DVD Releases of the Week: 'Rio 2' and Scarlett Johansson's 'Under the Skin' Lead New Releases
On July 15, a number of films will be released on DVD, and film-goers will be able to catch up with features they missed in theaters.
Here are the selections to choose from:
"Rio 2"
Back in March, Fox released the animated flick to mixed reviews.
"Rio 2" tells the story of Blu, Jewel and their three kids after they're hurtled from Rio de Janeiro to the wilds of the Amazon. The sequel to the film was not as successful as the original; while the first installment made $143 million, the second film made $129 million. Now that it is on DVD, it may generate more buzz, especially given the lack of animated films in the market at the moment. It also adds an option to those audiences who do not plan on going to see "Planes: Fire & Rescue" and who have already seen "How to Train Dragon 2."
"Under the Skin"
Scarlett Johansson's science fiction film will be released on DVD after a successful box office. The movie, which was released by A24, tells the story of a mysterious woman who seduces lonely men in the evening hours in Scotland and the events that lead her to beginning a process of self-discovery. The film was one of the most divisive at the festival circuit last fall and was even booed at the Venice Film Festival. However, when it opened in the U.S., critics were positive and gave it outstanding reviews. Johansson was praised for her performance, and some pundits even considered her an Oscar contender. Given the popularity of the actress at the moment, it is likely that the film will gain a following especially since her other science fiction film "Lucy" is about to be released.
"The Face of Love"
Annette Bening and Ed Harris returned to cinemas in this love story about a widow who falls in love with a guy who bears a striking resemblance to her late husband. The movie premiered at the Toronto Film Festival where it was picked up by IFC Films. However, it received mixed reviews and it had a short lived theatrical run. For those who want to see a movie similar to "Vertigo" by Alfred Hitchcock, this is will please audiences. However, it will not please those who dislike melodramatic films.
"Bethlehem"
Israel's Official Oscar selection will be released after an unsuccessful theatrical run by Adopt Films. The new feature, which is directed by Yuval Adler, tells the story of the complex relationship between an Israeli Secret Service officer and his teenage Palestinian informant. The film premiered at the Venice and Toronto Film festival and later went on to win the Israel Academy Award. It was also nominated for a Satellite award for Best Foreign Film. As a result, this is a great choice for those that love foreign films.
"Open Grave"
Tribeca Film will finally release the film, starring Sharlto Copley, on DVD. The feature, directed by Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego, tells the story of a man who wakes up in the wilderness in a pit full of dead bodies with no memory. He must determine if the murderer is one of the strangers who rescued him or if he himself is the killer. The movie played at many festivals, but was received with terrible reviews. Given the lack of buzz or promotion and the fact that every horror movie has failed this year, it is unlikely this movie will generate much business on home video.