01.25.10 | Jerry Frebowitz | New Releases This WeekPrint this Post
New DVD Releases for this week include Drew Barrymore's very funny roller derby movie Whip It, and Bruce Willis and Ving Rhames appear together again in Surrogates, the recent sci-fi thriller. Along with this week's full slate of new-to-video releases is last summer's mega-hit, Michael Jackson's This Is It which includes the last performances from the "King of Pop." And a classic trio of Foreign wartime movies makes it way to DVD: Roberto Rossellini's War Trilogy from the 1940s.
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Michael Jackson's This Is It (2009)
Go behind the scenes with Michael Jackson as he prepared for his sold-out concerts at London's O2 Arena in this documentary culled from rehearsal footage shot shortly before his untimely death. Featuring unforgettable performances of Jackson's biggest hits--including "Thriller" and "Beat It"--the film also presents a candid look at a true musical genius and the legacy he left behind. Directed by Kenny Ortega ("High School Musical").
Surrogates (2009)
In this sci-fi thriller's future landscape, the world's people are unmoored from their inhibitions by living out their existence remotely through robotic avatars--a consequence-free environment that ironically rids the globe of crime. Then, a shocking murder forces FBI agent Bruce Willis to disengage from his surrogate and venture into a dangerous realm where rebellious humans have rejected isolation but live in exile. Radha Mitchell, Ving Rhames co-star.
Saw VI (2009)
Twisted torturer Jigsaw may be dead, but his lethal legacy lives on in this sixth installment, as Detective Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) and Jigsaw's widow Jill (Betsy Russell) set a new round of gruesome games--this time targeting predatory bankers and greedy health care executives--in motion. With Mark Rolston, Shawnee Smith, and, in flashbacks, Tobin Bell.
Whip It (2009)
Hilarious comedy stars Ellen Page as a small-town Texas teen who is tired of always doing what is expected of her. After her mother tries to get her to join a beauty pageant, she gets involved with a local roller derby team. Adopting the name "Babe Ruthless," she quickly becomes a sensation on wheels. With Drew Barrymore (who also directed), Marcia Gay Harden, Juliette Lewis.
I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell (2009)
Based on the best-seller by Tucker Max, this hilarious comedy stars Matt Czuchry as the writer/notorious ladies' man. Joined by his engaged pal Dan and his boisterous buddy Drew, he sets out on a night packed with booze, babes, and craziness. But when Tucker realizes the errors of his misogynistic ways, his change of heart has some hilarious results. Jesse Bradford, Traci Lords, Geoff Stults co-star.
Soul Power (2009)
Three days before the 1974 Ali-Foreman "Rumble in the Jungle" match in Zaire, the world's finest soul musicians took to the stage to provide an energizing series of live concerts to warm up the crowd for the big event. This documentary assembles a chronology of the proceedings both onstage and backstage, with appearances and performances by James Brown, Bill Withers, B.B. King, The Spinners, and others.
The Boys Are Back (2009)
British sports reporter Joe Warr (Clive Owen) reacts to the death of his second wife by allowing his children to embrace life's many risks--a freedom-loving philosophy that the new woman (Laura Fraser) in his life finds disconcerting, possibly even dangerous to the welfare of the youngsters. Can Joe learn to balance his lust for life with the obligations of a single parent? Director Scott Hicks' ("Shine") emotional drama co-stars Emma Booth, George MacKay.
Give 'Em Hell, Malone (2009)
Malone (Thomas Jane) is a hard-boiled private eye who walks into a violent trap when he enters a run-down hotel to retrieve an important briefcase. Suddenly, the shamus finds himself up against a gang of well-armed criminals who will do anything to get to the case and his beautiful--but mysterious--client. Ving Rhames, Elsa Pataky, and French Stewart co-star.
Fuel (2009)
Desperate to save his girlfriend from her abusive home life and move out of his hometown, high-schooler Emilio attempts to use his running skills to get a track scholarship. While working at a gas station, he is exposed to vapors that set off his bad temper. Will Emilio be able to control his rage before it destroys his future? Michael Esparza, C. Thomas Howell, Bill McKinney star.
Bright Star (2009)
It would seem highly unlikely that young English poet John Keats (Ben Whishaw) would take up a romance with neighbor Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish), seeing as she was indifferent to both his poetry in particular and literature in general. But soon, they are bound together by passion, the exploration of poetry, and tragedy in this vivid romantic drama of the 19th century. With Kerry Fox, Paul Schneider.
Tennessee (2008)
While he escaped to New Mexico after an abusive upbringing in Tennessee, Carter (Adam Rothenberg) continues to battle his own personal demons. After learning that his brother (Ethan Peck) has leukemia and he is an ineligible bone marrow donor, Carter sets out with his sibling on a trip back to his hometown, hoping their alcoholic father might be a match. Moving indie road drama co-stars Mariah Carey, Lance Reddick.
The Donner Party (2009)
Filmed at the actual site of the infamous 1846 Donner Party tragedy in the Sierra Nevadas, this historical drama focuses on the battle of wills between William Foster (Crispin Glover) and William Eddy (Clayne Crawford) as they find themselves snowbound in the icy wilderness and ravaged by hunger. The two clash over who should lead the party's desperate attempts to survive while the group contemplates using fallen comrades as food. With Michele Santopietro, Mark Boone Junior.
Little Ashes (2008)
Before setting teen hearts afire in "Twilight," Robert Pattinson essayed the role of renowned Spanish artist Salvador Dali in this passionate drama. The young Dali comes to Madrid in 1922 to further his studies, and bonds with other future masters of the surreal, including filmmaker-to-be Luis Bunuel (Matthew McNulty) and poet Federico Garcia Lorca (Javier Beltran), for whom he develops a lustful attraction. With Marina Gatell, Adria Allue.
Alone In The Dark II (2008)
Genre icon Uwe Boll ("Postal") acts as producer for this sequel to the 2005 videogame-based thriller (which he directed), birthing an all-new yarn that finds hero Edward Carnby (Rick Yune) interfering with a team of witch hunters and the plot to sacrifice an innocent young woman. Will Carnby be able to wield a magical dagger in time to halt the evil? With Rachel Specter, Lance Henriksen, and Danny Trejo.
$5 A Day (2008)
When an untrustworthy father (Christopher Walken) convinces his son (Alessandro Nivola), who has problems of his own, that he's terminally ill and can only receive the treatment he needs at a distant location, they take off on a wacky road trip. Short on cash, father and son execute elaborate cons to pay their way across country. Sharon Stone, Amanda Peet, and Dean Cain co-star.
Bad Biology (2008)
A young woman (Charlee Danielson) born with a bizarre mutation of her genitalia is also cursed (or blessed, depending on your point of view!) with an insatiable sex drive. But she's got a mean streak, bringing her partners to gruesome ends and abandoning offspring birthed as the result of her hyperactive reproductive organs, finally meeting a mate with an equally disturbing affliction. Weird Frank Henenlotter ("Basket Case") shocker co-stars Anthony Sneed, Remedy.
Hello Goodbye (2008)
Breezy romantic comedy follows fiftysomething Parisian couple Alain and Gisele as they uproot their lives and move to Tel Aviv following a dream vacation to Israel. As Alain struggles to embrace Jewish traditions--including getting circumcised--Gisele is inspired by her new surroundings. Gerard Depardieu, Fanny Ardant, Jean Benguigui star.
Paris, Texas (Criterion Collection) (1984)
German director Wim Wenders and writer Sam Shepard create a stark, compelling portrait of life, love and alienation in a small Southwest town. Harry Dean Stanton is a drifter who returns after a four-year desert odyssey and attempts to reconnect with his estranged son and ex-wife. Nastassja Kinski, Dean Stockwell, Hunter Carson also star.
British Cinema Drama Collection
Set in Northern England, "Grand National Night" (1953) stars Nigel Patrick as a horse owner who kills his alcoholic wife and tries to get rid of her body by stuffing it in a car. When the police begin investigating her death, the man must find a way to get out of the jam. Moira Lister, Michael Hordern also star. AKA: "Wicked Wife." In "Kill Me Tomorrow" (1957), a down-on-his-luck reporter decides to take the rap for a diamond smuggler's crimes to raise money for his son's eye operation. Pat O'Brien, George Coulouris, and Lois Maxwell star. The heartfelt British domestic drama "The Scamp" (1957) is about a young boy who believes he has accidentally killed his neglectful, alcoholic father. Richard Attenborough, Dorothy Alison star. AKA: "Strange Affection." From Robert Siodmak ("Criss Cross") comes the dark drama "The Rough and the Smooth" (1959), starring Nadja Tiller as a calculating German nympho who seduces, blackmails, and deceives three men, including her newest lover, an engaged archeologist. Tony Britton, William Bendix, and Donald Wolfit star.
Roberto Rossellini's War Trilogy
The final chapter of Italian filmmaker Rossellini's depiction of everyday life during and after World War II, "Germany Year Zero" (1947), offers his neo-realist view of people struggling to survive amid the rubble of the once-proud city of Berlin. With Franz Kruger, Edmund Moeschke. Three-disc set also includes "Rome, Open City" and "Paisan." 5 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: Italian and German Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English; bonus documentary "Roberto Rossellini" (2001); interviews; more. In German and Italian with English subtitles.
Island Of Desire (1952)
Tab Hunter made his screen debut in this steamy drama, portraying a young Marine shipwrecked on an island with a beautiful nurse (Linda Darnell). At first alone and combative on the island, the castaways are gradually attracted to each other just as the arrival of a handsome pilot (Donald Gray) complicates their relationship even more. With John Laurie, Sheila Chong.
Doctor Death (1973)
What is the sinister secret of Doctor Death (John Considine), who claims to be able to bring the dead back to life? Is he actually 1,000 years old? What happens to the women who take part in his "stage show"? And is that elderly audience member really Moe Howard of the Three Stooges (his final screen appearance)? With Florence Marley, Cheryl Miller. AKA: "Doctor Death: Seeker of Souls."
Goodbye Gemini (1979)
Eerie psychological suspenser about a pair of adult twins, living since childhood in their own fantasy world, who must face a brutal reality when they're implicated in a murder at a local nightclub. The twins go on the run...but, they' can't hide from the horror! Judy Geeson, Martin Potter, and Michael Redgrave star.
Southland: The Complete First Season (Uncensored)
Edging up against the saltier qualities of cable programs by including vivid profanity (and then "bleeping" it out), this gripping NBC police drama follows the saga of veteran Los Angeles cop John Cooper (Michael Cudlitz) and his new partnership with rookie officer Ben Sherman (Benjamin McKenzie). As the two prowl the crime-battered streets, they also interface with other members of the squad who carry their own compelling burdens. With Tom Everett Scott, Regina King. All seven episodes from the first season are presented uncensored in a two-disc set.
The Waltons: Movie Collection
The beloved TV family returned to the small screen in this series of heartwarming telefilms. First, it's "A Wedding on Walton's Mountain" (1982), but who will young Erin (Mary Beth McDonough) marry--her fiance Paul or old boyfriend Ashley? Ralph Waite also stars. On her honeymoon, Mary Ellen (Judy Norton-Taylor) has an accident that may leave her unable to have children, in "Mother's Day on Walton's Mountain" (1982). With Michael Learned. World War II has ended, but the Walton family's plans to reunite are threatened by several personal crises, in "A Day for Thanks on Walton's Mountain" (1982). With Robert Wightman as John-Boy. Set in the 1960s, "A Walton Thanksgiving Reunion" (1993) finds John-Boy (Richard Thomas) and the rest of the clan mourning the loss of JFK. John-Boy (Thomas) returns home as his impending New York nuptials get out of hand, in "A Walton Wedding" (1995). Ellen Corby, Kate McNeil co-star. Lastly, the whole family comes together to celebrate John and Olivia's 40th wedding anniversary, in "A Walton Easter" (1997). Thomas, Waite, Learned star.
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