09.06.09 | Jerry Frebowitz | New Releases This WeekPrint this Post
New Releases on DVD and Blu-ray for this week include theatrical newcomers, some TV series and vintage favorites from the 1970s including Summertree, an early role for Michael Douglas.
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Crank 2: High Voltage (2009)
As if surviving a heart-stopping poison wasn't enough, insanely durable anti-hero Jason Statham must now face the harsh reality of having his pumper stolen altogether. Hooked up to an artificial unit that runs on a battery, Statham must use any power source he can find to keep himself charged up while he attempts to get his heart back before it's transplanted into a sinister Triad boss (David Carradine). This (literally) electrifying sequel also stars Amy Smart, Dwight Yoakam.
The Nail (2009)
Shot in Philadelphia, this gritty, emotional film stars Tony Luke, Jr. as an overweight boxer returning to the ghetto after an eight-year prison stint for an accident. Luke returns to work at his old gym with no zest for life, but he soon meets a 14-year-old Latin boy abused by his father and bullied at school. Their eventual bond may give them both a second chance at life. William Forsythe, Tony Danza, and Paul Orrantia co-star.
Valentino: The Last Emperor (2008)
The intriguing life of renowned Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani is explored in this in-depth documentary. Along with members of his inner circle and his longtime business partner and companion of 50 years, Giancarlo Giammetti, he prepares for a variety of prestigious fashion events. Along the way, a candid look at the life and work of the couturier is revealed.
That Hamilton Woman (1941)
Laurence Olivier stars with (then-wife) Vivien Leigh in this telling of the doomed love affair between Lady Emma Hamilton and Captain Horatio Nelson in 19th-century England. In this story of love, courage, and heroism, Olivier's smitten naval officer proves his dedication to the married Leigh after she helps him in his battles against Napoleon's armada. Directed by Alexander Korda; with Alan Mowbray, Gladys Cooper.
Homicide (1991)
Writer/director David Mamet's riveting drama stars Joe Mantegna as a respected Jewish Baltimore detective who, while investigating the murder of an elderly shopkeeper, is drawn into allegations of an anti-Semitic conspiracy that lead him to reconsider his work, life, and faith. William H. Macy and Natalija Nogulich co-star.
The Human Condition (1959-1961)
A Japanese pacifist strives to preserve his beliefs during World War II, in "The Human Condition, Part 1" (1959), the first part of Masaki Kobayashi's thoughtful film trilogy. Tatsuya Nakadai stars as an administrator who enrages his superiors by dealing humanely with striking mine workers and POWs. AKA: "No Greater Love." Then, "The Human Condition, Part 2" (1960) follows the plight of hero Nakadai as he serves punishment duty in Manchuria, enduring wild accusations and beatings from sadistic officers for the sake of his humanism. AKA: "The Road to Eternity." And, Nakadai achieves freedom from his cruel Japanese commanders and permits himself to be captured by Russian troops, hoping for better treatment as a POW, in the final installment "The Human Condition, Part 3" (1961).
Love And Pain And The Whole Damn Thing (1973)
Timothy Bottoms and Maggie Smith make an unlikely pair in this bittersweet romantic drama. He's a shy, asthmatic young man, she's an awkward middle-aged woman. When they meet during a summer tour in Spain, their unexpected friendship blossoms into something much deeper. But their burgeoning love affair is threatened by disheartening news about Smith's health; directed by Alan J. Pakula.
Summertree (1971)
Michael Douglas, in a early role, delivers a powerful performance as a young man who is wounded while serving in Vietnam. On the verge of death, Douglas recalls the major events and significant people in his life, including the girl (Brenda Vaccaro) he couldn't commit to, clashing with his parents (Jack Warden, Barbara Bel Geddes) over leaving college and his plan to dodge the draft, and the spot where he spent the happiest times of his life. Rob Reiner co-stars.
The Buttercup Chain (1970)
English cousins France and Margaret were born on the same day to mothers who are twin sisters. When he fears the close bond they share is turning into sexual attraction, France sets Margaret up with Fred, a Swedish student, while taking promiscuous American girl Manny as his lover. But an affair between Fred and Manny turns an already complicated situation into all-out chaos. Hywel Bennett, Jane Asher, Leigh Taylor-Young, Sven-Bertil Taube star in this unusual British drama.
The Pursuit Of Happiness (1971)
A young, rebellious college student (Michael Sarrazin) finds his life has taken a tragic turn when he accidentally kills an elderly woman with his car. Disgusted by having to pass himself off as an upstanding member of society while he stands trial, Sarrazin seizes an opportunity to escape incarceration, fleeing to Canada with his activist girlfriend (Barbara Hershey). Riveting drama also stars E.G. Marshall, Arthur Hill, Ruth White, Robert Klein.
Model Shop (1969)
French director Jacques Demy's ("The Umbrellas of Cherbourg") sun-drenched L.A. story chronicles an unemployed architect's (Gary Lockwood) attempts to win the heart of a beautiful French model (Anouk Aimee). Nearly completely broke, Lockwood gives up the last few dollars he has for the opportunity to photograph the emotionally distant Aimee. Alexandra Hay co-stars.
Fringe: The Complete First Season (2008)
This involving science-fiction series from the creators of "Lost" debuted in 2008, focusing on a highly specialized arm of the FBI dedicated to investigating a series of bizarre events occurring around the world. Special Agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv), crazed former government scientist Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble), and Bishop's son Peter (Joshua Jackson) make up the team assigned to deal with everything from rare diseases and psychic visions to killer monsters and telepathy. All 20 episodes from the debut season.
Harper's Island: The DVD Edition (2009)
Mixing elements of soap opera and whodunit, this intriguing CBS series followed a group of friends who gathered on the title Washington State island to attend a wedding, only to be murdered one by one. Are the deaths linked to similar slayings years ago? Is one of the guests responsible? And can you solve the mystery before the killer is either caught or completes his deadly task? Adam Campbell, Elaine Cassidy, Christopher Gorham, Harry Hamlin, Samantha Noble, and Bill Pullman star. All 13 episodes from the series.
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency: The Complete First Season (2009)
Based on Alexander McCall Smith's series of best-selling novels, HBO's quirky, feel-good series is set in Botswana, where Precious Ramotswe (Jill Scott) and Grace Makutsi (Anika Noni Rose) defy convention, realizing Precious' longtime dream of opening their country's first, and only, female-owned-and-operated private detective agency. With Lucian Msamati, Desmond Dube. All seven episodes from the first season.
Parks And Recreation: Season One (2009)
The creators of the American version of "The Office" employ the same mockumentary style for this hilarious sitcom. Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) is a mid-level public official with the Pawnee, Indiana Parks and Recreation Department whose infectious enthusiasm and career-minded ambition keep her undaunted as she champions a beautification project that will turn a dangerous construction site into a pristine park. Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Paul Schneider co-star. All six episodes from the first season.
Worst Week: The Complete Series (2008)
Sam (Kyle Bornheimer) and Melanie (Erinn Hayes) are thrilled to be expecting their first baby. The trouble is, they're not yet married, and they have yet to break the news of their wedding (and baby) plans to Melanie's highly conservative parents, who already look askance at their daughter's relationship with the disaster-prone Sam. This riotous relationship comedy was adapted from the BBC series "The Worst Week of My Life." Kurtwood Smith, Nancy Lenehan co-star. All 16 episodes of the series.
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