‘New to View: ‘Hobbit’ trilogy lumbers to its unimaginative conclusion
By Bob Bloom
The following Blu-rays and DVDs are being released on Tuesday, March 24
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet)
Details: 2014, Warner Home Video
Rated: PG-13, intense and bloody fantasy action sequences, disturbing images
The lowdown: The finale to this ponderous trilogy is like the guest who overstayed his welcome. You enjoyed the visit, but now you just want him to walk out the door ASAP.
This entire “Hobbit” trilogy is a prime example of moviemaking excess.
The book is a wonderful read and would have made a very fine single movie — or even a two-film endeavor. But stretching it out to three films created an interminable experience that taxed my patience.
Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 2.40:1 widescreen picture; English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles; DVD: 2.40:1 widescreen picture; English, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles.
Don’t miss: Special features include a look at recruiting and creating the five armies, a look back at the six-film saga 
and completing the creation of Middle Earth from the viewpoint of the main characters, a music video and the third part of the “New Zealand: Home of Middle-Earth” featurette.
Into the Woods (Blu-ray + digital HD)
Details: 2014, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Rated: PG, adult themes, fantasy action and danger, suggestive material
The lowdown: It is fitting that the studio that brought audiences so many fairy tales would release this adaptation of the Broadway hit that shows what happens after “happily ever after.”
The James Lapine screenplay with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim is cynical to be sure with its cautionary tale of the consequences when wishes do come true.
An all-star cast headed by Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrick, Emily Blunt, James Corden, Johnny Depp and Chris Pine bring the music to life on the screen.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.39:1 widescreen picture; English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English 2.0 Dolby Digital descriptive audio and French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles.
Don’t miss: Among the bonus features is an original Sondheim song, “She’ll Be Back,” performed by Streep; a featurette with the cast sharing their experiences of filming the musical; four featurettes on the making of the movie; a commentary track; an option allowing viewers to jump to specific musical numbers; and five Easter eggs.
Unbroken (Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet)
Details: 2014, Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Rated: PG-13, graphic and brutal war violence, language
The lowdown: Angelina Jolie directed this inspirational biographical drama about Olympic champion Louis “Louie” Zamperini who, along with two other crewmen, survived on a raft for 47 days after their plane crashed in the Pacific Ocean, only to be taken prisoner and brutalized by the Japanese.
“Unbroken” is a worthy effort, but it’s a formulaic biopic that adheres to the tried-and-true conventions of the genre.
“Unbroken” is just that; it follows a steady, even course, failing to provide any emotional peaks or valleys.
Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 2.40:1 widescreen picture; English Dolby Atmos and French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles; DVD: 2.40:1 anamorphic 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 the real Louis Zamperini, deleted scenes, a featurette on Zamperini’s path to forgiveness, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie, a cast and crew concert featuring co-star Miyavi and the prison camp production of “Cinderella.”
John Ford: Dreaming “The Quiet Man” (Blu-ray)
Details: 2012, Olive Films
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: Gabriel Byrne narrates this documentary about director John Ford’s 20-year struggle to get his dream project of “The Quiet Man” produced.
The film features interviews with star Maureen O’Hara and directors Martin Scorsese, Peter Bogdanovich and Jim Sheridan.
The documentary features rare and never-before-seen footage and home movies from cast members.
This is a disc that any true film buff will appreciate.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.77:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio.
Don’t miss: Extras include an extended interview with O’Hara, a look at the original costumes, a featurette with Maureen Coyne Cashman who was an extra on the movie, a look at “The Quiet Man” sheepdog, a short on Mary Murphy upstaging star John Wayne, a look at the horse race sequence and a look at the annual “Quiet Man’ fan club celebration.
Song of the Sea (Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet)
Release date: March 17
Details: 2014, Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Rated: PG, mild danger, language, pipe smoking
The lowdown: An animated fantasy that tells the story of the last seal-child, Saoirse, and her brother, Ben, who embark on a quest to save the world of magic and discover secrets from their past.
An owl witch and other ancient and mythical creatures that want to keep Saoirse from realizing the powers she has in order to save the spirit world chase them.
Adults as well as kids will enjoy this enchanting feature.
Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and French 5.1 DTS digital surround; English SDH and French subtitles; DVD: 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen picture; English and French 5.1 Dolby Digital; English SDH and French subtitles.
Don’t miss: Extras include a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie, animation tests, the art of the film and a commentary track.
The Thin Blue Line (Blu-ray)
Details: 1988, The Criterion Collection
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: This documentary by Errol Morris erased the line between art and activism as it tells the story of Randall Dale Adams, a drifter charged with the murder of a Dallas police officer, who was sent to death row despite evidence that he did not commit the crime.
Morris not only builds a case to prove his point, but he entertains his audience in the process.
This is one of the most important documentaries in the past 30 years as it displays the power of film as a weapon for change.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.78:1 widescreen picture; English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH subtitles.
Don’t miss: Among the supplemental materials are a new interview with Morris, an interview with director Joshua Oppenheimer of “The Act of Killing,” a 1989 NBC report covering the release of Adams from prison and an essay about the film.
The Sure Thing: 30th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray)
Details: 1985, Shout! Factory
Rated: PG-13, sexual situations, language
The lowdown: John Cusack and Daphne Zuniga star in this road-trip romance directed by Rob Reiner.
Cusack plays Walter Gibson who must travel across the country to keep a date with a beautiful blonde, played by Nicollette Sheridan in her film debut.
He is paired with Zuniga’s Alison Bradbury on a road-share program. Along the way, the two form a special bond that forces Walter to make a life-altering choice.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio; English subtitles.
Don’t miss: The bonus materials include featurettes on the making of the movie, the casting, a cast reading, a look at the costumes and a commentary with Reiner.
Gates of Heaven/Vernon, Florida (Blu-ray)
Details: 1978, 1981, The Criterion Collection
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: Two documentaries that launched the career of filmmaker Errol Morris.
“Gates of Heaven” (1978) uses two Northern California pet cemeteries to study love, loss and an industry that capitalizes on those emotions.
“Vernon, Florida” (1981) studies a group of determined and eccentric people who are engaged in some rather absurd pursuits.
In both films, Morris mixes humor, humanity and candor.
Technical aspects: “Gates of Heaven” 1080p high definition, 1.33:1 full-screen picture; English monaural; English SDH subtitles; “Vernon, Florida”: 1080p high definition, 1.66:1 widescreen picture; English monaural; English SDH subtitles.
Don’t miss: Bonus offerings include two new interviews with Morris; a 20-minute film, “Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe,” by Les Blank; footage of Herzog professing his admiration for “Gates of Heaven”; and a booklet with an essay about Morris and his films.
A MusiCares Tribute to Paul McCartney (Blu-ray)
Details: 2012, Shout! Factory
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: Alicia Keys, Duane Eddy, Norah Jones, Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Coldplay, James Taylor with Diana Krall and Cirque de Soleil are among those who gathered on Feb. 10, 2012 to honor Paul McCartney as the 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year.
These musicians as well as McCartney performed many of the songs for which this former Liverpool lad is well known from his years with the Beatles and afterward.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.78:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio.
Don’t miss: No bonus offerings.
Muck (Blu-ray)
Release date: March 17
Details: 2015, Anchor Bay Entertainment
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: A horror outing about a group of friends who emerge torn and tattered from the darkness of the marshes only to find out that the lucky people already are dead.
This is a throwback fright feature that is filled with gory effects.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD; English SDH and Spanish subtitles.
Don’t miss: No bonus offerings.
Mr. Bean: The Whole Bean 25th Anniversary Collection
Details: 1989-93, Fabulous-Shout! Factory
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: A four-disc set featuring the comic antics of Rowan Atkinson’s Mr. Bean who leaves a trail of mayhem wherever he goes.
The set features all 14 episodes of this laugh-filled British series.
Technical aspects: 4×3 full-screen picture.
Don’t miss: Among the bonus offerings are missing scenes, a documentary about the creation of “Mr. Bean,” never-before-seen sketches, a best bits of “Mr. Bean” and a “Mr. Bean: The Animates Series” trailer.
LA Apocalypse
Details: 2014, Anchor Bay Entertainment
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: Another end-of-the-world disaster movie, this one centering on a gigantic earthquake that makes rubble of Los Angeles, destroying skyscrapers and unleashing rivers of molten lava.
It seems the planet’s core has destabilized, causing the chaos.
Anarchy rules as one man tries to rescue his fiancé and get out of the city
Technical aspects: 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby Digital; English SDH and Spanish subtitles.
Don’t miss: No bonus features.
Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume XXXII
Details: 1950s-70s, Shout! Factory
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: The crew of the Satellite of Love return to critique four features in their own unique style.
The movies Joel, Mike, Tom Servo and Crow skewer are “Space Travelers,” “Hercules,” “Radar Secret Service” and “San Francisco International,” a pilot for a TV series.
As usual, the crew’s observations are usually funnier than the films.
Technical aspects: Varies by film
Don’t miss: Among the supplemental offerings are new introductions by Frank Conniff, a look at the early films of Joseph E. Levine, a brief history of satellite news, MST-UK with Trace and Frank and “Marooned: A Forgotten Odyssey.”
Four mini-posters also are included.
Other Blu-rays and DVDs being released on Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated:
Confessions of a Prodigal Son (Cinedigm)
Diamond Heist (Random Media-Cinedigm)
Lonesome Dove: Church (DVD + Ultraviolet) (Lionsgate)
Coming next week: Veep: The Complete Third Season
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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