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OnVideo's Weekly Guide to Home Video Releases
Here Awhile: Terminally ill Anna returns to Oregon to reconnect with her estranged brother while simultaneously making the heart-wrenching choice to end her life putting to use the Death with Dignity Act. (Digital, VOD only)
Lost in America: Director Rotimi Rainwater's shocking documentary that sheds light on the millions of youth living on the streets everyday in America. Film follows Rainwater as he takes an all-encompassing look at youth homelessness, highlighting issues such as human trafficking, the foster care system, youth rejected because of their sexuality, domestic violence, abuse and more. (DVD release: Day & date)
Sesame Street – When You Wish Upon a Pickle : When a mysterious wishing machine is delivered to Sesame Street, Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and Ernie find their wishes coming true after they talk to the magical pickle inside. One word of warning though: when you wish upon a pickle, make sure you read ALL the directions first. (Digital only)
Think Like a Dog: Family comedy follows 12-year-old Oliver, a tech prodigy whose middle-school science fair experiment goes awry, creating a telepathic connection between him and his furry friend, Henry. (DVD, Blu-ray release: Day & date)
You Don't Nomi: A chorus of film critics and fervent devotees explore the complicated afterlife of 1995’s biggest film flop, Paul Verhoeven's salacious "Showgirls," from disastrous release to cult adoration and extraordinary redemption. (Digital only)
Relic: A daughter, mother and grandmother are haunted by a manifestation of dementia that consumes their family's home. "Relic" had its World Premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2019 to critical acclaim, praising the film as a fresh and terrifying twist on the notorious haunted-house tale. (VOD, digital only)
The Departure: Before leaving Los Angeles to start a new job in New York, Nate, with the help of his best friend John, devises a wicked plan to test his girlfriend's loyalty. (Digital, VOD only)
The Soul Collector: In an attempt to start a new life with his young, fragmented family, bankrupt William returns to the South African farm he inherited from his estranged father. But their farmhand, Lazarus, carries a dark secret: a demon child with an insatiable appetite for human souls. (Digital, VOD only)
Al Adamson: The Masterpiece Collection Box Set
For the first time ever, experience the complete legacy of writer-producer-director Al Adamson, with 31 remastered films on 14 Blu-ray discs, plus the award-winning documentary "Blood & Flesh: The Reel Life & Ghastly Death of Al Adamson." Adamson’s oeuvre spans a wild beyond-belief world of bloody brains, vicious cowboys, naughty nurses, decrepit actors, sexy stewardesses, mad scientists, brutal bikers, Blaxploitation mayhem, kung fu killers and “scenes so SICK the Movies could never show them before!” The life and career of B-movie maverick Adamson – known for such low budget classics as "Satan's Sadists," "Dracula vs. Frankenstein" and "The Naughty Stewardesses" (as well as his own grisly 1995 murder) – reveals perhaps the most bizarre career in Hollywood history. Films Included:"Angels’ Wild Women," "Black Heat," "Black Samurai," "Blazing Stewardesses," "Blood & Flesh: The Reel Life & Ghastly Death Of Al Adamson," "Blood Of Dracula’s Castle," "Blood Of Ghastly Horror," "Brain Of Blood," "Carnival Magic," "Cinderella 2000," "Death Dimension," "Dracula Vs. Frankenstein," "Dracula’s Castle," "Five Bloody Graves," "Girls For Rent," "Half Way To Hell," "Hell’s Bloody Devils," "Horror Of The Blood Monsters," "Jessi’s Girls," "Lost," "Mean Mother," "Nurse Sherri," "Nurses For Sale," "Psycho A-Go-Go," "Satan’s Sadists," "Sunset Cove," "The Dynamite Brothers," "The Fakers," "The Female Bunch," "The Fiend With The Electric Brain," "The Naughty Stewardesses," "Uncle Tom’s Cabin." In a limited, numbered edition release of only 2000 units. Formats: Blu-ray. Extras: Dozens of trailers, featurettes, commentaries, outtakes and more. A 126-page booklet containing an in-depth analysis of all the films, illustrated throughout with rare stills. (Severin Films).
Blood & Flesh: The Real Life & Ghastly Death of Al Adamson
(2010) "Horror Film Director Found Slain, Buried Under Floor," screamed the 1995 headlines read around the world. But the truth behind the wild life of Al Adamson -- including the production of such low budget classics as "Satan's Sadists," "Dracula vs. Frankenstein" and "The Naughty Stewardesses" -- and his grisly death reveals perhaps the most bizarre career in Hollywood history. Told through over 40 first-person recollections from friends, family, colleagues and historians -- plus rare clips and archival interviews with Adamson himself -- this documentary is the award-winning chronicle of bikers, go-go dancers, porn stars, aging actors, freak-out girls, Charles Manson, Colonel Sanders, alien conspiracies and homicidal contractors. Formats: DVD (Blu-ray was released April 21). Extras: "Beyond This Earth" promo reel, trailer, bonus film "The Female Bunch," "The Bunch Speaks Out" featurette, "The Female Bunch" trailers. (Severin Films).
The Candy Witch
(2020) Kate Lush, Abi Casson Thompson, Heather Jackson, Richard D Myers. Two ghost hunters are called upon to help a distressed family who claim they are being tormented by an evil spirit known as The Candy Witch. As the mystery of her curse is uncovered, surprising and sinister turns are discovered around The Candy Witch's identity. Can the evil curse be stopped before more people are killed by the demonic spirit? Formats: DVD, Blu-ray. (Uncork’d Entertainment).
Carnival Magic
(1981) Al Adamson’s (see above) first children’s movie, a delightful tale of alcoholism, domestic violence, a talking chimp with a brassiere fetish, vivisection, suicide, "The Freak-Out Girl" Regina Carrol – in her final performance – flaunting an array of skintight/low-cut outfits, and not a single role for children. Don Stewart and Joe Cirillo co-star in the infamous ‘80s oddity that has been hailed as “Possibly the worst kiddie movie ever made.” Scanned from the only surviving pre-print 35mm elements. Includes his last complete feature, the Sandra Dee starrer "Lost" that reveals Aldamson's bizarre kiddie matinee legacy. Formats: DVD (Blu-ray was released April 21). Extras: "A Boom to Science" critical appreciation by Zack Carlson and Lars Nilsen; audio commentary with producer Elvin Feltner; outtakes; TV Spot; trailer; "The Happy Hobo" rushes for a promo from unproduced Adamson kids film; "Lost" trailer. (Severin Films).
Deanna Durbin Collection
This collection features three classic films starring screen legend Deanna Durbin. "100 Men and a Girl" (1937) - Durbin shines in this delightful story of an inventive and determined young woman who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. The daughter of an unemployed musician, Patricia Cardwell (Durbin) decides she will persuade conductor Leopold Stokowski to help her launch an orchestra that will employ her widowed father (Adolphe Menjou) and 99 other out-of-work musicians. Though faced with this seemingly impossible task, Patricia leads her unemployed orchestra to the home of the unsuspecting Stokowski and conducts them in Liszt's "Second Hungarian Rhapsody" from the top of his staircase. His reaction is priceless, as are the numerous musical numbers, including "It's Raining Sunbeams" and "A Heart That's Free." This enchanting musical treat is a triumphant celebration of Hollywood and a tribute to one of the cinema's best-loved stars. "3 Smart Girls Grow Up" (1939) - Penny (Durbin) has a knack for matchmaking and realizes that her own two sisters Joan (Nan Grey) and Kay (Helen Parrish) could use her help since one of them is in love with the other's boyfriend. In attempting to manipulate the situation so that both sisters end up with the ideal fiancé, Penny only creates further problems until her father is forced to intervene on her behalf. Often noted as Durbin's first young adult role, this breezy, lighthearted entry co-stars Robert Cummings, Charles Winninger and William Lundigan. "It Started With Eve" (1941) brings together the exceptional talents of Durbin and Charles Laughton in a hilarious misadventure of love and romance. An old millionaire (Laughton), believed to be in his final days, wishes to meet the young lady that his son Johnny (Robert Cummings) is planning to wed. When the future bride-to-be is unavailable, the dutiful son finds a quick replacement in a random hat check girl (Durbin). Surprisingly, she quickly steals his heart and when his father makes a remarkable recovery, Johnny must juggle the phony bride-to-be with the newly arrived true bride of his heart. All three films were directed by the great Henry Koster.
Formats: Blu-ray. (Kino Lorber Studio Classics).
The Dinner Party
(2020) Bill Sage, Jeremy Lodon, Lindsay Anne Williams, Mike Mayhall. Renowned surgeon and culinary enthusiast Carmine Braun invites playwright Jeffrey Duncan and his wife to join his eccentric friends at their semi-annual dinner party, having promised to fund Duncan’s new play to Broadway. As the evening descends into madness, the group’s true intentions are revealed, along with an ancient secret that will change the Duncans’ lives and fortunes forever. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital. (Uncork’d Entertainment).
Home
(2018 -- Belgium) Sebastian Van Dun, Mistral Guidotti, Loïc Bellemans, Karlijn Sileghem. After 17-year-old Kevin is released from prison for violent behavior, he goes to live with his aunt and her family, including Sammy, his cousin. While apprenticing as a plumber he starts to integrate with Sammy’s group of friends who are still in high school. Like all teenagers, they just want to party and ignore any responsibilities, but one of them is hiding a problem at home that will put the entire group in jeopardy. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray. Extras: Trailer. (Altered Innocence).
The Hunt
(2020) Ike Barinholtz, Betty Gilpin, Justin Hartley, Glenn Howerton, Emma Roberts, Ethan Suplee, Hilary Swank. Twelve strangers wake up in a clearing. They don't know where they are, or how they got there. They don't know they've been chosen - for a very specific purpose - The Hunt. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital. Extras: "Crafting the Hunt" in which the filmmakers and cast discuss how costumes and props were used to highlight the political commentary of this slaughterous thriller; "Death Scene Breakdowns"; "Athena vs Crystal: Hunter or Hunted?" behind-the-scenes featurette about the intense training and choreography actresses Betty Gilpin and Hilary Swank had to master in order to execute their epic fight scene. (Universal).
Lost in America
(2018) Director Rotimi Rainwater's shocking documentary sheds light on the millions of youth living on the streets everyday in America. The film follows Rainwater as he takes an all-encompassing look at youth homelessness, highlighting issues such as human trafficking, the foster care system, youth rejected because of their sexuality, domestic violence, abuse and more. Executive produced by Rosario Dawson, Jewel Kilcher, the documentary features interviews with Dawson, Jewel, Halle Berry, Tiffany Haddish, Jon Bon Jovi, Sanaa Lathan among many others. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital. (Indican Pictures).
Modern Family Season 11
(2019-20) All 18 episodes of the acclaimed series' final season. The Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker extended clan is a wonderfully large an blended family that gives us a look at the hilarious and warm -- and sometimes twisted -- lives of an American modern family. As Haley and Dylan and the twins move in with Phil and Claire, Manny heads for college, Alex tries out life beyond academics, and Luke seeks his next move. Mitch and Cam try to understand their gifted teen, and Jay and Gloria navigate their now seasoned marriage. Formats: DVD. (Fox).
Outback
(2019 -- Australia) Kym Cramp, Brendan Donoghue, Lauren Lofberg. Tells the terrifying tale of a young couple lost in the wilderness and fighting for survival. Wade and Lisa head to Australia hoping to recharge their failing romance. When their GPS fails, they leave their car and head off on foot to find a new route. As night falls, they must spend the night in the bush without food, water, or weapons, surrounded by snakes, scorpions, and wild dogs. Now, one decision could mean the difference between life ... and certain death. Based on a true story. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital. (Lionsgate).
A Simple Wedding
(2019) Tara Grammy, Christopher O'Shea, Rita Wilson, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Maz Jobrani, Houshang Touzie. Iranian-American Nousha has a habit of sabotaging her relationships and frustrating her parents as she is their only hope for a real Persian wedding. Nousha falls fast when she meets Alex, a bisexual artist, activist and DJ living in an old warehouse. When her parents discover that she and Alex are living together before marriage, chaos unfolds as they prepare for a wedding that’s anything but simple. Formats: DVD. (Breaking Glass Pictures).
Think Like a Dog
(2020) Gabriel Bateman, Kunal Nayyar, Julia Jones, Janet Montgomery, Bryan Callen, Todd Stashwick, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel. Family comedy follows 12-year-old Oliver, a tech prodigy whose middle-school science fair experiment goes awry, creating a telepathic connection between him and his furry friend, Henry. The bond brings Oliver and Henry even closer as they join forces to comically overcome complications at school, and help Oliver’s parents rekindle their marriage along the way.
Formats: DVD, Blu-ray, VOD, Digital. Extras:
Audio commentary with writer-director Gil Junger, “Anything is Paw-sible: Making Think Like a Dog” featurette. (Lionsgate).
This Teacher
(2018) Hafsia Herzi, Sarah Kazemy, Lucy Walters. Follows a French Muslim woman (Herzi) as she travels to New York City from the rough neighborhoods outside of Paris to visit her childhood best friend. But when their reunion turns disastrous, she escapes to a cabin upstate. However, she soon finds she is not alone, and her sojourn in nature gradually descends into a terrifying study of the intolerance and suspicion she encounters and reflects back to an Islamophobic America. Formats: DVD, VOD. (Breaking Glass Pictures).
An Unmarried Woman
(1978) One woman’s journey of self-discovery brings about a warmly human cultural conversation about female liberation, in this wonderfully frank, funny chronicle of changing 1970s sexual politics by Paul Mazursky. When her husband of 16 years abruptly leaves her for a younger woman, Manhattan gallery worker Erica (a fantastic, Oscar-nominated Jill Clayburgh in her defining role) finds herself alone and adrift -- but also newly empowered to explore her needs and desires as she tests the waters of a new relationship with a charismatic artist (Alan Bates). Candidly addressing issues of sex, intimacy, loneliness, and divorce from an unabashedly feminist perspective, "An Unmarried Woman" makes the simple but radical assertion that a woman’s most important relationship is the one she has with herself.
Formats: DVD, Blu-ray with New 4K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray. Extras: Audio commentary from 2005 featuring director Paul Mazursky and actor Jill Clayburgh; new interviews with actors Michael Murphy and Lisa Lucas; new interview with author Sam Wasson on Mazursky’s work; audio recording of Mazursky speaking at the American Film Institute in 1980; trailer; an essay by critic Angelica Jade Bastién. (The Criterion Collection).
We Summon the Darkness
(2020) Alexandra Daddario, Keean Johnson, Maddie Hasson, Amy Forsyth, Logan Miller, Austin Swift, Johnny Knoxville. On the way to a heavy metal concert, Alexis ( Daddario) and two girlfriends hear a news report of a local murder believed to be tied to a series of satanic killings. After the show, the girls invite three guys to join them at the estate owned by Alexis’s father, a fire-and-brimstone preacher (Knoxville). What starts as a party suddenly turns dark and deadly. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray, VOD, Digital. Extras: “Envisioning Darkness” featurette, commentary with director Marc Meyers and writer Alan Trezza. (Lionsgate).
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