This week's hottest home video releases:
American Gods: Season 1
Adapted from Neil Gaiman's bestseller, this Starz fantasy series mixes the mythology of various cultures with Americana. Ian McShane, Emily Browning, Peter Stormare and Gillian Anderson star in a tale of gods who appear in human form in the U.S., engaging in pacts, romances and rivalries. Crackling dialogue and stunning visuals pace all eight episodes. Commentary tracks, a making-of doc and behind-the-scenes footage fill out the extras.
Ancient Aliens: Season 10
As loopy as it is fascinating, the History channel series somehow continues to dig up more and more bizarre theories of alien influences on global culture throughout time. The show's researchers dig up an aluminum spacecraft-like object that dates to 40,000 years ago and the discovery of an ancient rocket in 1948 in Kiev. Eight episodes are included.
Batman vs. Two-Face
Two-Face manipulates fellow villain King Tut as a stooge to lure Batman and Robin -- who team up with Catwoman in an uneasy alliance -- into a swarm of destruction in this fast-paced DC animated film. Adam West delivers his final voice performance as the Caped Crusader, and his 1960s co-star Burt Ward is also along for the ride. Extras include a look at Ward's off-camera life and a Comic-Con tribute panel to West.
The Lure (Criterion)
Polish director Agnieszka Smoczynska directs this edgy 2007 thriller about flesh-eating mermaid sisters who move to land in order to seduce and hunt down humans. Everything goes according to plan until one of the sisters falls in love, making for a grim twist on "The Little Mermaid" template. Extras include a tribute booklet, deleted scenes, interviews and a pair of the director's short films.
Spider-Man: Homecoming
Disney and Sony's agreement to share cinematic universes pays off big-time in what's easily the best Spider-Man movie yet, thanks in no small part to the appearances of Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) and Captain America (Chris Evans). Tom Holland slays as the web slinger, juggling the demands of high school with his ambition to become a superhero and join the Avengers. Michael Keaton also makes an impact as the villain the Vulture. For my full review, click here. Extras include deleted scenes, a Spidey Study Guide, a gag reel and a web of making-of featurettes.
Vampirina
Disney's answer to "Hotel Transylvania" is this silly sitcom starring a vampire girl who longs to fit in with humans despite her oddball monster family.Although the content is on the slim side, with only four 22-minute episodes, what's here is entertaining and rewatchable. Lauren Graham, James Van Der Beek and Wanda Sykes have some fun with their voice performances.
Studios provided review screeners.
