Tag: Blu-ray

  • What’s New on TV, Netflix, Digital, and DVD/Blu-ray This Week: March 6-12

    At a loss for what to watch this week? From new TV, we’ve got you covered.

    New Video on Demand, Rental Streaming, and Digital

    “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”
    No need to search for “Fantastic Beasts,” you’ll be able to find them on Digital HD this Tuesday, March 7, then on Blu-ray and DVD March 28. Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling wrote the script for this first of five planned movies in the series. Bonus features on the discs include the feature “Before Harry Potter: A New Era of Magic Begins!,” featurettes on the fantastic beasts and characters, and 11 deleted scenes. Warner Bros. will also release all eight Harry Potter movies on Ultra HD Blu-ray later this year.

    “Westworld: The Complete First Season”
    As faithful members of the cult of “Westworld,” we urge one and all to catch up on HBO’s sci-fi Western when it’s available on digital starting Monday, March 6. There are several special features with the release, including “Welcome to Westworld,” “Crafting the Narrative,” “An Invitation to the Set,” “Reality of A.I.: Westworld,” “Welcome to Westworld: About the Series,” and “The Big Moment” featurettes breaking down the biggest events of each episode. You’ll want to watch, and rewatch, before Season 2 shows up.

    “Assassin’s Creed”
    Michael Fassbender’s action adventure debuts on Digital HD this Friday, March 10 before the Blu-ray/DVD drop on March 21. Special features include a five-part documentary; a discussion with Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, and director Justin Kurzel about bringing the video game to the screen; featurettes on the stunts and historical re-creation; and deleted scenes.

    “Passengers”
    Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence bring their natural charisma to this sci-fi movie, which debuts on Digital March 7 before its arrival on 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray, and DVD March 14. The movie picked up two Oscar nominations for Original Score and Production Design, and the digital and disc releases include three featurettes, plus “Outtakes from the Set.” The Blu-ray and digital feature additional exclusive material, including deleted scenes and the featurette “Space on Screen: The Visual Effects of Passengers,” a deep dive on the effects used in the zero gravity pool scene. The Blu-ray and DVD also offers a first look at the Passengers Awakening Virtual Reality Experience.

    Here’s an exclusive behind-the-scenes clip on the making of the space ship:“Live by Night”
    Ben Affleck’s Prohibition era passion project arrives on Digital HD March 7 before the Blu-ray and DVD arrive on March 21. The Blu-ray includes several behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scenes, and commentary from director Affleck. The Ben Affleck Collection will also be available digitally on March 7 and on Blu-ray on March 21, including “Live By Night” along with 2010’s “The Town”; 2012’s “Argo”; and 2016’s “The Accountant.”

    “Burlesque: Heart of the Glitter Tribe”
    This documentary going behind-the-scenes of today’s new wave of burlesque, featuring candid conversations with 12 performers, is available on VOD and iTunes March 7.

    “Hand of God” Season 2 (Amazon)
    Ron Perlman plays corrupt judge Pernell Harris, who suffers a breakdown and believes God is speaking directly to him, in this Amazon original series. The second (and final) season starts Friday, March 10.

    New on DVD and Blu-ray

    “Moana”
    Get ready to catch a wave with Moana when the Disney movie is released on Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand on Tuesday, March 7. The Blu-ray includes hours of bonus footage, including a Maui Mini-Movie, “Gone Fishing”; a short film called “Inner Workings”; an in-depth look at how the Pacific Island people and cultures inspired the film; behind-the-scenes features with the stars and musical team; a deep-dive into the Easter Eggs hidden by the Disney animators; a deleted song; deleted scenes; Alessia Cara’s music video for “How Far I’ll Go”; a multi-language reel of the song; and more. The DVD just includes the theatrical short film “Inner Workings,” audio commentary, and the music video for “How Far I’ll Go.”

    “Jackie”
    Natalie Portman was Oscar nominated for her role as First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in the days after the assassination of President JFK. The historical drama arrives March 7 on Blu-ray and DVD. Bonus features include the featurette “From Jackie to Camelot,” and audio commentary by director Pablo Larraín and star Natalie Portman.

    “The Americans” Season 4
    Season 5 starts on FX the same exact day that Season 4 comes out on DVD. So just commit to the process: Take March 7 off from work and make it Binge The Americans Day. It sounds patriotic, so maybe your boss will be OK with it.

    New on Netflix

    “Burning Sands” (Netflix Original Film)This Netflix original movie takes viewers through the world of fraternity pledging through the eyes of one conflicted pledgee (Trevor Jackson). The film co-stars Alfre Woodard, Steve Harris, Tosin Cole, DeRon Horton, and “Moonlight” star Trevante Rhodes. It launches on Netflix this Friday, March 10.

    “Love” Season 2In the second season of this Netflix comedy, Mickey (Gillian Jacobs) and Gus (Paul Rust) face commitment and all that comes with it as they attempt to bring order to their chaotic lives. Stream it starting March 10.

    “Buddy Thunderstruck” Season 1 (Netflix Original)This stop-motion kids series follows Buddy Thunderstruck, the coolest semi-truck racing dog who lives down in race-obsessed Greasepit, a place full of larger-than-life characters and nitro-burning, gear-slamming, tire-squealing, fish-tailing good times. Check out the first season of the action comedy starting March 10.

    TV Worth Watching

    “The Vampire Diaries” (Friday on The CW at 8 p.m.)
    This is it. “The Vampire Diaries” ends its eight-season run on Friday, March 10. First, a one-hour retrospective, “The Vampire Diaries: Forever Yours,” airs from 8 to 9 p.m. Keep the tears flowing into the one-hour finale, “I Was Feeling Epic,” featuring the return of Nina Dobrev’s Elena.

    “The Americans” Season 5 (Tuesday on FX at 10 p.m.)
    Season 4 comes out on DVD Tuesday (see above) and that night marks the premiere of Season 5. Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys never really get enough credit for this amazing drama series — which also has some of the best writing on television — and it’s almost over. The 13 episodes of Season 5 will be followed by a 10-episode final Season 6 in 2018.

    “American Crime” Season 3 (Sunday on ABC at 10 p.m.)
    The third season of ABC’s thoughtful, challenging drama heads to Alamance County, N.C., and explores issues of forced labor, sex trafficking, immigration, socioeconomic divides, individual rights and how we are all a part of an economy that often prospers on economic oppression. Sandra Oh and Cherry Jones join Regina King, Felicity Huffman, and company to tell another compelling story.

    “Survivor” Season 34 (Wednesday on CBS at 8 p.m.)
    “Survivor: Game Changers” brings back 20 all-stars for a second, third, or even fourth chance at $1 million and the coveted title of Sole Survivor. The fun begins March 8 as “The Stakes Have Been Raised.” Here’s more on the castaways and their big plans.

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  • What’s New on TV, Netflix, Digital, and DVD/Blu-ray This Week: Feb. 27 – Mar. 5

    At a loss for what to watch this week? From new TV, we’ve got you covered.

    New on DVD and Blu-ray

    “Doctor Strange”
    Benedict Cumberbatch’s trippy doc is ready to come home with you on Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand this Tuesday, Feb. 28. The Blu-ray has more than 80 minutes of never-before-seen bonus materials, including five behind-the-scenes featurettes, five deleted scenes, a gag reel, part two of the “Team Thor” mockumentary, audio commentary with director Scott Derrickson, and an exclusive look at the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase 3. Check out the full list of featurettes, and exclusive retailer options, at Marvel.com. FYI, the DVD does not include any bonus features.

    “Moonlight”
    Nominated for eight Academy Awards — including Best Picture, which it won … on the second try — this powerful drama following the life of a young boy growing up in Miami arrives on Blu-ray and DVD on February 28. The home release includes audio commentary with director Barry Jenkins; and three behind-the-scenes featurettes on the making of the film, plus deep dives into the music and locations.

    “Rules Don’t Apply”
    Warren Beatty wrote, directed, and co-stars in this unconventional love story set in 1950s Hollywood. The all-star cast is led by Lily Collins and Alden Ehrenreich, but you’ll also find Annette Bening, Matthew Broderick, Alec Baldwin, Candice Bergen, Ed Harris, Oliver Platt, and Martin Sheen. The film arrives on Blu-ray and DVD Feb. 28, and bonus features include a look at the making of the film, and a music video of the film’s titular song.

    Check out this exclusive clip from the bonus features, with Warren Beatty discussing the all-star cast:“Allied”
    Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard play two of the world’s deadliest spies, who fall in love while undercover during a top secret mission in World War II. The thriller arrives on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand February 28. The Blu-ray includes several behind-the-scenes featurettes on the story, cast, production design, vehicles, weapons, music, costumes, and directing of the film.

    New Video on Demand, Rental Streaming, and Digital

    “Sing”
    Koala Buster Moon (voiced by Matthew McConaughey) puts on a singing competition to save his theater in this charming animated musical family film, available on Digital HD March 3, then March 21 on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand. The release features more than 60 minutes of bonus content, including three new mini movies with the all-star voice cast — Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Taron Egerton, Seth MacFarlane, John C. Reilly, and Tori Kelly. A sequel is already in the works, and scheduled for release in theaters on December 25, 2020.

    “Catfight”
    Anne Heche and Sandra Oh play former college roommates who meet up decades later at a cocktail party, where long-buried hostilities emerge. The dark comedy is getting a limited theatrical release March 3, and that’s also when you can check it out through VOD. Here’s the insane, hilarious trailer.

    “Lavender”
    A photographer (Abbie Cornish) suffers severe memory loss after a traumatic accident, and strange clues in her photos suggest she may be responsible for the deaths of family members she never knew she had. Justin Long, Diego Klattenhoff, and Dermot Mulroney co-star in the thriller, which is out May 3 on VOD and Digital HD.

    “Deserted”
    Mischa Barton plays a recently released felon looking to start fresh with the brother she left behind, but things take a frightening turn when they end up hopelessly lost on a road trip through the desert. The film — co-starring Jackson Davis, Winter Ave Zoli, Trent Ford, Jake Busey, Sebastian Bach, Gerry Bednob, and Lance Henriksen — arrives Feb. 28 on Digital HD and cable VOD.

    New on Netflix

    This week marks the start of a new month, and you know what that means: A heap of new titles will be available for streaming as of March 1, and another heap will be leaving at the same time.

    Three of the many titles arriving March 1 are from the early “Jurassic” era — the first three movies in the franchise. The 2015 film “Jurassic World” is not on the streaming list, but you can get the DVD through Netflix.

    “Greenleaf” Season 1
    The first season of this family drama set a record for OWN, and you can stream it all on Netflix starting March 3, a couple of weeks before Season 2 premieres on TV on Wednesday, March 15.

    “Be Here Now”
    “Spartacus” actor Andy Whitfield battles non-Hodgkin lymphoma in this documentary available on Netflix Feb. 28. Sadly, the actor passed away in September 2011, just 18 months after his diagnosis.

    “Michael Birbiglia: Thank God for Jokes” (Netflix Original)
    The director/actor who made “Don’t Think Twice” is the latest comedian to drop his own special on Netflix, so check it out Feb. 28.

    TV Worth Watching

    “Feud: Bette and Joan” (Sunday on FX at 10 p.m.)
    The diva drama goes to 11 in Ryan Murphy’s new series, following the legendary rivalry between actresses Joan Crawford (Jessica Lange) and Bette Davis (Susan Sarandon) as they prepare to make “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?”

    “Once Upon a Time” Season 6 (Sunday on ABC at 8 p.m.)
    Season 6 returns with Episode 11, “Tougher Than the Rest” on March 5. “With Snow still asleep in Storybrooke, David and Hook try to stop Gideon before he confronts Emma; Regina realizes that everyone is better off in the alternate world where the Evil Queen was defeated; Emma discovers the power to change her fate.” This winter premiere will be followed by the debut of ABC’s new series “Time After Time,” with Jack the Ripper (Josh Bowman) stealing the time machine built by H.G. Wells (Freddie Stroma) to raise hell in the present.

    “The Last Man on Earth” Season 3 (Sunday on Fox at 9:30 p.m.)
    The winter premiere of Will Forte’s can’t miss comedy will take fans way back to before the premiere. Here’s the synopsis for Season 3, Episode 10, “Got Milk?” which airs March 5: “The beginning of the deadly virus outbreak that led to the demise of all but a handful of the human race is revealed.”

    “The Voice” Season 12 (Monday on NBC at 8 p.m.)
    Gwen Stefani is back, so expect a lot of Gwen + Blake references when Season 12 starts its blind auditions on Feb. 27.

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  • What’s New on TV, Netflix, Digital, and DVD/Blu-ray This Week: Feb. 13-19

    At a loss for what to watch this week? From new TV, we’ve got you covered.

    New on DVD and Blu-ray

    “Arrival”
    Nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Picture, this emotional, intellectual sci-fi drama starring Amy Adams arrives on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand February 14. The 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Combo Packs include more than an hour of special features on the film’s subject matter, sound, score, editing, and more.

    “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk”
    Newcomer Joe Alwyn stars in this drama following a 19-year-old soldier as he is brought home for a victory tour after a harrowing battle in Iraq. Through flashbacks, the film shows what really happened to his squad — contrasting the realities of war with American perceptions. Two-time Oscar winner Ang Lee directed the film, which co-stars Kristen Stewart, Chris Tucker, Garrett Hedlund, Vin Diesel, and Steve Martin. The movie arrives on three-disc 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital on February 14. Bonus materials include deleted scenes and four behind-the-scenes featurettes.

    Check out this exclusive clip from the bonus features, with Ang Lee talking about working with young up-and-coming star Joe Alwyn as Billy Lynn:“Bleed for This”
    Miles Teller stars as world champion boxer Vinny Pazienza in this inspirational true story of one of the most unlikely comebacks in sports history. After a near-fatal car accident, Paziena is told he may never walk again, but with the help of his trainer (Aaron Eckhart), the boxer returns to the ring just a year later for the fight of his life. The sports film arries on Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand Feb. 14. Bonus features include deleted scenes, and two behind-the-scenes featurettes.

    “The Edge of Seventeen”
    This instant classic teen comedy — starring Hailee Steinfeld in a Golden Globe-nominated role — is available on Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand February 14. The DVD and Blu-ray include a gag reel and deleted scenes.

    New Video on Demand, Rental Streaming, and Digital

    “Doctor Strange”
    Benedict Cumberbatch has the title role of Marvel’s trippy new addition to the MCU, which is ready to win your heart with its Digital HD release on Valentine’s Day. You’ll have to wait until Feb. 28 for the Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand releases. The bonus features, as usual for Marvel, are impressive. The release includes 80 minutes of never-before-seen materials, including five behind-the-scenes featurettes, five deleted scenes, a gag reel, commentary from director Scott Derrickson, part two of the “Team Thor” mockumentary, audio commentary, and an exclusive look at Marvel Studios Phase 3, including “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” “Thor: Ragnarok,” “Black Panther,” and “Avengers: Infinity War.”

    “Allied”
    Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard star as spies who fall in love while working undercover during World War II. The thriller arrives first on Digital HD on Feb. 14, then 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand February 28. The Blu-ray will include 10 in-depth behind-the-scenes features.

    “Rules Don’t Apply”
    Warren Beatty wrote, directed, and played Howard Hughes in this 1950s Hollywood romance, starring Lily Collins and the future Han Solo, Alden Ehrenreich. Annette Bening, Matthew Broderick, Alec Baldwin, Candice Bergen, Ed Harris, Oliver Platt, and Martin Sheen co-star in the romantic dramedy, which arrives on Digital HD February 14 and on Blu-ray and DVD February 28. The discs will include a making-of feature on Beatty’s passion project, including cast interviews; plus the music video for the titular song, performed by Lily Collins.

    “Bad Santa 2”
    Fueled by “cheap whiskey and greed,” Billy Bob Thornton’s Willie Soke teams up once again with his angry sidekick Marcus (Tony Cox) to knock off a Chicago charity in this raunchy sequel out on digital Feb. 14 and on Blu-ray, DVD, and VOD on Feb. 21. Christina Hendricks, Kathy Bates, and Brett Kelly co-star in the film, which has its own new Unrated version available just on Blu-ray and 4K UHD+Blu-ray. More bonus materials include several featurettes, a gag reel, an alternate opening and ending, deleted scenes, and more.

    New on Netflix

    “Girlfriend’s Day” (Netflix Original)Just let Netflix tease this one on its own:

    Roses are Red,
    Violets are Blue,
    Write a card too clever,
    And someone might kill you!

    Bob Odenkirk plays Ray Wentworth, former king of the wordsmith world, and now a down-on-his-luck romance card writer who gets entangled in a web of murder and deceit as writers vie to create the perfect card for a newly crowned holiday: Girlfriend’s Day. Amber Tamblyn, Natasha Lyonne, Ed Begley Jr., Stacy Keach, Rich Sommer, June Diane Raphael, Andy Richter, Stephanie Courtney, Toby Huss, Stephen Michael Quezada, Derek Waters, and Echo Kellum co-star in the Netflix original film, available for streaming on Valentine’s Day.

    “DreamWorks Dragons: Race to the Edge” Season 4 (Netflix Original)
    The creators of “How to Train Your Dragon” are back with more all-new adventures for Hiccup and Toothless. Check out Season 4 on Netflix starting Feb. 17.

    “Chef’s Table” Season 3 (Netflix Original)
    This Emmy-nominated docuseries returns to Netflix February 17 with six new episodes taking you inside the kitchens and lives of these featured chefs:

    • Jeong Kwan (South Korea)
    • Tim Raue (Germany)
    • Ivan Orkin (New York)
    • Vladimir Mukhin (Russia)
    • Nancy Silverton (California)
    • Virgilio Martinez (Peru)

    TV Worth Watching

    “Big Little Lies” (Sunday on HBO at 9 p.m.)
    Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Alexander Skarsgard, Laura Dern, Adam Scott, and Zoe Kravitz star in this dramedy miniseries from creator David E. Kelley, based on the must-read book by Liane Moriarty. HBO has an exceptional track record, and this one should follow suit. The first episode, “Somebody’s Dead,” premieres Sunday, February 19. Check out the intriguing new promo:

    “Humans” Season 2 (Monday on AMC at 10 p.m.)
    Season 2 of this sci-fi series from AMC and UK’s Channel 4 continues Feb. 13, picking up several months after the events of Season 1, with Niska (Emily Berrington) still at large and in possession of the consciousness code. Her Synth family, Mia (Gemma Chan), Leo (Colin Morgan) and Max (Ivanno Jeremiah), unaware of her location, are each trying to find their place in the world, while Joe (Tom Goodman-Hill) and Laura (Katherine Parkinson) attempt to mend their marriage. “As unconfirmed reports of Synths behaving inexplicably surface, the ripple effects of one simple yet seismic decision sees the past return dramatically and surprisingly to the door of the Hawkins house. Joe, Laura and the entire family are faced with a difficult choice that will put the family under an intense spotlight.” This show deserves more viewers, so catch up on Season 1 and give it a shot.

    “The Good Fight” (Sunday on CBS at 9 p.m.)
    It’s finally time for “The Good Wife” spinoff to get in the ring. The 10-episode first season premieres Sunday on CBS before moving to the network’s digital site, CBS All Access. The series follows returning Wifers Christine Baranski as Diane Lockhart and Cush Jumbo as Lucca Quinn, with Rose Leslie joining the mix as Diane’s goddaughter Maia. “The Good Fight” begins with a large financial scam destroying the reputation of young lawyer Maia and wiping out her mentor Diane’s savings. The two then join Lucca at one of Chicago’s top law firms. Catch Episode 1, “Inauguration,” on Feb. 19.

    “Billions” Season 2 (Sunday on Showtime at 10 p.m.)
    Paul Giamatti’s U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York continues his face-off against Damian Lewis’s huge fund billionaire in Season 2 of Showtime’s very sexy, very watchable drama. “Risk Management” starts off the season on Feb. 19, or you could watch it now On Demand.

    “Doubt” (Wednesday on CBS at 10 p.m.)
    Katherine Heigl plays successful defense lawyer Sadie Ellis, who starts to fall for her charismatic client, Billy Brennan (Steven Pasquale), who may or may not be guilty of a brutal crime, on the series premiere of this new CBS drama. The full cast is pretty impressive, including Dulé Hill, Elliott Gould, Laverne Cox, Steven Pasquale, Dreama Walker, Kobi Libii, and Judith Light.

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  • What’s New on TV, Netflix, Digital, and DVD/Blu-ray This Week: Feb. 6-12

    At a loss for what to watch this week? From new TV, we’ve got you covered.

    New on DVD and Blu-ray

    “Trolls”
    When the pessimistic Bergens invade Troll Village, happy Poppy (Anna Kendrick) and overly-cautious Branch (Justin Timberlake) embark on a mission to save her friends. The musical family film is available on Blu-ray/DVD on Tuesday, February 7, and it’s available on Digital HD now from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. The home release comes with several behind-the-scenes features, and the “Trolls” Blu-ray Part Edition includes four interactive Party Mode features where fans can use their remotes to engage with the on-screen fun.

    Check out this exclusive clip from the bonus features, as DreamWorks production designer Kendal Cronkhite-Shaindlin shares a behind-the-scenes look at the process of building the set from pre-visualization to the final cut:“Almost Christmas”
    In this ensemble holiday comedy, a beloved patriarch (Danny Glover) asks his family for one gift this holiday season: for everyone to get along. If they can spend five days under the same roof without killing one another, it will be a Christmas miracle. Mo’Nique, J.B Smoove, Gabrielle Union, Jessie T. Usher, and Omar Epps co-star in the heartwarming film, available on DVD, Blu-ray, and On Demand Feb. 7. Bonus features include a gag reel, Monique’s “Aunt May” unplugged, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, a feature on filming in Atlanta, and more.

    Check out this exclusive look at the blooper reel:“Cross Wars”
    Brian Austin Green, Vinnie Jones, Danny Trejo, and Tom Sizemore return in this action-packed sequel to the 2011 film “Cross.” The comic-book adventure comedy debuts on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital Feb. 7. Bonus materials include alternate credits and commentary with director Patrick Durham and executive producer Gary T. Williams.

    Check out this exclusive clip from “Cross Wars,” aka “Cross 2”:“Loving”
    Ruth Negga earned an Oscar nomination as Mildred Loving, opposite Joel Edgerton as Richard Loving, in this moving historical drama based on the real-life interracial couple who were married in 1958. The pair were jailed and banished from Virginia for their love, and fought for marriage equality in a case that went all the way to the Supreme Court. The film arrives on Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand Feb. 7, and the bonus features include several behind-the-scenes making-of featurettes with the cast and filmmakers, plus commentary from writer/director Jeff Nichols.

    New Video on Demand, Rental Streaming, and Digital

    “Hacksaw Ridge”Director Mel Gibson and star Andrew Garfield are nominated for Academy Awards for this earnest World War II drama, which is itself up for Best Picture. Garfield plays real-life conscientious objector medic Desmond Doss, who saved 75 men at Okinawa — the bloodiest battle of WWII — without firing or even carrying a gun. The drama is available on Digital HD on February 7 and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand February 21. The DVD will include deleted scenes and a Veterans Day greeting with Mel Gibson. The 4K, Blu-ray, and Digital have both of those features, plus “The Soul of War: Making Hacksaw Ridge” documentary.

    Check out this exclusive clip from the bonus features, with Sam Worthington and Mel Gibson sharing reasons why Andrew Garfield was perfect for the role of Desmond Doss:“Manchester by the Sea”
    This powerful drama earned Oscar nominations for Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Lucas Hedges, director Kenneth Lonergan, and the film itself. Affleck plays a Boston janitor who unexpectedly becomes the guardian of his teen nephew (Hedges) and must confront the dark past that separated him from his wife (Williams) and hometown. The movie is available on Digital HD February 7 and on Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand Feb. 21. Special features include deleted scenes, the featurette “Emotional Lives: The Making of Manchester by the Sea,” and “A Conversation with Director/Writer Kenneth Lonergan.”

    “Nocturnal Animals”
    Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal play a divorced couple discovering dark truths about each other in this tense romantic thriller from writer/director Tom Ford. The film — out on Digital HD Feb. 7, and DVD/Blu-ray/On Demand Feb. 21 — co-stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Isla Fisher, Karl Glusman, Armie Hammer, Laura Linney, Michael Sheen, and Michael Shannon (who earned an Oscar nod for this role). Bonus features include “The Making of Nocturnal Animals ,” “Building the Story,” “The Look of Nocturnal Animals,” and “The Filmmaker’s Eye.”

    New on Netflix

    “David Brent: Life on the Road” (Netflix Original)Please say you’re familiar with the original British version of “The Office.” Ricky Gervais played the worst boss ever, David Brent, in that series, and this new mockumentary film catches up with him 12 years later. Brent is now a traveling salesman, but he still dreams of being a rock star, and is launching his own self-financed U.K. tour with his band, Foregone Conclusion. Stream the comedy on Netflix starting Friday, Feb. 10.

    “Abstract: The Art of Design” (Netflix Original)
    This eight-episode documentary series — starting Feb. 10 — follows the creative process of eight leading designers: Bjarke Ingels (architect), Christoph Niemann (illustrator), Es Devlin (stage designer), Ilse Crawford (interior designer), Paula Scher (graphic designer), Platon (photographer), Ralph Gilles (automobile designer), and Tinker Hatfield (Nike shoe designer).

    “Clouds of Sils Maria”
    Juliette Binoche plays a veteran actress struggling to overcome her personal insecurities and professional jealousies when she’s cast in the older role of a play that launched her career 20 years prior. Chloe Grace Moretz and Kristen Stewart co-star, with Stewart’s performance earning her the Cesar Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2015. Stream the acclaimed drama on Netflix starting Feb. 12.

    TV Worth Watching

    “Legion” (Wednesday on FX at 10 p.m.)In this deep psychological sci-fi series, based on the “X-Men” character Legion, Dan Stevens (“Downton Abbey,” “Beauty and the Beast”) plays David Haller, the mutant son of Charles Xavier, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia at a young age. The first episode, “Chapter 1,” was written and directed by FX’s “Fargo” master Noah Hawley. Here’s the vague synopsis: “David considers whether the voices he hears might be real.” The show is getting strong reviews so far, so give it a shot and stick with it through the mental mysteries.

    “The Walking Dead” Season 7 (Sunday on AMC at 9 p.m.)
    The second half of TWD Season 7 starts February 12 with Season 7, Episode 9, “Rock in the Road,” where Rick Grimes “is introduced to a new community.” Will AMC be introduced to higher ratings than the first half, or is it too late?

    “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” (Sunday on HBO at 11 p.m.)
    Oh, John Oliver, how we missed you! The sardonic late night host returns to skewer the current political and cultural climate when Season 4 begins February 12.

    Grammy Awards (Sunday on CBS at 8 p.m.)
    James Corden hosts the 59th annual Grammy Awards, held February 12, with Adele and Beyonce battling it out in several categories. Better get in formation and see which queen walks away with the most trophies.

    “Girls” Season 6 (Sunday on HBO at 10 p.m.)
    The final season of “Girls” begins February 12 with “All I Ever Wanted.” Here’s HBO’s synopsis: “Hannah gets an assignment to write about a female surf camp in the Hamptons, where she meets an uncomplicated water-skiing instructor; Marnie tells Ray that he needs to spend more time at his own place.”

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  • What’s New on TV, Netflix, Digital, and DVD/Blu-ray This Week: Jan. 30 – Feb. 5

    At a loss for what to watch this week? From new TV, we’ve got you covered.

    New Video on Demand, Rental Streaming, and Digital

    “Arrival”
    “Arrival” earned eight Oscar nominations — although, sadly, not one for star Amy Adams — and Paramount celebrated by re-releasing the film in theaters with exclusive new bonus footage. Whether you get a chance to see that or not, the film is also available for Digital HD download starting January 31. It’ll arrive on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand February 14. The Blu-ray comes with more than an hour of in-depth special features on the subject matter, sound, score, editing, and more.

    “The Edge of Seventeen”
    Hailee Steinfeld was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for playing wise, witty, and awkward lost soul Nadine, teen queen of this instant classic high school comedy. Woody Harrelson, Kyra Sedgwick, Haley Lu Richardson, and Blake Jenner co-star in the movie, which arrives first on Digital HD Jan. 31, then Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand Feb. 14. All versions of the release come with bonus content, including a gag reel and deleted scenes.

    “Agatha Christie’s The Witness for the Prosecution” (Acorn TV Original)
    There’s really nothing like an Agatha Christie adaptation. On Monday, Jan. 30, Acorn.TV streams the exclusive U.S. premiere of this BBC and Acorn TV murder mystery, set in 1920s London, starring Kim Cattrall, Billy Howle, Monica Dolan, Andrea Riseborough, Toby Jones, and David Haig.

    New on DVD and Blu-ray

    “Masterminds”
    What would you do with $17 million in cash? Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, Owen Wilson, and Jason Sudeikis star in this comedy inspired by the — somehow — true story of the 1997 Loomis Fargo Heist, which was then the second largest cash robbery in U.S. history. The movie arrives on Blu-ray and DVD Jan. 31, including a bonus behind-the-scenes featurette called “The Imperfect Crime.”

    Here’s an exclusive clip from that featurette, including an interview with David Ghantt, the perpetrator of the real-life robbery and the inspiration for Zach Galifianakis’ character:“Jack Reacher: Never Go Back”
    You know Tom Cruise will never stop never stopping, and his Jack Reacher returns to lay down (his own version of) the law in this action sequel based on author Lee Child’s best-selling series. Cobie Smulders co-stars in the thriller, which arrives on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, and On Demand Jan. 31. The Blu-ray includes several behind-the-scenes featurettes on the locations, battles, and more.

    “Queen of Katwe”
    Critics and audiences both gave thumbs up to director Mira Nair’s (“Monsoon Wedding”) inspirational true story of a girl from Uganda who becomes a world-class chess player. The Disney drama, co-starring Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo, arrives on DVD, Blu-ray, and On-Demand on Jan. 31. The extensive bonus features take viewers behind-the-scenes with the filmmakers, cast, and their real-life counterparts; there’s a three-part documentary; audio commentary; a short film; a peek inside the music studio; deleted scenes; and more.

    New on Netflix

    It’s the start of a new month, and you know what that means: A bunch of new titles are coming to Netflix as of Feb. 1, and a bunch of titles are leaving. Here are four of the many good streaming options for early February.

    “Santa Clarita Diet” (Netflix Original)Drew Barrymore plays a suburban L.A. mom and realtor who appears to transform into a flesh-eating zombie. She’s totally fine, she’s just undead now, and enjoys the taste of people. So her husband, played by Timothy Olyphant, and kids work to figure out how to help Mom navigate this funky new diet. The cannibal comedy arrives on Netflix Friday, Feb. 3.

    “Finding Dory”
    Our favorite forgetful royal blue tang is back in Pixar’s adorable (but not to the Oscars) sequel to “Finding Nemo,” available for Netflix streaming on February 1. Come for Dory, but stay for Gerald and Becky, who really own the movie.

    “American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson”
    FX’s addictive, awards season darling arrives on Netflix February 2. Binge the heck out of it to understand why Sarah Paulson, Sterling K. Brown, Courtney B. Vance cleaned up at the Emmys.

    “Imperial Dreams” (Netflix Original)
    “Star Wars” hero John Boyega (Finn) and Keke Palmer star in this 2014 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award winner about a 21-year-old reformed gangster’s struggle to get a job and do right by his family when he’s released from prison. The movie arrives on Netflix on Friday, Feb. 3.

    TV Worth Watching

    “24: Legacy” (Sunday on Fox, after the Super Bowl)
    Jack Bauer is out, but Eric Carter is in for this 12-episode spinoff of the classic “24,” using the same trademark real-time narration. Corey Hawkins plays ex-Army Ranger war hero Carter, with “Lord of the Rings” alum Miranda Otto as former Counter Terrorism Unit leader Rebecca Ingram. Fox is premiering the series directly after Super Bowl LI — a very cushy timeslot — but after that it moves to its regular time of Mondays at 8 p.m. Here’s the trailer:
    “The 100” Season 4 (Wednesday on The CW at 9 p.m.)
    It’s the end of the world as they know it, and they do not feel fine. Not at all. Season 4 of the popular apocalyptic series starts with “Echoes,” as Clarke (Eliza Taylor) and friends struggle with how to survive/live/thrive now that 96 percent of the Earth’s surface is becoming uninhabitable. Check out the terrifying Season 4 trailer:“Kitten Bowl” & ”Puppy Bowl” (Sunday on Hallmark & Animal Planet)
    Football and commercials may be the watercooler talk of Monday morning, but they got nothin’ on cute puppies and kitties. The kittens will battle it out first, with Kitten Bowl IV airing Sunday at noon on the Hallmark Channel. Puppy Bowl XIII starts at 3 p.m. ET on Animal Planet, and you can prepare for that now by checking out a sneak peek and seeing the starting lineup.

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  • What’s New on TV, Netflix, Digital, and DVD/Blu-ray This Week: Jan. 16-22

    At a loss for what to watch this week? From new TV, we’ve got you covered.

    New on DVD and Blu-ray

    “Surf’s Up 2: Wavemania”
    WWE stars John Cena, Undertaker, Triple H, Paige, and Mr. McMahon join actors Jon Heder, Diedrich Bader, and Jeremy Shada as the voice talent in the family-friendly “Surf’s Up 2: WaveMania,” sequel to 2007’s “Surf’s Up.” The movie debuts on DVD and Digital on January 17, following surfer penguin Cody Maverick as he attempts to join the world famous surf crew The Hang 5. Bonus material includes bloopers and several behind-the-scenes features.

    Check out this exclusive clip from the release:

    “The Girl on the Train”
    Emily Blunt plays a devastated (and drunk) divorcée who must face her dark past while detangling the mystery of a missing woman in this thriller based on the bestselling novel by Paula Hawkins. The movie — co-starring Rebecca Ferguson, Haley Bennett, Justin Theroux, Luke Evans, Allison Janney, Laura Prepon, and Lisa Kudrow — arrives on DVD, Blu-ray, and On Demand January 17. Bonus features include deleted and extended scenes, feature commentary with director Tate Taylor, and two behind-the-scenes featurettes.

    “Roger Corman’s Death Race 2050”
    Roger Corman is back with this outrageous, dark, satirical, action-packed reboot of the cult classic “Death Race 2000.” The movie — on Blu-ray, DVD, Digital, and Netflix January 17 — stars Manu Bennett as Frankenstein and Malcolm McDowell as the Chairman, along with co-stars Burt Grinstead, Marci Miller, Folake Olowofoyeku, Anessa Ramsey, Yancy Butler, and Charlie Farrell. Bonus features include “The Making of 2050,” the featurette “Cars! Cars! Cars!” with the drivers of “Death Race 2050” introducing their one-of-a-kind killing machines; and “The Look of 2050,” discussing the film’s visual style and how shooting in Peru helped set the tone of the picture.

    Check out this exclusive behind-the-scenes clip with Folake Olowofoyeku, who plays Minerva:

    “Keeping Up With the Joneses”

    Zach Galifianakis and Isla Fisher play an ordinary suburban couple who discover their sexy new neighbors — played by Jon Hamm and Gal Gadot — are undercover spies engaged in espionage. The movie — out on Blu-ray and DVD January 17 — comes with deleted scenes, a behind-the-scenes cast featurette called “Spy Game,” and a “Keeping Up With Georgia” featurette on the film’s locations.

    New Video on Demand, Rental Streaming, and Digital

    “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back”
    Tom Cruise returns to the role of Jack Reacher in this action-packed sequel co-starring Cobie Smulders as an Army major framed for treason who needs Reacher’s help to take down a powerful organization involved in a massive government conspiracy. The movie is out on Digital HD January 17, and Jan. 31 on DVD, Blu-ray, and On Demand. The Blu-ray will include more than 80 minutes of behind-the-scenes bonus content.

    “Masterminds”
    Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, Owen Wilson, and Jason Sudeikis star in this action-comedy (based on a true story?) about a $17 million heist and the ensuing fallout shenanigans. The movie is out on Digital HD January 17, then Blu-ray and DVD Jan. 31. The Blu-ray and DVD will include the behind-the-scenes feature “The Imperfect Crime.”

    “Huntwatch”
    Ryan Reynolds, who is Canadian himself, narrates this timely documentary showing both sides of Canada’s commercial seal hunting industry. The doc, produced by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, premiered in September on the Discover Channel and it’s available on Digital HD on January 17.

    New on Netflix

    “Frontier” Season 1 (Netflix Original)
    The great Jason Momoa — formerly Khal Drogo, soon to be Aquaman — leads this series set in 18th century North America. He plays Declan Harp, a part-Irish, part-Native American outlaw campaigning to breach the fur trade. “Frontier” Season 1 already debuted on Discovery Channel Canada but it arrives on Netflix January 20th. Season 2 is already in the works.

    Here’s the trailer:“Voltron: Legendary Defender” Season 2 (Netflix Original)
    Here’s Netflix’s synopsis for Season 2, which arrives January 20: “A legendary defender tends to attract the attention of legendary enemies. The lions of lore return to protect the universe as it hangs in the balance between good and evil.”

    “Take the 10” (Netflix Original)
    Tony Revolori and Josh Peck star in Netflix’s new comedy movie following two buddies who get tickets to a music festival by questionable means. What happens after that involves drugs, sex, and Andy Samberg. Cleopatra Coleman, Stella Maeve, Fred Armisen, and Kevin Corrigan co-star in the flick, available January 20.

    “Bates Motel” Season 4
    The fourth season to follow Norma (Vera Farmiga) and Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore) arrives on Netflix January 21. That gives you plenty of time to get caught up before the fifth and final season premieres on A&E on February 20. FYI, Rihanna is playing legendary “Psycho” victim Marion Crane in Season 5.

    TV Worth Watching

    “Beaches” (Saturday on Lifetime at 8 p.m.)
    Grab some tissues and watch Idina Menzel and Nia Long as they remake the 1988 weepie. This could be a complete trainwreck, but with Idina and Nia as the leads, we’ll give it the benefit of the doubt for now. Idina singing “The Wind Beneath My Wings” has already given us chills, so that’s a good start. (Nothing will ever top Bette Midler’s version, though.)

    “SIX” (Wednesday on History at 10 p.m.)
    If you’re more into weapons than weepies, no problem: This action drama about an elite team of Navy SEALS debuts January 18. Walton Goggins plays Rip Taggart, former squad leader, abducted while patrolling an African village to protect its residents from Boko Haram. Goggins — who is incapable of being bad in anything — stepped into the role when Joe Manganiello left the series for health reasons.

    Check out this intense sneak peek:“Girl Meets World” (Friday on the Disney Channel at 6 p.m.)
    The “Boy Meets World” spinoff is ending its three-season run on Friday with an episode appropriately titled “Girl Meets Goodbye.”

    “Frontline’s Divided States of America” (Tuesday & Wednesday on PBS at 9 p.m. EST)
    You might have heard that we have a new president being sworn in this week. First, “Frontline” is presenting a four-hour, two-night miniseries by Michael Kirk, telling — as PBS put it — “the inside story of the division and polarization in Washington that frustrated the Obama presidency and laid the groundwork for the election of a defiant outsider.” The special doc airs Jan. 17-18, just days before Trump’s inauguration on Friday, Jan. 20.

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  • Exclusive ‘Pinocchio’ Clip Reveals How Walt Disney Shaped a Masterpiece


    Walt Disney‘s “Pinocchio,” largely thought of as one of the studio’s very best animated features, is about to get the deluxe home video treatment, first on digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere (out tomorrow) and then later this month on Blu-ray — and we’ve got an exclusive look at one of the insanely cool special features.

    In this fascinating feature, culled from story meetings between February 1938 and July 1939 (the film would eventually be released in February of 1940), Walt’s original notes are recreated verbatim. The subject at hand is the Boobyland sequence, which would eventually become the Pleasure Island sequence. Of course, that sequence wound up being one of the most memorable parts of a movie made up exclusively of memorable parts, and would go on to help inspire Disneyland’s “Pinocchio” attraction as well as the entire Pleasure Island section of Walt Disney World (now home to the Disney Springs shopping complex).

    What makes this so compelling is that you can really hear Walt guiding the production. After “Pinocchio,” especially during World War II, Walt would drift away from the day-to-day production challenges of each film, so to hear him, in his prime, getting down in the trenches with the creative principles. You can hear him advise on everything from the topicality of Pleasure Island to specific dialogue that characters would utter onscreen. You also get some lovely context from animation historian J.B. Kaufman and “Inside Out” director Pete Docter.

    The biggest takeaway from the clip, though, is that Pleasure Island was, initially at least, a much cuddlier place. It was Walt who pushed the artists and story men (and, yes, they were men back then) to go darker and stranger. And you know what? He was right. Part of what makes the final sequence so unforgettable, besides its peerless animation, is that it doesn’t back down from the truly grotesque and terrifying. This is what made Walt the genius he’s recognized as today–the ability to pinpoint something that might work perfectly fine but could be really special, and have those around him rally to make it truly outstanding.

    “Pinocchio” is on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere tomorrow and hits Blu-ray on January 31st.

  • What’s New on TV, Netflix, Digital, and DVD/Blu-ray This Week: Jan. 9-15

    At a loss for what to watch this week? From new TV, we’ve got you covered.

    New on DVD and Blu-ray

    “Deepwater Horizon”
    After “Lone Survivor,” but before “Patriot’s Day,” Mark Wahlberg and director Peter Berg teamed up for this powerful, critically acclaimed drama inspired by the Deepwater Horizon oil rig disaster of 2010. The movie arrives on Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand Tuesday, January 10. The Blu-ray has more than two hours of special features including an hour-long five-part series “Beyond the Horizon,” in which Mark Wahlberg and the cast meet the real-life heroes and discuss their experiences from Deepwater Horizon; plus three all-new making-of featurettes; and tributes to America’s blue-collar workers in “Work Like an American.” Check out this behind-the-scenes clip featuring Kurt Russell and Peter Berg talking about working with Mark Wahlberg:“The Accountant”
    Ben Affleck plays a math savant who works as a freelance accountant for some of the world’s most dangerous criminals. The action thriller, co-starring J.K. Simmons and Anna Kendrick, arrives on Blu-ray, DVD, and VOD on January 10. The DVD includes “Inside the Man,” and the Blu-ray has that featurette, plus “Behavioral Science” and “The Accountant in Action.”

    “Lost & Found”
    This award-winning family film — co-starring Cary Elwes and Jason Patric — debuts on DVD and Digital HD January 10, following two teenage boys on a quest to discover where their grandfather hid his fortune. After uncovering clues he left behind, the brothers embark on a treasure hunt under the nose of a greedy developer who is out to steal the money for himself. “Lost & Found” comes with eight deleted scenes that feature “lost” footage of the film’s characters, plus “The Making of Lost and Found.” Check out this exclusive clip with actor Cary Elwes and writer, director, producer Joseph Itaya discussing why Elwes was the “perfect guy” to play the film’s antagonist, John Broman:
    “The Birth of a Nation”
    Slave preacher Nat Turner (played by director Nate Parker) orchestrates an uprising in the antebellum Southin this historical drama out on Blu-ray and DVD January 10. Special features include the documentary “Rise Up: The Legacy of Nat Turner,” feature commentary by Nate Parker; deleted scenes, “The Birth of a Nation: The Making of a Movement,” the short film “#AmeriCAN,” “Free God” Spoken Word,” and “Celebration of Independent Voices – Nate Parker.”

    New on Netflix

    “A Series of Unfortunate Events” Season 1 (Netflix Original)The beleaguered Baudelaire orphans are back in Netflix’s adaptation of the bestselling book series. Jim Carrey played Count Olaf in the 2004 film, but now Neil Patrick Harris is the scenery-chewing evil guardian who’ll stop at nothing to get the three orphans’s inheritance. The eight-episode first season — co-starring Patrick Warburton, Joan Cusack, Catherine O’Hara, and Alfre Woodard; with Malina Weissman, Louis Hynes, and Presley Smith as Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire — arrives Friday, January 13.

    Check out the “unfortunate” trailer:“Clinical” (Netflix Original)
    “A psychiatrist is plagued by flashbacks to a terrifying attack as she treats a new patient who was horribly disfigured in an accident” in this Netflix original movie starring Vinessa Shaw, Aaron Stanford, Kevin Rahm, and William Atherton. Watch it January 13.

    “Camp X-Ray”
    Kristen Stewart plays a guard at Guantanamo Bay who forms an unlikely friendship with one of the facility’s longtime detainees in this 2014 drama available on Netflix January 14.

    “Alice Through the Looking Glass”
    Alice (Mia Wasikowska) finds herself back in Underland, trying to help the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp), in Disney’s 2016 sequel to the 2010 film “Alice in Wonderland.” It’s available on Netflix January 11.

    New Video on Demand, Rental Streaming, and Digital

    “Sneaky Pete” (Amazon)Amazon’s new crime series follows a con man (Giovanni Ribisi), who gets out of prison and finds himself hunted by the gangster he once robbed. He hides from his past by assuming the identity of his cellmate, Pete, “reuniting” with Pete’s estranged family. Bryan Cranston, Marin Ireland, Margo Martindale, and Malcolm-Jamal Warner co-star in the drama, which arrives on Amazon January 13.

    “Pinocchio”
    Disney’s classic animated film arrives for the first time on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on January 10, and then on Blu-ray and DVD on Jan. 31, including hours of new and classic bonus features.

    “Queen of Katwe”
    Disney’s critically acclaimed drama is based on the true story of a young girl from the streets of Uganda who becomes a champion chess player. The inspirational film — starring Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, and Lupita Nyong’o — arrives on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on January 10, then Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand Jan. 31. The Blu-ray and digital releases include several bonus features, including deleted scenes; audio commentary; the behind-the-scenes featurette “Queen Of Katwe: Their Story”; director Mira Nair’s short film “A Fork, A Spoon & A Knight,” about a boy who grows up to transform a Ugandan city into a globally renowned chess sanctuary; a look at the recording of Alicia Keys’s song “Back To Life”; and more.

    TV Worth Watching

    “The Young Pope” Season 1 (Sunday on HBO at 9 p.m.)Jude Law plays controversial (and — gasp! — American) Pope Pius XIII in Paolo Sorrentino’s 10-episode limited series. Law’s Pope Pius, born Lenny Belardo, is the newly elected pontiff and former Archbishop of New York. Diane Keaton plays the American nun who raised the younger Belardo in an orphanage and is appointed his new personal secretary. James Cromwell and Scott Shepherd co-star in the series, which has already been given a second season.

    “Colony” Season 2 (Thursday on USA Network at 10 p.m.)
    USA’s vastly underappreciated sci-fi drama returns January 12, set in a dystopian near-future Los Angeles which has been colonized by extraterrestrial invaders and now run by a militarized regime of collaborating humans. Josh Holloway and Sarah Wayne Callies star as the married-with-children Bowmans, who take very different approaches to surviving the occupation. It is definitely worth your time to binge the first 10 episodes before diving in to see what happens in Season 2.

    “Victoria” Season 1 (Sunday on PBS at 9 p.m.)Netflix put “The Crown” on Queen Elizabeth II, but PBS has the epic saga of Queen Victoria. Jenna Coleman and Rufus Sewell star in the ITV series, which is heading across the pond with a two-hour premiere on January 15. Here’s the first episode synopsis: “The story of Queen Victoria, who ascended to the throne at age 18 in 1837, begins with the young Victoria struggling to assert control amidst plots to manipulate her. Her friendship with the prime minister, meanwhile, leads to a crisis in Parliament.” ITV premiered this back in August in the U.K., and it has already been renewed for a second season, followed by a Christmas special, both to air in 2017. So PBS will probably get them around this time in 2018.

    “Homeland” Season 6 (Sunday on Showtime at 9 p.m.)
    Carrie — and, somehow — Quinn are back in Season 6, which is set in New York and follows its own presidential election. (Elizabeth Marvel of “House of Cards” finally managed to get elected POTUS on “Homeland.”) The January 15 premiere, “Fair Game,” has this synopsis from Showtime: “Carrie returns home to the US with Franny to work as an advocate for Muslim Americans. Dar and Saul brief President-elect Keane. Quinn struggles with his new circumstances.”

    “Taboo” Season 1 (Tuesday on FX at 10 p.m.)
    Tom Hardy co-created and stars in this gritty, eight-episode FX drama set in 1814 London. Here’s part of The Hollywood Reporter‘s review, “Through its first three episodes, it definitely has enough intrigue for the long haul — thanks in large part to Hardy — but the show isn’t particularly action-oriented and is, in fact, overtly unsexy, save for Hardy’s tattoo-laced body seen in various states of undress.” Collider also checked out the first three episodes and wrote, “[U]nlike ‘Bastard Executioner,’ ‘Taboo’ feels like a polished BBC production (the BBC co-produced it, naturally), one with a clear sense of itself and its purpose, with a pace that may be a little slow to start for some, but where an investment seems wise.”

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  • What’s New on TV, Netflix, Digital, and DVD/Blu-ray This Week: Jan. 2-8

    At a loss for what to watch this week? From new TV, we’ve got you covered.

    New on DVD and Blu-ray

    “Blair Witch”
    Back in 1999, documentary filmmakers “vanished” in the breakthrough found-footage horror film “The Blair Witch Project.” Now, in “Blair Witch,” an investigative team searches for the truth behind their disappearance. Watch what happens when the 2016 film arrives on Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD, and On Demand January 3. The Digital and Blu-ray releases include more than three hours of bonus content, including audio commentary with director Adam Wingard and writer Simon Barrett, the “House of Horrors: Exploring the Set” featurette, and a six-part making-of documentary, “Never Ending Night: The Making of Blair Witch.” The DVD release includes the audio commentary and the “House of Horrors: Exploring the Set” featurette.

    Check out this exclusive clip with the filmmakers describing how they came up with the sound of the witch:“Bones” Season 11
    The 12th and final season of “Bones” starts January 3, 2017 on Fox, which is the same day that Season 11 is being released on DVD. That does not give you much time to get caught up on the 22 episodes of the 2015-2016 season, so we suggest you binge fast. The DVD comes with deleted scenes and a gag reel.

    “Operation Avalanche”
    In 1967, two CIA agents go undercover at NASA to investigate a possible Russian mole, but end up uncovering a shocking NASA secret and a major government cover-up. The Cold War conspiracy thriller arrives on DVD, Digital HD, and On Demand January 3. Special features include director’s commentary with Matt Johnson, deleted scenes, and multiple behind-the-scenes making-of featurettes.

    “Another Man Will”
    Playwright and film director David E. Talbert presents the story of a perfect married couple — or at least 19 years ago they were perfect, but somewhere in the routine of it all, Joe forgot how much of a knockout his wife Cynthia really is. Unfortunately for him, their handsome gardener has not forgotten. Treat her right or another man will. The feel-good production — starring Nadine Ellis and Thomas “Nephew Tommy” Miles — makes its DVD debut January 3.

    New Video on Demand, Rental Streaming, and Digital

    “The Girl on the Train”In this thriller, based on the bestselling novel by Paula Hawkins, Emily Blunt plays a woman devastated by her divorce who spends her daily commute fantasizing about a “perfect” couple she sees from the train, only to get caught up in a mystery connected to the pair. Haley Bennett, Rebecca Ferguson, Justin Theroux, Luke Evans, Edgar Ramirez, Laura Prepon, and Allison Janney co-star. The movie arrives on Digital HD January 3, and Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand on January 17. The Blu-ray and DVD include deleted and extended scenes, feature commentary with director Tate Taylor, and a couple of bonus featurettes.

    “Insecure”
    HBO’s fresh new comedy series from Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore explores the black female experience, as best friends Issa (Rae) and Molly (Yvonne Orji) deal with their own real-life flaws and attempt to cope with an endless series of uncomfortable everyday experiences. Season 1 is available on Digital HD (iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, etc.) on Monday, Jan. 2.

    “Beyond Redemption”
    A weary undercover cop (Brian Ho) must maintain his cover while trying to save the daughter of a notorious Triad boss from becoming collateral damage in a sting operation gone wrong in this action movie available on Digital HD January 3 and Blu-ray and DVD February 7. Bonus materials include behind-the-scenes featurettes on two of the action sequences, the “Hallway Fight”” and “Mauler Opening Fight.”

    “Creep”
    In this 2004 horror thriller, Franka Potente stars as a woman who finds herself locked overnight in the London Underground as she’s stalked by a deformed killer living in the sewers below. Fun! The movie is available January 4 on Shudder, the AMC-backed horror streaming service. Here are the other horror titles available this week on Shudder: “Death Weekend” (1976), “Infection” (2004), “Premonition” (2004), “Retribution” (2006), “The Sylvian Experiments” (2010), “Cooties” (2014), “Deep in the Woods” (2000), “Homebodies” (1974), “Malefique” (2002), and “Fright Night” (1985).

    TV Worth Watching

    “The Golden Globe Awards” (Sunday on NBC at 8 p.m.)
    Hollywood Foreign Press Association And InStyle Celebrate The 2017 Golden Globe Award SeasonThe 74th annual Golden Globe Awards, hosted by Jimmy Fallon, air live January 8. Expect boozy speeches and good news for “La La Land,” among others. Here are all of the TV and film nominees.

    “Nashville” (Thursday on CMT at 9 p.m.)
    ABC’s loss is CMT’s gain as Season 5 of the country singing drama starts its new life on a new network January 5. The story picks up right after the Season 4 cliffhanger, as the shocking news about Juliette makes waves throughout Nashville. Also, Rayna sets off on a journey of discovery; Scarlett struggles to trust Gunnar; and a men’s fashion icon eyes Will.

    “The New Celebrity Apprentice” (Monday on NBC at 8 p.m.)
    Questions Arnold Schwarzenegger’s new “Celebrity Apprentice” must answer: What is Ahhhhnold’s version of “You’re fired?” and “Will this reality show also produce the next president?” We’ll find out soon, as 16 celebrities compete on the new Los Angeles-set “Apprentice.” This year’s lineup includes Laila Ali, Brooke Burke-Charvet, Eric Dickerson, Boy George, Matt Iseman, Carrie Keagan, Carson Kressley, Lisa Leslie, Jon Lovitz, Vince Neil, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Kyle Richards, Chael Sonnen, Porsha Williams, Ricky Williams, and Carnie Wilson.

    “The Bachelor” (Monday on ABC at 8 p.m.)
    Nick Viall tries to find love — for a fourth time on ABC’s dime — in Season 21 of this wonderful trainwreck. In the first episode, Nick meets his 30 future ex-girlfriends as former bachelors Sean Lowe, Chris Soules, and Ben Higgins offer support and encouragement.

    New on Netflix

    “Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Tarzan and Jane” Season 1 (Netflix Original)“Saved from a plane crash and given supernatural powers, teen Tarzan joins forces with brave city girl Jane to protect his jungle home from threats” in this modern-day — and animated — reimagining of the classic story. The eight-episode season comes to Netflix January 6.

    “One Day at a Time” Season 1 (Netflix Original)This reimagining of “One Day at a Time” follows a Cuban-American family led by a recently separated former military mom (Justina Machado) as she navigates a new single life while raising her children and dealing with her old-school mother (Rita Moreno). As Netflix put it, “When no one else is there to tell you you’re wrong, there’s always family. Nobody puts the love in tough love quite like the Alvarez family.” The new series arrives on Netflix January 6.

    “Coin Heist” (Netflix Original)When a crisis threatens to destroy their high school, four teens hatch a daring plan to raise $10 million. Step one: Break into the U.S. Mint. Check it out on Netflix starting January 6.

    Not into the stuff above? Netflix also has two other originals arriving January 3, and Season 11 of the always watchable “Sunny”:

    • “Degrassi: Next Class” Season 3 (Netflix Original)
    • “Jen Kirkman: Just Keep Livin’?” (Netflix Originall)
    • “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” Season 11

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  • What’s New on TV, Netflix, Digital, and DVD/Blu-ray This Week: Dec. 26-Jan. 1

    At a loss for what to watch this week? From new TV, we’ve got you covered.

    TV Worth Watching

    “Sherlock” Season 4 (Sunday on PBS at 9 p.m.)
    In Season 4, Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) will face his most challenging opponents yet: a baby and a dog. Here’s PBS’s synopsis for the 1.5-hour opener, “The Six Thatchers”: “In the Season 4 premiere, Holmes is back on British soil; and Watson (Martin Freeman) and Mary (Amanda Abbington) face a monumental challenge: parenthood.” This season — featuring Toby Jones as the new villain — is meant to be brutal but very funny, and the cast/crew’s favorite to date.

    “The Mick” (Sunday on Fox at 8 p.m.)
    In Fox’s new comedy, Kaitlin Olson of the endlessly hilarious “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” stars as Mackenzie, aka Mickey, a hard-partying opportunist who signs on to raise her sister’s three spoiled kids in a rich Connecticut neighborhood when the parents flee the country to escape federal charges. So it’s like if Teresa and Joe Giudice had fled the country and left a relative to raise their kids.

    “Project Runway: Junior” (Thursday on Lifetime at 9 p.m.)
    The second season of this charming PR spinoff premiered after the “Project Runway” Season 15 finale on Dec. 22, but this is the timeslot premiere, giving you another chance to get to know the young designers — who are always better behaved and more mature than their adult counterparts.

    New on DVD and Blu-ray

    “American Honey”
    Andrea Arnold’s largely improvised portrait of American millennial vagabonds — who party their way across the country — won the 2016 Cannes Jury Prize and the hearts of most critics. Sasha Lane stars in a breakout role, alongside Shia LaBeouf and Riley Keough, and you can watch their film on Blu-ray and DVD this Tuesday, December 27. The Blu-ray includes a bonus featurette with Sasha Lane and Riley Keough talking about the filmmaking process. Check out this exclusive clip of the actresses discussing the challenges of working without a script:“Snowden”
    Hero? Traitor? Something in between? Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Edward Snowden in Oliver Stone’s biodrama on the controversial real-life whistleblower. Watch the movie on DVD, Blu-ray, and On Demand Dec. 27. Bonus features include deleted scenes, a behind-the-scenes featurette, and an interview with the real Edward Snowden himself.

    “The Dressmaker”
    Kate Winslet plays a glamorous, worldly dressmaker who returns to her small Australian hometown to seek the truth behind her notorious reputation. The dark and quirky comedy co-stars Judy Davis, Hugo Weaving, and Liam Hemsworth, and you can watch it on Blu-ray, DVD, and VOD Dec. 27. Bonus features include two featurettes, “The Story” and “Designing The Dressmaker.”

    New on Netflix

    This week marks the start of a new month — barely, but still — and you know what that means. A bunch of new titles are arriving on Netflix, and even more are leaving.Here’s a list of movies available for streaming on Netflix starting Sunday, January 1, including five Superman titles just begging for a New Year’s Day binge marathon:

    • “Around the World in 80 Days” (2004)
    • “Bee Movie” (2007)
    • “Boogie Nights” (1997)
    • “Braveheart” (1995)
    • “Caddyshack” (1980)
    • “Collateral Damage” (2002)
    • “Dreamcatcher” (2002)
    • “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982)
    • “El Dorado” (1967)
    • “HALO Legend” (2010)
    • “Hugo” (2011)
    • “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never” (2011)
    • “License to Drive” (1988)
    • “Nancy Drew” (2007)
    • “Ocean’s Twelve” (2004)
    • “The Parent Trap” (1961)
    • “The Shining” (1980)
    • “V for Vendetta” (2005)
    • “Vanilla Sky” (2001)
    • “Superman: The Movie” (1978)
    • “Superman II” (1980)
    • “Superman III” (1983)
    • “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace” (1987)
    • “Superman Returns” (2006)

    New Video on Demand, Rental Streaming, and Digital

    “Close to the Enemy” (Acorn TV)
    The season finale to this thrilling Acorn TV drama will be available for streaming Dec. 26 on Acorn.TV. Now is a good time to get caught up on the miniseries, which is set in a bomb-damaged London hotel in the aftermath of WWII. Intelligence officer Callum Ferguson (Jim Sturgess) must complete his last task for the British Army: convince captured German scientist Dieter Koehler (August Diehl) to work with the British government. The ensemble cast includes Alfie Allen, Alfred Molina, Angela Bassett, Lindsay Duncan, Freddie Highmore, and Charlotte Riley.

    New on HBO NOW
    Most people will have January 1st off, since it’s a Sunday as well as a holiday, but your workplace may also give you Monday, Jan. 2 off. If that’s the case, consider your many binge-watch and streaming options. There’s the Netflix stuff above, and Amazon stuff below, but also these titles from HBO. You can watch them On Demand or stream them through the standalone streaming service HBO NOW. Here’s what’s arriving as of Jan. 1:

    • Above the Law, 1988
    • Baby Mama, 2008
    • Beautiful Creatures, 2013
    • The Big Lebowski, 1998
    • The Blues Brothers, 1980
    • Blues Brothers 2000, 1997
    • Bringing out the Dead, 1999
    • The Cell, 2000
    • Cloud Atlas, 2012
    • Cold Mountain, 2003
    • Dallas Buyers Club, 2013
    • Dr. Suess’ Horton Hears a Who!, 2008
    • Evil Dead 2, 1987
    • Fool’s Gold, 2008
    • Forgetting Sarah Marshall, 2008
    • Friday, 1995
    • The Happening, 2008
    • Innerspace, 1987
    • Lady in the Water, 2006
    • Lost & Found, 1999
    • Mad Max: Fury Road, 2015
    • My Cousin Vinny, 1992
    • Risky Business, 1983
    • The Road Warrior, 1982
    • The Sixth Sense, 1999
    • Steel (Shaq), 1997
    • Unbreakable, 2000
    • The Village, 2004

    New on Amazon Prime
    And now here’s what’s available for streaming on Amazon Prime as of Jan. 1 (keeping in mind that more titles will be added throughout the month):

    • Blood Diamond
    • 13 Hours: Secret soldiers of Benghazi
    • Across the Universe
    • Happy Feet
    • Rent
    • Hellboy
    • Radio
    • Stardust 2007
    • American History X
    • Norm of the North
    • Are We There Yet
    • Are We Done Yet
    • Maid in Manhattan

    Happy multiple holidays!

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