Whitney Houston film uncovers fresh truths about the singer
“Whitney” (2018, Lionsgate, R, $25) does more than re-tell Whitney Houston’s rise and tragic fall.
Sexually abused as a youngster by her cousin, Houston apparently questioned her sexuality for the rest of life, which contributed to her dependence on drugs and her decision to marry Bobby Brown. Director Kevin Macdonald employs never-before-seen archival footage, as well as candid interviews with Houston’s family, friends and business associates to create a moving portrait of a complicated woman. Extras: commentaries.
Also new to DVD
Boundaries (2018, Sony, R, $25): Not unlike its characters, the latest from “Country Strong” director Shana Feste is alternately raw and messy, sweet and goofy. Vera Farmiga stars as a single mother who agrees to drive her weed-dealing father (Christopher Plummer) across the country so he can live with her sister (Kristen Schaal) in San Francisco. Along for the ride is her oddball son (Lewis MacDougall) and a bevy of special-needs dogs that she picks up along the way. In addition to drawing sharp, unsentimental performances from her cast, Feste displays a real talent for exploring the bonds that truly connect people. Extras: featurettes.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers: Olive Signature Edition (1956, Olive, unrated, $30): The rare sci-fi classic which, 60 years after its release, can still send shivers down your spine, this gem stars Kevin McCarthy as a physician who returns home to Santa Mira, Calif., only to discover that scores of people have been replaced by emotionless duplicates. Soon McCarthy and his gal pal (Dana Wynter) unearth pods ready to steal human souls. “Invasion” was remade in 1978, 1997 and 2007, but the original is impossible to beat. Extras: commentaries and featurettes.
Trilogy of Terror (1975, Kino,
unrated, $25): Finally available on Blu-ray in a beautifully restored edition, the Dan Curtis-directed, Richard Matheson-scripted anthology TV movie ranks as one the best fright flicks of the 1970s. The late, great Karen Black stars in all three segments, each of which boasts a killer twist, and explores a woman under siege. Particularly riveting is the final segment which pivots on a single woman fighting off a Zuni fetish doll that’s sprung to life. If the last image of the movie doesn’t haunt your dreams, nothing will. Extras: commentaries and featurettes.
City Slickers: Collector’s Edition (1991, Shout Factory, PG-13, $30): New to Blu-ray, this comedy bromance follows three New Yorkers (Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, Bruno Kirby) who trade their briefcases and midlife crisises for saddlebags and the adventure of herding cattle under the New Mexico sky. While there’s a few sitcom-ish moments, director Ron Underwood makes you really care about these guys. Best of all, the movie gets better as it goes along thanks to a few nail-biting action interludes and a scene-stealing performance by Jack Palance. Extras: featurettes, commentaries and deleted scenes.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Ultimate Edition (2018, Warner, unrated, $20): Sure, you love the original Grinch TV special from 1966 starring Boris Karloff, but did you know that through the years everyone’s favorite green grump also popped up in two more TV events: “The Grinch Grinches The Cat in the Hat” and “Halloween is Grinch Night?” All three animated specials are now packaged together in a must-own Blu-ray and DVD set. Check it out before seeing the new “Grinch” movie starring Benedict Cumberbatch. Extras: none.
Documentary Now!: Seasons One and Two (2017, Mill Creek, unrated, $25): Former “Saturday Night Live” co-stars Fred Armisen and Bill Hader topline this Helen Mirrenhosted series, which lovingly spoofs some of the world’s best-known documentaries. There’s sendups of everything from rock docs, such as “Stop Making Sense,” to Robert Flaherty films like “Nanook of the North.” Nearly every one of the segments is a hoot, but top honors belong to the “Grey Gardens” parody with Armisen and Hader offering their own interpretations of Big and Little Edie Beale. Extras: none.
The Best of the Three Stooges (2018, TimeLife, unrated, $99): There have been scores of box sets showcasing Larry, Curly and Moe, but this collection from TimeLife ranks near the top of the list. Included on 13 discs are all 87 of the Columbia Pictures Shorts produced between 1934 and 1945, 28 shorts featuring the independent work of the Stooges, four Stooges feature films, animated cartoons and “Hey Moe! Hey Dad!,” a documentary series about the mirthmakers which boasts never-before-seen footage and home movies. Extras: none.