DVD Releases of the Week: 'Blue Ruin,' 'Heaven is For Real' Among New Releases
A number of new films will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray as well as other streaming services on July 22, including a major studio picture that flopped in theaters as well as a surprising box office hit.
"Blue Ruin" : This week Radius TWC will release the Cannes hit. The film directed by Jeremy Saulnier tells the story of a mysterious outsider whose quiet life is turned upside down when he returns to his childhood home to carry out an act of vengeance. The film was extremely successful in the festival circuit, winning the FIPRESCI Prize at Cannes in the Director's Fortnight sidebar.
It was also a critical hit, receiving a 96 percent aggregate score on Rotten Tomatoes. At the box office, the film made a modest $258,384 in 61 theaters. Most of its success came on VOD, however, and since it has generated a lot of buzz, it is very likely that the film will become a cult classic when it hits home video.
"Heaven Is for Real" : The spring season saw the emergence of a number of Christian-based films, and this was one of the many breakouts in that genre. Starring Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilly and Thomas Haden Church, the film tells the story of a small-town father who must find the courage and conviction to share his son's extraordinary, life-changing experience with the world.
The drama scored terrible reviews, but that did not stop it from making $91 million at the box office. With such a surprising box office, it is likely this film will generate the same type of business on home video.
"Sabotage" : After flopping in theaters, Open Road will try to expand its audience on home video. The film, which boasts an incredible cast that includes Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sam Worthington and Terrence Howard, tells the story of an elite DEA task force that find themselves being taken down one by one after they rob a drug cartel safe house.
The feature scored terrible reviews and also became the worst grossing Schwarzenegger film ever. With a lagging summer and audiences reluctant to go to theaters, this action thriller could be seen as an alternative to the action films currently in cinemas.
"Transcendence" : Back in April when Warner Bros. released this film it was believed it would become a mega blockbuster. However, the movie was met with lukewarm reviews and no buzz. The film, starring Johnny Depp, tells the story of a scientist whose drive for artificial intelligence takes on dangerous implications when his consciousness is uploaded into one such program.
It is unlikely the feature will generate much attention on home video, especially given the lack of attention most films in this genre get. However, if Warner Bros. continues to use executive producer Christopher Nolan's name in the promotion, perhaps fans of the director will gravitate towards "Transcendence."
"Dom Hemingway" : Over the past few months Fox Searchlight was able to have three successful films. However, the Jude Law crime thriller neither generated good reviews nor a good box office. The film tells the story of notorious safe-cracker Dom Hemingway who is back on the streets of London looking to collect what he's owed after spending 12 years in prison.
Regardless of its star cast, the film was only able to generate a weak $523,511 gross in 44 days. As a result Fox Searchlight has opted only to release a Blu-Ray/DVD combo for the film. With little buzz, this may only attract Law fans and perhaps fans of crime movies.
"Make Your Move" : The dance film released by High Top Releasing was perhaps one of the biggest flops of the year. The feature tells the story of a pair of star-crossed dancers in New York who find themselves at the center of a bitter rivalry between their brothers' underground dance clubs.
The feature opened in 142 theaters but was only able to make $125,106 throughout its run. With such a small distribution company and no real stars, it is unlikely this feature generates anymore business.