DVD/Blu-ray Releases for 9/21/2010

Buying movies is almost a dangerous obession with me. I love it, and probably have spent more money on movies in my lifetime than any sane person. At least I’m not spending money on heroine. New Movie Tuesday is my favorite day of the week. Here are this week’s releases as well as my recommendations. Being the film snob I am, I will recommend the Blu Ray versions of these flicks if available.

BUY IT

 

Spartacus: Blood and Sand

Ever wonder what 300 would have been like if it was an Unrated TV Series on a cable network, took place in Ancient Rome, and the producers sprinkled some Skin-a-Max overtones? Look no further! It’s Starz Original Series, Spartacus: Blood and Sand!

This is one of these series that is so over-the-top you have to love it.  It’s like HBO’s Rome spliced with 300 spliced with Gladiator, and that’s a good thing.  So, why buy? Because for a blu ray release, it’s pretty dang cheap at $30. [Amazon]

RENT IT

Robin Hood

Ridley Scott gets a second chance to win us over with his Robin Hood epic thanks to this Unrated Director’s Cut release.  For the most part, it works.  The Director’s Cut is a much better movie thanks to some expanded storytelling.  Certain events don’t seem so rushed  (How did the kids from Lord of the Flies get dropped into a Robin Hood story?) while the relationship between Robin Longstride and Marian flows a little better.  For an expanded look at this blu ray set, read my review.

If you haven’t seen this yet, Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood is at least worth a rental.  If you saw it in theaters and were disappointed because the marketing set you up for a different film, give the Director’s Cut a chance.  It’s still not the classic Robin Hood story, but it is a great medieval epic that does a solid job setting up the Robin Hood legend.  Hopefully there’s a second film.  Then this film can be fully appreciated. [Amazon]

The Experiment

The Experiment is a remake of the 2003 German film Das Experiment, which is a story based on the famous 1971 psychological experiment “Stanford Prison Experiment.”  This “update” stars Adrian Brody and Forrest Whitaker and is directed by Paul Scheuring (A Man Apart).  This film preceded the upcoming  film about the actual 1971 event,  The Stanford Prison Experiment (2011), starring Jesse Eisenburg and Channing Tatum and directed by Christopher McQuarrie (The Way of the Gun) coming out next year.  So, try not to get them confused.

I’m not running out the door to buy or rent this one, but it will eventually find it’s way to me via Netflix.  I will be rushing to view Das Experiment,  which I hear is pretty incredible and well worth your time. 

Ondine

Ondine finds Colin Farrel returning to his Indie roots in this small Irish film directed by Neil Jordan (The Crying Game, Breakfast on Pluto).  The story is about a fisherman who finds a young woman stuck in his fishing nets, seeminly dead.  When she comes to life before his eyes, he starts to believe the fantastical can be possible.  That’s all I know about the film, but am 100% intrigued.

 

NOW ON BLU-RAY