Empty your wallets and check your bank accounts, it’s time to see what’s Now Available To Own for the week of January 21, 2014. Each week we run down new releases in movies, television series, and video games that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Not only that, we provide insights on some of the best deals on the Internets to keep your credit card from crying. On shelves this week, you can find titles such as Captain Phillips, Blue Jasmine, Instructions Not Included, and more. Check out the complete list of new releases after the jump.
Blu-Ray Movies
Captain Phillips (Paul Greengrass) The true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years. Starring Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, and Barkhad Abdirahman
As thrilling as this was to see on the big screen I don’t see Captain Phillips having much of a shelf life. The story is too new to process and South Park had way more fun with the story – see the episode “Fatbeard.” Tom Hanks and Barkhad Abdi are great, but nothing about this film stands out as something that has much substance. It’s just a linear narrative with depth. It’s worth the watch at some point, but it’s not something to get really excited about. And there are very minimal special features as you can tell:
- Commentary with director Paul Greengrass
- Capturing Captain Phillips – in-depth behind-the-scenes featurettes on making the acclaimed film
Blue Jasmine (Woody Allen) A New York socialite, deeply troubled and in denial, arrives in San Francisco to impose upon her sister. She looks a million, but isn’t bringing money, peace, or love… Starring Cate Blanchett, Alec Baldwin, Peter Sarsgaard, and Sally Hawkins
Woody is not for everyone. He’s definitely hit or miss, but when he’s on he is most certainly on. And that’s what we have here with Blue Jasmine. With a powerhouse lead like Cate Blanchett at the helm, Blue Jasmine is a whirlwind of a story that demands your attention. Blanchett has impeccable timing and grace as Jeanette “Jasmine” Francis while maintaining a a life of a complete hot mess. Unfortunately for those who are looking for a more in depth thought process behind the movie won’t find it with the almost non-existent special features:
- Notes from the Red Carpet and Blue Jasmine Cast press conference
Instructions Not Included (Eugenio Derbez) A man who has made a new life for himself and the daughter left on his doorstep 6 years ago finds his family threatened when the birth mother resurfaces. Starring Eugenio Derbez, Karla Souza, Jessica Lindsey, and Loreto Peralta
One of the most surprising movies of 2013, Instructions Not Included is a wonderful, unconventional family comedy for all to enjoy. The writing is sharp, the cast is great, and the story is fun and heartfelt. And as much as I dislike child actors, the young Loreto Peralta does a fantastic job. Again, another release with light features, but at least you get some background from the man who wrote, directed, and starred in the film:
- Audio commentary by Eugenio Derbez
In a World… (Lake Bell) An underachieving voice coach finds herself competing in the movie trailer voice-over profession against her arrogant father and his protege. Starring Lake Bell, Jeff Garlin, Fred Melamed, and Demetri Martin
A lot of people praised this movie. I thought it was just OK. I’ll give it to Lake Bell for coming out with something new and original, but it wasn’t anything groundbreaking. It gets a little muddled at the end, and it kind of feels like it drags at certain parts, but it’s a great first effort by Bell who makes her directorial and feature writing debut here. Special features included are:
- Alternate opening sequence
- Commentary with Lake Bell
- Deleted scenes
- Gag reel
- In A World… promo trailers
Bad Milo! (Jacob Vaughan) A horror comedy centered on a guy who learns that his unusual stomach problems are being caused by a demon living in his intestines. Starring Ken Marino, Gillian Jacobs, Patrick Warburton, Mary Kay Place
I wish I saw this movie. The concept is hilarious and Ken Marino and Gillian Jacobs are hilarious. Lots of good special features too:
- Extended outtakes
- Extended dinner scene
- Deleted scene: veterinarian
- Behind Milo: the puppeteers!
- Behind Milo: raw take
- Interview with Ken Marino
- AXS TV: a look at Bad Milo!
- Commentary with Ken Marino, Gillian Jacobs, director Jacob Vaughan and writer Benjamin Hayes
Machete Kills (Robert Rodriguez) The U.S. government recruits Machete to battle his way through Mexico in order to take down an arms dealer who looks to launch a weapon into space. Starring Danny Trejo, Alexa PenaVega, Michelle Rodriguez, Sofia Vergara, Mel Gibson, Amber Heard, and Jessica Alba
As much as I understand that Machete Kills is suppose to be this cheesy, grindhouse picture, it is just too bonkers to enjoy. The movie is completely stupid, there is too much winking at the camera, and the story is ridiculously over the top. Everyone performs fine, but everything feels like a waste of effort and time for everyone involved. The grindhouse pictures, Planet Terror and Death Proof were actually interesting, Machete Kills is just a joke. Special features included are:
- Deleted and extended scenes
- Making Machete Kills
Television on Blu-Ray
None
Video Games
None
Blu-Ray Deals and Steals
- Juno – $4.99
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes – $4.99
- Caddyshack – $4.99
- This is the End – $12.99
All prices come from Amazon.com. Best Buy, Frys, and Target all price match with Amazon now.
What will you be taking home this week, tell us in the comments section below?
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Check out previous installments of Now Available To Own to see what you’ve been missing.
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All plot synopses courtesy of IMDb.com

