Sherlock Holmes Investigates Our Pick of the Week

Pick of the Week

They Might Be Giants [KL Studio Classics]

What is it? A man believes he’s Sherlock Holmes, and who are we to argue?

Why see it? Sherlock Holmes films come in all shapes and sizes, and while more than one have dealt with modern day incarnations there’s a sweetness to this early 70s film that raises it to the top. George C.Scott plays a retired judge who believes he’s Holmes, and he finds his Watson in a psychiatrist assigned to his case. Together they find adventure and love, and the result is a charming film. Kino’s new Blu-ray is a great release in part because it features the extended cut of the film that has been unavailable for decades.

[Blu-ray extras: Commentary, featurette]

The Best

13 Hours [4K UltraHD]

What is it? Six soldiers are forced into the fight of their lives.

Why see it? While many took the opportunity to turn the military action in Benghazi into a political talking point others recognized it as a moment of desperation and heroism. Michael Bay is unsurprisingly in the latter camp, and it shows in his best film in years. It’s a simple setup as the good guys are outnumbered and outgunned, but Bay delivers an absolutely thrilling and exciting film filled with intense set-pieces. A terrific cast adds to the experience. It’s a great movie for a 4K upgrade as well as Bay shoots incredibly sharp and specific action scenes which benefit from the new clarity and depth.

[4K UltraHD/Blu-ray extras: Featurettes]

Ghostbusters 1 & 2 [4K UltraHD]

What is it? Four wild and crazy guys save New York City, twice.

Why see it? Ghostbusters remains an all-time comedy classic, and it holds up beautifully thirty-five years later. The effects are fun, the jokes are still hilarious, the energy is infectious, and the cast is perfection. The sequel from five years later? Still a woof. We get a few good lines, but the story and script as a whole feels like a lazy and uncreative rehash. This new double feature, though, is an absolute must-own for fans of both. We get all of the old extras along with some terrific new ones including newly discovered deleted scenes from the original and a new commentary for the sequel. The 4K upgrade also looks great, particularly on the first film Plus it’s a steelbook!.

[4K UltraHD/Blu-ray extras: Commentaries, deleted scenes, featurettes, music videos, Oprah Winfrey Show episode]

The Rest

Can’t Stop the Music

What is it? The totally untrue story of the Village People.

Why see it? Not all movies are for all people, and this one is seemingly for very few people. Those who love it, though, do so with immense joy as it’s a campy romp that fully embraces the cheesiest elements of disco’s heyday. Big name talents and recognizable faces fill the screen in a musical that offers up a fictionalized look at one band’s origin, and the result is a like a less organized Xanadu — for better or worse. Shout Factory’s new Blu is a gift for fans with the inclusion of a new commentary offering a glimpse into the madness of its production.

[Blu-ray extras: Commentary, interview]

Captain Marvel

What is it? A woman discovers the truth behind her past and her powers.

Why see it? The newest Avenger is another massive hit for the franchise, and there’s fun to be had in its overarching story and supporting players. Ben Mendelsohn and Samuel L. Jackson are both having so much fun that it’s hard not to share in their joy. We get some fun action along the way too in addition to some answers to questions about Fury, S.H.I.E.L.D., and more. Brie Larson, meanwhile, is a mixed bag as she’s stuck with a character forced to react to new knowledge rather than be an active participant for too much of the film. She should be a great in a sequel though.

[Blu-ray/DVD extras: Deleted scenes, gag reel, featurettes, commentary]

The Entity [Scream Factory]

What is it? A woman is traumatized by a rapey ghost.

Why see it? I’d avoided this film for a long time as the premise is off-putting, and having finally watched it the film has proven my instincts correct. It’s disturbing and fairly graphic and not an easy watch, but it’s a horror movie and it delivers with its intensely unsettling sequences. It drops the ball a bit in the third act, though, as it ends on an underwhelming note. Scream’s new Blu-ray includes a new interview with star Barbara Hershey which offers some insight into the production and her character.

[Blu-ray extras: Interviews, commentary]

Frankenstein Created Woman [Scream Factory]

What is it? The busy body scientist discovers a way to move souls.

Why see it? Peter Cushing is the main reason to watch this Hammer entry as he’s always been a fascinating performer, but there’s also some fun to be had in the scientific shenanigans the good doctor is up to again. It’s slow-going, though, as the action doesn’t truly start until an hour in — before then it’s mostly character work and setup. Not a complaint mind you, just an observation. Scream’s new Blu is fantastic though with a bright, colorful image and some enlightening extras.

[Blu-ray extras: New 2K scan, commentaries, World of Hammer episode, documentary]

None But the Brave [Warner Archive]

What is it? A US Marine aircraft crashes on an island populated by a Japanese platoon.

Why see it? Frank Sinatra stars in and directs this war film about the reality that violent conflict has two sides and how neither comes out a winner. We get some fun model action along, but the bulk of the film is a welcome embrace of peace and understanding. The two sides begin a dialog, and as they’re cut off from their respective sides it leads to a peaceful friendship. It’s threatened, though, when reinforcements head their way. The ending feels abruptly written, but the film offers an unexpected tenderness and respect for the Japanese soldiers. It’s a good movie.

[Blu-ray extras: None]

Slaughter of the Innocents [Synapse Films]

What is it? An FBI agent and his son search for a serial killer.

Why see it? Clearly designed to piggy back atop Scott Glenn’s appearance in the recent hit The Silence of the Lambs (1991), this thriller feels like a prequel for his Jack Crawford character. It lacks that film’s finesse and smarts, but I still enjoy the hell out of its blend of religious savagery and kids movie antics. It’s an odd mix, but there’s fun to be had if you’re open to the madness. Also, any film that ends with dropping a full-size Noah’s Ark into a canyon deserves my love. Synapse’s new Blu is stacked with extras new and old as well.

[Blu-ray extras: Commentary, interviews, featurettes, deleted scenes]

Also out this week:

Devil’s Kiss, The Girl Most Likely To [KL Studio Classics], I Am the Night, Jeffrey [Shout Select], Kidnapped [KL Studio Classics], Leprechaun Returns, Magnum P.I. – Season One, None But the Brave, Orange Is the New Black – Season Six, Pursuit [KL Studio Classics], Sinatra in Palm Springs: The Place He Called Home, Slaughter of the Innocents [Synapse Films], The Sower, Swing Time [Criterion Collection], T-34