Army of One (Blu-ray, DVD & Digital copy)
Gary Faulkner (Nicolas Cage) is an ex-con, unemployed handyman and modern day Don Quixote who receives a vision from God (Russell Brand) telling him to capture Osama Bin Laden. Armed with only a single sword purchased from a home-shopping network, Gary travels to Pakistan to complete his mission. While on his quest, Gary encounters old friends back home in Colorado, new friends in Pakistan, the enemies he makes at the CIA — and even God and Osama themselves.
This is pretty much exactly the crackpot movie you’d expect to get when combining the talents of Cage and director Larry Charles. It claims to maybe have some factual basis, but if it does it’s probably minuscule. Gary talks loudly and pretty much non-stop, lacking a filter especially when it’s required; he particularly likes to go off about how great America is and the incompetence of the government mostly due to their inability to capture Bin Laden. God has some interesting things to say as well about the global state of affairs, though his statements are much more in line with atheists’ beliefs than Catholics’. Deciding to like this movie is difficult because Gary is such an obnoxious character; however, he’s also incredibly kind and occasionally intentionally amusing… though his trips to the airport are probably the funniest without being deliberately so on his part. It’s definitely worth watching, but mixed feelings should be expected.
Special features include: making-of featurette. (Anchor Bay Entertainment & Dimension Films)
Dead Ringers (Blu-ray)
Claire Niveau (Geneviève Bujold) is in love with handsome Beverly. Or does she love Elliot? It’s uncertain because brothers Beverly and Elliot Mantle (Jeremy Irons in a dual role) are identical twin gynecologists sharing the same medical practice, apartment and women — including unsuspecting Claire.
People often joke about identical twins’ ability to fool people by taking each other’s exams or filling in at work, but this film takes that idea much further. The brothers often seamlessly take each other’s place in any number of situations, from patient examinations to social events to sexual encounters. Elliot is the more outgoing of the pair, while Beverly is more studious; the former generally takes care of public engagements, while the latter conducts most of their research. However this co-dependency and blurring of their identities eventually becomes a liability rather than an asset as one of the twins spirals out of control, threatening to take both brothers down with him. Claire is the catalyst for the rift that forms in their relationship, though the shadowed flower strives for the spotlight sooner or later. Director David Cronenberg does an excellent job exploring the creepiest aspects of this bizarre bond, leading to an equally strange but fitting conclusion.
Special features include: 2K scan at director David Cronenberg’s preferred aspect ratio; commentary by writer William Beard, author of The Artist As Monster: The Cinema of David Cronenberg; commentary by actor Jeremy Irons; “Carey’s Story”; “Working Artist”; “Connecting Tissues”; “Double Vision”; vintage behind-the-scenes featurette; vintage interviews with Jeremy Irons, director/co-writer David Cronenberg, producer Marc Boyman and co-writer Norman Snider; and theatrical trailer. (Scream Factory)
Finding Dory (Blu-ray, DVD & Digital copy)
When Dory (Ellen DeGeneres), the forgetful blue tang, suddenly remembers she has a family who may be looking for her, she, Marlin (Albert Brooks) and Nemo (Hayden Rolence) take off on a life-changing quest to find them… with help from Hank (Ed O’Neill), cantankerous octopus; Bailey (Ty Burrell), a beluga whale who’s convinced his biological sonar skills are on the fritz; and Destiny (Kaitlin Olson), a nearsighted whale shark.
The premise of this movie is obviously very similar to the original picture as the small tropical fish set out to find someone again. However, the number of returning characters and their roles in the film are limited as Dory’s new adventure takes them into different territory and introduces an array of fresh and entertaining personalities. In addition to those already mentioned, the seals, brilliantly voiced by Idris Elba and Dominic West, are definitely a highlight with their odd but helpful suggestions and British sense of humour. The joy they provide is followed closely by the cuteness of the irresistible otter cuddle party. The visuals remain vibrant and entrancing, while the narrative explores a variety of habitats from the dark ocean floor to a giant aquarium at the centre of the Marine Life Institute. It’s not entirely surprising the film is a little uneven, but at 97 minutes it doesn’t have a lot of time to drag for too long.
Special features include: deleted scenes; “Animation & Acting”; “The Octopus that Nearly Broke Pixar”; “Deep in the Kelp”; mini short, Marine Life Interviews; and short film, Piper. (Disney Home Entertainment)
Game of Thrones: The Complete Fifth Season steelbook collector’s set (Blu-ray & Digital copy)
At Castle Black, Jon Snow (Kit Harington) struggles to balance the demands of the Night’s Watch with those of newly-arrived Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane), who styles himself the rightful king of Westeros. Meanwhile, Cersei (Lena Headey) scrabbles to hold on to power in King’s Landing amidst the Tyrells and the rise of a religious group led by the enigmatic High Sparrow, while Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) embarks on a secret mission. Across the Narrow Sea, Arya (Maisie Williams) seeks an old friend while a fugitive Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) finds a new cause. And as danger mounts in Meereen, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) finds that her tenuous hold on the city requires some hard sacrifices.
When compared to previous seasons, in spite of the characteristic feuds and upsets, this one is less earth-shattering save for events in the final episode. Cersei finally outmaneuvers herself and is forced to face the rather humiliating consequences of her actions; though it will fuel her fire next season. Jon Snow is involved in an epic and rather disturbing battle at the edge of the sea with some rather interesting and upsetting results. Stannis’ determination becomes increasingly repulsive, while events in The North become similarly difficult to stomach. The latest leg in Arya’s journey is rather mysterious, though the fate of her brothers remains entirely absent from the narrative. Jaime and Bronn’s reunion results in some much missed humour, while Tyrion remains a source of amusing yet accurate observations. Finally, there’s no shortage of fascination in this chapter as the season’s new characters and locations are always a source of curiosity (and good reason for an exploratory bonus feature). This season’s newly released steelbook features a magnet sigil of Meereen, Daenerys Targaryen’s stronghold in the Bay of Dragons and a significant location throughout this season.
Special features include: 12 commentaries by cast and crew; deleted scenes; “In-episode Guide”; “New Characters/New Locations”; “The Dance of Dragons”; “Histories and Lore”; “Anatomy of an Episode: Mother’s Mercy”; “The Real History Behind Game of Thrones”; and “A Day in the Life.” (HBO Home Entertainment)
Game of Thrones: The Complete Sixth Season steelbook collector’s set (Blu-ray & Digital copy)
After the shocking developments at the end of season five, survivors from all parts of Westeros and Essos regroup to press forward, inexorably, towards their uncertain individual fates. Familiar faces will forge new alliances to bolster their strategic chances at survival, while new characters will emerge to challenge the balance of power in the east, west, north and south.
Much like “The Red Wedding” was the most talked about event several seasons ago, this year it was “The Battle of the Bastards.” This epic clash for one of the houses took nearly a month to shoot in a real Irish field with 500 extras and 80 horses, and it’s one of the most stunning and visceral fights ever committed to screen. With the return of Bran and Rickon to the narrative, this season once again has the Starks at its centre. This is also a season in which many characters that were thought to be dead are resurrected, proving more resilient than anyone could’ve imagined, while other favoured (and not so favoured) characters meet their end in typically epic or shocking fashion. With only two seasons remaining, audiences will finally be able to see the stories coming together now and gain an understanding of what lies ahead though the show is never short on surprises. Winter is here and it’s going to be a rough one. This steelbook features a magnet sigil of Braavos, home to the House of Black and White and the Faceless Men.
Special features include: 13 commentaries; deleted scenes; “Recreating the Dothraki World”; “18 Hours at the Paint Hall”; “The Battle of the Bastards: An In-depth Look”; “Histories and Lore”; and in-episode guide. (HBO Home Entertainment)
Gypsy (Blu-ray)
Loosely based on the memoirs of world-renowned striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee, the production follows the journey of the irrepressible Rose (Imelda Staunton), the mother to end all stage mothers, as she balances the challenges of parenthood with the joys and heartbreaks of a life in the world of show business.
While watching a stage production on screen doesn’t detract from the story, it’s different in that the camera chooses what the viewer sees or focuses on in any given moment. There are pros and cons to this experience. On the one hand, it permits close-ups of the actors’ faces and allows audiences to see the full detail of the sets and costumes. Conversely, it can be wonderful to scan the stage during various scenes and not have to concentrate on one particular interaction or character. Regardless, Staunton’s performance is worth every sacrifice. She’s superb as the delusional showbiz mom. She obviously loves her daughters dearly, but that affection is clearly tied up in their talents. Having managed every aspect of their lives on- and off-stage since they were born, she refuses to believe they could want anything else. The narrative is compelling, taking numerous sad and unexpected turns before finally hitting rock bottom and bouncing back up in a new direction.
There are no special features. (Shout Broadway)
Looking: The Complete Series and Movie (Blu-ray & Digital copy)
Three 30-something friends living in San Francisco explore the exciting, sometimes overwhelming, options available to a new generation of gay men. Friendship may bind them, but each is at a markedly different point in his journey: Patrick (Jonathan Groff) is a 29-year-old video game designer returning to the dating world in the wake of his ex’s engagement; aspiring artist Agustín (Frankie J. Alvarez), 31, questions the idea of monogamy amid a move to domesticate with his boyfriend; and the group’s oldest member, longtime waiter Dom (Murray Bartlett), 39, is facing middle age with dreams still unfulfilled.
The movie picks up when Patrick returns to San Francisco to celebrate the wedding of old friends. In the process, he must face the unresolved relationships he left behind and make difficult choices about what’s truly important to him as he finds himself still drawn to former flame Richie (Raúl Castillo), while being vexed by memories of his crash-and-burn relationship with his former boss Kevin (Russell Tovey).
This series was not as risqué as Queer as Folk or as scandalous as Sex and the City, but the characters are relatively interesting as was the relationship drama that played out in each episode. Having only lasted two seasons it felt as if they still had a lot of room to grow, but the movie provides satisfying if abrupt conclusions for everyone. They fit the typical dynamic of these types of shows with each personality representing a particular stereotype that then fits into narrative structures that maximize the drama. Patrick, in particular, constantly finds himself in less than ideal situations, even when it appears things are working in his favour. Put simply, they have sex, do drugs, have their hearts broken, then repeat. Yet they still manage to more-or-less be individuals with friendships worth envying.
Special features include: commentaries by cast and crew. (HBO Home Entertainment)
The Lucy Show: The Complete Series (DVD)
Single-mom Lucy Carmichael (Lucille Ball) raises her kids with an assist from sharp-tongued housemate Vivian Bagley (Vivian Vance). With Lucy’s classic knack for manic misunderstandings, she’s constantly tangling with frantic bank manager Mr. Theodore J. Mooney (Gale Gordon).
The premise for this series is nearly identical to the I Love Lucy, but the women no longer have husbands to fool or reel them in from their crazier schemes. The inaugural season was black and white, while the remaining five were in colour. But once Vance left the show after season three, it was never the same. The first set of episodes are typically and undoubtedly some of the best, starting with the DIY women haphazardly installing a new TV antenna on the roof and eventually being rescued by handsome firefighters. Other episodes include Lucy and a trampoline, a contact lens and chocolate cake, digging holes in the bank manager’s yard and a Christmas together that threatens to tear them apart for good. Ball knew how to make ‘em laugh and it’s great to see her doing it in a slightly different context.
Special features include: interviews with Lucie Arnez, Jimmy Garrett, Carole Cook and Barry Livingston; “The Lucille Ball Comedy Hour” special; “Lucy in London” prime-time special, outtakes and promos; “Lucy in London Revisited” documentary; clips from “Opening Night” special; vintage openings; vintage closings; cast commercials; vintage network promos; flubs; cast biographies; production notes; “The Lucy Show” vintage merchandise; clip from “CBS: The Stars’ Address”; and photo galleries. (Paramount Home Media Distribution)
Star Trek: The Animated Series: The Animated Adventures of Gene Roddenberry’s Star Trek (Blu-ray)
Captain Kirk (William Shatner) and Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy) return, along with the faithful crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise to boldly go where no one has gone before. Get ready to beam aboard and explore the farthest reaches of the galaxy and discover new alien species.
Even though the original series was cancelled after five seasons, it lived on via several feature films and was revived on the small screen via this animated series. The entire cast returned to voice their characters as they continued to explore alien worlds and go on missions of diplomacy. The premise of each episode is very similar to the live-action series, but the animated version allows creators to compose more outlandish situations for the Enterprise crew. In one storyline, the ship is held hostage by a lonely entity on a suicide course and in another the crew is infiltrated by a shape-shifting alien. Of course they also couldn’t resist bringing back the tribbles, which have so much potential for cuteness and fun as cartoons.
Special features include: text and audio commentaries; making-of featurette; “What’s the Star Trek Connection”; “Show History”; and storyboard gallery. (Paramount Home Media Distribution)
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in Concert (Blu-ray)
Returning to Victorian London after a long exile, the unhinged barber Sweeney Todd seeks violent vengeance on the unscrupulous judge who separated him from his family, freedom and sanity. Teaming with the Sweeney-smitten, pie-making Mrs. Lovett, Todd reopens his tonsorial parlor to lure the judge in and then practice his murderous desires on the throats of Fleet Street’s citizenry.
If one hasn’t already seen the live stage production, then they’re likely familiar with the film starring Johnny Depp in the title role and Helena Bonham Carter as the pie maker. Yet this is still a different experience as it’s a concert rather than a full production. The actors/singers are accompanied by a full orchestra as they deliver a minimalist performance on a slender makeshift stage. With very few props, they often mime the appropriate actions and rely on the melodic story and sound effects to help convey their meaning. Yet, this is still one of the most captivating performances of this play due to the noteworthy talents of the cast, including Neil Patrick Harris. In spite of the pared down production, there is nothing lacking in the storytelling.
Special features include: behind-the-scenes featurette. (Shout Broadway)
