hollywoodtone.blogspot.com New on DVD for February 4
hollywoodtone.blogspot.com New on DVD for February 4
This week’s releases include a historical drama; the other side of a famous couple’s story; a spoof of a popular movie; and yet another interpretation of timeless romance.
Lancelot Link: Secret Chimp: The Complete Series (DVD)
In a world inhabited by chimps instead of humans, Lancelot Link (Dayton Allen), along with partner Mata Hairi (Joan Gerber), is one of the top agents of the Agency to Prevent Evil (APE), a secret organization led by Commander Darwin (Allen) that protects the world from wrongdoers. Their chief nemesis is Baron Von Butcher (Bernie Kopell), who leads the Criminal Headquarters for Underworld Master Plan (CHUMP), an evil league bent on world conquest. Assisting the Baron is a band of bad apes including Creto, Wang Fu, the Duchess, Dragon Lady, Ali Assa Seen and Dr. Strangemind. A parody of the popular TV show Get Smart, this 1970 Saturday morning live-action version for younger viewers features a cast of chimpanzees that act their roles with dubbed human voices. Very well trained, they don disguises, outwit each other and utilize various gadgets to accomplish their missions. It’s geared to audiences who would find the animals’ shenanigans amusing. The brief storylines are simple with few surprises. Two narratives comprise each episode as well as an entertaining, recurring gag regarding Lance’s secret phone. Now in retirement, Lancelot enjoys his days at Los Angeles’ Wildlife Waystation (WWS), which will receive part of the proceeds from DVD sales. Special features include: interviews with producer Allan Sandler and musical director Bob Emenegger; “I Created Lancelot Link” documentary by Jeff Krulik and Diane Bernard; footage of Lancelot and Sandler at the Wildlife Waystation in 2011; slideshow of pictures and stills provided by Sandler and LIFE magazine; and complete Evolution Revolution vignettes and “Chimpies” from the 17 original episodes. (Video Services Corp.) Romeo & Juliet (Blu-ray)
The ageless story from the world's most renowned author is re-imagined for the 21st Century, following Romeo (Douglas Booth) and Juliet (Hailee Steinfeld), the star-crossed youths who fall for each other in spite of their feuding families. Possibly Shakespeare’s most well-known play, this tale has been repeatedly performed and reimagined. With so many interpretations already in existence, one has to examine the value of every new one to emerge. In this case, it is mostly questionable. Baz Luhrmann supplied a beautifully stylized version, while the 1968 adaptation starring Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting remains the truest to the source. This latest edition features two young actors who share little of the passion that is vital to the story, though they do try to appear in love. Conversely, Paul Giamatti and Stellan Skarsgård play their limited but instrumental roles flawlessly. Filmmakers alter the original script, adding previously non-existent scenes and dialogue that seem unnecessary. The one genuinely commendable element is that the film was actually shot in Verona, the original setting for the narrative. Perhaps a modern rendering will entice contemporary students of the bard, but it is not nearly as good quality. Special features include: cast and crew; “The Filmmaker’s Vision”; “Creating the Look”; and hair and makeup. (D Films) Scorned (DVD)
If you’re going to cheat on your lover, don’t get caught. And if you do get caught, you’d better hope your lover isn’t secretly insane. Kevin (Billy Zane) learns the hard way when his girlfriend Sadie (AnnaLynne McCord) discovers that he’s having an affair with her best friend (Viva Bianca). Now Sadie has planned a romantic weekend getaway for just the three of them, complete with terror, torture and twisted psychosexual games. As implied, Sadie is crazy in an over-the-top, violent way that is so mad it’s almost fun. She’s generally polite and sweet as she binds and tortures her formerly two closest companions. Attempting to rid them of their compulsion for each other, Sadie administers amateur therapy that includes a crude form of shock treatment. The film is not exceptionally bloody, though it does display a fair amount of brutality. It is somewhat annoying that Sadie repeatedly informs her hostages that they’ve “scorned” her, but such aberrant repetition can be chalked up to her irrationality. The quick pace at which the night progresses fends off boredom, though it does lead to a slightly disorganized order of events. There are no special features. (Anchor Bay Entertainment) The Starving Games (DVD)
When Kantmiss Evershot (Maiara Walsh) volunteers to take her manipulative younger sister’s place in the 75th annual “Starving Games,” she must leave behind her smoldering just-a-friend Dale (Brant Daugherty) and team up with the geeky baker’s son Peter Malarkey (Cody Christian) in a fight for her life. But she could also win an old ham, a coupon for a footlong sub at a six-inch price, and a partially-eaten pickle. In most cases, the spoof comedy is loved or hated. The over-the-top gags, gross out jokes and ridiculous interpretations attract a certain audience and generally alienate most others. By targeting the popular franchise The Hunger Games, filmmakers hope the pre-established fan base will be curious about their version. The parallels to the original film cannot be missed and are sometimes funny – until they go on just long enough to become boring/stupid/annoying. Hot, young TV actors are given the opportunity to be silly on screen and they embrace every aspect from the cleverer jokes to the gutter humor. However, the already unusual costumes of the game's spectators appears to be a missed opportunity for some fun. There are no special features. (Ketchup Entertainment) The White Queen (Blu-ray)
The year is 1464, before the Tudor dynasty ruled the country, and war has been ravaging throughout England over who is the rightful King. It is a bitter dispute between two sides of the same family, The House of York and The House of Lancaster. The House of York's young and handsome Edward IV (Max Irons) is crowned King of England with the help of the master manipulator, Lord Warwick "The Kingmaker" (James Frain). But when Edward falls in love with a beautiful Lancastrian commoner, Elizabeth Woodville (Rebecca Ferguson), Warwick's plan to control the throne comes crashing down. A violent, high-stakes struggle ensues between Elizabeth, her most fierce adversary, Lancastrian Margaret Beaufort (Amanda Hale), and Anne Neville (Faye Marsay), the pawn in her father's power game – each woman vying for the crown. Author Philippa Gregory has proved time and again she is a talented period writer, making adaptations of her work rich with attractive characters and enticing storylines. This series captures viewers with the first episode, which features lust, greed and the threat of a significant betrayal. Edward is attempting to forge his own path through the obstacles of power-hungry advisors and jealous siblings. Though his ambition is to be a peaceful ruler, war repeatedly lands on his doorstep. There are many deaths, some of them are even unexpected, but none are entirely unpredictable. Witchcraft is subtly weaved into the narrative with varying levels of influence and involvement in the outcomes of events. The story becomes a little muddied during the middle episodes, but creators try to revitalize the series by skipping ahead several years for the final chapters. Special features include: a making-of featurette; series overview; “Book to Series”; history behind the series; set tour; “Queen Elizabeth”; “King Edward IV”; |The Heir Apparent”; “Women in a Man’s World”; “Conjuring Up The White Queen”; and “Dressing the Queen.” (Anchor Bay Entertainment) Winnie (Blu-ray)
This film reveals Winnie Mandela's (Jennifer Hudson) extraordinary journey amidst the turbulent decades of her husband Nelson Mandela's (Terrence Howard) incarceration; through her fierce determination and dauntless courage, she survived her husband's imprisonment, continuous harassment by the security police, banishment to a small Free State town, betrayal by friends and allies, and more than a year in solitary confinement – all the while keeping the name of Nelson Mandela alive. Released shortly after the theatrical engagement of her husband’s biopic, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, this film relays many of the same events from a different perspective. Consequently, it is interesting to see identical experiences portrayed in entirely dissimilar ways, including the couple’s initial meeting and marriage. As Nelson spent decades in prison, it is remarkable to watch his wife transition from standing at his side to becoming the face of the movement. This representation of Winnie’s life is mostly unbiased, though it does not delve very deep into her motivations for the violence she promoted beyond exposing the abuse she endured at the hands of the police during her internment. However, it also displays the condemnation she drew for her aggressive tactics and extreme bullying on the streets. Hudson is exceptional in the role, embodying the strength of her character’s inspiration; though it’s difficult to decide if she or Naomie Harris are better suited. There are no special features. (D Films)
Video Services Corp.
image:171098:0::0
In a world inhabited by chimps instead of humans, Lancelot Link (Dayton Allen), along with partner Mata Hairi (Joan Gerber), is one of the top agents of the Agency to Prevent Evil (APE), a secret organization led by Commander Darwin (Allen) that protects the world from wrongdoers. Their chief nemesis is Baron Von Butcher (Bernie Kopell), who leads the Criminal Headquarters for Underworld Master Plan (CHUMP), an evil league bent on world conquest. Assisting the Baron is a band of bad apes including Creto, Wang Fu, the Duchess, Dragon Lady, Ali Assa Seen and Dr. Strangemind. A parody of the popular TV show Get Smart, this 1970 Saturday morning live-action version for younger viewers features a cast of chimpanzees that act their roles with dubbed human voices. Very well trained, they don disguises, outwit each other and utilize various gadgets to accomplish their missions. It’s geared to audiences who would find the animals’ shenanigans amusing. The brief storylines are simple with few surprises. Two narratives comprise each episode as well as an entertaining, recurring gag regarding Lance’s secret phone. Now in retirement, Lancelot enjoys his days at Los Angeles’ Wildlife Waystation (WWS), which will receive part of the proceeds from DVD sales. Special features include: interviews with producer Allan Sandler and musical director Bob Emenegger; “I Created Lancelot Link” documentary by Jeff Krulik and Diane Bernard; footage of Lancelot and Sandler at the Wildlife Waystation in 2011; slideshow of pictures and stills provided by Sandler and LIFE magazine; and complete Evolution Revolution vignettes and “Chimpies” from the 17 original episodes. (Video Services Corp.) Romeo & Juliet (Blu-ray)
D Films
image:171099:0::0
The ageless story from the world's most renowned author is re-imagined for the 21st Century, following Romeo (Douglas Booth) and Juliet (Hailee Steinfeld), the star-crossed youths who fall for each other in spite of their feuding families. Possibly Shakespeare’s most well-known play, this tale has been repeatedly performed and reimagined. With so many interpretations already in existence, one has to examine the value of every new one to emerge. In this case, it is mostly questionable. Baz Luhrmann supplied a beautifully stylized version, while the 1968 adaptation starring Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting remains the truest to the source. This latest edition features two young actors who share little of the passion that is vital to the story, though they do try to appear in love. Conversely, Paul Giamatti and Stellan Skarsgård play their limited but instrumental roles flawlessly. Filmmakers alter the original script, adding previously non-existent scenes and dialogue that seem unnecessary. The one genuinely commendable element is that the film was actually shot in Verona, the original setting for the narrative. Perhaps a modern rendering will entice contemporary students of the bard, but it is not nearly as good quality. Special features include: cast and crew; “The Filmmaker’s Vision”; “Creating the Look”; and hair and makeup. (D Films) Scorned (DVD)
Anchor Bay Entertainment
image:171100:0::0
If you’re going to cheat on your lover, don’t get caught. And if you do get caught, you’d better hope your lover isn’t secretly insane. Kevin (Billy Zane) learns the hard way when his girlfriend Sadie (AnnaLynne McCord) discovers that he’s having an affair with her best friend (Viva Bianca). Now Sadie has planned a romantic weekend getaway for just the three of them, complete with terror, torture and twisted psychosexual games. As implied, Sadie is crazy in an over-the-top, violent way that is so mad it’s almost fun. She’s generally polite and sweet as she binds and tortures her formerly two closest companions. Attempting to rid them of their compulsion for each other, Sadie administers amateur therapy that includes a crude form of shock treatment. The film is not exceptionally bloody, though it does display a fair amount of brutality. It is somewhat annoying that Sadie repeatedly informs her hostages that they’ve “scorned” her, but such aberrant repetition can be chalked up to her irrationality. The quick pace at which the night progresses fends off boredom, though it does lead to a slightly disorganized order of events. There are no special features. (Anchor Bay Entertainment) The Starving Games (DVD)
Ketchup Entertainment
image:171101:0::0
When Kantmiss Evershot (Maiara Walsh) volunteers to take her manipulative younger sister’s place in the 75th annual “Starving Games,” she must leave behind her smoldering just-a-friend Dale (Brant Daugherty) and team up with the geeky baker’s son Peter Malarkey (Cody Christian) in a fight for her life. But she could also win an old ham, a coupon for a footlong sub at a six-inch price, and a partially-eaten pickle. In most cases, the spoof comedy is loved or hated. The over-the-top gags, gross out jokes and ridiculous interpretations attract a certain audience and generally alienate most others. By targeting the popular franchise The Hunger Games, filmmakers hope the pre-established fan base will be curious about their version. The parallels to the original film cannot be missed and are sometimes funny – until they go on just long enough to become boring/stupid/annoying. Hot, young TV actors are given the opportunity to be silly on screen and they embrace every aspect from the cleverer jokes to the gutter humor. However, the already unusual costumes of the game's spectators appears to be a missed opportunity for some fun. There are no special features. (Ketchup Entertainment) The White Queen (Blu-ray)
Anchor Bay Entertainment
image:171102:0::0
The year is 1464, before the Tudor dynasty ruled the country, and war has been ravaging throughout England over who is the rightful King. It is a bitter dispute between two sides of the same family, The House of York and The House of Lancaster. The House of York's young and handsome Edward IV (Max Irons) is crowned King of England with the help of the master manipulator, Lord Warwick "The Kingmaker" (James Frain). But when Edward falls in love with a beautiful Lancastrian commoner, Elizabeth Woodville (Rebecca Ferguson), Warwick's plan to control the throne comes crashing down. A violent, high-stakes struggle ensues between Elizabeth, her most fierce adversary, Lancastrian Margaret Beaufort (Amanda Hale), and Anne Neville (Faye Marsay), the pawn in her father's power game – each woman vying for the crown. Author Philippa Gregory has proved time and again she is a talented period writer, making adaptations of her work rich with attractive characters and enticing storylines. This series captures viewers with the first episode, which features lust, greed and the threat of a significant betrayal. Edward is attempting to forge his own path through the obstacles of power-hungry advisors and jealous siblings. Though his ambition is to be a peaceful ruler, war repeatedly lands on his doorstep. There are many deaths, some of them are even unexpected, but none are entirely unpredictable. Witchcraft is subtly weaved into the narrative with varying levels of influence and involvement in the outcomes of events. The story becomes a little muddied during the middle episodes, but creators try to revitalize the series by skipping ahead several years for the final chapters. Special features include: a making-of featurette; series overview; “Book to Series”; history behind the series; set tour; “Queen Elizabeth”; “King Edward IV”; |The Heir Apparent”; “Women in a Man’s World”; “Conjuring Up The White Queen”; and “Dressing the Queen.” (Anchor Bay Entertainment) Winnie (Blu-ray)
D Films
image:171104:0::0
This film reveals Winnie Mandela's (Jennifer Hudson) extraordinary journey amidst the turbulent decades of her husband Nelson Mandela's (Terrence Howard) incarceration; through her fierce determination and dauntless courage, she survived her husband's imprisonment, continuous harassment by the security police, banishment to a small Free State town, betrayal by friends and allies, and more than a year in solitary confinement – all the while keeping the name of Nelson Mandela alive. Released shortly after the theatrical engagement of her husband’s biopic, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, this film relays many of the same events from a different perspective. Consequently, it is interesting to see identical experiences portrayed in entirely dissimilar ways, including the couple’s initial meeting and marriage. As Nelson spent decades in prison, it is remarkable to watch his wife transition from standing at his side to becoming the face of the movement. This representation of Winnie’s life is mostly unbiased, though it does not delve very deep into her motivations for the violence she promoted beyond exposing the abuse she endured at the hands of the police during her internment. However, it also displays the condemnation she drew for her aggressive tactics and extreme bullying on the streets. Hudson is exceptional in the role, embodying the strength of her character’s inspiration; though it’s difficult to decide if she or Naomie Harris are better suited. There are no special features. (D Films)
hollywoodtone.blogspot.com New on DVD for February 4