BluTuesday - March 24, 2015
What’s going on, ProFans? I’m taking a break from turning my attention away from the NCAA Tournament (damn you, UCLA!) to bring you the latest releases to home media for March 24, 2015. In this week’s episode, we discuss the end of an era, the story of what happens happily ever after, and a profile in courage. All comfy? Let’s get to work.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (PG-13)
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 60%
All good things must come to an end. Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) and his army of Dwarves of Erebor have succeeded in getting their riches back, but they now have to deal with a vengeful Smaug. Meanwhile, the Dark Lord Sauron (Christopher Lee) is sending his army of Orcs to attack the Lonely Mountain, and Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) finds himself in the middle of the biggest battle Middle Earth has ever seen. This film, which also stars Lee Pace, Evangeline Lilly, Ian McKellen, and the Gloriously British Benedict Cumberbatch, is available in a five disc 3D Blu-ray/Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy version, a three disc Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy version, and a two disc DVD + Digital Copy version. This film is also available in a 13 disc 3D Blu-ray/Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy version, a nine disc Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy version, and a three disc DVD + Digital Copy version as part of the Hobbit collection of movies. This movie ends one potent trilogy and sets forth the beginning of another one, and it’s certainly worth everyone’s time. This movie is also my pick of the week.
Into the Woods (PG)
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 71%
Due to a curse from a vindictive witch who lost her beauty (Meryl Streep), a baker (James Corden) and his wife (Emily Blunt) are unable to conceive a child. On their way to find items to reverse the witch’s curse, they run into Cinderella (Anna Kendrick), Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford), Rapunzel (Makenzie Mauzy), and Jack (Daniel Huttlestone), who are each trying to change their fortunes for the better. But, living happily ever after comes with a price, so be careful what you wish for; you just might get it. This musical, which also stars Chris Pine, Tracey Ullman, and Johnny Depp, is available in both a single disc Blu-ray + Digital Copy version and a single disc DVD version. This film has beautiful music, beautiful cinematography, and a haunting message. Give it a watch, but just remember that happily ever after comes with consequences.
Unbroken (PG-13)
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 51%
Based on the true story of Olympian and war hero Louis Zamperini, this film tells the story of what happens when impossible forces come in contact with an indomitable spirit. Jack O’Connell plays Zamperini, who - along with two other crewmen - survive a harrowing 47 days at sea as a result of a near-fatal crash…only to wind up as prisoners of war to the Japanese. This film, which also stars Domhnall Gleeson, Garrett Hedlund, and Jai Courteney, is available in a two disc Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy version and a single disc DVD version. Zamperini passed away last year, but through it all, his spirit was unbroken, and his story serves as an inspiration to us all.
Well, that’s all I got for this week. Got any questions or comments? Did I miss something you wanted to talk about? Feel free to hit me up in the comments section below.
Until next time…
