New on DVD Jan. 19: ‘Everest’ will take your breath away
This week’s DVD releases feature an impressive film and a first-rate television drama.
“Everest”
What stands out as the film’s biggest flaw is also one of its greatest strengths. Without the personal stories of the climbers, the movie ends up being a beautiful travelogue. It’s one thing to climb a mountain because it’s there. What’s not clear is why the climbers would gamble on such long odds.
Had the director presented as clear a picture of his characters as he does the mountain, the film would have no missteps.
“The Saint: Seasons Three and Four”
The series also benefits from some solid writing and production values, a step up from the standard TV fare of the time.
Also new on DVD
“The Diary of a Teenage Girl”: Coming-of-age tale based on Phoebe Gloeckner’s novel.
“Straight Outta Compton”: Five young men escape from Compton through their music.
“Pound Puppies: A Rare Pair”: It’s raining cats, dogs and an alligator.
“Jem and the Holograms”: Underground video star becomes global superstar. Aubrey Peeples stars.
“Woodlawn”: In 1973, a spiritual awakening captures the hearts of the Woodlawn High School football team.
“All Things Must Pass”: Colin Hanks directed this documentary about the fall of Tower Records.
“A Girl Like Her”: Teen girl wears a hidden camera to document bullying.
“Isn’t It Delicious”: Woman races against the clock to fix her broken family.
“The Condemned 2”: Randy Orton and Eric Roberts star in this action thriller.
“I Am Thor”: Biography of metal legend Jon Mikl Thor.
“The Guardian”: Live-in babysitter creates supernatural problems.
“A Bear’s Story: Spirit’s Adventure”: Young cub ventures too far from his family.
“Time Scanners: Colosseum”: Famous Roman structure is examined.
“Sisters: Season Three”: The four Reed sisters continue their shared journey. Swoosie Kurtz stars.
“I Believe in Unicorns”: Strong-willed teenage girl escapes into a twisted fantasy life.
“Little House on the Prairie: Season Eight”: The five-disc set includes all 22 remastered episodes of the family drama.
“The Intern”: Young executive (Anne Hathaway) gets a mature intern (Robert De Niro).
“The Doctor Blake Mysteries: Season One”: Dr. Lucien Blake (Craig McLachlan) returns to his Australian hometown to take over his late father’s practice.
“Stonewall”: Based on events leading up to the 1969 riots at the Stonewall Inn in New York City.
“Swamp People: Season 6”: Troy and the other swampers go on a 30-day alligator hunt.