The following Blu-rays and DVDs are being released on Tuesday, Aug. 18:
“Walt Disney Animation Studios Shorts Collection” (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD) Details: 2000-15, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: A set containing 12 shorts from the Pixar and Disney studios that includes two Academy Award winners, “Feast” (2014) and “Paperman” (2012). The other shorts in this collection are “Frozen Fever” (2015), “Get a Horse! (2013), featuring Mickey Mouse, “Tangled Ever After” (2012), “The Ballad of Nessie” (2011), “Tick Tock Tale” (2010), “Prep & Landing: Operation Secret Santa” (2010), “How to Hook Up Your Home Theater” (2007), “The Little Matchgirl” (2006), “Lorenzo” (2004) and “John Henry” (2000). “Get a Horse!,” “The Little Matchgirl” and “Lorenzo” received Oscar nominations. This is a set that will draw animation fans in droves. Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, widescreen and full-screen pictures; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and 2.0 descriptive audio track, Spanish 5.1 and 2.0 and French 5.1 Dolby Digital; English SDH, Spanish and French subtitles; DVD: Widescreen and full-screen pictures; English 5.1 Dolby Digital and 2.0 descriptive audio track, Spanish 5.1 and 2.0 and French 5.1 Dolby Digital; English SHD, French and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Introductions to each short by filmmakers, a behind-the-scenes look at developing and producing a short and, on Disney Movies Anywhere, the short “Runaway Brain” are the major extras.
Lambert & Stamp (Blu-ray + Ultraviolet) Details: 2014, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Rated: R, language, drug content, nudity The lowdown: A documentary that tells the story of Chris Stamp and Kit Lambert, who were aspiring filmmakers who set out to find a subject for their underground movie. Their search led them to a then unknown rock band, The Who. The pair mentored and managed the band, despite having neither experience nor expertise in the field. The film traces the complex and often moving relationship between the two men and The Who as Lambert and Shield helped shape one of the most iconic bands in rock history. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and English 5.1 Dolby Digital audio description track; English SDH, English, Bulgarian, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Croatian, Czech, Estonian, French, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian/Bahasa, Korean, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Slovene, Thai and Ukrainan subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include a commentary track and question-and-answer session with Henry Rollins and the film’s director.
The Royals: The Complete First Season (DVD + Ultraviolet) Details: 2015, Lionsgate Home Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This satiric E! series follows the lives of a fictional British royal family whose every wish is a command. But the family’s world is one of duty, drudgery and public scrutiny. The crux of the first season deals with the conflict within the family as King Simon considers abolishing the monarchy, which his manipulative queen works hard to thwart as she wants to remain in power. The three-disc set features all the first-season episodes. Technical aspects: 1.78:1 (16x9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby Digital; English closed captioned. Don’t miss: Among the bonus materials are a look at creating the series, a featurette on the royal wardrobe and a “Private vs. Public: A Modern-Day Monarchy” featurette.
The Rebel: The Complete Series Details: 1959-61, Timeless Media Group Rated: Not rated The lowdown: The late Nick Adams stars as Johnny Yuma in this Western series that aired on ABC. The series follows the former Confederate soldier as he wanders the West seeking causes to champion and wrongs to right. Along the way, he continues writing in his journal and he tries to put his Civil War experiences behind him. The 11-disc set features all 76 episodes. The series has been remastered from original 16mm prints, so some of the shows are not in mint conditioning. A positive aspect of the set is that the original “The Ballad of Johnny Yuma” theme song, performed by Johnny Cash, has been restored. Technical aspects: 1.33:1 full-screen picture; English Dolby Digital. Don’t miss: Among the bonus offerings are a look back at the series with writer-producer-co-creator A.J. Fenady, a featurette on Adams, commercial featuring Adams and the pilot episode of Fenady’s proposed companion series, “The Yank,” starring James Drury.
NCIS: The Twelfth Season (Blu-ray) Details: 2014-15, CBS Blu-ray-Paramount Home Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This six-disc set contains 24 12th-season episodes of one of CBS’ top-rated series. The highlights of the season include an arc that focuses on the hunt for Russian terrorist Sergei, as well as the intriguing season finale arc in which children are being recruited to carry out acts of terror. The sharp picture and full-blown audio is offset by a slight imbalance in which the background music at times drowns out dialogue. The Blu-ray version is a Best Buy exclusive that includes a DVD bonus disc. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 16:9 full-screen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and English Dolby Digital stereo; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include a roundtable discussion with the cast, a look at filming on location, a behind-the-scenes look at the story arc involving Sergei, a featurette on cast member Rocky Carroll directing, deleted and extended scenes, commentaries on select episodes and, on the bonus disc, a featurette on Sean Murray’s Tim McGee, a “Getting Crafty” featurette and fan question-and-answers with Carroll and Emily Wickersham.
NCIS: New Orleans: The First Season (DVD + Ultraviolet) Details: 2014-15, CBS DVD-Paramount Home Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: A six-disc set containing all 23 first-season episodes of this second “NCIS” spinoff. This one follows Scott Bakula’s Dwayne Cassius “King” Pride and his team of agents as they protect New Orleans from bad guys both foreign and domestic. The series offers a lot of Big Easy flavoring that spices up the episodes. Technical aspects: 16:9 full-screen picture; English 5.1 Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital stereo; English SDH and Portuguese subtitles. Don’t miss: Among the bonus offerings are the “NCIS” spinoff episodes that served as the pilot for the series, a behind-the-scenes look at the series Halloween episode, a look at how the team celebrated Mardi Gras and a discussion with crew and cast members about the highlights of the first season.
Day for Night: Special Edition (Blu-ray) Details: 1973, The Criterion Collection Rated: PG The lowdown: Director Francois Truffaut’s affectionate comedy about the struggles and joys of movie making is one of his most beloved movies. Truffaut plays the harried director of a frivolous melodrama that is beset with problems from his cast, which includes Jean-Pierre Leaudi, Valentina Cortese and Jacqueline Bisset. The movie is a delight, abetted by a wonderful score by the legendary Georges Delerue. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.66:1 widescreen picture; French LPCM monaural; English subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include interviews with director of photography Pierre-William Glenn, assistant editor Martine Barraque and film scholar Dudley Andrew, a new visual essay about the film, a 2003 documentary on the movie, archival interviews with Truffaut, Bisset, actors Jean-Pierre Aumont, Dani, Nathalie Baye and Bernard Menez, archival television footage about the film and an essay about the movie.
It Happened Here Details: 2014, Cinedigm-Docurama Rated: Not rated The lowdown: The increase in sexual assaults and rapes on college campuses is put under the microscope in this feature-length documentary. The movie looks at five women at three schools as well as the impact of these attacks on the victims, their families and the schools themselves. Educators, legal scholars, mental health experts and college administrators voice their views on the issue, as well. Technical aspects: Widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby Digital surround. Don’t miss: Bonus offerings include a discussion guide and resource websites, and how to get involved to help put an end to this epidemic.
NCIS: Los Angeles: The Sixth Season Details: 2014-15, CBS DVD-Paramount Home Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This is the most action-packed series in the “NCIS” franchise as agents “G” Callen (Chris O’Donnell) and Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) and their team investigate threats to the city and the nation from within and without. The six-disc set contains all 24 episodes as the team deals with a former Cold War enemy, an investigation by the Justice Department and an ISIS threat that takes them to Russia. Technical aspects: 16:9 full-screen picture; English 5.1 Dolby Digital stereo; English SDH and Portuguese subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus offerings include deleted and extended scenes, an overview of the season, a look at how the 1980s was created for a specific episode, a behind-the-scenes look at the explosive action from a specific episodes and a featurette on the costuming.
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Morrell Release date: Aug. 11 Details: 2015, BBC Home Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: A period fantasy set during the Napoleonic war that focuses on the rivalry between two British magicians whose egos are out of control. The magicians, Gilbert Norrell (Bertie Carvel) and Jonathan Strange (Eddie Marsan), must cope with the trappings of Georgian society as they come to the realization that there might not be enough room in the world for two masters of magic. The series is a lot of fun with typical British whimsy. Technical aspects: 16:9 anamorphic widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby Digital; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: A making of featurette is the major bonus offering.
Strangerland (Blu-ray) Details: 2014, Alchemy Rated: R, language, sexual situations, nudity The lowdown: Nicole Kidman and Joseph Fiennes star in this chilling drama as parents whose children disappear during a dust storm. Searching for them and confronting the mystery of the disappearance puts a strain on the couple’s relationship. Hugo Weaving costars in this feature. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.40:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD; English SDH and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Featurettes go behind the scenes for the making of the movie and look at the cast members.
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared Details: 2015, Music Box Films Rated: R, language, violence The lowdown: A Swedish comedy about a former munitions dealer who on his 100th birthday decides to flee his tranquil nursing home existence and find some adventure. He escapes through a window and begins a raucous adventure involving a stolen briefcase, a biker gang and escaped circus elephant. Technical aspects: 2.39:1 widescreen picture; Swedish and English 5.1 Dolby Digital; English subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include a look at the making of the film and interviews with the movie’s star and director.
Nomads (Blu-ray) Details: 1986, Scream Factory Rated: R, language, violence The lowdown: Pierce Brosnan and Lesley-Anne Down star in this supernatural thriller about rootless demonic spirits and a dying madman. Brosnan plays the crazy guy and Down in the doctor he bites, transferring his insane thoughts to her. She soon discovers the existence of mysterious and deadly demons who seek only to destroy. She and the madman team up to try to put a stop to these evil spirits. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio monaural. Don’t miss: Interviews with Down and composer Bill Conti constitute the major bonus features.
The Phantom of Paris Release date: Aug. 11 Details: 1931, Warner Home Video Rated: Not rated The lowdown: John Gilbert was a very popular silent screen star who, unfortunately, became a casualty of sound films. Though he made a number of talkies, he never regained the heights he experienced in the silent era. In “The Phantom of Paris,” Gilbert plays an escape artist who attempts to clear his name after being convicted of murder. He escapes and finds the real murderer. But the man dies before he can confess, so Gilbert must impersonate him in order to clear himself and win back the woman he loves. The film is part of the Warner Archive Collection series and can be found at www.warnerarchive.com or other online retailers. Technical aspects: 1.37:1 (4x3) full-screen picture; English Dolby Digital monaural.
The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe (DVD + Ultraviolet) Details: 2015, Lionsgate Home Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: A made-for-TV biopic about the doomed actress, played by Kelli Garner, and the relationship with her mentally ill mother (Susan Sarandon) and the impact that had on her life. The film covers her marriages to Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller as well as Monroe’s obsession with President John F. Kennedy. The movie shows how Norma Jean Mortenson reinvents herself into the nation’s most glamorous sex symbol. Technical aspects: 1.78:1 (16x9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby Digital; English SDH subtitles.
Blood Cells Release date: Aug. 17 Details: 2015, Garden Thieves Pictures Rated: Not rated The lowdown: A family drama about a rootless young man who has not seen his kin in more than 10 years and has lived a transitory life. When his younger brother reaches out to announce the birth of his first child, he gives his older sibling an ultimatum: come home now or never return. This is a look at a man seeking to end a self-imposed exile both interior and exterior. Technical aspects: Widescreen picture.
Bottoms Up Details: 2014, Cinedigm Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This documentary examines the recent boom in aesthetic surgery that creates big butts as well as the social pressures and media impact on the growth in this procedure. The film looks at how men have played a role in this, with fetishes for women with big behinds. The movie contains interviews with plastic surgeons, women who want and have had the procedure and men who yearn for women with more to grab. Technical aspects: Widescreen picture; English 2.0 Dolby Digital; English closed-captioned.
Sir Ivan: I Am Peaceman Release date: Aug. 14 Details: 2015, MVD Visual Entertainment-Pop Twist Rated: Not rated The lowdown: A documentary that puts the spotlight on Sir Ivan, who made the transition from bank board to Billboard. Sir Ivan throws the most talked about and wildest parties in New York at his medieval-style castle. But Sir Ivan has another mission. Known as Peaceman, he spreads his message of love and understanding around the world through his music and charity work. This engaging feature focuses on a man who is trying make the world better in his own unusual way. Technical aspects: 16:9 widescreen picture; English Dolby Digital stereo. Don’t miss: Extras include five music videos and additional party footage.
Clue Club: The Complete Animated Series Release date: Aug. 11 Details: 1976, Warner Home Video Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Another Hanna-Barbera cartoon series about a group of teen detectives, but this time with two dogs. It’s the usual animated fare with mystery, laughs and kid-friendly humor as dog detectives Woofer and Wimper help a quartet of teens solve baffling mysteries. The release is part of the Warner Archive Collection and can be found at www.warnerarchive or other online DVD dealers. Technical aspects: 1.37:1 (4x3) full-screen picture; English Dolby Digital monaural.
Kung-Fu & Titties Release date: Aug. 11 Details: 2013, MVD Visual Entertainment-Green Apple Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Bronson Pinchot stars in this weird comedy about an out-of-shape martial arts wannabe who is transported to another dimension after his girlfriend is kidnapped by a group of madmen who are obsessed with looking at women’s breasts. Pinchot’s Richard joins with some friends in order to save his true love as well as find the kung fu fighter within himself. This is a very oddball feature that hinges on your tolerance for Pinchot. Technical aspects: Widescreen picture; English Dolby Digital.
Other Blu-rays and DVDs being released on Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated:
Ejecta (Blu-ray + DVD) (IFC Midnight-Scream Factory) Fast ‘N’ Loud: Speed Demons (Cinedigm-Discovery) Knifed Up (Cinedigm) Vendetta (Blu-ray + Ultraviolet) (Lionsgate Home Entertainment) Kissed (MGM Limited Edition Collection-Fox Home Entertainment, Aug. 11) The Smokers (MGM Limited Edition Collection-Fox Home Entertainment, Aug. 11
FOR KIDS Nickelodeon Favorites: Celebrate Fall! (Nickelodeon-Paramount Home Entertainment) The Seventh Dwarf (3D Blu-ray + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD) (Shout! Factory)
Coming next week: Citizenfour
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.