DVD Talk: August 2016 Archives

There are a few new releases this week that you won't want to miss. Check out these hot titles: The Jungle Book (2016) - unquestionably a more authentic, well-rounded, and densely-layered translation of Kipling's original stories than Disney's previous efforts, this film's state-of-the-art visual pedigree feels like a natural extension of the 1967 film's then-cutting-edge technology; The Immortal Story - Orson Welles's first color film, revolving around a a successful but miserly merchant in 19th century Macao, direction is tight and the performances are excellent across the board; and Me Before You - the actors' performances do a tremendous job of giving even the most grizzled viewer of romance films something they haven't seen too often. Be sure to check out our DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

Our reviewers have been busy this week, filling the DVD Talk Review Database more great entries. Some new reviews of note include: Zelig - this memorable gem features some of Woody Allen's most inventive storytelling and sharpest jokes... the standard against which all other mockumentaries should be measured; 3 Bad Men - a complex, ambitious, yet satisfyingly breezy silent western from film giant John Ford... the film has got humor, melodrama, thrilling setpieces, and, above all, a well-told story; and The Russian Woodpecker - fast paced, engagingly edited, and surprisingly levelheaded considering its subject matter, this movie is a delight for those who are interested in conspiracy theories, or the recent history of the frail Russian-Ukranian relations. Visit the DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

More TV shows have made their way on to DVD and Blu-ray, and DVD Talk has got them covered. Check out our reviews of the newest TV releases including: Superstore: Season One - this first season is certainly a successful one, crafting an assortment of enjoyable, relatable characters who live in a real world and have fun misadventures; Opry Video Classics II - a pretty mammoth selection of vintage country music culled from the Opry archives, much of which appears on home video for the first time ever; and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Half-Shell Heroes - Blast To The Past -another win for the franchise, serving up a light but wholly enjoyable adventure that aims to draw in younger audiences. Want more? Check out all of the TV on DVD reviews in the DVD Talk database.

Several great movies and programs have come out recently, including a few that shouldn't be missed: Maggie's Plan - this Greta Gerwig film, as a whole, is an entertaining comedy and there are plenty of extras to enjoy on this nice looking Blu-ray; Chandu the Magician - based on the popular radio serial of the day, this 1932 Fox moive is a quick seventy-one minutes of fun, pulp style adventure, and suspense; and The Bloodstained Butterfly - a tightly written, masterfully shot whodunnit that tears off in directions you will never have seen coming. Be sure to check out our DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

This week the DVD Talk Review Database has some great new entries, including a few discs you may have overlooked. Recent reviews include: American Ninja - the movie isn't deep, but it sure is fun... the action is plentiful and well stage and Michael Dudikoff and Steve James are a lot of fun to watch in the lead roles; The Commitments - a criminally underappreciated great film... one of the best films to come out of the early nineties and it has lost none of its charm in the quarter century that has passed since it first hit theaters; and Raiders! The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made - this rare documentary about a group who has given their lives to making a cheap version of a major blockbuster truly understands why some people are so passionate about cinema. Visit the DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

TV on DVD remains very popular with more and more favorites being released. New TV reviews include: The Ratings Game - Danny DeVito directed and starred in this Showtime original movie that is a hilarious assault on network TV; one-part miniseries, one-part spoof, and one-part pseudo documentary framing device; Found Footage Festival: Combo Volumes 1 & 2 - anyone who enjoys random oddities and the VHS era will find something to enjoy in this set, it's a great deal of fun; and One Piece: Collection Sixteen - another fantastic batch of episodes of the long-running anime. Want more? Check out all of the TV on DVD reviews in the DVD Talk database.

The Adventures Of Buckaroo Banzai Across The 8th Dimension: Collector's Edition

Some pretty cool discs are being released this week. Check out these new titles: The Adventures Of Buckaroo Banzai Across The 8th Dimension: Collector's Edition - a loopy sci-fi romp now well past its 30th birthday... it hasn't aged so much as remained frozen in time, a strange and deliberately off-center relic from the early 1980s that gave a handful of future stars one of their first real chances to shine on the big screen; Session 9 - this movie creates an overwhelming sense of dread which sucks you in and won't let go; and Man In The Wilderness - based on the same source material as The Revenant, Richard Sarafian's movie serves up a much different atmosphere and scope... it's undoubtedly a more intimate and down-to-Earth film, with an extremely likable lead performance and more even-handed treatment of just about everyone. Be sure to check out our DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

Some great DVD and Blu-ray reviews have been added to the the DVD Talk Review Database recently including: Midnight Run - an effortlessly entertaining, endlessly watchable adventure with top-notch performances, solid direction, and smart characters... an absolute blast from start to finish; Woman In The Dunes: Criterion Collection - this film stands tall as Hiroshi Teshigahara's most acclaimed film... it offers a perfect pairing of style, drama and symbolism that hasn't aged a bit; and Female Prisoner Scorpion: The Complete Collection - Arrow's release of this collection is beautifully packaged and packed with an impressive array of supplements, the kind that fans of the series should absolutely appreciate. Visit the DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

Check out DVD Talk's latest reviews of movies that are in theatrical release. This week's crop includes: Pete's Dragon - the movie is tailor-made for kids... the action is fun, the panoramas will leave you breathless, and youngsters will identify with the characters; and Sausage Party [a 2nd review] - audience reactions will definitely vary depending upon one's opinion on Seth Rogen's sense of humor, but this film is a fun late summer meal. Other recent films include: Suicide Squad, Star Trek Beyond, Ghostbusters (2016), The Neon Demon, The BFG, The Legend of Tarzan, Finding Dory, Warcraft, Alice Through the Looking Glass, The Nice Guys, X-Men: Apocalypse (3D), Captain America: Civil War, Tale of Tales, and The Jungle Book. Check out these, and more, in DVDTalk's Theatrical Review section.

Another banner week for home video with the studios releasing some great films and boxed sets such as: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof - one of the best melodramas to come out of a Tennessee Williams play and is highly recommended, especially considering the excellent A/V presentation; A Hologram For The King - one of Tom Hanks' better, most consistent performances in some time; and Yurikuma Arashi: The Complete Series - a bizarre, offbeat horror-comedy hybrid from acclaimed anime director Kunihiko Ikuhara that's about bears, disguised as girls, eating girls. Be sure to check out our DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

Check out the latest reviews that have been entered into the DVD Talk Review Database including: The Mark of Zorro (1940) - Tyrone Power's charm and capable athleticism, the richly authentic production design, and the lively fencing duels that come later on make for a thrilling adventure; Miss Sadie Thompson - 3D - Rita Hayward is excellent in this 1953 adaptation of Somerset Maugham's short story... while things are toned down a bit from the original source due to the Hays Office rules, it's still a good film that deserves to be seen; and Muriel, or The Time of Return: Criterion Collection - another unique work by Alain Resnais that presents a romance complicated by history, memory, trauma, and time. Visit the DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

Planning a trip to the local multiplex this week? Here are DVD Talk's reviews of the latest theatrical releases: Suicide Squad - this much-hyped film is fine, but it's disappointingly normal... it's not the insanity you might expect from trailers; and Star Trek Beyond - great action as always, cool effects, an excellent sci-fi homage to a franchise we love; Star Trek Beyond delivers. Other recent films include: Ghostbusters (2016), The Neon Demon, The BFG, The Legend of Tarzan, Finding Dory, Warcraft, Alice Through the Looking Glass, The Nice Guys, X-Men: Apocalypse (3D), Captain America: Civil War, Tale of Tales, and The Jungle Book. Check out these, and more, in DVDTalk's Theatrical Review section.

Just Desserts: The Making Of ''Creepshow''

Some great TV shows have made their way onto home video recently including: The Spoils of Babylon - this clever, 135-minute six-episode miniseries is a clever spoof of the heydey of TV's can't miss event programming... a sharply crafted piece of meta humor; one-part miniseries, one-part spoof, and one-part pseudo documentary framing device; The Odd Couple (2015) - this 2015 revival is truly odd in the sense that someone greenlit it... the new version of Felix Ungar and Oscar Madison have zero to offer; and Major Crimes: Season 4 - a very good show that's fun to watch... the characters are all enjoyable and the most of the mysteries are resolved nicely. Want more? Check out all of the TV on DVD reviews in the DVD Talk database.

There are a few new releases this week that you won't want to miss. Check out these hot titles: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) - Philip Kaufman's film is filled with relentless, big-city paranoia and its terrific practical effects; Key & Peele: The Complete Series - running for five seasons, this series is one of the most acclaimed comedy sketch shows in recent memory; and Rawhide (1951) - a great cast, a smart script, and unexpectedly gritty direction make this western an atypical treat Be sure to check out our DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

Some cool discs have been reviewed over the past week. Check out these recent entries: Session 9 - Director Brad Anderson's horror film crafts an overwhelming sense of dread which sucks you in and won't let go; The Mermaid - this Chinese fantasy-action-comedy from master filmmaker Stephen Chow is certainly one of the most unique and enjoyable films of the year; and Chandu the Magician - Bela Lugosi stars in this 1932 film based on a popular radio show... it's a whole lot of good, goofy fun, the kind of movie that was clearly concerned with nothing so much as it was entertaining its audience. Visit the DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.