DVDs Releases: October 20, 2009

When I was checking out what films are headed to DVD this week, I realized it is great info to share with folks especially considering how many films only have limited release or play only at festivals. So let's take a look at what is new to DVD for October 20, 2009.

Piquant Picks:
First and foremost we have Dead Snow / Død snø, a film that when it played at Toronto After Dark in 2009 what everyone was saying is "Who doesn't love Nazi zombies?" Too true, and it placed top honours there and won 1st place in the Audience Choice Award. After a limited release here in Toronto in September, the Norwegian film heads to DVD just before Halloween. Perfect.

I've been looking forward to seeing more on The Tournament since seeing the trailer over at The Film Stage and hoped for a theatrical release of the UK assassin thriller. No luck there but it is now on DVD. The Tournament stars Robert Carlyle (Trainspotting, "Stargate: Universe"), Kelly Hu, Ving Rhymes and Iam Solmerhalder ("Lost", "The Vampire Diaries").

Blood the Last Vampire, a Japan/Hong Kong/France co-pro featuring Gianna as Saya, a vampire/covert government operative in post WWII Japan. Amazing how they fit in schoolgirl costume for that... but still. Vamps & kicking butt always have definitely interesting possibilities.

We also have The Stoning of Soraya M., based on a true story and although this one looks really harsh I'm always interested in seeing Shohreh Aghdashloo's work and she is in the lead role here. Also stars James Caviezel and Mozhan Marnò.

Blast from the Past:
Trains, Planes & Automobiles (Those Aren't Pillows Edition) starring John Candy and Steve Martin. I haven't seen this one in ages but do remember if fondly and I know this John Hughes film is on many favourites lists.

It's Not Film, But....
Two non film releases that I couldn't resist this week. The complete series for the TV show "Homicide: Life on the Streets" centred on the homicide investigation unit in Baltimore. Amazing show, I was a huge fan of it for the fantastic stories of the characters and spectacular acting of Andre Braugher, Kyle Secor, and Yaphet Kotto to just name a few. And now, I know why I recognize Melissa Leo, she was on the show as well. In a complete 180 turn in tide, the other non film release this week that's got my attention is the New Moon soundtrack.

Big Wigs:
So here are the big wigs, films you've likely already seen or heard about! The romantic comedy The Proposal starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, period rom-com Chéri from director Stephen Frears (The Queen, Mrs Henderson Presents) starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Kathy Bates and Rupert Friend. Last up but... ah, you fill in the blanks.... one of the worst reviewed yet highest grossing film of the year: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

What do you have your eye on this week?

Titles on Amazon.ca (Canada):




Titles if available on Amazon.com (US):