A kid-friendly film from writer-director John Krasinksi tops the DVD releases for the week of Aug. 13.
“IF”: A girl connects with a band of lonely “Ifs” — “imaginary friends” — and tries to matchmake them with new kids in this semi-animated movie starring Cailey Fleming and Ryan Reynolds.
Writing for Tribune News Service, critic Katie Walsh found “IF” to be “a film from an adult’s perspective about the importance of imagination, and a reminder to stay connected with our own sense of childlike wonder. But is it a movie for kids, or for the inner child of an adult? With its nonsensical, confounding story, it might not be for anyone, even if its heart is in the right place.”
Also new on DVD
“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga”: George Miller’s prequel film to “Mad Max: Fury Road” fleshes out the tragic and action-packed backstory of war-rig driver Furiosa. With Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth.
“The Bikeriders”: Austin Butler, Jodie Comer and Tom Hardy star in Jeff Nichols’ drama about the lore of a Chicago biker gang in the 1960s.
“June Zero”: A dramatization of events surrounding the 1961 trial of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann for his role in the Holocaust after his capture by Israel.
“Beyond Paradise: Season Two”: Return to the British countryside to unpack fresh mysteries in the second season of this “Death in Paradise” spinoff starring Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton.
“Boneyard”: This crime thriller follows the investigation of a serial killer after numerous human remains are discovered in the New Mexico desert. Features Mel Gibson and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.
“Chucky: Season Three”: The maniacal red-headed doll voiced by Brad Dourif returns for a third season of this cable horror series based on the “Child’s Play” movies.
“It’s a Good Day to Die”: A no-good hood and a go-go dancer enter into a whirlwind romance in this high-octane thriller.
“Monster High 2”: The frightful teens of the titular franchise enter their sophomore year of high school in this Nickelodeon feature film.
“NCIS: The Twenty-First Season”: The CBS stalwart returns for its first season since the passing of David McCallum, who portrayed Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, a 10-episode outing shortened by the dual Hollywood strikes.
“The Mouse Trap”: This arcade-set comedy horror flick about a masked killer cashes in on Mickey Mouse’s entry into the public domain.
“The Last Emperor”: Italian filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci’s historical drama centered on the last head of China’s Qing dynasty enjoys a 4K digital restoration from the Criterion Collection.
“Brief Encounters / The Long Farewell: Two Films by Kira Muratova”: Also joining the Criterion ranks are these first two solo features from the acclaimed Ukrainian director.
Digital HD
“Twisters”: Scientists and storm chasers tangle with tornadoes in Oklahoma during an outbreak of storms in this sequel to the 1996 film. Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell and Anthony Ramos.
