CHICAGO – It’s a weird week at the video store (do they still have those?) or in the New Releases section of your favorite Video On Demand service. There’s some real junk that we’ll get to (“The Internship”) along with some flicks that are just too good not to break out into their own special Blu-ray reviews (“Before Midnight,” “The Conjuring” — both must-sees). And then there’s a unique array of catalog releases and TV seasons. Those could easily fall through the cracks if not for the informative What to Watch. All of these are new to Blu-ray, some for the first time and some in anniversary/special editions. At least one will grab your attention.
“High Plains Drifter”
One of Clint Eastwood’s best directorial efforts launches a new line of Blu-rays from Universal under the banner of “1970s Best of the Decade.” It will be interesting to see what the company includes in this wave of releases and whether or not they feel like mere cash grabs to get fans of hit movies to buy them again or honest-to-goodness restorations and anniversary editions. In related news, “High Plains Drifter” is 40 years old. Hard to believe, I know.
Synopsis:
Clint Eastwood returns to his familiar Old West stomping grounds and his internationally acclaimed role of “The Man With No Name” in High Plains Drifter. This time, The Stranger (Eastwood) mysteriously appears out of the heat waves of the desert and rides into the lawless, sin-ridden town of Lago. After making a name for himself with a string of blazing gun battles, The Stranger is hired by the townspeople to provide a protection from three ruthless gunmen just out of jail. Directed by Clint Eastwood himself, this pulse-pounding shoot-em-up is recognized as one of his signature western classics.
Special Features:
o Digital Copy
Where to Watch: Blu-ray, DVD, Vudu, Amazon Instant Streaming, iTunes
“Love Actually”
Universal is one of the biggest movie studios in the world and they have an arsenal of movies from which to choose every year to repackage in the hopes that someone will buy one for their sweetheart this holiday season. One of the first such releases to hit the shelves is this beloved romantic comedy, which now includes a rather cheap Christmas ornament. If you or your loved one already owns it, don’t bother. If not, it’s well-priced and makes a lovely gift.
Synopsis:
Feel the love this holiday season with the Love Actually: 10th Anniversary Edition! Funny, charming and heartwarming, this delightful romantic comedy follows eight couples whose lives intersect shortly before Christmas. Headlined by an incredible roster of stars, this beloved film also features early movie appearance by Martin Freeman (The Hobbit Franchise), Andrew Lincoln (The Walking Dead), January Jones (Mad Men) and Thomas Sangster (Game Of Thrones). From the makers of Bridget Jone’s Diary and Notting Hill, it’s the perfect companion for every Christmas.
Special Features:
o Tenth Anniversary Blu-ray Includes Love Actually Christmas Ornament & Digital Copy
Where to Watch: Blu-ray, DVD, Vudu, Netflix Streaming, Amazon Instant Streaming, iTunes
“Notting Hill”
Deja vu. Timed with “Love Actually” is another one of the few quality ’90s romantic comedies designed to stick out of stockings or appear wrapped under a Christmas tree. If you can only pick one, take “Love,” but this is a nice alternate.
Synopsis:
“I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy asking him to love her.” Starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, Notting Hill is an unforgettable romantic comedy from the writer of Love Actually and Four Weddings And A Funeral. Anna Scott (Roberts) is the world’s most famous movie star. Her picture has been plastered on the cover of every magazine and every time she makes a move, the entire world knows about it. William Thacker (Grant) owns a travel bookstore in the quaint neighborhood of Notting Hill with a roommate from hell and a nonexistent love life. When their paths cross, the couple comes to face with the ultimate question: can two people fall in love with the whole world watching?
Special Features:
o Deleted Scenes
o Spotlight On Location
o Hugh Grant’s Movie Tips
o Seasonal Walk On Portobello Road
o Photograph Montage
o Feature Commentary With Director Roger Mitchell, Producer Duncan Kenworthy And Writer Richard Curtis
o Music Videos
o Theatrical Trailers
Where to Watch: Blu-ray, DVD, Vudu, Amazon Instant Streaming, iTunes
“Maniac”
Elijah Wood plays against type in this disturbing remake of the ’80s cult horror hit. Dark, twisted, and more intense than most Hollywood horror remakes, Maniac should make a gorey alternative for viewers looking for flicks to watch this Halloween. You really have to know that your loved one is into the genre to subject her to this on All Hallow’s Eve. It’s deranged but fascinating.
Synopsis:
Frank (Elijah Wood, The Lord of the Rings) leads a deceptively peaceful life: to the outside world, he’s a withdrawn and somewhat eccentric owner of a mannequin store. But his quiet facade masks an inner rage that forces him to brutally kill the women who manage to get too close to him.
When a young artist named Anna (Nora Arnezeder, Safe House) appears one day at Frank’s shop and asks for his help with her new exhibition, Frank develops an obsession with her that threatens to completely destroy his already fragile psyche. Soon the streets become unsafe for any woman after dark as this newly-awakened maniac begins to stalk and kill.
A 21st century Jack the Ripper story set in present day Los Angeles, Maniac is an intimate, visually daring, psychologically complex and profoundly horrific trip into the downward spiraling nightmare of a killer and his victims.
Special Features:
o The Making of Maniac Documentary
o Commentary with Star Elijah Wood, Director Franck Khalfoun, and Producer Alex Taylor
o Deleted Scenes
o Poster Gallery
o Trailer
Where to Watch: Blu-ray, DVD, Vudu, Netflix Streaming, Amazon Instant Streaming
Check out page two for the latest in TV on Blu-ray…
“Untold History of the United States”
Oliver Stone brings his controversial view of the history of the world to Showtime in this 12-part series, one that earned what we’ve come to expect from the director of “Platoon” and “JFK” — raves and pans in equal measure. Some historians were so offended by “History” that they tied to get it pulled from Showtime, while others were impressed with the new insight into well-told stories, along with a hefty companion book. I find Stone’s viewpoint is always interesting even if one should never take it as 100% accurate. At least he’s making the effort to further investigate stories we think we know.
Synopsis:
This 12-chapter documentary series, created and executive produced by Academy Award-winning writer/director Oliver Stone.
As Americans, do we really know and understand our shared and complicated history? How do we recall the small details and forgotten players that influenced some of the biggest events from America’s past? Will our children actually get the whole story from reading history books? And how will it affect the future of our country?
Special Features:
o None
Where to Watch: Blu-ray, DVD, Amazon Instant Streaming, iTunes
“Nikita: The Complete Third Season”
There’s always a show or two on the air that defy typical ratings expectations in that they’re not really hits but they don’t do poorly enough to get canceled. One such show is The CW’s “Nikita,” which stood on the bubble every year and will finally come to a close this season, its fourth, which will be half-a-year. Want to see how we got here? Or perhaps you’re a big fan of “Nikita” and wonder how WB treated it on Blu-ray? As usual, their transfers are spectacular and I love how they include Ultraviolet versions of their shows. You can now have “Nikita” in the cloud.
Synopsis:
In a game-changing turnaround, Division is now run by Nikita, Michael and former CIA analyst Ryan Fletcher, who has been tasked by the U.S. President to clean up after the previous regime… or else. With punk rock hacker Seymour Birkhoff hardwired to the cause, Nikita’s protégée Alex and ex-Navy SEAL Sean Pierce in the fold, and Owen back from a Russian prison, the new team has all the tech, muscle and spy power they need to round up the Dirty Thirty - rogue assassins who remain at large around the globe. But Amanda has Division in her crosshairs, the Oval Office wants the job done yesterday, and the operation suffers devastating physical hits. Nikita must use every asset in her power to hunt down those agents before they wreak havoc in our world, making for 22 high-octane, unpredictable episodes of this smart, sexy suspense series.
Special Features:
o Unaired Scenes
o Gag Reel
Where to Watch: Blu-ray, DVD, Vudu, Netflix Streaming, Amazon Instant Streaming, iTunes
“Vikings: The Complete First Season”
“Vikings” was a massive hit for The History Channel, proving they could play with the other cable nets when it comes to original programming. Personally, I didn’t quite connect, finding it perfectly serviceable but nothing to engage week in and week out. Maybe I’m just not interested in the period. If you are, this is an excellent Blu-ray set, well-packaged and accompanied by great special features. The producers know that “Vikings” has some incredibly loyal fans (they often call in to WGN when I’m on the air talking TV) and treat them well.
Synopsis:
Journey to a thrilling ancient world in this epic new series about history’s bravest and most brutally fearsome warriors…Vikings. Ragnar, a would-be Viking chieftain, longs to fulfill his destiny as an explorer and conqueror, alongside his ambitious brother Rollo and loyal wife Lagertha. But as Ragnar leads daring raids in distant realms across the ocean, treacherous forces in his Norse homeland conspire against him. Faced with shocking betrayals and the temptations of a mysterious seductress, Ragnar must wage war on the battlefield - and within himself - to protect his freedom, family and life.
Special Features:
o Deleted Scenes
o Audio Commentary On Select Episodes
o A Warrior Society: Viking Culture and Justice
o Birth Of The Vikings
o Forging The Viking Army: Warfare and Tactics
o The Armory Of The Vikings
o Conquest And Discovery: Journeys of The Vikings
Where to Watch: Blu-ray, DVD, Amazon Instant Streaming, iTunes
“Defiance: Season One”
Speaking of cable cult hits, SyFy’s “Defiance” has developed enough of a following that it will be back for season two even though it’s not quite getting the buzz that the network has needed ever since “Battlestar Galactica” folded up shop. My problem with what I’ve seen of the show is that it feels too familiar. We need a new sci-fi hit to break the mold. Maybe “Defiance” will do so in season two. Get on the bandwagon now.
Synopsis:
From the producers of Battlestar Galactica, Caprica and Farscape comes Defiance, the critically-acclaimed action-packed tale of courage and survival. It’s 2046 and over 30 years have passed since aliens arrived, changing life on Earth forever. In the frontier town of Defiance, a drifter-turned-lawkeeper (Grant Bowler, True Blood) and the newly-appointed mayor (Julie Benz, Dexter) attempt to lead the human and alien residents through the prejudices and politics that threaten the fragile peace they’ve fought for. Combining epic scope with the intrigue of a small-town drama, Defiance is science fiction at its best. Watch every riveting episode back-to-back and uninterrupted, with exclusive bonus content including deleted scenes and featurettes that go inside this incredible new world.
Special Features:
o Deleted Scenes
o Gag Reel
o Defiance: A Transmedia Revolution
o Making Defiance
o Behind The Scenes With Jesse Rath
Where to Watch: Blu-ray, DVD, Vudu, iTunes
 [25] | By BRIAN TALLERICO [26] |
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