Home Video And Streaming
New to Streaming:
The Lovebirds (2020) Writer/director Michael Showalter reteams with Kumail Nanjia, the star of his breakout hit from a few years back, The Big Sick, in this tale of a couple at the end of their road. Things take an unexpected turn when they are witness to a murder and find themselves being pursued by the murderer.
Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani in The Lovebirds
The Painter and the Thief (2020) This documentary relates the strange tale of Czechoslovakian artist, Barbora Kysilkova and what happened when she befriended the thief who swiped two of her works. Benjamin Ree directs.
The Trip to Greece (2020) After taking trips to England, Spain, and Italy over the last ten years and in three films, Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan make their fourth and final trek, this time to Greece. The two food critics bicker and eat as they have in the previous films and if you’re a fan of the duo’s adventures you’ll likely find much to enjoy here.
New to Disc:
Shout Factory:
Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead (2007) Revered director Sydney Lumet capped his incredible career at the age of 83 with this equally incredible tale of what happens when two brothers attempt to rob their parents’ jewelry store. Incredible performances abound, in particular those of the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Albert Finney. This new edition features new interviews along with carryovers from the previous release.
The Deer Hunter (1978) Shout Factory jumps into the 4K market with its first ever release on the format. This 1978 Oscar winner for Best Picture is a three hour affair depicting the lives of several men from a small town in Pennsylvania, before and after the Vietnam war. Overlong by at least an hour in my book, the film still manages to pack a pretty potent punch from time to time.
A Midnight Clear (1992) Keith Gordon wrote and directed this adaptation of William Wharton’s WWII era novel. Two groups of world weary soldiers, one German and one American, attempt to call a truce until a tragic incident alters their plans. Peter Berg and Ethan Hawke star. This release features several new extras.
Criterion:
Scorsese Shorts (1963-78) Five of the great director’s short films are presented in this set. Included are American Boy, Italianamerican, The Big Shave, What’s a Nice Girl Like You Doing in a Place Like This? And It’s Not Just You, Murray. Extras include interviews and essay booklet.
Husbands (1970) Writer-director John Cassavetes’ tale of three men (Cassavetes, Ben Gazzara, Peter Falk) in the throes of a mid-life crisis gets the deluxe treatment with new extras and a new transfer.
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