New in Home Entertainment
March 26, 2012
Lincoln
Rated PG-13 for an intense scene of war violence, some images of carnage and brief strong language
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Arguably Steven Spielberg’s best film since Saving Private Ryan, Lincoln tells the story of the last days of Lincoln’s life, and possibly the greatest, as he attempts to get congress to ratify the 14th Amendment, and thus emancipating the slaves. Masterfully acted by Oscar winning legend Daniel Day Lewis with several other terrific performances including Tommy Lee Jones and Sally Field, Lincoln is a showcase worthy of winning the big trophy this year. I am not alone in my belief that the the only reason it lost the Oscar to Argo was that Ben Affleck did not get nominated for best director and the Academy revolted. This really is an historical masterpiece that will be enjoyed and studied for decades to come. A+
A Royal Affair
Rated R for sexual content and some violent images
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Danish with English Subtitles
Yet another historical drama is this Oscar-nominated foreign film about a young queen who has an affair with the insane Danish King Christian VII’s royal physician. With a wonderful narrative and stunning production values, A Royal Affair proves to be engrossing and fascinating while still attempting to be as historically accurate as possible. Unlike it’s very similar cousin, Anna Karenina (Alicia Vikander stars in both), this film doesn’t come off as depressing in spite of its dark subject matter. A
Badlands: The Criterion Collection
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Terrence Malick (Tree of Life) came on the scene in a big way with this crime drama based on the Starkweather-Fugate killing spree of 1958. Essentially breaking the careers of Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek, as well as Malick’s own, Badlands is an almost ethereal retelling of a horrible event in the most beautiful of ways. I would have loved to have seen a commentary show up with the set, but the many special features do give good cause to watch. Among them is a new documentary with Sheen, Spacek and Art Director Jack Fisk as well as a 1993 episode of the television program American Justice which shows the real events of the killing spree and makes you thankful that this movie wasn’t made to be as violent or disturbing as the real events. B+
Veep: The Complete First Season
Rated TV-MA
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Julia Louis-Dreyfus is the vain, shallow and disrespected Vice President in this new HBO hit comedy. You really hope that this is not an accurate representation of our nation’s leaders, but unfortunately you get the feeling it probably isn’t far from the truth. That being said, the show is one of the best new comedies I’ve seen since Modern Family. There are moments when I laughed myself silly and had to rewind to hear the dialog over my own guffaws. The show’s biggest fault is that there are not enough episodes. Good thing Season Two starts up in April. A-
Star Trek Enterprise: Season One
Available on Blu-ray
Taking place over a hundred years before Kirk and Spock joined Starfleet, Star Trek Enterprise, or merely “Enterprise” to most Trekkies, is an excellent representation of the franchise that kept most fans very happy. Starring Quantum Leap’s Scott Bakula as captain Jonathan Archer, the show worked largely because of the scaled down technology and the fact that they are just getting around to going to where no man has gone before. Sure this one is probably mostly for the fans, but it is still entertaining for those of us who don’t attend the conventions as well. B