DVD Releases
Reviews By: Boo Allen
This week, we start in Sweden:
“Everlasting Moments” (****)
Although this Swedish jewel appeared only last year, The Criterion Collection is bringing it back with a new high definition digital transfer and a fully digital soundtrack. Director Jan Troell oversaw the production of this new release, a not surprising attention to detail for an artist who has released only fourteen films in 69 years. Here, Troell dips into memoir, telling the true story of Maria Larsson (Maria Heiskanen). At the turn of the 20th century, she had six children while suffering through an abusive marriage. When she and her husband win a camera, Maria uses it and discovers an outlet for personal exploration. Through a caring acquaintance, she also expands her knowledge, learning about the comedies of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, a joyous world she had never known or experienced. Often heart-breaking but ultimately uplifting film.
Not rated, 131 minutes. Disc one holds the film. Disc two includes a 28 minute “making of” featurette, a nine minute featurette on the true story of Maria Larsson, and “Troell’s Magic Mirror,” an engaging hour long documentary on the director. Plus, an 18 page booklet written by film scholar Armond White.
Repo Men” (**1/2)
Before this bleak science-fiction thriller flies off the rails, it, not accidentally, conjures up thoughts and images from such genre standards as “Blade Runner” and “Minority Report,” or anything based on a Philip K. Dick novel. Jude Law plays Remy, a repo man for The Union, a futuristic company that peddles organs to poor people, drawing them in with enticing offers and “affordable” interest payments (sound familiar?). This twist means Remy and his partner Jake (Forest Whitaker) track down the delinquents, zap them, remove their organs, and then return them to the office headed by sinister Frank (Liev Schreiber). Just about the time Remy questions the morality of his actions, irony strikes when he needs a heart and has to sign up for the usurious lending rates. When he can’t pay, he flees, picking up Beth (Alice Braga) along the way. Director Miguel Sapochnik creates a nightmarish world, filled with a harrowing mix of brutality and computer generated images.
The DVD, also on Blu-ray, comes in R-rated (113 minutes) and unrated (120 minutes) versions. The DVD includes commentary, six deleted scenes with commentary, a six minute “making of” featurette, and seven commercials for The Union. The Blu-ray version holds additional materials.
Entre Nos” (***1/2)
Another side of the immigration debate unfolds in this touching tale of Mariana (Paola Mendoza), mother of a ten year-old and a six year-old. They come to Queens, New York from Colombia to join her husband. He soon abandons her, leaving her in a strange city with little money, no skills, and unable to speak English. She valiantly struggles to care for her children, even after they are evicted from their apartment. But, they survive as a family, as she tries to sell empanadas on the street and finally resorts to collecting and selling cans. Paola Mendoza also co-wrote and co-directed, with Gloria La Morte, and loosely based the story on the immigration to America of her, Mendoza’s, mother.
Not rated, 81 minutes. The DVD includes directors’ commentary, a 15 minute “behind the scenes” featurette, a brief segment on “How to Make Empanadas,” and Mendoza’s seven minute short film “Still Standing.”
Artois the Goat” (**)
The whimsy content runs high in this ultra lightweight comedy about Virgil Gurdies (Mark Scheibmeir), a corporate type who ditches his career in quest of the greatest goat cheese in the world. Hence, somewhere along the way, he purchases Artois the goat in his pursuit. Sydney Andrews plays Angie, the love interest who spurs Virgil to these greater heights. Although “Artois” has amateurish acting, faulty production values, and a wildly uneven narrative, writing/directing brother team Kyle and Cliff Bogart show flashes of inspired creativity, hinting that their best work may lie ahead.
Not rated, 109 minutes.
Accidents Happen” (***)
Geena Davis receives top billing as Gloria Conway
in this murky family oriented comedy-drama, but it is Harrison Gilbertson as her son Billy who dominates the action and the screen. The Conway family looks fragile, with a past tragedy hanging over every action. Billy gives the film its spark, landing in good natured trouble with his friends and causing his parents grief. Andrew Lancaster directed from Brian Carbee’s script.
Rated R, 98 minutes.
Sorry kids, but it looks like a slow week:
“Barney Furry Friends”
The purple one returns with Baby Bop, BJ and other playground friends as they learn about cats and dogs. Subjects covered include guide dogs, tigers, lost cats and more.
Not rated, 65 minutes. The DVD also holds an “Animal Tracks” matching game.
In this week’s TV offerings:
“Life After People—season two”
This second season of this eerie History series continues to examine what the earth would look like if all humans evaporated. The ten episodes, on three discs, cover such topics as what would happen to the food supply, how animals would react, what would happen to our homes, and how natural forces would overwhelm the environment. The Sweetwater snake roundup, the Turin Shroud, and the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil are among the topics covered. Ample use of expert commentary, CGI footage, and excellent cinematography aid this entertaining mix of science, history and conjecture. Ominously narrated by James Lurie.
Not rated, 470 minutes.
Also on DVD: Clash of the Titans, Dog the Bounty Hunter: Crime is on the Run.
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