Boy, Did I Get a Wrong Number! (Blu-ray)
The wrong number of the title turns out to be that of Hollywood bombshell Didi (Elke Sommer) and the lucky caller is real estate agent Tom Meade (Bob Hope). In need of a quick fix for slumping sales, Meade sees Didi’s celebrity status as a way of boosting interest in a cabin property by offering her the charming getaway as a place where she can hide from the Hollywood moguls and flacks hot on her trail. But wires aren’t the only thing crossed when Meade’s acid-tongued housekeeper, Lily (Phyllis Diller), suspecting that he’s having an affair, flies into spy mode to protect Meade’s loving wife, Martha (Marjorie Lord).
This is one of those incredibly enjoyable comedies of the ‘50s in which Tom knows visiting Didi can be misconstrued, but he just can’t help himself. She is, of course, a selfish bombshell who doesn’t care how her actions affects others. Lily notices Tom is acting weird so she listens in on his phone conversations and then makes snide comments at the breakfast table, to which his wife is entirely clueless. The best scenes involve Hope and Sommer as Tom tries to either help or hide her, depending on the situation, and she does what she can to generally make matters worse. Lily’s character is funny, but Diller’s personality just stands out a little too much in the narrative.
There are no special features. (Olive Films)
The Hills Have Eyes (Blu-ray)
Taking an ill-advised detour en route to California, the Carter family soon run into trouble when their RV breaks down in the middle of the desert. Stranded, the family find themselves at the mercy of a group of monstrous cannibals lurking in the surrounding hills. With their lives under threat, the Carters have no choice but to fight back by any means necessary.
Wes Craven followed up his cult hit, The Last House on the Left, with a terrifying tale of mutant cannibalism in the American desert that came about because his producer was going to be in Nevada for a stint. It was once again unapologetic for the gruesome violence it portrayed, featuring disturbing rapes by monstrous men and torturous murders. Commenting on the demise of the nuclear family, Craven tears them apart using a far from traditional brood. In addition, the gas shortage, and the contrast of the haves and have-nots could not be plainer contributors to the violence that occurs. Craven proves he is fearless when it comes to screen images, which is a trait that would inform the rest of his career — though it would become slightly less grotesque in his later years. The “looking back” featurette provides a lot of amusing anecdotal information about the production, which occurred at the start of many of their careers.
Special features include: 4K restoration supervised by producer Peter Locke and viewable with both original and alternate endings; commentary by actors Michael Berryman, Janus Blythe, Susan Lanier and Martin Speer; commentary by academic Mikel J. Koven; commentary by director Wes Craven and producer Peter Locke; alternate ending; “Looking Back at The Hills Have Eyes”; “Family Business”; “The Desert Sessions”; never-before-seen outtakes; trailers and TV spots; image gallery; original screenplay; six postcards; reversible fold-out poster; limited edition 40-page booklet featuring new writing on the film by critic Brad Stevens and a consideration of the franchise by disc producer Ewan Cant; and reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Paul Shipper. (Arrow Video)
In a Valley of Violence (Blu-ray & Digital copy)
Paul (Ethan Hawke) is a lone drifter who wanders into the forgotten town of Denton, Texas — dubbed by locals as the “valley of violence. There, he picks a fight with the wrong man, Gilly (James Ransone), the troublemaking son of the town’s unforgiving marshal (John Travolta). As tensions arise between Paul and Gilly, an inevitable act of violence starts a disastrous chain reaction that quickly drags the whole town into the bloody crosshairs of revenge. Only the world-weary marshal struggles to stop the violent hysteria, but after a gruesome discovery about Paul’s past there’s no stopping the escalation.
This is a Western reminiscent of Clint Eastwood‘s later films in which the cowboy that rides into town isn’t the hero even though he kills the bad guys; in this case, if they hadn’t personally crossed Paul, he would’ve left them to continue harassing the remaining townsfolk. But writer/director Ti West has them commit an unforgiveable offense that must be punished — even the marshal understands that although he tries to reason with Paul to minimize the bloodshed. Karen Gillan and Taissa Farmiga also appear as the proprietors of the local hotel, playing sisters who are each other’s complete opposites. Gillan’s character has aligned herself with Gilly, choosing to be friends rather than enemies and reap the rewards; Farmiga’s character wants nothing more than to see Gilly dead and tells Paul as much. Even though the narrative is somewhat exaggerated (as per West’s style), the actors do well to keep it somewhat grounded.
Special features include: behind-the-scenes featurette. (Universal Pictures Home Entertainment)
Kevin Hart’s What Now? (Blu-ray, DVD & Digital copy)
Rock-star comedian Kevin Hart takes centre stage for the biggest comedy tour in history. Following his 2013 hit stand-up concert movie, Let Me Explain, this record-setting, sold-out performance of What Now? — filmed outdoors in front of 50,000 people at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field — marks the first time a comedian has ever performed to an at-capacity football stadium.
It’s interesting how a viewer can enjoy a comedian’s performances in film, but not be wholly impressed with their stand-up routines. Trying to eliminate the distinction between the two worlds, the intro for the comedy special is a James Bond-style poker game in which Hart attempts to make enough money to bankroll the show; it features Halle Berry, Don Cheadle and Ed Helms. Unfortunately, even this section falls a little flat. Hart’s stand-up routine definitely has some highlights, including the thuggish raccoon stalking his suburban home, the truth vs. a lie when explaining a late night out and the pressures of ordering at Starbucks. But some of the other content may seem too crude, unrealistic or simply not funny; particularly some of the stories involving his family.
Special features include: alternate opening; deleted and alternate scenes; making-of a spy intro; “On Tour with Kevin Hart”; and gag reel. (Universal Pictures Home Entertainment)
The Light Between the Oceans (Blu-ray & Digital copy)
Lighthouse keeper Tom Sherbourne (Michael Fassbender) and radiant, spirited Isabel Graysmark (Alicia Vikander) live together in married bliss on a remote, rugged island off the coast of Australia. But their windswept world is turned upside down when Isabel learns that she’s unable to bear a child. One day, a drifting lifeboat washes ashore with a crying baby in it. The dilemma the couple now face will echo far beyond the island, engulfing and irrevocably impacting their world — and that of a stranger named Hannah (Rachel Weisz) — in a story about love, hope and a fateful choice.
This is a romance that takes a vastly different turn halfway through the movie. Audiences are introduced to Tom and then Isabel shortly after. Their courtship is brief, but their complementary personalities are enough to draw in viewers who watch them fall deeper in love with each other and the island. Then their own tragedy coaxes them to take advantage of someone else’s strife, which is eased by their isolation. However as the narrative progresses, it’s difficult to side with either Isabel or Hannah as both make poor decisions, which conversely makes it simpler to identify with Tom who is torn between the two. It’s a sadly compelling drama with many interesting developments, and an unexpected and equally unhappy conclusion. The chemistry between Fassbender and Vikander is captivating, as is the beautiful New Zealand location on which they lived and shot.
Special features include: commentary by director Derek Cianfrance and his film studies professor Phil Solomon; “Bringing The Light to Life”; and “Lighthouse Keeper.” (Walt Disney Home Entertainment)
Long Way North (Blu-ray, DVD & Digital copy)
Set in late-19th century Saint Petersburg, Sacha, a young girl from the Russian aristocracy, has always been fascinated by the exciting life of her grandfather, Oloukine. He is a renowned scientist and Arctic explorer who has yet to return from his latest expedition to conquer the North Pole. But Sacha’s parents, who have already made arrangements for her marriage, strongly disapprove of her fascination. Defying her parents’ wishes, Sacha flees her home and launches a quest toward the Great North in search of Oloukine and his ship.
This is a French production about Russian characters dubbed in English — yet this hodgepodge of cultures generates beautiful and universally appealing results. Sacha is a very spirited young woman who not only wants to find her grandfather to restore her family’s reputation amongst the Russian aristocracy, but is also desperate to have someone who will stand next to her against her parents’ marriage designs. Her dedication to the mission is impressive and unexpectedly hands-on as she learns to work in a local tavern until the fishermen return, and then insists on contributing on deck during their journey. The scenery is picturesque but the characters lack the detailed definition of some other productions, which is one of its charms rather than a detriment.
Special features include: conceptual short; behind-the-scenes featurette; interview with director Rémi Chayé and producer Henri Magalon; animatic storyboards; and still galleries. (Shout Factory Kids)
The Man Who Fell to Earth (Blu-ray, DVD & Digital copy)
Thomas Jerome Newton (David Bowie) is a humanoid alien who comes to Earth from a distant planet on a mission to take water back to his home planet.
Director Nicolas Roeg had built a reputation on working with big celebrities on unconventional films and this one would be no different. Embracing Bowie’s constructed otherness in the music industry, they cast him in the part of an alien who indulges in human pleasures but yearns to return to his home where he belongs. In spite of being a visitor, Newton is well-versed in human processes as he makes money by selling items to pawn shops and makes more by copyrighting the patents for a number of new technologies. Time is very fluid in the film as significant lapses are not specified; the next scene is simply unfolding years or even decades after the last. Bowie’s deliberately unemotional performance is excellent and would launch a sparing but notable acting career. The biggest disappointment is his lack of involvement with the soundtrack, which is explained in a dedicated bonus feature.
Special features include: David Bowie interview — French TV 1977; new interviews with costume designer May Routh. stills photographer David James, fan Sam Taylor-Johnson and producer Michael Deeley; interviews with actress Candy Clark, writer Paul Mayersberg, cinematographer Tony Richmond and director Nicolas Roeg; and “The Lost Soundtracks” new featurette. (Lionsgate Home Entertainment)
Sabotage (Blu-ray)
When Tommy Grayson (Gordon Oliver) is arrested on suspicion of sabotage at the local manufacturing plant, his family and fiancée rush to his aid. But his neighbours and the factory workers are not convinced of his innocence. His father, Major Matt Grayson (Charley Grapewin), a watchman at the plant, is sure that his upright son had nothing to do with the incident that caused the death of a test pilot. With the help of Tommy’s fiancée Gail (Arleen Whelan), and a group of his old friends, Major Grayson sets out to prove that his son was framed and bring the true culprits to justice.
This is an unpredictably fun movie as Tommy’s father and his friends engage in numerous hijinks to prove his innocence. Dressed in their army uniforms, they march together to assist their compatriots and take advantage of all those who would underestimate the old soldiers. The mystery itself is rather straightforward with predictable motivations and clear-cut suspects who eventually betray their own guilt. The amateur investigation by Tommy’s father and fiancé proves much more fruitful than the one conducted by police, who are easily satisfied with blaming Tommy even though he and his family uncover a mountain of evidence to the contrary with very little effort.
There are no special features. (Olive Films)
Wagon Tracks (Blu-ray)
Set in 1850, with the great Gold Rush as a backdrop, Buckskin Hamilton (William S. Hart) is out for justice and close on the heels of the outlaws that gunned down his younger brother in cold blood.
This silent Western incorporates all the typical stereotypes regarding the frontier, lawlessness and aboriginals. Buckskin shows up with a coonskin hat and a heart of gold, convinced the story he’s fed regarding his brother’s lascivious behaviour that resulted in his death must be a sham. Although there isn’t much of a romance, there is definitely a beguiling that occurs between Buckskin and the woman at the heart of the murder. However after all his patience, the punishment he devises for his suspects is not very smart as it’s just as likely to kill him. In the end, “an eye for an eye” must be satisfied as does the movie code that villains (easily recognized by their black outfits and mustaches) must get their comeuppance.
There are no special features. (Olive Films)
xXx: 15th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray & Digital copy)
Xander Cage (Vin Diesel) is a notorious underground thrill-seeker who, until now, has been deemed untouchable by the law. But when crack NSA Agent Gibbons (Samuel L. Jackson) convinces Cage to infiltrate a ruthless Russian crime ring, this new breed of secret agent — codename: XXX — takes down the enemies of justice with a vengeance.
It’s hard to believe this movie was released 15 years ago, just a year after the first movie in the Fast and the Furious franchise. What filmmakers thought of Diesel’s marketability at the time is obvious by simply comparing the general content and trajectory of the films; in fact, the first few scenes effortlessly parallel with comparable moments in the racing movie. The soundtrack is a resounding mix of alternative rock, heavy metal and hip hop, which keeps the energy high even when story lags. In spite of the injection of Jackson’s tough love government agent and their young, goofy version of Q, the narrative is a by-the-book action movie with some pretty crazy stunts. More than a decade later, it’ll be interesting to see if or how the sequel differentiates itself.
Special features include: commentary by director Rob Cohen; deleted scenes; “Origins of a Renegade”; 10 featurettes; and two music videos. (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)
