By Bob Bloom The following titles are being released on Tuesday, Jan. 22, unless otherwise noted: The Hate U Give (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) Details: 2018, Fox Home Entertainment Rated: PG-13, mature themes, violence, language, drug material The lowdown: “The Hate U Give” may frustrate you because it does not offer simplistic solutions. The movie embraces the #BlackLivesMatter movement with a tale of a teenage girl caught in the middle of a controversial police shooting of an unarmed black teenager. Starr (Amandla Stenberg), who narrates the movie, tell us about her life. She and her family live in Garden Heights, a black section of a city (that goes unnamed). Her dad runs a local grocery store, and her mom, Lisa (Regina Hall), is a nurse. Starr and Seven (Lamar Johnson) attend the Williamson School, a private institution on the other side of town. Starr explains how she is two people: At school, she is Starr Version 2, with perfect diction and no “ghetto slang.” She has two white classmates with whom she is close and a white boyfriend, Chris. On the weekends, however, back in Garden Heights, the real Starr emerges. She parties with her black girlfriends and uses the same slang as they do. The psychological toll on Starr is telling. Stenberg’s physical performance displays her uneasiness and how she is always on guard in both worlds. Her acting earned her recognition as best actress of 2018 by the Indiana Film Journalists Association. Starr’s life is drastically altered when, after accepting a ride home from a party from her childhood friend, Khalil, they are pulled over by a cop. Khalil is fatally shot when — after being told to stand still with his hands on the car — he reaches into the driver’s side window to grab a comb — which the officer believes is a gun. As expected, the shooting sparks anger and demonstrations within Garden Heights. The movie rests on young Stenberg’s shoulders, and she ably carries the load. You feel for the torn teenager who is pulled in so many directions. “The Hate U Give” is a powerful, but difficult movie to watch, but it also is film that should — and must — to be seen. Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 2.40:1 widescreen picture; English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and 5.1 descriptive audio and French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles; DVD: 2.40:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby digital and descriptive audio and French and Spanish 2.0 Dolby digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus components include extended scenes, a commentary track, a several featurettes, including “Starting a Conversation,” a look at “The Talk” sequence, “Code Switching,” “Starr, Shine Your Light,” “The Heart of Georgia” and “Thank U Georgia.”
First Man (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) Details: 2018, Universal Studios Home Entertainment Rated: PG-13, content involving danger, language, disturbing image The lowdown: To the general public, Neil Armstrong was a hero — the first man to walk on the moon. And his legendary status made others see him as remote as landing on the moon itself. But Armstrong is brought back to Earth in director Damien Chazelle’s “First Man,” which examines the decade in Armstrong’s life when he went from test pilot to astronaut. Armstrong was a quiet, no-nonsense man who focused on the task at hand. He was not colorful or flashy. Some saw this as an emotional coldness in the man, while others perceived it as standard Midwestern reserve. Ironically, that is both the strength and weakness of “First Man.” Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of Armstrong captures the all-business, single-mindedness of the man, as well as his emotional impassiveness. Gosling’s taciturn approach to the character masks an emotional turbulence that bubbles within the man. And while this may be an accurate portrait of Armstrong, it does not afford the audience the opportunity to fully embrace him. But it also makes more powerful the few times when Gosling’s Armstrong lets down his guard — especially when mourning the death of his daughter, Karen, who had a brain tumor and died when she was two What the movie makes clear is that — behind the scenes and unlike its public face — the space program was akin to a fly-by-the-seat-of-your pants, make-it-up-as-we-go-along institution; which suffered many failures, fatalities and near-disasters before getting everything right. “First Man” is more interesting than entertaining, giving us a more grounded and objective look at Armstrong and his incredible mission. The movie should have had the power to carry us to the moon and beyond. Instead, it mostly remains grounded on Earth. “First Man’s” drawbacks did not deter critics, who gave it an 88 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com. Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 2.39:1 widescreen picture; English Dolby Atmos ,2.0 DVS and French and Spanish 7.1 Dolby digital plus; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles; DVD: 2.39:1 anamorphic widescreen picture; English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital and English 2.0 DVS; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus components include a look at the individuals at NASA that helped propel men to the moon, a behind-the-scenes look at recreating the historic moon landing, Gosling and Chazelle discussing how shooting at NASA helped create authenticity for the movie, deleted scenes, a behind-the-scenes look at the three-day boot camp undertaken by the actors to train as astronauts, a commentary track, a featurette on the collaboration between Chazelle and Gosling and a featurette on the filming of “First Man.”
Waterworld: Limited Edition (Blu-ray) Details: 1995, Arrow Video Rated: PG-13, action violence, language The lowdown: When it was released, this was the most expensive film ever made. Viewing it again, it seems most of the money went into the sets and special effects, rather than the script. This post-apocalyptic feature is set 200 years in the future after the polar ice caps have melted and basically made the Earth one gigantic ocean. Kevin Costner stars as The Mariner, a mutant loner who says the oceans who trades goods at various floating cities. He becomes embroiled with a gang of pirates called Smokers and their evil leader, The Deacon (a very hammy Dennis Hopper). Deacon and the Smokers (sounds like the name of a 1950s’ rock band, doesn’t it?) are seeking a little girl named Enola, who has a map to the mythical realm of “Dryland” tattooed on her back. The Mariner becomes her reluctant protector in this production that creates loads of controversy because of its cost and some onset problems. This set features three versions of the movie, including the original theatrical release, a TV cut that is 40 minutes longer and a European cut that contains censored shots and dialogue. You have to really be enamored of “Waterworld” to want to view all three cuts of the film, but I bet collectors are out there who will relish this release. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 and 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: The set contains loads of extras, including archival featurettes on the making of the movie, a new making of documentary that includes cast and filmmaker interviews and comments as well as behind-the-scenes footage, a double-sized fold-out poster and a 60-page book with writings about the movie.
Once Upon a Deadpool (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) Release date: Jan. 15 Details: 2018, Fox Home Entertainment Rated: PG-13, intense sequences of violence and action, language, crude sexual content, disturbing images, drug references and use The lowdown: Basically, this release is a PG-13 version of “Deadpool 2,” eliminating some of the more graphic moments of violence and language. What we have, instead is a framing device in which Deadpool reads the story of “Deadpool 2” to hostage Fred Savage. The joke, of course, is a homage to “The Princess Bride.” The question is, do you want another copy of “Deadpool 2” simply for the wrap-around joke? Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 2.39:1 widescreen picture; English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH and Spanish subtitles; DVD: 2.39:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby digital and Spanish 2.0 Dolby digital; English SDH and Spanish subtitles.
Goosebumps 2 (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) Release date: Jan. 15 Rated: PG, scary creature action and violence, rude humor, language, thematic elements The lowdown: A sequel that finds two boys, Sonny and Sam, who run an after-school junk business, letting loose some horrors after they begin cleaning out the old Stine house and open a locked book. That action frees a supernatural nightmare named Slappy who begins to create havoc. With the help of Sonny’s sister, Sarah, they begin trying to round up all the creatures that Slappy has unleashed and returning them to the book. This set will find a captive audience with youngsters who enjoy the writings of R.L. Stine. Critics, though, were not so generous with their opinions of the movie, giving it a 47 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com. Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 2.39:1 widescreen picture; English and French 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English and French audio description tracks and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH, English, French and Spanish subtitles; DVD: 2.39:1 widescreen picture; English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital and English and French audio description tracks; English SDH, English, French and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus offerings include deleted scenes, a gag reel, five featurettes: Slappy’s audition tape, a making of featurette, a meet the monsters, “Science with Slappy” and “Junk Brothers — Call Now” and three Slappy-Oke sing alongs.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray) Details: 1988, Shout! Factory Rated: PG, crude humor, language The lowdown: Steve Martin and Michael Caine are sometime-rivals and sometime-partners in this delightful, con men caper directed by Frank Oz. The setting is the south of France where Caine’s Lawrence uses his charm and sophistication to make a living and where Martin’s third-rate hustler Freddy is trying to make a big score. They meet after Freddy tries to scam Lawrence. They then make a wager to see who can score $50,000 from the next American woman they encounter. Enter Glenne Headly as their naïve patsy. The laughs build upon each other as the two work their larcenous tricks on Headly. The movie’s payoff is priceless. 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 an interview with cowriter Dale Launer, a commentary track with Oz and a behind-the-scenes featurette.
The Dick Cavett Show: Inside the Minds of …: Volume 2 Details: 1990-95, S’more Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Dick Cavett loved comedians, and he enjoyed interviewing them to learn about their philosophy on comedy and their craft. This DVD features interviews Cavett conducted with George Carlin, Steve Martin and Martin Mull. Each discuss their careers. Cavett, a former standup comedian, is excellent at probing the minds of comedians to get them to reveal their take on what’s funny and how to win over audiences. These interviews are insightful as well as entertaining. Technical aspects: 4x3 full-screen picture; English Dolby digital stereo.
10 to Midnight: Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray) Details: 1983, Scream Factory Rated: R, violence The lowdown: Charles Bronson again doles out vigilante justice in this sadistic crime drama. Bronson plays a cynical Los Angeles detective named Leo Kessler who is on the hunt for a serial killer, Warren Stacy, who murders nurses. It seems Stacy takes rejection very badly, thus his killing spree. After Kessler captures Stacy, the legal system hits a glitch and the killer is freed. The angry Kessler then plants evidence to re-arrest Stacy, but his plan backfires, thus causing him to hunt down — and put down — the crazed killer. This is one of Bronson’s lesser efforts, made toward the end of his career. It’s mean and not very good, even though it was directed by the solid J. Lee Thompson. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio monaural; English subtitles. Don’t miss: Supplemental materials include interviews with producer Lance Hool and Bronson costars Andrew Stevens, Robert F. Lyons and Jeana Tomasina; and two commentary tracks.
The Apparition Details: 2018, Music Box Films Rated: Not rated The lowdown: A French import about a noted journalist recovering from a war zone tragedy who is contacted by a Catholic bishop and asked to lead a church investigation into the legitimacy of a reported vision of the Virgin Mary. He travels to the small village to meet the young novitiate who claims she had the vision. The journalist also finds defensive clergymen, and an ocean of curious tourists who are making pilgrimages to the site. The reporter must deal with pressure from the Vatican and the secret motives of the locals to uncover the truth. Along the way, his faith and beliefs are challenged. The movie received a respectable 70 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com. Technical aspects: 2.35:1 widescreen picture; French 5.1 Dolby digital; English subtitles. Don’t miss: An interview with director Xavier Giannoli and the audition tape of actress Galatea Bellugi, who plays the novitiate, are the main extras.
Fuller House: The Complete Third Season Details: 2017, Warner Home Video Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Season three of this series reboot features all 18 episodes as various story arcs and life-changing events take shape for the she-wolf pack. First, the love triangle involving DJ (Candace Cameron Bure) may finally be resolving itself, but with a few hitches thrown in. Kimmy (Andrea Barber) makes a life-changing decision, while also trying to help Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin). Meanwhile, C.J. and Steve plan to get married in Japan, so they and the rest of the gang take a trip overseas. The season features guest appearances by John Stamos, Bob Saget, Lori Loughlin and Dave Coulier, to add a bit of nostalgia to the series. Technical aspects: Widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby digital surround; English SDH subtitles.
I Am Not a Witch Details: 2018, Film Movement Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This satirical feminist fairytale set in Zambia follows 8-year-old Shula, who is accused of witchcraft and sent to a witch camp run by Mr. Banda, an inept and corrupt government official. Shula is tied to the ground and told that she will be transformed into a goat if she tries to escape. Since she is the only supposed child witch in the area, Shula becomes a sort of celebrity, and the adults around her begin to exploit her “powers” for their own financial advantage. Shula soon has enough and must decide whether to accept life at the camp or try to escape to regain her freedom. Writer-director Rungano Nyoni’s debut feature was honored with a BAFTA award. The movie is a biting political and social satire that impressed critics, who gave it a 97 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com. Technical aspects: 2.40:1 widescreen picture; English, Bemba, Nyanja and Tonga 5.1 Dolby digital surround; English subtitles. Don’t miss: The major extra is “Mwansa the Great,” a short film by Nyoni.
Other titles being released on Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated: American Renegades (Lionsgate Home Entertainment) Best Friends: Volumes 1 & 2 (Lionsgate Home Entertainment) Henri (Monarch Home Entertainment) The Wandering Muse (IndiePix Films)
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD, STREAMING or VOD After Auschwitz (Passion River) Alipato: The Very Brief Life of an Ember (Breaking Glass Pictures) Bohemian Rhapsody (Fox Home Entertainment) Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (Universal Studios Home Entertainment) The Girl in the Spider’s Web (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment) Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer (GVN Releasing) West of Sunshine (Uncork’d Entertainment) The Wife (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment) Agatha Raisin and the Curious Curate (Acorn TV, Jan. 28) Discovering Britain (Acorn TV, Jan. 28) Murdoch Mysteries: Series 12, Episodes 7 & 8 (Acorn TV, Jan. 28) Murphy’s Law, Series 2 (Acorn TV, Jan. 28)
Coming next week: The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
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.