DVD reviews: 'The Judge,' 'Fury' and 'The Book of Life'

“The Judge” (2014, R, 141 min., $29.98) Predicted as one of the highlights of 2014, “The Judge” fell short of expectations because of an all-too familiar plot that's heavy on cliches. Key performances from Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall, nominated for an Oscar for his role, boost director David Dobkin's family drama, making it slightly more watchable than a Lifetime movie of the week. A strong supporting cast and memorable camera work also stand as assets this flick that follows a slimy defense lawyer named Hank (Downey Jr.), who is called back to his Indiana hometown for his mother's funeral. Hank hasn't been back for a while because he doesn't get along with his father, Judge Palmer (Duvall). When the judge looks to be a suspect in the death of a local criminal, Hank is forced to stay in what he describes as “purgatory” to defend his father. The two men, stubborn in their own ways, are forced to work together to try and keep the judge out of prison. As usual, Blu-ray packages carry more special features than standard DVD sets. Deleted scenes, Dobkin commentary, a making-of featurette and an interview with supporting cast member Dax Shepard can be found on Blu-ray. 2 stars

“Fury” (2014, R, 134 min., $30.99) David Ayer is a director who specializes in the gritty details. He did it with 2012's “End of Watch,” as well as 2005's “Harsh Times.” Ayer's latest film takes the viewer inside an American tank during World War II. The film is abrasive, when it comes to the tank, the soldiers and the German setting. It's the exact elements that make “Fury” better than the usual genre fare, even if it's a plot viewers have been taken through several times before. Of course, a strong cast that includes Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Michael Pena and Jon Bernthal also helps the cause. The story follows a young officer thrown into WWII with a veteran tank crew, as American forces were making a final push into Germany. With the Nazis trying to hold their ground in the waning days, the tank crew, dealing with exhaustion, depleted resources and proper backup, face a dangerous task in trying to clear the way for American forces. Standard DVDs hold one featurette, but Blu-ray packages have more — four making-of featurettes that include interviews with the cast and crew are available. Blu-ray buyers also get almost an hour of deleted scenes. 3 stars

“The Book of Life” (2014, PG, 95 min., $29.98) With the success of “The Lego Movie,” “How to Train Your Dragon 2” and “The Boxtrolls,” “The Book of Life,” from director Jorge R. Gutierrez, got lost in the shuffle. That's unfortunate, because the film's a real treat. Top-notch animation, talented voice work (Zoe Saldana, Channing Tatum, Diego Luna, Ron Perlman, Christina Applegate) and an emotionally entertaining story make this a winning movie. Suitable for family viewing, the picture follows two young men — Manola and Joaquin — engaging in a friendly rivalry to win the affections of Maria. Manola is from a bullfighting family, but he wants to be a musician. Joaquin is from a family of great soldiers, and that's the future awaiting him. As Manola and Joaquin fall into their professions, Maria arrives back in town from her days at a private school. The men fall back into their rivalry, but their attention turns toward a dangerous bandit who threatens to destroy their town. Commentary is the only extra available on standard DVD and Blu-ray. However, there are plenty of making-of featurettes — packed with interviews — found exclusively in Blu-ray packages. 3 stars

“The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness” (2013, NR, 118 min., $29.95) Fans of animated movies have undoubtedly enjoyed the work of Japan's Studio Ghibli, responsible for titles such as “The Wind Rises,” “Howl's Moving Castle” and “Ponyo.” This documentary gives viewers a look behind the scenes at the studio that's produced so much great work.

“My Old Lady” (2014, PG-13, 107 min., $19.98) Playwright Israel Horovitz makes his first move to the silver screen with “My Old Lady,” a dramedy with Kevin Kline, Maggie Smith and Kristin Scott Thomas. When a man inherits a Paris apartment from his father, he finds out that the space comes with two stubborn tenants that he's going to have to deal with.

“Art and Craft” (2014, NR, 89 min., $34.99) Mark Landis, one of the most prolific art forgers in U.S. history, is the subject of this interesting documentary from Sam Cullman, Jennifer Grausman and Mark Becker. After 30 years of impressive work, the artist is finally exposed and forced to deal with a questionable legacy that has lots of people looking for answers.

“Before I Go to Sleep” (2014, R, 92 min., $19.98) Rowan Joffe wrote and directed this thriller about a woman dealing with a brain injury that leaves her with no memories each morning. The cast is lead by Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth and Mark Strong.

“Open Windows” (2014, NR, 110 min., $14.93) Elijah Wood and Sasha Grey star in director Nacho Vigalondo's thriller about an obsessive fan who wins a date with his favorite Hollywood star. When the actress pulls out, the fan is given an opportunity by a mysterious figure to watch the star at all times via computer. It's a proposal that puts him in a world of trouble.

“The Color of Time” (2012, R, 73 min., $22.98) A collaboration of James Franco and 12 graduate students from New York University is responsible for this look into the life of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet C.K. Williams. The pic takes the viewer through the struggles Williams faced on and off the page. An impressive cast includes Franco, Mila Kunis and Jessica Chastain.

“Big Driver” (2014, NR, 90 min., $14.98) Based on a short story from Stephen King, this thriller, with Maria Bello, Ann Dowd and Joan Jett, made its TV debut on Lifetime in 2014. An author heading home after a book signing is forced off the road by a blown tire. A driver stops, but it's a serial killer who viciously assaults the author. Now, she's out for revenge.

“The Remaining” (2014, PG-13, 88 min., $26.99) A collection of horrific events, foretold by prophecies pointing to the end of the world, tests a group of friends. As trouble mounts, the group faces tough decisions in trying to survive. Johnny Pacar, Alexa PenaVega and Shaun Sipos star.

“Tyler Perry's Madea's Tough Love” (2014, PG, 64 min., $19.98) Tyler Perry brings his popular Madea character to a whole new genre, as the director turns to the world of animation. In this latest adventure, Madea is sentenced to community service after a run-in with the law. Her sentence takes her to a youth center. It's there where Madea finds she's most needed.

TV on DVD

• “Downton Abbey: Season 5” (three discs, nine episodes, $49.95)

• “Maison Close: Season One” (two discs, eight episodes, $34.95)

• “Regular Show: Mordecai Pack” (one disc, 16 episodes, $19.82)

• “Ice Cold Gold: Season 1” (two discs, six episodes, $29.93)

• “Mama's Family: Mama's Favorites, Season Four” (one disc, six episodes, $12.95)