The Apparition
(Warner Bros)
Todd Lincoln’s risible thriller
clocks in at a mere 82 minutes, 10 of which are the final credits. What happens
in the preceding 72 precludes logic and plausibility: but, you say, who knows
how the supernatural really works? Certainly not Lincoln, who regurgitates many
cinematic clichés and might even create new ones, like an ending that—along
with being telegraphed on the Blu-ray cover—must be seen to be disbelieved. Poor
Ashley Greene screams and carries on annoyingly, which fits this charming
actress like a pair of size 15 shoes. The Blu-ray image is good; extras include
several featurettes.
(Warner Bros)
Frank Loesser’s classic Broadway
musical, adapted for the screen by director Joseph L. Mankiewicz in 1955, has
much to recommend it—notably Loesser’s tunes and Abe Burrows’ hilarious book.
But the leads are compromised: Frank Sinatra’s Nathan Detroit is not bad, neither
is Vivian Blaine’s Miss Adelaide, but Marlon Brando looks uncomfortable as Sky
Materston—he gets by on his unique charisma—and Jean Simmons seems equally ill
at ease as Sky’s gal. Still, the big set pieces (Michael Kidd choreographed) are
marvelous, as is Harry Stradling’s Cinemascope camerawork. The Blu-ray image is
top-notch; extras are featurettes and extended musical performances.
(Warner Bros)
The interminable Harry Potter
series finale—spread out over 4-1/2 hours—made legions of fans giddy with
excitement, but for others, this chronicle of a young wizard, his friends and
the villains they battle is less than scintillating. Even with the cream of British
acting royalty—Ralph Fiennes and Michael Gambon have meaty parts, but Maggie
Smith, Jim Broadbent and Julie Walters are mere walk-ons—and good work by Daniel
Radcliffe and adorable Emma Watson as Harry and Hermione, David Yates’
glacially paced movies are barely mediocre. The Blu-ray image is first-rate;
extras include picture-in-picture explorations and bonus discs with hours of
featurettes and interviews.
Heaven’s Gate (Criterion)
Michael Cimino’s 1980 western was
a financial debacle but only partially an artistic one. His fictionalized
version of the Johnson County War has some of the most beautiful images committed
to celluloid—Vilmos Zsigmond is the master cinematographer—but this 3 hour, 36
minute epic’s puny characterizations cloud the visual brilliance on display.
For the Criterion Collection edition, a chance to give full context to what
happened during filming and its opening was missed: there’s nothing about budgetary
overruns and a disastrous premiere. Instead, interviews with Cimino and
producer Joann Carelli, star Kris Kristofferson and composer David Mansfield
discuss the film in a vacuum. It’s not good enough—despite the glistening
Blu-ray transfer—to be labeled a classic.
(Anchor Bay)
John Hillcoat’s drama of a trio
of Virginia brothers’ rum-running enterprise during Prohibition is sporadically
impressive, with taut storytelling, authentic visuals and excellent performances:
notably Tom Hardy as the Kevin Costner-like eldest brother and Jessica
Chastain, a rare American actress unafraid of nudity. But a cutesy subplot about
Shia Labeouf’s youngest brother and Mia Wasikowska’s love interest has contemporary
portrayals out of step with the rest of the film. The hi-def transfer is
superb; extras include a commentary, deleted scenes, featurettes and Willie
Nelson music video.
(Sony)
The original smash sci-fi comedy hit’s
second sequel is even more unnecessary than the first was—Will Smith and Tommy
Lee Jones are sleepwalking throughout. Making it more watchable is a deadpan
Josh Brolin, assorted CGI monsters and a ridiculous, sentimental wrap-up. Of
course, since there will likely be a third sequel from director Barry
Sonnenfeld and his men, you’ve been warned. The Blu-ray image glistens; extras include
featurettes, a gag reel and Pitball music video.
(Eagle Vision/MPL)
Sir Paul’s superlative album of
standards, Kisses on the Bottom, beat
the likes of Rod Stewart at his own game: and with a crack band led by pianist
Diana Krall and guitarist John Pizzarelli, his live versions have even more loving
care. This hour-long concert is a once-in-a lifetime event, and Joe Walsh’s
lovely acoustic guitar on Paul’s own contribution, the haunting “My Valentine,”
is a must-hear. The film looks terrific on Blu-ray; extras include six versions
of Paul’s “My Valentine” video with a ravishing Natalie Portman and frumpled
Johnny Depp, video making-of and interview with McCartney and producer Tommy
LiPuma.
(A&E)
The San Francisco Giants might
have the beginnings of a baseball dynasty after capturing their second World
Series championship in three seasons. The official film of their run to the title
includes highlights from the four-game sweep (the Detroit Tigers, fresh off
pummeling the hated Yankees, went down as meekly as the Pinstripers did), along
with Game Seven of the National League Championship Series, when they finished yet
another fabled comeback against St. Louis. The hi-def image, of course, is
splendid (sports was made for hi-def); other extras include more playoff highlights.
Color Me Obsessed—A Film about
the Replacements
(MVD)
This two-hour documentary about
the Replacements—an underdog pick for “greatest rock’n’roll band”—might be too
long for those who don’t hang on every thing Paul Westerberg and the gang said
and done, but it’s still a fun ride. The premise is that, while other artists
were selling millions, the Minneapolis boys stayed under the radar to make great,
pure rock albums. I’m no Robert Christgau fan, so hearing him pontificate
pretentiously isn’t my idea of a good time, yet hearing from Husker Du’s Grant Hart
compensates (but where the hell is Bob Mould?). For real fans, the second disc
contains an additional three hours of interviews.
(e one)
This 2003 documentary, narrated
and written by Henry Stephens, makes trite use of public domain material to
tell John Lennon’s story from his early life to 1980 murder. How can you tell
this won’t be particularly enlightening? Because those interviewed are John’s
sister (who has little of interest to say), the Beatles’ chauffeur, Quarrymen members
and a general manager at Apple. Despite John’s towering talent, it’s not a
must-see Beatle portrait. Extras include additional interviews.
(Cinema Guild)
Rachael Harris’ compelling presence
as a woman whose life changes forever when she tracks down her estranged stepson
gives this routine drama a tension otherwise lacking. It’s too bad that director
Robbie Pickering sets up a relationship that, despite being transformed by an
unexpected event, remains quite ordinary instead of exceptional. All of this
despite the genuine chemistry between Harris and Matt O’Leary. Extras include cast
and crew interviews.
(Sexy Intellectual)
Following an artistic desert after
the Exile on Main Street album—which still
included a Number One hit, “Angie”—the Rolling Stones replaced Mick Taylor with
Ron Wood and went on a commercial tear: Some
Girls, Emotional Rescue and Tattoo
You followed in succession, along with huge, tri-annual tours. The Stones’
pivotal eight years are recounted in a doc that assumes Rescue sucked, which is wrong. But what do rock critics know?
Vintage footage of the boys live and in the new video medium is included, giving
this unauthorized version the scent of authenticity. Extras include brief extra
interviews.
Lalo: Le Roi d’Ys
(Dynamic)
One of the hidden riches of 19th
century French opera, Edouard Lalo's 1888 drama has a trite libretto but its power comes
from wonderful melodies and showcase arias for the leads, which this recording displays.
Eric Martin-Bonnet sings the title role with savoir faire, while Giuseppina Piunti and Guylaine Girard give the female
roles serene beauty. The orchestra and chorus of the Opera Royal de Wallonie perform
well under conductor Edouard Rasquin.
(Sony Classical)
For David O. Russell’s
audience-pleaser with Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, the soundtrack is
as eclectically mixed as its protagonists. Alongside excerpts of Danny Elfman’s
score, there’s a jumble of tunes from yesterday (Stevie Wonder’s “My Cherie
Amour”) and today (“Silver Lining” by Jessie J), with little rhyme or reason
linking tracks by David Brubeck Quartet, Bob Dylan/Johnny Cash and Eagles of
Death Metal. Those who enjoyed the movie might get a kick out of hearing these
songs again.
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