DVD & BLU-RAY PICKS
Kick-Ass (Universal): A post-modernĀ superhero film based on theĀ comic book byĀ Mark Millar andĀ John Romita, Jr. It isĀ the story of teenager (Aaron Johnson) whoĀ decides to become a super-hero named Kick-Ass after purchasing a costume (even though he has no powers or training) and soon finds himself involved with a local gangster (Mark Strong); his son (Christopher Mintz-Plasse); and a highly trained father and daughter vigilante duo (Nicolas Cage andĀ Chloe Moretz).
Directed byĀ Matthew Vaughn,Ā produced byĀ Brad Pitt and written by Vaughn andĀ Jane Goldman, the film was independently financed ā at a budget of $28 million dollars ā and gleefully subverts the superhero movie whilst also paying homage to it. It isn’t the awe-inspiring masterpiece that some would have you believe, but it is still a witty and interesting take on the comic-book genre.
The extras on the Blu-ray and DVD versions include:
- Ass-Kicking Bonus View Mode (Blu-ray Disc Exclusive) ā Synchronous with the feature film, this innovative multi-media presentation incorporates video and audio commentary, behind-the-scenes clips and illustrative graphics with Co-Writer/Producer/Director Matthew Vaughn, plus cast and crew providing an all-access perspective on Kick-Ass
- āA New Kind of Superhero: The Making of Kick-Ass ā documentary (Blu-ray Disc Exclusive)
- āItās On! The Comic Book Origin of Kick-Assā featurette
- Audio Commentary with Writer-Director Matthew Vaughn
- āThe Art of Kick-Assā gallery
- Marketing Archive
- BD Touch and Metamenu Remote
- Lionsgate Liveā¢ enabled, featuring extra content for Internet-connected players
- Enhanced for D-Boxā¢ Motion Control Systems
- Standard Definition DVD Copy of the feature film
- Standard Definition Digital Copy of the feature film
- Audio Commentary with Writer-Director Matthew Vaughn
- Itās On! The Comic Book Origin of Kick-Assā featurette
- āThe Art of Kick-Assā gallery
- Marketing Archive
> Buy Kick-Ass on Blu-ray / DVD / Special Edition Combi Pack
Exit Through the Gift Shop (Revolver Entertainment):Ā The debut film from enigmaticĀ graffitiĀ artist Banksy is a documentary (or is it?)Ā which tells the story ofĀ Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant in Los Angeles who is obsessed withĀ street art. It shows Guetta’s constant filming of his own life and his attempts to capture Banksy on camera. It also features other artists including Invader and Shepard Fairey (the man famous for the Barack Obama ‘Hope’ poster).
Narrated byĀ Rhys Ifans, the music isĀ byĀ Geoff Barrow and although there has been a continuous debate about the nature of the film since it debuted at Sundance in January, it has gotĀ very strong reviews and is likely to increase the mystique of Banksy even further.
Extra features include:Ā stickers, art prints, the movie, and ‘limited edition 2D glasses’.
> Buy Exit Through The Gift Shop on Blu-ray orĀ DVD
ALSO OUT
After.Life (Anchor Bay Entertainment UK) [Blu-ray / DVD]
Bent (Park Circus) [Blu-ray / with DVD]
Black Lightning (Universal Pictures) [Blu-ray / DVD]
Doctor Who ā The New Series: 5 ā Volume 4 (2 Entertain) [Blu-ray / DVD]
Entourage: Season 6 (Warner Home Video) [Blu-ray / DVD]
The African Queen: Restoration Edition (ITV DVD) [Buy it on Blu-ray]
The Brit Indie Collection (4DVD) [Blu-ray / DVD]
The Last Song (Walt Disney) [Blu-ray / DVD]
The Official 2010 World Cup South Africa Review (2 Entertain) [Blu-ray / DVD]
True Inspiration Collection (4DVD) [Blu-ray / DVD]
> The DVD and Blu-ray releases for September 2010
> The Best DVDĀ and Blu-ray releases for 2009