DVD Round Up, Sept. 2, 2009: ‘Boot Camp,’ ‘Red Velvet,’ ‘Homeboy’

CHICAGO – Time to catch up with the DVD Round-Up, a collection of titles that may have slipped under your radar while you were busy blogging about Inglourious Basterds [17]” or programming your DVR for the new Fall TV [18] season.

This week’s titles are a motley crew of horror, drama, action, and a couple of films clearly tied to bigger theatrical releases. “Like Mila Kunis in “Extract”? Why not check her out in “Boot Camp”?” “Like Kelli Garner in “Taking Woodstock”? Take a look at “Red Velvet””

Plot synopsis, cast, and special features information - what you really want to know - for a half-dozen titles follow. At least one should make your Netflix queue.

“Dark Rising” and “London to Brighton” were released on August 11th, 2009.

“Boot Camp” and “Red Velvet” were released on August 25th, 2009.

“Homeboy” was released on September 1st, 2009.

“Boot Camp”

Photo credit: Fox

Synopsis: “Sophie Bauer’s attitude and behavior towards her stepfather gets her sent to a high-tech ‘tough love’ rehabilitation program for troubled teens called Camp Serenity. Located on the island of Fiji, the facility is a penitentiary-style boot camp where teenagers are brutalized and brainwashed. After intentionally causing problems at home, Sophie’s boyfriend Ben arranges to get sent to the camp to try and rescue her.”

“Boot Camp” stars Mila Kunis, Gregory Smith, and Peter Stormare. The film was written by Agatha Dominik & John Cox and directed by Christian Duguay. The film is presented in widescreen with a 1.85:1 aspect ration and accompanied by an English 5.1 Dolby Digital audio track. It is not rated.

The DVD includes not one special feature. Boo.

“Red Velvet”

Photo credit: 3Mac Films

Synopsis: “After meeting his neighbor Linda at the local laundromat, Aaron soon learns she is disappointed about missing a birthday bash that is to take place with her friends at a remote cabin in the woods. To entertain Linda, Aaron, a storyteller, constructs a terrifying tale featuring a psychopathic killer that systematically and gruesomely murders all the guests at the party. Linda becomes more engaged as the mayhem mounts in Aaron’s story, even contributing some of her own ideas along the way. As Aaron’s yarn unfolds, the sexual tension between the mysterious stranger and his “hot” blonde neighbor continues to build with each scene as viewers are rapidly moved to its horrific climax.”

“Red Velvet” stars Henry Thomas, Kelli Garner, Cristen Coppen, Natalia Baron, and Eric Jugman. It was written by Joe Moe & Anthony Burns and directed by Bruce Dickson. The film is presented in widescreen with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio and accompanied by a Dolby Stereo track. It is not rated.

There are no special features. Boo too.

“Dark Rising”

Photo credit: E1

Synopsis: “Jason Parks’ life goes from bad to worse as a series of supernatural events turn his dream of reconciliation with his ex Jasmine into a nightmare. While on a camping trip, Jason, along with his former fiancee, her new girlfriend and his best friend Ricky, accidentally summon a blood-thirsty demon. Luckily, they also summon Summer Vale, a sexy, axe-wielding demon-hunter.”

“Dark Rising” stars Landy Cannon, Jay Reso, Brigitte Kingsley, Julia Schneider, Vanessa James, Haley Shannon, Peter Nelson, and Jack Newman. It was written and directed by Andrew Cymek. The film is presented in widescreen and accompanied by a Dolby Digital audio track. It is not rated.

Special features include Behind-the-Scenes Featurette, Photo Gallery, Commentary With Director and Cast, Wrestling Match Between Christian Cage and Rhino, and Deleted Scenes.

“London to Brighton”

Photo credit: E1

Synopsis: “Kelly, a desperate prostitute, is bullied by her pimp into finding an underage girl for a sadistic mobster. She discovers Joanne, an 11-year-old runaway, who naively complies. But when the pedophile turns violent, Kelly intervenes. Now the two girls are on the run with nowhere to hide.”

“London to Brighton” stars Lorraine Stanley, Johnny Harris, Samp Spruell, Georgia Groome, Alexandra Morton, and Nathan Constance. It was written and directed by Paul Andrew Williams. The film is presented with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio and accompanied by a Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound track. The film is rated R.

Special features include Deleted Scenes, Alternate Ending, Behind-the-Scenes Footage, and a Commentary With Director Paul Andrew Williams.

“Homeboy”

Photo credit: Lionsgate

Synopsis: “Johnny Walker (Rourke) is a punch-drunk, alcoholic boxer whose best days are behind him. In an effort to raise money for his girlfriend’s financially troubled arcade, he considers an offer to take part in a heist of a jewelry store from Wesley Pendergrass (Walken), a promoter and smooth-talking hood. However, Johnny is tempted back into the ring by a large prize payout, even though a blow to his fractured temple bone could kill him.”

“Homeboy” stars Mickey Rourke, Christopher Walken, Debra Feuer, Thomas Quinn, Kevin Conway, Antony Alda, and Jon Polito. It was written by Eddie Cook and directed by Michael Seresin. The film is presented in widescreen with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio and accompanied by an English 2.0 Dolby Digital audio track. It is rated R.

Special features include, well, nothing. Boo three.

[19]	By BRIAN TALLERICO [20] Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com [19]