The shelves will be stocked on June 17 with an interesting mix of must-own family films, a couple sleepers, great gifts for nerds of all types, and a very interesting contribution from the Icelandic Phallological Museum.
“The Grand Budapest Hotel” – Wes Anderson’s eighth directorial effort features one of the most amazing casts in recent memory, Ralph Fiennes in what many are calling his best role, glorious symmetry, and Adrien Brody’s eyebrows. The film has a solid 92% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, and the blu-ray will include several featurettes.
“The LEGO Movie” – It’s not often that I buy a movie without seeing it, but this one definitely meets the criteria. It’s got a stellar voice cast, a quest, a ragtag group of characters, and literally every single person I have spoken with who did see the movie reports that it’s on their “best-of” list. It’s currently holding a 96% fresh rating. Special features include several featurettes, commentary, a sing-along, deleted scenes and outtakes. And if you don’t like outtakes from animated films I’m just gonna have to break up with you.
“Ernest and Celestine” – I saw every single feature-length film that was nominated for an Oscar this year, except this one. French animation isn’t exactly a money maker in my hometown, sadly, so while I might not be waiting at my local retailer for the doors to open, I am super excited that this film’s home release has arrived. The blu-ray will include a making-of featurette, animatics of the storyboards, and interview with co-director Benjamin Renner, and most importantly, the original French audio track. Can’t wait to feast my eyes on this delicate animation.
“Joe” – While it’s true that French animation doesn’t play to big numbers here, Nic Cage action usually does. “Joe,” however, would seem to be a return to really awesome and slightly weird Nic Cage. It was a quiet release that holds a respectable 86% fresh score and was helmed by David Gordon Green, whose noteworthy credits include “Pineapple Express” and “Eastbound and Down.” Well I’m officially intrigued. This disc will include director, composer and actor commentary, a featurette and deleted scenes.
“Walk of Shame” – I love you, Elizabeth Banks. Like, a lot. Add that to the fact that I’ve somehow convinced myself that getting movies from Netflix means I’m basically watching them for free (no, I can’t walk you through that logic don’t even ask) and I might queue this one up one day. But this movie got some pretty vitriolic critic responses and is only grabbing a 13% on Rotten Tomatoes. To put that in perspective, “The Room” has a 33% score. But if you absolutely want to give Banks mad support or your just a huge fan of the Stephen Brill oevre, let me know how this one pans out, yeah?
“Teen Wolf,” Season Three Part Two – One of my greatest pet peeves is DVD releases that arrive one week after a season premiere. How am I supposed to get my binge-watch on to get psyched? Thankfully, Mtv is considerate of my needs and release its most recent Teen Wolf installment one week before season four premieres. If you need me, I will be deep in a Hale hole.
“House of Cards,” Season Two – because Netflix is too stingy to stream their special features.
“Wilfred,” Season Three – I don’t know you guys. This show is about nerdy Frodo and his neighbor’s dog that manifests as a dude with an Australian accent in furry suit and it just makes me uncomfortable.
“Regular Show,” Season Three – You know what? It’s totally OK to tell yourself this is for your kids while you know well and good it’s for the weekend they’re at Grandma’s and you can bust out the glass bong. I will cosign that for you.
“Masterpiece Mystery!: The Escape Artist” – My interest in this series hinges solely on whether it is British David Tennant or Original Scottish Flavor. I kid, mostly, as I was raised without cable on PBS and Masterpiece works, and they’ve been superior quality for as long as I can remember.
Brace thyselves for the Criterion releases.
Judex is available for the first time on DVD/Blu-ray, and if you’re a fan of tales of illusionists, masked crusaders, if you like the noir, or are just generally into things that are awesome, check this movie out. The features read like a syllabus to a French Cinema class (but, like, in a good way) and this one holds an impressive 100% score over at Rotten Tomatoes. Check this one out.
Hearts and Minds – Peter Davis’s Vietnam documentary will not be easy to watch, but it’s an important piece of cinema and a stark eye on American history. The Criterion release will include a commentary from Davis and over two hours of his unused footage. Criterion calls this “the most important non-fiction film ever made about this devastating period in history.”
“Picnic at Hanging Rock” – Have you not seen this movie? Oh my god, remedy that tout de suite. Director Peter Weir has made many more financially successful films, but this one will always top my list and the Criterion release notes already have me making with the grabby hands. The film received a high definition transfer, supervised by Weir, an interview with the director, and a new featurette as well as a documentary from 1975 featuring the director and the source author.
Oh! I almost forgot the Icelandic penis documentary!
“The Final Member” – Seriously. I apologize for making jokes, because this actually sounds fascinating. We’re introduced to the Icelandic Phallological Museum, the only museum in the world dedicated to perfectly preserved penile specimens. The museum is currently lacking a human specimen, however, and the documentary follows two men in competition to be named donor.
Anything on this list you’re super excited to see? Any recommendations to buy or borrow? Share your thoughts and shopping lists with us below!