Susan Granger’s DVD Update for week of Fri., April 13:
Oscar nominee Werner Herzog examines a real-life triple homicide in Conroe, Texas, and America’s criminal justice system in a provocative documentary, “Into the Abyss.” Another documentary, “Surviving Hitler: A Love Story” is a harrowing tale of war, resistance and survival in Nazi Germany as two lovers co-conspire to assassinate Hitler. And a third, “Miss Representation,” exposes how mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America.
“The Darkest Hour” is a dim-witted, sci-fi doomsday thriller about two American entrepreneurs (Emile Hirsch, Max Minghella) who travel to Moscow to find funding for their new social media website, only to discover that a duplicitous Swedish opportunist (Joel Kinnaman) has stolen their idea, just as elusive extraterrestrials wreak world devastation.
Bearing little resemblance to the Grimm fairy tale, Australian novelist/screenwriter Julia Leigh’s “Sleeping Beauty” revolves around the sexual subjugation of women, as a troubled young woman (Emily Browning) agrees to a gig as a professional sleeping beauty, allowing clients to fulfill their erotic desires.
“The Hidden” is a sinister tale of doom and supernatural darkness as a young man (Sean Clement) inherits ‘The Sanctuary,’ his mother’s controversial experimental addition treatment center.
Luke Perry returns to the lawless frontier in the sequel “Goodnight for Justice: Measure of a Man,” set in a Wyoming territory being terrorized by a gang of thieves.
And it’s back to the future in “Logan’s Run” with the complete cult-classic TV series, starring Gregory Harrison, Heather Menzies, Donald Moffat and Randy Powell.
For foreign film aficionados, Stellan Skarsgard stars in the Norwegian historical thriller “King of Devil’s Island,” the true story of an inmate rebellion at the notorious Bastoy Boys correctional facility.
For youngsters, there’s a new series called “Dougie in disguise,” charming tales from Spain to encourage imaginative play.
PICK OF THE WEEK: Meryl Streep won an Oscar for her incredibly accurate portrayal of British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady,” a somewhat confusing bio-pic that delves into the life of one of the 20th century’s most controversial and influential women.