The week’s DVDs begin with an Israeli thriller:
DVDs for Feb. 28 by Boo Allen
This week, we begin in Israel:
The Debt (***1/2)
This 2007 Israeli film served as the basis for the 2011
English language film of the same name and starring Helen Mirren. The
two easily compare in quality, plot, and thematically. But since this
one originated in Israel, its connection to its Holocaust theme
strikes more resonantly. In 1964 Israel, a group of three young
Mossad agents resides in Germany where they kidnap the man known
during World War II as the “Surgeon of Birkenau.” Their plans to
take him to Israel for trial falter when he escapes. They return home
claiming they killed him and disposed of the body. Years later, in
the 1990s, they discover the man lives in Ukraine, opening the door
for one survivor to finally finish the job they began.
Not rated, 87 minutes.
You Can’t Get Away With Murder (***), Chain Lightning (**1/2), Conflict (***)
On Demand Warner Archives releases three unrated
Humphrey Bogart films spanning a decade. They represent collectively
better than individually Bogart’s impressive range and why he was and
remains the ultimate actor and movie star. In Murder
(1939, 79 minutes), he plays a tough guy, mentor to an
impressionable youngster (Billy Halop). Even when they land in jail
together, the kid cannot break the influence of the intimidating man.
Chain Lightning (1949, 95 minutes) sees Bogart as a
World War II fighter pilot who struggles after the war, reluctantly
becoming a test pilot for an aviation company and taking unnecessary
chances. Bogart plays a tortured husband in the psychological
thriller Conflict (1945, 85 minutes). He is so in love
with his wife’s sister (Alexis Smith), he murders his spouse. While
he thinks he has eluded detection, the police lay a clever trap.
Crafty and well plotted.
Dangerous Liaisons (****)–Blu-ray
Director Stephen Frears’ masterly 1988 rendition of
Christopher Hampton’s play, based on Choderlos de Laclos’ classic
French novel, arrives on Blu-ray. The glossy new transfer highlights
the excellence of James Acherson’s costumes, Stuart Craig’s
production designs, and Philippe Rousselot’s cinematography. Glenn
Close plays a manipulative French countess who enlists her former
lover (John Malkovich) to seduce a young woman (Uma Thurman) in order
to extract revenge for the two aristocrats. Entanglements ensue,
complemented by a constant litany of witty epigrams and brilliant
conversation.
Rated R, 120 minutes. The disc offers commentary from
Frears and Hampton.
Rabies (***)
In what is reportedly the first slasher-horror film from
Israel, several plot lines play out, mostly, in an isolated forest. A
serial killer has kidnapped a woman, whose brother finds help from a
group of young people out for an outing. Plus, two policeman arrive
to investigate but are drawn into the increasing carnage.
Not rated, 94 minutes.
Beneath the Darkness (***)
Dennis Quaid oozes creepiness in this psychological thriller that owes debts
both to Disturbia and Psycho. Filmed in Smithville, Texas, it centers on a group of high schoolers
who believe the house of the local undertaker (Quaid) is haunted. So,
they break into his house, are caught, and then discover the old
codger has some Norman Bates-like tendencies and really, really
doesn’t want anyone else to know.
Rated R, 96 minutes. The disc holds a brief
“behind-the-scenes” featurette.
The Catechism Cataclysm (*1/2)
A young priest, William (Steve Little), takes a vacation
but first tracks down his sister’s ex-boyfriend Robbie (Robert
Longstreet) and harangues him into going on a canoe trip with him,
immediately making the plot ridiculous. On the outing, the two meet
up with an oddball trio who make no sense either except in an attempt
to add to the film’s contrived quirkiness.
Not rated, 81 minutes. The disc offers commentary, four
minutes of outtakes, and a separate short film.
Bounty Hunters (**1/2)
The chiseled body, and face, of Trish Stratus, seven time WWE (worldwrestlingentertainment
if anyone cares) Women’s champion, stars as one of three
members of the Bounty Enforcement Agency, i.e., bounty hunters. While
returning a small time drug dealer to custody, the trio confronts an
offer from a mob boss for the prisoner for a million dollars. Their
dilemma to accept results in several high action sequences.
Grudgingly entertaining.
Rated R, 79 minutes. The DVD includes a brief
“behind-the-scenes” featurette and a five minute interview with
Stratus.
And, for kids this week:
The Lorax—Dr. Seuss’ Deluxe Edition
In this beloved TV special, Dr. Seuss’ Lorax speaks for
the trees against the mean Once-ler, enemy of the forest.
Not rated, 25 minutes. The DVD, also in Blu-ray combo
packs, includes two classic Dr. Seuss animated shorts: “Pontoffel
Pock and his Magic Piano” and “Butter Battle Book.” Plus: a
“Voice of the Trees” featurette.
Bob the Builder: Here to Help
Bob and his Can-Do crew return to help in a big way,
with more teamwork, as seen in the five episodes.
Not rated, 55 minutes. The DVD also contains a game and
two music videos.
Thomas and Friends: Movie Pack
Three Thomas films highlight this set: Hero of the
Rails, The Great Discovery, Calling All Engines. Each feature
runs about an hour and includes individual supplements, such as
games, deleted scenes, music video, and even a “behind-the-scenes”
featurette with Pierce Brosnan.
Also on DVD: Baba Yaga, Hugo, I Melt With You, JohnnyEnglish Reborn, Tomboy.