With the Oscars over, most people's attention to movies will wane. But, for true film fans they already know a lot of that awards show winners, losers and snubs will be coming out on DVD in the upcoming weeks. So read on to find out about what is arriving for the week ahead with how to watch them at home, and in some cases where to rent them in Pittsburgh.
Available Tuesday:
"Chicken with Plums"- From the Oscar-nominated filmmakers of "Persepolis" comes an entrancing fairy tale set in 1950s Tehran. After the destruction of his treasured instrument, a renowned musician (Mathieu Almaric) loses all taste for life and teeters on the edge of oblivion. Tantalizing live-action imbued with offbeat animation. Available at Netflix.
"Girls against Boys"- Let's get this one out of the way and say it will never be mentioned in the same breath as the Oscars. In an exploitative and ultimately cheap look of how a couple of abused girls (Danielle Panabaker, Nicole LaLibertie) get some serious revenge on their former dumb mates. Available to rent at Family Video.
"How to Survive a Plague"- Last night's loss in the Documentary category does nothing to take the sting out of this barbed film. An attack on the Reagan-era Government and it's lack of haste to find not only a course of treatment for HIVAIDS during that time period but, to talk about it as an imperative Social issue afflicting many of our own citizens. Courageous and compassionate. Also available to stream now with a Netflix membership.
"The Loneliest Planet"- Read a full review, see a slideshow or watch the Trailer. Also available to stream with Netflix.
"The Master"- Philip Seymour Hoffman garnered a Best Supporting Actor nomination as a charismatic leader, Amy Adams a Best Supporting Actress nod as his willing wife and Joaquin Phoenix a Best Actor vote as a drunken follower in Paul Thomas Anderson's blistering take on the similarities between addiction and a cult-like religion in America after World War II. Beautiful, although empty exposition on manhood and sin. Available at Family Video.
"Rust & Bone"- A heartbreaking love story, starring former Best Actress winner Marion Cotillard and Matthias Schoenarts ("Bullhead") as an animal trainer and a bouncer who get close after a horrific event brings them together. French Director Jacques Audiard ("A Prophet") continues to deliver films that combine grace and honest emotions to dizzying effect. Made my top ten Indie Movies of 2012 list. Click here for the Trailer of this Import DVD from England, only available now to purchase. A stateside edition hits shelves next month.
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