Highbrow Magazine - angelina jolie https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/angelina-jolie en ‘The Hobbit,’ ‘Unbroken’ Arrive on Home Video https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/4911-hobbit-unbroken-arrive-home-video <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Wed, 03/25/2015 - 13:43</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/hobbit_0.jpg?itok=m1jS5whu"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/hobbit_0.jpg?itok=m1jS5whu" width="480" height="294" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p>An excellent crop of theatrical releases is hitting home video this week, and it’s anchored by director Peter Jackson’s latest journey to Middle Earth.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies</strong></p> <p><strong>3½ stars<br /> Rated PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence, and frightening images<br /> Warner Brothers<br /> Available on: Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, DVD, digital download and on demand</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>At first, director Peter Jackson’s decision to split his screen adaptation of “The Hobbit” into three films seemed like an excessive attempt to milk cash from a project better suited to a single 150-minute feature. In retrospect, it is obvious that Jackson was less interested in a straightforward screen adaptation of the J.R.R. Tolkien novel than an epic prequel to his “Lord of the Rings” saga. With this final entry in the series, his artistic choice is validated.     </p> <p> </p> <p>There are moments in “The Hobbit” trilogy that stretch too long, but for each of those, there are wonderful story additions that make the series feel at home in Jackson’s previously established vision of Middle-Earth. To be sure, “The Hobbit” is lighter than the “Rings” saga, but Jackson permeates the story with enough darker material to foreshadow coming events. This imbues the prequels with a satisfying mix of drama and fantasy, and the result is serious fun.</p> <p> </p> <p>“The Battle of the Five Armies” takes significant departures from “The Hobbit” novel, but the spirit of the story remains, and this third movie brings Jackson’s saga to a satisfying close.</p> <p> </p> <p>Since the last film ended with the awakening of the dragon Smaug, “Five Armies” is compelled to conclude that plot thread. But as soon as things with the dragon are settled, Jackson slides into a new story involving dwarf leader Thorin Oakenshield’s growing avarice.  In short, Thorin (Richard Armitage) refuses to share the loot that he, and his dwarf followers have recaptured from the dragon, and his decision provokes a great battle involving multiple forces.</p> <p> </p> <p>“Five Armies” is again presented from the perspective of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), a humble hobbit who was hired by Thorin to help the dwarves reclaim their kingdom. As with the previous movies, “Five Armies” is top-loaded with action, and the visuals are astounding.</p> <p> </p> <p>Jackson is prone to excess, and he overdoes some of the combat sequences. This is a minor complaint, however, as most of “Five Armies” is exhilarating.</p> <p> </p> <p>The film is particularly likable because it finally brings the story to a logical conclusion. Although the previous entries were engaging, they ended with the uncomfortable gnawing of unresolved plotting. With “Five Armies,” the main players – including Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom and Evangeline Lilly – are back, but they no longer leave us hungry for more.</p> <p> </p> <p>Blu-ray and DVD extras include a music video and a number of making-of features.</p> <p> </p> <p><br /> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/unbroken.jpg" style="height:358px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Unbroken</strong></p> <p><strong>3½ stars<br /> Rated PG-13 for war violence including intense sequences of brutality, and for brief language<br /> Universal<br /> Available on: Blu-ray, DVD, digital download and on demand</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Angelina Jolie’s second outing as a feature film director is an impressive work that should please anyone interested in stories of war and human survival. “Unbroken” focuses on Louis Zamperini, a former Olympian and World War II-era U.S. soldier who spent 47 days drifting at sea after surviving a harrowing plane crash with two fellow airmen. That story alone would have been fodder for a good film, but it’s only the first part of “Unbroken.” </p> <p> </p> <p>Zamperini survived the ordeal along with pilot Russell Allen “Phil” Phillips (Domhnall Gleeson), but their situation improved only slightly because they were captured by the Japanese. This led to another nightmarish experience as Zamperini (Jack O’Connell) struggled to survive in a prisoner-of-war camp run by a ruthless guard known as “The Bird.” The brutality of the latter is portrayed beautifully by Japanese rock star Ishihara Takamasa, who is known by fans as Miyavi. </p> <p> </p> <p>Jolie documents Zamperini’s tortured existence both on land and sea, and the film becomes a moving testament to the resiliency of our species. In almost contradictory fashion, “Unbroken” also reminds us of the immense cruelty of which human beings are capable. That glimpse at our duplicitous nature helps make the film great, but it also makes numerous scenes difficult to watch. During the course of the picture, Zamperini is tortured mercilessly, and viewers are forced to view the spectacle.  </p> <p> </p> <p>Despite the deep thematic elements, “Unbroken” is simplistic in that Zamperini is the clear hero of the story, while The Bird is an enemy to be scorned and derided. One could ask for a more complex reading of the characters, but Jolie’s approach seems appropriate for a film based on Laura Hillenbrand’s best-selling biography. “Unbroken” was never meant, after all, as a broad meditation on the complexities of war. Rather, it is the story of one remarkable life that was forever transformed by participation in a massive, international conflict. O’Connell drives the film forward with a moving reading of Zamperini that makes it easy to root for his salvation.</p> <p> </p> <p>It is interesting to note that fans of the biography may find themselves divided by the film. Jolie and her team of screenwriters – including the fabulous Joel and Ethan Coen – end the story at the close of World War II. The “Unbroken” book extends well beyond this, but Jolie’s choice makes sense cinematically. There is only so much one can compress into a 140-minute feature, and the film covers a good deal of ground as it is.</p> <p> </p> <p>Those willing to accept “Unbroken” as made are in for an epic journey that is often uncomfortable, but always compelling. </p> <p> </p> <p>Blu-ray and DVD extras include behind-the-scenes interviews with the real Zamperini, who died in July 2014.</p> <p> </p> <p><br /> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/woodsfilm.jpg" style="height:417px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Into the Woods</strong></p> <p><strong>2 stars<br /> Rated PG for thematic elements, fantasy action and peril, and some suggestive material<br /> Disney<a name="_GoBack" id="_GoBack"></a><br /> Available on: Blu-ray, DVD, digital download and on demand</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>A well-staged theatrical production of “Into the Woods” is an exciting experience. Stephen Sondheim’s beautiful score is bolstered by a clever and accessible James Lapine book that asks theatergoers to forgo the romanticism of childhood fairytales for the harsh reality of everyday life. Unfortunately, most of the musical’s wit and appeal is lost in director Rob Marshall’s tedious screen adaptation.</p> <p> </p> <p>Marshall’s “Woods” did manage three Oscar nominations, but all but one (best actress for Meryl Streep) came in technical categories. The kudos are understandable because Streep gets a nomination nearly every time she takes the screen, and “Woods” looks gorgeous despite its flaws. Unfortunately, the positives aren’t enough to make the film worth its two-hour run time.</p> <p> </p> <p>Marshall is relatively faithful to the Broadway show, meaning the movie isn’t significantly changed from a storytelling perspective. There is, however, a difference between live theater and film, and Marshall’s adjustments are mostly related to scenic elements and special effects.</p> <p> </p> <p>Live performances allow audiences to connect with the characters on stage … even when they aren’t relatable on the page. Movies, on the other hand, are a more distant medium, meaning the actors must work especially hard to create a connection. “Into the Woods” struggles with this. </p> <p> </p> <p>The story centers on a handful of well-known fairytale characters, including Cinderella (Anna Kendrick), Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford), Rapunzel (Mackenzie Mauzy) and Jack the giant killer (Daniel Huttlestone). Their lives converge thanks to the scheming of a wicked witch (Streep).</p> <p> </p> <p>As the movie begins, viewers learn that a humble baker (James Corden) and his wife (Emily Blunt) long for a child. This is impossible, however, because the witch has cursed them. She informs the couple that her curse can only be reversed if they gather several unusual items and give them to her forthwith. As the baker and his wife hunt for the goods, they cross paths with the fairytale characters, and everything we think we know is tipped on its ear. </p> <p> </p> <p>There’s a lot to like about “Into the Woods,” including the story’s reminder that happily ever after does not exist … at least not as depicted in Disney cartoons. Unfortunately, this message is better conveyed on stage.</p> <p> </p> <p>Marshall has assembled an excellent cast, and everyone in the group can sing. This is important because the Sondheim soundtrack is gorgeous. What’s missing is the spark of live performance and the emotional bond that comes with it. The actors do their best to guide viewers through the story, but they don’t do enough.</p> <p> </p> <p>For “Into the Woods” to work, there must be a sense of urgency and excitement, and the movie comes up short in almost every scene. Chris Pine deserves credit for his wonderful portrayal of a funny and self-centered prince, but his role isn’t large enough to overcome the dullness of the whole.</p> <p> </p> <p>DVD extras are limited to a behind-the-scenes featurette. The Blu-ray release includes this plus several additional featurettes, five Easter eggs and a filmmaker’s commentary.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>ALSO OUT THIS WEEK</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“Song One”:</strong> Independent drama about a young woman (Anne Hathaway) who tries to reconnect with her estranged brother after an accident plunges him into a coma. Among other things, she locates his favorite musician (Johnny Flynn) and asks the man to play at her brother’s bedside. This results in an unexpected relationship. Written and directed by Kate Barker-Froyland.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Errol Morris on Criterion:</strong> The Criterion Collection releases restored versions of three movies by legendary documentarian Errol Morris. “The Thin Blue Line” is a 1988 documentary centered on a man who was wrongly convicted of murder, and it is available as a standalone feature. Criterion has also collected two of Morris’ early pictures – “The Gates of Heaven” (1978) and “Vernon, Florida” (1981) – onto a two-movie set. “Gates” considers the pet cemetery business and “Vernon” focuses on the eccentricities of residents in a small southern town.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Mr. Bean – The Whole Bean:</strong> Four-DVD set collecting all 14 episodes of the original “Mr. Bean” TV show. Rowan Atkinson stars as the mostly-taciturn title character.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“The Sure Thing”:</strong> Thirtieth anniversary Blu-ray release of director Rob Reiner’s romantic comedy about a college student (John Cusack) who plans a cross-country trip to meet a beautiful blonde (Nicollette Sheridan). Before he can connect with his “sure thing,” he must travel miles with a college ride-share partner (Daphne Zuniga).   </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Author Bio:</strong></p> <p><strong><em>Forrest Hartman, a contributing writer at</em></strong><strong> Highbrow Magazine<em>, is an independent film critic whose byline has appeared in some of the nation's largest publications. For more of his work visit <a href="http://www.ForrestHartman.com">www.ForrestHartman.com</a>.</em></strong></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/lord-rings" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Lord of the Rings</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/hobbit" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">the hobbit</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/peter-jackson" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">peter jackson</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/woods" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">into the woods</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/meryl-streep" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Meryl Streep</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/unbroken" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">unbroken</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/angelina-jolie" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">angelina jolie</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/new-films" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new films</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/new-dvd-0" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new on dvd</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Forrest Hartman</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Wed, 25 Mar 2015 17:43:27 +0000 tara 5849 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/4911-hobbit-unbroken-arrive-home-video#comments Maleficent,’ ‘Hercules’ Arrive on Home Video https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/4416-maleficent-hercules-arrive-home-video <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Tue, 11/04/2014 - 13:03</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/maleficent.jpg?itok=rY9r_tsP"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/maleficent.jpg?itok=rY9r_tsP" width="480" height="270" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p>This week’s major home video releases include an action spectacle starring Dwayne Johnson and a drastically revised version of “Sleeping Beauty.”    </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Maleficent</strong></p> <p><strong>3 stars (out of four)<br /> Rated PG for sequences of fantasy action and violence, including frightening images<br /> Disney<br /> Available on: Blu-ray, DVD, digital download and on demand</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>In 1995, novelist Gregory Maguire created a sensation with “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.” This revisionist tome cast the villain of L. Frank Baum’s “Wizard of Oz” in a brilliant new light. In Maguire’s world, the supposedly wicked witch is a misunderstood political activist, not the embodiment of evil. With “Maleficent,” Disney borrows Maguire’s trick, delivering a fresh and sympathetic look at the much-despised villain of “Sleeping Beauty.” </p> <p> </p> <p>The danger in such a move – at least for Disney – is that it could backfire, convincing youngsters that the studio’s original animated film got it all wrong. But that’s doubtful. It seems more likely that “Maleficent” will reinvigorate interest in Disney’s 1959 classic, a fact underscored by the studio’s decision to reissue the film on Blu-ray.</p> <p> </p> <p>In truth, “Maleficent” is a winner no matter how one feels about “Sleeping Beauty.” A viewer could conceivably enjoy the film without even watching the original, but it’s definitely more fun for the acquainted. Familiarity with the cartoon allows viewers to contrast pre-existing impressions of Maleficent against those generated by the new picture, and that makes things interesting from an academic standpoint. Like “Wicked,” “Maleficent” argues that point of view is everything, and it shames those who pass judgment with limited facts.</p> <p> </p> <p>In “Sleeping Beauty,” Maleficent is presented as an unfeeling monster who thinks nothing of cursing King Stefan’s daughter, Aurora, to eternal slumber. In “Maleficent,” viewers receive a full accounting of the events leading to this drastic action, and – although they may not agree with Maleficent’s choices – they should at least understand her rage.  </p> <p> </p> <p>Most viewers, I think, will move beyond simple understanding and sympathize with Maleficent (Angelina Jolie), viewing her as a victim, not villain. Jolie is a pleasing screen presence, and she does a nice job in the title role. The actress’ striking cheekbones and confident stature offer a sense of nobility, and her acting chops assure that Maleficent is fully fleshed out.</p> <p> </p> <p>There is evil in this version of Maleficent, and Jolie allows the darkness to creep onto her features. But it’s important to note that the evil is coaxed to the surface by powers outside her control. At the core, Maleficent is a good person, and Jolie is excellent at balancing both sides of the character.</p> <p> </p> <p>Aurora (Elle Fanning), on the other hand, is one-dimensional. She is presented as the purest form of good, so Fanning doesn’t have much to play with. Still, the young actress’ angelic good looks suit the part perfectly.</p> <p> </p> <p>Stefan – who plays a far larger role in this film than in “Sleeping Beauty” – is the juiciest male character, and Sharlto Copley (“District 9”) injects him with life. Like Maleficent, Stefan is complicated, and Copley digs into the role. </p> <p> </p> <p>“Maleficent” is the first directorial effort by Robert Stromberg, best known for his work in visual effects, and he makes a solid transition. The film moves gracefully, paying homage to the original Disney film without becoming cloying. For adults, “Maleficent” would have been more fun if Stromberg took the material to a darker place, but that’s hardly fair criticism. Disney clearly wanted a family film, and that’s just what Stromberg delivered.</p> <p> </p> <p>DVD extras are limited to a behind-the-scenes feature with Fanning. The Blu-ray release contains several more featurettes and a collection of deleted scenes.</p> <p> </p> <p><br /> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/hercules_0.jpg" style="height:366px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Hercules</strong></p> <p><strong>2½ stars<br /> Rated PG-13 for epic battle sequences, violence, suggestive comments, brief strong language and partial nudity<br /> Paramount<br /> Available on: Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, DVD, digital download and on demand</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Anyone who follows the movie business knows the industry is driven by trends. It’s commonplace for film genres to wax and wane and for similar themes to emerge during the course of a season. This year, Hollywood had Hercules on its mind, as two major features were dedicated to the mythological hero. Sadly, neither is memorable. </p> <p> </p> <p>Director Renny Harlin’s “The Legend of Hercules” came first, delivering a so-so take on the Greek demigod’s exploits. Director Brett Ratner’s “Hercules” hit theaters later and has the benefit of an A-list star (Dwayne Johnson). Ratner’s film is not, however, graced with an A-list script.</p> <p> </p> <p>The good news for mythology fans is that each picture at least strives to be different. Harlin went traditional, introducing Hercules as a half-human, half-God hybrid with superhuman abilities. Ratner, on the other hand, paints Hercules as a mere mortal. Although he can be killed like any man, Ratner’s Hercules (Johnson) uses exaggerated stories about battlefield prowess to fuel rumors that he is a god and strike fear into enemies. This Hercules is unnaturally strong, but he owes much of his reputation to a small band of warriors who follow him into combat. This group includes his nephew (Reece Ritchie), a slight fellow whose main job is to awe audiences with tales of his uncle’s greatness.</p> <p> </p> <p>Despite a reputation for heroics, Hercules and his friends live by wandering Greece and waging war as paid mercenaries. After a brief introduction, the group is offered a huge sum to help an aging royal protect his kingdom, and the plotting moves forward from there.</p> <p> </p> <p>The decision to scrap Hercules’ demigod status is praiseworthy, but little else feels fresh. After a brief introduction, Ratner allows the film to fall into a predictable action-movie rhythm. The fight sequences are good but not groundbreaking. Viewers who have a Blu-ray 3D setup can watch the film in that format, but it doesn’t add much.</p> <p> </p> <p>The one thing “Hercules” has over Harlin’s film is its blockbuster leading man. Johnson is a decent action star, and he gives a respectable – although simplistic – reading of the title character. The supporting cast is made up of terrific players, including Ian McShane, John Hurt, Rufus Sewell and Joseph Fiennes. Unfortunately, Ratner places the focus on stunts rather than character development, meaning the cast does little to elevate the bland material. </p> <p> </p> <p>Blu-ray and DVD extras include a making-of feature.  </p> <p> </p> <p><br /> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/planesfilm.jpg" style="height:352px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Planes: Fire &amp; Rescue</strong></p> <p><strong>2 ½ stars</strong></p> <p><strong>Rated PG for action and some peril<br /> Disney<br /> Available on: Blu-ray, DVD, digital download and on demand</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Disney’s decision to elevate “Planes” from a direct-to-video title to a theatrical release in 2013 was a solid business decision, as the film grossed more than $90 million in U.S. theaters. It also paved the way for a quick-turnaround theatrical sequel in the form of “Planes: Fire &amp; Rescue.”</p> <p> </p> <p>The theatrical success of these movies does not, however, change the fact that both pictures in the “Planes” franchise are second-tier efforts dressed up with first-tier marketing. The proof is in the plotting, which falls short of the work in better Disney/Pixar titles, like “Frozen” and “Cars.” It was the latter movie that inspired “Planes,” and characters from both franchises inhabit the same world.</p> <p> </p> <p>Where topnotch Disney/Pixar efforts are inventive and occasionally even subversive, both “Planes” movies are riffs on established norms. This is especially true with the original film, which – as an air-racing feature – seemed like a thinly veiled “Cars” clone.</p> <p> </p> <p>For “Fire &amp; Rescue,” director Roberts Gannaway moves the action out of the racing world, giving the material at least a dash of originality. This shift is facilitated by the discovery that racing star Dusty Crophopper (voiced by Dane Cook) has pushed himself once too often, doing irreversible damage to his gearbox. Since Dusty is an older model, Dottie the mechanic (Teri Hatcher) can’t find replacement parts, meaning he must pamper his engine or face a life-threatening crash.</p> <p> </p> <p>Unable to race, Dusty volunteers to become a firefighting plane, and he meets a host of new aircraft, including a tough-guy helicopter named Blade Ranger (Ed Harris) and a flirty firefighter named Lil’ Dipper (Julie Bowen). The career shift also propels Dusty into a high-stakes world where lives – not trophies – are on the line.</p> <p> </p> <p>“Fire &amp; Rescue” is colorful and well animated, and the reappearance of familiar characters should satisfy young fans. Older viewers will be less accepting because the film lacks panache. The plotting is straightforward and predictable, and the little in-jokes that make Pixar films so rich are largely (although not completely) missing.</p> <p> </p> <p>In short, “Planes: Fire &amp; Rescue” is good enough to take flight, but it never soars.</p> <p> </p> <p>DVD extras are limited to a music video by Spencer Lee. The Blu-ray release adds deleted scenes, animated shorts and a couple behind-the-scenes features.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><br /> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/sopranos.jpg" style="height:455px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>ALSO OUT THIS WEEK</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“The Sopranos” – The Complete Series:</strong> Just in time for the holidays, HBO rolls out an impressive Blu-ray boxed set packed with all 86 episodes of its popular crime drama. The late James Gandolfini stars as a high-level, New Jersey mobster struggling to balance family life with his criminal activities. Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli, Dominic Chianese and Steven Van Zandt also star. The series, which ran six seasons on HBO, won more than 20 Emmys.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“A Most Wanted Man”:</strong> In one of his final screen roles, Philip Seymour Hoffman plays a German agent tracking a potential terrorist. Daniel Brühl, Robin Wright, Rachel McAdams and Willem Dafoe also star.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“A Five Star Life”:</strong> Italian drama centered on the personal dilemmas of a forty-something woman who makes her living as a secret shopper (Margherita Buy) inspecting high-end luxury hotels. Presented in Italian with English subtitles.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“Reno 911!” – The Complete Uncensored Series:</strong> Paramount releases every episode of Comedy Central’s long-running ensemble comedy about officers in a fictional Reno, Nev., police unit. Thomas Lennon, Robert Ben Garant, Kerri Kenney, Cedric Yarbrough, Carlos Alazraqui and Wendi McLendon-Covey star.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“The Newsroom” – The Complete Second Season:</strong> Nine episodes of the HBO drama about employees at a fictional cable news network. Jeff Daniels, Emily Mortimer, Dev Patel, John Gallagher Jr. and Alison Pill star.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“White Collar” – The Complete Fifth Season:</strong> The most recent 16 episodes of USA’s drama about an FBI agent (Tim DeKay) who works with a talented con artist (Matt Bomer) to nab white-collar criminals.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Perry Mason Double Features:</strong> Raymond Burr made a series of Perry Mason TV movies in the 1980s and 1990s, and Paramount is releasing several on two-movie sets. “The Case of the Desperate Deception” (1990) and “The Case of the Poisoned Pen” (1990) are available on “Movie Collection Double Feature 7.” “The Case of the Defiant Daughter” (1990) and “The Case of the Silenced Singer” (1990) are available on “Movie Collection Double Feature 8.” “The Case of the Maligned Mobster” (1991) and “The Case of the Ruthless Reporter” (1991) are available on “Movie Collection Double Feature 9.”</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“Agatha Christie’s Poirot, Series 13”:</strong> Acorn Media releases the final cases of detective Hercule Poirot (David Suchet). The five-disc boxed set includes the five feature-length mysteries that concluded the detective’s 25-year run on British TV. Fans also have the option of buying “Agatha Christie’s Poirot, Complete Cases Collection,” a massive boxed set containing all 70 of the detective’s TV adventures.  </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Author Bio:</strong></p> <p><strong><em>Forrest Hartman is an independent film critic whose byline has appeared in some of the nation's largest publications. For more of his work visit <a href="http://www.ForrestHartman.com">www.ForrestHartman.com</a>. </em></strong></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/maleficent" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">maleficent</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/angelina-jolie" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">angelina jolie</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/sleeping-beauty" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">sleeping beauty</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/disney" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Disney</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/hercules" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">hercules</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/dwayne-johnson" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">dwayne johnson</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/planes-fire-and-rescue" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">planes fire and rescue</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/pixar" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">pixar</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/new-dvd-0" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new on dvd</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/new-movies" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new movies</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Forrest Hartman</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Tue, 04 Nov 2014 18:03:18 +0000 tara 5384 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/4416-maleficent-hercules-arrive-home-video#comments