DVDs of the Month: July

There’s an abundance of variety in this month’s DVD offerings. The films of the pre-Summer season (which has turned out to be mostly better than the Summer itself) seem to stretch across all genres; from comedy to horror to musicals and comic book films, it will be really hard to find something that isn’t to your liking.

Beauty and the Beast

This remake of the classic animation had a lot of pressure weighing on it, but it managed not to buckle. The film avoids being a repeat through subtle updates and additions, bringing a sense of freshness, but never eroding the magical feel of the classic. It is one of the most visually gorgeous films of the year; the production design is beautiful and transporting, welcoming you into its world.
Layered on top of these inanimate stylings is a cast that fit beautifully with their characters. The ensemble is strong, but the double act that is Luke Evans and Josh Gad (as Gaston and Le Fou, respectively) provoke the greatest laughs, and perhaps chemistry, on screen. The animated objects’ voice cast are also great at bringing their characters to life, even if the CGI versions are a little creepier than the cartoon ones.
It may not replace the animation in people’s hearts, but it is an updated but faithful retelling that brings a theatrical flair to the screen, and will probably still manage to warm your heart.

Is it worth a Blu-ray? The gorgeous visuals certainly mean that a Blu-ray would not go to waste.

Read the full review: ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Review

Logan

The latest in the X men series is the newest Wolverine solo film. For the tenth film in the franchise, and in amongst the constant slew of superhero films, Logan takes the comic book genre and turns it on its head, playing out more like a revenge western with mutant characters. This more grounded entrance into the pantheon follows an older Logan (Hugh Jackman) along with an ill Professor X (Patrick Stewart) and tracking mutant (Stephan Merchant), who find out about a programme manufacturing mutants, as they become involved in the life of one of those mutants, Laura (Dafne Keen).
This is a very different superhero film than we’ve been presented with before. Not only does it focus on an aging mutant (something brought into the core of the film), it focuses on a more personal, grounded journey than the ‘save the world’ ideas. It has a much stronger emotional thread weaved throughout it, giving it greater impact on the audience. Its setting (captured by beautifully warm cinematography) also places it worlds away from the technological worlds of many X-men ventures. This is also a much (much) more violent film, separating it further from the other films in its franchise. Its difference is refreshing and makes it more enticing to those outside the superhero fandom. It is also a fitting farewell to Jackman as he wears the claws for the last time.

Is it worth a Blu-ray? A Blu-ray wouldn’t be wasted here, plus it includes Logan Noir, a special presentation of the film in black-and-white, which would make for an exciting different viewing of the film.

Read the full review: ‘Logan’ Review

Hidden Figures

One of the surprise hits of the year, and a Best Picture nominee, Hidden Figures tells the story of the black women who worked for NASA, and overrode the severe prejudice they faced. The trio at the centre of the story are Katherine G. Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae), who each accomplished historical achievements in the face of racism and sexism, and whose stories make for inspiring (and enraging – against society of the time) viewing.
These women are brought to life by a fantastic ensemble cast who show the humanity in the people that society deemed second-class. Strong pacing and a focus on the people rather than the mathematics keep the film engaging and give it a wide appeal. It also walks the line between the lighter moments and move hefty material without feeling uneven, and giving the film an overall triumphant atmosphere. It is hard to believe these women’s stories haven’t been told before, but they are told so well here, and in a way that will prove entertaining for all.

Is it worth a Blu-ray? Not really, this is a story about the people rather than the space spectacle.

Read the full review: ‘Hidden Figures’ Review

Get Out

Another of the year’s surprise smashes, Jordan Peele’s directorial debut is a masterclass in the melding of genres that results in a horror-comedy-social-thriller hybrid that is bursting with entertainment value, but also has an important political message running underneath. The film follows Chris
(Daniel Kaluuya) as he meets his girlfriend Rose’s (Allison Williams) parents for the first time, at their family home. His initial worries about the white family’s reaction to him being black start to be proved true, but in far more extreme and sinister ways than he could have imagined. This leads the way for a mystery that moves into a horror, but is consistently peppered with comedic moments. Peele manages to succeed in all of the elements that he tackles, and keeps the film feeling entirely cohesive. The horror is nail-bitingly tense, the comedy is hilarious, and the social commentary is cutting. Racial tensions underline every plot point in the film and are tackled from such a unique perspective that it managed to grab more people’s attention than more traditional telling.
It is entertaining in every sense and no less important for it.

Is it worth a Blu-ray? There are some striking visuals to be found here, but a Blu-ray isn’t entirely necessary.

Read the full review: ‘Get Out’ Review

Table 19

This latest comedy-with-a-dash-of-drama doesn’t quite land where it wants to, and instead ends up as a bit of a mess that is carried on by the occasional laugh and the likeability of its cast. Set almost entirely at a wedding, the film follows the guests at – you guesse it – Table 19, the small table squished in the corner with the random guests with the loosest ties to the bride and groom. Our hapless protagonists are populated by a host of recognisable faces, all there for various reasons and with various baggage. Kendrick is our main lead in, as the ex-maid of honour, stripped of her duties after a break-up with the best man, it is her drama that bubbles up the most and makes for some entertaining and some ridiculous and cheesy set pieces. There is little substance for the rest (and even for Kendrick too), issues are introduced and then ignored, everything is skimmed over, and nothing is explored in depth. These leads any moments where they were going for emotional pay-off to land completely flat, as there has been nothing to afford the pay-off. There are genuinely funny moments speckled throughout, and the film does well with its location. It will prove a pleasant enough watch for some (and a bore for others), but unlikely one you’ll really remember or what to return to.