New in Home Entertainment
January 7, 2014
We Are What We Are
Rated R for disturbing violence, bloody images, some sexuality, nudity and language
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
This remake of a little-known Mexican fright flick follows a reclusive family from the country as they try to keep up the family tradition of cannibalism. The description sounds like a B-movie, but the look and feel screams art house horror. The movie is beautifully filmed, well written and directed and the cast comes off as beyond competent, regardless of its lack of big stars. It even has a terrific score. While I didn’t find it terrifically scary, I did find it engrossing and the twisted and unforgettable ending truly caught me by surprise. Not for the weak of stomach but could easily become a cult classic and Halloween sleepover favorite. B+
Throne of Blood: Criterion Collection
Available on Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack
Japanese with English Subtitles
Akira Kurosawa’s 1957 epic vision of Shakespeare’s Macbeth places the legendary Toshiro Mifune as a warrior in feudal Japan who rises to power through corruption and murder only to be forced to face the consequences. The newly restored 2K digital transfer looks and sounds amazing, leaving a wonderful representation of the classic. What I love most about these Criterion editions though is the extreme collection of special features. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a Kurosawa film like this so special, you must check out the commentary by Japanese film expert Michael Jeck as he discusses how the film was made and the significance of seemingly minor details that come off as fascinating for the interested viewer. A-