DVD previews: 'Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,' 'Ex Machina'

Here's a look at DVDs coming out Tuesday, July 14:

"The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" (PG, 122 minutes, Fox): Maggie Smith continues her serial scene-stealing in this strident, over-plotty sequel to the 2012 surprise hit about a group of aging British expats who move into a charming Jaipur inn to reinvent their golden years. The "Second Best" installment finds Smith's character, Mrs. Donnelly, and her Marigold co-manager Sonny Kapoor (Dev Patel), on a quest to find corporate underwriting for their next adventure in elder-hostelry. Once again directed by John Madden, the "Second Best" chapter seems aimed at upping the ante in sheer volume and busyness, whipsawing viewers from one character's arc to another's. Will Madge (Celia Imrie) finally settle down with one of her two affluent, affectionate suitors? Will Norman (Ronald Pickup) and Carol (Diana Hardcastle) finally get the hang of monogamy? Will Doug (Bill Nighy) and Evelyn (Judi Dench) stop hemming and hawing and hook up already? This fine ensemble of actors enlivens even those low stakes with honesty, vulnerability and welcome doses of sex appeal ­- which also goes for newcomer Richard Gere, who exudes easy, spontaneous warmth as a last-minute Marigold guest. Contains language and sexual situations. Extras include "Story," "Cast," "Returning to the Marigold Hotel," "Blossoming Relationships," "The Marigold Wedding" and "Filming in India" featurettes.

"Ex Machina" (R, 110 minutes, Lionsgate): Alex Garland, author of "The Beach" and screenwriter of "28 Days Later," makes an impressive debut as a director, spinning an unsettling futuristic thriller with the expertise and exquisite taste of a seasoned veteran. Caleb, an eager young computer programmer played by Domhnall Gleeson, wins a weeklong stay at the secluded estate of his legendary boss, tech titan Nathan (Oscar Isaac). Caleb is tasked with matching wits with an artificial intelligence machine Nathan has constructed, to judge whether it possesses genuine human consciousness. Nathan's A.I. comes in the form of a pretty animatronic woman named Ava. Played by Alicia Vikander with sensitivity and precise, balletic movements, this metal-limbed beauty blurs the lines between artifice and authentic emotion in ways that will ultimately do a number on both Caleb and her charismatic, manipulative inventor. Contains nudity, language, sexual situations and violence. Extras include "Through the Looking Glass: Creating Ex Machina" five-part featurette, SXSW Q&A with the cast and crew and eight behind-the-scenes vignettes.

"Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2" (PG, 94 minutes, Sony): The 2009 original was a sweet, silly family comedy about an overly conscientious shopping mall security guard who foils a crime. The sequel, directed with a far heavier hand, feels like a played-out joke. The slapstick might tickle some kids' funny bones, but there are long stretches of blah in between. Kevin James as Blart hurls himself joylessly over the top this time. Early on, Blart's new wife has abandoned him and he loses his mother. So his puffed-up bluster may mask insecurity and sadness. Blart and his beloved (and overprotected) college-age daughter, Maya (Raini Rodriguez), go to a security guard conference in Las Vegas and stumble upon a plot to steal art from the hotel. The villain takes Maya hostage, and Blart takes chase on a souped-up Segway. Extras include featurettes on the cast and "How to Make a Movie." Also, on Blu-ray: six deleted scenes, a gag reel, a behind-the-scenes short and featurettes "Action Adventure," "Back in the Saddle," "No Animals Were Harmed," "Sales Tactics" and "Real Cops."

Also: "The Salt of the Earth," "Clouds of Sils Maria," "Red Knot," "It Follows," "Goodbye to All That," "Freedom," "Black Beauty," "The Black Stallion" (1979), "Hiroshima mon amour" (1959, France), "Here is Your Life" (1966), "Gangs of Wasseypur" (2012, India) and "Stray Cat Rock Limited Edition" (1970-1971, five-disc set of the Japanese "Stray Cat Rock" series).

Television series: "Batman: Second Season, Part 2" (1966-67), "WKRP in Cincinnati: Season Three" (1980-81), "Little House on the Prairie: Season Six Deluxe Remastered Edition" (1979-80), "Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell: Season 1" (Cartoon Network), "Adventure Time: Fifth Season," "Poltergeists: Real-Life Hauntings" (1996-2008) and "Powers: First Season" (first scripted series for PlayStation).