Empty your wallets and check your bank accounts, it’s time to see what’s Now Available To Own for the week of March 11, 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 The Book Thief, Inside Llewyn Davis, Titanfall, and more. Check out the complete list of new releases and see if you should buy, rent, Netflix, or pass ’em after the jump.
Movies on Blu-Ray
Inside Llewyn Davis (Ethan Coen and Joel Coen) A week in the life of a young singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961. Starring Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman, Garrett Hedlund, and Justin Timberlake
One of my top 10 favorite films of 2013, Inside Llewyn Davis is another Coen bros masterpiece. The incredible mix of well-performed music and woeful drama helps propel this chilling character piece into a whole different plane of existence. All of the actor’s performances are wonderful and the cinematography exquisite. Even the cinematography is carefully crafted to Coen brothers perfection. Inside Llewyn Davis is by far one of the most challenge Coen bros. films out, but it is also by far one of their best. BUY IT IF YOU LOVE THE COENS! RENT IT IF YOU ARE ON THE FENCE! The special features included are:
- Inside Inside Llewyn Davis: discover how the acclaimed film was made with the filmmakers, cast, crew and musicians
The Book Thief (Brian Percival) While subjected to the horrors of World War II Germany, young Liesel finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others. Under the stairs in her home, a Jewish refugee is being sheltered by her adoptive parents. Starring Sophie Nélisse, Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, and Ben Schnetzer
I was a bit shocked by how bad The Book Thief wasn’t. Going in after only seeing the trailer a half million times before screenings, the marketing set it up as a cheesy, over the top, in your face emotional life lesson story. But thanks to comforting performances by Sophie Nélisse, Geoffrey Rush, and Emily Watson, the family dynamic felt heartwarming and genuine. This is by far not even close to the story telling standards of Schindler’s List, and the film meanders and is pretty linear, but it could have been a lot worse. RENT IT WITH THE FAMILY! Special features included are:
- A hidden truth: bringing The Book Thief to Life
- An inspirational history
- Bringing the past to life
- Deleted scenes
- Finding the thief and her family
- The legend and the music
Homefront (Gary Fleder) A former DEA agent moves his family to a quiet town, where he soon tangles with a local meth druglord. Jason Statham, James Franco, Winona Ryder, and Kate Bosworth
How could you say no to Jason Statham versus James Franco? This silly, bayou story of drugs is the run of the mill Statham fair – above average for his filmography. Franco dishes out one of his campiest roles yet, playing an over the top, low level druglord; he is on the brink of taking it almost too far. Luckily it’s all in good fun and we can chalk this up to just another Statham flick for those who find his movies remotely interesting. WAIT FOR IT ON NETFLIX FOR THE LULZ! Special features included are:
- Deleted scenes
- Standoff
Out of the Furnace (Scott Cooper) When Rodney Baze mysteriously disappears and law enforcement doesn’t follow through fast enough, his older brother, Russell, takes matters into his own hands to find justice. Christian Bale, Casey Affleck, Zoe Saldana, and Woody Harrelson
This stinker is has little to offer in terms of acting or story. The cinematography feels so flat and cold that it drags down the tone even more depressing than the subject matter already is. All of the actors are working on autopilot and there is hardly anything of substance to take away. SKIP IT! Special features included are:
- Out of the Furnace in high definition
- Inspiration: the stars of Out of the Furnace reveal what inspired them to become actors
- A conversation with co-writer/director Scott Cooper
- Crafting the fight scenes
- The music of Out of the Furnace
Television on Blu-Ray
NONE
Video Games
Titanfall (Available for Xbox One, Windows; March 11th) Prepare for action like never before as you step into an elevated multiplayer combat experience you have to experience to believe. While maintaining the fast-paced online action that you love, Titanfall introduces the heroic Campaign mode-style set pieces to the multiplayer experience for intense rounds that take you deeper into the game than ever. You have the freedom to choose between becoming an elite assault pilot or fighting your way as an agile, heavily armed, 24′ Titan in gigantic-size battles that will get your adrenaline pumping. Titanfall creators studied fundamental combat and movement and provide players with the ability to change tactics on the fly, attacking or escaping depending on the situation, for a more realistic experience. By combining a proven pedigree and long-lasting game-design experience with an entirely new approach to first-person gameplay, Titanfall ushers in the next era of multiplayer gaming action.
Dark Souls II (Available for PS3, Xbox 360, Windows; March 11th) Dark Souls II brings the franchise’s renowned difficulty and gripping gameplay innovations to both single and multiplayer experiences.
An all new game engine has vastly improved graphics, sound and effects forward like never before. Players will be immersed into mind-bending environments filled with new twisted monsters and deadly bosses. A wide range of threats will prey on human senses and phobias. More intricate customization options provide weapons and armor tailoring to player style. The multiplayer system has been updated to improve online interaction for cooperative and competitive play.
Yoshi’s New Story (Available for 3DS; March 14th) Your old pal Yoshi is back for more adventure — and he’s more prepared than ever for whatever obstacles he encounters. The beloved franchise is making its way to your Nintendo 3DS in this third installment of the fun series, and is sure to bring hours of jumping, pounding, egg-throwing excitement.
Gameplay mechanics from earlier installments are back along with a new slew of abilities for Yoshi to dominate over his enemies. Using the gyro sensor and binocular ability in the 3DS, players can uncover hidden areas and aim Mega Egg throws just by moving the device around. New worlds include those in oils, watercolors, crayon and more.
Blu-Ray Deals and Steals
- Dredd 3D (2012) – $6.99
- Short Term 12 – $11.98
- The Muppets (2012) – $10.49
- Airplane! – $4.99
- Se7en – $4.99
- Full Metal Jacket – $4.99
- The Lord of the Rings Extended Edition Trilogy – $44.96
- The Great Gatsby (2013) – $9.99
- National Lampoon’s Vacation – $7.99
- Firefly: The Complete Series – $18.49
All prices come from Amazon.com and sometime Best Buy. Best Buy, Frys, and Target all price match with Amazon now if you do not want to order online.
What will you be taking home this week, tell us in the comments section below? Check out previous installments of Now Available To Own to see what you’ve been missing.
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