“The Big Sick,” “Certain Women,” and More DVD/Blu-ray New Releases

As September swiftly passes, we hope you’ll take some time out from your busy schedule to catch some of the great releases that are now available. From recent dramedies to studio classics from the 1960s to CGI sci-fi tales, there are a variety of interesting new releases now available that we think you’ll really enjoy. Take a look at what offerings are hitting DVD and Blu-ray this week!

The Big Sick

Comedian Kumail Nanjiani (who stars as himself) and real-life wife Emily V. Gordon co-wrote this bittersweet comedy, based on their unusual courtship. Kumail’s romance with white girl Emily (Zoe Kazan) ends when he can’t introduce her to his traditional Pakistani Muslim family. Things get even more complicated when an illness results in Emily being put into a medically induced coma and he must help her parents (Holly Hunter and Ray Romano) cope with the situation. Anupam Kher co-stars.

Certain Women

In a small Montana town, three women find their fates intersecting: a workers’ comp lawyer (Laura Dern) faced with having to talk down a dissatisfied client, a housewife (Michele Williams) whose pursuit of building her dream home reveals a flawed foundation in her marriage, and a ranch hand (Lily Goldstone) who stumbles into an intense attraction to a night school teacher (Kristen Stewart). Contemplative study drawn from the short stories of Maile Meloy co-stars Jared Harris, James Le Gros, Rene Auberjonois, John Getz.

Love with the Proper Stranger

Natalie Wood stars as Angie Rossini, a “good Italian girl” who becomes pregnant after a one-night stand with jazz musician Rocky Papasano (Steve McQueen). Changing their minds after initially planning for an abortion, Angie and Rocky must each come to grips with the consequences of their affair, whether that means they wind up together or not. Touching comedy/drama from director Robert Mulligan also stars Edie Adams, Tom Bosley, Herschel Bernardi.

Red Line 7000

Howard Hawks directed this soapy drama set in the fast-paced world of stock car racing. The story follows top drivers Mike (James Caan, in an early starring role), Ned (John Robert Crawford), and Dan (James Ward), and the women (Marianna Hill, Gail Hire, Laura Devon) who make their lives off the track as thrilling as when they’re racing at breakneck speeds. With Charlene Holt, George Takei; look for an uncredited Teri Garr as a go-go dancer.

Simon & Simon: Season Six

Rick Simon (Gerald McRaney) was a Vietnam veteran who favored cowboy hats and pick-up trucks. His younger brother A.J. (Jameson Parker) was a law school grad with a penchant for fine suits and sleek cars. Working together as private detectives, these very different brothers solved some of the San Diego area’s most baffling crimes, in this hit 1981-89 CBS series. Mary Carver also starred. All 22 episodes from the sixth season are featured in this six-disc set.

The Devil’s Candy

Struggling painter Jesse Hellman (Ethan Embry) needed isolation to work…and the remote Texas farmhouse that he moved into with his wife (Shiri Appleby) and teenaged daughter (Kiara Glasco) filled the bill. The place came cheap, however, because of its violent past…as well as the lurking presence of hulking former occupant Ray Smilie (Pruitt Taylor Vince)…and their effect upon both artwork and artist would prove unholy in nature. Stunning shockfest co-stars Leland Orser, Tony Amendola.

The Bad Batch

The Bad Batch is a desert stretch of Texas that the post-apocalyptic government has designated the dumping ground for society’s undesirables–from criminals to cannibals. Thrust there to fend for herself, young Arlen (Suki Waterhouse) loses an arm and a leg to the flesh-eaters…and an uncanny escape leads to an equally determined quest for revenge against her assailants. Flavorful shocker from Ana Lily Amirpour (”A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night”) co-stars Jason Momoa, Keanu Reeves, Jim Carrey, Diego Luna, Giovanni Ribisi.

Starship Troopers: Traitors of Mars

This second CGI-animated “Starship Troopers” feature finds Johnny Rico (voiced by Casper Van Dien) busted in rank by the Federation and packed off to Mars, where he’s to put new recruits through routine drills. Unfortunately, the bugs have decided to make the Red Planet their beachhead for a renewed assault! Can Rico turn his raw charges into the last line of defense? Also featuring the voices of Dina Meyer, DeRay Davis.