08/30/11 Recommended New Releases

This week I have a handful of recommendations among the titles hitting shelves, plus a title released last week that I unfortunately overlooked. Also, from now on I will include trailers, when available, for each recommendation:

In a Better World (Susanne Bier, 2010) - Earlier this year, renowned director Susanne Bier's latest film won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film; today the Sony Pictures Classics release arrives on home video. The official synopsis reads: "Anton is a doctor who commutes between his home in an idyllic town in Denmark, and his work at an African refugee camp. In these two very different worlds, he and his family are faced with conflicts that lead them to difficult choices between revenge and forgiveness. Anton and his wife Marianne, who have two young sons, are separated and struggling with the possibility of divorce. Their older, ten-year-old son Elias is being bullied at school, until he is defended by Christian, a new boy who has just moved from London with his father, Claus. Christian's mother recently lost her battle with cancer, and Christian is greatly troubled by her death. Elias and Christian quickly form a strong bond, but when Christian involves Elias in a dangerous act of revenge with potentially tragic consequences, their friendship is tested and lives are put in danger. Ultimately, it is their parents who are left to help them come to terms with the complexity of human emotions, pain and empathy."

Format: Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack - It is a bit disheartening that most of the spectacular films being released under the Sony Pictures Classics banner are only available in this expensive combo format, as it certainly keeps these works from reaching a wider audience. It is available for $29.99 at Best Buy, and Amazon has it for just $1.00 more.

The Perfect Host (Nick Tomney, 2010) - A feature-length remake of his own short film marks the directorial debut for Nick Tomney. Clayne Crawford stars as John Taylor, a criminal in need of a place to lay low after a bank robbery. Short on time and options, John knocks on the door of one Warwick Wilson (David Hyde Pierce), posing as a friend of a friend who is new in town and has been mugged, leaving him empty-handed. Warwick, who is about to throw one of his impeccably-prepared dinner parties, invites John inside. Just when he thinks he has the upper hand, however, John discovers that his host is not quite what he appears to be.

Format: DVD or Blu-ray - The supplements are identical (typical of a Magnolia Pictures release) and the price difference is minuscule between the two formats, rendering it a matter of personal preference. Walmart stores are carrying the DVD for $13.00; Amazon has the DVD and Blu-ray available for $14.99 and $15.99, respectively.

Wrecked (Michael Greenspan, 2011) - Another directorial debut, this one from IFC Midnight. Adrien Brody stars as a man who wakes up inside a wrecked car out in the middle of the woods; in the car with him are two dead passengers, a gun, and a lot of money. With no recollection of who he is or how he got there, he simultaneously struggles to make his way to safety and to remember what happened.

Format: DVD or Blu-ray - Again, identical supplements and minor price differences make this a matter of preference. Walmart stores are carrying the DVD for $13.00; Amazon has the DVD and Blu-ray available for $12.99 and $14.99, respectively.

Cell 211 (Daniel Monzón, 2009) - During the orientation for his new job as a prison guard, a freak accident renders Juan Oliver (Alberto Amman) unconscious. While the other guards wait for a doctor to arrive, a riot breaks out led by a prisoner named Malamadre (Luis Tosar), and Juan is left behind in a cell. When Juan awakens to the chaos, he poses as in inmate in order to survive - an act that has potentially grave consequences.

Format: DVD - Only available on DVD. Amazon has it for $19.99.

House M.D. Season 7 - The most recent season of the hit television series, starring Hugh Laurie in the titular role, is available today.

Format: DVD - The Blu-ray format does contain an exclusive Picture-in-Picture feature for the entire season, but it does not strike me as a supplement worth the higher price tag. The DVD version is available in stores at Best Buy and on Amazon for $36.99.











And here is overlooked title from last week:

Cold Fish (Sion Sono, 2010) - The latest from the director of Suicide Club and Tokyo Gore Police. The official synopsis from the DVD release: "When Shamoto's teenage daughter was caught stealing, a generous middle-aged man helps to resolve the situation. The man and his wife offer to have Shamoto's daughter work at their fish store. Shamoto soon discovers the horrific truth of the seemingly perfect couple...who force him to get his hands dirty in their brutal business. Inspired by true events, Cold Fish is a bloodcurdling suspense drama that unveils the underlying insanity of an ordinary man."

Format: DVD - Only available on DVD. Walmart stores are carrying the title for $15.00; Amazon has it for $15.99.