What to Watch: Sept. 24-30, 2013 – Film Edition

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CHICAGO – We’re back with the new releases on Blu-ray, DVD, and streaming services from the last week that we think are the most interesting. Our fearless leader, Adam Fendelman, will have a lot to say about “Mr. Nobody,” now On Demand, in coming weeks and we’ll include that in next week’s What to Watch, but these are the four new Blu-ray/DVD releases that are most likely to grab your attention.

Room 237
Photo credit: IFC Films

“Room 237”

“Room 237” is a brilliant documentary because it’s not just about people who obsessively dissect film but actually recreates that feeling of going down the rabbit hole with them into their mindsets. “The Shining” is one of the most beloved horror movies ever made and any genre film with that kind of following is bound to engender detailed analysis. How detailed? You have NO idea. A great collection of special features and the fact that IFC chose to release this in HD in the first place makes this the Blu-ray release of the week.

From Pat McDonald’s theatrical review: “Get to this film if you love “The Shining,” because it enhances and explores that classic beyond what is thought possible. “Room 237” also a testament to the enduring love of Stanley Kubrick and what is possible in film theory, both in expanding the borders of conventionality and heeding the warning to “stay out.”

Special Features:
o The mstrmnd Speaks: Commentary With Kevin McLeod
o Secrets Of Thing Shining: Panel Discussion From The First Annual Stanley Film Festival
o 11 Deleted Scenes
o The Making Of The Music Featurette
o Mondo Poster Design Discussion With Artist Aled Lewis
o Trailer
o Alternate Trailers

Where to Watch: Blu-ray, DVD, Netflix, Amazon Instant Streaming, iTunes

Iron Man 3
Photo credit: Paramount

“Iron Man 3”

I’m kind of in the minority on “Iron Man 3,” a film that most people praised as it opened the Summer but for which the backlash started pretty quickly. I don’t get it. Yes, it’s a litttle clunky, but no more so than the Favreau films and the action here is much more tightly conceived and executed. Watch it again. I’d take it over “Man of Steel” any day.

From my theatrical review: ““Iron Man 3” isn’t perfect. It takes too long to get going, hits a few too many beats repeatedly, and could have been trimmed by 10-15 minutes. However, there was never an entire sequence, character development, or plot twist that felt wrong (as there has been in every other non-“Avengers” movie). And, most enjoyably, the movie takes narrative twists that you don’t see coming (most Marvel movies have been stunningly predictable).”

Special Features:
o Marvel One-Shot: Agent Carter - Original Short Film
o Marvel’s Iron Man 3: Jarvis - A Second Screen Experience
o Deconstructing The Scene: Attack On Air Force One
o Exclusive Behind-The-Scenes Look Marvel’s Thro: The Dark World
o Marvel’s Iron Man 3 Unmasked
o Gag Reel
o Deleted & Extended Scenes
o Audio Commentary By Drew Pearce & Shane Black

Where to Watch: Blu-ray, DVD, Vudu, Amazon Instant Streaming, iTunes

Redemption
Photo credit: Lionsgate

“Redemption”

So close, Jason, so close. As he does every few years, action star Jason Statham spread his wings and proved his dramatic ability. He’s quite good in this drama but the producer’s clear need to inject “Statham Action Scenes” into a movie that didn’t really need them is disappointing. It’s rare but the scenes of dialogue in this Statham film are its best.

From my theatrical review: “With Statham’s best performance since “The Bank Job,” “Redemption” nearly works. It’s one of those truly frustrating films in that there are numerous scenes & moments that work but Knight can’t quite fashion them into a whole that’s not a disappointment. But he comes damn close.”

Special Features:
o Redemption: Behind the Scenes

Where to Watch: Blu-ray, DVD, Vudu, Amazon Instant Streaming, iTunes

The Kings of Summer
Photo credit: Sony

“The Kings of Summer”

Another festival hit (it played Sundance and had its Chicago premiere at the Chicago Critics Film Festival) comes home to divisive responses. This is a comedy in the vein of “Napoleon Dynamite” in that you best be on the same wavelength with it or it will annoy you with its exaggerated sense of humor. I didn’t find a single moment of it believable and the humor wasn’t my sensibility. The supporting cast is great and I’m eager to see what some of the young cast members do next but this is for unique comedy tastes only.

From Pat McDonald’s theatrical review: “But this is a great movie to remember – or participate in – the warmth of the sun as it shines on the brief moment of youth. The longing that it can generate is all so fleeting, replaced by an occasional casual Friday and the cold air conditioned trappings of life.”

Special Features:
o Cast And Crew Commentary
o Alison Brie & Eugene Cordero On-Set Interview
o Deleted And Extended Scenes
o The Long Shot Featurette
o Frankly Speaking With Frank Toy: The Best One-Liners

Where to Watch: Blu-ray, DVD, Vudu, Amazon Instant Streaming, iTunes

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com