New Release of the Week
Medicine for Melancholy (DVD only)
Barry Jenkins' debut feature starring Wyatt Cenac and Tracey Heggins is one of the few low-budget American independent films that has really delivered on a variety of fronts. The desaturated palette stands out among others who have applied less precise science to their use of the same aesthetic. More important and compelling, however, is how the characters address their feelings about race and identity and how we cling to or reject preconceived notions of them both. I really like this film a great deal. It's rough around the edges and imperfect such that it's raw and refined in just the right places. I'll dig into this more once the copy I have on the way arrives. I have no idea if there are any extras on the disc at all, but it's a better use of the ten bucks you might spend on fast food in the next 24 hours.
Catalog Release of the Week
Night of the Creeps (Blu-ray & DVD)
I reviewed this one earlier today. This is a great presentation of a previously un-findable cult classic.
Specialty Release of the Week
42nd Street Forever: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (DVD only)
One of the coolest things about the Alamo Drafthouse is found in the details of its atmosphere. The preshow trailers are often of things it's hard to believe really existed. Synapse Films has collected material hand-picked by the Alamo programming staff and added a full-length commentary over a big batch of trailers you could previously only find at live Alamo events. This disc may not see a second pressing, so if you want it, get it now.
New Release
Whatever Works (Blu-ray & DVD)
As with all Woody Allen DVDs, there are no extras on this release. Allen was recently quoted as saying he doesn't think he'll come up with another Manhattan or Annie Hall, that those days are behind him. I enjoyed Whatever Works as a sort of performance art/film essay hybrid. I'm afraid some may have had some sort of expectations going in that were underwhelmed, whether of Artiste Woody Allen or HBO's Larry David.
Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (Blu-ray & DVD)
Director's Commentary, Unfinished Deleted Scenes, "Walk the Dinosaur" Music Video (sung by Queen Latifah), Scrat Pack Shorts & Featurettes
Featurettes: Evolution Expedition, Buck: From Easel to Weasel, Unearthing the Lost World, Fox Movie Channel Presents: In Character with John Leguizamo/Ray Romano/Queen Latifah
BD-Live Exclusive: IMdB Live Lookup
I tried to be as objective as possible and not think of the copy of UP sitting on my coffee table while I made it through this movie. My background studying Anthropology really came rushing back as I looked on baffled at the different eras of species on display. The Ice Age series has really become the evolution-denier's paradise. If they do a fourth one, I expect it to be something like Ice Age: Hunt 4 the Humans. The undercurrent of "you're nobody without a mate and a of couple 'crazy' single friends" jumps to the forefront of this latest installment that is made slightly bearable by Simon Pegg as Buck the Weasel and a gorgeous sequence in a pouring rainstorm.
The featurettes are difficult to pay much attention to, but I really liked one bit where an actual scientist went rogue and brought up the fact that Tyrannosaurus and Baryonyx would likely never run into one another and that Baryonyx was likely an aquatic scavenger. The Scrat sequences and the ones with a bunch of dinosaurs are the best part of the movie. The "plot" isn't terribly interesting, nor does it ever feel like there are stakes in place. There's no suspense or sense of danger whatsoever.
Tinker Bell & The Lost Treasure (Blu-ray & DVD)
Featurettes: Magical Guide to Pixie Hollow, Pixie Hollow Comes to Walt Disney World
Scenes You Never Saw (Outtakes?), Deleted Scenes, The Gift of a Friend" music video
This adventure is a lot more bearable than the first DTV Tinker Bell adventure, owing largely to the more established presence of John Lasseter at the helm of Disney Feature Animation. The original one looked and played out like a merchandising opportunity for new dolls, toys, and dresses. I'm still not a-ok with expanding the Tinker Bell universe beyond Peter Pan, but they've gotten better with this one. Rather than just sit around introducing new toys and inventing backstory, there's an actual adventure going on for once. Tinker Bell screws up reviving the tree that produces the pollen--er, Pixie Dust that makes everyone fly, so she has to go out and find a MacGuffin to set everything right. Did I mention that Tink has found herself a wee little boyfriend/love interest? How cute and marketable!
Angel & The Badman (DVD only)
Someone woke up one morning and decided that the idea of remaking a well-known John Wayne western sounded like a good idea. This stars Lou Diamond Phillips in the Wayne role of Quirt Evans and Luke Perry as Quirt's former parter Laredo Stevens (originally played by Bruce Cabot). Before you cry outright sacrilege, John's grandson Brendan Wayne is featured in a small part. Nah, go ahead and cry about it. The movie aired on TV back on the 5th of July this year. I haven't had a chance to watch it yet, but that's what Thursday mornings are for. I have no faith at all in this, so let's hope it outdoes my expectations.
Orphan (Blu-ray & DVD)
I reviewed this one here.
Fear(s) of the Dark (DVD only)
I saw this at Fantastic Fest 2008.
Nothing Like the Holidays (Blu-ray & DVD)
Il Divo (Blu-ray & DVD)
Stan Helsing (Blu-ray & DVD)
The Achievers: The Story of Lebowski Fans (DVD only)
High School Record (DVD only)
Lovecraft: Fear of the Unknown (DVD only)
Sauna (DVD only)
Battlestar Galactica: The Plan (Blu-ray & DVD)
Catalog
Z (Criterion Collection) (DVD only)
I wish this were available on Blu-ray as well.
Reissue
March of the Penguins/On the Wings of Penguins Limited Edition Giftset (DVD only)
I only requested a review copy of this because I was interested in the second film they're bundling in here. I'll have more on this one on Friday or Saturday from the look of things.
Stargate: 15th Anniversary (Blu-ray only)
The original disc had mastering issues, and this is one of the first "fix" double dips the format has seen. All reports seem to be that they got it right this time.
Disc Roundup (Movies) is posted each week at some point, depending on how many discs there are to get through. Unless otherwise noted, screener copies of titles reviewed were provided by the respective studio.
If you think I've missed something, feel free to send me an email.