New On DVD is sponsored by the Toronto-based video store Eyesore Cinema, located at 801 Queen St. West (above Rotate This!). They specialize in rare, out of print, hard to find, and import titles, and will take special orders if you’re nice. They also sell magazines, posters, books, and more. If you’re in Toronto, pop in and show your support (and make sure to tell them we sent you). You can also visit them online for more info.
The Green Hornet (2011, Blu-ray) Criticize This! Pick of the Week – I might be one of the few critics that actually found something to like about Michel Gondry’s adaptation of The Green Hornet. No, it’s not great, but I liked Seth Rogen (who also wrote the screenplay with Evan Goldberg) as the spoiled rich kid Britt Reid (aka “The Green Hornet”), and Jay Chou’s Kato, “The Green Hornet’s” sidekick who knows how to do everything, was just as good as Bruce Lee’s in the original series. I also dug Christoph Waltz’s portrayal of bad guy Chudnofsky. Sure, the script could be better, but it’s close to the same vibe as the first Iron Man movie, and that’s a good thing. Of course if you don’t like Seth Rogen you should just stay far away from this since there is a lot of him onscreen.
The 1080p image on the Blu-ray release looks amazing, especially when compared to the crummy 3-D version that was in theatres. The 5.1 DTS-HD sound is also very nice. Special features include audio commentary with director Michel Gondry, Seth Rogan, producer Neal Moritz, and co-writer Evan Goldberg, deleted scenes, a gag reel, making-of featurettes, and more. Film *** Blu-ray **** (out of 5 stars).
The Dilemma (Blu-ray) – Directed by Ron Howard, The Dilemma is not half as bad as it appears to be thanks mainly to Vince Vaughn and Kevin James. The pair star as best friends Ronny (Vaughn) and Nick (James) who also happen to be in business together and are on the brink of cracking a new technology that will change the automotive industry. But when Ronny catches Nick’s wife (played by Winona Ryder) with another man, he struggles with telling Nick the news as it could get in the way of their work. That’s his dilemma. Sure, it’s silly, and some scenes are painful to get through, but it’s also quite funny and enjoyable. Jennifer Connelly, Channing Tatum, and Queen Latifah.
The image and sound on the Blu-ray release are both nice and clear, but overall this is not a title one needs to own in HD. Special features include an alternate ending, deleted scenes, a gag reel, and more. Film *** Blu-ray *** (out of 5 stars).
Also available on DVD and Blu-ray this week:
From Prada to Nada (DVD/Blu-ray)
Curling (DVD)
Drop Dead Diva: The Complete Second Season (DVD)
What Dreams May Come (Blu-ray)
