This week looks like a mediocre one, and I wonder if DVD releases are affected the same way that big screen releases are, or is it just cyclic timing.
A studio will select a weekend for their release comparing it to when other big films are coming out and how it will fare under competition. Its all a very careful strategy. But do DVD releases work the same way? There is no specific time frame from theatrical run to disc, but do they attempt to release movies at the retail and rental level the same way?
With Twilight: New Moon release this week, you might think so. That film is tracking to have MASSIVE sales this week in its late (early for next week?) release on Saturday. Could just be coincidence?
 | The Princess and the Frog A modern twist on a classic tale, set in the great city of New Orleans, where a beautiful girl named Tiana (Anika Noni Rose) meets a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again. A fateful kiss leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana. Disney’s return to classical 2D animation had all the hallmarks of their mega-hit animation features, but just didnt land itself in the hearts like it could have. Likely will get a buy from me as Disney lures me no matter what. |
 | Ninja Assassin Raizo (Rain) is one of the deadliest assassins in the world. Taken from the streets as a child, he was transformed into a trained killer by the Ozunu Clan, a secret society whose very existence is considered a myth. But haunted by the merciless execution of his friend by the Clan, Raizo breaks free from them… and vanishes. Now he waits, preparing to exact his revenge. Great action flick worth the see. Its all visual, and Rain doesn’t have to talk much – so it works. |
 | Did you Hear about the Morgans New Yorkers Paul (Hugh Grant) and Meryl (Sarah Jessica Parker) Morgan seem to have it all — except for the fact that their marriage is crumbling around them. But their romantic woes are small compared to the world of trouble they find themselves in after they witness a murder. To protect them from an assassin, federal agents whisk Paul and Meryl away to small-town Wyoming, where their marriage will either finally crash and burn, or their passion will re-ignite. I liked this movie the first time I saw it with Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley (For Richer or Poorer) but I can’t seem to resist Hugh Grant’s charm, and somehow no matter how ugly she gets I still think Sarah Jessica Parker is hot. I was waiting for rental on this one, and today might be the day. |
 | Armoured A crew of officers at an armored transport security firm risk their lives when they embark on the ultimate heist—against their own company. Armed with a seemingly fool-proof plan, the men plan on making off with a fortune with harm to none. But when an unexpected witness interferes, the plan quickly unravels and all bets are off. This wasn’t a terrible movie, but I didn’t care for it. I am not mad at it or anything, it just wasn’t that hot. Luke warm maybe. Probably worth a rental if the big films are all out. This can wait. |
 | Astroboy Set in futuristic Metro City, Astro Boy is about a young robot with incredible powers created by a brilliant scientist named Tenma (Nicolas Cage). Powered by positive “blue” energy, Astro Boy (Freddie Highmore) is endowed with super strength, x-ray vision, unbelievable speed and the ability to fly. Serious nostalgia factor here. And it looked pretty amazing. But I just didn’t get around to seeing it in theaters. I was a little put off by the machine guns in his bum. Just sayin. Going to rent it for sure. |
 | Bandslam When gifted singer-songwriter Charlotte Banks (Aly Michalka) asks new kid in town Will Burton (Gaelan Connell) to manage her fledgling rock band, she appears to have just one goal in mind: go head-to-head against her egotistical musician ex-boyfriend, Ben (Scott Porter), at the biggest event of the year, a battle of the bands. Hoping to ride the Highschool Musical, Camp Rock fire, Bandslam just did the haters a favour and extinguished the flame entirely. Vanessa Hudgens couldnt save this one. I gave it a shot, but its barely watchable, and this is coming from the guy who actually LIKED High School Musical films (1&3 mostly) |
 | Good Hair When Chris Rocks daughter, Lola, came up to him crying and asked, Daddy, how come I don’t have good hair? the bewildered comic committed himself to search the ends of the earth and the depths of black culture to find out who had put that question into his little girl’s head! Director Jeff Stilsons camera followed the funnyman, and the result is Good Hair, a wonderfully insightful and entertaining, yet remarkably serious, documentary about African American hair culture. I heard about this, and while I was not surprised to hear Chris Rock in something that exploits racial stereotypes I was intrigued after seeing the trailer. If I can get my hands on this I want to see it. |
 | Twilight: New Moon Releasing Saturday March 20th Just after Bella’s (Kristen Stewart) 18th birthday, Edward (Robert Pattinson) decides to leave her behind in an effort to protect her. As the heartbroken Bella sleepwalks through her senior year, numb and alone, she discovers she can summon Edward’s image whenever she puts herself in jeopardy. She is torn between Edward and Jacob, recovering from her depression and hiding under the protection of the Quileute Tribe of Werewolves from the vengeful Victoria. |
Is anything making your buy list?
Princess and Frog was a good Quality throwback flick from the 2-d disney days, and isn’t a little girls film either.
Astroboy looks great and I wanna see with my kid.(even if it’s got Nic Cage)
Got my fill with Cris Rock already(not hatin’-just sayin’)
SJP flick will be watched w/ wifey
Loved The Princess and the Frog. Already bought that puppy.
I’ll probably rent Astroboy and Ninja Assasin.