This week’s releases include a vibrant documentary; a thriller no one deserved; a supernatural romance; a wide-ranging movie collection; and a classic friendship continues.
A Discovery of Witches: The Complete Trilogy (DVD)
The series uncovers a secret underworld of vampires, witches and daemons hiding in plain sight for fear of persecution by humans. Brilliant historian Diana Bishop (Teresa Palmer) is a witch denying her own heritage. But when she unexpectedly calls up an ancient, bewitched manuscript, Ashmole 782, she finds herself thrown into the heart of a dangerous mystery — and into the path of the enigmatic geneticist and vampire Matthew Clairmont (Matthew Goode). Across three seasons, Diana and Matthewʼs love for each other and their quest to solve the mystery of the book throws their world into dangerous turmoil as their journey takes them towards a thrilling and incendiary conclusion.
This is more of an adult version of Twilight that unfolds in a world in which Anne Rice would likely find herself comfortable. Vampires, witches and demons live secretly amongst humans. Vampires who are sired build familial bonds with their makers, giving them parents who can watch over them forever. The forbidden love at the story’s centre is taboo because it’s across species, though the parallels between them, and Bella and Edward are undeniable. From being hunted by their own kind to him coming to her rescue because he senses her danger to them making a stand within their circles because they can’t control who they love, it’s all quite familiar. But the chemistry between Palmer and Goode makes it worthwhile, and the story is different enough to keep fantasy lovers engaged over all three seasons.
Special features include: “About the Characters”; “Mythology, TV Magic, The Story of The Discovery of Witches”; “Can Love Survive”; “Creating Elizabethan London”; “Story So Far”; “Blood Rage”; “Set Tour”; and “Creating the Worlds.” (AMC Networks)
Beast (Blu-ray & Digital copy)
A recently widowed father, Dr. Nate Samuels (Idris Elba), returns to South Africa with his two daughters, Meredith (Iyana Halley; Wayward) and Norah (Leah Jeffries) to visit an old friend, Martin Battles (Sharlto Copley) on a game reserve. What begins as a journey of healing turns into a fearsome fight for survival as his family find themselves hunted by a massive, rogue lion intent on proving that the savannah has but one apex predator.
There’s no way not to compare this movie to Jaws as it features a wild animal irrationally attacking humans — it’s just on land instead of in the water. However, that’s where the similarities end as this narrative is riddled with issues and missed opportunities. There are very compelling stories involving Martin’s character, including a sidestepped confrontation and his role as an anti-poacher, that could have unquestionably enhanced the quality of the narrative. Conversely, there are inappropriately timed quarrels between Nate and his girls, as well as too many poor decisions by Meredith who lives her young life like she has a death wish and/or no common sense. Paired with obvious exposition and an overly used hurdle, one of the few things the movie doesn’t fail to do is frustrate its viewers.
Special features include: deleted scenes; “Man vs. Lion: The Final Battle”; “Creating the Beast”; “Making It Real: The Wounds”; “Filming in the Beast’s Territory”; “Family Bond: The Cast of the Beast”; and “A Lion’s Pride.” (Universal Pictures Home Entertainment)
Moonage Dream (Blu-ray)
The film illuminates the life and genius of David Bowie, one of the most influential artists of our time. Featuring never-before-seen footage, this cinematic odyssey explores the creative, musical, and spiritual journey of Bowie. The documentary on the global superstar highlights footage and performances spanning David Bowie’s 54-year career, including “The Jean Genie,” “Aladdin Sane,” “Space Oddity,” “Heroes,” “Let’s Dance,” “Modern Love,” “Young Americans,” “Changes,” and many more. The film is the first and only documentary done on Bowie in conjunction with the Bowie Estate. This unprecedented access gives viewers a more intimate look into the man who captivated fans across the globe.
Bowie led a fascinating life and career that was cut too short, but unless you avidly followed or sought archival footage, most fans only experienced his brilliance through his music and films. This documentary pulls back the curtain and allows audiences a glimpse of the man that created the persona and the spectacle. If nothing else, this movie affirms that Bowie did it his way from start to finish, unmoved by those who would deride his androgyny or eccentricity. He shares his views on the fluidity of sex and gender, bringing Ziggy Stardust to the forefront. The performances sprinkled throughout simply exemplify the powerhouse that he was on stage, which obviously drove his connection with admirers. One of the more intimate elements of the picture touches on his views of romantic partners and his late-in-life relationship with a woman he felt made him a better person.
There are no special features. (Decal Releasing)
The Sonny Chiba Collection (Blu-ray)
Yakuza Wolf: I Perform Murder: A vengeful man is after the Japanese yakuza for killing his boss and selling his sister into slavery.
Yakuza Wolf 2: Extend My Condolences: In this sequel, Chiba is sent to prison after being betrayed by a yakuza underboss. Once out, he looks to get his revenge.
Bodyguard Kiba: A martial arts fighter (Sonny Chiba) takes on the yakuza.
Bodyguard Kiba 2: This sequel opens with our hero in prison. Upon his release, he takes a bodyguard position at a nightclub … and his new employer ends up being the one who had him imprisoned.
Shogun’s Shadow: A young man on a journey to Edo to mark his passage to manhood is accompanied by seven master samurai charged with getting him there safely … against the wishes of a powerful shogunate.
Samurai Reincarnation: When a resurrected demon assembles a team of undead samurai warriors to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate, only one person can defeat them: Jubei Yagyu (Sonny Chiba).
Swords of Vengeance: Director Kinji Fukasaku teams up with Sonny Chiba to present a daring and violent version of Japan’s most epic myth, “The 47 Loyal Retainers.”
This is an interesting intersection of Sonny Chiba’s career, spanning more than a decade. In each pairing, the first film tends to be the stronger picture, while the sequel or second movie on the disc pales in comparison. Nonetheless, Chiba embodies his role, regardless of whether he’s a modern-day gangster or ancient samurai. Both Shogun’s Shadow and Samurai Reincarnation are period pieces. In the former, he’s tasked with protecting a feeble child from a steady onslaught of assassins, leading all the boy’s protectors to heroically stand between him and a sword. The latter is an unexpected supernatural action picture in which resurrected warriors are tasked with carrying out a strange religious revenge plot. The last movie, Swords of Vengeance, will have a familiar plotline for those who’ve seen 47 Ronin as it’s based on the same tragic legend (minus the white savior).
Special features include: theatrical trailers; and “Street Fighting Man,” an interview with Sonny Chiba discussing his career and The Street Fighter films. (Shout Select)
Tom & Jerry: Snowman’s Land (DVD)
With magic in the air, Jerry and his nephew, Tuffy, make a snow mouse that miraculously comes to life. To keep their new friend, Larry the snow mouse from melting, Tuffy and Jerry must race him to the fabled Snowman’s Village.
This is a new cartoon based on the classic cat and mouse duo. Interestingly, neither Tom nor Jerry speak even though everyone else in the film does. The mouse version of Frosty has some interesting tricks up his sleeve, though keeping from melting is not one of them. Tuffy is like other energetic children, talking non-stop and refusing to give up on the mission to save the snow mouse no matter what. However, their journey is paralleled with Tom’s owner who runs a rival toy store and wants to capture the adventurers for his own nefarious purposes. The picture is just a series of episodic gags strung together, but it has holiday spirit. And the shorts in the bonus features spanning many iterations of the cartoon are a nice add-on.
Special features include: “Snowbrawl”; “Ho Ho Horrors”; and “The Plight Before Christmas.” (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment)
