’12 Angry Men,’ ‘Super 8’ and ‘The Devil’s Double’ Lead This Week’s New DVD and Blu-ray Releases

I didn’t have time to watch the special features, which are plentiful including Frank Schaffner’s 1955 television version of the story, new interviews and even director Sidney Lumet’s teleplay 1956 Tragedy in a Temporary Town. However, I did watch the film and you will be absolutely floored from the opening scene through the final minutes as Criterion has delivered, without a shadow of a doubt, the definitive version of Lumet’s 1957 classic. I’m very cautious when it comes to recommending Criterion titles as “must buys” only because they can get quite expensive, but they are the only studio out there doing their very best to ensure you get your money’s worth with each purchase and when it comes to 12 Angry Men you can take this one home knowing you’ve spent wisely.

I was hoping to get a review copy of Kino’s newly restored Blu-ray edition of D.W. Griffith’s The Birth of a Nation, but perhaps it’s best it didn’t show up on time considering I just don’t have the time for his 3 hour epic, a film considered to be at once one of the most controversial and very best films ever made. If you haven’t seen it, you at least owe it to yourself to watch it at least once.

Good movie, but not a movie I think I’ll ever care to revisit. Kevin should be reviewing the Blu-ray edition in the coming days so I’ll save most of the commentary for him. While I know some people liked this film and I too enjoyed it the first time around, it’s just not a film I have much desire to return to.

This film, however, I can’t wait to watch. I have the Blu-ray here, but haven’t had a chance to watch it yet, but really can’t wait. I have heard plenty of mixed opinions on it, but most people seem to agree Dominic Cooper is quite good playing both Uday Hussein and his body double, Latif Yahia. I will definitely find time over the coming holiday weekend.

I know a lot of people love this Wes Anderson film and while I don’t hate it, the first time I watched it I think I was just expecting more. It was one of those instances where the expectations created a first viewing the film couldn’t live up to, especially since it had not only been built up in my mind, but I really didn’t know what kind of film to expect. I look forward to giving it my second go ’round with this new release.

I first heard about Sarah’s Key at last year’s Toronto Film Festival and have still not seen it. The Weinstein Co. did recently send it back into a limited number of theaters, still hoping to drum up some Oscar attention for Kristin Scott Thomas, but it would appear it was to little avail.

Meh, not a terrible film, but definitely not worth buying. You will be spending your time and money wisely renting this film and then forgetting about it.

If you’re excited about this title then I don’t need to say anything and if you’re not, well, I have nothing to say in that case either.