DVD reviews: 'Jurassic World,' 'Z for Zachariah' and 'The Wolfpack'
“Jurassic World” (2015, PG-13, 124 min., $29.98) Re-launching Steven Spielberg's dinosaur franchise could've been an absolute failure, but “Jurassic World” turns out to be a ridiculously fun popcorn flick that rides high on the power of strong performances from Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D'Onofrio and Jake Johnson. There's also the fantastic special effects and just-right genre mix of comedy, thriller and science fiction. The blockbuster follows two kids — Gray (Ty Simpkins) and Zach (Nick Robinson) — to Jurassic World to see their aunt Claire (Dallas Howard). As the boys take in the sights, a horrific situation unfolds at the park. A dangerous predatory dinosaur breaks out of its cage, threatening every living thing in its way. Claire teams with Owen (Pratt), a dinosaur expert, in an attempt to stop the unstoppable predator — not an easy task. The film is available in 3-D, Blu-ray and standard DVD. Blu-ray and standard DVDs carry a few making-of featurettes and deleted scenes, but the 3-D Blu-ray package is loaded with tons of special features. 3.5 stars
“Z for Zachariah” (2015, PG-13, 98 min., $19.98) Each year, there are good films that fly under the radar, going unseen by even the biggest movie fans. “Z for Zachariah,” adapted from the 1974 book of the same name from Robert C. O'Brien, is one of those movies. With strong performances from Margot Robbie, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Chris Pine, as well as a simple and well-told storyline with flashes of intensity, director Craig Zobel's post-apocalyptic picture is a nice addition to the science-fiction genre. The majority of humanity has been wiped out after some sort of nuclear fallout. Ann (Robbie) lives in a rural part of the country that's been almost untouched by the radiation. When a research engineer named Loomis (Ejiofor) arrives in her neighborhood, looking for a safe place to stay, Ann welcomes him. Their relationship is initially bumpy, but both parties realize they need each other to survive. The toughest test emerges when another stranger (Pine) arrives on the scene. Loomis doesn't trust the stranger from the start, but he'll need the man's help. Extras on standard DVD and Blu-ray are pretty good, and include a good making-of featurette, deleted scenes and interviews with members of the cast and crew. 3 stars
“The Wolfpack” (2015, R, 90 min., $26.98) One of the more interesting documentaries from 2015 was “The Wolfpack,” which marked the directorial debut of Crystal Moselle. The documentary gives viewers an inside look at a group of brothers growing up sheltered in a Manhattan apartment. While the story's been told on shows such as “20/20,” Moselle takes a more personal approach, allowing the brothers — Krsna, Jagadisa, Bhagavan, Mukunda, Narayana and Govinda — to tell their honest story about being confined to their apartment by an overprotective father. It's a loose type of storytelling, but it works here because the brothers are forthcoming and warm to the camera. In being shut out from the rest of the world, the brothers turned to movies for an outlet. As big cinema fans, they took their love to the next level. The brothers worked together to make their own films, remaking popular titles like “The Dark Knight,” “Reservoir Dogs,” Pulp Fiction” and “No Country for Old Men,” using the resources available to them in the apartment. Available on standard DVD and Blu-ray, there are some great special features. Interviews with the director and the Wolfpack are available, as well as a short film made by one of the brothers. 3 stars
“Testament of Youth” (2014, PG-13, 129 min., $30.99) Based on the bestselling memoir of the same name from Vera Brittain, this film follows a young British woman as she navigates the many dangers that World War I brings. Directed by James Kent, the cast includes Alicia Vikander, Kit Harington, Emily Watson and Dominic West.
“Paper Towns” (2015, PG-13, 109 min., $22.99) Another adaptation of a book from John Green, the author responsible for “The Fault in Our Stars,” this coming-of-age story follows a teen named Quentin who's sent on an adventure by his mysterious neighbor Margo. Directed by Jake Schreier, the movie stars Nat Wolff, Cara Delevingne and Austin Abrams.
“The Vatican Tapes” (2015, PG-13, 91 min., $19.98) The exorcism wing of the horror genre continues to be a favorite for directors. Filmmaker Mark Neveldine's feature concerns a woman who is possessed by an ancient Satanic force. It's up to a priest and two men from the Vatican to save her. Michael Pena and Djimon Hounsou star.
“Gloria” (2014, R, 126 min., $19.98) Inspired by the life of international pop star Gloria Trevi, also known as the Mexican Madonna, “Gloria” follows the incredible rise to stardom by a singer known for her controversial lyrics and outrageous persona. The performer's star shines bright until a series of events brings her world crashing down. Sofia Espinosa and Marco Perez star.
“Irwin & Fran” (2013, NR, 83 min., $24.98) At 100 years old, Irwin Corey has lived a full life. He was once a popular comedian, appearing on the shows of Steve Allen, Johnny Carson and Ed Sullivan, before he was blacklisted at the height of his career. Director Jordan Stone's documentary takes a deep look at Corey's interesting life, as well as his relationship with his wife, Fran.
“The Exorcism of Molly Hartley” (2015, NR, 96 min., $17.99) Another film about a woman being possessed by an evil spirit, “The Exorcism of Molly Hartley” follows a woman who's been convicted of a murder and assigned to a mental hospital. The devil inside her allows supernatural powers that wreak havoc on the hospital. Her only chance of being saved is a defrocked priest.
“I Spit on Your Grave 3” (2015, NR, 92 min., $22.98) The third helping of this brutal horror franchise takes viewers back into the mind of Jennifer Hills (Sarah Butler), still tormented by a brutal sexual assault from her past. Jennifer joins a support group in hopes of moving forward, but she's driven to revenge again when the murderer of a friend goes free with no punishment.
“Northern Limit Line” (2015, NR, 130 min., $24.98) Based on real-life events, director Kim Hak-Soon's powerful drama tells the story of the Second Battle of Yeongpyeong, a surprise attack on South Korea's Battleship 357 in 2012. As the crew members of the 357 watched the 2002 FIFA World Cup, they were attacked by North Korean patrol boats along the Northern Limit Line.
“Two Raging Grannies” (2013, NR, 78 min., $19.98) Director Havard Bustnes' documentary kicks off in Seattle, where two senior citizens, Shirley, 90, and Hinda, 84, have been engaged in social and political issues for most of their lives. A single issue, perpetual economic growth, brings out the most anger in them, and it puts them on the road to Wall Street for find answers.
“Hidden” (2015, R, 84 min., $28.98) Ross and Matt Duffer wrote and directed this thriller about a North Carolina family hiding in a bomb shelter during a dangerous outbreak. While they exist in the shelter for almost a year, the world above them crumbles. The family has remained safe throughout, but now, something is coming for them. Alexander Skarsgard stars.
“La Ciudad” (1998, NR, 88 min., $34.99)
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Other releases
• “Billy Elliot: The Musical Live” (2015, NR, 170 min., $26.98)
