Lots of new releases hit the home video market this week, including an Oscar-nominated Steven Spielberg film, a much talked-about period piece about women’s voting rights, and another acclaimed series from HBO, among other things. Read on for details:
Oscar Isaac stars in HBO’s based-on-true-events miniseries about a dispute over public housing in the middle class neighborhoods of Yonkers, New York. The season box set comes with a behind-the-scenes featurette.
Mélanie Laurent’s Certified Fresh sophomore directorial effort centers on a shy high schooler who befriends a new student with a rebellious streak, only to find herself at odds with her new friend when she discovers a secret about her. Only available on DVD, which comes with interviews with Laurent and her two young stars, a Q&A from the New York premiere, and a short film.
Steven Spielberg’s Certified Fresh Cold War drama, which is up for a six Oscars (including Best Picture), stars Tom Hanks as an attorney brought in to negotiate the release of a U2 pilot who was shot down over Russia. Special features include four featurettes on the history of the real story and the U2 spy plane.
Henry Rollins stars in this horror comedy about a grizzled depressive who literally cannot expire. Also available only on DVD, and information on extras is unavailable.
The fifth and final season of TNT’s popular sci-fi series comes to DVD and Blu-ray this week, along with farewell interviews with the cast and crew and a retrospective look at the series. However, the complete series is also available in a ten-disc set with tons more bonus content.
Simon Pegg and Lake Bell star in this Certified Fresh romantic comedy about two mismatched people who end up on a date together after a case of mistaken identity. Extras include interviews with Pegg and Bell, a gag reel, and a making-of featurette.
Carey Mulligan and Helena Bonham Carter star in this historical drama about the fiery campaign for women’s voting rights in Great Britain. Special features include cast and crew interviews, a look at the visual effects utilized in recreating the period, and a making-of doc.
This animated omnibus film dramatizes the poems from celebrated Lebanese-American writer’s widely read eponymous collection of poetry. Bonus content includes an animatic, interviews with the various filmmakers, and a making-of featurette.
Cate Blanchett and Robert Redford star in this political drama about Dan Rather’s final days as CBS news anchor and the election-related controversy that blemished the end of his career in 2004. Extras include deleted scenes, a commentary track, two featurettes, and a Q&A with Blanchett, co-star Elisabeth Moss, and director James Vanderbilt.
Julianne Moore and Ellen Page star in this drama about a woman who is stymied by community officials from receiving the government pension bequeathed to her by her long-term partner. The Blu-ray comes with a commentary track, two featurettes, and the Oscar-winning documentary short upon which the film was based.
Ashley Judd and Patrick Wilson star in this romantic comedy about a small-town woman who fends off a would-be suitor and discovers a startling family secret. Special features include a cast Q&A, interviews, and more.
Sandra Bullock and Billy Bob Thornton star in this political satire about two campaign strategists with a history who find themselves on opposite sides of a foreign election. The one bonus feature included is a piece on Bullock’s involvement in changing the film’s lead role from male to female.
Vin Diesel and Elijah Wood star in this action fantasy — based on a Dungeons & Dragons character he created — about an immortal witch hunter out for revenge after a close friend is killed. Extras include a handful of animated short films and a half-hour long behind-the-scenes doc.
Bill Murray stars in Barry Levinson’s true story about rock manager Richie Lanz, who attempts to make a star out of a Pashtun teenager he happens upon while stranded in Afghanistan. Special features include a look at the real Richie Lanz and Bill Murray doing some rock stuff hismelf.
