And you thought you had problems during the holidays.
“The Fitzgerald Family Christmas” (Magnolia Home Entertainment) has drama. Oh, yes, family drama; what’s not to identify with that at the holidays?
When an estranged father shows up 20 years later, a man must deal with old resentments, hurt feelings and anger, especially when his mother wants no part of his father. The film, written and directed by Edward Burns, deals with the real issue of forgiveness during the holiday season.
More DVDs
“Dealin’ with Idiots” (IFC Films) is a bitingly hilarious film about youth baseball, which seems so pretentious that a man whose son plays the game believes this tumultuous world would be ideal for a film. Yes, the film about a proposed film goes over wildly.
Harrison Ford, fresh off his magnificent performance in “42,” again shines during “Paranoia” (Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment) in a high-stakes espionage thriller based on the best-selling book by Joseph Finder. A company CEO hires an employee to infiltrate his rival’s company to steal trade secrets. It’s no secret that this film provides thrills at every turn.
Fox has also released eight classic films from the 1930s to 1960s, voted on by fans, to Blu-ray, including “Jesse James,” Ghost and Mrs. Muir” and “North to Alaska.”
Not to be outdone, Warner Home Video releases the incomparable “The Best Years of Our Lives” for the first time on Blu-ray Disc, as well as “The Bishop’s Wife” (Lorretta Young and Cary Grant). Bravo!
“Man of Steel” (Warner Home Video) can be purchased in many incarnations, but I suggest the Blu-ray 3D combo pack, which adds a new dimension to the film but also offers Blu-ray 2D and DVD. You can’t go wrong with this winning film.
My favorite film of the past 18 months, “Argo,” is now available in an extended edition (Warner Home Video) on Blu-ray that includes nine additional minutes, three new featurretes, a 40-page book and more.
“JFK 50 Year Commemorative Ultimate Collector’s Edition” (Warner Home Video) is the must-have Blu-ray of the fall, as it includes not only Oliver Stone’s famed movie, but also 17 additional minutes not seen in theaters, three documenateries (the brand-new “JFK Remembered: 50 Years Later” is gripping,” as well as the feature film drama “PT 109” and much more.
“Parkland” (Millennium Enterainment) recounts the chaotic events that occurred in Dallas that November day in 1963. Stars include Zac Efron and Billy Bob Thornton.
“Angry Birds Toons: Season 1, Volume 1” (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment) marries the mobile app to home entertainment , bringing to life these hilarious characters. It’s available on Blu-ray and DVD and includes “Meet the Characters” and other bonus features.
“White House Down” (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment) features Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx teaming up in an explosive action thriller about a capitol policeman trying to protect the U.S. president during a hostile takeover of the White House. More than an hour of bonus features accentuates the disc.
“Mary Poppins 50th Anniversary Edition” (Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment) flies onto Blu-ray Disc in combo pack that includes DVD and digital copy. Of course, this is perfect timing, with the soon-to-be release of “Saving Mr. Banks” that deals with Disney’s efforts on this beloved movie. This is a must-own release, to say the least.
It has been a successful fall for Disney, as previously released “Monsters University” gave viewers the option of a four-disc Blu-ray 3D combo pack or three-disc Blu-ray combo pack. Regardless, the movie is a hoot and deserves repeated play in BD players.
“Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United” (Disney, Marvel) says it all. When these characters get together, all heck breaks loose, and youngsters will be truly captivated.
“Dexter: The Complete Final Season” (Paramount Home Media Distribution) puts an exclamation point in the pulse-pounding series. All 12 episodes provide excitement and true satisfaction.
“Ice Road Truckers: Season 7” (Lionsgate) makes its way to DVD, just in time as the weather changes to treacherous wintertime. Over 30 minutes of bonus material never broadcast on TV accentuates the set.
“MADtv: Season 4” (Shout! Factory) mocks some of the year’s most popular movies and politicians, and includes guests Shaquille O’Neal and Indy’s own Vivica A. Fox.
“Magic City: Season 2” (Anchor Bay Entertainment) is magical, indeed, as gangster’s paradise is reincarnated. Excellent bonus features includefeaturettes on the music, the style and much more.
“The World’s End” (Universal Studios Home Entertainment) is available on Blu-ray combo pack in a three-movies-in-one that includes the amazing “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz.” Talk about a terrific trilogy!
“Treme: Season 3” (HBO Home Entertainment) is available for collectors who treasure entertaining bonus features. They include three “behind-Treme” featurettes, audio and music commentaries and much more.
“Stone Roses: Made of Stone” (MVD Visual) is a revealing journey through the life of the amazing British music group that re-formed in 2012 after 16 years of being apart.
“The Perfect Wedding” (Wolfe Video) has a classic comedy premise where two lovers try to ignore each other’s feelings because the plot requires them to. The acting is sublime.
“Impractical Jokers” (Warner Home Video) is side-splitting funny as comedians pretend to be a variety of different characters to impress women, ask surprising questions to customers in a pharmacy and more. And, you can catch them in Indy Dec. 7 at Old National Centre.
“7E” (Virgil Films) is a thriller in the lines of Rosemary’s Baby. Enough said.
“The Rooftop” (Well Go USA Entertainment) is a fantasy playground of music, movies and magic as a backdrop to an action comedy that pays homage to musicals of the past.
“The Beauty of the Devil” (Cohen Media Group) is master filmmaker Rene Clair’s retelling of the Faust legend. The 1950 classic is available for the first time on Blu-ray and is spectacular, to say the least.
“Casting Me” (Indiepix Films) is a hilarious comedy that, somehow, mixes “Clerks” and “40 Year Old Virgin” type of humor.
“One Direction: Reaching for the Stars” (Inception Media Group) reveals the story of how the talented young singers took the world by storm.
“Baby Peggy: The Elephant in the Room” (Milestone) is a sad, sad tale of a child actress financially abused by adults. This is a highly recommended release.
“WWE: Straight to the Top: The Money in the Bank Ladder Match Anthology” (WWE) contains every match, including John Cena and Kane. It’s a perfect stocking stuffer to any wrestling fan on your gift list.