13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (Blu-ray, DVD & Digital copy)
Six elite ex-military operators assigned to protect the CIA fought back against overwhelming odds when terrorists attacked a U.S. diplomatic compound on September 11, 2012.
Even though this is a Michael Bay film, it’s not hampered by his typical bravado that sets special effects above narrative. Apparently this movie is the result of the director desiring “a change of pace” and it actually demonstrates he’s capable of just that. Based on a true story, some of the actual contractors were regularly on set to answer questions and confirm the picture’s authenticity. Unlike other similar underdog war movies, this one feels real as their efforts to get every detail right really enhances the narrative. After introducing audiences to the main characters, the skill of the operators and hazards of the environment, the remaining two-thirds of the film is a testament to what a highly trained unit can accomplish in the midst of chaos.
Special features include: “For the Record: Finding the Truth Amid the Noise”; “Uncovering Benghazi’s Secret Soldiers”; “Preparing for Battle: Behind the Scenes of 13 Hours.” (Paramount Home Media Distribution)
Anomalisa (Blu-ray, DVD & Digital copy)
Michael Stone (David Thewlis) — husband, father and noted author — travels to Cincinnati to speak at a customer service conference. But once he’s separated from the routine of his daily life, a chance encounter helps him to realize just what, and whom, he’s been missing.
This is writer/co-director Charlie Kaufman’s biggest departure and most unique examination of the human condition. The entire picture is voiced by only three actors: Thewlis, Jennifer Jason Leigh who portrays the female love interest, and Tom Noonan who is credited as “everyone else.” Using stop-motion animation, Kaufman and co-director Duke Johnson explore this man’s breakdown and revival at the hands of an admirer. One of this film’s visual distinctions is the unfinished heads of its main characters as filmmakers choose not to erase the seams of the pieces that comprise their faces. Moreover, the film’s painstaking attempt to create a realistic sex scene that captures the intimacy achieved by the couple involved is actually quite impressive. The pace is deliberate, the style arresting and the story quite intriguing.
Special features include: “None of Them are You: Crafting Anomalisa”; “Intimacy in Miniature”; and “The Sound of Unease.” (Paramount Home Media Distribution)
The Confirmation (Blu-ray & Digital copy)
Walt (Clive Owen) is an out-of-luck carpenter who suddenly finds himself caring for his estranged son Anthony (Jaeden Lieberher) for a weekend while his ex-wife (Maria Bello) and her new husband (Matthew Modine) head to a Catholic retreat. Neither father nor son is initially happy about the arrangement, but through a series of events the two start to see each other in a different light. With understanding comes healing, and both embark on the journey of love that makes them stronger together and allows Walt to become the father he needs to be.
First-time writer/director Bob Nelson was inspired by Vittorio De Sica’s Bicycle Thieves — a fact that grows increasingly obvious as the narrative progresses. Walt is an alcoholic, which often equates to him also being a screw-up. In the meantime, Anthony has accepted his new family structure that doesn’t carry the same concerns as spending time with his dad. However the theft of Walt’s toolbox, and thus livelihood, bring the two together; it becomes them against the world while they search for the culprits. It’s very much an adventure as they encounter a variety of characters, which include appearances by Patton Oswalt, Tim Blake Nelson and Michael Eklund, and even more dead-ends. However it’s not hokey or depressing as their journey is generally engaging and entertaining.
Special features include: “A Father-Son Story: Inside the Characters of The Confirmation”; “The Performances of The Confirmation.” (Lionsgate)
The Dragons of Camelot (DVD)
The Kingdom of Camelot is plunged into darkness after the death of noble King Arthur launches the reign of his cruel sorceress sister. Commanding three deadly dragons with her dark magic, she hunts the remaining Knights of the Round Table to the ends of the Earth.
This is a fairly low-budget picture that attempts to recreate and reimagine an epic story with limited resources. As a result the CGI dragons are not very polished, there doesn’t appear to be enough extras for certain scenes and the action sequences are rather bland. However the most unforgivable shortfall is the poor acting, which simply enhances the movie’s other weaknesses. This is not a “so bad it’s good” scenario as watching this already ridiculous story unfold becomes increasingly trying and the film’s conclusion provides no comfort as it matches the preceding silliness.
There are no special features. (VVS Films)
Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season steelbook collector’s set (Blu-ray & Digital copy)
In the third season, the Lannisters barely hold on to the throne after a savage naval onslaught from Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane), while stirrings in the north threaten to alter the overall balance of power. Robb Stark (Richard Madden), King in the North, faces major calamity in his efforts to build on his victories over the Lannisters, while beyond the Wall Mance Ryder (Ciarán Hinds) and his huge army of wildlings continue their inexorable march south. Across the narrow sea, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) — reunited with her three fast-maturing dragons — attempts to raise an army to sail with her from Essos, in hopes of eventually claiming the Iron Throne.
The tide is changing for many of the characters after last season, but not all for the good. After defending the throne from the threatening siege, Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) is not granted the expected award or recognition for his efforts; he is insryone planning attack or working to stand against one, the web of betrayals grows wider and ever more intricate. Although none shall compare to what is now known as “The Red Wedding” in episode nine. Even though the knowledge of its existence removes some of the anticipation, it still comes as a shock. As is the case in war, not everyone makes it to the next season but there will be exciting story arcs on the horizon. This season’s newly released steelbook features a magnet sigil of the House Frey and their ancestral seat of the Twins, which was also the location of the red wedding.
Special features include: 12 commentaries with cast and crew; deleted and extended scenes; in-episode guide; “’The Rains of Castmere’ Unveiled”; “Histories and Lore”; “Roots of Westeros”; “A Gathering Storm”; “The Politics of Marriage”; “Inside the Wildlings”; and new characters. (HBO Home Entertainment)
Game of Thrones: The Complete Fourth Season steelbook collector’s set (Blu-ray & Digital copy)
While the Lannisters’ hold on the Iron Throne remains intact, new and ongoing threats from the south, north and east threaten to tip the scales. As Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane) and Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) continue to grow their respective armies, the arrival of the Lannister-loathing “Red Viper of Dorne” (Pedro Pascal) poses a more immediate danger. In the north, the depleted Night’s Watch seems overmatched against the advances of Mance Rayder’s (Ciarán Hinds) army of wildlings, which in turn is being trailed by an even more formidable foe: the undead White Walkers.
No matter how long this series continues or boasts of its rising death count, the ease with which it will snuff out a major character never fails to surprise. In the second episode of this season, a character that’s played a pivotal role up to now is shockingly(?) killed off. This chapter also has one of the most graphic and upsetting deaths that lingers long after the rest of the show’s personalities have moved on. The roundtable of actors whose characters were axed this season in the bonus features is particularly amusing due to its participants. Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) is at the centre of this year’s storyline as his cutthroat family may finally get their wish to be rid of him, but he definitely has other plans. Though the seasons don’t generally end in a cliff-hanger, there are numerous looming threats to many of the houses that will be interesting to watch play out in the upcoming season. The icy landscape of Castle Black and the Wall where the brothers of the Night’s Watch fend off an army of wildlings are featured in this season’s steelbook magnet, including a crow and Jon Snow’s sword, Longclaw.
Special features include: 11 commentaries with cast and crew; deleted/extended scenes; in-episode guide; “Histories & Lore”; “Behind the Battle for the Wall”; “The Fallen: A Roundtable”; “The Politics of Power: A Look Back at Season 3”; “Bastards of Westeros”; new characters and locations; and blooper reel. (HBO Home Entertainment)
Jarhead 3: The Siege (Blu-ray, DVD & Digital copy)
Assigned to protect a seemingly safe U.S. Embassy in the Middle East, elite Marine Corporal Evan Albright (Charlie Weber) thought he wasn’t going to see much action. But when a hostile and extreme military group launches a surprise attack aimed at killing an Embassy informant, Albright’s team is caught off guard. Out-gunned and outnumbered, the Marine’s routine assignment escalates into an all-out war.
This sequel was already going to pale in comparison to the original picture as Albright’s unit is filled with generic, walking-and-talking crewcuts and the battle that dominates the narrative is executed poorly, making the marines appear ill-prepared for an assault — surprised or not. Regrettably, it’s also in the unfortunate position of being released the same week as the excellent, aforementioned 13 Hours, which skillfully portrays an attack that endures for more than half a day; the fact that this narrative is somewhat mirroring that one is also a disadvantage. This picture simply appears unrealistic, relying on various genre clichés to progress the narrative and put a spotlight on its heroes. The only notable aspects of the film are Scott Adkins, who portrays Albright’s capable sergeant, and Dennis Haysbert, the head of the incoming rescue team.
Special features include: making-of featurette. (Universal Home Entertainment)
Rick and Morty: The Complete Second Season (Blu-ray)
Rick is still living with his daughter Beth’s family and causing more trouble than ever. And this time, the whole family is dragged into Rick’s intergalactic adventures, as he faces new threats and mysteries of his secret past are revealed.
This season picks up exactly where the last left off — with time frozen, and Rick and the grandkids trying not to get caught when everyone reanimates. Unsurprisingly their little time stunt results in even larger problems. Jerry tags along for more adventures than Rick would like, but he also has an amusing solution to this problem. The “purge world” episode is fun, especially if viewers have seen the movie-inspiration, while the one in which Morty insists on freeing an incarcerated cloud has a killer ending. The season once again ends on somewhat of a cliff-hanger as the family attends a wedding with unexpected but predictable consequences.
Special features include: commentary on every episode; deleted animatic sketches; animatics for every episode, including an alternative version of the first episode; season’s premiere party featurette; and Plumbus owner’s manual. (Adult Swim & Warner Home Video)
The Shannara Chronicles: Season One (DVD)
Set thousands of years in the future, the series follows three heroes — elf-human hybrid Wil (Austin Butler), Elvin Princess Amberle (Poppy Drayton), and human rover Eretria (Ivana Baquero) — as they embark on a quest to stop an evil Demon army from destroying the world.
This new MTV series is part Lord of the Rings and part Labyrinth with a hint of Dungeons and Dragons. Elves are historically elitist with many long-standing rules and traditions, but Amberle disrupts all of this when she competes for a customarily male position, and befriends a Halfling and human. With the help of a druid and seer, the trio selected and brought together by fate must save the world from falling prey to an ancient demon returned. In this sense it’s a like the Power Rangers as the boss villain dispatches a series of minions to do his bidding and defeat the world’s potential heroes. But through a mix of magic and cunning, the ragtag group generally comes out on top.
Special features include: behind-the-scenes featurette; “Meet the Characters”; “Exploring New Zealand”; Terry Brooks interview; and “Making of the Dagda Mor.” (MTV & Paramount Home Media Distribution)
Vinyl: The Complete First Season (Blu-ray & Digital copy)
Richie Finestra (Bobby Cannavale), the founder and president of American Century Records, is trying to save his company and soul without destroying everyone in his path. With his passion for music and discovering talent gone by the wayside, and American Century on the precipice of being sold, Richie experiences a life-altering event that reignites his love of music, but severely damages his personal life.
When Hollywood legend Martin Scorsese, music icon Mick Jagger and writer extraordinaire Terence Winter decide to come together on a project, it’s practically impossible it not be good. Richie has a decent start in the series, but by the end of the two-hour debut episode it becomes clear we have another irredeemable Don Draper on our hands — except most of his bad decisions are drug-related and the more coke he does, the less composed he becomes. The cast is loaded with fantastic talent in covet-worthy roles, including Ray Romano, Juno Temple, Olivia Wilde, Max Casella, and James Jagger (Mick’s son). Moreover, the series’ soundtrack is incredible. Spanning every genre and working its way back from the ‘70s, the collection assembled is simultaneously unbelievable and expected as 1973 saw the rise of punk, glam rock, hip hop and disco. The season finale is less of a cliff-hanger and more of a promise for new, captivating stories next season.
Special features include: commentaries by Bobby Cannavale, Olivia Wilde, Terence Winter and others; making-of featurette; and “Inside the Episodes.” (HBO Home Entertainment)
Zootopia (Blu-ray, DVD & Digital copy)
The progressive mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a melting pot where animals from every habitat live side by side and “anyone can be anything.” But when new rabbit police officer Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives in town, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of tough, hulking animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack an unsolved, challenging case even if it means working with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery. But the case leads these two unlikely partners to an uneasy conclusion that Zootopia’s “evolved” society is being pulled apart by unseen forces determined to use fear to take control of the city by turning predators and prey against each other.
While Disney has never stopped anthropomorphizing animals by giving them human voices and personalities, it’s been a long time since they’ve transformed animals into humans with clothes and people-like lives. This film has a lot of fun transporting the featured mammals to a world parallel to our own, while maintaining some of their unique animal traits and mannerisms. There are various boroughs that feature different climates so everyone can live comfortably, as well as the main city in which everyone lives in harmony — save for a few predatory animals suddenly going feral. Judy and Nick are an adorable and humorous pairing as they unofficially work the case together and disprove each other’s prejudices. The movie skilfully balances the almost always intriguing visuals with a solid mystery to create a family-friendly buddy cop comedy worth re-watching.
Special features include: deleted scenes; deleted characters; “The Origin of an Animal Tale”; “Research: A True-Life Adventure”; “Zoology: The Roundtables”; “Z.P.D. Forensic Files”; “Scoretopia”; and “Try Everything” music video by Shakira. (Disney Home Entertainment)
