Blu-Ray Round-Up: ‘Wallander,’ ‘Metalocalypse,’ ‘Maniac,’ ‘The Dry Land’

Submitted by BrianTT on November 4, 2010 - 11:18am

CHICAGO – What on Earth do metal rock stars, a British detective, a 30-year-old slasher flick, and a movie starring a kid from “That ’70s Show” have in common? Nothing but release dates that shuffle them into the world-famous Round-Up, our feature that captures synopsis, cast & crew, tech details, and special features for discerning buyers. Pick your favorite.

“Wallander: Faceless Killers, The Man Who Smiled, and The Fifth Woman” was released on Blu-ray on October 19th, 2010.

“Maniac” was released on Blu-ray on October 26th, 2010.

“The Dry Land” and “Metalocalypse: Season Three” will be released on Blu-ray on November 9th, 2010.

“Maniac”

Photo credit: Blue Underground

Synopsis: “Frank Zito (a career performance by co-writer/co-executive producer Joe Spinell of Rocky and The Godfather fame) is a deeply disturbed man, haunted by the traumas of unspeakable childhood abuse. And when these horrific memories begin to scream inside his mind, Frank prowls the seedy streets of New York City to stalk and slaughter innocent young women. Now Frank has begun a relationship with a beautiful photographer (Caroline Munro of The Spy Who Loved Me), yet his vile compulsions remain. These are the atrocities of a human monster. This is the story of a Maniac.

Directed by William Lustig (Maniac Cop, Vigilante) and featuring landmark gore effects by Tom Savini (Dawn Of The Dead, Friday The 13th), this relentlessly shocking and disturbing film was originally censored all over the world due to its graphic violence. Blue Underground is now proud to present Maniac in a new 2K High Definition transfer from the original uncut and uncensored negative, loaded with hours of brand new extras! ”

“Maniac” stars Joe Spinell and Caroline Munro. It was written by C.A. Rosenberg and Joe Spinell and directed by William Lustig. It is not rated and runs 88 minutes. The film is presented in widescreen with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio and accompanied by an English 7.1 DTS-HD Audio track.

Special Features:
o Audio Commentary #1 with Co-Producer/Director William Lustig and Co-Producer Andrew W. Garroni
o Audio Commentary #2 with Co-Producer/Director William Lustig, Special Make-Up Effects Artist Tom Savini, Editor Lorenzo Marinelli, and Joe Spinell’s Assistant Luke Walter
o “Anna and the Killer” — Interview With Caroline Munro
o “The Death Dealer” — Interview With Make-Up Artist Tom Savini
o “Dark Notes” — Interview With Composer Jay Chattaway
o “Maniac Man” — Interview With Songwriters Michael Sembello And Dennis Matkosky
o Theatrical Trailers
o TV Spots
o Radio Spots
o “Mr. Robbie: Maniac 2” Promo Reel
o “The Joe Spinell Story”
o Maniac Publicity
o Maniac Controversy

“Wallander”

Photo credit: BBC Home Video

Synopsis: “In these three new feature length episodes the idyllic tranquility of Ystad in Southern Sweden is shattered by violence and murder. In Faceless Killers an elderly couple are attacked at an isolated farmhouse and the town witnesses an outbreak of racist violence. Wallander is contracted by an old acquaintance who is suspicious about his father’s death invThe Man Who Smiled. An elderly birdwatcher falls to his death in a meticulously planned and brutal murder in The Fifth Woman.”

“Wallander” stars Kenneth Branagh. It is not rated and runs 270 minutes. The film is presented in widescreen with a 16x9 aspect ratio and accompanied by an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track.

Special Features:
o “Wallander Country”
o “Being Kurt Wallander”

“Metalocalypse: Season Three”

Photo credit: WB/Adult Swim

Synopsis: “Season 3 of Metalocalypse picks up directly after the violent attack on Mordhaus leaving the band in a precarious position without management. How will the biggest entertainment act in the universe deal with the BRUTALITY of a troubled music industry, declining economy, and their own unbridled narcissism? How will the band deal with getting too big and losing touch with their roots? By joining their own tribute band?”

“Metalocalypse” features voice work by Mark Hamill, Brendon Small, Tommy Blacha, and Victor Brandt. It was created by Small and Blacha. It is not rated and runs 214 minutes. The show is presented in widescreen with a 2.40:1 aspect ratio and is accompanied by an English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track.

Special Features:
o Extremely Extended Scene of Nathan Explosion reading Othello
o Dethklok Tour Music Videos
o 2 Music Videos — I Tamper With the Evidence, The Gears
o Facebones Background Art Tour
o Skwisgaar and Nathan Ordering at the Drivethru
o Mordhaus Renovation Extended Scene
o Extended Ikea Shopping Scene
o Klokateer Recruitment Videos
o Murderface Calls an Escort
o Nathan Explosion Reading Othello
o Pickles Drunk at the Amusement Park
o Extended Scene of Toki in Charge of Snacks
o Two Swedish Dads Extended Scene

“The Dry Land”

Photo credit: Maya Entertainment

Synopsis: “A U.S. soldier (Ryan O’Nan) home from a traumatic tour of duty struggles to fall back into rhythm with the world he left in Texas. Suffering from severe memory loss, James, the troubled soldier, leaves a loving wife (America Ferrera), mother (Melissa Leo) and best friend (Jason Ritter) for a cross-country road trip with an Army buddy (Wilmer Valderrama). Together with another friend (Diego Klatenhoff), James is able to add up the missing pieces. The resurfaced memories prove too much for James, triggering a violent and emotional breakdown that threatens the home life he is fighting to rebuild.”

“The Dry Land” stars Ryan O’Nan, America Ferrera, Wilmer Valderrama, Jason Ritter, and Melissa Leo. It was written and directed by Ryan Piers Williams. “The Dry Land” is presented in widescreen with a Dolby English 5.1 audio track. It is rated R and runs 92 minutes.

Special Features:
o Commentary with Ryan Piers Williams and America Ferrera
o Theatrical Trailer
o Resources For Care