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Blu-ray/DVD Roundup for February 21, 2020

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Time for another look at all of the highlights headed your way on Blu-ray and DVD. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try.

Big New Releases!

21 Bridges - A Manhattan detective finds himself on a citywide hunt for a pair of cop-killers. Things get even more complicated after a massive conspiracy behind the assassination is uncovered. Soon escape from the city via the numerous bridges is cut-off, and the protagonist discovers that he is in as much danger as those being pursued. This action picture split reviewers.

It stars Chadwick Boseman, Sienna Miller, Stephan James, Keith David, Taylor Kitsch and J.K. Simmons.

Another Day of Life - This multi-national, multi-language animated film for adults is based on a true story. In fact, it was adapted from a book written by a Polish war correspondent stationed in Angola during its fight for independence in 1975. The film follows the reporter’s various experiences at the front line and how witnessing brutalities up-close shattered his idealism and perspective on military conflicts. The press generally liked the feature.

One or two thought that the artistic and stylized approach was ineffective and took them out of the proceedings. Most complimented the film for taking a disturbing/downbeat approach to war and noted its effective use of interviews from actual participants in the skirmishes.

Frankie - This arthouse drama involves a European clan who come together in Sintra, Portugal at the behest of their family matriarch, a movie star with a terminal illness. Over a single day, she discusses the future with them and tries to subtly manipulate visitors into doing her bidding. She finds some unanticipated resistance from others as she attempts to control their actions. Response was generally mixed and muted.

Many found it too low-key for their liking and thought that the film didn’t make the most of its cast. Still, a few more liked the performers so much they didn’t mind the exercise’s dramatic shortcomings. It stars Isabelle Huppert, Brendan Gleeson, Marisa Tomei, Jérémie Renier, Vinette Robinson, Ariyon Bakare and Greg Kinnear.

Sunday Girl - This low-budget indie comedy follows a carefree young woman who “accidentally” finds herself dating five men simultaneously. Realizing that the situation is untenable, she decides that she has to break up with four of them and tries to go about determining who should be axed and why. According to the synopsis, she sets out to do this all in a single day. Notices were good for the feature.

A small group thought that the movie followed the routine romantic-comedy playbook and added nothing new to the formula.  Yet most said that despite the flaws and shortcomings of the protagonist, the character was amusing to watch and the film itself was entertaining. Dasha Nekrasova has the lead role.

The Truth About Marriage - This documentary from the filmmaker behind Trekkies, has little to do with science-fiction and instead focuses on marriage as a whole. Specifically, he finds professors and experts in the field and interviews them along with several couples in a committed relationship. The movie strives to use science and psychology to determine what makes a happy partnership work and what we can do to increase the chances of finding a soulmate. There aren’t many reviews available.

Blasts from the Past!

Criterion has a Blu-ray of Antonio Gaudí (1984), a visually striking documentary about the work of the Catalan architect. The movie has been given a high definition digital restoration and the Blu-ray includes an hour-long 2003 documentary on Gaudí, a 1961 BBC program on the designer and many films by the director, interviews with other architects and bonus footage.

You Know, For Kids!

Here are some items that may appeal to kids.

Tex Avery Screwball Classics: Volume 1 (1943-1951) Warner Archive

The Point

On the Tube!

And these are the week’s TV-themed releases.

A Feeling of Home (Hallmark TV-movie)

The Good Karma Hospital: Series 3

NOVA: Animal Espionage (PBS)

The Twilight Zone: Season 1

The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: The Complete Series

By Glenn Kay
For the Sun