By Bob Bloom The following titles are being released on Tuesday, Jan. 29, unless otherwise noted: The Wife (Blu-ray) Details: 2018, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Rated: R, language, sexual content The lowdown: In her long and distinguished career, Glenn Close has never won an Academy Award. But that can — and should — change after her performance in “The Wife,” which has earned her another best actress nomination. At its core, the movie is an indictment of sexism and the hypocrisy in the literary world, in which men are lionized and women are marginalized. The movie centers on Joe Castleman (Jonathan Pryce) and his wife, Joan (Close), on the eve of his receiving a phone call telling him he has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. From the outset, we see Joan as Joe’s caretaker and main cheerleader, easing his doubts about whether he will receive the fateful phone call from Stockholm. She also monitors his diet and reminds him to take his pills. Joan is his support system. Yet, from its beginning, you see something in Joan’s eyes. It’s simply a flicker. You are unsure of its significance, but as the movie progresses and their lives together unfold — in the present and in flashback — you come to understand their complex and symbiotic relationship. Throughout the movie, director Bjorn Runge drops hints about the couple’s relationship. Joan asks Joe not to mention her in his Nobel acceptance speech because she does not want the spotlight. She tells Nathaniel Bone (Christian Slater), who wants to write a biography of her husband, that she does not want to be portrayed as a suffering wife or a victim. “No nugget of bitterness” colors her life, she says. As the movie progresses, you notice the little sarcastic digs Joan thrusts at Joe. And when she finally confronts her husband, it burns like fire from a dragon’s breath. After a while, you see the movie’s “big reveal” looming. Despite its obviousness, it does not detract from Close’s fierce performance. Critics believed so as well, giving the movie an 84 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.40:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English audio description track and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH, English, French and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: A featurette with Close about the movie, a conversation with the movie’s cast and a question-and-answer session with Close and author Meg Wolitzer comprise the major bonus components.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) Details: 2018, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment Rated: PG, some mild danger The lowdown: This reimagining of “The Nutcracker” follows a young girl named Clara, whose mother leaves her a mysterious gift, which leads Clara on a journey to four secret realms. During this odyssey, Clara learns that her greatest gift could change the world. Considering the talent in front of the camera, including Morgan Freeman and Helen Mirren, as well as those in the director’s chairs — Lasse Hallstrom and Joe Johnston — it’s puzzling that the movie so was disappointing. This clunky fantasy looks very good, but it’s lack excitement, comic moments and a sense of soaring adventure. Still, youngsters may appreciate the magical special effects. Critics were unimpressed, giving the movie a 34 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com. Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and 2.0 descriptive audio and Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles; DVD: 1.85:1 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 components include a conversation on famed dancer Misty Copeland; a featurette on the movie’s production design, sets and costumes; deleted scenes; a look at the visual effects; and two music videos.
Kidding: Season One Details: 2018, CBS DVD-Paramount Home Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This three-disc set stars Jim Carrey as Jeff, aka Mr. Pickles, an icon of children’s television who, for three decades, has been a symbol of kindness and optimism. But when problems in his personal life arise, Jeff finds it difficult to maintain is sunny, public persona. He is a kind man in a cold and cruel world and it is taking a mental toll on his outlook. The series also features Frank Langella, Judy Greer and Catherine Keener. Technical aspects: 16:9 picture; English 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include a “Meet Mr. Pickles” featurette, a look at the Pickles family, a behind-the-scenes look at shooting Shaina’s sequence and a featurette on how the show came to be.
Reign of the Supermen (4K UHD + Blu-ray + digital) Details: 2019, Warner Home Video Rated: PG-13, action violence The lowdown: This DC Universe animated sequel is set months after the events in “The Death of Superman.” Four new superheroes arrive in Metropolis, all fighting to be the reincarnation of the Man of Steel. They are the Eradicator, Superboy, Steel and Cyborg Superman. But Metropolis doesn’t seem big enough for the new saviors and dark forces begin to come out of the shadows. The Justice League, which is still mourning and trying to adapt after the loss of their greatest member, can’t seem to be any help, as well. Surrounding all this turmoil is the mystery — and hope — that Superman still may be alive, since his body has disappeared. Technical aspects: 4K UHD: 2160 UHD, 1.78:1 (16x9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles; Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 1.78:1 (16x9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus materials include a featurette on the history of Lex Luthor, two cartoons from the DC Comics Vault and a sneak peek at the next DC Universe animated film, “Justice League vs. The Fatal Five.”
In the Heat of the Night: Special Edition (Blu-ray) Details: 1967, The Criterion Collection Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This late-1960s thriller, directed by Norman Jewison, combines police procedural with social commentary as Philadelphia detective Virgil Tibbs (Sidney Poitier) becomes involved in a murder case in rural Sparta, Miss., when he is arrested by a local police officer. The local police chief, played by Rod Steiger — who won an Academy Award for his performance — must form an uneasy partnership with Tibbs to ease the pressure he is experience to quickly solve the case. Parts of the movie, which was honored with a best picture Academy Award, may seem dated today, but the performances by Steiger and Tibbs remains timeless. Poitier’s simmering indignation and moral authority playing off Steiger’s Method acting techniques Also memorable is the Quincy Jones score, the cinematography by Haskell Wexler and the supporting performances by Lee Grant and Warren Oates. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English LPCM monaural; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus materials include interviews with Jewison and Grant, segments from a 2008 American Film Institute interview with Poitier, an interview with Aram Goudsouzian, author of “Sidney Poitier: Man, Actor, Icon,” a 2008 commentary with Jewison, Grant, Steiger and Wexler, a 2008 program about the production of the movie and its legacy featuring Jewison, Wexler and filmmakers John Singleton and Reginald Hudlin, a 2008 program about Jones’ innovative soundtrack including the title song sung by Ray Charles and interviews with lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman and musician Herbie Hancock and an essay about the movie.
The Game: The Complete Series Details: 2006-09, 2011-13, CBS DVD-Paramount Home Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: A 20-disc set featuring all 147 episodes of this comedy-drama series about the lives of the wives and girlfriends of pro football players and what they must put up with when their men are on the field — and off. The series follows these women as they help their men get the best agents, managers, endorsements, merchandising deals and other opportunities that keep the in the public eye and make them valuable and viable to their team, the San Diego Sabers. The series explores the highs and lows of these relationships, which at times become very rocky, as well as the pressures placed on the women and their men. Technical aspects: 16:9 picture; English 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH subtitles, seasons four through nine only. Don’t miss: Extras include the spinoff episode from “Girlfriends,” an interview with show creator Mara Brock Akil, a gag reel, deleted scenes, a “Bringing Back ‘The Game’ ” featurette and a season five highlight reel.
Sarah T. — Portrait of a Teenage Alcoholic (Blu-ray) Details: 1975, Shout! Factory Rated: Not rated The lowdown: In this made-for-TV movie “The Exorcist’s” Linda Blair fights another kind of demon — alcoholism. She plays Sarah Travis, who is introduced to drinking when attending parties. Sarah, who has problems at home — most notably, the divorce of her parents — finds solace and escape in drink. Sarah stars to drink regularly and keeps addiction a secret, even from her boyfriend, played by a pre-“Star Wars” Mark Hamill. Sarah’s drinking begins to get out of control, and almost leads to a tragedy before she sees the light and enters Alcoholics Anonymous and begins her struggle to regain sobriety. At the time, this was a hard-hitting movie for television, which, up until then, usually avoided such topics. The cast also included Larry Hagman, Verna Bloom and William Daniels. It was directed by Richard Donner, who helmed “The Omen” and “Superman — The Movie.” Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.33:1 full-screen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio monaural; English subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include interviews with Blair, Donner and producer David Levinson.
Cobra: Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray) Release date: Jan. 22 Details: 1986, Scream Factory Rated: R, violence, language The lowdown: “Crime is a disease, and I’m the cure,” says hard-ass cop, Lt. Marion Cobretti (Sylvester Stallone), who is on the case to track down a serial killer. Cobretti finds that instead of one killer, he must deal with an army of psychopaths intent on murdering their way to a “New Order,” including killing a key witness, played by Brigitte Nielsen, along the way. No fear; Cobretti’s laser-mount submachine gun and pearl-handled Colt .45 save the day, exacting justice in Cobretti’s deadly vigilante style. This is an exploitation cop thriller with a high body count that should please Stallone and action fans. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras includes with cast members Marco Rodriguez, Andy Robinson, Lee Garlington and Art LaFleur; a commentary track with direct George P. Cosmatos and vintage featurettes.
Screamers (Blu-ray) Details: 1995, Scream Factory Rated: R, sci-fi violence and terror, language, brief nudity The lowdown: This sci-fi, futuristic thriller stars Peter Weller as a rebel alliance commander assigned to protect an outpost from attack by the New Economic Bloc. His state-of-the-art weaponry are called Screamers, man-made killing devices programmed to eliminate all enemy life forms. Screamers travel underground and their intent to kill is preceded by piercing shrieks — thus, their name. Screams dissect their victims, then eliminate all evidence of the carnage. But, now, they are mutating and replicating into human form — and that poses a bigger danger to Weller and his command, as the Screamers begin killing everyone human on the planet. The movie, based on a short story by Philip K. Dick, is an “Alien”-like ripoff filed with clichés. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio stereo; English subtitles. Don’t miss: The major supplemental material is comprised of interviews with director Christian Duguay, producer Tom Berry and co-writer Miquel Tejada-Flores.
Suburbia: Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray) Details: 1984, Shout! Factory Rated: R, language, nudity violence The lowdown: Penelope Spheeris directed this study of the Los Angeles punk rock scene in the early 1980s. This Shout Select entry focuses on two brothers who leave their broken home to escape their alcoholic mother. They hook up with a group of punks known as The Rejected or T.R. who live as squatters in an abandoned shack by the side of a highway. With T.R., the brothers find a new family. But their peace is threatened when the family becomes the target of “Citizens Against Crime,” a group of unhappy suburbanite vigilantes who want to evict the punks and get them out of their vicinity. The movie features a dynamic soundtrack, with performances by The Vandals, T.S.O.L. and DI. The movie mixes social commentary with the precepts of the teens-in-revolt genre. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio monaural; English subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include two commentary tracks.
Pacific Liner (DVD-R) Release date: Jan. 15 Details: 1939, Warner Archive Collection The lowdown: Chester Morris and Victor McLaglen star in this 1939 RKO Pictures programmer set aboard an ocean liner traveling from Shanghai to San Francisco. Morris is the ship’s doctor and McLaglen the chief engineer. They are rivals for the affection of the ship’s nurse, played by Wendy Barrie. A potentially deadly situation arises when it’s discovered that a Chinese stowaway has contracted cholera. The disease begins hitting members of the crew, causing a situation that nears mutiny. While McLaglan’s Crusher McKay deals with his crew, Morris’ Dr. Tony Craig and Barrie’s nurse Ann Grayson work to keep the disease from spreading. The cast of this 76-minute thriller also features Alan Hale and Barry Fitzgerald. The release is a made-on-demand DVD-R from the Warner Archive Collection and can be ordered at www.wb.com/warnerarchive or other Internet dealers. Technical aspects: 1.37:1 (4x3) full-screen picture; English Dolby digital monaural.
The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl (Blu-ray + DVD) Details: 2017, Shout! Factory Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This anime feature from director Masaaki Yuasa is a comedic look at one frantic night in Kyoto. A group of teens go out for a night on the town and one of them, known only as “The Girl with Black Hair,” experiences a series of surreal encounters with the local nightlife. While all this is happening, she is oblivious of the romantic inclinations of Senpai, a fellow student, who has been creating various fantastic and contrived reasons to continually run into the Girl so as to capture her heart. The movie is filled with imagination and visual humor that will hold your attention. It’s a celebration of young love and the confusing and unconventional forms that life and love can take. Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 1.77:1 widescreen picture; Japanese 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio; English and French subtitles; DVD: 1.77:1 anamorphic widescreen picture; Japanese 5.1 Dolby digital; English and French subtitles. Don’t miss: The major extra is an interview with Yuasa.
Other titles being released on Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated: Crossed the Line (Blu-ray & DVD & digital download & VOD) (Gravitas Ventures)
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD, STREAMING or VOD Burning (Well Go USA Entertainment) Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias: One Size Fits All (Netflix) Driving While Black (Artist Rights Distribution, Feb. 1) Lost Kingdoms (Acorn TV, Feb. 4) Murdoch Mysteries: Series 12, Episode 8 (Acorn TV, Feb. 4)
Coming next week: The Girl in the Spider’s Web
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.