What to Watch: Nov. 3-9, 2013

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CHICAGO – Another week of a hodge podge of new Blu-ray, DVD, and streaming releases that we call What to Watch. Looking for something new? Something very old? Something rare? Something from TV? There’s a little bit of everything and even a story about porn too. Check it out, ranked in how interesting I find them.

Intolerance
Photo credit: Cohen Media Group

“Intolerance”

“Intolerance” would be a massive, amazing undertaking in 2013. Can you even put in perspective what it was like 100 years ago? Arguably one of the most important and influential silent films ever made, “Intolerance” runs almost three hours and covers centuries of storytelling. It’s a fascinating film both in the history of cinema and the way it addressed cultural concerns of the time. Cohen Media Group continues to expertly restore and highlight great films. They’re quickly rising the ranks of the most important Blu-ray studios working today.

Synopsis:
In this cinematic milestone, director D.W. Griffith utilized enormous sets and thousands of extras in order to stage his cinematic exploration of Intolerance and it’s terrible effects throughout history - from Ancient Babylon and Biblical Judea to Medieval Paris and Modern America.

Special Features:
o The Fall Of Babylon And Mother And The Law Accompanied By New Scores By The Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra
o 2013 Bonus Featurette With Historian Kevin Brownlow
o New Essays By Cineaste Editor Richard Porton and Historian William M. Drew
o Theatrical Re-Release Trailer

Where to Watch: Blu-ray

Where to Watch Not Remastered: Netflix, Amazon Instant Streaming, Vudu, iTunes

Released: The Human Rights Concerts 1986-1998
Photo credit: Shout Factory

“Released: The Human Rights Concerts 1986-1998”

We try to include one hard-to-find, unique release every week and this edition’s is a glorious package that features hours of live music from some of the most talented artists of the last century. The Boss, Peter Gabriel, Joni Mitchell, U2, and many more in footage from Amnesty International concerts that have never been on DVD before. This would make a great gift for music fans in your family this holiday season and is only available on DVD.

Synopsis:
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization Amnesty International presented the legendary Human Rights Concerts between 1986 and 1998 to raise consciousness and funds for the worldwide struggle for human rights. Now they are “RELEASED!”

6 DVDs packed with historic live concert performances and extra features!

1986: A Conspiracy of Hope
5 hours including over 50 songs by U2 The Police Peter Gabriel, Bryan Adams Joni Mitchell Miles Davis Jackson Browne Joan Baez & Aaron Neville Joan Armatrading Lou Reed and more!

1988: Human Rights Now!
3 hours including 19 songs by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Sting Peter Gabriel Youssou N Dour Tracy Chapman and more!

1990: An Embrace of Hope
71 minutes including 10 songs by Sting Sinead O’Connor Jackson Browne Peter Gabriel Wynton Marsalis and more!

1998: The Struggle Continues…
2 1/2 hours including 28 songs by Radiohead Bruce Springsteen Jimmy Page & Robert Plant Alanis Morissette Peter Gabriel with Youssou N’Dour Tracy Chapman and more!

Other performers include:
Bob Geldof Third World The Hooters Peter, Paul & Mary Steven Van Zandt Ruben Blades Howard Jones The Neville Brothers Inti-Illimani New Kids On The Block Asian Dub Foundation Kassav’ Shania Twain Carlos Santana and Fela Kuti.

Special Features:
o 32 individual segments (totaling 4¾ hours) of companion content
o In-depth documentary about the concert series featuring new interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Bono, Peter Gabriel, Pete Townshend and more
o Exclusive new 20-minute interview with Bruce Springsteen
o Exclusive new 20-minute interview with Sting
o Peter Gabriel’s home movies of 1986 tour - including backstage scenes and legendary late-night all-star jam!
o Interviews and Amnesty testimonials featuring major music & movie stars
o Additional stage and studio performances for Amnesty (1979-2012) by Bono, Jeff Beck, David Byrne, Coldplay, Green Day, Mumford & Sons, Ozzy Osbourne, Joe Perry, Damien Rice, Seal, Pete Seeger, Sting & The Secret Police, Pete Townshend, John Williams and Evan Rachel Wood

Where to Watch: DVD

Clear History
Photo credit: HBO

“Clear History”

Fans of Larry David waiting for a new season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” will have something to make the long break between seasons a bit easier to bear.

From my TV review: “I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to a few good solid laughs while watching “Clear History.” They’re too few and far between and I’d take a new season of “Curb” over this movie any time but there’s enough connection with the funny bone to warrant a look on a Saturday night. Remember that this faint recommendation is coming from a fan of David’s comedy and so, I suppose, I’ll take what I can get.”

Synopsis:
Written by and starring HBO favorite Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Seinfeld) and directed by Greg Mottola (Superbad), Clear History is a new HBO Films comedy about a man who lost out on millions – over the name of a car. Ten years ago, Nathan Flomm (Larry David) had a successful career as the head of marketing for a start-up electric car company, but a disagreement with his boss Will Haney (Jon Hamm) led Nathan to walk away and sell back his shares of the company’s stock. Soon after, the company became one of the most successful companies in the world, leaving Nathan reeling over the 10% he gave up that would’ve been worth millions. The resulting public humiliation sent Nathan fleeing for exile. A decade later, Nathan lives a simple life on Martha’s Vineyard and goes by the alias “Rolly DeVore.” But when Will shows up, Nathan/Rolly vows to drive his nemesis off the island before his true identity is uncovered.

Special Features:
o Digital Copy

Where to Watch: HBO Go, Blu-ray, DVD, Vudu, iTunes