By Bob Bloom The following titles are being releases on Tuesday, Nov. 27, unless otherwise noted:
Gosford Park (Blu-ray) Details: 2001, Arrow Academy Rated: R, language, sexual situations The lowdown: Robert Altman directed this enjoyable and witty look at the foibles of the British class system set against a murder mystery in the early 1930s. The murder victim is Sir William McCordle (Michael Gambon) who, with his wife, Lady Sylvia (Kristin Scott Thomas), is hosting a bevy of guests — relatives, friends and various other acquaintances — at their country estate for the weekend. What started as a couple of days of hunting and relaxation turn into a murder investigation as police question the upper crust as well as those who take care of their every need. The mammoth all-star cast also includes Maggie Smith, Jeremy Northam, Bob Balaban, Derek Jacobi, Richard E. Grant, Clive Owens, Helen Mirren, Emily Watson, Kelly Macdonald, Ryan Phillippe, Alan Bates, Eileen Atkins and Charles Dance. Julian Fellowes wrote the screenplay based on a story by Altman and Balaban. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH subtitles.
Some Like It Hot: Special Edition (Blu-ray) Release date: Nov. 20 Details: 1959, The Criterion Collection Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis star in Billy Wilder’s uproarious comedy, considered one of — if not the — greatest comedy ever produced. Set in 1929, Lemmon and Curtis play musicians who accidentally witness the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. To stay alive, they must get out of Chicago and do so by disguising themselves as women and join an all-girl band, which features Marilyn Monroe as the group’s singer. The band winds up in Miami, where Curtis disguises himself as a millionaire (performing a very good Cary Grant impression) to woo Monroe, while Lemmon is pursued by a tipsy millionaire. The script is smart and witty, the action and laughs nearly nonstop. The movie has not been ravaged by time. The all-star cast also includes veterans George Raft, Joe E. Brown and Pat O’Brien. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English LPCM monaural; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus offerings include a short program on Orry-Kelly’s costumes, a commentary track, three behind-the-scenes documentaries, appearances by Wilder on “The Dick Cavett Show” in 1982, a 2001 conversation between Curtis and film critic-author Leonard Maltin, a 1988 French television interview with Lemmon, a 1955 radio interview with Monroe and an essay about the movie.
Dog Days Release date: Nov. 20 Details: 2018, Fox Home Entertainment Rated: PG, language, suggestive content The lowdown: An ensemble piece that follows the lives of multiple dog owners and their pets, and how they interconnect in and around Los Angeles. The movie is sweet and will appeal more to pet owners than others. It’s a sentimental feature that offers some formulaic and obvious plot machinations, that some people will probably overlook. Critics didn’t, though, giving the movie a 59 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com. Technical aspects: 2.40:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby digital and descriptive audio; English SDH and Spanish subtitles.
Bright Lights, Big City: Special Edition (Blu-ray) Release date: Nov. 20 Details: 1988, MVD Visual Entertainment Rated: R, language, nudity The lowdown: Michael J. Fox stars in this adaptation of Jay McInerney novel about Jamie Conway (Fox), an aspiring writer from Kansas who moves to New York to pursue his dreams. Conway gets caught up in the city’s seductive night life and party subculture. His constant immersion in this lifestyle creates problems as he spins out of control and risks losing everything to which he aspired. The movie, directed by James Bridges, costars Kiefer Sutherland, Phoebe Gates, Dianne Wiest, Jason Robards, Tracy Pollan, Swoosie Kurtz and Kelly Lynch. It also features a dynamic soundtrack that includes New Order, Depeche Mode and Prince. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English and French 2.0 Dolby digital stereo and Spanish Dolby digital monaural; English, French and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include two commentary tracks, a featurette about McInerney and the movie and a “Big City Lights” featurette.
Memories of Me (Blu-ray) Details: 1988, MVD Visual Entertainment Rated: PG-13, adult situations, language The lowdown: Henry Winkler directed this sentimental comedy from a script by Billy Crystal, who stars in the movie, and Eric Roth. The film centers on the relationship between heart surgeon Abbie Poland (Crystal) and his father, Abe (Alan King), the self-described “king of the Hollywood extras.” When Abbie suffers a heart attack, he comes to grips with his mortality and tries to form a solid relationship with his estranged father. The task is almost insurmountable as Abe is an actor on and off the screen. Abbie also has commitment issues with his longtime girlfriend, played by JoBeth Williams. The movie doesn’t always hit the right comedy notes, but it does offer some nice reflections on father-son relationships. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio and Spanish Dolby digital monaural; English, French and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: A behind-the-scenes featurette is the major extra.
Succession: The Complete First Season (Blu-ray + digital) Release date: Nov. 6 Details: 2018, HBO Home Entertainment Rated: TV-MA, language The lowdown: This high-stakes drama, with comedic undertones, follow the dealings and double-dealings of the Roy family, led by the aging and ailing Logan Roy (Brian Cox). This dysfunctional family finds Roy’s four children, played by Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook and Alan Ruck, challenging their father’s dominance and positioning themselves to take over his empire. Meanwhile others in their circle position themselves for a future in which Logan Roy is no longer a factor. The three-disc set features all first-season episodes of this biting drama. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.78:1 (16x9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH, Castilian and Latin Spanish, French, Danish, Finnish, Norweigan and Swedish subtitles. Don’t miss: The major extra features the cast and crew breaking down the action in the season finale.
Crackdown Big City Blues (Blu-ray) Release date: Nov. 27 Details: 1990, The Film Detective Rated: Not rated The lowdown: A docu-drama that examines the crack epidemic that wracked New York City and the fight to keep drugs off the streets. The film, which has been restored from 35mm archival film, looks at what happens when innocent citizens are caught in the crossfire of a war between gangs as well as having to deal with addiction in their own homes and neighborhoods. As you can imagine, the film carries a rather strong anti-drug message. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 16x9 full-screen picture; English Dolby digital. Don’t miss: Extras include interviews with producer Frazier Prince and sound designer Jim Markovic, a making of featurette and behind-the-scenes footage of Prince visiting the original shoot location.
Agony Details: 2018, IndiePix Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This German-language thriller centers on the gruesome murder of a young woman and the two young men who emerge as suspects. The woman’s body was dismembered, and parts were dumped across Vienna. The suspects, who have no clear motive, are Christian, a law student who sells concessions part-time at a movie theater, and Alex, an image-obsessed rapper-boxer. The movie, in which one of the suspects is, indeed the killer, is more a character narrative than a slasher feature. Technical aspects: Widescreen picture; German 2.1l Dolby digital; English subtitles.
Outrage Coda Details: 2017, Film Movement Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This Japanese action thriller, a sequel to “Outrage,” is the final chapter in director Takeshi Kitano’s underworld crime film series. It begins five years after the war between the Sanno and Hanabishi crime families. Former yakuza boss, Otomo, works in South Korea for Mr. Chang, a renowned fixer whose influence extends throughout Asia. But a relatively minor incident creates tension and causes them to escalate out of control between Chang Enterprises and the Hanabishi. Otomo must return to Japan to settle matters once and for all. Fans of the Japanese crime features will find this movie most satisfactory. Technical aspects: 2.40:1 widescreen picture; Japanese 5.1 Dolby digital surround; English subtitles. Don’t miss: The major supplemental option is a making of featurette.
The Boy Downstairs: Special Edition (Blu-ray) Details: 2017, FilmRise Rated: Not rated The lowdown: A romantic comedy about a young woman who, after years living abroad, moves back to New York City only to discover that her former boyfriend lives in the apartment below hers. Their reunion, of course, is awkward, but Diana offers genuine friendship to her ex, Ben. Of course, old wounds are reopened, forcing Diana and Ben to confront the true nature of their feelings. The film is a tender and appealing rom-com, a millennial type of “When Harry Met Sally.” Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.78:1 widescreen picture; English language; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: A behind-the-scenes look at the film is the main extra.
The Family I Had (Blu-ray) Details: 2017, FilmRise Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This true-crime documentary focuses on a mother who must deal with the aftermath of a horrific crime committed by her son. Charity Lee opens up to filmmakers Katie Green and Carlye Rubin about the 2007 murder of her daughter, Ella, by her son, Paris. It’s a heartbreaking movie that explores the nature and limits of familial love, as well as forgiveness. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, widescreen picture; English language. Don’t miss: Deleted scenes comprise the major bonus component.
Tarzan’s Greatest Adventure (Blu-ray) Release date: Nov. 13 Details: 1959, Warner Archive Collection Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Gordon Scott stars as a more articulate king of the jungle in this outing that finds Tarzan on the trail of diamond hunters, who brought terror and death to a peaceful village. The movie features Anthony Quayle and a young Sean Connery among the villains. The film is considered one of the best movies in the Tarzan cinematic canon, with footage shot in Africa, and a sturdy plot. The release is a made-on-demand Blu-ray from the Warner Archive Collection and can be found at www.wb.com/warnerarchive or other online retailers. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.78:1 (16x9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio monaural; English SDH subtitles.
The Satanic Rites of Dracula (Blu-ray) Release date: Nov. 13 Details: 1973, Warner Archive Collection Rated: R, violence, nudity The lowdown: This is one of the weaker Hammer Dracula releases, but its value is that it’s the last that teams Christopher Lee as Dracula and Peter Cushing as his arch-nemesis, Dr. Van Helsing. This outing, a sequel to “Dracula A.D. 1972, finds Dracula acting more like a super-villain than a supernatural vampire. The count, it seems, is posing as a millionaire industrialist, while secretly brewing a batch of super-plague in order to destroy the world. Van Helsing, of course, is there to thwart the vampire’s plans. The movie also was titled “Count Dracula and His Vampire Bride.” But under either title, it’s a fond farewell to Lee and Cushing. The release is a made-on-demand Blu-ray from the Warner Archive Collection and can be found at www.wb.com/warnerarchive or other Internet sellers. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.78:1 (16x9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio monaural; English SDH subtitles.
Sheryl Crow — Live at the Capitol Theater (Blu-ray + CD) Release date: Nov. 9 Details: 2017, Cleopatra Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This Blu-ray and CD combo covers Sheryl Crowe’s final night of the singer’s Be Myself tour, filmed at the Capitol Theater in Port Chester, N.Y. Crow is featured with her new band, singing old favorites and new compositions on the Blu-ray and the two CDs. Fans of Crow will definitely enjoy the concert movie and the CD. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby digital surround. Don’t miss: Vintage black-and-white flashback introduction of the many legendary acts who have performed at the Capitol, interspersed with an interview with Crow.
The 13th Chair (DVD-R) Release date: Nov. 13 Details: 1929, 1937, Warner Archive Collection Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This DVD presents two divergent looks at the venerable stage mystery filmed nearly a decade apart. Todd Browning, whose most lasting works were his association with Lon Chaney as well as Bela Lugosi’s “Dracula,” directed the 1929 version, while George B. Seitz, best known for his handling of Mickey Rooney’s Andy Hardy movies at MGM in the late 1930s and early ‘40s, handled the remake. The story concerns the murder of an Englishman in Calcutta. The man was a cad, but Scotland Yard dispatches an inspector to investigate the killing. Lugosi played the inspector in the 1929 film and Lewis Stone (Judge Hardy in the Andy Hardy movies) was the officer in the remake. Both inspectors are aided by the murdered man’s friend (perennial serial bad guy John Davidson and smooth villain Henry Danielli), who devises a plan to use a phony medium (Margaret Wycherly, Dame May Witty) in a séance to draw out the killer from a group of diverse suspects. Of course, during the séance, the killer strikes again, leaving it to the medium to help solve the case. Browning’s pre-Code version, which runs 72 minutes, is heavy on atmosphere, while Seitz’s 66-minute remake is a lean and sly suspense thriller. The release is a made-on-demand DVD-R from the Warner Archive Collection and can be found at www.wb.com/warnerarchive or other online dealers. Technical aspects: 1.37:1 (4x3) full-screen picture; English Dolby digital monaural.
Other titles being released on Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated: Learning to See: The World of Insects (Blu-ray) (FilmRise) Forever My Love (Film Movement, Nov. 20) Skate Kitchen (Blu-ray) (Magnolia Home Entertainment, Nov. 20) The Marine 6: Close Quarters (Blu-ray) (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Nov. 13)
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD, STREAMING or VOD The House with the Clock in its Walls (Universal Studios Home Entertainment) The Predator (Fox Home Entertainment) The Brokenwood Mysteries: Series 5, Episode 1: Scared to Death (Acorn TV, Dec. 3) Finding Joy (Acorn TV, Dec. 3) The Miseducation of Cameron Post (FilmRise, Dec. 3) Vidago Palace, Season 1 (Acorn TV, Dec. 3)
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.