Latest seasons of ‘Hotwives,’ crime dramas now available
Crime stories dominate the May 12 DVD releases.
“Unforgettable: Season 3,” Grade B: Detective Carrie Wells (Poppy Montgomery ) uses her ability to remember every detail in her life to solve crimes. In this season, she’s working high-profile cases with partner Al Burns (Dylan Walsh).
The DVD includes 13 episodes plus bonus features.
It’s Montgomery who sells this series. The way her memory of a scene is shot could be played cheesy, but she makes it work.
“Murder in the First: Season 1,” Grade B: The TNT drama from Steven Bochco and Eric Lodal is a compelling crime story and an intriguing look at the people behind the badges. Both Taye Diggs and Kathleen Robertson turn in first-rate performances.
The DVD features a seasonlong investigation and trial of a high-profile murder case in San Francisco. The death of a drug addict leads detectives to a brash, young CEO of a Silicon Valley tech firm (Tom Felton). That sets off a masterful game of cat-and-computer-mouse.
“Broadchurch: The Complete Second Season,” Grade B+: The second season isn’t quite as strong as the first, but that initial run was one of the strongest offerings to ever air on television. So, even a slight drop leaves this a top-notch offering. That’s why it is worth a return trip to the sleepy Dorset coastal town of Broadchurch for more mystery and drama.
David Tennant and Olivia Colman are superb as the film’s central characters.
Included in the DVD set is the “The Making of Broadchurch” feature and deleted scenes.
“Hotwives of Orlando,” Grade B: Angela Kinsey joins Casey Wilson (“Happy Endings”), Kristen Schaal (“Flight of the Conchords”), Tymberlee Hill (“Drunk History”), Danielle Schneider (“Upright Citizens Brigade”), Andrea Savage (“Step Brothers”) and Paul Scheer (“The League”) in a parody of the real housewives genre.
There are only seven episodes in this first season but the writers are able to hit upon a wide assortment of trademark moments from the reality show genre. The jokes are made even funnier by a first-rate cast.
New on DVD
“Still Alice”: Linguistics professor (Julianne Moore ) is diagnosed with early on-set Alzheimer’s disease.
“The Cobbler”: Shoe repair shop owner uses heirloom to change into his customers.
“Blackhat”: A felon (Chris Hemsworth ) gets to stay out of jail if he helps discover the Blackhat.
“Tracers”: Taylor Lautner plays a bicycle messenger who turns to crime to pay a debt.
“The Magic School Bus: Season Two”: Includes 13 episodes of the educational series.
“Extraterrestrial”: Trip to the woods becomes close encounter of the deadly kind.
“White Rabbit”: Psychological thriller starring Britt Robertson.
“If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”: Includes four stories from “Reading Rainbow” series.
“Supercar: The Complete Series”: Features 39 episodes of the Supermarionation series.
“Tanked: Season 2”: Las Vegas duo run the largest aquarium manufacturing company in the nation.
“Walker, Texas Ranger: The Complete Collection”: Chuck Norris plays a lawman with a real kick.
“Slam Dunk: Season 1, Vol. 1”: High school punk finds a new love of basketball.
“Transformers Rescue Boys: Return of the Heroes”: First responders face five new adventures.
“Mr. Ed: The Final Season”: The horse talks for 13 more episodes.
“Rawhide: The Complete Series”: Television western starring Clint Eastwood.
“The Colbys: The Complete Series”: The “Dynasty” spinoff stars Charlton Heston and Katharine Ross.
“Mortdecai”: Shady art dealer (Johnny Depp) is recruited to help get a stolen painting back.
“The Adventures of Chuck & Friends: Day at the Races”: Includes 10 episodes and a sing-along.
“These Final Hours”: Man faces challenges in the final days. Nathan Phillips stars.
“The Best of the Ed Sullivan Show”: Includes an appearance by The Beatles.
“Bob’s Burgers: Season 4”: Animated comedy series about the owners of a burger joint.
“Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Best in Show”: The gang talks about the importance of being yourself.