BluTuesday - March 4, 2014
Hey there, ProFans! Joseph here, and I’m taking a break from letting the good times roll to bring you the latest in home media releases for March 4, 2014. In this week’s episode, we talk about returning to Panem, an Academy Award winner, the Doctor, a Spike Lee joint, Paul Walker, and freaky animation. We have a jam-packed week in front of us, so let’s do this.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (PG-13) - March 7
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 89%
Based on the best-selling second novel of Suzanne Collins’ award-winning trilogy, with a screenplay by Simon Beaufoy and Michael DeBruyn and directed by Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend), The Hunger Games: Catching Fire begins as, against all odds, Katniss and her fellow tribute Peeta have returned home after surviving The Hunger Games. Winning means they must turn around, leaving their loved ones behind and embark on a “Victory Tour” through the districts. Along the way, Katniss senses a rebellion simmering – one that she and Peeta may have sparked. At the end of the Victory Tour, President Snow announces a deadly 75th Hunger Games that could change Panem forever. This movie comes in both a two-disc Bluray/DVD + Digital Copy version and a single disc DVD version. It’s always fun to return to familiar haunts, and this is no exception. Plus, it stars Jennifer Lawrence; everyone loves Jennifer Lawrence. It’s also one of the last movies that Philip Seymour Hoffman performed in, so there’s that. I don’t have a witty segue for this, so let’s just move on.
12 Years a Slave (R)
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 96%
Based on an incredible true story of one man’s fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty, as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist will forever alter his life. This movie comes in both a single-disc Bluray + Digital Copy version and a single-disc DVD version. We’re fresh from the Oscars, so we are all aware that this film won Best Supporting Actress for Lupita Nyong’o, Best Adapted Screenplay for John Ridley, and Best Picture. We’re also aware that our very own ProFan John loved it. However, much like I said with Fruitvale Station, I will buy this, but I will NEVER, EVER WATCH IT. That being said, this is most certainly my pick of the week, and it isn’t even close.
Doctor Who: The Time of the Doctor
“Love from Gallifrey, boys!”
In this hugely anticipated follow-up to the record breaking Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special, we bid adieu to Eleventh Doctor Matt Smith and welcome Peter Capaldi (The Thick of It, The Hour) in his first televised appearance as the new Doctor. Orbiting a quiet backwater planet, the massed forces of the universe’s deadliest species gather, drawn to a mysterious message that echoes out to the stars. And amongst them - the Doctor. Rescuing Clara from a family Christmas dinner, the Time Lord and his best friend must learn what this enigmatic signal means for his own fate and that of the universe. This landmark episode is bound to be a thrilling adventure for the ages. This episode comes in both a single-disc Bluray version and a single-disc DVD version. John summed up our feelings on this episode fairly well, plus we at Project Fandom love anything from the BBC, so this is a no-brainer. Buy this episode, and watch your kidneys.
Oldboy (R)
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 44%
From director Spike Lee comes this chillingly dark tale of vengeance bursting with unforgettable twists and turns. Kidnapped and kept in solitary confinement for 20 years, Joe Doucett (Brolin) has suddenly been set free without a word of explanation. Obsessed with finding those who imprisoned him, Doucett wreaks havoc upon his captors, unaware his freedom is part of a plan and his true punishment’s about to begin. Starring Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, and Sharlto Copley. This movie comes in both a single-disc Bluray version and a single-disc DVD version. I’ve always been conflicted about remakes, and this one was no exception to the rule. It’s odd, but it’s incredibly brutal. Have at it, folks.
Hours (R)
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 61%
Nolan Hayes (Paul Walker) arrives at a New Orleans hospital with his pregnant wife, Abigail (Genesis Rodriguez), who has gone into early labor. Things quickly spiral out of control when the birth goes tragically wrong and Hurricane Katrina hits, ravaging the hospital and forcing an evacuation. With his baby dependent on a ventilator and no one around to help, Nolan faces one life-and-death decision after another and must fight to keep his daughter alive. This movie is only available in a DVD + Digital Copy version. This movie is the penultimate film that Paul Walker did, but it’s pretty intense. Give it a go.
Venture Bros: Complete Season Five
The wait for Venture Brothers Complete Season 5 Blu-ray and DVD is over. Releasing with all 8 episodes from Season 5 and packed with special features, fans will be thrilled when they watch Hank, Dean, Doctor Venture, and Brock as they are pushed in fun and unpredictable new directions. This season comes in both a single-disc Bluray version and a two-disc DVD version. This series is just so weird that you can’t not watch it. So…watch it, already!
Well, that’s all for this week. Got any questions or comments? Did I miss anything you wanted to talk about? Feel free to hit me up in the comments section below.
Until next time…
