By Bob Bloom The following titles are being released on Tuesday, Feb. 18, unless otherwise noted:
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) Details: 2019, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Rated: PG, strong thematic elements, language, brief violence The lowdown: Sometimes the approach to a movie and the way it is constructed help elevate its emotional core and an audience’s response. Such is the case with “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” director Marielle Heller’s tender drama that stars Tom Hanks as Fred Rogers, the iconic host of the children’s show, “Mister Rogers Neighborhood.” The movie, adapted from an “Esquire” magazine story by Tom Junod and inspired by the friendship that developed between Rogers and Junod, is a five-hankie tearjerker that mostly speaks softly, but carries a big message. Smartly, the movie is not a Rogers biopic. Rather, it focuses on the impact that Rogers has on others through his selflessness, innate goodness and acute understanding of people. The movie is done with the upmost sincerity, and, wisely, does not canonize Rogers. Nor does it mock his philosophical belief that all children are good and will grow up to be wise, strong and moral adults if treated with kindness — and, most importantly, if parents remember the child that is still living within themselves. Heller has composed “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” like one of the lessons Rogers would discuss on his program. That is evident from the opening shot. And, director Marielle Heller maintains that theme until the finale. The tact Heller takes, putting the movie’s emphasis on Vogel and not Rogers, works perfectly. The movie is a tribute to the influence Rogers softly wielded over children and adults alike. “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” is a movie for families — especially those that are having issues. It is so tender, vulnerable and passionately honest that it should — or will — be a first step on the road to reconciliation and forgiveness. Critics loved the film, giving it a 95 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com. Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital audio description tracks; English SDH, English, French and Spanish subtitles; DVD: 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen picture; English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH, English, French and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus materials include additional scenes, a blooper reel, a look at Hanks as Fred Rogers, a making of featurette, a behind-the-scenes look at the film’s puppets and miniatures,, a “Daniel Tiger Explains: Practice Makes Perfect” featurette and a commentary track.
Jojo Rabbit (Blu-ray + digital) Details: 2019, Fox Home Entertainment Rated: PG-13, mature themes, disturbing images, violence, language The lowdown: “Jojo Rabbit” is an antiwar satire as seen from the perspective of a 10-year-old boy. Jojo is a Nazi fanatic who wishes he was old enough to carry a rifle and fight for his Fuhrer. His room is decorated with posters of swastikas and portraits of Adolf Hitler. Jojo is so dedicated to his leader that Hitler is his imaginary friend. All this may sound sick, but Roman Griffin Davis’ innocence and naivete as Jojo make it work. The best parts of “Jojo Rabbit” are the exchanges between the boy and his imaginary Adolf, a wonderfully wild performance by the movie’s director-screenwriter Taika Waititi. He plays this historical monster as a little German boy of that era would imagine him — cool, a bit crazy, wild and funny. Confronting the unthinkable with mockery cannot erase — or even lessen — the memories of that time, but it helps diminish the monsters whose sick minds led to the death of millions. Waititi’s “Jojo Rabbit” puts a spotlight directly into the eyes of evil, as well as ridiculing hateful ideologies and dialogues contaminating today’s world. It also offers a message of hope, showing that love can overcome darkness no matter how much time it takes. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English 5.1 Dolby digital descriptive audio and French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include an “Inside ‘Jojo Rabbit’ ” featurette, a commentary track with Waititi, outtakes and deleted scenes.
21 Bridges (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) Details: 2019, Universal Studios Home Entertainment Rated: R, violence, language The lowdown: Chadwick Boseman stars as NYPD detective Andre Davis who leads a citywide manhunt for a pair of cop killers, while also uncovering a massive conspiracy. During the night, a cat-and-mouse game ensues with the prey becoming predator and vice-versa. To keep the suspects from leaving Manhattan, Davis has authorities close all 21 bridges into and off Manhattan Island. The movie’s high-concept conceit cannot be sustained throughout, though Boseman provides another strong performance for his resume. The movie divided critics, who gave it a 51 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com. Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 2.39:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and English 2.0 Dolby digital DVS; English SDH and Spanish subtitles; DVD: 2.39:1 anamorphic widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby digital and 2.0 Dolby digital DVS; English SDH and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include deleted scenes and a commentary track.
Ford v Ferrari (Blu-ray + digital) Release date: Feb. 11 Details: 2019, Fox Home Entertainment Rated: PG-13 The lowdown: “Ford v Ferrari” is not so much a story of men vs. machine, but more of creative minds vs. corporate bureaucracy. It also portrays a connection between tradition and shortsightedness. The plot basically follows maverick car designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and British-born race driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) who join together to build a race car for the Ford Motor Co. that will take on and dethrone the vehicles of Enzo Ferrari and win the demanding and dangerous 24 Hours at Le Mans. But director James Mangold, working from a script by Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth and Jason Keller, is after more than that. Mangold makes “Ford v Ferrari” a multitextured story about imagination and innovation and the obstacles thrown at those who attempt to think outside the box. The racing sequences are magnificent. The sound and editing bring you into the driver’s seat. “Ford v Ferrari’ is very impressive. It’s a movie not so much about the outcome, but about the journey. And it celebrates two men who overcame many roadblocks in their determination to succeed. Critics also were impressed by the movie, giving it a 92 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.39:1 widescreen picture; English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes on the making of the movie and a look at the characters and a look at recreating the 24 hours at Le Mans.
The Twilight Zone: Season One (DVD) Details: 2019, CBS DVD-Paramount Home Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: A four-disc set featuring all 10 episodes of this Jordan Peele-produced reboot of Rod Serling’s iconic television series. This new “Twilight Zone” airs on CBS All-Access, so this is a chance of catching up with the series without having to subscribe to the streaming service. The episodes are uneven; some are very good, while others fall short of the mark. One thing they do have in common are touchstones to social and cultural issues that impact us today, just as Serling’s original series covered topics on the minds of viewers in his era. Among the actors appearing in the episodes are Kumail Nanjiani, Tracy Morgan, Seth Rogen, Adam Scott, Greg Kinnear, Sanaa Lathan, John Cho, Ginnifer Goodwin, Steven Yeun and Jason Priestley. Technical aspects: 16:9 full-screen picture; English 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Supplemental options include a two-part documentary on developing and producing the show; a featurette on remembering Serling, his life, the original show and its impact; deleted and extended scenes; commentaries on three episodes, a gag reel and a music video.
Scandalous: The Untold Story of the National Enquirer (DVD) Details: 2019, Magnolia Home Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This documentary looks at the history and evolution of the supermarket tabloid, “The National Enquirer.” The paper started out as a crime tabloid, publishing gruesome pictures from homicides, suicides and traffic accidents. From there it evolved into celebrity gossip, exposes of politicians and, in its current iteration, a propaganda vehicle for President Donald Trump. The movie features archival footage and interviews with former and current staff members. It is a fascinating journey that touches upon the changes in America’s perception of news and journalism. Technical aspects: 1.78:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby digital; English closed-captioned.
The Point: Ultimate Edition (Blu-ray) Details: 1971, MVD Rewind Collection Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson wrote the story and composed the songs for this animated fable, narrated by Ringo Starr. The story centers on Oblio who, unlike everything else in The Land of the Point — the people, the barns, the houses, the cars — was born round-headed. Since Oblio had no point, he and his dog, Arrow were banished to the Pointless Forest, where they have several amazing adventures. The animated feature is an allegory about tolerance and individuality, told by a dad (Starr) to his son. This is a charming cult favorite that remains a timeless story and appealing story. The digital transfer is not pristine, but it is watchable enough for the family to enjoy. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.37:1 full-screen picture; English 5.1 Dolby digital surround and 2.0 Dolby digital monaural; English subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include a featurette on Nilsson, an original Claymation animation sequence, an interview with Mike Lookinland who voiced Oblio, an interview with “Point” screenwriter Norm Lenzer, a featurette on the story’s adaptation process, four archival featurettes on the making of “The Point” and a mini-poster.
The Man Who Was Sherlock Holmes (Blu-ray) Details: 1937, Kino Lorber Studio Classics Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Hans Albers, one of Germany’s most popular leading men, stars with Heinz Rühmann in this mystery-thriller about two con men who dress as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson and board a train and after a series of misadventures capture a gang of counterfeiters and recover a priceless stamp collection. At no time during this charming feature are the names Holmes or Watson mentioned, but assumptions made by others on the train point to that belief. The movie, originally released under the title “Two Merry Adventurers,” is rather lighthearted, but underneath, conceals a dark vibe of romantic intrigue. The movie spotlights the charm and charisma that made Albers one of Germany’s top stars for decades. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.37:1 full-screen picture; German audio; English subtitles.
We (Wij) (Blu-ray) Details: 2018, Artsploitation Films Rated: Not rated, nudity, sexual content The lowdown: This Dutch film, written and directed by Rene Eller, may shock some people. It’s a story about eight teens who, during one hot and boring summer, hang out and begin playing games — many of which are sexual in nature. Over the course of time, the games become more depraved, descending into arson, prostitution, pornography, assault and blackmail. The movie is a very explicit coming-of-age story that is reminiscent of the films of Lars von Trier, Harmony Korine and Larry Clark. The film can be viewed as an indictment of a generation and an alarming statement about the lack of individualism and the corruption of the collective. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 widescreen picture; Dutch DTS-HD Master Audio; English subtitles.
Warriors of the Nation (Blu-ray) Details: 2018, Well Go USA Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: An action-filled, martial arts spectacular set at the end of the Sino-Japanese War. A top military officer, Zhang Zhidong, is kidnapped by a militant group called the White Lotus Society. When Wong Fei Hung overhears a plot to about military officials planning an overthrow of Chinese government, he knows he must rescue Zhang to protect China and prevent another war. The movie stars Vincent Zhao and is loaded with the type of hand-to-hand combat fans of the genre enjoy. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 (16x9 enhanced) widescreen picture; Mandarin 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio; English subtitles.
Another Day of Life (Blu-ray + DVD) Details: 2018, Shout! Factory-GKids Rated: Not rated, adult themes, violence The lowdown: This acclaimed animated feature is set in 1975 in Angola during a bloody civil war after that nation declares its independence from Portugal. The film, based on the best-selling book by Polish journalist Ryszard “Ricardo” Kapuscinski, who wanted to report on the civil war. Kapuscinski, ignoring advice from others, drives into the heart of the conflict to find the rebel leader, Farrusco. What he sees while at the front, challenges is objectivity as an impartial observer. The docudrama weaves live-action footage throughout the animated film. It is a powerful testament to the horrors of war. Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 2.39:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH subtitles; DVD: 2.39:1 anamorphic widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include a making of featurette and a look at creating the animated characters.
Is Anybody Listening (DVD) Details: 2015, IndiePix Films Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This documentary was created by psychologist and author Paula J. Caplan, who grew up listening, but not remembering, stories her father, Jerome A. Caplan, told her about being captain of an all-black battery in the Battle of the Bulge. Caplan was upset that she could not recall those stories, so she began meeting and listening to hundreds of veterans whose reactions to war and its atrocities are more often than not mistakenly diagnosed as mental illness. For that reason, Caplan set up a nationwide non-profit — Listen to a Veteran — enabling non-veterans to listen in respectful silence to whatever a veteran has to say. This helps reduce the very real isolation and non-veterans’ illiteracy about war, rape and other atrocities. The film uses archival footage, visual art and interview with veterans to trace Caplan’s odyssey to assist veterans in the best way she knows how. Technical aspects: 16:9 widescreen picture; English 2.0 Dolby digital; English closed-captioned.
Other titles being released on Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated: Clown Fear (DVD & digital & VOD) (Lionsgate Home Entertainment) Feedback (DVD) (Breaking Glass Pictures) Kill the Monsters (DVD & VOD) (Breaking Glass Pictures) Midway (Lionsgate Home Entertainment)
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD, STREAMING or VOD By the Grace of God (Music Box Films) Charlie’s Angels (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment) Dark Waters (Universal Studios Home Entertainment) Queen & Slim (Universal Studios Home Entertainment) Sylvia: Tracing Blood (Sundance Now) Wisting: Episode 10 (Sundance Now, Feb. 19) Playing for Keeps (Sundance Now, Feb. 20) The Red Shadows: Episode 5 (Sundance Now, Feb. 20) Stan the Man (Avail Films, Feb. 21) Agatha Raisin: As the Pig Turns (Acorn TV, Feb. 24) Murdoch Mysteries: Series 13, Episode 11 (Acorn TV, Feb. 24) Some Freaks (Sundance Now, Feb. 24) What to Do When Someone Dies (Acorn TV, Feb. 24)
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.