This week on The Video Score, we've got all your new major video releases including an Oscar winner and a horror movie people didn't think too much of. There are also three great classics coming out, two of which are on Blu-ray. "A Streetcar Named Desire" is our pick of the week, just edging out Georges "Papa Georges" Méliès' "A Trip to the Moon," which should seem very timely if you checked out "Hugo" last year.
Pick of the Week "A Streetcar Named Desire" (1951) Director: Elia Kazan Cast: Marlon Brando,
Vivien Leigh Story:
In the classic play by Tennessee Williams, brought to the screen by Elia Kazan, faded Southern belle Blanche DuBois (Vivien Leigh) comes to visit her pregnant sister, Stella (Kim Hunter), in a seedy section of New Orleans. Stella's boorish husband, Stanley Kowalski (Marlon Brando), not only regards Blanche's aristocratic affectations as a royal pain but also thinks she's holding out on inheritance money that rightfully belongs to Stella.
On the Disc:
The Blu-ray presents restored scenes that were cut out of the film due to the censorship on the part of the Legion of Decency. (Yes, the Legion of Decency used to be a thing.)
Reviews:
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Metacritic: N/A
Where to get it
Amazon: Blu-ray - $23.99
Apple: Digital Rental - $2.99, Ditigal Download - $9.99
Netflix Instant: Not available
"The Iron Lady" (2011) Director: Phyllida Lloyd Cast: Meryl Streep,
Jim Broadbent Story:
Three-time Oscar-winner Meryl Streep steps into the role of English prime minister Margaret Thatcher in this biopic from director Phyllida Lloyd ("Mamma Mia!"), and screenwriter Abi Morgan.
On the Disc:
The Blu-ray edition of the film comes with a digital copy and a DVD version of the film. The extras include a making of documentary and looks at the history behind the movie.
Past Coverage:
-Meryl Streep wins the Academy Award for Best Actress.
-Streep's speech lands among the best of the Oscars 2012.
-First look of Streep as Margaret Thatcher revealed.
Reviews:
Rotten Tomatoes: 53%
Metacritic: 54
Where to get it
Amazon: Blu-ray - $19.99, DVD - $14.99, Digital Download - $14.99
Apple: Digital Rental - $3.99 (HD: $4.99), Ditigal Download - $14.99 (HD: $19.99)
Netflix Instant: Not available
"The Darkest Hour" (2011) Director: Chris Gorak Cast: Emile Hirsch,
Olivia Thirlby,
Max Minghella Story:
Director Chris Gorak ("Right at Your Door") teams with producer Timur Bekmambetov for this tense apocalyptic thriller centering on the fight for survival waged by five youths who find themselves stranded in Moscow during an alien invasion. As the invisible extraterrestrials absorb all of Earth's energy and life forms, finding a means of escaping the unstoppable attackers becomes a seemingly impossible task.
On the Disc:
The film comes with a director's commentary, plus a new short film, behind-the-scenes featurette and deleted scenes.
Past Coverage:
-We premiered the 3D trailer for "The Darkest Hour."
Reviews:
Rotten Tomatoes: 11%
Metacritic: 16
Where to get it
Amazon: Blu-ray - $17.99 (3D - $19.99), DVD - $14.99, Digital Download - $14.99
Apple: Digital Rental - $3.99 (HD: $4.99), Ditigal Download - $14.99 (HD: $19.99)
Netflix Instant: Not available
"A Trip to the Moon" (1902) Director: Georges Méliès
Story:
A centerpiece of Martin Scorsese's Academy Award-winning "Hugo," "A Trip to the Moon" is one of the most beloved silent films of all time and a landmark in filmmaking and special effects.
On the Disc:
The special edition Blu-ray restores the original hand-tinted colorization and features a new documentary, "The Extraordinary Voyage."
Reviews:
Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
Metacritic: 70
Where to get it
Amazon: Blu-ray - $29.99
Apple: Not available
Netflix Instant: Not available
"Dark Shadows: Fan Favorites" Story:
Before there was the Tim Burton-Johnny Depp film adaptation, there was the original supernatural soap opera that ran from 1966 to 1971.
On the Disc:
The DVD includes nine full episodes that were considered favorite among fans, plus introductions to each episode
Reviews:
Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
Metacritic: N/A
Where to get it
Amazon: DVD - $9.99
Apple: Not available
Netflix Instant: Available
The Video Score is your guide to everything you need to know about what's out this week, all in one place. What's available? Which formats? Is it streaming? How much will it set you back? We'll break down the week's biggest new releases and some smaller ones that deserve your attention. Check back each Tuesday to find out what's hot that week and where you can catch it all!
What are you checking out this week on video? Let us know in the comments below and on Twitter!