08.17.09 | Jerry Frebowitz | New Releases This WeekPrint this Post
New DVD and Blu-ray Releases for this week include some TV favorites, a few theatrical newcomers, quite a few re-releases, an unflinching look at Mike Tyson in a no-holds-barred documentary and for fans of canine actors, four new finds starring the silent era's most popular pooches.
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Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009)
Disney's 'tween legend makes the leap to the big screen in this delightful family-friendly film following the misadventures of teen Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus). When Miley's musical successes as alter ego Hannah Montana begin to feel more like a curse than a blessing, she questions the pursuit of fame and fortune and contemplates a return to the simple joys of family and friends. Billy Ray Cyrus, Emily Osment co-star.
The Last House On The Left (2009)
This remake of the disturbing 1972 terror film brings its own raw intensity to the tale of three innocent teens assaulted by a gang of murderous maniacs. When the lead killer and his wicked associates take refuge in a nearby home that happens to be owned by one of their victims' parents, the stage is set for a series of shocking confrontations. Wes Craven (writer/director of the original) acts as a producer for this brutal re-do; Monica Potter, Michael Bowen, Garret Dillahunt star. Includes both the theatrical and unrated versions.
Tyson (2009)
James Toback's insightful documentary tells the hardened story of Mike Tyson from Tyson's perspective. Through interviews with the former heavyweight boxing champion and archival footage, the release sheds light on Tyson's side of trying times in his life such as his tough childhood, the death of Cus D'Amato, dealings with Don King, his marriage to Robin Givens, the Buster Douglas fight, and his rape conviction.
Icons Of Sci-Fi: Toho Collection
A trio of films from renowned Japanese sci-fi master Ishiro Honda is included in this three-disc set. First, fallout from hydrogen bomb tests is turning people into blobs of oozing, radioactive green goop that travel through sewers and have a taste for human flesh, in "The H-Man" (1958). Kenji Sahara, Akihiko Hirata star. Next, it's a "Battle in Outer Space" (1959) when all the world's super powers put their differences aside and unite to fight a common enemy: an invasion of Earth launched by a race of diminutive aliens. Ryo Ikebe, Kyoko Anzai star. And, in "Mothra" (1961), explorers on a remote Pacific island find a huge egg and two tiny native girls that they bring back to Japan where the egg hatches a giant moth larva that threatens all of Tokyo. With Frankie Sakai, Hiroshi Koizumi, and Emi a nd Yumi Ito (aka the vocal group "The Peanuts").
Husbands (1970)
John Cassavetes wrote, directed, and co-stars in this male-bonding epic about three boyhood friends (Cassavetes, Peter Falk, and Ben Gazzara) who group together after another pal dies. They soon forget wives and families and go on a carefree spree that includes drinking, playing hoops, and taking a trip to London, where they consider extramarital affairs. With Jenny Runacre, Noelle Kao. This is the extended cut, running 142 minutes.
How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days (Deluxe Edition) (2003)
When womanizing ad exec Matthew McConaughey bets his boss he can make a girl fall in love with him in 10 days, he's unaware that the particular gal he's chosen--women's magazine writer Kate Hudson--has been given an assignment to pen an article on how to get a guy to dump her in the same time frame. Will the unwitting competitors stick to their goals, even when real sparks start to fly? With Adam Goldberg, Thomas Lennon.
The Last Starfighter (25th Anniversary Edition) (1984)
Alex (Lance Guest) is a young video game whiz living in a trailer park who learns that the Starfighter arcade game he's mastered has been used to recruit him as a spaceship gunner in the planet Rylos' struggle against an evil empire. Partnered with an alien pilot named Grig (Dan O'Herlihy), Alex will put his skills to the test as he becomes a major player in an interstellar war. Catherine Mary Stewart and Robert Preston co-star in this fun sci-fi actioner.
Pete's Dragon (High-Flying Edition) (1977)
Wonderful musical fantasy from Disney blends live-action and animation to chronicle the adventures of Pete, an orphan boy who escapes from his adoptive parents and travels to Passamaquoddy, Maine. Befriended by a kindly lighthouse keeper and her father, he attempts to stop a con artist from exploiting his guardian dragon pal, Elliott. Helen Reddy, Jim Dale, Mickey Rooney, Shelley Winters, Sean Marshall, and the voice of Charlie Callas star.
Sons Of Anarchy: Season One (2008)
From "The Shield" writer/producer Kurt Sutter comes this down-and-dirty FX series that follows the members of the Sons of Anarchy motorcycle club, modern-day outlaws that deal in the sale of illegal weapons to California drug gangs. Jackson "Jax" Teller (Charlie Hunnam) is the club's vice president, who struggles with being a new dad while taking on more of a leadership role within the gang. Ron Perlman, Katey Sagal, Mark Boone Junior also star. All 13 first-season episodes--including "Pilot," "Patch Over," "Old Bones," "Hell Followed," and "The Revelator"--are featured in a four-disc set.
The Beast: Season 1 (2009)
A&E's gritty crime series focuses on Charles Barker (Patrick Swayze), a seasoned FBI agent with a decidedly unorthodox approach to undercover work, and Ellis Dove (Travis Fimmel), the rookie partner he's been assigned to train. Dove finds his loyalty to his mentor put to the test when he's approached by the bureau's internal affairs department to report on Barker and his questionable methods. Lindsay Pulsipher, Kevin J. O'Connor, Larry Gilliard also star. All 13 first-season episodes--including "Pilot," "Two Choices," "Hothead," "The Walk In," and "No Turning Back"--are collected in a three-disc set.
Absurdistan (2008)
In a world where the men are too lazy to fix the village water pipe, the women (who have long since exhausted their patience with their sexually overzealous, yet highly unmotivated, mates) take a page from Aristophanes' "Lysistrata" by making a pact to maintain their celibacy until water is restored. Will any man be clever enough to bring about happiness for all? Charming German comedy (with very little dialogue) stars Kristyna Maalerova, Max Mauff.
Country Blue (1973)
A young ex-con returns to a life of crime after finding rejection everywhere he goes. With the help of his girlfriend, he begins a reign of terror throughout the South, the two becoming a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde. Jack Conrad and Rita George star in this action-filled drama.
The Phantom Of The Forest (1926)
Thunder the Dog was one of the worthier rivals of canine star Rin Tin Tin. In this thrilling silent melodrama, Thunder the Dog roars to the rescue of babies and lovers. The story follows a landowner trying to defend himself against greedy do-no-gooders eager to plunder the property for oil. The dark clouds might be gathering, but Thunder will soon clear 'em up! Betty Francisco, Eddie Phillips co-star. Silent with music score.
The Sign Of The Claw (1926)
Dog star Peter the Great tops the cast of this silent era gem of a crime melodrama, the story of how the loyal canine aids his patrolman master (Edward Hearn) and comes to the rescue of a young man who works for a bank targeted by thieves. One of only five films made by the talented pooch, who was accidentally killed in 1926. With Ethel Shannon, Joseph Bennett. Silent with music score.
Tracked (1928)
Is Ranger the Dog killing sheep? That's what the local herders believe, and so they try to drown the innocent pooch. The locals even manage to convince Ranger's most trusted human friend that the dog is a marauder...but, is there really a two-legged villain behind these tragic sheepicides? Rare silent adventure co-stars Sam Nelson, Caryl Lincoln. One of the few Ranger The Dog films known to have survived. It was found in Sweden and all intertitles have been replaced with English. Silent with music score.
The Night Cry (1926)
Is Rin Tin Tin about to be put down for a crime he didn't commit? In this enthralling silent adventure, the noble canine is blamed for the ravaging of a herd of sheep at the claws of a menacing condor. When a child becomes the winged predator's next victim and is abducted, it's up to the daring dog to come to the rescue. There are many stories of how Rin Tin Tin could really act and the scene when Rinty returns home not knowing why his owner is angry with him is a standout. John Harron, June Marlowe co-star. Silent with music score.
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