New in Home Entertainment
April 26, 2016
Son of Saul
Rated R for some disturbing content, and some graphic nudity
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
In German and Hungarian with English Subtitles
This Hungarian Oscar winner for best foreign film tells the story of a nazi concentration camp worker, whose job it is to facilitate mass murder and dispose of bodies in Auschwitz, who discovers a young body he takes to be his son and does everything he can to give the young man a proper Jewish burial. With extremely well choreographed long takes that give the film a tremendous point-of-view fluidity, this is as much of an artistic enterprise as it is a powerful drama about a man losing and then doing anything he can to regain his humanity. It’s a tough film for sure, but worth the watch on multiple levels. A-
Krampus
Rated PG-13 for sequences of horror violence/terror, language and some drug material
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 66%
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
When a young boy loses his faith in Christmas during a dysfunctional family holiday visit, the demonic spirit of Krampus visits his home to wreak havoc. The first time I had ever heard of Krampus was when Rainn Wilson brought him to life on The Office several years ago, but believe it or not, he is very much a part of European folklore for families who would rather scare their kids into being good rather than incentivize them with Santa. This particular film does all the right things with a very recognizable cast and solid production. The third act is a little weird and the ending could have been better executed, but I can see warped families enjoying this one for many Christmas times to come. B-
Phoenix: The Criterion Collection Edition
Rated PG-13 for some thematic elements and brief suggestive material
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
In German with English Subtitles
Getting the Criterion treatment this month is this 2015 German film about a Jewish woman who has undergone reconstructive surgery from a bullet wound after WWII only to find no one recognizes her, including her husband. When she goes to find her husband, he not only doesn’t realize it is her, but tries to persuade her to help him pretend she is his wife so he can collect on her inheritance. This fascinating story is never dull to watch and has one of the most rewarding endings of any of last year’s films. While the plot is a bit contrived, it is never less than intriguing. B