On Aug. 12, a number of films will be released on home video attempting to expand their audience after theatrical runs.

The selections include dramas, comedies and foreign films. Which of these films can you take home to the family? Which ones will make for great buys? Let's find out:


Muppets Most Wanted 

After a disappointing theatrical run, the latest movie in the franchise will try to re-engage audiences. "Muppets Most Wanted" tells the story of the Muppets, who find themselves wrapped into a European jewel-heist caper headed by a Kermit the Frog look-alike and his sidekick. The movie stars Ricky Gervais and Tina Fey and scored rave reviews.

However, it only made $51 million, which was $30 million less than the 2011 film. With an already established audience and barely any family-friendly films in theaters, the musical is likely to find new audiences and fans.

A Haunted House 2 

 After having had a huge hit with 2013's "A Haunted House," Open Road attempted to relive the magic this past April. The new film by the Wayans tells the story of Malcolm, who decides to start fresh with his new girlfriend and her two children after having exorcised the demons of his ex. When they move into their dream home, Malcolm is once again plagued by bizarre paranormal events. 

The spoof comedy was met with terrible reviews and only made a disastrous $17 million at the box office. This year has been a bad year for horror films and, given the lack of excitement for spoofs these days, this feature will likely continue to flop on home video and VOD.

The Railway Man

 The Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman film tells the story of a former British Army officer, who was tormented as a prisoner of war at a Japanese labor camp during World War II. When he discovers that the man responsible for much of his mistreatment is still alive, he sets out to confront him. 

The feature was distributed by the Weinstein Company but flopped when it was released. When the feature opened at the Toronto International Film Festival, it was expected to be a big Oscar contender. However, the movie only received good reviews and since it was released in April, its Oscar possibilities will be limited this year.

Locke

 The one-man film has been popular in the past year and Steven Knight adds another solid picture into genre. The drama starring Tom Hardy tells the story of Ivan Locke, a dedicated family man and successful construction manager, who receives a phone call on the eve of the biggest challenge of his career that sets in motion a series of events that threaten his existence. 

A24 acquired the film after having scored rave reviews out of Venice. However, it was unable to score a big box office. "Locke" is likely to draw a bigger audience when it is released on DVD, as it will be a big player during awards seasons.

The movie has already been nominated for the British Independent Film Awards and A24 is already campaigning Hardy's performance.

Frankie and Alice

 Back in April, Lionsgate released the Golden Globe nominee feature. The drama, starring Halle Berry, centers on a go-go dancer with multiple personality disorder who struggles to remain her true self and begins working with a psychotherapist to uncover the mystery of the inner ghosts that haunt her. 

The movie was originally released in 2010 for an Oscar qualifying run but was oddly released in 2014. Not only was it trashed by critics but it also scored a disappointing box office. With very little marketing, this picture is likely to please Berry fans only.

Filth 

James McAvoy's latest indie flick tells the story of a corrupt cop who manipulates and hallucinates his way through a bid to secure a promotion and win back his wife and daughter. 

Magnolia opened the feature to rave reviews but was unable to make a profit at the box office. The movie is based on the novel by Irvine Welsh and that should attract fans of the author. Additionally, McAvoy has scored the best reviews of his career and that could help generate more buzz and audience.

Other films that will be released on DVD this week include the Sundance film "Breathe In" which Cohen Media opened to mixed reviews. Meanwhile, IFC Films will bring "Dancing in Jaffa" and "Hateful Loveship" to home video. Monterey Media will also release the foreign film "The Girl on the Train," which opened to rave reviews.