Batman: The Killing Joke (Blu-ray, DVD & Digital copy)
Based on the acclaimed graphic novel of the same name, the film takes a journey into the dark psyche of the Clown Prince of Crime — from his humble beginnings as a struggling comedian to his fateful encounter with Batman (Kevin Conroy) that changes both of their lives forever. Years later, and now escaped from Arkham Asylum, the Joker (Mark Hamill) devises a plan to prove that one bad day can make anyone as insane as he is — setting his sights on Commissioner Gordon (Ray Wise). It’s up to the Dark Knight to put a stop to the Joker’s latest scheme and save one of Gotham City’s finest. Following a prologue introducing Barbara Gordon’s (Tara Strong) heroic adventures alongside Batman as Batgirl, the movie stays true to the original comic, spotlighting the birth of a Super-Villain, the fortitude of a Super Hero and the punchline that will leave you speechless.
The so-called prologue of the film seems superfluous to the rest of the narrative as it appears to be two unrelated stories stitched together unnecessarily. While seeing Batgirl’s descent into darkness is interesting, it’s irrelevant to the central tale since her secret identity is a moot point during the Joker’s campaign for understanding. However, this is undoubtedly one of the darkest tales in the canon with some very graphic scenes of violence and humiliation. The Joker is determined to prove his point at any cost, surrounded by a band of not-so-usual characters. He also has a gripping yet deranged song-and-dance number with a bit of a jaunty tune paired with very disturbed lyrics. The insight into the Joker’s origin story throughout the narrative is intriguing, though comparatively his attempt to destroy Gordon’s mind is far worse. Who knows where Hamill finds that voice, but it’s perfect as is the picture’s closing joke.
Special features include: “Batman: The Killing Joke – Madness Set to Music”; “Many Shades of Joker: The Tale of The Killing Joke”; From the DC Comics Vault: The New Batman Adventures — “Old Wounds” and Batman: The Animated Series — “Christmas with The Joker”; and an exclusive sneak peek at the next DC Universe original movie. (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.)
Demolition (Blu-ray or DVD & Digital copy)
Davis (Jake Gyllenhaal), a successful investment banker, struggles after losing his wife in a tragic car crash. Despite pressure from his father-in-law, Phil (Chris Cooper), to pull it together, Davis continues to unravel. What starts as a complaint letter to a vending machine company turns into a series of letters revealing startling personal admissions. Davis’ letters catch the attention of customer service rep Karen (Naomi Watts) and, amidst emotional and financial burdens of her own, the two form an unlikely connection. With the help of Karen and her son Chris (Judah Lewis), Davis starts to rebuild, beginning with the demolition of the life he once knew.
This is a tale of grief unlike any other played out on screen. As Davis goes through the five stages, his behaviour becomes increasingly reckless. Yet in Karen he finds someone accepting of his slowly evolving madness as he sabotages all the relationships that remind him of his wife and physically destroys his life. His letters are a bizarre window into his pain as he connects mundane occurrences to the horrific events of recent days. Director Jean-Marc Vallee and Gyllenhaal find a unique way to illustrate and externalize the internal conflicts many people experience after the loss of a loved one. Davis’ increasingly erratic behaviour has to come to an end at some point, but audiences have to wait to see if he completely loses his mind or finds piece at the other end of the tunnel.
Special features include: behind-the-scenes featurette; and Q&A with director Jean-Marc Vallee and actor Jake Gyllenhaal. (Fox Home Entertainment and VVS Films)
Jack Irish: The Movies and Season 1 (Blu-ray)
The Movies: Jack Irish (Guy Pearce) is down on his luck. Reeling from his wife’s murder, the former lawyer has reinvented himself as a private investigator and debt collector, with a penchant for drowning his demons at the local pub. When an old client dies, Jack is thrust back into the criminal underworld that took everything away from him — but might offer his only chance at redemption. World-weary with a dash of dark humour, Jack takes on cases that dig into the dregs of Australian society and expose conspiracy and corruption among the power elite. Along the way, he becomes involved with smart, ambitious journalist Linda Hillier (Marta Dusseldorp), who realizes there’s an honourable man hiding behind his disheveled exterior.
Season 1: When Jack (Guy Pearce) is contracted to find a man with a criminal past who is then killed in front of him, Jack suspects a set-up. The case spirals into a larger international conspiracy involving Muslim extremists and born-again Christians. Meanwhile, Jack’s on-again, off-again girlfriend, journalist Linda Hillier (Marta Dusseldorp), leaves Melbourne to further her career as a foreign correspondent in Manila. Though the job is not exactly what she had planned, Linda quickly realizes she may be on to a big story. As their cases eventually intertwine, Jack and Linda’s reunion is tested by the arrival of Sarah Longmore (Claudia Karvan), a metal sculptor with connections.
Based on a series of books, Jack Irish is one of those princes among thieves as he tries to do the right thing even when it means risking his life for a stranger… and bending the law quite a bit. The movies are under two hours, but watching them successively reveals they follow a very similar pattern that inevitably ends with Jack in an explosive shootout with the bad guys. While even one would serve as an adequate introduction to the many recurring characters — including Linda and Jack’s two amusing business associates — they really have an opportunity to come into their own in the six-episode miniseries that followed. Working on a single case for the length of the season, audiences are provided the opportunity to become invested in the mystery as well as the characters who are threatened regularly. In addition, it gets creators away from the hackneyed formula of the movies and provides greater opportunity to explore the characters and their relationships.
Special features include: behind the scenes of Black Tide, Dead Point and season one; and photo galleries. (Acorn & RLJ Entertainment)
The Knick: The Complete Second Season (Blu-ray & Digital copy)
The Knick faces an upheaval as Dr. John Thackery’s (Clive Owen) absence (due to his hospitalization for cocaine addiction), a dearth of affluent patients, and financial missteps have led to the board’s decision to shutter the hospital in favor of a new building uptown. In this world of corruption, invention and progress, everyone is searching for the new path that will help him or her survive. Whether it’s a path toward justice, freedom, love or just plain survival, nothing comes easy. As relocation plans proceed, the gifted but under-appreciated Dr. Algernon Edwards (André Holland) jockeys to become Thackery’s successor as chief of surgery, while fellow doctors, nurses, nuns and administrators grapple with challenges at work and in their private lives.
The first season ended on a pretty significant cliff-hanger as Thackery checked into rehab, a.k.a. a mental institution, and they prescribed heroin to deal with his cocaine addiction. Meanwhile, Edwards is determined to earn the respect of the board and the permanent position of chief surgeon — a pill Gallinger finds difficult to swallow. But his hands are full with the care of his wife, as well as a new obsession with eugenics. No longer a timid nurse, Lucy stumbles on an opportunity for brutal revenge and sets her sights on improving her status. The grisly operations still steal the spotlight as all the doctors perform innovative procedures, though Thackery’s final performance will astonish even the steeliest fan. And the bonus features continue to provide fascinating insights into the realities from which the stories are drawn.
Special features include: commentary by cast and crew; behind-the-scenes featurettes; “Inside the Body Shop”; “Under Construction”; “Inside the Costume Shop”; “Invitation to the Ball”; “Post-ops”; and “Knicktoids.” (HBO Home Entertainment)
The Perfect Husband (Blu-ray)
Viola (Gabriella Wright) and Nicola (Bret Roberts) are trying to reconcile after an unexpected termination of a pregnancy puts a strain on their marriage. They decide to spend the weekend at the family cottage in the woods, but what was supposed to be a romantic weekend suddenly turns into a deadly nightmare as seething suspicions, maddening paranoia and blind rage explodes around them.
Based on a 40-minute Italian short, the feature follows the very similar premise of a couple on a romantic getaway in a secluded cottage in the woods. Based on horror movie traditions, this immediately suggests something is going to go wrong and people are going to die. However, the “something” is not quite what audiences will expect as the film takes some interesting turns before reaching its enlightening conclusion. The extended picture simply expands the original concept and builds on the script, which while effective also adds a little unnecessary filler. Nonetheless, this is a relatively gripping thriller that doesn’t follow the beaten path.
Special features include: short film, Il Marito Perfectto; and behind-the-scenes featurette. (Artsploitation Films)
