DVD and Blu-ray Releases for August 19th, 2014

August 19, 2014

There are a number of big releases on this week's list, especially if you like TV on DVD. However, there are not a lot of releases in total. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is the biggest release by a wide margin, but it is not the best. For that honor, I would have to chose Boardwalk Empire: Season 4 on Blu-ray.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 - Buy from Amazon: DVD, 3D Combo Pack, Amazon Exclusive Gift Set
One of the biggest hits of the summer, but still not as big of a hit as some were expecting. The film earned mixed reviews and a lot of people think this reboot will crash long before the planned six movies are finished. There are plenty of extras on the DVD / Blu-ray, including audio commentary track, deleted scenes, and a feature-length making of documentary. Personally, I'm waiting to see if the next installment is better before investing any more money in this franchise.

Blu-ray Releases - Buy from Amazon: Leviathan, Like Water for Chocolate, Mayo Chiki: Complete Collection, The Sacrament, Sorceress, Spirits: Live - Live at the Buckhead Theater, Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! (Criterion Collection), and Y tu mamá también (Criterion Collection)
Not a lot of secondary Blu-ray releases, but there are two Criterion Collections that are worth picking up.

3D Blu-ray Releases - Buy from Amazon: The Amazing Spider-Man 2 or The Amazing Spider-Man 2: Gift Set
Only one movie is coming out on 3D this week, but it is one of the biggest releases of the summer, so it should sell well.

Boardwalk Empire: Season 4 - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-ray
You know a TV show has earned a lot of critical acclaim when it needs a separate Wikipedia page for its award nominations and wins. This season has won as many Awards this year as some years past. Additionally, HBO puts out great Blu-ray releases, so it has to be seen as a contender for Pick of the Week.

The Boxcar Children - Buy from Amazon
There are no reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, but the Dove Foundation logo is prominently displayed, so you know the target demographic here.

A Brony Tale - Buy from Amazon
A documentary about the Brony community as told by some members of said community, as well as Ashleigh Ball, who is one of the lead actors in the cartoon. Is it worth checking out for fans of the show? Is it worth checking out for those who have never seen the show? Check out our review to find out.

Cas & Dylan - Buy from Amazon
A Canadian film that earned mixed reviews and I don't think it even earned a limited release in the States. The performances earned praise, but the critics complained the script was too formulaic to stand out. If you like the two leads, then it is worth a rental.

Note: This DVD made its home market debut on the 22nd of July.

Dom Hemingway - Buy from Amazon: Blu-ray
Jude Law stars as the titular Dom Hemingway, a safe-cracker who just got out of jail and tried to get what is owed him. The reviews were mixed and it struggled to find an audience in theaters. Is it worth checking out now that it is out on the home market? Read our review for my opinion.

Fading Gigolo - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-ray
Written, directed, and starring John Turturro. The film only earned mixed reviews, but still did relatively well in limited release. The only extras are an audio commentary track and deleted scenes, but that's not bad for a limited release.

Go For Sisters - Buy from Amazon
This film earned good reviews, but not great reviews, and it struggled to find an audience in theaters. It is definitely worth checking out, especially if you like writer / director John Sayles.

The Good Wife: Season 5 - Buy from Amazon
This show has earned great reviews but has never been a huge hit on TV, at least not compared to other CBS shows. Additionally, the average age of is viewer is over 60, so advertisers can't be enthusiastic about the show. I'm a little surprised it has stuck around this long.

Jarhead 2: Field of Fire - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-ray
A screener for this movie showed up on Monday, but I won't be able get to it for a review, so it will be featured on this week's Box Office Prediction contest.

The Millers: Season 1 - Buy from Amazon
Will Arnett stars as Nathan Miller. When he tells his parents he got a divorce, they think that was a great idea and get divorced as well, then decide to move in with him and his sister. The reviews weren't good, but the ratings were strong enough to earn a renewal.

The Mindy Project: Season Two - Buy from Amazon
If you are a fan of this show, buy a copy on DVD immediately. The ratings were so weak that it barely earned a renewal. If you haven't seen it, its reviews are excellent and it is not the kind of show that you have to worry about ending on a cliffhanger, so it is worth checking out. This is especially true for fans of Mindy Kaling.

NCIS: Season Eleven - Buy from Amazon There were big changes in the cast this year. Additionally, it is a show that has been on TV for more than a decade. Did these changes hurt the show? Is the show starting to show its age? Read our review to find out.

Newhart: Season 4 - Buy from Amazon
We are at the halfway point of this series, which is considered one of the best sitcoms of the 1980s. There's nothing in terms of extras, but it is a very cheap DVD release and worth the price.

Once Upon A Time: Season 3 - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-ray
I'm still waiting for a screener for this TV on DVD release. I don't think it was as good as it was last season, partially because the showrunners were spread between this show and its spin-off. I have decided to remain cautiously optimistic.

Only Lovers Left Alive - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-ray
Great cast, great reviews, and a good run in limited release. Extras include a making of featurette, deleted scenes, and more. It is definitely worth picking up.

Parenthood: Season 5 - Buy from Amazon
This show is five seasons old? Wow. This is the second TV show based on the movie of the same name. It is a great show, but it is on NBC, so no one is watching it. The sixth will be the show's final season, and it is a shortened season, so fans will want to buy this DVD to get caught up in time to give the show a sendoff.

Parks & Recreation: Season 6 - Buy from Amazon
Like a lot of NBC shows, this one is earning great reviews, but bad ratings. It has been renewed for one more season, but that season doesn't begin till the fall. If you have been a fan of the show till now, it is easily worth picking up and if you haven't seen it yet, give it a try.

The Quiet Ones - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-ray
This film earned weak reviews and completely bombed at the box office, but the extras are better than expected with an audio commentary track, making of featurette, deleted scenes, outtakes, and more. It still isn't worth picking up, but if you are a fan of the genre, it might be worth a rental.

Revolution: Season 2 - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-ray Combo Pack
The second and final season of this show hits the home market this week. The reviews were good, but not good enough to recommend buying, because the show doesn't get a good resolution, because it was canceled.

Rosemary's Baby - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-ray
I think a screener for this TV miniseries is on its way. The reviews are not encouraging.

Scooby-Doo: Frankencreepy - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-ray Combo Pack
The latest DVD release from one of the longest running franchises ever. There are no reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, but I checked online and it seems to be earning middle of the road reviews. If you like the other recent releases, then you will likely like this one as well.

Note: This DVD made its home market debut on the 5th.

Sofia the First: The Enchanted Feast - Buy from Amazon
This TV show got off to a great start and was an instant hit. It has now been renewed for a third season. What episodes are found on the latest DVD releases? And is it worth picking up? Check out our review to find out.

Toy Story of Terror - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-ray
I misfiled this Blu-ray and accidentally reviewed it a week early. If you are a regular reader, then you've probably read the review already. If not, now's your chance.


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Filed under: DVD and Blu-ray Releases, Home Market Releases, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, The Quiet Ones, Dom Hemingway, Go For Sisters, Fading Gigolo, Only Lovers Left Alive, The Boxcar Children, Jarhead 2: Field of Fire, Jude Law, Will Arnett, John Sayles, John Turturro, Mindy Kaling, Ashleigh Ball