DVD reviews: 'Selma,' 'Mr. Turner' and 'Black Sea'

“Selma” (2014, PG-13, 128 min., $29.99) Boosted by a screenplay searing with powerful intensity, remarkable performances from a gifted cast and smart direction, “Selma” stands as one of the finest movies of 2014. The film, directed by Ava Duvernay, takes its place as one of the greatest historical dramas of the past 20 years. At the center of “Selma” is a magical performance from British actor David Oyelowo, in the lead role of Martin Luther King Jr. Oyelowo is helped by Tom Wilkinson, Tim Roth and Stephan James, who fit perfectly into an impacting film with a lasting impression. Duvernay's movie is one every person should see. The picture largely covers King's plans to assemble a peaceful march in Alabama from Selma to Montgomery in order to secure equal voting rights for African-Americans, who had come up against racism in trying to register. The march was one that met great resistance, and, in the process, shined a bright light on the treatment of African-Americans in the south. Standard DVDs carry a couple of extras, but Blu-ray sets are loaded with special features. A handful of good featurettes, deleted scenes and commentary are available. 4 stars

“Mr. Turner” (2014, R, 150 min., $30.99) Exquisite cinematography and a masterful lead performance by Timothy Spall are the tools used by filmmaker and director Mike Leigh to make this film that conjures memories of the beautiful art done by the picture's subject, J.M.W. Turner, a British painter who died in 1851. The picture garnered plenty of well-deserved praise upon its release in 2014. Leigh brings the viewer into the world of Turner, whether it be working on his next piece, finding inspiration in nature or dealing with the art society and those interested in purchasing his work. But it's the personal side of Mr. Turner that Leigh conjures so vividly. Viewers get an opportunity to experience a personable side of Turner that few might've known. It's an important element that provides a clear picture of an artist considered to be a major force in the world of landscape painting. Blu-ray and standard DVD packages carry some good special features, including a making-of featurette, commentary and deleted scenes. An additional featurette, exclusive to Blu-ray, focuses on the film's cinematography. 3.5 stars

“Black Sea” (2014, R, 114 min., $29.98) Kevin Macdonald has done some great work in his time as a filmmaker, and “Black Sea” is another indication that the Scottish director has staying power. The claustrophobic submarine pic is a respectable addition to his resume, sending the viewer down to the depths of the Black Sea on a voyage for gold with a bunch of tough guys. The thriller holds a mighty performance from Jude Law, who plays Robinson, the captain of this vessel. Law's great as a guy trying to keep it all together. He's a vital part of a thriller that builds suspense as the plot moves swiftly toward its epic conclusion. Robinson is a submarine expert out of a job, but he can become a wealthy man if he can get to a Nazi sub on the bottom of the Black Sea. Robinson puts together a good crew and finds the necessary materials needed to pull off the job. Unfortunately, it's a dangerous mission, and he'll need everything to go right if he's going to make it out as a wealthy man. Special features are worth a look, especially a making-of featurette that goes behind the scenes of the picture's production. Also included is commentary from Macdonald. 3 stars

“Black or White” (2014, PG-13, 121 min., $29.98) Mike Binder wrote and directed this drama about a man dealing with the death of his wife while trying to maintain custody of his granddaughter. Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer and Pittsburgh native Gillian Jacobs star.

“Miss Julie” (2014, PG-13, 130 min., $26.98) Jessica Chastain, Colin Farrell and Samantha Morton star in filmmaker Liv Ullmann's adaption of August Strindberg's play. The drama finds the beautiful daughter of a wealthy aristocrat falling for her father's valet. It's a relationship that's not encouraged, as it's a clash of the classes.

“The Last Five Years” (2014, PG-13, 94 min., $29.98) Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan are in lead roles for director Richard LaGravenese's musical about the relationship between Jamie (Jordan), a talented novelist, and Cathy (Kendrick), a struggling actress. It's based on Jason Robert Brown's play from 2002.

“Murder of a Cat” (2014, NR, 101 min., $22.98) A talented cast (J.K. Simmons, Blythe Danner and Nikki Reed) star in Gillian Greene's comedy thriller about a loser who designs action figures in his mom's basement. One morning, he wakes to find his cat murdered, and it devastates him. He sets out to find the killer.

“Lost River” (2014, R, 95 min., $28.98) This directorial debut of Ryan Gosling didn't have the friendliest of bows at the Cannes Film Festival. Unfolding in an abandoned city, a mother attempts to keep her family together by venturing into a dark underworld. A solid cast includes Christina Hendricks, Saoirse Ronan and Eva Mendes.

“Spare Parts” (2014, PG-13, 114 min., $19.98) A substitute teacher at a Phoenix high school makes an immediate impact by challenging four students to come together to enter a national underwater-robotics competition against some of the best minds in the world. George Lopez, Jamie Lee Curtis and Marissa Tomei star in this inspirational pic.

“The Pyramid” (2014, R, 89 min., $22.98) Another addition to the found-footage horror genre, director Gregory Levasseur's picture follows a team of archaeologists into a mysterious pyramid underground in the Egyptian desert. Once inside, they face a series of supernatural forces. With Ashley Hinshaw and Denis O'Hare.

“Love, Rosie” (2014, R, 102 min., $29.99) Based on the 2004 novel “Where Rainbows End” from Irish author Cecelia Ahern, “Love, Rosie” tells the story of Rosie (Lily Collins) and Alex (Sam Claflin), tight friends since they were kids. In adulthood, they head in completely different directions, but they're never really too far apart from reconnecting.

“A Few Best Men” (2011, NR, 97 min., $19.98)

“Mahogany: The Couture Edition” (1975, PG, 109 min., $14.99)

New on Blu-ray

• “Goodfellas: 25th Anniversary Edition” (1990, R, 146 min., $34.99)

• “Pitch Perfect: Sing-Along Aca Awesome Edition” (2012, PG-13, 112 min., $22.98)

TV on DVD

• “Masters of Sex: Season Two” (four discs, 12 episodes, $55.99)

• “Parenthood: The Complete Series” (23 discs, 103 episodes, $119.98)

• “Parenthood: Season Six” (three discs, 13 episodes, $39.98)

• “White Collar: The Con-Plete Collection” (20 discs, 81 episodes, $139.98)

• “White Collar: The Complete Sixth Season” (two discs, six episodes, $19.98)

• “Halt and Catch Fire: The Complete First Season” (three discs, 10 episodes, $49.98)