By Bob Bloom The following titles are being released on Tuesday, Aug. 13, unless otherwise noted:
Avengers: Endgame (Blu-ray + digital) Details: 2019, Marvel Studio-Walt Disney Pictures Home Entertainment Rated: PG-13, sci-fi violence and action, language The lowdown: “Avengers: Endgame” superbly succeed in closing this chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Aficionados of the movies will be so emotionally invested in “Endgame” that they may want to rush the screen and hug it after the end credits roll. “Avengers: Endgame” is a love letter to those who have remained faithful throughout the past 11 years and to 21 movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Back in the 1930s’, MGM used to promote its roster of actors by proclaiming it had “more stars than there are in the heavens.” The massive cast of performers who participate in “Avengers: Endgame” makes MGM’s boast pale. Several appearances in “Endgame” — no matter how brief they are — will create OMG moments that will bring gasps, surprises — and laughs. “Endgame” is more than a movie, it is an emotional event — a reward for loyalty, as well as a promise of new things to come. Underlying it all is a foundation about family — all kinds — be it people who are united by a common cause or by blood. The heart of “Endgame” rests on the yin and yang personalities of Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark aka Iron Man and Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers aka Captain America. Stark is more of a cynic who usually expects and wants to prepare for the worst, while Rogers is the optimist who basically sees the good in people and expects them to do the right thing. This dichotomy, which has been a factor in many of the movies in the MCU, comes to a head in “Endgame.” The movie is a cathartic experience that I guarantee will make you weep — no matter how many times you see it. To adapt a phrase that has become a mantra of the Marvel empire, “With great cinematic power comes great cinematic responsibility.” And Marvel totally has lived up to that credo. Critics thought so as well, rewarding the movie with a 94 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com. The Blu-ray’s audio and visual transfers are first-rate, capturing every nuance of the movie. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.39:1 widescreen picture; English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, 2.0 descriptive audio and French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus options include tributes to Downey’s Iron Man, Rogers’ Captain America, Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow and Stan Lee; deleted scenes; a gag reel; a featurette on the Russo brothers, who talk about directing “Infinity Wars” and “Endgame”; a look at the women of the Marvel Cinematic Universe; a behind-the-scenes look at Chris Hemsworth’s transformation into Bro’ Thor; an introduction to the film; and a commentary track.
Shadow (Blu-ray + DVD) Details: 2018, Well Go USA Entertainment Rated: Not rated, violence The lowdown: Director Zhang Yimou’s (“Hero” and “House of Flying Daggers”) latest wuxia feature is a fascinating movie in concept and production values. He uses a canvas of blacks and greys to tell a story of court intrigue and war set in the kingdom of Pei, ruled by a young and unpredictable king. The king wants peace, but his military commander pushes for war. Unbeknownst to the king and his court is the commander’s secret weapon — a “shadow,” a look-alike who can fool everyone with whom he comes in contact. He must use his shadow to fulfill his plan to recapture Jing City, even though the king is opposed to the plan. The movie features a strong performance by Deng Chao is the dual role of the commander and Jing, his shadow. Critics were most impressed with the movie, giving it a 95 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com. Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 2.39:1 widescreen picture; Mandarin Dolby Atmos in Dolby 7.1 TrueHD and English 5.1 Dolby digital; English and Mandarin (traditional and simplified) subtitles; DVD: 2.39:1 widescreen picture; Mandarin 5.1 Dolby digital and stereo and English 5.1 Dolby digital and stereo; English and Mandarin (traditional and simplified) subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include a making of featurette and a behind-the-scenes look at the film.
The White Crow (DVD & digital) Release date: July 30 Details: 2019, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Rated: R, language, nudity, sexual content The lowdown: “The White Crow” centers on a pivotal time in the life of acclaimed dancer Rudolf Nureyev — when he decided to defect to the West in 1961. At the time, Nureyev was a member of the Kirov ballet, which was performing in Paris at the time on the first leg of a tour of Europe. “The White Crow,” directed by Ralph Fiennes — who also portrays Pushkin, a ballet instructor who had a great impact on Nureyev — focuses more on the drama of the dancer’s life than his performances on stage. As portrayed by Oleg Ivenko, a Ukrainian ballet dancer, Nureyev is a complicated blend of arrogance and neediness — he constantly seeks reaffirmation about his talent. He also truly believes he is better than most of the dancers he encounters. The movie makes it clear that Nureyev had no interest in politics. He simply wanted the right to express himself in his ballet. Fans of ballet and Nureyev will find the movie a satisfying experience. Technical aspects: 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby digital and audio description track; English SDH and English subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus options include a making of featurette and a question-and-answer session with Fiennes, Ivenko and writer David Hare.
Vice Squad: Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray) Details: 1982, Scream Factory Rated: R, violence, language, sexual content The lowdown: A gritty, B-picture set against the backdrop of Hollywood Boulevard in the early 1980s, which was overrun by prostitutes and pimps. The movie stars Season Hubley as Princess, a single mom forced into streetwalking to earn enough money to leave town; Gary Swanson as the vice cop Tom Walsh; and Wings Hauser as Ramrod, a sadistic and psychotic pimp wanted for murdering another prostitute. Walsh enlists Princess in his efforts to catch Ramrod, but when he fails, it puts the life of Princess in jeopardy as Ramrod seeks deadly revenge. The movie is very lurid, despite the efforts of director Gary A. Sherman to create an on-the-streets, documentary feel. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1widescreen picture; English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio; English subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include interviews with Swanson, Sherman, producer Brian Frankish and actors Beverly Todd, Pepe Serna and Michael Ensign; two commentary tracks; and a featurette on the movie’s locations to see how they have changed since the early 1980s.
I Love Lucy: Colorized Collection Details: 1952, 1954-57, CBS DVD-Paramount Home Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: A two-disc set featuring 16 episodes from the pioneering and classic “I Love Lucy” television series. These shows were originally presented in black and white, but have colorized, which gives you the opportunity to see the famous redhead in all her glory. The episodes include such classics as Lucy and her friend, Ethel, trying to work on the assembly line at a chocolate factory, Lucy trying to hawk “Vitameatavegamin,” Lucy’s fan-favorite grape-stomping sequence and her misadventures with such celebrities as Harpo Marx, John Wayne and George “Superman” Reeves. Technical aspects: 4:3 full-screen picture; English and Spanish Dolby digital monaural; English SDH and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include a look at the colorization process, vintage stick figure animation and a colorized version of the cast singing “Jingle Bells.”
Batman: Hush (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + digital) Release date: Aug. 6 Details: 2019, Warner Home Video Rated: PG-13, action, violence, language, suggestive material The lowdown: This adaptation of a 2003-03, 12-issue comic book arc changes a lot in its transfer to the home entertainment market and for no good reason. A new villain, Hush, is Batman’s target. But strands from the Dark Knight’s past are beginning to come apart. Other DC characters making appearances include Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Superman, The Joker, Nightwing, Poison Ivy and a variety of Robins. Fans of the original comic arc, by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee, may not be totally satisfied with this version of the story, but the fine digital transfer may make up for some of the tale’s shortcomings. Technical aspects: 4K UHD: 2160p UHD, 1.78:1 (16x9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles; Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 1.78:1 (16x9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Supplemental materials include a featurette, “Batman: Love in Time of War,” that focuses on Selina Kyle/Catwoman; a DC Showcase “Sgt. Rock” animated short; a commentary track; a sneak peek at the next DC Universe Movie, “Wonder Woman: Bloodlines”; and two episodes from “The Batman Superman Hour” animated series.
The Thin Man (Blu-ray) Release date: July 30 Details: 1934, Warner Archive Collection Rated: Not rated The lowdown: William Powell and Myrna Loy created a sensation in this lively whodunit that introduced sleuthing married couple Nick and Nora Charles to the world. The movie, directed by always-speedy W.S. “Woody” Van Dyke, led to several sequels starring the duo as well as other MGM features that paired Powell and Loy. The thin man of the title is a missing scientist whose daughter, played by Maureen O’Sullivan, asks Nick Charles to help find her father. Of course, Nora wants to help her husband. The film, based on characters created by Dashiell Hammett, combines mystery, mirth and lots of high balls. The release is a made-on-demand Blu-ray from the Warner Archive Collection and can be found at www.wb.com/warnerarchive or other online retailers. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.37:1 (4x3) full-screen picture; English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio monaural; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include a 1936 “Lux Radio Theater” adaptation of the film with Powell and Loy and a 1957 episode of “The Thin Man” television series.
The Reflecting Skin (Blu-ray) Details: 1990, Film Movement Classics Rated: R, violent behavior, sensuality The lowdown: The setting of this film from British writer-director Philip Ridley is a small prairie town in 1950s Idaho. Seth, an eight-year-old with a vivid imagination, comes to believe that Dolphin Blue (Lindsay Duncan), the reclusive English widow living next door, is a vampire. One of Seth’s friends is found dead, and soon the bodies of more children are discovered. Seth’s fears accelerate when his older brother, Cameron (Viggo Mortensen, in one of his early film roles), returns home from military service, falls in love with Dolphin and begins showing signs of illness. The movie has a David Lynch-like vibe, reflecting the dark underbelly of what is considered normal, middle America. The film is filled with sinister family secrets, suspicions, nightmares and death. Adding to all the strange occurrences is a roving gang that drives around on the country roads in a black Cadillac. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 2.0 Dolby digital stereo; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: A making of featurette, a commentary track and an essay about the movie comprise the major bonus components.
Shiraz: A Romance of India (Blu-ray + DVD) Details: 1928, Juno Films-MVD Visual Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This silent movie, filmed in India and featuring what was then described as “an all native cast” has been restored by the British Film Institute as part of its National Archive Restoration. This historical drama supposedly tells about the inspiration for the Taj Mahal, but, like most films of this genre, the screenplay takes liberties. The movie is basically an epic love story that centers on Selima who, as a child, was rescued after her caravan was attacked. She is raised alongside Shiraz, who from an early age, loves the girl. It turns out Selima is a princess. After many harrowing experiences, including being kidnapped, Selima marries a prince and becomes Empress Mumtaz Mahal. When Selima dies, the emperor builds her a monument, the Taj Mahal. This is a sumptuous looking movie that has been carefully restored with the best available elements. The picture has some flaws, but it remains exquisite to view. A new score, composed by Anoushka Shankar, daughter of Ravi Shankar. Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 1.33:1 full-screen picture; 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and 2.0 LPCM audio; English subtitles; DVD: 1.33:1 full-screen picture; 2.0 LPCM audio; English subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include a look at the movie’s restoration and a featurette on the musical instruments of India.
The Daredevil Drivers (DVD-R) Release date: July 30 Details: 1938, Warner Archive Collection Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This Warner Bros. programmer was directed by action specialist B. Reeves “Breezy” Eason, who helmed dozens of serials and B-Westerns during his long career behind the camera. This offering features Beverly Roberts and Dick Purcell in a story about talented race-car driver Bill Foster (Purcell), whose reckless stunts on the track get him banned from racing. Foster and his mechanic buddy, “Stub” Wilson (Charles Foy) head for greener pastures. When Foster’s race car is involved in an accident with a bus, he meets Jerry Neeley (Roberts), owner of the bus company. Foster goes to work for Tommy Burnell (Don Briggs), owner of a rival bus company that is sabotaging Neeley’s company. When Foster learns about Burnell’s shady activities, he switches allegiances and works to help Neeley save her company. If Purcell’s name sounds familiar, it is because he earned a footnote in movie history by portraying Captain America in a 1944 Republic Pictures serial entitled, “Captain America.” Unfortunately, short after filming the serial, Purcell died of a heart attack at the age of 38. At 59 minutes, “The Daredevil Drivers” offers mile-a-minute thrills. The release is a made-on-demand DVD-R from the Warner Archive Collection and can be found at www.wb.com/warnerarchive or other Internet sellers. Technical aspects: 1.37:1 (4x3) full-screen picture; English Dolby digital monaural.
Rafiki Details: 2019, Film Movement Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This Kenyan import was banned because the nation still criminalizes homosexuality. The story centers on two young women, Kena and Ziki, who always have been told that “good Kenyan girls make good Kenyan wives.” Marriage does not interest either of them. And despite the political rivalry between their families, the two continually encourage each other to pursue their dreams in a conservative society that frowns on stepping out of traditional norms. When the two women realize they are in love, they must decide between happiness and safety. The movie is courageous, colorful, vibrant and exhilarating, and is a feature that should not be missed. Technical aspects: 2.40:1 widescreen picture; English and Swahili 5.1 Dolby digital surround; English subtitles. Don’t miss: The major extra is “Hudson,” a short film in which a mother must reveal to her teenage son that she is in a relationship with a woman.
Double Danger (DVD-R) Release date: July 30 Details: 1938, Warner Archive Collection Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Preston Foster, who navigated between prestige “A” pictures such as “The Last Days of Pompeii,” “Annie Oakley” and “North West Mounted Police” and “B” programmers such as “Secret Agent of Japan,” “The Westland Case” and “Sea Devils,” stars in this crime thriller as gentleman crime novelist Bob Crane. Crane and debutante Carolyn Martin (Whitney Bourne) lead luxurious lives. Both are aided by loyal attendants — Crane’s valet Fentriss (Cecil Calloway) and Martin’s driver Taylor (Paul Guilfoyle). Crane and Martin mingle with high society, including Police Commissioner Theron (Samuel S. Hinds). Both, though, also lead double lives as jewel thieves. Crane’s alter ego, “The Gentleman,” has been a thorn in Theron’s side and the police official vows to capture the rogue. He has narrowed his list of suspects to Crane and Martin. To confirm his suspicions, Theron sets a trap with the aid of jeweler Gordon Ainsley (Donald Meek), whom The Gentleman has targeted many times. He invites the couple to his country estate — a familiar setting for films of this type — hoping to unmask the culprit. Theron, however, gets more than he bargained for in this sprightly concoction. The release is a made-on-demand DVD-R from the Warner Archive Collection and can be found at www.wb.com/warnerarchive or other Internet dealers. Technical aspects: 1.37:1 (4x3) full-screen picture; English Dolby digital monaural.
Other titles being released on Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated: A Dark Place (Blu-ray & DVD & digital & VOD) (Gravitas Ventures) Blindsided (DVD & digital) (Uncork’d Entertainment) Clarence Clemons: Who Do You Think I Am? (Blu-ray + DVD & VOD) (Virgil Films-MVD Visual Entertainment) Damned Summer (IndiePix Films) Is That You? (DVD & VOD) (Breaking Glass Pictures) The Mummy’s Return (DVD & VOD) (Uncork’d Entertainment) The Power of Grayskull: The Definitive History of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (DVD & VOD) (High Octane Pictures) Vault (Blu-ray + digital & DVD & digital) (Lionsgate Home Entertainment) The Velocipastor (DVD & VOD) (Wild Eye Releasing) The Whirlpool (IndiePix Films) Anti-Nowhere League — We Are the League (Cleopatra Entertainment, Aug. 9)
FOR KIDS Descendants 3 (Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, Aug. 6)
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD, STREAMING or VOD Creating Woodstock (Cinema Libre) Godzilla, King of the Monsters (Warner Home Video) The Last Black Man in San Francisco (Lionsgate Home Entertainment) The Marker (Uncork’d Entertainment) The Secret Life of Pets 2 (Universal Studios Home Entertainment) Tiffany Haddish Presents They Ready (Netflix) Awake (Cinedigm, Aug. 16) Gwen (RLJE Films, Aug. 16) My Life Is Murder, Episode 5 (Acorn TV, Aug. 19) Neil Dudgeon’s Top Ten (Acorn TV, Aug. 19) Thorne: Series 1 & 2 (Acorn TV, Aug. 19)
Coming next week: A Dog’s Journey Brightburn
I am a founding member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. I review movies, Blu-rays and DVDs for ReelBob (ReelBob.com), The Film Yap and other print and online publications. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com. You also can follow me on Twitter @ReelBobBloom and on Facebook. My movie reviews also can be found at Rottentomatoes: www.rottentomatoes.com.