By Bob Bloom
The following titles are being released on Tuesday, Feb. 4, unless otherwise noted:
Doctor Sleep (Blu-ray + digital) Details: 2019, Warner Home Entertainment Rated: R, disturbing and violent content, bloody images, language, nudity, drug use The lowdown: “Doctor Sleep” is an aptly named title for this snoozer adaptation of Stephen King’s novel. The movie is too long and very dull, mostly moving at a sleepwalker’s pace. The movie also struggles with its identity — trying to decide whether to reside in the shadow of Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” or bask in the glow of its own making. Writer-director Mike Flanagan tries to have it both ways — going so far as to use lookalikes for original “Shining” cast members, including Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall. But it is the somnambulistic performance of Ewan McGregor as the adult Dan Torrance who, 40 years after the terrifying events at the Overlook Hotel, continues to bear the mental and emotional scars of the ordeal. McGregor is a mostly passive hero, seeking peace, keeping his head down and drowning his memories in drink, drugs and one-night stands. My problem with “Doctor Sleep” was provoked from the film’s opening notes, recycling the iconic music from Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind’s score from “The Shining.” This signaled — to me, at least — that “Doctor Sleep” was going to leech off Kubrick’s movie. To me, that was the path of least resistance and Flanagan should have avoided it. The reintroduction of characters and situations from “The Shining” was an unnecessary distraction that, with better scriptwriting by Flanagan, could have been minimalized or avoided. The Blu-ray includes the theatrical version and director’s cut of the movie, which increases the running time from 152 to 180 minutes. “Doctor Sleep” lacks real chills; it offers a few gotcha moments, but overall feels content simply to coast through its ponderous 151-minute run time without straining to reach for the operatic high notes that could— and would — have elevated the movie above the mundane. To be fair, I am an outlier in my opinion, as the movie garnered a 77 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English Dolby Atmos TrueHD, English 5.1 Dolby digital descriptive audio (theatrical version only) and French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus features include a discussion between Flanagan and author Stephen King looking back at “The Shining” and how that film inspired them to take on the sequel, a making of featurette and a return to the Overlook featurette.
The Good Liar (Blu-ray + digital) Details: 2019, Warner Home Entertainment Rated: R, graphic violence, language, nudity The lowdown: Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren star in this thriller about Roy (McKellen), a veteran con man who sets out to fleece recently widowed Betty (Mirren), who is worth millions. Roy aims to take everything. However, as the two grow closer, Roy’s simple plan becomes complicated, leading to a high-stakes, suspenseful, cat-and-mouse game. It seems Roy and Betty have secrets and lies that have followed them throughout their lives. The film is a psychological thriller that is more cerebral and not too concerned with demonstrating thrills. It’s the performances of the venerable actors that drive the movie. Overall, critics enjoyed “The Good Liar,” giving it a 64 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.39:1 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: Bonus materials include a look inside the making of the movie and deleted scenes.
The Nightingale (Blu-ray) Details: 2018, IFC Films-Shout! Factory Rated: R, rape, graphic violence, disturbing content, language, sexual situations The lowdown: Jennifer Kent, who directed the highly-acclaimed horror feature, “The Babadook,” returns with this historical drama that examines the consequences of violence and the price of seeking revenge. The movie, set during the colonization of Australia in 1825, centers on Clare (Aisling Franciosi), an Irish convict who has served her seven-year sentence. All she wants is to be free of her abusive master, Lt. Hawkins (Sam Claflin), who refuses to release her. Claire’s husband, Aidan (Michael Sheasby) takes matters into his own hands. Claire then becomes the victim of a devastating crime at the hand of Hawkins. When British authorities fail to give Claire justice, she goes after Hawkins, who has left his post to accept a captaincy in the northern part of Australia. Clare is forced to rely on the help of Billy (Baykali Ganambarr), a young Aboriginal tracker, to guide her through the untamed wilderness. At first, the hostility between Clare and Billy is volatile, but as they continue their trek, the two discover empathy for one another, while weighing the true cost of vengeance. “The Nightingale,” like “The Babadook,” impressed critics who gave it an 87 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.37:1 full-screen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include an audio descriptive track and cast and filmmaker interviews.
Jungle Fever (Blu-ray) Details: 1991, Kino Lorber Rated: R, adult situations, language, nudity, sexual content The lowdown: Spike Lee produced, wrote, directed and costarred in this then-controversial drama about an interracial relationship between a married black architect, played by Wesley Snipes, and his temp secretary, portrayed by Annabella Sciorra. The movie is more than Lee’s statement about interracial love, it’s a commentary on the effects of such a romance on society and especially the families and friends of those involved. At 132 minutes, the movie seems crowded with various subplots involving secondary characters, especially Samuel L. Jackson — in one of his most memorable early roles — as Snipes’ older brother, a crack addict. The movie features a heavyweight cast that includes John Turturro, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Lonette McKee, Frank Vincent, Anthony Quinn, Tim Robbins, Brad Dourif and Michael Imperioli. The film features a great soundtrack by Stevie Wonder. “Jungle Fever” earned an 81 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com, and remains one of Lee’s most provocative features. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH subtitles.
Serendipity (Blu-ray) Details: 2019, Cohen Media Group Rated: Not rated The lowdown: A documentary that looks at acclaimed multi-disciplinary French artist Prune Nourry, who is famous for her thoughtful, educational and sometimes humorous projects that explore bioethics through sculpture, video, performances and photography. When, at 31, Nourry is diagnosed with breast cancer, she begins documenting her treatment and its effects on her body. Nourry uses her skills to turn her medical experience into an intimate artistic endeavor that helps her find new meaning in her work and its relationship to her survival. The unflinching honesty and intimacy of this documentary may make some people uncomfortable, but others may find it inspiring. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, widescreen picture; English, French and Chinese 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: The major extra is a conversation with Nourry.
Mo’ Better Blues (Blu-ray) Details: 1990, Kino Lorber Rated: R, language, nudity, violence, adult situations The lowdown: Spike Lee’s musical drama stars Denzel Washington as a talented, but troubled, jazz trumpeter whose bad decisions get him into trouble. Washington’s Bleek Gilliam is obsessed with his music, but torn by his two girlfriends, Indigo (Joie Lee) and Clarke (Cynda Williams). Adding to Gilliam’s woes is the gambling problems of his manager, Giant (Spike Lee) and the ambitions of his quintet’s saxophone player, Shadow (Wesley Snipes). The film was shot by the great Ernest R. Dickerson with the Brandon Marsalis Quartet and Terence Blanchard providing the soundtrack music. The cast also includes Giancarlo Esposito, Robin Harris, Bill Nunn, John Turturro, Dick Anthony Williams and Samuel L. Jackson. The movie was roiled in controversy because of objections by some Jewish groups about Lee’s depiction of the film’s nightclub owners, portrayed by Turturro and his brother, Nicholas. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: A commentary track is the major bonus component.
The House That Jack Built: Director’s Cut (Blu-ray) Details: 2018, IFC Films-Scream Factory Rated: R, strong, disturbing and grisly violence and images and behavior, language, nudity The lowdown: A two-disc set presenting the theatrical and director’s cut versions of filmmaker-provocateur Lars von Trier’s very unsettling story — told in five episodes of Jack (Matt Dillon), a failed architect-sociopath, who recounts in details his elaborately planned murders. Jack views each of his killings as a masterful work of art, which defines his career as a serial killer. Von Trier’s violent allegory mixes black humor, surrealism and sociological ruminations and observations. The film looks at von Trier personal questions about violence, art and creation and destruction. The film, which costars Bruno Ganz, Uma Thurman and Riley Keough, is not for the weak of heart or stomach. The theatrical cut clocks in at 151 minutes, while the director’s cut is one minute longer. The controversial movie divided critics, some praising Von Trier’s uncompromising vision while others seeing it as repugnant and dull. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.40:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: An interview with von Trier is the major extra.
High Strung Free Dance (Blu-ray) Details: 2018, GVN Releasing Rated: PG The lowdown: A theatrical film about Zander Raines, an astounding young choreographer, who gives a big break to two hopefuls — dancer Barlow and pianist Charlie —he casts in his new Broadway show, entitled “Free Dance.” But backstage drama begins to disrupt the show’s delicate creative balance when Charlie falls in love with Barlow, while Zander begins viewing her as his muse. Emotions begin to boil as romance, rivalry and jealousy challenge the artists. The movie’s choreography is the highlight, overshadowing the deficiencies of the middling romantic plotline. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.39:1 (16x9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English 5.1 and 2.0 Dolby digital; English closed-captioned. Don’t miss: Supplemental offerings include a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie, an interview with composer Nathan Lanier and two music videos.
White Snake (Blu-ray + DVD) Details: 2019, Shout! Factory-GKids Rated: Not rated The lowdown: An animated Chinese feature two young people — Blanca, who has lost her memory, and Xuan, a snake catcher from a nearby village — who go on a journey to help Blanca discover her true identity. Along the way, the two discover deep feelings for each other. As their odyssey continues — and the two learn more about Blanca’s past — they discover a dark plot of supernatural forces battling for power with, of course, the fate of the world hanging in the balance. The movie was conceived as a prequel to one of the most ancient stories in Chinese history. It is a lavish tale of demons, assassins, deadly mythical beasts, action and romance. Both the Blu-ray and DVD contain English and Mandarin audio tracks. Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 2.39:1 widescreen picture; Mandarin and English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH, English and Spanish subtitles; DVD: 2.39:1 anamorphic widescreen picture; Mandarin and English 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH and English subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include an interview and a question-and-answer session with the film’s director and a music video.
Give Me Liberty (DVD) Release date: Jan. 28 Details: 2019, Music Box Films Rated: Not rated The lowdown: A comedy about Vic, a medical transport driver in Milwaukee, who is running late to get his Russian grandfather and his émigré friends to a funeral. The delay is not Vic’s fault, as protests have closed several roads, forcing the young man to find an alternate route. His clients are upset, especially Tracy, a young woman with ALS. As the day progresses, going from hectic to completely insane, the ride becomes a microcosmic look at American dreams. The movie, which had a limited theatrical release, nevertheless, received a 91 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com. Technical aspects: 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English and Russian 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include a question-and-answer session with cast members and filmmakers at the movie’s New York premiere, a featurette on why representation matters with Lolo Spencer who plays Tracy and 16mm Russian choir performances.
Rabid (Blu-ray) Details: 2019, Scream Factory Rated: Not rated, graphic violence, gore, sexual content, language The lowdown: Filmmakers Jen and Sylvia Soska directed and cowrote, along with John Serge, this remake of David Cronenberg’s horror feature, adding a more female sensibility than the original. In the remake, fashion designer Sarah (Laura Vandervoot) is disfigured after a traffic accident. She is rushed to a hospital where she agrees to undergo an untested procedure that uses stem cells to accelerate the healing process. Sarah recovers and discovers that she is now as beautiful as the models for whom she designs clothes. She also notices her confidence, and her sexual appetite, have increased. A series of torrid sexual encounters creates an epidemic as Sarah’s former lovers become rabid and violent, spreading death and disease. The disease rapidly begins to spread throughout society, causing more and more people to rampage through the streets and infect or kill others. The CDC finally gets involved and the plastic surgeon who treated Sarah also searches for a cure. Sarah is both the source of the disease and the hope for finding an antidote before it is too late. The movie is nasty at times with a wicked sense of black humor, yet it fails to reach the heights of Cronenberg’s movie. It is outlandish and gory, so be prepared. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include a behind-the-scene featurette with the Soska sisters, an interview with Vandervoot and a commentary track with the Soskas.
Donten: Laughing Under the Clouds: Gaiden: Three Film Collection (Blu-ray + DVD) Details: 2018, Shout! Factory-Eleven Arts Anime Studio Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This collection includes three animated features, “One Year After the Battle,” “The Tragedy of Fuuma Ninja Tribe” and “Conspiracy of the Military.” The stories, based on a popular supernatural manga series, follow three brothers who also are shrine guardians. The brothers must fight for their lives after they discover a plot to revive an evil serpent that rises every 300 years. Anime fans will enjoy this set. Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 1.78:1 widescreen picture; Japanese and English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH subtitles; DVD: 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen picture; Japanese and English 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Trailers and teasers make up the extras.
16 Bars (DVD) Release date: Feb. 7 Details: 2018, Lightyear Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This uplifting documentary looks at a rehabilitation project in a Virginia jail that encourages inmates to write and record original music. The jail has its own recording studio, and the movie follows four inmates who collaborate to produce an album with Grammy-winner Todd “Speech” Thomas of Arrested Development. As the movie demonstrates, the inmates use the creative process to deal with the traumas of their past and view the music as the key to help forge new chapters in their lives. Technical aspects: 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby digital. Don’t miss: Bonus materials include four music videos and a question-and-answer session after the premiere of the movie at the DocLands Film Festival.
Invasion Planet Earth (DVD) Details: 2020, 4Digital Media Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This low-budget science-fiction feature centers on Thomas Dunn, a husband experiencing tragedy after the death of his young daughter. When his wife becomes pregnant again, Thomas is uplifted. But his joy is short lived, as on the day he learns the good news, mankind collectively begins having visions about the end of the world. Then, a giant alien mothership arrives and launches attacks all around the globe, causing death, destruction and chaos. Thomas must dig deep to find the strength and courage to save his wife and unborn child, but first he must confront a dark truth which may hold the key to human survival. The movie is a mash-up of tropes from “Independence Day” and “War of the Worlds.” It’s special effects are so-so, as is the acting, but die-hard sci-fi fans may enjoy this feature. Technical aspects: 2.40:1 (16:9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH subtitles.
Other titles being released on Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated: A Perfect Host (DVD & digital) (Uncork’d Entertainment) Atomic Apocalypse (DVD & VOD) (High Octane Pictures) Covenant (DVD & VOD) (High Octane Pictures) Cupid (DVD & VOD) (Uncork’d Entertainment) Dragonheart: Vengeance (Blu-ray & DVD & digital) (Universal Studios Home Entertainment) High Strung Free Dance (Blu-ray & DVD & VOD) (GVN Releasing) The Hunt for Vlad the Impaler (Blu-ray & DVD & digital & VOD) (Shinehouse-4Digital Media) Invasion Planet Earth (DVD & digital & VOD) (Shinehouse-4Digital Media) Stalked (DVD & VOD) (Uncork’d Entertainment) Trauma Center (DVD) (Lionsgate Home Entertainment) Bad Company: Official Authorized 40th Anniversary Documentary (Blu-ray) (FilmRise, Feb. 7)
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD, STREAMING or VOD 21 Bridges (digital) (STX-Universal Studios Home Entertainment) A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (digital) (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment) Another Day of Life (digital) (Shout! Factory-GKids) The Festival (digital & VOD) (Lionsgate Home Entertainment) Jojo Rabbit (digital) (Fox Home Entertainment) Midway (digital) (Lionsgate Home Entertainment) The Preppy Murder: Death in Central Park, Episode 5 (streaming) (Sundance Now) Stan the Man (VOD) (Avail Pictures) Tom Papa: You’re Doing Great (streaming) (Netflix) Train Ride (VOD) (Breaking Glass Pictures) Couple Trouble (streaming) (Sundance Now, Feb. 6) The Red Shadows: Episode 3 (streaming) (Sundance Now, Feb. 6) A Patient Man (VOD) (Commuter Productions LLC, Feb. 7) Knives Out (digital) (Lionsgate Home Entertainment, Feb. 7) Agatha Raisin & the Deadly Dance (streaming) (Acorn TV, Feb. 10) Hidden (streaming) (Acorn TV, Feb. 10) Le Weekend (streaming) (Sundance Now, Feb. 10) Murdoch Mysteries: Episode 13, Episode 9 (streaming) (Acorn TV, Feb. 10)
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.