The following Blu-rays and DVDs are being released on Tuesday, Dec. 13, unless otherwise noted:
Southside With You (Blu-ray + Ultraviolet) Details: 2016, Lionsgate Home Entertainment Rated: PG-13, language, smoking, violent image, drug use The lowdown: This feature, set over the span of a day in 1989 Chicago, chronicles the first date between Barack Obama and Michelle Robinson. If you can ignore the future while viewing the film, “Southside With You” is an relaxed picture about two young black professionals slowly learning about each other as they navigate the social and cultural politics of office romances, stressful positions and dealing with white perceptions of what it means to be black in a professional setting — in this case, a prestigious Chicago law firm. Writer-director Richard Tanne, at times, creates banter between the pair worthy of a Spencer Tracy-Katharine Hepburn exchange. Smartly, the movie does not offer a political agenda. It’s simply a story of two smart, ambitious and committed professionals discovering what they have in common, and sharing their views on life, race and society. The charm of Tanne’s film is its understatement; its strength is its presentation of two smart people on the cusp. Tanne need not add a prologue, relying on the intelligence of his audience to know the rest of the story. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 (16x9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH, English and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Original artwork and animations and a commentary track comprise the major bonus features.
Suicide Squad: Extended Cut (Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet) Details: 2016, Warner Home Video Rated: Not rated & PG-13, action and graphic violence, disturbing images, language, suggestive content The lowdown: A movie about bad guys kicking ass — even as reluctant heroes “recruited” by the federal government — should be loud and over the top, displaying attitude and anarchy. But “Suicide Squad” is a product of the serious and dark DC Comics world, where it must be against the law to show brashness and flex some craziness. This is a movie where the light is sucked out of the film — and the audience. It takes place mostly at night and in deep, dank prison cells. And that is one of “Suicide Squad’s” problems. It lacks that in-your-face presence that dares the audience to embrace it. It’s a film that should say take me or leave me, I don’t give a damn. We get what basically is a two-hour setup for the next “Justice League” movie. Even with an extended version that adds 11 minutes to the movie, nothing seems to have changed. It is still too serious for its own good. Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 2.40:1 (16x9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English Dolby Atmos, English 5.1 descriptive audio and French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles; DVD: 2.40:1 (16x9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: A featurette, “Task Force X: One Team, One Mission” that examines the legacy of these bad guys; a featurette on how the cast got themselves in shape; a look at the underworld’s most romantic couple, Harley and Joker; a behind-the-scenes look with director David Ayer on creating a surreal world; a gag reel, looks at the movie’s weapons and battles; and a “Squad Declassified” featurette comprise the major bonus offerings.
“2016 World Series Collector’s Edition: Chicago Cubs” (Blu-ray) Details: 2016, Shout! Factory Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Cubs fans can relive every pitch, every out, every hit, every inning and, most importantly, every win of the 2016 World Series with this eight-disc set that includes each exciting game of the series. You will be able to see the clutch hits, outstanding fielding and strong pitching that ended the Cubs’ 108-year drought. This is a set that Cubs die-hards and baseball lovers alike will be able to enjoy over and over. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.78:1 (16x9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus features include game six of the NLCS series; four audio options, including TV, home radio, away radio and Spanish-language broadcast; and a Sleevestats insert with official stats, game trivia and more.
Morgan (Blu-ray + DVD + digital HD) Details: 2016, Fox Home Entertainment Rated: R, graphic and bloody violence, language The lowdown: A science-fiction thriller about an experiment to create a genetically designed human. The young woman, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, however, cannot be totally controlled, triggering a horrific event that causes those leading the experiment to determine if her potential outweighs the danger. The film, from producer Ridley Scott and director Luke Scott, costars Paul Giamatti, Kate Mara, Toby Jones, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Rose Leslie. Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 2.39:1 widescreen picture; English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English 5.1 audio descriptive and Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles; DVD: 2.39:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby digital; English 5.1 audio descriptive and Spanish and French 2.0 Dolby digital surround; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include a featurette on the science behind Morgan, deleted scenes, a commentary track and a short film by director Luke Scott.
Harley and the Davidsons (Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet) Details: 2016, Lionsgate Home Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This Discovery Channel miniseries looks at the three young men who risked their fortunes to create what has become the iconic American motorcycle. The story begins at the turn of the 20th century as Walter and Arthur Davidson and Bill Harley began their enterprise. Along the way, each faced various personal and professional challenges, but it was their dreams and ambitions that kept them united. Fans of the motorcycle will find this series entertaining and historically perceptive. Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 1.78:1 (16x9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH subtitles; DVD: 1.78:1 (16x9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English 2.0 Dolby digital; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: A making of featurette and a “Biketacular” that looks at impressive bike builds comprise the major bonus components.
American Gothic: Season One Details: CBS DVD-Paramount Home Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This four-disc set features all 13 episodes of the CBS summer series about a well-known Boston family who learn that someone close to them is linked to a series of gruesome murders. During the investigation, dark secrets from the past and present are unearthed as the hunt for the culprit goes deeper and deeper. The mounting suspicion and paranoia begins to have an adverse impact on the family, threatening to tear it apart. Technical aspects: 16:9 full-screen picture; English 5.1 Dolby digital stereo; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include deleted and extended scenes, a first look at the show, a gag reel and a featurette on the cast and creators at Comic-Con.
Little Men Details: 2016, Magnolia Home Entertainment Rated: PG, mature themes, language, smoking The lowdown: A family drama about two young boys who form a friendship, despite friction and bickering between the adults in their life. Jake and his family move into their late grandfather’s Brooklyn home, where he befriends Tony, whose mother runs the dress shop in the downstairs part of the apartment building. When Jake’s parents ask Tony’s mother to pay a higher rent, the feud begins. The boys protest by taking an oath of silence against their parents. The movie offers lessons for adults and children. Technical aspects: 1.66:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: A making of featurette and casting sessions for the two young actors playing the boys comprise the main supplemental offerings.
The Exterminating Angel: Special Edition (Blu-ray) Release date: Dec. 6 Details: 1962, The Criterion Collection Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Director Luis Buñuel’s masterpiece about a group of high society friends invited to a mansion for dinner who find themselves unable to leave. After a few days, the guests — one by one — begin to starve and die. This eerie comic tale, in Spanish with English subtitles, is another in the director’s satiric commentaries on the rituals and frivolities of the upper class. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.33:1 full-screen picture; Spanish LPCM monaural; English subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus offerings include a 2008 documentary about Buñuel, 2006 interviews with actor Silvia Pinal and filmmaker Arturo Ripstein and a booklet with essays about the film and its director.
Zoo: Season Two Release date: Dec. 6 Details: 2016, CBS DVD-Paramount Home Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: A four-disc set featuring the second season of this popular CBS summer series, based on the book by James Patterson. The series deals with an animal takeover of the planet, which, in this season, has gone from animal attacks to a global war between beast and mankind. Meanwhile, zoologist Jackson Oz (James Wolk) and his team uncover a plan to exterminate all wildlife on the planet, again proving that humans are the most dangerous species of all. The cast also includes Kristen Connolly, Billy Burke and Nonso Anozie. Technical aspects: 16:9 widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby digital surround and stereo surround; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus features include an overview of the second season with cast members and the executive producers, a gag reel, deleted scenes and a tour of “The Bird,” the plane that serves as the team’s base of operations.
Dreamscape: Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray) Details: 1984, Scream Factory Rated: PG-13, violence, language, sexual content The lowdown: Dennis Quaid stars in this science fiction-thriller as Alex Gardner, a young man with the psychic ability to enter another person’s subconscious through dreams. When he is recruited for a government project, he learns that others with similar abilities are being used for nefarious purposes. The film is one of those projects, such as “Firestarter,” in which secret government agencies use people with special powers to murder and control others. The impressive cast also includes Max von Sydow, Christopher Plummer, Kate Capshaw, Eddie Albert, George Wendt and David Patrick Kelly best known as the psycho gang leader-killer in “The Warriors.” Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus offerings include a new retrospective that includes interviews with filmmakers and cast members, a look back at the Snakeman creation, an in-depth conversation between Bruce Cohn Curtis and co-writer-producer Chuck Russell and a commentary track.
Phantasm: Remastered (Blu-ray) Release date: Dec. 6 Details: 1979, Well Go USA Entertainment Rated: R, graphic violence, nudity, intense scary sequences The lowdown: This cult favorite horror feature gets a remastered reissue. The tale of The Tall Man, his lethal Sentinel Spheres and the group of small-town friends who must come together to halt his dimension-hopping schemes has struck a chord with fans for decades. This restoration was aided by J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition,16:9 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include interviews from 1979, a commentary track, deleted scenes and a new “Graveyard Carz” episode.
Sudden Fear (Blu-ray) Details: 1952, Cohen Film Collection Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Joan Crawford stars in this film noir thriller as a successful playwright who marries an actor, played by Jack Palance, who hides a dark secret. Crawford’s character learns that her hubby not only married her for her money, but that he plans on killing her with the help of his lover, portrayed by Gloria Grahame. The movie received four Academy Award nominations, and features a memorable score by Elmer Bernstein. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.37:1 full-screen picture; English 2.0 LPCM monaural; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: The major bonus component is a commentary track by film historian Jeremy Arnold.
Creepshow 2 (Blu-ray) Details: 1987, Arrow Video Rated: R, graphic violence The lowdown: A series of bloody and horrific tales from George A. Romero and Stephen King highlight this anthology feature. The film is comprised of three short stories by King involving a wooden Indian coming to life, a motorist terrorized by hitchhiker she ran over and killed. The movie looks as if it was made on a rather stringent budget, and it lacks the impact of the original. The cast includes Oscar-winner George Kennedy, Dorothy Lamour and Lois Chiles. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English Dolby digital stereo; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include behind-the-scenes footage, a featurette on make-up artist Rick Baker, a look at the movie’s special effects, a commentary track and a collector’s booklet.
The Driller Killer (Blu-ray + DVD) Details: 1979, Arrow Video Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Abel Ferrara made his directorial debut with this low-budget, independent horror feature about a paranoid artist who fears becoming homeless, so he begins killing hobos using a power drill. His paranoia grows to the point that he soon begins killing anyone whom he has perceived as slighting him. The film is graphically violent and disturbing. Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English LPCM monaural; English SDH subtitles; DVD: 1.85:1 widescreen and 1.37:1 full-screen picture; English LPCM monaural; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include an interview with Ferrara, a 2010 documentary by Ferrara about New York, a visual essay to Ferrara’s films and career, a commentary track and a booklet about the movie and Ferrara.
The Legend of Korra: The Complete Series Details: 2012-14, Nickelodeon-Paramount Home Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: An eight-disc set containing all 52 episodes of this animated series about Korra, a teenage girl from the Southern Water Tribe, who embarks on an exciting journey of self-discovery as well as restoring balance to the Earth Kingdom. The 20-plus hours includes all the battles and adventures of air, earth, water and firebending. The set would make a perfect holiday gift for fans of the series. Technical aspects: 1.78:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby digital and French and Spanish Dolby digital stereo (Book One), English 5.1 Dolby digital and Spanish Dolby digital stereo (Books Two and Three) and English 5.1 Dolby digital (Book Four). Don’t miss: Commentaries, a making of featurette, behind-the-scenes looks and episode breakdowns comprise the bonus offerings.
Other Blu-rays and DVDs being released on Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated:
Black Christmas: Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray) (Scream Factory) Killjoy’s Psycho Circus (Full Moon Features, Dec. 1) The Search for Weng Weng (Wild Eye Releasing, Nov. 8) Marquise de Sade aka The Portrait of Doriana Gray (Full Moon Features, Oct. 24)
FOR KIDS Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Earth’s Last Stand (Nickelodeon-Paramount Home Entertainment)
DIGITAL DOWNLOADS and STREAMING
Snowden (Universal Studios Home Entertainment) Tri (Red Zeppelin Productions)
Bob Bloom is a member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. He reviews movies, Blu-rays and DVDs for ReelBob (ReelBob.com), The Film Yap and other print and online publications. He can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com. You also can follow Bloom on Twitter @ReelBobBloom and on Facebook. Movie reviews by Bloom also can be found at Rottentomatoes: www.rottentomatoes.com.