By Bob Bloom The following titles are being released on Tuesday, Jan. 14, unless otherwise noted:
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) Details: 2019, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment Rated: PG, intense sequences of fantasy action and violence and scary images The lowdown: While this follow-up to the earlier Disney hit has some nice moments, overall it is another in a very long line of unnecessary sequels. In this movie, the strong ties between Maleficent and her goddaughter, Aurora, begin to fray as Aurora’s upcoming wedding, new allies and new dark forces create resentment and distrust. It seems a war between mankind and the fairy world may be brewing, another factor that is straining the love between the young princess and Maleficent. The movie returns Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning, and adding Michelle Pfeiffer to the proceedings. Critics gave the movie a tepid reception, awarding it a 40 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com. Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 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; DVD: 2.39:1 widescreen picture; English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital and English 2.0 descriptive audio; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus features include a behind-the-scenes featurette that looks at the making of the movie, extended scenes, outtakes and Aurora’s wedding.
The Great McGinty (Blu-ray) Details: 1940, Kino Lorber Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Famed screenwriter Preston Sturges made his directorial debut with his comedy about a hobo-opportunist who is able to use corruption to rise in political office. Brian Donlevy stars as Dan McGinty who grabs the attention of ballot-stuffers by voting 37 times in an election for mayor. His resourcefulness attracts the attention of “The Boss,” played by wonderful character actor Akim Tamiroff, who makes McGinty his protégé. Under the guidance of “The Boss,” McGinty is elected alderman, then mayor and finally governor by using payoffs, kickbacks and bribes. A change of heart and a new appreciation for honesty leads to McGinty’s downfall. He flees the country and winds up as a bartender in a disreputable Central American dive where Sturges delivers a wonderful surprise ending. Sturges’ script won an Academy Award for best original screenplay. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.37:1 full-screen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio. English subtitles. Don’t miss: A commentary track is the major bonus feature.
Brewster’s Millions: Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray) Details: 1985, Shout! Factory Rated: PG The lowdown: This comedy, based on a 1902 play, has been filmed several times in various iterations and in different countries. This Shout Select version, released in 1985, stars Richard Pryor as Montgomery Brewster, a baseball pitcher who has inherited $30 million from a distant relative. However, there’s a catch. He must spend the money in 30 days so he can inherit $300 million. Blame inflation, in the original and earlier movie versions, Brewster inherited $1 million and had to spend that to receive a few more millions. And, there’s a catch: Brewster cannot tell anyone why’s he recklessly spending all his inheritance. If he does, he forfeits everything. Brewster is helped by his friend, Spike (John Candy), on his wild spending spree that creates a media frenzy and makes him the center of attention. The cast also includes Lonette McKee, Stephen Collins, Hume Cronyn, Pat Hingle and Jerry Orbach. This version of the film did not fare as well as previous offerings, receiving a 36 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com. And if you want comparisons, the 1945 film adaptation is included as one of this set’s bonus features. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio stereo; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Besides the 1945 version of the movie, extras include a commentary track and an interview with screenwriter Herschel Weingrod.
Doctor Cyclops (Blu-ray) Release date: Jan. 7 Details: 1940, Kino Lorber Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Producer Merian C. Cooper and director Ernest B. Schoedsack, the team behind the classic “King Kong,” were responsible for this Technicolor science fiction feature about Dr. Thorkel (Albert Dekker), mad scientist who summons four explorers to his remote jungle laboratory. When they arrive, the discover that radiation has warped his mind, and they decide to return him to civilization. Thorkel, of course, objects and uses his experimental body-shrinking device to thwart their plans. For the four explorers, harmless items and small creatures suddenly become giant-sized, deadly menaces. The movie’s special effects are its main attraction. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.37:1 full-screen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio; English subtitles. Don’t miss: A commentary track is the major bonus component.
Betty Davis: They Say I’m Different Release date: Jan. 17 Details: 2017, MVD Visual Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: A documentary that showcases the career and music of Betty Davis, who burst upon the scene in the 1970s. She turned heads with her funk music, larger-than-life personality and iconic fashion sense. Davis, married to jazz musician Miles Davis, was friends with Jimi Hendrix and Sly Stone, and composed songs for The Commodores and Chambers Brothers. Controversy followed her throughout her career, causing her to be banned and boycotted. She persevered, becoming the first black woman artist to perform, write and manage her career. Davis soon vanished. This film blends documentary footage and animation to trace her life and her impact on music. Technical aspects: Widescreen picture; English Dolby digital stereo. Don’t miss: Extras include an interview excerpt with Davis and an interview with director Phil Cox on the making of the film.
Martin Barre: Live in NY (DVD + CD) Release date: Jan. 17 Details: 2016, Cleopatra Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Martin Barre, he guitarist in Jethro Tull, stars in this concert film with his solo band. The set also includes two CDs featuring 23 tracks. Fans of Barre and Jethro Tull will enjoy the viewing and the music. Technical aspects: Widescreen picture; English Dolby digital stereo.
Other titles being released on Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated: 2050 (DVD & VOD) (Uncork’d Entertainment) Angel’s Fallen (DVD & digital) (Uncork’d Entertainment) The Big Trip (DVD & digital & VOD) (Lionsgate Home Entertainment) Line of Duty (Blu-ray + digital & DVD) (Lionsgate Home Entertainment) Nothing Man (DVD & digital) (High Octane Pictures) Rough Draft (DVD & digital) (High Octane Pictures) Give Me Liberty (Blu-ray & DVD) (Music Box Entertainment, Jan. 18)
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD, STREAMING or VOD The Bravest (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment) Give Me Liberty (Music Box Pictures) Harriet (Universal Studios Home Entertainment) Motherless Brooklyn (Warner Home Entertainment) Pain and Glory (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment) The Preppy Murder: Death in Central Park: Episode 2 (Sundance Now) The Turkey Bowl (Lionsgate Home Entertainment) Wisting: Episode 5 (Sundance Now, Jan. 15) Photo: A History Behind the Lens (Sundance Now, Jan. 16) Film School Africa (Global Digital Releasing, Jan. 17) Intrigo (Lionsgate Home Entertainment, Jan. 17) The Brokenwood Murders: Series 6, Episode 3 (Acorn TV, Jan. 20) Dead Lucky (Acorn TV, Jan. 20) Hidden Britain by Drone: Series 1 (Acorn TV, Jan. 20) Murdoch Mysteries: Series 13, Episode 6 (Acorn TV, Jan. 20)
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.