" is a coming-of-age drama about a young ballet dancer with a deeply troubled past; through her eyes, we explore the true underbelly of the dance world and all its self-destructive tendencies. The cast includes 22 accomplished ballet dancers including former American Ballet Theatre soloist Sascha Radetsky and Irina Dvorovenko, also a former American Ballet Theatre principal. Also stars Emily Tyra, Damon Herriman, Tina Benko, Ben Daniels. Formats: Two-disc DVD, two-disc Blu-ray. (Anchor Bay).

Full of Grace (2015) Noam Jenkins, Bahia Haifi. Follows Mary of Nazareth in her last earthly days as she helps the fractious early Church regain their original encounter with The Lord. Formats: DVD. (Cinedigm).


The Green Inferno (2015) Dir.: Eli Roth; Lorenza Izzo, Ariel Levy, Aaron Burns, Kirby Bliss Blanton, Daryl Sabara. A group of student activists travels to the Amazon to help save the rain forest, but when their plane crashes in the Peruvian jungle, the students realize they are not alone: they're captured by the cannibalistic tribe they came to save. Read more about "The Green Inferno" in the January Calendar. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Commentary with co-writer, director and producer Eli Roth, producer Nicolas Lopez, and stars Lorenza Izzo, Aaron Burns, Kirby Bliss Blanton, and Daryl Sabara. (Universal).

Infinitely Polar Bear (2015) Zoe Saldana, Mark Ruffalo, Keir Dullea, Wallace Wolodarsky, Imogene Wolodarsky, Ashley Aufderheide. Read more about "Infinitely Polar Bear" in the January Calendar. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Deleted scenes; commentary with Mark Ruffalo, Maya Forbes and producer Wally Wolodarsky; Q&A from the Los Angeles Film Festival with cast and filmmakers. (Sony).

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 10 (2015) Two-disc set with 10 episodes. Formats: DVD. Extras: Gag reel. (Fox).

Joe Dirt 2: Beautiful Loser (2014) David Spade, Brittany Danie, Dennis Miller,Christopher Walken, Patrick Warburton, Mark McGrath, Adam Beach. Sequel to the 2001 comedy hit about trailer trash, mulleted Joe Dirt. Now happily married with a family, Joe Dirt (Spade) is "keepin' on" when he suddenly gets swept up in a tornado. The natural disaster transports him back to the year 1965, where Joe soon realizes that one small difference can completely change the course of history -- with disastrous consequences. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, VOD, Digital. (Sony).

Kill Game (2015) Sari Sanchez, Joe Adler, Pierson Fode, Michael Galante, Laura Ashley Samuels. When one of the pranks played by a group of shallow high school teens turns deasdly, an innocent boy is killed and they cover their tracks by masking the incident as a drowning accident. Five years later, a serial killer donning a frightening mask hunts them down one by one in a manner that eerily mirrors the pranks they once pulled in high school. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. (Cinedigm).

Little Dead Rotting Hood (2016) Bianca A. Santos, Eric Balfour, Romeo Miller aka Lil' Romeo. A sinister take on the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale. For years, the old woman in the woods has secretly kept the wolves of the forest at bay. But when she dies, the creatures suddenly attack the residents of a nearby small town. As more and more people turn up dead, the townsfolk discover something far more sinister than wolves lurking in the backwoods, and only the woman's granddaughter may have the key to stopping the bloodbath before it’s too late. Formats: DVD, Digital. (Cinedigm).

Mercury Plains (2014) Scott Eastwood, Angela Sarafyan, Nick Chinlund. A troubled young man is recruited to join a paramilitary group of teens to fight the drug cartels but as the Mexican police close in, he realizes that his only way out is to escape back to America. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Director's commentary, deleted scenes. (Lionsgate).

Robo-Dog (2015) Patrick Muldoon, Olivia d'Abo, Michael Campion, Wallace Shawn. When genius scientist Tom Austin sees that his son Tyler needs a new best friend, he locks himself in the garage, tinkering with spare parts, and creates the most incredible canine the world has ever seen. But Tom's greedy ex-boss, Mr. Willis of Epic Industries, finds out that Robo-Dog is powered by a technologically advanced super battery, and he plots to steal it for himself. Formats: DVD. (RLJ Entertainment).

Sicario (2015) Emily Blunt, Benicio Del Toro, Josh Brolin, Victor Garber. An idealistic FBI agent is enlisted by an elected government task force to aid in the escalating war against drugs at the border area between the U.S. and Mexico. Read more about "Sicario" in the January Calendar. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: "Stepping Into Darkness: The Visual Design of Sicario" featurette, "Blunt, Brolin & Benicio: Portraying the Characters of Sicario" featurette, "Battle Zone: The Origins of Sicario" featurette, "A Pulse From the Desert: The Score of Sicario" featurette. (Lionsgate).

Shanghai (2015) John Cusack, Gong Li, Chow Yun-Fat, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Ken Watanabe. Nothing is what it seems in the ancient Chinese city of Shanghai a week before the attack on Pearl Harbor. U.S. Secret Agent Paul Soames (Cusack) has just arrived to investigate the murder of his best friend (Morgan), only to become quickly immersed in a web of conspiracy and lies that beset the city. Soames' investigation centers on a charismatic local gangster, Anthony Lan-Ting (Yun-Fat) and his beautiful wife, Anna (Li). Before long, Soames and Anna are involved in an affair and they must race to solve the mystery and make it out of occupied China before the city's collapse. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital. (Anchor Bay).

Sleeping With Other People (2015) Jason Sudeikis, Alison Brie, Adam Scott, Amanda Peet, Natasha Lyonne, Adam Brody. Twelve years after their one-night stand, Jake (Sudeikis) and Lainey (Brie) cross paths and realize that they've both become chronic commitment-phobes. Despite their obvious attraction, the two agree to keep their friendship strictly platonic. But as sexual tensions rise, their deal proves to be more difficult than they thought. Formats: DVD. (Paramount).

Susie's Hope (2013) Emmanuelle Vaugier, Burgess Jenkins, Andrea Powell. Based on a moving, true story that led to the successful passing of Susie's Law in North Carolina -- which seeks stricter punishment for animal abusers -- the film brings to life the inspirational relationship between pit bull-attack survivor Donna Lawrence and a pit bull-mix puppy found beaten, burned and left to die. Realizing neglect and abuse were to blame for the tragic pit bull attack that Donna had endured just 10 months earlier -- which nearly claimed her life, caused her to miscarry her baby and left her with the inability to have children -- Donna rescues the puppy, naming her Susie. DVD sales benefit the Susie's Hope Nonprofit, a 501(c)(3) charity, to foster awareness of the animal abuse that exists in our nation and to work to end this epidemic. Formats: DVD. (Green Apple Entertainment).

True Detective: The Complete Second Season (2015) The hit HBO drama series "True Detective" returns with a new case in which a bizarre murder brings together three law-enforcement officers and a career criminal, each of whom must navigate a web of conspiracy and betrayal in the scorched landscapes of California. Featuring an all new cast, Season 2 stars Colin Farrell as Ray Velcoro, a troubled detective whose allegiances are torn between his masters in a corrupt police department and the mobster who owns him. Vince Vaughn portrays Frank Semyon, a criminal and entrepreneur in danger of losing his empire when his move into legitimate enterprise is upended by the murder of a business partner. Rachel McAdams plays Ani Bezzerides, a sheriff's detective whose uncompromising ethics put her at odds with others and the system she serves. Taylor Kitsch portrays Paul Woodrugh, a war veteran and a highway patrol motorcycle officer, running from a difficult past and the sudden glare of a scandal that never happened. Formats: Three-disc DVD: $59.99, three-disc Blu-ray: $79.98, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: "Making The Vinci Massacre," a detailed look at the production of the pivotal shoot-out in Episode 4; "A Look Inside True Detective," behind-the-scenes with the four stars; "True Detective's California" with evocative aerial images of incredible California landscapes, scored by T Bone Burnett; two audio commentaries featuring Colin Farrell, Vince Vaughn, Rachel McAdams, Taylor Kitsch, series creator/executive producer/writer Nic Pizzolatto and executive producer Scott Stephens. (HBO).

The Visit (2015) Dir.: M. Night Shyamalan; Kathryn Hahn, Ed Oxenbould, Olivia DeJonge, Peter McRobbie, Deanna Dunagan. A family visit takes a terrifying turn when two siblings learn who Grandma and Grandpa really are in this found documentary-style suspense thriller. Read more about "The Visit" in the January Calendar. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Alternate ending, deleted scenes, "The Making of The Visit," "Becca's Photos." (Universal).

The Walk (2015) Dir.: Robert Zemeckis; Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ben Kingsley, Charlotte Le Bon, James Badge Dale, Ben Schwartz. In 1974, high-wire artist Philippe Petit recruits a team of people to help him realize his dream: to walk the immense void between the World Trade Center towers. Read more about "The Walk" in the January Calendar. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, 3D Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: "Pillars of Support" featurette. Blu-ray adds deleted scenes, two featurettes: "First Steps" and "The Amazing Walk." (Sony).

Wrecker (2016) Anna Hutchison, Drea Whitburn. Best friends Emily and Lesley go on a road trip to the desert but when Emily decides to get off the highway and take a “"short cut," they become the target of a relentless and psychotic trucker who forces them to play a deadly game of cat and mouse. Formats: DVD. (XLrator Media).

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January 12

All of My Heart (2015 -- TV) Lacey Chabert, Brennan Elliott. A young caterer's life suddenly changes course when she inherits a country home and learns she must share it with a career-obsessed Wall Street trader. At first, these opposites do not attract, but feelings begin to change when they find themselves having to work side-by-side to restore their newly acquired home. A Hallmark Channel move. Formats: DVD, Digital. (Cinedigm).

The American Friend (1977) Wim Wenders pays loving homage to rough-and-tumble Hollywood film noir with "The American Friend," a loose adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel "Ripley's Game." Dennis Hopper oozes quirky menace as an amoral American art dealer who entangles a terminally ill German everyman, played by Bruno Ganz, in a seedy criminal underworld as revenge for a personal slight -- but when the two become embroiled in an ever-deepening murder plot, they form an unlikely bond. Filmed on location in Hamburg and Paris, with some scenes shot in grimy, late-seventies New York City, Wenders's international breakout is a stripped-down crime story that mixes West German and American film flavors, and it features cameos by filmmakers Jean Eustache, Samuel Fuller and Nicholas Ray. New, restored 4K digital transfer, supervised by director Wim Wenders, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack on the Blu-ray. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Audio commentary from 2002 featuring Wenders and actor Dennis Hopper; new interview with Wenders; new interview with actor Bruno Ganz; deleted scenes with audio commentary by Wenders; trailer; an essay by author Francine Prose. (The Criterion Collection).

Army Dog (2015) Casper Van Dien, Grace Van Dien, Stelio Savante, Annemarie Pazmino. Live-action Dove-approved and Veterans in Film & Television endorsed family adventure. Sergeant Tom Holloway and his Army dog, Connor, return to the U.S. as heroes, but time away from his family has caused Tom's daughter, Tara, to resent him. The three try to connect over a camping trip, but unexpected danger sends them on an adventure that will change their lives forever. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). (Lionsgate).

Bitter Rice (1949) During planting season in Northern Italy's Po Valley, an earthy rice-field worker (Silvana Mangano) falls in with a small-time criminal (Vittorio Gassman) who is planning a daring heist of the crop, as well as his femme-fatale-ish girlfriend, played by the Hollywood star Doris Dowling. Both a socially conscious look at the hardships endured by underpaid field workers and a melodrama tinged with sex and violence, this early smash for producer extraordinaire Dino De Laurentiis and director Giuseppe De Santis is neorealism with a heaping dose of pulp. New high-definition digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: "Giuseppe de Santis," a 2007 documentary by screenwriter Carlo Lizzani; interview with screenwriter Lizzani from 2003; trailer; an essay by critic Pasquale Iannone. (The Criterion Collection).

The Clearstream Affair (2014 -- France) Gilles Lellouche. In this ripped-from-the-headlines French thriller, journalist Denis Robert (Lellouche) sets the world of finance ablaze when he exposes a major European bank's opaque operations. In his search for the truth, he uncovers a dark political financial machine of bribes and threats. Formats: DVD. (First Run Features).

Duck Dynasty Wedding Special (2015) The Robertson clan sets aside their duck calls for wedding bells to celebrate the nuptials between John Luke and Mary Kate. Formats: DVD. Extras: "John Luke and Mary Kate Say 'I Do'" featurette. (Lionsgate). >

Hill Street Blues: The Final Season (1986-87) Five-disc set with 22 episodes. The officers and detectives of the toughest precinct on television work their final shift in the seventh and last season of "Hill Street Blues." Steven Bochco's groundbreaking masterpiece of television drama concludes its examination of the lives of the men and women who protect and serve the citizens of a volatile city, once again delivering the high quality writing, acting, and direction fans have come to expect from this universally acclaimed program. The unmatched ensemble cast (Daniel J. Travanti, Veronica Hamel, Bruce Weitz, Betty Thomas, Charles Haid, Joe Spano, James B. Sikking, Taurean Blaque, and Dennis Franz) are in top form for this climactic season, from its powerful opening to its fiery conclusion. Formats: DVD. (Shout! Factory).

Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015) Voices of Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Andy Samberg, Kevin James, David Spade, Steve Buscemi, Keegan-Michael Key, Molly Shannon, Fran Dresche. Sequel to the 2012 animated hit. Read more about "Hotel Transylvania 2" in the January Calendar. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, 3D Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Fifth Harmony music video: "I'm in Love With a Monster"; character sketch gallery; commentary with Adam Sandler, Robert Smigel and Allen Covert; commentary with director Genndy Tartakovsky. "Sing Along with Monster Scary-Oke!"; deleted scenes; "Make the Scary, Silly Sounds of Hotel Transylvania 2"; "How to Throw the Ultimate Monster Party"; "How to Draw Your Favorite Characters"; "The New Guys: Meet Vlad, Dennis, Kakie and More!" (Sony).

In the Basement (2014 -- Germany) Maverick director Ulrich Seidl's ("Dog Days," the "Paradise" trilogy) documentary explores the dark underside of the human psyche with a look at basements fitted out as private domains for secrets and fetishes. No desire or proclivity is off limits to Seidl's camera, which takes in an opera-singing gunslinger, a Hitler-loving brass band, a hunter of exotic species, and the passionate devotees of S&M with an equal measure of curiosity and compassion. Formats: DVD. (Strand Releasing).

Irrational Man (2015) Dir.: Woody Allen; Joaquin Phoenix, Parker Posey, Emma Stone, Jamie Blackley. A tormented college philosophy professor -- on a journey to find meaning in life -- and his favorite student mistakenly overhear a stranger’s conversation, unleashing a chain of events that permanently affect him and those around him. Read more about "Irrational Man" in the January Calendar. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: "On the Red Carpet: Los Angeles Film Premiere' featurette, photo gallery. (Sony).

The Looking Glass (2015) Grace Tarnow, Dorothy Tristan. After losing her mother, troubled 13-year-old Julie (played by newcomer Grace Tarnow) comes to live with her grandmother (Tristan), who is a former star of stage and screen. Feeling trapped in her new world, Julie struggles to find peace and happiness as she and her grandmother butt heads at every turn. An unexpected discovery of their shared talent enables Julie to find her voice, her passion and, ultimately, happiness. Formats: DVD. (First Run Features).

Love Finds You in Charm (2015) Danielle Chuchran, Drew Fuller, Trevor Donovan, Tiffany Dupont. A young Amish woman, unsatisfied with her path at home, takes the opportunity to spend the summer helping her widowed cousin's market business in scenic Charm, Ohio. Exposed to another world, she finds friendship with two men and must decide whether to stay among the Amish or venture out into a new world. Formats: DVD. (Anchor Bay).

The Martian (2015) Dir.: Ridley Scott; Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Michael Pena, Sean Bean, Kate Mara. During an Ares III mission to Mars, American astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed dead and left behind. But Watney is still alive. Against all odds, he must find a way to contact Earth in the hope that scientists can devise a rescue plan to bring him home. Read more about "The Martian" in the January Calendar. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, 3D Blu-ray, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: "Signal Acquired: Writing and Direction" featurette; "Occupy Mars: Casting and Costumes" featurette; five Theatrical In-World pieces: "Ares III: Farewell," "The Right Stuff," "Ares: Our Greatest Adventure," "Leave Your Mark," "Bring Him Home"; "Ares III: Refocused": Seven years after the events of Ares 3, take a deeper look at the true story behind Mark Watney's daring rescue; gag reel, production gallery. (Fox).

Memories of the Sword (2015 -- Korea) Lee Byung-hun, Jeon Do-yeon, Kim Go-eun, Lee Kyeong-yeong. As the greed and excess of a corrupt Korean monarchy threatens to destroy the once-glorious Goryeo Dynasty, three legendary warriors lead a revolt to overthrow the empire and save its people. But when deceit and betrayal costs the life of a master swordsman, a plot for justice and revenge is set into motion, raging for decades between the two survivors. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital. (Well Go USA).

Mr. Robot: Season One (2015) Three-disc set with all 10 episodes. Cyber-security engineer by day and vigilante hacker by night, Elliot (Rami Malek) finds himself at a crossroads when the mysterious leader (Christian Slater) of an underground hacker group recruits him to destroy the firm he is paid to protect. Compelled by his personal beliefs, Elliot struggles to resist the chance to take down the multinational CEOs he believes are running (and ruining) the world. The series won a Golden Globe for best TV series -- drama and earned a Golden Globe for Christian Skater for supporting actor in a series or TV movie. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Making-of featurette, gag reel, deleted scenes. (Universal).

Painkillers (2015) Tahmoh Penikett, Lesley-Ann Brandt, Erica Durance, Julia Voth, Colm Feore. A squad of marines sent on a classified mission deep in the war-torn mountains of Afghanistan in search of an otherworldly artifact mysteriously disappear and wake-up in a military medical facility with no memory of what happened or even who they are. Doctors try to "reboot" the soldiers' memories with drugs, but one by one they fall prey to bizarre hallucinations and homicidal fits of rage. Only through snatches of resurfacing memories does one soldier begin to question the true motives of the hospital staff and discover the shocking, deadly reality behind what they found. Formats: DVD. (RLJ Entertainment).

Power Rangers Dino Charge: Unleashed (2015) Latest season of Saban's Power Rangers. Centuries after intergalactic bounty hunter Sledge tried to get his hands on the mysterious Energems, a new team of Rangers has unearthed them and bonded with their powerful dinosaur spirits. With the help of dino-fueled battle gear, new Zords, Megazords, and teamwork, they must protect these Energems at all costs from Sledge's monsters to keep the universe safe. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). (Lionsgate).

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (1990) Gary Oldman, Tim Roth, Richard Dreyfuss. Based on Tom Stoppard's award-winning play. It's the inventive tale of Hamlet as told from the viewpoint of two of the work's supporting, but certainly more outrageous, characters. In this cleverly inspired version, however, the Shakespearean equivalents of Laurel and Hardy get a chance to take the lead roles in a dazzling setting where illusion and reality overlap. Critically acclaimed and featuring witty performances by Dreyfuss, Roth and Oldman. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital. (RLJ Entertainment).

Sherlock: The Abominable Bride (2016) Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman. On the heels of its U.S. premiere on MASTERPIECE on PBS, Holmes and Watson, the classic crime-fighting duo, are back in a feature-length ghostly adventure set in Victorian London in 1895 as they solve the case of the Abomnable Bride. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: "A Study in Sherlock" making-of documentary, co-writer Mark Gatiss' production diary, "Creating the Look" production featurette, interview with writers Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, Sherlockology Q&A. (BBC Worldwide).

Sinister 2 (2015) Shannyn Sossamon, Robert Sloan, Dartanian Sloan, James Ransone, Ethan Hawke, Clare Foley, Nicholas King. Mysterious found footage reveals a series of gruesome murders in this sequel. Read more about "Sinister 2" in the January Calendar. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Deleted scenes, "Time to Watch Another: Making of Sinister 2," commentary with director Ciaran Foy. Blu-ray adds extended kill films. (Universal).

So You Said Yes (2015 -- TV) Kellie Marti, Chad Willett. When Annabelle, the owner of a specialty bridal shop, falls for Sam, the son of her fierce bridal shop competition, she must fend off Sam's mother's attempts at sabotage in this Hallmark Channel movie. Formats: DVD, Digital. (Cinedigm).

The Wonder Years: The Complete Fourth Season (2015) Four-disc set with all 23 episodes with over three dozen songs as they were featured in the original broadcast: classics by Joan Baez, The Beach Boys, The Byrds, Nat King Cole, Judy Collins, Lee Dorsey, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Jimi Hendrix, The Monkees, Randy Newman, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Sam & Dave, Bob Seger, Edwin Starr, The Ventures, The Who, Hank Williams, and many more, plus Joe Cocker's unforgettable rendition of The Beatle's With a Little Help from My Friends. For six Emmy Award-winning seasons, "The Wonder Years" captured the angst of growing up in suburban middle-class America in the late '60s, as seen through the life and times of Kevin Arnold (Fred Savage), a typical awkward teenager who remembered every moment of his transition from childhood with excruciating detail and remarkable hindsight. In Season 4, things are changing for Kevin as he enters his last year at Kennedy Junior High. He should have it all figured out, but things don't go as smoothly as he had hoped: though he and Winnie (Danica McKellar) are in love and starting ninth grade -- they're at different schools. Arnold's family life is changing, too, with mom Norma (Alley Mills) taking a new job at Kevin's school, dad Jack (Dan Lauria) getting a promotion, older brother Wayne (Jason Hervey) buying a car and sister Karen (Oliva d'Abo) starting college. Kevin gets his first job caddying, is guilted into taking Paul's little sister to cotillion, and tries to crash a tenth-grader's slumber party (with beer). But the biggest surprise might be from Paul (Josh Saviano), who announces that he'll be going to prep school in the fall. Formats: DVD. Extras: Featurette: "ABC: Teachers That Made a Difference," interviews with Fred Savage (Kevin Arnold), Robert Picardo (Coach Cutlip), Ben Stein (Mr. Cantwell), Wendel Meldrum (Miss White/Mrs. Heimer). (Time Life).

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January 19

The Condemned 2 (2015) Randy Orton, Eric Roberts, Wes Studi, Steven Michael Quezada. After a failed mission to capture the leader of a deadly gambling ring (Studi), bounty hunter Will Tanner (Orton) becomes the hunted -- a human target in a game that forces contestants to kill or be killed. As high rollers bet on who will survive, Will, his father (Roberts), and their fellow teammates wage an all-out war against the deadly game’s wicked mastermind (Quezada). Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: "Drones" featurette, "Fight for Your Life" featurette. (Lionsgate).

The Cut (2014 -- Germany) Tahar Rahim. Follows the journey of one father's search through the Ottoman Empire for his two daughters after they are separated during the 1915 Armenian Genocide. Forced from his home in Mardin, Nazareth gets word that his daughters may still be alive and he travels the globe in search for them. His odyssey takes him from the Mesopotamian deserts to Havana and finally to the barren prairies of North Dakota. Final chapter of director Fatih Akin's "Love, Death And Devil" trilogy that began with "Head-On" and "The Edge of Heaven". In Armenian with English subtitles. Formats: DVD. Extras: Trailer. (Strand Releasing).

The Diary of a Teenage Girl (2015) Bel Powley, Alexander Skarsgard, Christopher Meloni, Kristen Wiig. A teen artist living in 1970s San Francisco enters into an affair with her mother's boyfriend. Read more about "The Diary of a Teenage Girl" in the January Calendar. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: "Marielle's Journey: Bringing The Diary to Life" making-of featurette; LA Film Festival Q&A with Bel Powley, Alexander Skarsgard and Marielle Heller; commentary with cast & director; deleted scenes. (Sony).

Eden (2015) Felix De Givry, Pauline Etienne, Vincent Macaigne, Greta Gerwig. A teenager in the underground scene of early-nineties Paris forms a DJ collective with his friends and together they plunge into the nightlife of sex, drugs, and endless music. Formats: DVD, Digital. (Broad Green Pictures Home Entertainment).

Everest (2015) Jake Gyllenhaal, Keira Knightley, Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, John Hawkes, Robin Wright, Michael Kelly, Sam Worthington, Emily Watson. Follows a pair of expeditions to the highest point -- and most dangerous place -- on Earth. Based on the real-life 1996 summit attempt. Read more about "Everest" in the January Calendar. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, 3D Blu-ray, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: "Race to the Summit: The Making of Everest" featurette, "Aspiring to Authenticity: The Real Story" featurette, commentary with director Baltasar Kormakur. Blu-ray adds "Learning to Climb: The Actor's Journey" featurette, " A Mountain of Work: Recreating Everest" featurette. (Universal).

Gilda (1946) "Gilda, are you decent?" Rita Hayworth tosses her hair back and slyly responds, "Me?" in one of the great star entrances in movie history. Gilda, directed by Charles Vidor, features a sultry Hayworth in her most iconic role, as the much-lusted-after wife of a criminal kingpin (George Macready), as well as the former flame of his bitter henchman (Glenn Ford), and she drives them both mad with desire and jealousy. An ever-shifting battle of the sexes set on a Buenos Aires casino's glittering floor and in its shadowy back rooms, "Gilda" is among the most sensual of all Hollywood noirs. New 2K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: Audio commentary from 2010 by film critic Richard Schickel; new interview with film noir historian Eddie Muller; appreciation of "Gilda" from 2010 featuring filmmakers Martin Scorsese and Baz Luhrmann; "Rita Hayworth: The Columbia Lady," a 2000 featurette on Hayworth's career as an actor and dancer; trailer; an essay by critic Sheila O'Malley. (The Criterion Collection).

A Girl Like Her (2015) Hunter King, Lexi Ainsworth, Jimmy Bennett. A high school girl enlists the help of her male best friend in order to document the relentless harassment she's received from her former girlfriend, one of South Brookdale High School's most popular students. The investigation captures disturbing video of the bully's troubling family issues that are at the root of her bullying behavior. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital. (Cinedigm).

The Guardian (1990) Jenny Seagrove, Dwier Brown, Carey Lowell. William Friedkin's first horror film since "The Exorcist." A handsome young couple finds the perfect live-in babysitter to look after their newborn child. It seems like a fairy tale, until ancient, supernatural forces turn the couples' dream into a nightmare. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: New "A Happy Coincidence" interview with actor Dwier Brown,new "From Strasberg to The Guardian" interview with actor Gary Swanson, new "A Mother's Journey" interview with actress Natalija Nogulich, new "Scoring The Guardian" interview with composer Jack Hues, new "Tree Woman: The Effects of The Guardian" interview with makeup effects artist Matthew Mungle, "Return to the Genre" interview with director/co-writer William Friedkin, "The Nanny" interview with actress Jenny Seagrove, "Don't Go Into the Woods" interview with co-writer Stephen Volk, still gallery of behind-the-scenes photos. (Scream Factory).

I Believe in Unicorns (2014) Natalia Dyer, Peter Vack, Julia Garner, Amy Seimet. Davina (Dyer) is an imaginative and strong-willed teenage girl who often escapes into a beautifully twisted fantasy life. Having grown up quickly as the sole caretaker of her disabled mother, she looks for salvation in a new relationship with an older boy (Vack), and is swept into a whirlwind of romance and adventure. But the enchantment of her new relationship quickly fades when the boy's volatile side begins to emerge. An acclaimed coming-of-age drama from Student Academy Award nominated director Leah Meyerhoff that takes audiences on a road trip through the stunning and complex landscape of troubled young love. Formats: DVD. (IndiPix Films).

Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) The visionary chroniclers of eccentric Americana Joel and Ethan Coen present one of their greatest creations in Llewyn Davis, a singer barely eking out a living on the peripheries of the flourishing Greenwich Village folk scene of the early sixties. As embodied by Oscar Isaac, in a revelatory performance, Llewyn (loosely modeled on off-the-radar folk legend Dave Van Ronk) is extraordinarily talented but also irascible, rude, and self-defeating. Davis' circular odyssey through an unforgiving wintry cityscape, evocatively captured by cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel, is realized with poignant humor and the occasional surreal touch. Featuring a folk soundtrack curated by T Bone Burnett, "Inside Llewyn Davis" reminds us that in the Coens' world, history isn't necessarily written by the winners. Director-approved special edition with new 4K digital transfer, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack on the Blu-ray. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. Extras: New audio commentary featuring writers Robert Christgau, David Hajdu, and Sean Wilentz; "The First Hundred Feet, the Last Hundred Feet," a new conversation between filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and directors Joel and Ethan Coen about the evolution of their approach, from "Blood Simple" to "Inside Llewyn Davis"; "Inside Inside Llewyn Davis," a 45-minute 2013 documentary; "Another Place, Another Time" (2014), a 101-minute film documenting an "Inside Llewyn Davis" tribute concert, featuring Joan Baez, Mumford & Sons, Punch Brothers, Gillian Welch, Jack White, and others; new piece on the history of "Fare Thee Well (Dink's Song)," featuring music producer T Bone Burnett and the Coens; new piece about Dave Van Ronk and the Greenwich Village folk scene of the early sixties, featuring music writer and historian Elijah Wald; "Sunday," a short 1961 documentary by Dan Drasin about the riots that took place in Washington Square Park after folk musicians were prevented from gathering and playing there; trailers; an essay by film critic Kent Jones. (The Criterion Collection).

The Intern (2015) Director: Nancy Meyers; Robert De Niro, Anne Hathaway, Rene Russo, Anders Holm, Andrew Rannells, Adam DeVine, Celia Weston, Nat Wolff, Linda Lavin, Zack Pearlman. A 70-year-old widower becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site. Read more about "The Intern" in the January Calendar. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: "Learning From Experience" featurette. Blu-ray adds "Designs on Life" and "The Three Interns" featurettes. (Warner).

Jem and the Holograms (2015) Aubrey Peeples, Stefanie Scott, Aurora Perrineau, Hayley Kiyoko, Molly Ringwald, Juliette Lewis. Live-action reboot of Hasbro's 1980s animated TV series. Small-town girl Jerrica (Aubrey Peeples) lives an unexceptional life ... until she takes on a secret identity inspired by her music. She becomes Jem: the bold, stunning and absolutely fearless global superstar. But when it seems that she may lose touch with the things that really matter, Jerrica and her band of sisters begin a one-in-a-million journey, discovering that some talents are too special to keep hidden. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Deleted scenes, gag reel, "Youngblood" music video, "Glam, Glitter, Fashion and Fame: The Reinvention of Jem," commentary with producer-director Jon M. Chu. (Universal).

Learning to Drive (2015) Patricia Clarkson, Ben Kingsley, Jake Weber, Sarita Choudhury, Grace Gummer. Coming of (middle) age comedy about a mismatched pair who help each other overcome life's road blocks. Wendy (Clarkson) is a fiery Manhattan author whose husband has just left her for another woman; Darwan (Kingsley) is a soft-spoken taxi driver from India on the verge of an arranged marriage. As Wendy sets out to reclaim her independence, she runs into a barrier common to many lifelong New Yorkers: she's never learned to drive. When Wendy hires Darwan to teach her, her unraveling life and his calm restraint seem like an awkward fit. But as he shows her how to take control of the wheel, and she coaches him on how to impress a woman, their unlikely friendship awakens them to the joy, humor, and love in starting life anew. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital. Extras: Photo gallery. (Broad Green Pictures Home Entertainment).

Little House on the Prairie: Season 8 Deluxe Remastered Edition (1981-82) Six-disc set with all 22 episodes, remastered and uncut. The eighth season of the TV series based on the beloved Laura Ingalls book series follows the Olesons' adoption of Nancy; Charles and Mr. Edwards as they search for answers after the death of Mr. Edwards's son; the Wilders and Ingalls snowed in at Christmas; Almanzo's stroke and the birth of baby Rose; and Charles's faith as he pleads for his adopted son's life. Formats: DVD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Two movie specials: "Look Back to Yesterday" and "The Last Farewell." (Lionsgate).

The Saint: Seasons 3 & 4 (1964-65) Nine-disc set with all 32 episodes. Modern-day Robin Hood. Wealthy man of mystery. Debonair rogue. Call Simon Templar what you will, but never cross The Saint. A timeless figure of adventure since his creation by Leslie Charteris in 1928, The Saint has thrilled adventure aficionados with his exploits in a variety of media, including novels, movies, and radio: but nowhere was the dashing Mr. Templar more indelibly realized than in his 1960s television series, starring the perfectly cast Roger Moore in the title role. Simon Templar's adventures continue in Season Three and Four, building on the charm and thrills established by the series' early days. Presenting early appearances for such actors as Burt Kwouk ("The Pink Panther" films), Carol Cleveland ("Monty Python's Flying Circus"), and the great Donald Sutherland, and with the inimitable Moore as our guide to adventure, these two seasons of "The Saint" represent some of the best this classic series had to offer. Formats: DVD. Extras: "Behind the Scenes With Sir Roger Moore," commentary on "The Happy Suicide" by Jane Merrow (guest star), commentary on "The Saint Bids Diamonds" by Moore, Robert S. Baker (executive producer), and Eunice Gayson (guest star). (Timeless Media).

Samba (2014 - Belgium) Omar Sy, Charlotte Gainsbourg. Comedy chronicles an undocumented kitchen worker battling deportation from his adopted home in Paris. When Samba (Sy) is suddenly ordered to leave France, he enlists the help of Alice (Charlotte Gainsbourg), an emotionally vulnerable immigration advocate with little experience but plenty of heart. As the immigrant aspiring chef and the burned-out corporate executive tentatively explore an unexpected bond, they inspire each other to reinvent themselves. Extras: "Making of Samba featurette. Formats: DVD, VOD. (Broad Green Pictures Home Entertainment).

Sisters: Season Three (1992-93) Six-disc set with all 24 episodes. Follows the lives and loves of four close, but very different, sisters of the Reed family living in Winnetka, Illinois. Alex (Swoosie Kurtz), the oldest, is a wealthy, slightly snobish, WASP wife of a plastic surgeon. Teddy (Sela Ward) is a free-spirited, artist/drifter seeking to find her place in life. Georgie (Patricia Kalember) is a typical suburban housewife trying to keep the family together. Frankie (Julianne Phillips), the youngest, is an over-achieving, businesswoman trying to make it big in the world. Season Three finds Georgie experiencing a horrible accident and giving birth, and Teddy finding new success as a clothing designer. Frankie contends with new challenges in her marriage to Mitch (Ed Marinaro). And a shocking diagnosis for Alex leads to her finding strength she never knew she had. Formats: DVD. (Shout! Factory).

Stonewall (2015) Dir.: Roland Emmerich; Jeremy Irvine, Jonny Beauchamp, Joey King, Caleb Landry Jones, Matt Craven, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Ron Perlman. Drama follows the groundbreaking events that led to the 1969 riots at the Stonewall Inn in New York City and the birth of the modern Gay Rights movement. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: "An Important Story" featurette, "Into the Streets" featurette, "Marsha P" featurette, "Ray" featurette. (Lionsgate).

Straight Outta Compton: Unrated Director's Cut (2015) Tells the true story of five young rebels from South Central Los Angeles who, armed with only their lyrics, swagger, bravado and raw talent, stood up to the authorities attempting to keep them down and formed the groundbreaking music group N.W.A. Includes 20 additional minutes. Read more about "Straight Outta Compton: Unrated Director's Cut" in the January Calendar. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: "N.W.A. The Origins," in which Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, DJ Yella, and many others talk about N.W.A.'s start in the 80s and how it all began; "Impact," an exploration of the impact of N.W.A. and their breakout album; "Director's Journey" featurette; "The Streets: Filming in Compton" featurette; "N.W.A Performs in Detroit"; commentary with director-producer F. Gary Gray. Blu-ray adds deleted scenes; "Becoming N.W.A." casting featurette; never before seen performance. (Universal).

Swamp People Season 6 (2015) Four-disc set with 19 episodes. Welcome to one of America's last frontiers: the wild swamplands of Southern Louisiana, a place whose history stretches back to the 17th century. In this season, the swamp hunters fight massive alligators and Mother Nature, and journey into previously unknown, hostile areas of the swamp. Formats: DVD. (Lionsgate).

12 Monkeys: Season One (2015) Three-disc set with all 13 episodes. Based on Terry Gilliam's classic 1995 sci-fi thriller starring Bruce Willis. Utilizing a dangerous and untested method of time travel, a man from the post-apocalyptic future, James Cole (Aaron Stanford) travels to the present day on a mission to locate and eradicate the source of a deadly plague that will decimate the human race. But as he and virologist, Dr. Cassandra Railly (Amanda Schull), track the mysterious cult behind the outbreak, the "Army of the 12 Monkeys," the effects of time travel threaten to destroy humanity's last hope. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: Deleted scenes, gag reel, cast auditions, webisodes. (Universal).

January 22

Turn It Up! (2015) Exploration and celebration of the electric guitar and the people who fall under its spell. Narrated by actor-musician Kevin Bacon, the film features interviews with an array of guitar royalty: the late Les Paul and B.B. King (in one of his final interviews), Slash, Robby Krieger, Paul Stanley, Steve Lukather, Nancy Wilson, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, Albert Lee, Ana Popovic, Jerry Cantrell, Steve Howe, John 5 and many others. The documentary honors the beloved electrified six-string and recognizes the rich bond between musician and instrument, and the pilgrimage to find the ultimate guitar and perfect tone. From the mouths of those who invent them, build them, sell them, collect them, and those who make them sing, the film reveals the deep cultural love affair of the world's most popular instrument, and explores its past, present, and future. Formats: Two-disc DVD, two-disc Blu-ray, Digital. Extras: "Conversations and Extras" bonus disc. (71st Street Entertainment).

January 25

Kansas City Confidential BLU-RAY DEBUT (1952) An ex-con trying to go straight is framed for a million dollar armored car robbery and must go to Mexico in order to unmask the real culprits. Ex-con Joe Rolfe (John Payne) is on the road to rehabilitation. Framed for a $1 million robbery, he gets off for lack of evidence, but with his face plastered in the headlines and still hurting from a brutal beating in police custody, he's already lost all that he's doggedly worked to achieve. Embittered and with steely determination, he sets out to track down the real criminals and render his own justice. Clues trail over the border to a Mexican fishing resort, and straight into the path of an inconvenient beauty (Coleen Gray) The seductress' ties soon pit Rolfe -- who has nothing left to lose -- against a crooked ex-cop (Preston S. Foster) and some of the ugliest, most-menacing thugs in the cinematic underworld, portrayed by Lee Van Cleef, Neville Brand and Jack Elam (all extremely well known to classic film fans as villains, henchmen, gangsters and tough guys). Director Phil Karlson worked with an array of Hollywood's biggest talent -- including Abbott & Costello, Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin, Elvis Presley, Elke Sommer and Sharon Tate -- and helmed the mega box-office hit "Walking Tall" (1973). But it was his raw, unflinching filmmaking about disagreeable truths -- punctuated by exaggerated and shadowy cinematography -- that left his most indelible mark. Karlson helped define the stylistic, cynical and moody Film Noir genre with vulnerable protagonists, down-on-their-luck anti-heroes, hard-boiled characters, femme fatales, violent realism and blunt dialogue. Digitally restored in high definition from original 35mm film assets. (The Film Detective).

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January 26

The Assassin (2015 -- Taiwan) Shu Qi, Chang Chen. Critically-acclaimed martial arts drama from legendary director Hou Hsiao-hsien is Taiwan's submission for Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards. The visually stunning, action-packed film blends tragic historical drama with thrilling swordplay and martial arts in this story of an exiled assassin in 9th-century China who must choose between love or duty when she receives orders to kill betrothed husband-to-be. She must confront her parents, her memories, and her long-repressed feelings in a choice to sacrifice the man she loves or break forever with the sacred way of the righteous assassins. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital. Extras: Four-part behind-the-scenes featurette: "Nie Yinniang," "The Actors: No Rehearsals," "The Fights Between Masters," "A Time Machine to the Tang Dynasty." (Well Go USA).

Black Mountain Side (2014) Shane Twerdun, Michael Dickson, Carl Toftfelt. Thriller follows a group of archaeologists after they uncover a strange ancient structure in Northern Canada and unleash an inexplicable evil. Formats: DVD. (Monarch Home Entertainment).

A Brilliant Young Mind (2015) Asa Butterfield, Rafe Spall, Sally Hawkins, Eddie Marsan. Inspired by true events, "A Brilliant Young Mind" tells the story of teenage math prodigy Nathan who struggles when it comes to building relationships. In his confusing world, Nathan finds comfort in the predictability of numbers. But after earning a spot to compete in the prestigious International Math Olympiad, he faces new and unexpected challenges, ultimately triumphing in life and love. Formats: DVD, Digital. (Sony).

Burnt (2015) Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Daniel Bruhl, Riccardo Scamarcio, Omar Sy. A chef assembles a crew together in an attempt to create the best restaurant ever. Chef Adam Jones (Bradley Cooper) had it all and lost it. The former enfant terrible of the Paris restaurant scene had earned two Michelin stars and only ever cared about the thrill of creating explosions of taste. To land his own kitchen and that third elusive star though, Jones will need to leave his bad habits behind and get the best of the best on his side. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). (Anchor Bay).

Chi-Raq (2015) Director: Spike Lee. Stars: Nick Cannon, Teyonah Parris, Wesley Snipes, Angela Bassett, Samuel L. Jackson. A modern day adaptation of the ancient Greek play "Lysistrata" by Aristophanes, set against the backdrop of gang violence in Chicago. After the murder of a child by a stray bullet, a group of women led by Lysistrata organize against the on-going violence in Chicago's Southside, creating a movement that challenges the nature of race, sex and violence in America and around the world. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). (Lionsgate).

Comin' at Ya! (1981 - Italy) Fan-favorite spaghetti western in a 35th Anniversary re-release that includes its debut on Blu-ray 3D. Directed by Ferdinando Baldi ("Django") and written, produced and starring spaghetti western legend Tony Anthony. Independently produced, "Comin' at Ya!" was originally released theatrically in 1981 by Filmways Pictures and went on to gross over $12 million domestically in only 200 theaters in North America (over $30 million in 2016 dollars when adjusted for inflation), long before independent films were a regular staple in multiplexes. "Comin' at Ya!" happily embraced the 3-D technology of its time, not only taking advantage of the depth that the technology provided, but also taking every opportunity possible to throw, shoot and point things at the viewer at every possible turn and created a cult classic movie as a result. The new home video version was supervised and produced by Tony Anthony himself and Tom Stern ("In God's Hands"), through his company Sternco 3D. Sourced from a new 4K master, the film boasts a frame by frame digital conversion of the polarized over-and-under format of the original print, sourced from a brand new internegative into the MVC 3D format and new 5.1 surround sound. The story line: Tragedy strikes as two ruthless brothers burst into a chapel and kidnap a bride during her wedding, shooting the groom (Anthony) and leaving him for dead. Hurt and angry, he begins his quest to find his love, and take vengeance upon the wicked. Sound familiar, Mr. Tarantino? Formats: Blu-ray 3D/2D, 2D DVD, VOD, Digital. (MVD Entertainment).

Watch the trailer:

Da Vinci's Demons: The Complete Third Season (2015) The conclusion of the Starz historical fantasy series that focuses on a young Leonardo da Vinci as he struggles with his inner demons and outside forces in a battle to shape the future. In this final season, Leonardo da Vinci's world comes crashing down when the city of Otranto is torn apart by an Ottoman invasion. On the battlefield, the Turks use da Vinci's own weapons against him ... the designs for which were stolen by someone he trusted. This betrayal will haunt Leo long after the battle is decided, as will the deaths of loved ones lost in the fighting. When Rome instigates a Crusade against the Turks, he seizes the opportunity to join, but his mission is complicated by a series of grisly murders that terrorize Italy and threaten the Crusade itself. Three-disc set with all 10 episodes. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital. (Starz/Anchor Bay).

Downton Abbey: The Final Season (2016) The top-rated PBS drama of all time approaches its climactic chapter as it enters its sixth and final season on MASTERPIECE, bringing exciting closure to a remarkable series. Season 6 opens in 1925 with a series of crises reflecting the momentous changes that are transforming society. Women's rights have given Lady Mary and Lady Edith new positions of responsibility: Mary runs the estate, and Edith manages the magazine she inherited from Michael Gregson. Meanwhile, Tom Branson has left for Boston, and newlyweds Lady Rose and Atticus Aldridge are trying their luck in Jazz Age New York. Anna Bates faces a murder charge, though many still suspect her husband. And for the rest of the servants, big doubts hang over their jobs. Will great houses and the fortunes that support them soon be gone? Three-disc set with all nine episodes. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital. (PBS Distribution).

The Facts of Life: Season Eight (1986-87) Three-disc set with all 24 episodes. Blair, Natalie, Tootie, and Jo say goodbye to their beloved Mrs. G -- and things will never be the same again. When Edna Garrett finds love, the girls are understandably overjoyed -- but it turns bittersweet when they realize that their longtime friend and mentor will be leaving them. Edna’s sister, Beverly Ann (Cloris Leachman) steps in to keep an eye on the girls, but as the year passes and graduation from Langley College looms for Blair and Jo, it appears that the winds of change haven’t finished blowing just yet. Other highlights of Season Eight include a rockin’ trip back to the 1960s, an Eastland girls reunion, guest appearances by George Clooney and pop star Stacey Q., and a surprising murder mystery. Formats: DVD. (Shout! Factory).

French Village (Un village francais), Season Two (2009 -- France) Robin Renucci, Thierry Godard, Nicolas Gob, Audrey Fleurot, Fabrizio Rongione. French series chronicles the impact of World War II on a small village in central France. The German occupation changes the life of the village of Villeneuve forever, and as its residents come under the pressures of war, they make choices that are inspiring and heartbreaking. In this gripping drama, ordinary citizens become patriots, traitors, Nazi employees or activists. Beginning with the Germans' arrival in June 1940, they endure five years of rationing, fighting and betrayals, and strain to keep some semblance of their existence intact. The war shatters all their lives, but a few of them, even in the shadow of destruction, reach out to find fleeting moments of connection and love. Formats: Four-disc DVD. (MHz Home Entertainment).

Goosebumps (2015) Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, Ryan Lee, Odeya Rush. A teenager teams up with the daughter of young adult horror author R. L. Stine after the writer's imaginary demons are set free on a small town. Read more about "Goosebumps" in the January Calendar. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, 3D Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital, UltraViolet (cloud). Extras: "Beginners Guide to Surviving a Goosebumps Creature," "Strange Things are Happening ... On-Set." Blu-ray adds alternate opening, alternate ending, deleted scenes, cast blooper reel, All About Slappy," "Creaturefied!," casting gallery. (Sony).

Jack's Back (1988) James Spader, Cynthia Gibb. One hundred years ago, Jack the Ripper slashed his way through London's red light district. Now, a modern-day maniac is honoring the event by mutilating L.A.'s ladies of the evening. Has Jack the Ripper been reborn? The police are stumped and the prostitutes of L.A. are scared. The only person with a chance of solving the murders has a problem of his own --he's the LAPD's number one suspect. Formats: Blu-ray/DVD Combo. Extras: New audio commentary with writer-director Rowdy Herrington, new "The Making of Jack's Back," theatrical trailer. (Scream Factory).

Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise (2015 -- TV) Tom Selleck, Luke Perry, Leslie Hope, Gloria Reuben, William Devane. Tom Selleck returns as Robert B. Parker's fictional Police Chief Jesse Stone of Paradise, Mass., who here agrees to help the Massachusetts State Homicide Division track down a brutal serial killer. Formats: DVD. (Sony).

The New Girlfriend (2014 - France) Romain Duris, Anais Demoustier, Raphael Personnaz, Isild Le Besco. From the visionary mind of director Francois Ozon ("Swimming Pool") comes this gender-bending melodrama steeped in suspense and indebted to the eye-popping visuals of Pedro Almodovar, Alfred Hitchcock and Brian De Palma. After mourning the loss of best friend Laura, Claire comes across Laura's husband David (Romain Duris) dressed head-to-toe in his wife's clothes. Unsure whether his new guise is the result of foul play, she threatens to reveal David to Laura's family. But the more time she spends with him, the more Claire becomes seduced by his beautiful new incarnation. As the two become inseparable, Claire wonders whether she is falling for David's alter ego, or perhaps a part of Laura's resurrected soul. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc. (Cohen Media Group).

Night Will Fall (2015) The story behind a 1945 British film detailing World War II German concentration camp atrocities. "Night Will Fall" is the story of the incredible efforts made by British cameramen to film and document for the first time the unbelievable atrocities the Allies encountered during the Liberation of the German concentration camps in 1945 at the end of World War II. The Ministry of Information's Sidney Bernstein collaborated with Alfred Hitchcock to make a documentary that was to provide undeniable proof that these horrifying crimes actually happened. For a number of reasons that Andre Singer's powerful film explores, the film was ultimately shelved and languished in British archives for years until the Imperial War Museum completed the film in 2014. In this intimate and emotional film we meet the cameramen and the survivors who participated in the original documentary and tell their unforgettable stories here for the first time. Narrated by Helena Bonham Carter, "Night Will Fall" premiered in January 2015 on HBO and had been released to home video to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27). Formats: DVD, Digital. Extras: Interview with professor Rainer Schulze in which the noted historian discusses the British government's filming of the liberation of 35,000 prisoners at Bergen-Belsen by British troops in April 1945; "Oswiecim (Auschwitz)" Soviet propaganda film that documents the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp; "Death Mills" by Hanus Burger and Billy Wilder, the famous U.S. propaganda film about the Nazi concentration camps. (Warner Archive Collection).

Nikkatsu Diamond Guys - Vol 1 (1958/59) Nikkatsu, the oldest film studio in Japan, inaugurated a star system in the late 1950s, finding talent and contracting to their Diamond Line for a series of wild genre pictures. This collection celebrates these "Diamond Guys" with three classic films from directors Seijun Suzuki ("Branded to Kill"), Toshio Masuda ("Rusty Knife") and Buichi Saito "(Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart in Peril"). An old hand at tough guy action roles, Hideaki Nitani ("Tokyo Drifter," "Massacre Gun") stars in "Suzuki's Voice Without a Shadow." Asako, a former telephone operator, once heard the voice of a murder suspect that has continued to haunt her. Years later her husband invites his boss, Hamazaki, over for dinner and she realizes his voice is suspiciously like that of the killer. Before she can investigate further, Hamazaki is found dead and her husband becomes the prime suspect. Next, 50s subculture icon Yujiro Ishihara ("Crazed Fruit") stars in Masuda's "Red Pier" as "Jiro the Lefty", a killer with a natural talent. Shortly after arriving in Kobe, he witnesses a man die in a crane accident, which turns out to be a cover-up for a murder. Jiro soon finds himself on the run, tailed by a determined cop. Finally, in Saito's" The Rambling Guitarist," mega star Akira Koabyashi ("Battles Without Honour and Humanity") stars as wandering street musician Shinji, who falls in with mob boss Akitsu after saving one of his henchmen in a bar fight. Tasked by Akitsu with evicting an offshore fishery, Shinji finds himself in the middle of a very unusual domestic dispute. High Definition digital transfers of all three films from original film elements by Nikkatsu Corporation, with original uncompressed mono audio and newly translated English subtitles. Formats: Blu-ray/DVD Combo. Extras: Specially recorded video discussions with Japanese cinema expert Jasper Sharp on Diamond Guys Hideaki Nitani and Yujiro Ishihara; original trailers for all three films and trailer preview for "Diamond Guys Vol. 2"; image galleries for all three films; reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphreys; booklet featuring new essays on all three films and director profiles by Stuart Galbraith, Tom Mes and Mark Schilling. (Arrow Video/MVD Entertainment Group).

Spiral (Engrenages): Season 5 (2014) Caroline Proust, Gregory Fitoussi, Audrey Fleurot, Philippe Duclos, Thierry Godard. Season Five of the acclaimed French police series begins with the shocking double murder of a woman and a girl that plunges everyone into the world of organized crime, narcs and gangs. Captain Laure Berthaud, facing a personal crisis, pursues as her primary suspect a man who is the husband and father of the victims. She also investigates an ATM-robbing gang who could somehow be involved with the murders. Pierre Clement, still in a relationship with Josephine Karlsson, continues to climb the career ladder as a private lawyer with a growing reputation in the legal community. Meanwhile, eager to expose police manipulation in the death of an officer, Judge Roban and Karlsson find themselves working together. The brutal investigations that link them all reveal unexpected connections between some and irrevocable breaks between others. Formats: Four-disc DVD with 12 episodes. (MHz Home Entertainment).

January 29

Brave Miss World (2015) The riveting story of former Miss World Linor Abargil who, at the age of 18, survived a violent stabbing and rape -- just before winning the Miss World crown. The compelling film follows her fight to convict her attacker, and her journey from teenage victim to empowered survivor, lawyer and advocate for others whose lives have been impacted by sexual violence. Linor speaks out about rape from the townships of South Africa to Universities in the U.S., where the lack of justice available to survivors of rape is one of the most critical issues of our times. The documentary explores the trauma and stigma of sexual assault, through one young woman's refusal to stay silent. The film is offered in 14 languages on packaged media and through all major digital platforms worldwide. The film was supported by grants from Women In Film, Artemis Rising Foundation, the Kroll Documentary Fund, The Fledgling Fund, the Embrey Family Foundation and the Roy A. Hunt Foundation. Hans Zimmer composed the score, with Ben Harper, Martin Tillman and Daniel Lessner. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital. Extras: 60 minutes of never-released content, including behind-the-scenes with Linor, expanded interviews, survivor testimonials. (Netflix).

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All listings are based on information from the home video studios. Some release dates may change and titles may come out after a specified date (with no announcement from the studio). Additionally, some titles may be released with little or no advance announcement. And since all DVDs are priced at sell-through and are available for substantial discounts at both online and brick-and-mortar stores, we only list suggested retail prices for some special editions, box sets and collections.

All DVDs are screened on a reference system consisting of a Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player w/SACD & DVD-Audio, a Rotel RSX-972 Surround Sound Receiver, and Phase Technology 1.1 (front), 33.1 (center), and 50 (rear) speakers and Power 10 subwoofer.

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January 15, 2016
(ISSN 1094-3676).