DVD previews: 'Amazing Spider-Man 2,' 'Quiet Ones'

Here is a look at DVDs coming out Tuesday, Aug. 19:

"The Amazing Spider-Man 2" (PG-13, 142 minutes, Sony): This sequel is a strenuously chipper but nonetheless saggy, baggy and mostly ho-hum addition to the Spider-Man canon. What was once its greatest strength - its casting - is on the verge of becoming its biggest liability. Whereas the chief pleasure of the first "Amazing Spider-Man" was the cuddly chemistry between Peter Parker (played by Andrew Garfield) and his girlfriend Gwen (Emma Stone), here they generate fewer sparks than questions. Namely: how a 30-year-old and 25-year-old (respectively), despite their prodigious talents, can be expected to play recent high school graduates with any degree of credibility? Stone delivers a winning performance. But Garfield, despite all the swooping and swinging, looks less like a kid having fun than like an actor entangled in a corporate web. Contains violence. Extras include commentary from director Marc Webb, deleted scenes and Alicia Keys' "It's On Again" music video. Also, on Blu-ray: a six-part, behind-the-scenes making-of documentary and additional deleted scenes. 3-D version also available.

"Only Lovers Left Alive" (R, 113 minutes, Sony): As unlikely as it sounds in the era of "Twilight" and its defanged imitators, Jim Jarmusch's "Only Lovers Left Alive" proves there are still new sights and sounds and meanings to be derived from the conceit of characters who rarely sleep, never die and feast on the blood of others. In the hands of the godfather of late 20th-century American independent cinema, the sensory pleasures are extravagant, the approach both wry and profound, and the greater meaning well-worth searching for, even within a tired, overworked genre. Strong cast includes Oscar winner Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska and Jeffrey Wright. Contains language and brief nudity. Extras include a featurette, deleted and extended scenes, and Yasmine Hamdan "Hal" music video.

"The Quiet Ones" (PG-13, 97 minutes, Lionsgate): That this is a cut above the average horror film is thanks mainly to its pedigree as a Hammer Films production. The venerable British studio imbues this 1970s-set tale of paranormal experimentation with a modicum of class and polish. Even with an English accent, the word "teleplasm" sounds silly. But the story and the strong cast (including Jared Harris and Sam Clafin) make for an experience that is both relatable and frightening. Contains language, smoking and violence. Extras include commentary, deleted scenes, gag reel. Also, on Blu-ray: a making-of documentary and "Manifesting Evil: Visual Effects" featurette.

Also: "A Bronx Tale," "Home is Where the Heart Is," "The Empty Hours" (Spain), "Adventure Planet," "A Good Man," "Silent Mountain," "The Sacrament," "Ace Wonder," "That's My Man" (1947), "Jarhead 2: Field of Fire," "Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!," "Y Tu Mama Tambien," "Varsity Blood," "P-51 Dragon Fighter" and "Toy Story of Terror" (Disney short).

Television series: "Parks and Recreation: Season Six," "Boardwalk Empire: Fourth Season," "Parenthood: Season 5," "The Millers: First Season," "The Mindy Project: Season Two," "Rosemary's Baby," "Hey Arnold! The Complete Series," "Once Upon a Time: Third Season," "Newhart: Fourth Season," "Scooby-Doo! Frankencreepy" and "Walker, Texas Ranger: Something in the Shadow."