Here are this week's hottest home video releases:
All the Sins of Sodom/Vibrations
Two edgy, controversial films from writer/director Joseph W. Sarno -- "All the Sins of Sodom" (1968) and "Vibrations" (1966) -- debut on Blu-ray with fresh 2K transfers. Although tame by today's standards, the drama set the one for edgy cinema to follow. Extras include interviews, commentary and liner notes with facts about the productions.
Cult of Chucky
The original killer doll isn't about to let Annabelle hog the spotlight. The knife-wielding plastic-and-cloth killer, voiced by Brad Dourif, is back in a direct-to-video effort that melds comedy and horror sensibilities. Series stalwart Jennifer Tilly returns to voice his bride. This time he wreaks his absurd brand of havoc inside an insane asylum. Extras include making-of featurettes, a look at the puppeteering process and filmmaker commentary.
A Ghost Story
Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara star in this solemn, meditative look at the spiritual realm. Affleck is offed early on, and forced to watch for months, years and decades as the world changes without him. Director David Lowery shows a smooth hand for spinning a particular brand of existential horror, with Affleck and Mara delivering requisitely gloomy performances. Lowery's commentary, a deleted scene and a featurette on the score are included.
Justice League: The New Frontier Commemorative Edition
The 2008 animated movie hits a lighter tone than most current DC animated films, veering close to an upbeat 1970s "Superfriends" vibe. Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash and Martian Manhunter start the film off as strangers, then form a team to confront a universal threat. Serving as an apt appetizer for next month's "Justice League," the movie will slap a smile on the face of hardcore DC fans. Filmmaker commentary and several making-of featurettes round out the package.
Open Water 3: Cage Dive
Three California friends take a jaunt to Australia to do some reef diving, and end up tangling with some great white sharks. This tense thriller captures the horror of an extreme shark encounter, with gritty cinematography and empathetic performances overcoming weak dialogue. Filmmaker commentary, deleted scenes, outtakes and a making-of featurette fill out the slate of extras.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
Johnny Depp slips into his now career-defining role as Capt. Jack Sparrow for his fifth voyage on the nonsensical, magic-filled seas, marking the first film in the franchise to release in 4K. Javier Bardem plays his new rival, Salazar, while Geoffrey Rush reprises his role as Barbossa. The series' already stretched continuity is strained past its breaking point in an overly long movie that only occasionally recaptures the magic of previous films. For my full review, click here.
Studios provided review screeners.
