DVD Releases of the Week: 'Seventh Son' and 'The Loft' to Compete with 'San Andreas' and 'Aloha'
As the summer continues, Hollywood will limit the DVD releases and concentrate on the next big tentpole. This week two films that flopped in the winter will be released.
"Seventh Son" - One of the most panned films of the year will finally be released after flopping at the box office. The movie tells the story of Mother Malkin, the queen of evil witches, who escapes the pit she was imprisoned in by professional monster hunter Spook decades ago. When she kills his apprentice, Spook recruits young Tom, the seventh son of the seventh son, to help him. The movie was heavily criticized when it opened as it starred recent Oscar winner Julianne Moore, Oscar winner Jeff Bridges and Ben Barnes. "Seventh Son" is one of the many fantasy films that Hollywood continues producing in order to try and start a new franchise. However, this film suffered from numerous delays, a small marketing campaign and terrible box office results. With little enthusiasm, this film will likely be overlooked. However, it could serve as an alternative for those not interested in the summer fare.
"The Loft" - Marred by terrible reviews when it opened, Open Road Films will release this flop. The movie, starring James Marsden, tells the story of five married guys who conspire to secretly share a penthouse loft in the city -- a place where they can carry out hidden affairs and indulge in their deepest fantasies. However, the fantasy becomes a nightmare when they discover the dead body of an unknown woman in the loft, and they realize one of the group must be involved. The film received a small marketing campaign when it opened and as a result only made $6 million at the box office. "The Loft" is unlikely to make a splash on DVD especially since awareness is low.
"Ballet 422" - Jody Lee Lipes' film is a documentary that recounts the backstage drama at New York City Ballet as emerging choreographer Justin Peck crafts a new work. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival where it scored rave reviews. When it was released theatrically, the film had a solid box office and Magnolia gave the movie a strong marketing push. While it is unlikely to ever reach the mainstream, the DVD release will definitely attract ballet lovers and musicians.
"Cut Bank" - A24 will released the critically reviled "Cut Bank." The film stars Liam Hemsworth, John Malkovich, Bruce Dern and Michael Stuhlbarg and tells the story of a young man's life unraveling after he witnesses a murder that he filmed in his rural town of Cut Bank. The movie was released on demand before its theatrical run. As a result, the movie barely registered at box office and went unseen. A24 did not give the film a marketing campaign and as a result, "Cut Bank's" DVD release will go under the radar.
Other releases this week include "See You in Valhalla," the first season of "Hello Ladies," the fifth season of "Heartland" and the seventh season of "True Blood." "Sword of Vengeance" will also be released on home video.