New to View: June 23
The following titles are being released on Tuesday, June 23, unless otherwise noted:
By Bob Bloom
Murder by Decree (Blu-ray)
Details: 1979, Kino Lorber Studio Classics
Rated: PG, violence
The lowdown: “Murder by Decree” is the second film to pit Sherlock Holmes against Jack the Ripper.
The first, 1965’s “A Study in Terror,” was more sensational than this feature. What they had in common was postulating that the killings were done by a member of the British aristocracy.
The more cerebral “Murder by Decree,” though, went further than its predecessor, linking the grisly killings to the royal family.
Christopher Plummer makes a very fine Holmes; he is coldly logical but is allowed scenes of emotion that display is humanity.
James Mason is a wonderful Watson, sharp and supportive. A note of interest: Frank Finlay, who plays Inspector Lestrade played the same character in “A Study in Terror.”
The movie is a must-see for Holmes fans who also enjoy the pastiches that differ from the classic Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stories.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH subtitles.
Don’t miss: The main bonus components are a pair of commentary tracks.
LEGO DC: Shazam!: Magic and Monsters (Blu-ray + DVD + digital)
Release date: June 16
Details: 2020, Warner Home Entertainment
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: Billy Batson is a very good 10-year-old boy who, by uttering the magical word Shazam! Is transformed into an adult superhero who, thus far, has no heroic moniker.
Soon, Superman, Wonder Woman and other members of the Justice League notice him and invite him to join their small group.
The major qualification to become a member is revealing his true identity.
And while fighting the evil Mister Mind and Black Adam, young Billy realizes he must learn to trust in others to help those in need.
Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 1.78:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH and French subtitles; DVD: 1.78:1 widescreen picture; English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH and French subtitles.
Don’t miss: A trio of animated shorts comprise the major bonus features.
The Mad Fox (Blu-ray)
Details: 1962, Arrow Academy
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: This Japanese fantasy is set in a mythical, medieval era in which a court astrologer foresees a great disturbance that will split the kingdom.
The astrologer’s treacherous wife plots to have him and their adopted daughter slain. The astrologer’s apprentice is driven mad by these events and flees into the countryside, where he meets his long-lost twin and a pack of ancient fox spirits in the woods.
The spirits may hold the key to not only restoring the sanity of the apprentice, but bringing peace to a divided nation.
The movie was directed by Tomu Uchida who was inspired by Bunraku and kabuki theater for what many consider his most lavish feature.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 widescreen picture; Japanese LPCM monaural; English subtitles.
Don’t miss: Extras include a commentary track and a booklet about the movie.
Dream Demon (Blu-ray)
Details: 1988, Arrow Video
Rated: R, bloody and graphic violence
The lowdown: A bride-to-be’s anxiety about her upcoming wedding creates nightmares in which demons appear.
These occurrences happen soon after she moves into her new, large London home. What she doesn’t know is whether the nightmares are a symptom of her mind or a sign of something far more sinister.
The bride, Diana, hounded by two sensationalistic journalists, one of whom is portrayed by Timothy Spall, soon meets a young American woman, Jenny, who seems to have a link to Diana’s new home and its dark past.
The cast includes Jemma Redgrave as Diana and Kathleen Wilhoite as Jenny.
The Blu-ray features a director’s cut and the theatrical version of the movie.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English LPCM stereo; English subtitles.
Don’t miss: Bonus options include interviews with director Harley Cokeliss, producer Paul Webster, Redgrave and other cast members, a commentary track, a making of featurette and a booklet about the movie.
And Then We Danced (DVD)
Details: 2020, Music Box Films
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: A tale of love and liberation set in the conservative Republic of Georgia where Merab, with his partner, Mary, has been diligently training to land a spot in the National Georgian Ensemble.
However, the arrival of Irakli, a very confident and gifted dancer with a rebellious streak that Merab lacks, ignites an intense rivalry and a romance that threatens Merab’s security, family, relationships and his future in the dance world.
The movie was praised for its physicality, poignancy and honesty, garnering a 92 percent fresh rating at Rotten Tomatoes.
Technical aspects: 1.85:1 widescreen picture; Georgian 5.1 Dolby digital; English subtitles.
Don’t miss: Bonus offerings include an interview with the director, a filmmaker question-and-answer session and a commentary track.
Other titles being released on Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated:
Dark Fortune (DVD) (Corinth Films)
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD, STREAMING or VOD
Desolation Center (Passion River Films)
Eric Andre: Legalize Everything (www.netflix.com/ericandrelegalizeeverything) (Netflix)
Time Warp: The Greatest Cult Films of All Time: Comedy and Camp (Quiver Distribution)
Trolls: World Tours (DreamWorks-Universal Studios Home Entertainment)
Bad Mothers: Episode 8 (Sundance Now, June 25)
Being Human: Episode 4 (Sundance Now, June 25)
The Bureau: Season 5, Episode 2 (Sundance Now, June 25)
Liar: Season 2, Episode 4 (Sundance Now, June 25)
Beats (Music Box Films, June 26)
Irresistible (Vision Media, June 26)
Madagasikara (GDR, June 26)
The Sommerdahl Murders: Series 1 (Acorn TV, June 29)
Surviving Sandy Hook (Sundance Now, June 29)
The Yorkshire Vet: Series 3-5 (Acorn TV, June 29)
I am a founding member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. I review movies, Blu-rays and DVDs for ReelBob (ReelBob.com), The Film Yap and other print and online publications. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com. You also can follow me on Twitter @ReelBobBloom and on Facebook. My movie reviews also can be found at Rottentomatoes: www.rottentomatoes.com.