04.19.10 | Chris Cummins | New Releases This WeekPrint this Post
This week's notable new releases include an Oscar-winning performance from one of Hollywood's most talented actors, Peter Jackson's adaptation of Alice Sebold's enthralling novel, the first season of a TV soap opera classic set in the heart of California's wine country, a British drama that makes me sleepy just watching the trailer, and the latest volume of Perry Mason episodes. Oh yeah, there's also the biggest money maker in motion picture history: Avatar. There's a lot of worthwhile choices this week, so let's take a look at what DVDs you can now add to your collection.
Crazy Heart
Jeff Bridges took home a Best Actor Academy Award for his superb performance as a down-and-out country music singer struggling to hang on to what little fame he's achieved. With several failed marriages under his belt, a son he hasn't seen in years, and rapidly declining health, Bridges finds his dreary life unexpectedly rejuvenated through his relationship with a small-town reporter (Maggie Gyllenhaal) and her 4-year-old son (Jack Nation). Robert Duvall, Colin Farrell also star in this compelling drama. It was great to see the Dude finally get his Oscar, wasn't it?
Please check-out the article "The Lost Films of Jeff Bridges"
Peter Jackson's adaptation of Alice Sebold's bestseller set in 1970s New England follows a 14-year-old murder victim as she watches over her loved ones from a purgatory state which she refers to as "The In-Between." Desperate for her family to get closure and move on with their lives, she attempts to help her father find her body and catch her killer--a creepy and dangerous neighbor. Rachel Weisz, Mark Wahlberg, Saoirse Ronan, Stanley Tucci, and Susan Sarandon star. This film underperformed at the box office and alienated some of the novel's fans, but hey, at least the production design was great!
Falcon Crest: The Complete First Season
Want an evening of sudsy fun? Then travel to Falcon Crest. The fondly remembered 1980s prime time soap about rival wine-making families in California finally makes its long-awaited DVD debut with this four-disc set that features all 18 episodes from the first season. Jane Wyman, Robert Foxworth, Susan Sullivan, Lorenzo Lamas star.
Emily Blunt shines as Princess Victoria in this biopic set in 1830s England that chronicles the early reign of the royal. Rupert Friend lends support as Victoria's husband, Prince Albert. With Jim Broadbent, Paul Bettany, Miranda Richardson and Mark Strong. Also, this looks tremendously boring. But if costume dramas are your cup of tea, govna, have at it. It doesn't have nearly enough giant robots for my taste. (I can barely get through the history-based episodes of Doctor Who, but that's just how I roll).
Raymond Burr returns to the courtroom for another batch of installments from the classic legal drama. This four-disc set features the first 15 episodes from the fifth season--including "The Case of the Jealous Journalist," "The Case of the Malicious Mariner," "The Case of the Posthumous Painter," "The Case of the Renegade Refugee," and "The Case of the Roving River."
Last but not least, James Cameron's records-shattering blockbuster hits DVD and Blu-ray....but not in 3-D. Will the film still have the same impact on the small screen that it did in theaters? Obviously not, but if you want to experience the wonders of Pandora at home, now you can. Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, and Stephen Lang star in this sci-fi epic that raised the bar for the movie-going experience.
For details and availability about more of this week's new releases, click here.
Here's a look at last week's New DVD Releases.
when will "the letter" (1929) be available on dvd?
There's no word yet on any possible release for that classic drama, but if it gets released, you can bet that Movies Unlimited will carry it!
I am assuming that the movie the letter isn't the one with Bette Davis correct? Because if it is then you can purchase it already. But speaking of other great stars any word on the release of Back Street, Come to the Stable, Where Love Has Gone, or Come Back to the Five & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean?
Rick-
Chuck was referring to the 1929 "The Letter." Those films that you mentioned are all frequently requested titles here at Movies Unlimited. Unfortunately, at this time there is now concrete word on if and when they will be released. But as always, keep reading our new DVD releases page at MoviesUnlimited.com.
Why don't we ever get to see the longer original version of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance? I remember seeing this movie when released back in the early 60's and there were scenes I rememeber that I haven't seen since! To me it's obvious there is something missing in certain parts of the movie. It is still one of my favorites.
Christina- What were some of the scenes that you remember? As far as I can tell, the only edited version of the film was shown in West Germany (it had a 113 minute running time as opposed to the 123 minute version that was featured in the States). Of course, maybe you saw it in West Germany, in which case you can enjoy the full, unedited version now on DVD! Here's some more info on the film: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Man_Who_Shot_Liberty_Valance
Is Staircase on a list for future releases? The film co-stars Rex Harrison and Richard Burton. The film was released by 20th Century-Fox in the late 1960s. I noticed it bwas scheduled last week for viewing in Fox Movie Channel. Also, are the following films starring Betty Grable available or soon to be available: Mother Wore Tights, Coney Island and When My baby Smiles At Me. Please advise.
Don Walls
Don,
None of those are available right now. Rest assured that when they finally do make their DVD and Blu-ray bow, we will offer them on our retail website: http://www.moviesunlimited.com.
when will when my baby smiles at me, mother wore tights, and coney island be available.
Dolores,
Unfortunately, there's no word yet on when those classics will be available. There are a number of reasons why films don't hit DVD, most likely to do with legal and/or music rights. With any luck, these sought after gems will be available for home viewing -- and when they are you can bet your bippy that we will carry them here at Movies Unlimited! Keep reading our weekly new DVD feature to keep up to date on our latest and greatest new releases.
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