DVD Talk: February 2014 Archives

Some great TV shows have made their way onto DVD this week including: Sherlock: Season Three - Series 3 keeps going strong... this is an extraordinary show, and one hopes they'll keep making them for a long time; The Americans: Season One - perfect binge-watching fodder - The directors keep things tense while not going overboard stylistically and the ensemble cast is exemplary ; and Regular Show: Mordecai & Margaret Pack - absurdly funny yet surprisingly warm, this is an excellent collection to tide you over until Cartoon Network finally breaks down and releases more complete seasons. Other shows recently reviewed include: Maverick: The Complete Fourth Season, Eureka Seven AO: Part 1, and Jormungand: The Complete First Series. Want more? Check out all of the TV on DVD reviews in the DVD Talk database.

This week the DVD Savant has a number of new reviews and articles including: Du Rififi chez les hommes - The most famous and perhaps the best 'serie noire' French crime caper looks absolutely fantastic on this new Blu-ray; Heart of Darkness - Nicolas Roeg directs Tim Roth and John Malkovich in this 1993 TNT Cable original TV movie, shot on location in Belize; and Come Back, Africa - The Films of Lionel Rogosin, Volume 2 - One of the most daring documentaries ever made headlines this collection of great Lionel Rogosin filmmaking. Read all this and more in this week's DVD Savant.

Some pretty cool discs are being released this week. Check out these new titles: Gravity [review] - This year's big 3-D hit and Oscar hopeful shapes up as one of the most impressive science fiction films ever made; Thor: The Dark World [review] - this film is a blast, deftly balancing the gravity of its darker story with visually dazzling superheroics; and Nebraska [review] - the film is very much worth seeking out and experiencing... the ensemble's performance is a joy to watch from top to bottom. Other reviews of note include King of the Hill [review], The Shadow [review], and Mr. Nobody [review].

Academy Award winner Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona) and Emile Hirsch star in TWICE BORN (view clip), an epic romance/mystery that tells a moving story of love, loyalty and the unbreakable bonds of motherhood in a time of war. Longing to show her son the country where she fell passionately in love with his father, an Italian professor heads off on a summer vacation to the battle-scarred city of Sarajevo. There she discovers a long-hidden secret, which reveals a past more haunted than even her memories can disclose. Enter now for your chance to win one of 5 copies of TWICE BORN, now available on DVD from Entertainment One.

Our reviewers have been busy this week, filling the DVD Talk Review Database more great entries. Some new reviews of note include: Rocky: Heavyweight Collection - all six of Sylvester Stallone's films, including a new transfer for the original and best entry in the series, in a largely enjoyable package; Foreign Correspondent - Alfred Hitchcock's second American film is a solid, absorbing wartime thriller and Criterion's three-disc set is a must-buy for fans of the Master of Suspense; and The Crimson Kimono - Samuel Fuller's 1959 hardboiled crime drama tackles expected subjects like sex and murder... an oft-forgotten Fuller gem. Other recent reviews include: Aliyah, Hellbenders, and Better Things: The Life and Choices of Jeffrey Catherine Jones. Visit the DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

On March 2, 2014, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will hold their famous award ceremony, and it's that time of year for DVDTalk reviewer Jeff Nelson to cast his votes for his favorite of the nominees. Which films and actors will win his vote for the best of the past year? Will 12 Years a Slave sweep the list, or will some underdogs get his vote? Check out the full list in this year's coverage of the Academy Award Nominees.

Planning a trip to the local multiplex this weekend? Here are DVD Talk's reviews of the latest theatrical releases: The Wind Rises - director Hayao Miyazaki is back one last time in order to bring us what is likely the final film of his career, and it is an amazing masterpiece; Cheap Thrills - an impressive debut for director E.L. Katz... a film that builds on itself, never takes itself too seriously, yet has a clear objective that it ultimately achieves; and Pompeii (3D) - DVD Talk's reviewer, Jeff Nelson, had to sign an agreement that we wouldn't post his review of Paul W.S. Anderson's latest film until opening day... was that because the movie is so mind-blowingly awesome that they were afraid that the Internet would crash due to all of positive buzz that was going to be generated, or was there some other reason? Read Jeff's review to see what he thought of this CGI-heavy flick. Other recent films include: RoboCop (2014), Nurse, The Monuments Men, The Lego Movie (3D), Gimme Shelter, Gloria, The Wolf of Wall Street, Saving Mr. Banks, Like Father, Like Son, Big Bad Wolves, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues. Check out these, and more, in DVDTalk's Theatrical Review section.

Interested in the latest TV on DVD reviews? DVD Talk has you covered! This week's notable entries include: LA Law: Season One - with a top-notch cast and excellent direction and scripting, this show is still a genuine treat; Downton Abbey Season 4 - this import continues to be one of the most compelling dramas on television... the writing by Julian Fellowes is superb and the performances and production design aspects are equally splendid; and Farscape: Season 2, 15th Anniversary Edition - a solid mix of drama, action and adventure all wrapped up in some interesting space opera trappings, it's easy to see why this fun series developed its cult following. Other shows recently reviewed include: The Agatha Christie Hour: Complete Collection, The Jimmy Stewart Show: The Complete Series, and Joanie Loves Chachi: Complete Series. Want more? Check out all of the TV on DVD reviews in the DVD Talk database.

This week the DVD Savant has a number of new reviews and articles including: Thor: The Dark World - Great action, costumes and particularly good character turns prop up a familiar tale of Royal Good versus "Dark Elf" evil; Khartoum - King of the costumed historical heroes, Charlton Heston stars in Basil Dearden's huge epic which shows massive armies clashing in the desert and assaulting a beseiged city; and Dusty & Sweets McGee - Never appreciated when new and as about as obscure as a 1971 movie can get, Floyd Mutrux's tale of heroin junkies trying to survive in sunny Los Angeles is a portrait of misery, paranoia and waste. Read all this and more in this week's DVD Savant.

Some pretty cool discs are being released this week. Check out these new titles: Fantastic Mr. Fox [review] - Beautifully crafted stop-action animation, an expertly-adapted Dahl book and a spectacular cast add up to a charming film that's aimed at entertaining adults, while offering enough cute animal antics to be keep older kids involved; Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season [review] - the best season yet: The performances are stellar, the production values of cinematic caliber, and the story is consistently ruthless and shocking; and Afternoon Delight [review] - a brilliant piece of filmmaking, full of unguarded performances, uncomfortably real moments, and unexpected emotion. Other reviews of note include Darkman [review], Jormungand: The Complete First Series [review], and Bad Dreams / Visiting Hours [review]. 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 DVD reviews include: The Returned (Les Revenants) - This French TV show is appropriately moody, cold and mysterious; a zombie thriller without lumbering walkers and torn flesh; The Long Day Closes - Terence Davies 1992 autobiographical slice of life film is an artful and nostalgic look at a child growing up in the 50's who escapes the world in the local movie theater; and Cutie and the Boxer - a wonderful, if somewhat free-form, documentary about two unique New York artist and the process of creating art. Other recent reviews include: Nebraska, Titus, and Jean Rollin: The Vampire Films. Visit the DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

Before you head off to the cinema this weekend, check out DVD Talk's reviews of the latest releases including: RoboCop (2014) - still comes across as being quite stiff but fans of the original films will enjoy the few references that are made; and Nurse - exploitation fans will want to make a point of catching this film... it is a real throwback to the grindhouse fare of thirty or forty years ago, with slick production values and known actors. It's a blast to watch. Other recent films include: The Monuments Men, The Lego Movie (3D), Gimme Shelter, Gloria, The Wolf of Wall Street, Saving Mr. Banks, Like Father, Like Son, Big Bad Wolves, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, Her, The Past, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, and American Hustle. Check out these, and more, in DVDTalk's Theatrical Review section.

Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season

More TV shows have made their way on to DVD, and DVD Talk has got them covered. Check out our reviews of the newest TV releases including: Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season - The best yet: The performances are stellar, the production values of cinematic caliber, and the story is consistently ruthless and shocking; Treme: Complete Series - one of the most profoundly moving and beautifully realized shows to have ever aired... a must-own for anyone who cherishes good storytelling; and The Broker's Man - Series 1 - a British policier-type investigation/mystery series starring Kevin Whately, his performance and intelligent teleplays make this a program worth watching. Other shows recently reviewed include: Salvage 1: Hard Water, Bad Dog! - Season 1, and Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth. Want more? Check out all of the TV on DVD reviews in the DVD Talk database.

This week the DVD Savant has a number of new reviews and articles including: The Vincent Price Collection - Twenty years after his passing, Vincent Price's horror work only seems to have grown in stature... for genre fans, this was probably the most desirable item offered last holiday season; Million Dollar Baby - Eastwood scores a home run with Paul Haggis' fine screenplay and remarkable acting teamwork from Hilary Swank and Morgan Freeman; and This Woman is Dangerous - Joan Crawford surely tailored this unlikely crime thriller / bathetic soap to her own requirements. She's a hard-as-nails leader of a gang of armed robbers, but also a gentle soul who just wants to settle down in a nice family situation. Read all this and more in this week's DVD Savant.

Another banner week for DVDs with the studios releasing some great films and boxed sets such as: The Jungle Book: Diamond Edition [review] - Disney's new Diamond Edition Blu-ray/DVD offers a high-quality A/V presentation and more than enough new and vintage bonus features to satisfy die-hard fans of the film; All Is Lost [review] - Hollywood icon Robert Redford delivers one of his best performances (which is saying a lot) in this engrossing and powerful film; and Ender's Game [review] - a largely successful adaptation of the beloved science fiction novel, the movie is impressively deep for a family action spectacle. Other reviews of note include Khumba [review], Semi Colin [review], and The Armstrong Lie [review]. 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.

Two-time Academy Award nominee Naomi Watts stars in DIANA (view clip), available now on Blu-ray and DVD. Celebrated and adored by millions, Princess Diana inspired a nation with her generosity, compassion and kindness, and ultimately, in her final years, she would meet the man who inspired her. Revealing a story the world has never before known, DIANA explores a period in the Princessâ€™s life that was uniquely important in fulfilling her search for true happiness and securing her legacy.

Enter now for your chance to win one of 5 copies of DIANA on DVD from Entertainment One.

Some great DVD and Blu-ray reviews have been added to the the DVD Talk Review Database recently including: Jules and Jim: Criterion Collection - Criterion's Blu-ray boasts a good selection of extras and a gorgeous image making it as easy as ever to be swept up in admiration and wonder over FranÃ§ois Truffaut's masterpiece; Robotech: Complete Set - all 85 episodes, 3 films, and over 12 hours of bonus features... a great collection of a fantastic show that introduced many American kids to Japanese animation; and Queen Bee - Joan Crawford gives a performance of remarkable artistry--one of her best out of countless excellent turns, in this witty, wicked film. Other recent reviews include: Tell No One, America's Most Haunted, and The Stone Roses - Made Of Stone. 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: The Monuments Men [a second review with a different point of view] - a marvelous ensemble piece with all kinds of smarts and a good smattering of schmaltz; and The Lego Movie (3D) - It isn't the perfect animated feature, but it is an entertaining and funny adventure... the characters are likable and there are some small surprises that aid in delivering a great experience. Other recent films include: Gimme Shelter, Gloria, The Wolf of Wall Street, Saving Mr. Banks, Like Father, Like Son, Big Bad Wolves, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, Her, The Past, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, American Hustle, The Armstrong Lie, Inside Llewyn Davis, and Out of the Furnace. Check out these, and more, in DVDTalk's Theatrical Review section.

TV on DVD remains very popular with more and more favorites being released. New TV reviews include: Newhart: Season Two - Rock-solid writing and the brilliant ensemble cast make this a hilarious series worth revisiting; Midsomer Murders: Set 23 - three terrific entries for Neil Dudgeon's tenure as the star of the long-running British mystery series; and Good Times: Season 1 & 2 - Mill Creek re-releases the first two seasons of this Norman Lear smash-hit CBS sitcom at a price that's hard to beat. Other shows recently reviewed include: Salvage 1: Golden Orbit, Frankenstein: The Real Story, and Breaking Up is Hard to Do. Want more? Check out all of the TV on DVD reviews in the DVD Talk database.

This week the DVD Savant has a number of new reviews and articles including: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920) - This early silent horror drama showcases the talents of John Barrymore, whose stage-based performance is dated yet brilliant -- and can still get to the sensitive viewer; Fearless - Jeff Bridges, Isabella Rossellini and Rosie Perez are exceptionally good in Peter Weir and Rafael Yglesias' tale of a man who survives a plane crash and emerges with a feeling of inner peace but also the disturbing belief that he's physically invulnerable; and Grey Gardens - The Maysles Brothers' most felicitous films follows two fascinating leftovers from America's Society Set -- Big and Little Edie Bouvier, relatives of Jackie Onassis that in the 1970s were living in poverty in the near wreckage of a grand old house on the most exclusive part of Long Island. Read all this and more in this week's DVD Savant.

There are a few new releases this week that you won't want to miss. Check out these hot titles: Dallas Buyers Club [review] - Matthew McConaughey gives a great performance in this biopic of a man with who smuggles drugs across the Mexican border... drugs used to treat AIDS that weren't legal in the US at the time; About Time [review] - a good, sentimental time at the movies, and an excellent capper to Richard Curtis's career; and Night of the Demons [review] - a fast, fun, frenetic flick that scratches your '80s trash-horror itch as few others can. 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.

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World: Criterion Collection

Check out the latest DVD reviews that have been entered into the DVD Talk Review Database including: It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World: Criterion Collection - A chaotic, free-wheeling comedy that has held up quite nicely over the years... this definitive package will absolutely thrill fans; Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 - this sequel is still a heckuva lot of fun, and you sure do get your money's worth out of this special edition; and Thief: Criterion Collection - there's something irresistible about Michael Mann's first big-screen production. Featuring an intense, charismatic performance by James Caan, a wildly effective score by Tangerine Dream, and early examples of Mann's trademark style, this riveting character study is back in full force on Blu-ray. Other recent reviews include: The Armstrong Lie, Rush, and La Vie De Boheme: Criterion Collection. Visit the DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.