New on DVD:
This week’s new DVD releases feature stories of people so determined to accomplish a goal there is nothing that will stand in their way.
“Last Flag Flying”: Richard Linklater’s “Last Flag Flying” is a marvelous tale of friendship, family, duty, respect, pain and fear that comes to life through the sterling performances by Steve Carell, Laurence Fishburne and Bryan Cranston.
In 2003, former Navy Corps medic Richard “Doc” Shepherd (Carell) tracks down ex-Marines Sal (Cranston) and Mueller (Fishburne), two men with whom he served with during the Vietnam War 30 years earlier. Shepherd hasn’t seen the two men for decades but enlists them in the solemn duty of helping him transport and bury his son, a young Marine killed in the Iraq War. Although both men have gone on to very different lives, they finally agree to help.
Watching Cranston, Fishburne and Carell give life to Linklater’s words is like getting to watch three master painters at work. Each attacks the canvas with a very different style, but what they create together is made stronger by the other.
It would have been easy for Linklater to make this an antiwar film or a pro-military production. There are moments when both are discussed with a kick-to-the-gut frankness, but the big ticket political items always give way to the very human aspects of the story. It is through this weird trip that all three men face the reality that they are carrying burdens and finally realize the load is not nearly as heavy when shared.
“In Search of Fellini”: The film follows Lucy, a young woman (Ksenia Solo) who has lived a sheltered life going on a journey to meet the Italian filmmaker.
On her own for the first time, Lucy must learn to find herself while also searching for Fellini. Maria Bello and Beth Riesgraf also star.
Writer Nancy Cartwright’s (”The Simpsons”) journey to Italy in an attempt to meet the famed director was not only the inspiration for the film, but was turned into a one-woman stage production Cartwright performed for years.
This sweet story that has been put to film shows the passion Cartwright found for the 1954 Federico Fellini film “La Strada” that started a three-decade journey that resulted in the story of what it means to be deeply passionate about something.
Also coming out on DVD Jan. 30
“Ray Donovan: The Fifth Season”: Los Angeles’ pre-eminent fixer is heading into uncharted territory and will soon discover that some damage can’t be controlled.
“Legend of the Naga Pearls”: Descendant of ancient winged tribe goes on a journey to find magical pearls.
“Steven Universe: The Complete First Season”: Cartoon Network’s Emmy-nominated and critically acclaimed animated series will arrive on DVD with all 52 episodes.
“East West 101, Series 1”: Don Hany stars as a devout Muslim trying to prove himself as a detective in a post-9/11 world.
“Rendel: Dark Vengeance”: Dark avenger is born when an untested vaccine is launched.
“Boo 2! A Madea Halloween”: When Brian’s (Tyler Perry) daughter sneaks off to a party at a haunted campground, Madea sets out to bring her back.
“Napping Princess”: Director Kenji Kamiyama’s animated tale of a young girl who often enters a dream-world called Heartland full of fantastic motorized contraptions.
“Professor Marston and the Wonder Women”: Based on the true superhero origin story behind the creation of the comic book character Wonder Woman in 1941. Luke Evans stars.
“The Square”: Charismatic surgeon must re-evaluate his life.
“God’s Own Country”: Young sheep farmer fights with loneliness.
“My Art”: Laurie Simmons plays an artist who jumps at the chance to rekindle her passions for the arts. New on Digital HD Jan. 30 “Roman J. Israel, Esq.”: Denzel Washington plays a lawyer struggling to make changes after a major event in his life. Will be released on DVD Feb. 13.
“Wonder”: Boy born with facial deformities deals with life through the support of his family. Owen Wilson stars. Will be available on DVD Feb. 13.