The Lunchbox Blu-ray Review

     Actors: Irrfan Khan

Format: Multiple Formats, Blu-ray, AC-3, Dolby, Widescreen

Language: Hindi

Subtitles: English, French

Audio Description: English

Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1

Number of discs: 2

Rated: PG

Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Release Date: July 1, 2014

Run Time: 105 minutes

 

        This debut feature by Ritesh Batra has the premise of an Indian romantic comedy, but has sense enough to allow the personalities of the characters to drive the narrative rather than the genre conventions. This may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied with the more irresolute filmmaking choices, but the journey is undeniably delightful. Much of the credit for this goes to the film’s undeniably engaging leads, as well as Batra’s willingness to engage in crowd-pleasing moments of inspired human connection.

 

Afflicted Blu-ray Review

     Actors: Derek Lee, Clif Prowse

Format: Multiple Formats, Blu-ray, AC-3, Dolby, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: English, Spanish

Dubbed: Spanish

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Release Date: July 1, 2014

Run Time: 86 minutes

 

        I was torn in deciding what to reveal in my review of Afflicted, because I greatly admire the marketing team’s restraint in revealing what the film is actually about. The plot description is purposefully vague and the trailer never clarifies exactly what the “affliction” is. On the other hand, this is one of those rare experiences where I was quickly disappointed once I realized what major plot point had remained hidden from the marketing. Personally, I would probably have enjoyed this movie more had I known more about the sub-genre it was going to conform to.

 

Two Lives DVD Review

     Actors: Juliane Köhler, Liv Ullmann, Rainer Bock

Director: Georg Maas

Format: Multiple Formats, Color, Widescreen, NTSC

Language: German

Rated: Unrated

Studio: MPI HOME VIDEO

DVD Release Date: June 24, 2014

Run Time: 99 minutes

 

 

        Two Lives is an extremely difficult film to review, for several different reasons. First of all, it is a mystery thriller which unfolds wonderfully; something I would never risk destroying with a clumsy plot description. Second, there is very little frame of reference in recommending it, because it stands alone without the typical trappings of genre filmmaking. From beginning to end, I was never certain of the film’s direction, which can be a wonderful cinematic treat for the more sophisticated moviegoers. I also couldn’t find myself easily recommending this, because it is the type of film with such a slow build that the first half is more work than entertainment.

 

Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me DVD Review

     Actors: Elaine Stritch, Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin

Director: Chiemi Karasawa

Format: Multiple Formats, Color, Widescreen, NTSC

Language: English

Subtitles: English, Spanish

Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: NR (Not Rated)

Studio: MPI HOME VIDEO

DVD Release Date: June 24, 2014

Run Time: 81 minutes

        My grandfather was an actor his entire life. From a lengthy list of stage shows that he was involved in to a familiar filmography of TV shows and films, Victor Izay had a successful career as a performer that carried on well into his 80s. Weeks before his death at 90 years old, he was still reciting Shakespeare and Edgar Allen Poe, and so I found this documentary about 87-year-old actress Elaine Stritch to be remarkably familiar. Shoot Me captures the spirit of a performer perfectly, especially in showing struggles of the spotlight with the increased difficulty of aging. Elaine Stritch is a unique personality, but my experience with my grandfather showed me that there is also a great deal of universal truth in her individual struggles.

 

The Boondocks: The Complete Fourth Season DVD Review

Language: English

Subtitles: English, French

Dubbed: French

Subtitles for the Hearing Impaired: English

Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1

Number of discs: 2

Rated: Unrated

Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

DVD Release Date: June 24, 2014

Run Time: 225 minutes

 

        The Boondocks is uncompromisingly shocking, potentially offensive, and always more intelligent than it seems at first glance. Based on Aaron McGruder’s award-winning comic strip, The Boondocks is about a group of upper-middle class black families living in a wealthy suburban neighborhood. Huey and Riley are young brothers living with their grandfather, both with completely different personalities. Riley is completely absorbed by the hip-hop lifestyle, while Huey is a more interested in learning and critical thinking than conforming to the pop culture pit-traps for a young black man. The neighborhood also includes a black man who is married to a white woman, a self-deprecating black man, and an assortment of other bit players along the same lines.

 

The Chef, The Actor, and The Scoundrel Blu-ray Review

     Actors: Ye Liu, Hanyu Zhang, Bo Huang

Director: Guan Hu

Format: Multiple Formats, Blu-ray, Subtitled, Widescreen, Color, NTSC

Language: Mandarin Chinese, Japanese

Subtitles: English

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: Unrated

Studio: Well Go USA

Release Date: June 24, 2014

Run Time: 108 minutes

 

        The style director Guan Hu (Cow, Design of Death) uses in The Chef, The Actor, and The Scoundrel reminded me of Baz Luhrman’s early films, utilizing the over-exaggerated style of Peking opera and silent Chinese cinema for slapstick humor and visual hyperactivity. This appears to be an over-indulgence of style, but as the film continues the plot reveals reasons for these choices. I found myself going from irritation at the film’s over-acting and forced comedy to a complete shift in my opinion and appreciation of Hu’s choices.

 

The Angela Mao Ying Collection DVD Review

    

Format: Multiple Formats, Box set, Color, NTSC, Widescreen

Language: Mandarin Chinese

Subtitles: English

Dubbed: English

Number of discs: 3

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: Shout! Factory

DVD Release Date: June 17, 2014

Run Time: 600 minutes

 

 

        Angela Mao had a surprisingly short career, but it was an also influential and groundbreaking in enough ways for her legacy to remain decades later. Even today there are very few female martial arts stars, and when Angela Mao appeared onscreen in the early 1970s she blazed trails with each powerful kick. She wasn’t the first female martial artist, but her ability to carry a film rather than just support it made her a star. This six-film collection includes a few films where Ying takes a smaller role in the narrative, but there are also some great examples of her leading lady abilities. The quality of the film transfers for some of these Golden Harvest releases are less than ideal, including a lot of static and scratches in the image and occasionally sub-par subtitling, but this Shout Factory release does provide quantity for a price that fans can afford. 

 

Masters of Sex DVD Review

     Actors: Michael Sheen, Lizzy Caplan

Format: Multiple Formats, Box set, Subtitled, NTSC

Language: English

Subtitles: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French

Dubbed: French

Number of discs: 4

Rated: Unrated

Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Release Date: June 24, 2014

Run Time: 677 minutes

 

        Upon hearing that there would be a Showtime series entitled “Masters of Sex,” I immediately assumed it to be a spin-off of the anthology series, “Masters of Horror.” They did the same with science fiction as well, so I just assumed that we were going to get a series of hour-long erotica from various infamous film-fornicators. Instead, this series plays more like a sexed-up “Mad Men,” with pioneers in scientific research of sex in the 1950s rather than the marketing world of the 1960s. Character development takes precedence over any clear direction in the storyline; though there is a clearer progression in the scientific discoveries throughout season one.

       

Regular Show: The Complete Third Season DVD Review

     Format: Multiple Formats, Animated, Box set, Full Screen, NTSC, Widescreen

Language: English

Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1

Number of discs: 3

Rated: NR (Not Rated)

Studio: Cartoon Network

DVD Release Date: June 17, 2014

Run Time: 440 minutes

 

 

        “Regular Show” is one of those odd Cartoon Network series which walks the line between entertainment for children and for adults, mostly due to the irreverence in the show’s sense of humor. It is intentionally odd, with a type of logic that adheres only to the mind of a child or pot-head, which seems to be the target audience. This isn’t likely to be a universal hit, but the fans tend to be loyally dedicated to the series. Having a release for a show with fans is a double-edged sword, however, because they may be more likely to make a purchase but also tend to have higher expectations. With the first two seasons previously distributed on Blu-ray in greater quality and with more special features, fans may find reason to complain about this season three DVD release.

 

Almost Human DVD Review

    Actors: Graham Skipper, Josh Ethier

Director: Joe Begos

Format: Multiple Formats, Color, Widescreen, NTSC

Language: English

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: Unrated

Studio: MPI HOME VIDEO

DVD Release Date: June 17, 2014

Run Time: 79 minutes

 

        There were times that the aggressive violence of Joe Begos film, including some graphic gore effects, reminded me of early Peter Jackson films. Jackson also learned how to utilize his budget by creatively creating the gore effects in his New Zealand horror films, and this is one aspect of filmmaking which Begos has proved himself capable in. It is in every other capacity of storytelling where his amateur abilities are more apparent. While the action and visual effects looked better than the budget, the dialogue and acting suffer from neglect and lack of talent.

 

Jimmy P. DVD Review

     Actors: Benicio Del Toro, Mathieu Amalric

Director: Arnaud Desplechin

Format: Multiple Formats, Color, Widescreen, NTSC

Language: English

Subtitles: English, Spanish

Number of discs: 1

Rated: Unrated

Studio: MPI HOME VIDEO

DVD Release Date: June 17, 2014

Run Time: 117 minutes

 

 

        Jimmy P. is a buddy-therapy film, belonging in the extremely small sub-genre of films that would also include Good Will Hunting and Antwone Fisher. That the narrative and characters are borrowed from real-life events is almost disappointing, because of how little actually happens within the narrative. Even the friendship between the two leads feels glossed over, which is odd considering the plot contains little other than their sessions together. Everyone does their job well. The direction from Arnaud Desplechin (A Christmas Tale) is competent, the acting by Benicio Del Toro is appropriately soulful, and Mathieu Amalric brings buoyancy to his role despite being cast against type. With all of these talented elements, Jimmy P. still never manages to blend into a complete package.

 

Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey Blu-ray Review

     Actors: Neil Degrasse Tyson

Format: Multiple Formats, Blu-ray, AC-3, Box set, DTS Surround Sound, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: English (DTS 5.1)

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Dubbed: English

Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1

Number of discs: 4

Rated: NR (Not Rated)

Studio: 20th Century Fox

Release Date: June 10, 2014

Run Time: 572 minutes

 

        Educational reality series used to be the type of programs only watched by teachers and their students under forced conditions in the classroom. While I can still imagine “Cosmos” being shown in more than a few science classrooms across the country, it is a series which can be shown for the ability to portray information in an entertaining manner rather than simply providing educators a break from their job. Credit is mostly due to the technical aspects of these type of series, which seemed to reach a significant turning point with the overwhelming success of the use of high definition cameras in the filming of “Planet Earth.” The widespread success of that series proved that when a Hollywood approach to effects and visuals are applied to educational shows, audiences will watch them without being forced to in a classroom setting.

 

Joy Ride 3 Blu-ray Review

     Actors: Jesse Hutch, Ken Kirzinger, Dean Armstrong, Ben Hollingsworth

Format: Multiple Formats, Blu-ray, AC-3, Color, DTS Surround Sound, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: English (Dolby Digital 5.1)

Subtitles: English

Dubbed: English

Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1

Number of discs: 2

Rated: Unrated

Studio: 20th Century Fox

Release Date: June 17, 2014

Run Time: 96 minutes

        I truly had no idea that there was even a Joy Ride 2, in all honesty, but Joy Ride 3 is pretty much exactly what I would expect from a low-budget sequel to the long-forgotten road rage thriller scribed by J.J. Abrams. Normally I don’t even think that it matters too much who directs these trashy grabs for cash in the home entertainment department of successful studios, but the fact that Joy Ride 3 is written and directed by Declan O’Brien is telling of the quality to be expected. O’Brien’s filmography is filled with low-budget horror, but his most significant credits include three straight-to-video sequels of another moderately popular thriller from the past; Wrong Turn. 

 

No Clue DVD Review

     Actors: David Koechner, Brent Butt

Format: Multiple Formats, Color, Dolby, Widescreen, NTSC

Language: English

Subtitles: English

Number of discs: 1

Rated: Unrated

Studio: Ent. One Music

DVD Release Date: June 17, 2014

Run Time: 96 minutes

 

 

        Sometimes actors are able to catapult their careers by showcasing their abilities with a screenplay that they wrote for themselves. Good Will Hunting is a perfect example of this, managing to make stars out of two supporting actors with a screenplay that understood how to utilize their talents onscreen. No Clue is an attempt to do the same, but more than anything it merely showcases Brent Butt’s inability to carry a film.

 

The Attorney DVD Review

    Actors: Kang-Ho Song, Do Won Kwak, Si-wan Yim

Director: Yang Woo-Seok

Format: Multiple Formats, Color, Dolby, NTSC, THX, Widescreen

Language: Korean

Subtitles: English

Number of discs: 1

Rated: Unrated

Studio: Well Go USA

DVD Release Date: June 17, 2014

Run Time: 127 minutes

 

 

        It is pretty amazing to consider that just over twenty-years ago a film like this would not have been possible in South Korea due to censorship laws. Their national cinema has burst forth as one of the most impressive worldwide in the last two decades, and The Attorney is yet another example of their ability to learn from the success of Hollywood while retaining uniquely South Korean elements. It is a true-story courtroom drama, but this does not stop director Wook-seok Yang from inserting humor into the film, making for an extremely watchable film full of depth.

 

A Fighting Man DVD Review

     Actors: James Caan, Dominic Purcell, Louis Gossett Jr., Freddie Roach, Famke Janssen
     Director: Damian Lee

Format: Multiple Formats, Color, Subtitled, NTSC

Language: English

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

DVD Release Date: June 17, 2014

Run Time: 88 minutes

 

 

        This is clearly the most personal film to come from Canadian director Damian Lee, and despite a few stumbles along the way, A Fighting Man is still standing on two feet when that final bell rings. Lee doesn’t reinvent the boxer film, nor does he seem to be trying to, but instead he has a simple idea executed with previously unseen levels of precision. Whether Lee’s ability to capture the energy of boxing comes from his own past experiences as a professional fighter or simply a sign of his development as a filmmaker, A Fighting Man is an impressive little addition to the genre.

       

Picnic at Hanging Rock Dual-Format Edition Review

     Actors: Rachel Roberts, Anne Lambert, Jacki Weaver

Director: Peter Weir

Format: Multiple Formats, Blu-ray, Color, Surround Sound, Widescreen

Language: English

Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1

Number of discs: 3

Rated: PG

Studio: Criterion Collection

Release Date: June 17, 2014

Run Time: 107 minutes

 

 

        Peter Weir’s success in Hollywood has been so extensive that it is often easy to forget about the influences he has had on his native cinema as well. Picnic at Hanging Rock was the filmmaker’s sophomore film, and one which would catapult his international reputation while simultaneously playing a significant role in the New Wave of Australian cinema. Weir’s Australian films were not only met with critical praise worldwide, they were also among the most popular films in the nation at the time, helping to propel the national cinema in a new direction.

 

An Adventure in Space and Time Combo Pack Review

     Actors: David Bradley

Directors: Terry McDonough

Format: Color, NTSC, Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: English

Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1

Number of discs: 3

Rated: NR (Not Rated)

Studio: BBC Home Entertainment

Release Date: May 27, 2014

Run Time: 90 minutes

 

 

        As popular as “Doctor Who” has been for so many decades and various incarnations, it is rather difficult to imagine the struggle that the series first faced with the creation of those defining first episodes. The BBC provides a predictably heartfelt recreation of these humble origins with An Adventure in Space and Time, strengthened by a solid cast of performers playing performers. This story may be a work of non-fiction, but it is sure to attract the many sci-fi fans that have made “Doctor Who” the longest running series of its kind.

 

Adult World DVD Review

     Actors: Emma Roberts, John Cusack, Evan Peters

Director: Scott Coffey

Format: Multiple Formats, Color, Widescreen, NTSC

Language: English

Subtitles: English, Spanish

Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: MPI HOME VIDEO

DVD Release Date: June 10, 2014

Run Time: 93 minutes

 

        I wanted so desperately to like Adult World, but that was made impossible by horribly passive direction from Scott Coffrey and a bipolar screenplay from Andy Cochran that veers back and forth from obvious and cliché plot points to forced quirkiness in character development. Despite having a few unique things to say about our society’s desire for fame and celebrity, Adult World’s positive ideas are overtaken by the screenplay’s assortment of purposefully unsympathetic characters and a hipster ideology. Only the supporting performance by John Cusack saves this film from being entirely tiresome.

 

Haunt DVD Review

    Actors: Jacki Weaver, Liana Liberato, Harrison Gilbertson

Director: Mac Carter

Format: Multiple Formats, Color, Widescreen, NTSC

Language: English

Number of discs: 1

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: MPI HOME VIDEO

DVD Release Date: June 10, 2014

Run Time: 85 minutes

 

 

        There are a number of technical aspects which are competently made within Haunt, but they are so far removed from the logic of the film and its storyline that this film feels more like the ghost of better haunted house films than an original story of its own. The biggest problem is a complete lack of character development, not to mention the missing cohesion between the cast members meant to be a family. There is no feeling of connection between the family members, mostly because the characters don’t feel developed enough to matter to each other. This film is far more interested in well-photographed eerie and foreboding images, and a few special-effects driven scares enhanced by a noisy soundtrack. In other words, this is like a dozen other haunted house films, instantly forgettable for having nothing to set it apart.