DVD Releases of the Week: 'Birdman', 'The Interview' Set for Home Video Releases
The Oscars are coming up, but fans who may have had their fill of theatrical releases may be looking for a few films to view from the comfort of their living rooms while they await the big ceremony.
And boy, do they have a selection.
Two Oscar contenders and arguably the most controversial film of 2014 are among the movies to hit the home video market this week:
Birdman
The Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu masterwork finally hits DVD racks right before the big day next Sunday. The film, which stars Michael Keaton, Emma Stone and Edward Norton among others, is currently the favorite to win the Best Picture Oscar. It tells the story of a washed up actor who battles his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career and himself in the days before the opening of a Broadway play. "Birdman" is the auteur's top box office grosser of all time and could continue its hot streak in theaters with a win on Sunday. Even if it does not, this film is bound to be a huge sell on DVD and Blu-Ray for all kinds of fans.
The Interview
Arguably the most controversial film of last year, the Seth Rogan and James Franco seller is an interesting case on the home video release. The film was notoriously pulled from theaters after Sony was hacked and threatened with terrorist attacks if it showed the film in theaters. The company decided not to take risks and opted for seeking out other options for release. The result was to sell the film online for public consumption, leading to such vehicles as Google and eventually Netflix to let subscribers and users watch the film from the home.
The film has been on Netflix in recent weeks, which could make it a hard sell on DVD and Blu-Ray. It should be interesting to see what comes of this. One thing that is not in doubt is that comedy fans will probably flock to this film, assuming they have not seen it yet.
St. Vincent
The Bill Murray starrer was a huge surprise at the box office this past season with a solid $44 million in box office gross since it was released on Oct. 10. Many expected the film to make an awards run but that was not to be. "St. Vincent" is about a boy of divorced parents who finds an unlikely friend and mentor in his misanthropic and hedonistic neighbor.
The Theory of Everything
The biopic about Stephen Hawking had a solid theatrical run that saw the film make over $33 million in box office revenue domestically. The film is probably about to get even more popular when actor Eddie Redmayne wins the Best Actor Oscar on Sunday, something that based on results in awards season is all but certain. The film will appeal to those who love romance films and biopics.
The Homesman
The Tommy Lee Jones vehicle had an unfortunate box office run, but could pick up a cult following on DVD for fans of classic westerns. The film also stars Hilary Swank and tells the story of three women who are to be transported across the country by covered wagon by the independent-minded Mary Bee Cuddy, who in turn employs low-life drifter George Briggs to assist her.
Other films slated for release include GKIDS' "The Tale of Princess Kaguya," Magnolia's "V/H/S: Viral" and "Life Itself," Universal's "Dumb and Dumber To" and Starz Media's "Not Cool."
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