While they have sometimes shared a stage together, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart head up a pair of radically different home entertainment releases this week.
In violent thrill ride Green Room, Stewart goes full tilt evil as a white supremacist leader, while McKellen and Anthony Hopkins bring their acclaimed stage drama The Dresser to screens.
Finally, European import Sworn Virgin follows a transgender man, who is pledged to celibacy as per Albanian societal tradition, question his society and identity…
Now the trailers and details!
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($27.99 DVD; Strand)
Hana is a biological woman who, as per her Albanian culture’s tradition, decides to live as a male named Mark and pledge lifelong virginity in the mountains. The other option, by the way, would be a subservient existence as wife. However, some thirty, Mark/Hana rethinks this decision and decamps to a sister’s in Italy and explores what might be on the other side of gender again… Adapted from Elvira Dones’ novel, director Laura Dispuri’s thoughtful drama brings us into a unique culture and personal journey.
($29.99 Blu-ray, $24.98 DVD; Anchor Bay)
First adapted for film in 1983 with Tom Courtenay and Albert Finney, Ronald Harwood’s WWII-set play revolves around an aging actor, Sir, who prepares to play King Lear while experiencing what could be a little bit of a breakdown. However, Sir is assisted and encouraged by his faithful – and gay – dresser, Norman. Here Anthony Hopkins and Ian McKellen take on the respective roles in director Richard Eyre’s made-for-British-TV movie, and for sure this is an acting masterclass. Fun fact: both actors have themselves played King Lear before! Extras include a featurette.
($24.99 Blu-ray, $19.98 DVD; Lionsgate)
The late Anton Yelchin stars as member of a punk rock band that have the bad fortune of taking a gig at a club for white supremacists and bearing witness to a murder backstage. The movement’s leader, a sinister and collected Patrick Stewart, decides to get rid of any witnesses, and so begins the band’s struggle for survival. Following up his excellent, bloody vengeance tale Blue Ruin (see it!) writer/director Jeremy Saulnier has crafted a gory, visceral, and delightfully dark comedy-horror film with some truly tense – and stomach-churningly bloody – set pieces. Extras include a making of and commentary.
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The Divergent Series: Allegiant
The Dark Horse
Miracles From Heaven