Simmons’ ‘Whiplash’ performance will be drummed into your memory
By Bob Bloom
The following Blu-rays and DVDs are being released on Tuesday, Feb. 24:
Whiplash
Details: 2014, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Rated: R, language, sexual references
The lowdown: Character actor J.K. Simmons has been around for many years, paying his dues with memorable performances as a neo-Nazi inmate in HBO’s “Oz,” as the dad in “Juno” and in the first three “Spider-Man” movies.
So, it is great to see him earn the recognition he deserves for his turn as a very tough music teacher in “Whiplash.” His performance is almost a certainty to win him a best supporting actor Academy Award on Sunday night.
The movie earned four other Oscar nods, including best picture and adapted screenplay.
Miles Teller plays the ambitious jazz drummer pushed to his limits by Simmons’ brutal teaching methods.
Available at Redbox.
Technical aspects: 2.40:1 anamorphic widescreen picture; English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and English audio descriptive track; English SDH, English, French and Spanish subtitles.
Don’t miss: Bonus materials include a commentary track with writer-director Damien Chazelle and Simmons and an evening at the Toronto International Film Festival with Chazelle, Simmons and Teller.
Big Hero 6 (Blu-ray + DVD + digital HD)
Details: 2014, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Rated: PG, action and danger, rude humor and thematic elements
The lowdown: An animated adventure about a personal companion robot named Baymax who develops a close bond with robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada.
They are thrust into a dangerous adventure and with the help of their friends, make the streets of San Fransokyo safe.
This is a family-friendly feature that should keep the kids entertained.
Available at Redbox.
Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 2.39:1 widescreen picture; English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and 2.0 descriptive audio track and Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital; English SDH, Spanish and French subtitles; DVD: 2.39:1 (16×9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital and English 2.0 descriptive audio track; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles.
Don’t miss: Extras include the Oscar-nominated animated short, “Feast”; the origin story of the film, a find the Easter egg activity, a look at the film’s artists and deleted scenes, including an alternate opening.
Horrible Bosses 2: Extended Cut (Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet)
Details: 2014, Warner Home Video
Rated: R, strong and crude sexual content, language
The lowdown: Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis return for this sequel which finds Nick, Dale and Kurt launching their own business, only to have a slick investor deceive them and grab the company.
The trio plots to get their company back by any means necessary.
Jennifer Aniston and Jamie Foxx reprise their roles from the original with Chris Pine and Oscar-winner Christoph Waltz joining the cast.
The set features an extended version and the original theatrical release of the film.
Available at Redbox.
Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 2.40:1 (16×9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles; DVD: 2.40:1 (16×9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles.
Don’t miss: Bonus offerings include a look at what cast members will do to get a laugh, a featurette on the sex addict group, one-liners that didn’t make it into the film, a behind-the-scenes look at who invented the Shower Buddy, a Shower Buddy infomercial and employee testimonials.
Fellini Satyricon: Special Edition (Blu-ray)
Details: 1969, The Criterion Collection
Rated: R, language, sexual situations
The lowdown: Federico Fellini’s adaptation of the classical Roman satire created controversy for its sexual licentiousness, violence and grotesque imagery.
The film follows two young men as they traverse a landscape of pagan excess. This is not a movie for prudish viewers as Fellini creates an odd, almost science fiction, old world.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 widescreen picture; Italian LPCM monaural; English subtitles.
Don’t miss: A documentary shot on the film’s set, a commentary track, an archival interview with Fellini, an interview with director of photography Giuseppe Rotunno, a new documentary about Fellini’s adaptation of the Roman satire, an interview with photographer Mary Ellen Mark, who was allowed access to Fellini’s set and an essay about the film comprise the major extras.
Dumb and Dumber To (Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 2014, Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Rated: PG-13, crude and sexual humor, partial nudity, language, drug references
The lowdown: Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels reprise their roles as Lloyd and Harry go on a road trip to find the child Harry never knew he had.
The broad slapstick humor is much like that in the original, but fans of the first movie should enjoy this outing.
Among the costars are Kathleen Turner, Laurie Holden and Rob Riggle.
Available at Redbox.
Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and 2.0 descriptive audio track and French, Spanish and German 5.1 DTS Digital surround; English SDH, French, German and Spanish subtitles; DVD: 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen picture; English, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital and English 2.0 descriptive audio track; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles.
Don’t miss: Among the extras are an alternate opening, deleted and extended scenes, a gag reel, a making of featurette and a look at the creation of the film.
Munich (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 10
Details: 2005, Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Rated: R, graphic and bloody violence, language, nudity, sexual content
The lowdown: Steven Spielberg directed this movie, based on true events, about Israeli agents sent on a mission to kill those responsible for the murder of 11 Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympics in Munich.
The movie is more than a thriller, as it shows the emotional and mental toll of the mission on the agents.
The movie received five Academy Award nominations, including best picture, best director and best screenplay.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and French 5.1 DTS Digital surround; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles.
Don’t miss: Among the bonus materials are a look at the team, memories of the Olympic killings, a profile of the era, an introduction to the film by Spielberg, a behind-the-scenes look at the on-set action, a profile of the cast members and a look at the editing, music and sound.
The Majestic (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 24
Details: 2001, Warner Home Video
Rated: PG, language, mature themes
The lowdown: Jim Carrey stars in this drama about a Hollywood screenwriter who, after a car accident robs him of his memory, is mistaken by the residents of a small town as a long-lost World War II hero.
The story, set in 1951 and directed by Frank Darabont, deals with the Communist witch-hunt of the film industry and the effort to weed out suspected Reds.
The release is part of “The Frank Darabont Blu-ray Collection.” Also being released on Blu-ray is “The Green Mile 15th Anniversary Two-Disc Blu-ray Edition” and “The Shawshank Redemption.”
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 (16×9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles.
Don’t miss: Deleted scenes and the complete “Sand Pirates of the Sahara” movie within the movie.
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (Blu-ray + DVD)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 2014, Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Rated: PG, violence, partial nudity, mature themes
The lowdown: A stunning animated feature from famed Japanese director Isao Takahata that tells the story of a tiny girl found inside a shining stalk of bamboo who grows into a beautiful young woman.
She is a princess who must ultimately face her past and the punishment for her crime.
The voice talent includes Chloe Grace Moretz, James Caan and Mary Steenburgen.
Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English and Japanese 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and French 5.1 DTS Digital surround; English SDH, English and French subtitles; DVD: 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen picture; English, Japanese and French 5.1 Dolby Digital; English SDH, English and French subtitles.
Don’t miss: A documentary on the making of the movie featuring Takahata and Japanese trailers and TV spots are among the major bonus offerings.
Watership Down: Special Edition (Blu-ray)
Details: 1978, The Criterion Collection
Rated: PG
The lowdown: An animated adaptation of Richard Adams’ novel about a warren of rabbits who must find a new home when their community is threatened by the incursion of mankind and his technology.
The film is a faithful and beautiful retelling of Adams’ tale and features a first-rate voice cast including John Hurt, Sir Ralph Richardson and Denholm Elliott.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 2.0 LPCM; English SDH subtitles.
Don’t miss: An interview with director Martin Rosen, an interview with director Guillermo del Toro about the film’s legacy and place in animated history, picture-in-picture storyboards, a 2005 featurette about the film’s aesthetic and an essay about the movie comprise the major bonus offerings.
The Wild Angels (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 1966, Olive Films
Rated: R, violence, sexual situations, drug-related material
The lowdown: This Roger Corman-directed film created quite a stir when American-International released it in 1966.
Peter Fonda and Nancy Sinatra star in this film that spurred several imitations. Also featured are several actual members of Hell’s Angels as well as Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio.
Don’t miss: No extras.
The Master (DVD + Ultraviolet)
Details: 2014, Lionsgate
Rated: PG-13, martial arts violence, drug-related materials
The lowdown: A martial arts master opens a school in this drama set in 19th century China during the Qing Dynasty.
When the teacher refuses to join the army of the corrupt Qing prince, his family, school and students become targets.
The teacher decides he must fight to free his students and protect his home and family.
Technical aspects: 2.35:1 (16×9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English and Mandarin 5.1 Dolby Digital; English closed-captioned, English and Spanish subtitles.
Don’t miss: No bonus offerings.
The Night They Raided Minsky’s (Blu-ray)
Details: 1968, Olive Films
Rated: PG-13, brief nudity, suggestive content
The lowdown: William Friedkin directed this comedy about an Amish girl with dreams of becoming a dancer who auditions at the famous Minsky’s burlesque theater and is hired as part of a plan to shame a local moral crusader.
The cast features Elliott Gould in his film debut, Britt Ekland, Jason Robards, Forrest Tucker, Denholm Elliott and, in his final film, Burt Lahr.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio.
Don’t miss: No extras.
Beach Blanket Bingo (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 1965, Olive Films
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: This feature is another in the then-popular teen movies starring Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello.
Like the other movies in the series, the plot is secondary to the songs, sand and girls.
Among the costars are Deborah Walley, Linda Evans, Harvey Lembeck, Paul Lynde and Don Rickles, with a cameo by Buster Keaton.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio.
Don’t miss: No extras.
The Road to Hong Kong (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 1962, Olive Films
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: Bing Crosby and Bob Hope take the road again in this Cold War comedy about two vaudeville performers who, down on their luck, decide to become confidence men.
The plot includes a miracle drug to improves memory, a top-secret formula and a beautiful spy.
While the film has some laughs, it fails to capture the zip exhibited in the pair’s earlier road pictures.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.66:1 widescreen picture; English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio.
Don’t miss: No bonus features.
Caveman (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 1981, Olive Films
Rated: PG, adult themes, violence
The lowdown: Former Beatle Ringo Starr heads the cast in this spoof about an inferior caveman who forms his own tribe of misfits and at the same time pursues a lovely woman from another tribe.
Barbara Bach, who later became Mrs. Starr, plays the cavewoman. The cast also includes Dennis Quaid, Shelley Long and John Matuszak.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio.
Don’t miss: No bonus features.
Bronco: The Complete Third Season
Release date: Feb. 3
Details: 1960-61, Warner Home Video
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: Ty Hardin returns as hard-riding and straight-shooting Bronco Layne in the third season of this TV series.
The two-disc set contains all 10 episodes as Bronco rides with a young Teddy Roosevelt, joins a manhunt to find his best friend who is wanted for murder and teams with Tom “Sugarfoot” Brewster (Will Hutchins) for some adventure.
Among the guest stars are Buddy Ebsen, Chad Everett, Lee Van Cleef, Shirley Knight and Robert Armstrong.
The set is part of the Warner Archive Collection and can be found at www.warnerarchive.com, www.wbshop.com or other Internet DVD sellers.
Technical aspects: 1.37:1 (4×3) full-screen picture; English Dolby Digital.
Don’t miss: No extras.
Kiss Me, Stupid (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 1964, Olive Films
Rated: PG-13, sex-related material, mature themes
The lowdown: Dean Martin, Kim Novak and Ray Walston star in this minor comedy from writer-director Billy Wilder and his writing partner, I.A.L. Diamond.
The film centers on a successful crooner, an unsuccessful songwriter and the songwriter’s lovely wife.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 widescreen picture, English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio.
Don’t miss: No extras.
Muscle Beach Party (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 1964, Olive Films
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello return to the surf and the sand to discover that a group of body builders have taken over their favorite beach spot.
Will the muscle men kick sand in the faces of Frankie and his pals, or will they all learn to coexist?
The cast includes John Ashley, Don Rickles, Dick Dale and the Del Tones, Morey Amsterdam, Buddy Hackett and Little Stevie Wonder, making his movie debut.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio.
Don’t miss: No extras.
1969 (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 1988, Olive Films
Rated: R, language, sexual situations, violence
The lowdown: Robert Downey Jr. and Kiefer Sutherland star in this coming-of-age story set during the Vietnam War about two best friends who decide to steal their files from the local draft board after the brother of one of them is declared missing in action.
Their decision sets in motion a series of dramatic events.
The film costars Winona Ryder, Bruce Dern, Joanna Cassidy and Marietta Hartley.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio.
Don’t miss: No bonus offerings.
How to Murder Your Wife (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 1965, Olive Films
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: Jack Lemmon stars in this uneven domestic comedy about a cartoonist who gets married after a drunken proposal at a bachelor party.
When he realizes his mistake, he asks his new wife for a divorce, which she refuses.
Because of the situation, his cartoons take on a darker, more sinister tone.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.66:1 widescreen picture; DTS-HD Master Audio.
Don’t miss: No supplemental materials.
“Gene Autry Collection 9”
Details: 1936-39, Timeless Media Group
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: Gene Autry ranked as one of the nation’s most popular cowboy stars during the 1930s into the early 1940s.
His films, produced by Republic Pictures, were very popular, especially in the rural areas of the country.
This two-disc set features four movies starring Autry and his comical sidekick Smiley Burnette.
The featured films are “Comin’ Round the Mountain” (1936), “Git Along Little Dogies” (1937), “Man From Music Mountain” (1938) and “Mountain Rhythm” (1939).
Among the female costars are Ann Rutherford and June Storey. The usual stock company of Republic villains and supporting players, including LeRoy Mason, William Farnum, Al Taylor, Ivan Miler, Earl Dwire, Hooper Atchley, Ed Cassidy, Jack Ingram and Tom London.
Technical aspects: 1.33:1 (4×3) full-screen picture; English Dolby Digital; English closed-captioning.
Don’t miss: No extras.
Wild Orchid (Blu-ray)
Details: 1990, Olive Films
Rated: R, language, sexual situations
The lowdown: Zalman King directed this sexual drama about a young lawyer whisked off to Rio where she meets a millionaire who challenges her to explore her sexuality.
The cast includes Mickey Rourke, Carrie Otis, Jacqueline Bissett and Bruce Greenwood.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio.
Don’t miss: No extras.
Altar
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 2014, Cinedigm
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: Another in the long line of features about a family that moves into a dilapidated old country home in order to restore it, only to find that evil spirits still live there and are awaiting them.
Of course, the family is under attack by the demons, which create all kinds of havoc.
The film adds nothing new to this tiresome genre.
Technical aspects: Widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby Digital; English closed-captioned.
Don’t miss: No bonus features.
Lady Chatterley’s Lover (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 1981, Olive Films
Rated: R, sexual situations, language
The lowdown: A wooden Sylvia Kristel and Nicholas Clay star in this inferior adaptation of D.H. Lawrence classic about a woman who defies convention and takes a lover after her husband is injured in the war.
The impotent husband is upset when his bride chooses a gameskeeper instead of a man from the upper class to be her lover.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio.
Don’t miss: No bonus features.
Psych-Out (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 1968, Olive Films
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: Susan Strasberg stars in this counter-culture drama about a young woman who travels to San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district in search of her brother, an artist who has disappeared.
A local band member, played by Jack Nicholson, helps her to discover answers. The cast also includes Bruce Dern, Dean Stockwell and Henry Jaglom.
Richard Rush, who later went on to direct “The Stunt Man” and “Color of Night” was behind the camera.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English Dolby Digital.
Don’t miss: No extras.
Road Rovers: The Complete Series
Release date: Feb. 3
Details: 1996-97, Warner Home Video
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: A two-disc set containing all 13 episodes of this animated series about a group of Cano-sapiens who battle evil around the world.
These super dogs come from the White House, 10 Downing Street and other nations’ capitals to traverse time and space and keep our planet safe from mutants and monsters.
The set is part of the Warner Archive Collection and can be found at www.warnerarchive.com, www.wbshop.com and other online dealers.
Technical aspects: 1.37:1 (4×3) full-screen picture; English Dolby Digital.
Don’t miss: No extras.
Other Blu-rays and DVDs being released on Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated:
Dangerously Close (Blu-ray) (Olive Films)
Final Prayer (DVD + Ultraviolet) (Lionsgate)
Green Street Hooligans: Underground (DVD + Ultraviolet) (Lionsgate)
Mountain Men: Season 3 (Lionsgate)
The Shift (Cinedigm)
VANish (Blu-ray) (Dark Sky Films)
Zoey to the Max (Cinedigm)
Walker, Texas Ranger: War Zone (CBS DVD-Paramount Home Entertainment, Feb. 10)
Z Nation: Season One (Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Feb. 10)
Bob Bloom is a member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. He reviews movies, Blu-rays and DVDs for ReelBob.com. The Film Yap and other print and online publications, He can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com. You also can follow Bloom on Twitter @ReelBobBloom and on Facebook. Movie reviews by Bloom also can be found at Rottentomatoes: www.rottentomatoes.com.
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