Written and compiled by The Film Nest guest contributor “FightinIrish” (peep him in the Comments section)
This week’s Blu-ray releases bring a classic from 1939 with red shoes (you know the one), a computer-animated homage to 50s monsters, a duet of Jim Henson’s finest and more.
Please know anything you buy through use of the attached links goes toward supporting us at The Film Nest. Thanks in advance.
In the world of computer-animated features there are three studios, Pixar, DreamWorks and Fox. Most consider Pixar king, but that’s not to say that DreamWorks doesn’t battle them feature for feature. Here we have DreamWorks’ latest foray into the battle, coming with a throwback to late 50s era sci-fi movies, even going so far as to be shown in 3D, as well. It seems all things old are new again. Sadly, though, we can’t experience the enjoyment of Digital 3D at home so DreamWorks has chosen not to offer an anaglyph (red/blue glasses) 3D version for home viewing, which is probably for the best. Here’s your chance to impress the 50 foot woman in your life.
Specs: 3D/2D Short: B.O.B.’s Big Break; Deleted Scenes; Filmmakers Commentary; Featurettes; Sneak peeks; Karaoke; Animators’ Corner Picture-in-Picture; Trivia Track
Sam Mendes is a bit of a polarizing director amongst film aficionados. There’s a group of people who love his films, especially American Beauty, and there’s a group of people who don’t, finding fault with his Best Picture winner. I enjoyed American Beauty, loved Road to Perdition, and while let down by Jarhead, still have a favorable feeling toward it. Mendes is back with probably his most home-cooked film to date. Here we get Away We Go, a comedic-drama, a dramedy if you will, featuring some TV comedians giving it a shot on the big screen. This film seemed to get a lot of good pub and if you missed it in theaters here’s your chance to take it home.
Specs: Feature Commentary with director Sam Mendes and writers Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida; The Making of Away We Go; Green Filmmaking; BD-Live
Steve Zahn and Jennifer Aniston, together in a movie, stranger things have happened. Steve Zahn is one of those actors who surprises you, brings out performances you don’t expect, check out Rescue Dawn and A Perfect Getaway if you doubt. Jennifer Aniston is Jennifer Aniston, she’s Rachel, and it works. Collect the quirk, today.
Specs: Audio commentary with Steve Zahn and director Stephen Belber; Deleted Scenes; Gag Reel; Trailers
What do you get when you ask a real life porn star to play a high end call girl? The answer: The Girlfriend Experience. Sasha Grey is only 21 years old and has already been in over 80 “adult” movies, but we get her first attempt at being an actress. How does she do? Find out for yourself. You can make this week your very own Steven Soderbergh double-header with this on disc and The Informant in theaters.
Read our review of the film here.
Specs: Audio commentary with Soderbergh and actress Sasha Grey; HDNet “A look at “The Girlfriend Experience”
I’ve seen this movie. I know I have. Yet, I can’t tell you for the life of me if I enjoyed it. Maybe I was too young. All I know is that any movie with Jennifer Connelly AND David Bowie has got to be worth having. Jim Henson’s puppetry always seems to be forgotten, but check this film out and you won’t ever forget it, just like me.
Specs: Making of Documentary: Inside the Labyrinth; Commentary with Brian Froud; Journey through the Labyrinth: “Kingdom of Characters”; Journey through the Labyrinth: “The Quest for Goblin City”; The Storytellers (PiP)
Now I know for sure I’ve never seen this film. Here we have another Jim Henson feature. From all that I’ve heard this is not for the youngsters. And if your friends refer to your girlfriend as “Dark Crystal,” for her resemblance to a character from the film, it’s time to get a new girlfriend and fix whatever the hell is wrong with you. The first step is recognizing you have a problem. This film will identify it.
Specs: Featurettes; Audio Commentary; Trivia Game; Picture-in-Picture; Deleted Scene; Electronic Collector’s Book
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
Jessica Biel is in this. That is all. Oh, and it’s only $10.
Specs: Audio Commentaries; Featurettes; Deleted Scenes; Screen Tests; Theatrical Trailers
“’Samuel Jackson,’ made painstakingly by me, Samuel L. Jackson. It’ll get you drunk”. If only Snakes on a Plane were as funny as Dave Chappelle, maybe the film would have lived up to its hype. Has there ever been a movie that’s had so much undeserved hype, especially generated entirely by its title? Hard to say, but now we can view this gem in full 1080p glory. And where’s Juliana Margolis’ career? Bitten by a snake?
Specs: Audio Commentary; Featurettes; Deleted Scenes; Bloopers
Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
The U.S. economy is in disrepair. The country’s struggling. So, what do the citizens do? Elect Lex Luther as President and have the Justice League serve as his personal defense unit. Makes sense right? Not to Batman and Superman, who oppose this decision and run afoul of the law. The voice talent from the Batman and Superman animated shows return here for a feature-length animated film. “Batman: The Animated Series” was top notch animation and “Superman” wasn’t bad itself, so one has to believe this will continue that tradition. Rated PG-13, so heads up with the younglings.
Specs: Sneak Peek at DC Universe’s upcoming movie; Blackest Night: inside the DC Comics Event; A Test of Minds: Superman and Batman featurette – a look at the team-up of Superman and Batman working together despite their often competitive and challenging relationship (concise title); 6 bonus cartoons
You know the name, you may even know the hat and face, but have you seen it in full 1080p resolution? Well now you can. A mix of Rambo and John Wayne. Western, low budget and full of the late 60s influence, Billy Jack is a movie unto its own.
The Wizard of Oz (70th Anniversary Ultimate Collectors Edition)
What can one say about a movie of this magnitude? This is film, Hollywood even, taken to the top level, reaching its apex. Going from the stark reality of the Great Depression, everything a shade of sepia, to the world of Oz, with colors so vivid it’s like living in a painting. This must have been a total blast for the audience of that time, magnified by the fact that color was still a new technology. Warner Bros. has done it again, dropping a great Blu-ray set that is one for any and all collectors. I can’t wait to see and hear this in hi-def. It just might be the HD release of the year. Pick this up and we will all be somewhere over the rainbow.
Specs: Audio commentary; Still Galleries; Six Theatrical Trailers; Multiple Featurettes; 3 Vault Shorts; Audio Jukebox Selection; Outtakes and Deleted Scenes; MGM: When The Lion Roars Documentary; The original extended version of “If I Only Had a Brain” performed by Ray Bolger
What’s In the Box: Two-disc set; Collectible and numbered 70th Anniversary Wizard of Oz watch with genuine crystals; Replica of the original film budget; Behind the Curtain: A 52-page coffee-table book; Reproduction of the original 1939 campaign book
Kirk Cameron proves to you that love (of Jesus) makes you “fireproof.” There’s nothing better than that.
Specs: Audio Commentary; Deleted Scenes; Gag Reel; Featurettes; Music Video; BD-Live
Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer
As shown on the box, “Entertainment Weekly” dubs this one of the scariest films of all-time. I’ve yet to have the pleasure, but can only imagine the ecstasy of witnessing the serial killing of people in 1080p.
