DVD Releases of the Week: 'How to Train Your Dragon 2' to Counter 'Big Hero 6'
This week, studios will offer up options for moviegoers not interested in the dramatic features coming out this weekend including "Foxcatcher," "The Homesman" and "Rosewater." Fox will also combat the success of "Big Hero 6" by releasing "How to Train Your Dragon 2."
Here is a selection of this week's DVD releases:
How to Train Your Dragon 2
On the heels of Disney's success with "Big Hero 6," Fox will debut "How to Train Your Dragon 2" on DVD. The sequel to the 2010 Oscar nominee tells the story of Hiccup and his dragon, Toothless, who discover an ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider. When the animated flick opened in the summer, it scored rave reviews, but failed to connect with the public. Audiences were not expecting a sequel and the time between the first installment and the second one was too long. With the holiday season coming up and with few animated films in the market place, Fox will definitely benefit from the winter release.
Let's Be Cops
While the summer had a number of flops, this comedy starring Damon Wayans and Jake Johnson overperformed. The film tells the story of two struggling pals who dress as police officers for a costume party and become neighborhood sensations. However, when these newly-minted "heroes" get tangled in a real-life web of mobsters and dirty detectives, they must put their fake badges on the line. When it opened in August, "Let's Be Cops" scored negative reviews but connected with audiences. The reason was due to the lack of original comedies in the marketplace. With "Dumb and Dumber To" coming out this week, this will definitely be alternative for those who don't want to go to the movies.
Labor Day
Jason Reitman's suburban drama will finally be released on DVD after many delays. Starring Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin, the drama tells the story of a depressed single mom Adele and her son Henry, who offer a wounded, fearsome man a ride. As police search town for the escaped convict, the mother and son gradually learn his true story as their options become increasingly limited.
Originally scheduled for 2013, Paramount decided an Oscar run and later released it in 2014. While it was nominated for the Golden Globe, it failed at the Oscars. Reviews were also negative and the film ultimately flopped. The DVD comes out at the right time given that audiences are interested in dramatic films. For those not interested in any of the current dramas at the marketplace, this one will definitely be an alternative.
Tammy
Melissa McCarthy's latest comedy tells the story of a woman who hits the road with her profane, hard-drinking grandmother after losing her job and learning that her husband has been unfaithful. While "Tammy" may have been disliked by critics, McCarthy proved once again that she continues to have selling power. The Warner Bros release made $84 million and ended up being one of the big surprises of the summer. McCarthy currently has "St. Vincent" in theaters, but those who are not interested or have already seen it will definitely want to check "Tammy" out.
Jersey Boys
The latest musical by Clint Eastwood tells the story of four young men from the wrong side of the tracks in New Jersey who came together to form the iconic 1960s rock group The Four Seasons. The musical was released in the summer, but scored mixed reviews and obtained very little buzz. As a result, it flopped and was quickly forgotten. With Oscar season coming up, Warner Bros. will attempt to campaign the film and the DVD comes out at the correct moment.
Other new releases include Joe Swanberg's Sundance selection "Happy Christmas" and the Focus Features documentary "I am Ali." Well Go USA will release "Iceman" while Drafthouse will debut Michel Gondry's festival hit "Mood Indigo."
The Film Collaborative will also release "Southern Baptist Sissies."