By Bob Bloom The following titles are being released on Tuesday, June 25, unless otherwise noted: Dumbo (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) Details: 2019, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment Rated: PG, danger, action, thematic elements, language The lowdown: Disney’s track record with its live-action remakes of animated classics has been pretty good so far. The reason, I believe, is because these films — “Cinderella,” “The Jungle Book,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin” — have featured human protagonists. But when it came to “Dumbo,” the studio had a problem. In the 1941 animated classic, very few people were included, and those who appeared were peripheral, basically nameless, characters. So, the studio had to restructure the story for its live-action version, while keeping the bones of the original story. The baby elephant appears lost in this star-studded, Tim Burton-directed misfire, overwhelmed by Colin Farrell, Danny DeVito, Eva Green, Michael Keaton and Alan Arkin. Plus, it seems Burton has created a darker, soulless movie that almost sucks the life out of the project. The movie — like its animated predecessor — should have concentrated more on Dumbo, and then perhaps it could have taken wing. Instead, critics were unkind, as “Dumbo” received a tepid 47 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 French and Spanish 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 offerings include deleted scenes, bloopers, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie and the creation of Dumbo, Easter eggs that offer tributes to the animated “Dumbo” and a “Baby Mine” video.
Cinderella: Anniversary Edition: Walt Disney Signature Collection (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) Details: 1950, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment Rated: G The lowdown: The studio issues another release of this timeless animated classic about a poor girl who, with the help of some special friends and a little magic, lands the prince of her dreams. This delightful fairy tale offers some wonderful music and songs, fabulous animation and characters — human and non — that will make you laugh — and perhaps, hiss. The release offers two ways to watch the film — the original theatrical release and an “In Walt’s Words: Enhanced Edition” that includes production details, original storyboards, archival photos, thumbnail sketches and transcripts. Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 1.33:1 full-screen picture; English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and 2.0 and 1.0 monaural, and French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles; DVD: 1.33:1 full-screen picture; English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital and English 1.0 monaural; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Supplemental materials include a making of featurette, trivia about the movie, “The Cinderella That Almost Was” featurette and bonus options from earlier releases of the movie.
Fatso (Blu-ray) Details: 1980, Shout! Factory Rated: PG The lowdown: Dom DeLuise stars in this Shout Select series release about an obese man who has found comfort in food. His nagging sister, Antoinette (Anne Bancroft, who also directed the movie), fearful for his health pushes him to enroll in a weight-loss group, the Chubby Checkers, who will do anything to keep its members from overeating. DeLuise’s Dominic bounces from one crash diet to another — binge eating in between — only to discover that what he really wants is acceptance and the love of Lydia, who accepts him for who he is. The movie’s main problem is that Bancroft could not settle on a single tone; the movie bounces from comedy to some rather unfunny moments. It’s also ambiguous about its treatment of obesity and those who must deal with it. And it would be interesting to see how the movie is received in this overly politically correct era. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio monaural; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include a featurette looking back at the movie and an interview with author Maya Montanez Smukler.
Heroes Shed No Tears (Blu-ray) Details: 1986, Film Movement Classics Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This military drama is one of director John Woo’s earliest films. It is filled with action, but lacks the stylistic panache that Woo brought to his later features. The story centers on a Chinese commando force enlisted by the Thai government to enter the Golden Triangle and capture Gen. Samton, a powerful drug lord who rules with a ruthless iron fist. The commando raid on Samton’s headquarters is a success. The mercenaries cross into Vietnam, where they encounter a barbaric colonel who is determined to stop them at any cost. At the same time, the Chinese are being pursued by Samton’s henchmen. The movie is very violent, but not in the elegant manner that came to be associated with Woo. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; Cantonese, Mandarin and English 5.1 surround sound; English subtitles. Don’t miss: An interview with the movie’s star, Eddy Ko, and an essay about the movie and Woo are the major extras.
The Illusionist (Blu-ray) Details: 2006, MVD Marquee Collection Rated: PG-13, violence, sexual situations The lowdown: Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel and Rufus Sewell head the cast of this period drama about the illusionist Eisenheim (Norton), who has captured the imagination of the citizens of Vienna as well as the ambitious and ruthless Crown Prince Leopold (Sewell). Leopold interest in Eisenheim intensifies when he learns that his fiancé, Biel, who has known the illusionist since they were children, has rekindled her fascination with him. Soon, the city’s Chief Inspector, Giamatti, finds himself investigating a shocking crime that seems to be linked to Eisenheim. As the cat-and-mouse game between the two play out, the illusionist begins preparing his most impressive feat. Critics were taken by the movie, giving it a 73 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.78:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English 2.0 stereo (LPCM) and English and French 5.1 Dolby surround; English SDH and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus options include a commentary track, a making of featurette and a featurette on Biel.
Night of the Creeps: Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray) Details: 1986, Scream Factory Rated: R, not rated, violence The lowdown: A sci-fi thriller that begins in 1959 when an alien experiment goes wrong and crashes to Earth, infecting a young college student. In 1986, the cryogenically frozen body of the student is thawed out by fraternity pledges. Before you can say “watch the skies,” the college campus is overrun by an alien creature whose victims turn into zombies. This throwback chiller, written and directed by Fred Dekker, mixes comedy and thrills. And as a wonderful in-joke, all the leading characters are named after famous horror movie directors. The Blu-ray features the theatrical and director’s cut of the movie. 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 interviews with cast members, deleted scenes, an episode of “Horror’s Hallowed Grounds,” behind-the-scenes featurettes on the movie, the cast, the Creeps and actor Tom Atkins and two commentary tracks, one with Dekker, the other with cast members.
24 Hour Party People (Blu-ray) Details: 2002, MVD Marquee Collection Rated: R, language, drug use, sexual situations The lowdown: Steve Coogan stars as Tony Wilson, who, after being inspired by the Sex Pistols, starts a record label, Factory Records, that begins promoting such bands as New Order, Joy Division and Happy Mondays, in this look at the raucous music scene in 1980s Manchester, England. Wilson begins partying as if there was no tomorrow as his label takes off, but it just as quickly plunges back to Earth because of the abuse of various chemicals by Wilson, his friends and musicians. Director Michael Winterbottom’s movie captures the era in a realistic manner that helps propel the movie and engage its audience. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH, French, Portuguese and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus offerings include featurettes about the movie and Wilson, deleted scenes and a commentary track.
“American Horror Project Volume 2”: Limited Edition (Blu-ray) Details: 1970-77, Arrow Video Rated: PG, R, violence, language The lowdown: Three examples of exploitation horror curated by author Stephen Thrower, make their Blu-ray debuts. First up is “Dream No Evil” (1970, R), about a young woman who desperately wants to be reunited with her long-lost father only to find herself drawn into a fantasy world of homicidal madness. Among the cast is Oscar-winning actor Edmond O’Brien and perennial tough guy Marc Lawrence. That is followed by 1976’s, PG-rated “Dark August,” which features another Academy Award-winner, Kim Hunter. This is a tale of revenge set after a fatal hit-and-run. A curse is placed on the driver by the father of the victim. The driver seeks the help of a spiritualist to fight the curse. Finally, 1977’s, R-rated “The Child” is the story of an 11-year-old who uses her supernatural powers whom she holds responsible for the death of her mother. She raises an army of the dead to use as her agents of vengeance. These movies are not art, but they do offer some appeal for horror film fans, who will appreciate these low-budget offerings. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture, optional 1.33:1 full-screen picture on “The Child”; English LPCM monaural; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: The set contains hours of extras and appreciations about each of the movies as well as a 60-page booklet about the movies.
The Poison Rose (Blu-ray + digital) Details: 2019, Lionsgate Home Entertainment Rated: R, language, violence The lowdown: This uninspired neo-noir thriller features a top-notch cast headed by John Travolta and Morgan Freeman, yet it wastes their talents — as well as those of Famke Janssen, Peter Stormare, Brendan Fraser and Robert Patrick — on a muddled storyline and weak script. Travolta plays Carson Phillips, a Los Angeles private detective who takes a case in his old hometown of Galveston, Texas. While searching for a missing woman, he must confront Freeman’s local crime boss, an unethical doctor, a sexy club singer, a former lover and his own disturbing past. The movie, which had a very limited release, is listless, sad and confusing and never lives up to the potential afforded by its cast. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.40:1 (16x9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: A commentary track is the major bonus component.
The New York Ripper: 3-Disc Limited Edition (Blu-ray + DVD + CD) Details: 1982, Blue Underground Rated: Not rated, graphic violence, nudity, sexual content The lowdown: Italian splatter director Lucio Fulci pulled out all the stops in this disturbing, perverse and bloody thriller about a psychopathic, sadistic sex-killer who is slicing up women in New York. The movie is not for those with weak constitutions. It is rather misogynistic, appealing to the lowest common denominators of those who enjoy these kinds of kinky and viscous cinema. Fulci, who was well known for his Italian Giallo features, shot “The New York Ripper” on the streets of New York. It is a savage and controversial movie that people will either embrace or hate; Fulci allows for no middle ground. Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 2.40:1 widescreen picture; English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH, English, French and Spanish; DVD: 2.40:1 widescreen picture; English and Italian 1.0 DTS-HD Master Audio and French and Spanish 1.0 Dolby digital; English SDH, English, French and Italian subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include a CD with the original soundtrack, a commentary track, interviews with actors and filmmakers and a then-and-now look at New York City locations.
Resurrecting the Champ (Blu-ray) Details: 2007, MVD Marquee Collection Rated: PG-13, violence, language The lowdown: Josh Hartnett and Samuel L. Jackson star in this heartfelt drama about a struggling sportswriter stuck on the boxing beat. Not only does he dislike his assignment, but domestic problems also are weighing heavily upon him. Circumstances change when he stumbles upon a homeless man who turns out to be a former boxing champion. Harnett’s Erik decides to tell the story of Jackson’s Battling Bob Satterfield — whom many people believed dead — and how he came to live on the streets. As the two get to know each other, Erik’s life begins to change as he turns inward and re-examines his priorities. The movie is somewhat saccharine, but overall, it is a solid feature. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 widescreen picture; English and French 5.1 Dolby digital; English, French and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Supplemental items include a behind-the-scenes featurette, a commentary track with director Rod Lurie and cast and crew interviews.
Maze (Blu-ray) Details: 2017, Lightyear Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: In 1983, 38 IRA prisoners escaped from the HMP Maze high security prison. This film is a dramatic, behind-the-scenes retelling of that break-out, which was masterminded by inmate Larry Marley (Tom Vaughan-Lawlor). The Maze was a state-of-the-art facility, basically a prison within a prison. Part of Marley’s plan was to form a friendship with prison officer Gordon Close (Barry Ward). The escape — and sense of trust and betrayal that enveloped Close — changed both men. Yet, their relationship became one of the early seeds that led to the beginning of the peace process in Northern Ireland and the easing of the historic Troubles. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.39:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: A commentary track and a bonus film by “Maze” director Stephen Burke and the main extras.
Winter Passing (Blu-ray) Details: 2005, MVD Marquee Collection Rated: R, language, drug use, sexual content The lowdown: A strong cast fails to sustain this family drama about an aspiring actress who returns home to collect love letters written by her late mother — a well-known author — to her father, a reclusive and respected novelist supposedly working on his final major book. She wants to have the letters published in a book for which she already has received an advance. When Reese (Zooey Deschanel) arrives in Michigan, she finds two strangers living in the house with her father, Don (Ed Harris). One is Shelly (Amelia Warner), who studied under Don and has since established herself as his business manager. The other person is Corbit (Will Ferrell), a neighbor who helps with the housekeeping and runs errands for Don. Reese and Don struggle to re-establish a relationship, while Reese also is examining her dissatisfaction with her life. The movie begins to flag in the last reel, slowly transforming from indie drama to melodrama. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH and Spanish subtitles.
The Dick Cavett Show: Baseball’s Greatest Hits — The Pitchers Details: 1970-71, S’more Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: A three-disc set in which Dick Cavett interviews some of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, including Bob Feller, Dizzy Dean, Satchel Paige, Vida Blue, Tommy John, Denny McLain and Whitey Ford. Feller, Ford and Dean are members of baseball’s Hall of Fame. McLain was the last pitcher to win 30 games in a season, performing the feat in 1968. Cavett is a master of asking questions and drawing his subjects out, so these six episodes are quite entertaining. Other guests who appear with the athletes are Ford’s good friend and Yankee teammate Mickey Mantle, Marcel Marceau, acting legend Lillian Gish, cartoonist Al Capp and director Robert Altman. This is a set that will intrigue baseball fans as well as stir memories of the games past immortals. Technical aspects: 1.33:1 full-screen picture; English Dolby digital.
None but the Brave (Blu-ray)| Release date: June 11 Details: 1965, Warner Archive Collection Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Frank Sinatra made his directorial debut with this World War II drama about a detachment of Marines whose C-47 transport crash lands on a remote Pacific island. Also, on the island is a platoon of Japanese soldiers, who are cut off from their command. The enemies begin fighting, but soon the Japanese leader (played by Tatsuya Mihashi) offers to swap water for the aid of Pharmacist Mate Maloney (Sinatra), whom he believes is a doctor. When Maloney amputates the leg of a Japanese soldier and saves his life, a peace ensues. The question is, can — and will — it last? The movie, a made-on-demand Blu-ray from the Warner Archive Collection, costars Clint Walker, Tommy Sands, Brad Dexter, Tony Bill, Takeshi Kato and Sammy Jackson. The feature can be ordered at www.wb.com/warnerarchive or other online retailers. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 (16x9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio monaural; English SDH subtitles.
The Green Inferno: Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray) Details: 2013, Scream Factory Rated: R, graphic violence and torture, grisly and disturbing images, nudity, sexual content, language, drug use The lowdown: A group of college student activists travel to the Amazon rainforest. Once they arrive, the local natives — who happen to be cannibals — great them with open mouths instead of open arms. Those with weak constitutions should be weary of this horror-thriller from filmmaker Eli Roth. It may start out to be a satire about PC liberals, but soon degenerates into a savage slasher outing with all the usual tropes of the genre. The movie lacks any appeal and will attract those who enjoy wallowing in the pain of others. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.40:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus materials include a bonus CD soundtrack, interviews with Roth and cast members, a commentary track, a making of featurette and behind-the-scenes footage.
The Old Man and the Sea Details: 1990, S’more Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Two-time Academy Award-winner Anthony Quinn stars in this adaptation of the Ernest Hemingway novel about Santiago, a veteran, but aging Cuban fisherman who is suffering through a long string of bad luck. He has not caught a fish for 80 days and other fishermen believe he may be too old to fish. The parents of Manolin, Santiago’s apprentice, forbid him to go out to sea with his mentor, but the young man disobeys them. Santiago decides to change his luck by heading north of Cuba into the Gulf Stream, where he feels he will find success. He soon hooks a massive marlin and a battle of strength and wills begin as the fish drags the boat farther away from Santiago’s home port. The battle goes on for two days, with Santiago suffering from exhaustion and badly damaged hands. On the third day, the fisherman finally brings his catch to the side of his boat, killing it with a harpoon. But the marlin’s blood begins attracting sharks. Santiago manages to kill five of the predators, but before he can get his catch home, the sharks devour most of it, leaving the fisherman a worthless skeleton. The tired Santiago drags himself home and falls into a deep sleep. While he is in bed, the other fishermen discover his boat and the carcass. Measuring it at 18 feet in length, they are impressed and pay homage to their comrade, apologizing for their mistreatment of him. Santiago and Manolin return to the see together to fish and savor life. Technical aspects: 1.33:1 full-screen picture; English Dolby digital monaural.
Swing Kids (Blu-ray) Release date: June 18 Details: 2018, Well Go USA Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This musical drama, set during the Korean War, centers on soldiers at a POW camp who plan a tap show to distract not only themselves, but their prisoners from the hardships of war. The troupe is led by a former Broadway dancer and a rebellious North Korean soldier. The movie is an odd mash-up of let’s-put-on-a-show, tap-dancing musical and violent war drama. The film, at 133 minutes, is a bit too long as it strives to meld its light and dark elements into a cohesive whole, which it succeeds in doing most of the time. Technical aspects: 2.39:1 (16x9 enhanced) widescreen picture; Korean 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio; English subtitles.
Other titles being released on Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated: 13 Graves (Monarch Home Entertainment) The Dark Side of the Moon (Unearthed Films) Double Face (Blu-ray) (Arrow Video) Hot Doug’s: The Movie (Random Media) Transit (Blu-ray & DVD & VOD) (Music Box Films)
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD, STREAMING or VOD Little (Universal Studios Home Entertainment) Mike Epps: Only One Mike (Netflix) Sunset (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment) Unstoppable (Well Go USA Entertainment) Skin (A24, June 27) Killers Anonymous (Lionsgate Home Entertainment, June 28) Making Babies (Huber Bros., June 28) The Mayor of Casterbridge (Acorn TV, July 1) Neil Dudgeon’s Top Ten (Acorn TV, July 1) Penelope Keith’s Village of the Year: Series 13-18 (Acorn TV, July 1) The Simple Heist, Series 2 (Acorn TV, July 1)
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.