DVD reviews: 'Birdman,' 'Life Itself' and 'The Theory of Everything'
“Birdman” (2014, R, 119 min., $29.98) When thinking about director Alejandro G. Inarritu's “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance),” the word “comeback” comes to mind. It goes to the performance of Robinson Township native Michael Keaton, who plays the lead role of Riggan Thomson. Known mostly for his part in a billion-dollar blockbuster, Riggan wants to quiet the doubters by writing, directing and starring in a Broadway play. Standing in his way are personal demons, financial problems and a difficult fellow actor. That's the gist of this film that uses a sterling performance from Keaton as its heart. Much like Riggan, Keaton's been off the box-office radar for a while, but this Oscar-nominated performance marks a strong comeback for the actor. He gets quality support from Emma Stone, Naomi Watts and, most importantly, Edward Norton. Easily one of the best films of 2014, “Birdman” is a well-oiled machine that finds all of its parts working at their peak. The Blu-ray and standard DVD packages come with some decent extras, including an in-depth look at one of the key stunts performed during the film. Also included is an interview with Keaton and Inarritu and an on-set photo gallery. 3.5 stars
“Life Itself” (2014, R, 120 min., $26.98) When it comes to documentaries, Steve James is one of the best filmmakers working today. The “Hoop Dreams” director took on film critic Roger Ebert for his latest, and delivers one of the more personal pics of 2014. Based on Ebert's 2011 memoir, “Life Itself” combs over the critic's career, including his early days at the Chicago Sun-Times, his winning of the Pulitzer Prize and his tough relationship with Gene Siskel, his competitor from the Chicago Tribune and partner on their popular syndicated TV series “At the Movies.” But the heart of James' documentary is in the filming of Ebert's final days. It's a sad ending, but James' memorable documentary does an honest job of keeping Ebert's unwavering spirit alive. The film isn't just about a critic, but one of the most influential voices of the past 50 years. Deleted scenes, and interview with James and a Sundance Film Festival tribute can be found inside Blu-ray and standard DVD packages. 3 stars
“The Theory of Everything” (2014, PG-13, 123 min., $29.98) A biopic about one of the smartest men in the world could have been boring, but “The Theory of Everything” uses most of Stephen Hawking's contributions to science as a sidebar. The chunk of the story goes to Hawking's relationship with his family and his colleagues, as he deals with a disease that's paralyzed most of his body. It's a form of ALS, and he received the diagnosis while going for his doctorate at Cambridge. The film is adapted from a book written by Jane Wilde Hawking, the theoretical physicist's first wife. Directed by James Marsh, it's a wonderfully told story that gives viewers an inside look at Hawking's life. Sure, the science stuff is interesting, but Hawking's out-of-the-lab life is much more compelling. Nominated for five Academy Awards, “The Theory of Everything” gets excellent performances from Eddie Redmayne as Stephen and Felicity Jones as Jane. Their chemistry is honest, and it carries over their dealings with Hawking's condition. Some good extras are on Blu-ray and standard DVD packages. A making-of featurette explores how Redmayne and Jones got into character. Deleted scenes and commentary are also available. 3.5 stars
“The Homesman” (2014, R, 123 min., $19.98) A well-respected cast — Hilary Swank, Meryl Streep, John Lithgow and James Spader — takes its place for this western from Tommy Lee Jones, who also penned the screenplay and has a lead role. It follows a drifter helping a woman transport three sick women across the tough Nebraska frontier in 1854.
“St. Vincent” (2014, PG-13, 102 min., $29.98) Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy and Naomi Watts star in one the more popular comedies of 2014. Murray plays Vincent, an old grump with lots of bad habits. When a hard-working single mom (McCarthy) moves in next door, Vincent is asked to look after her kid. It turns out to be the beginning of a great friendship.
“Dumb and Dumber To” (2014, PG-13, 109 min., $29.98) Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels reunite with the Farrelly brothers for a sequel to their 1994 comedy smash. In their latest adventure, Lloyd (Carrey) and Harry (Daniels) hit the road to find Harry's daughter, a child he never knew he had. Kathleen Turner and Rob Riggle also star.
“The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” (2013, PG, 137 min., $29.98) Another classic from the Japanese animators at Studio Ghibli, “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya,” which landed an Academy Award nomination for best animated feature, tells the tale of a young and enchanting princess who is faced with a difficult punishment for a crime she committed.
“V/H/S: Viral” (2014, R, 81 min., $26.98) The third installment of the horror anthology, this latest effort includes contributions from directors Nacho Vigalondo, Marcel Sarmiento, Justin Benson, Aaron Moorhead and Gregg Bishop. The pic is set on the streets of L.A., where folks are trying to find the next big video. It's an effort that'll lead to their own deaths.
“Dying of the Light” (2014, R, 94 min., $19.98) Nicolas Cage and Anton Yelchin star in a thriller about a CIA agent pushed into retirement. Evan (Cage) is headed off into the sunset until he finds out a criminal he could never catch has resurfaced. As a result, Evan goes rogue in a globe-trotting mission to eliminate his nemesis (Alexander Karim) for good.
“No Tears for the Dead” (2014, NR, 116 min., $26.98) Director Jeong-Beom Lee, responsible for the 2013 action hit “The Man From Nowhere,” delivers another fast-paced thriller about a hit man with conscience. Gon (Jang Dong-Gun) is still feeling the pain of accidentally killing a young girl, so when he's tasked with killing her mother, he can't do the job.
“The World Made Straight” (2015, R, 119 min., $19.99) A young man attempts to escape the violence he's presented with in an Appalachian town that's still scarred by a massacre that happened during the Civil War. It's directed by David Burris, and is adapted from the 2006 novel of the same name from Ron Rash. Jeremy Irvine and Noah Wyle star.
“Skating to New York” (2013, PG-13, 93 min., $24.98) Filmmaker Charles Minsky directed this coming-of-age movie about five kids who, after losing a big high-school hockey game, decide to skate across Lake Ontario to New York on one of the coldest days of the year.
“Fear Clinic” (2014, R, 95 min., $22.98) Robert Englund and Thomas Dekker star in a horror film directed by Robert Hall. It follows a doctor (Englund) working to help people control their phobias with the help of a fear chamber. It allows the doctor to animate the hallucinations of his patients. In his latest group, he finds something too hard to believe.
“Altar” (2014, NR, 94 min., $14.93) Matthew Modine and Olivia Williams star in a horror picture about a family moving into a dilapidated house in the country. With plans on renovating the house, the family gets to work. But, as these plots usually go, the family realizes the house is haunted by cursed spirits looking to destroy the new inhabitants.
“Gladiators of Rome” (2012, PG, 94 min., $29.99)
New on Blu-ray
• “Munich” (2005, R, 164 min., $22.98)
TV on DVD
• “The Chair” (five discs, 10 episodes and two movies, $19.98)
• “Game of Thrones: The Complete fourth Season” (five discs, 10 episodes, $59.99)
• “Z Nation: Season One” (three discs, 13 episodes, $44.98)
• “Wahlburgers: Season 2” (two discs, nine episodes, $19.98)
• “Walker, Texas Ranger: War Zone” (one disc, one episode, $14.99)
