Please see the release calendar for releases from countries outside the US.
While the American idea of a troll is likely to that of a nude, pot belly doll with varying shades of neon colored hair, the true mythology of trolls comes from Scandinavia. These large, imposing creatures remain a part of that culture even today, something that is very apparent with the success and popularity of today's Blu-ray release of Troll Hunter. The film has been (lovingly) compared to Blair Witch Project for the similar "found footage" plot and shaky-cam quality, but even if you're not a fan of the Witch, you might want to take look at this quality release.
Staff reviewer Casey Broadwater commented in his Troll Hunter Blu-ray review, "Troll Hunter is yet another entry in the now nearly exhausted shaky-cam found footage subgenre, but it's worth checking out, especially if you're into Norse folklore. As usual, Magnolia has delivered a solid Blu-ray presentation, and there are a few fun bonus features too."
Despite a theatrical release around the time where poker was coming out the basement and into the mainstream, Rounders failed to capture much attention at the box office. Once it hit home video, however, the all star cast and engaging story propelled the film into a cult hit. After numerous delays, and a change is distributors, we finally get the Blu-ray release today. It's unclear why Disney would hold onto the title for so long without giving it a proper HD release, but now that Lionsgate has the reigns, they wasted no time in providing fans with the quality we deserve.
For the Rounders Blu-ray review, staff reviewer Jeffrey Kaufman commented, "Rounders died a pretty quick death during its theatrical exhibition, but like so many films in the home video age, it's been acclaimed as a modern masterpiece by a coterie of fans who have helped make it into something of a cult sensation." He concludes, "With a solid visual and audio presentation and some appealing extras, this release is recommended."
Another Miramax gem that has been sorely missed (until today) on Blu-ray is the Swingers. Before going on to direct mega dollar blockbusters like Iron Man, Jon Favreau stared in this cult classic which features him as the subject of one of the most awkward scenes ever filmed. And don't forget about Vince Vaughn, who didn't have a roll so perfectly written for him again until Wedding Crashers. Swingers is an example of a film that just works.
Staff reviewer Jeffrey Kauffman commented in his Swingers Blu-ray review , "[It] is a sweet hearted film with some very smart ensemble acting and one of the best "real life" feels for what it must be like for journeyman actors plying their trade in the semi-mean streets of Los Angeles." He continues, "While this isn't the sharpest looking Blu-ray in history, it's a step up from the old SD-DVD."
Even in "slow weeks" (for me) there are usually a couple titles of interest. I plan to add Win Win, a well-crafted little drama about family and coming-of-age, to my collection in the not too distant future, after a price drop. The same can be said of Poetry, another fine, beautifully photographed drama about family and, more importantly, life in general. Down the line I plan to blind buy, probably during a sale, the highly-regarded Secret Sunshine, which is from the same director as Poetry.
