‘Hunger Games’ set to make mark on DVD
“The Hunger Games”
This was one of the most anticipated films of the year, and it did not disappoint.
The movie, based on the popular book series, takes place in a future where North America is divided into districts and ruled by ruthless leaders in the Capitol. As punishment for an earlier rebellion, each district must send one boy and one girl, between the ages of 12 and 18, to battle to the death in the nationally televised Hunger Games. Only one survives.
At the annual District 12 reaping where names are drawn, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) volunteers to take her little sister’s place in the Games. Chosen as the male “tribute” is Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), the baker’s son who appears to have feelings for Katniss. Both must be trained by Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson), who won the match for their district many years earlier.
Jennifer Lawrence carries this film with her compelling performance. The Games themselves are brutal to watch, with teen pitted against teen in this tale of survival of the fittest and the smartest.
“Jaws”
Available on Blu-ray for the first time, one of the most popular films of all time has never looked or sounded better. When it was released in 1975, Steven Spielberg was hailed as a Hollywood visionary, while the film became a summer blockbuster. It won multiple Academy Awards, and the special edition comes in a unique package. You can get a digital copy of the film along with an ultraviolet copy. So now you can watch it on your television, computer, tablet and smartphone. There are four hours of bonus material, including the new documentary “The Shark is Still Working,” an insider’s look at the set, deleted scenes and outtakes, archives, featurettes, trailers and more.
“Three Stooges Celebration”
The Stooges were one of the great comic teams of all time. This two-disc set captured The Stooges from their heyday. We see them performing on “The Ed Wynn Camel Hour,” as well as in the shorts “Hollywood on Parade,” “Sing a Song For Six Pants,” “Knife of the Party” and “Henry the Ache.” There is also a documentary. Fans of the comic legends should add this one to their collection of Stooges material.
“Dance Moms: Season One”
Lifetime’s most successful series, a guilty pleasure for some, is now available for fans to own. Abby Lee Miller runs her company in Pittsburgh, and she is a tough taskmaster in dealing with young students and their mothers. Many of the kids take their instructions to heart, and know their goal is to get better and ultimately win the national dance title. The four-disc set includes 12 episodes along with the most outrageous moments special.
Available Next Week
“A Separation”
“Adele: The Only Way Is Up”
“Bernie”
“David Bowie: The Calm Before the Storm”
“The Decade You Were Born”
“The Dictator”
“The Rescuers: 35th Anniversary Edition”