“LADY SINGS THE BLUES”
Resistance fighter turned sleuth dedicated to tracking down stolen works, a trail that leads him to an art expert (Guy Pearce) who apparently has made such deals with Nazis ... a crime so serious at the time, a death sentence was among the possible penalties. However, the detective comes to believe the suspect may be innocent, altering the probe considerably. Ridley Scott (“Gladiator”) is among the executive producers of the film directed by Dan Friedkin; Vicky Krieps also stars. (R: AS, N, P, V) (Aso on Blu-ray
››› and On Demand)
“INSIDE AMY SCHUMER: THE COMPLETE SERIES”
A big element of Schumer’s rise to bawdyhumor stardom was this Emmy- and Peabody-honored, four-season Comedy Central show, praised regularly during its run for its inventiveness. In each episode, Schumer appears in several segments, principally as a fictionalized version of herself as she deals with (and frequently breaks) social boundaries. Dating and relationships are big topics here, and the structure of the vignettes allowed for a parade of guest stars to pass through. The many familiar faces featured include Lena Dunham, Tina Fey, America Ferrera, Paul Giamatti (“Billions”), Jeff Goldblum, siblings Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal, Bill Hader,
Jennifer Hudson, Laura Linney, Liam Neeson, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Julianne Moore, “Science Guy” Bill Nye, Dennis Quaid, Jerry Seinfeld, Michael Strahan and Chrissy Teigen.
››› (Not rated: AS, N, P)
In a role ideally suited to her, music superstar Diana Ross made a dynamic acting debut – and earned an Oscar nomination – in this compelling biography of singer Billie Holiday, making its debut on Blu-ray a year short of its 50th anniversary. As legendary as her vocal talent has remained, Holliday had a famously troubled personal life encompassing prosttution and drug abuse
... and the depth of Ross’ portrayal is all the more impressive when one considers she hadn’t really acted before. Billy Dee Williams (with whom Ross would reteam on “Mahogany”), Richard Pryor and Scatman Crothers are among other notable cast members; the Holiday song standards recreated by Ross include “My Man,” “Good Morning Heartache” and “God Bless the Child.” Deleted scenes and an audio commentary featuring Motown Records founder (and Ross mentor) Berry Gordy Jr. – who enjoyed a huge success with the film’s soundtrack album – are included. (R: AS, P)