Top DVD and Blu-ray releases in February 2023
Horror is in the spotlight in this selection, but it’s not just about bloodshed and 50-year-old franchises. Sometimes, behind the forced smiles, hides relentless determination and behind the scenes, women are watching.
The Lady King
Released on February 1
Inspired by real truth, The Lady King traces of the greatness of a feminist revolution, that of Agojie, in the kingdom of Dahomey (currently Benin) in the 1800s. Viola Davis once again proves the full extent of her talent, as General Nanisca, a convinced and steadfast war leader. He has never been so strong and convincing, as he prepares his recruits for an inevitable battle for the survival of his people. Perhaps the only way in this age where people watch their stuff and where white slaves reign in power. A period film with just enough action, energy, emotion, a little forced in some aspects that we could have done without, but does not detract from the touching story of an arbitrary policy. Gina Prince Bythewood who recently directed The Oldguard (2020) for Netflix has reached African, humanist and resolutely feminist politics. At a time when superhero movies make up most of the audience, it’s nice to find more authenticity in 1eh February.
November
Released on February 8
Then North ferry (2020), Cédric Jimenez returns with a new film, like visceral, November, behind the scenes on November 13, 2015. A way of filming, of framing, of rendering an innocuous scene realistic, and we know it’s hard for a French film to go beyond simple observation stage. As Olivier Marchal also knows how to work in a similar register, but in a more fictional context, Jimenez’s cinema is frank, energetic and nervous at will. A pile that we cannot stop and that is what we can ask for the entire anti-terrorism team led by Jean Dujardin, which we follow in the days after the attacks. It’s a difficult subject to adapt to when you know that it will inevitably touch the hearts of the French, but the advantage is on its side because we look at what we haven’t followed in the news and information. Behind the scenes well documented, well paced, no politics here November, but action, which allows us to keep something in memory of this terrible night. A punchy film that will be seen on February 8.
Smile
Released on February 8
Contrary to what the title might suggest, Smile does not give a smile, far from it. But rather a lot of discomfort throughout. A film that starts with a few tricks but manages to stand on its own. Far from the usual jump scare opportunity, this horror film plays on the psychology of the characters, among others, by Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon, who is none other than Kevin Bacon’s daughter) who knows a lot about it because she is a psychiatrist. by profession. What good existential questions must be asked when the noose tightens on his own person. In a very intimate performance, we feel the trauma and the mind manipulation he is going through. A film that changes the way we consume horror films and which, despite some flaws, will have the merit of trying to offer us something different. Maybe that’s also the magic of a horror movie when it’s directed by a complete stranger like director Parker Finn, it usually works well the first time, it remains to be seen if the test will be changed, with a second installment on -scheduled for 2024.
Simone, the trip of the century
Released on February 15
Olivier Dahan likes pictures of women, then The child Edith Piaf (2007), Grace of Monaco (2014), it’s on Simone Veil, with Simone the trip of the century, with his camera leaning. Elsa Zylberstein and Rebecca Marder share the title role, and the weight of all the women rests heavily on their shoulders. The journey of an extraordinary woman, dedicated to advancing the role of women in society, the freedoms they long for, and more. Some may be lost in the chronology, but this is also the sign of the director, who with great efficiency manages to attract us to every moment of his life. From his youth in the concentration camps that will bring him a mind of steel, with many personal commitments and for all the women he will establish.
A film that pays so much homage, nothing less is needed for this extraordinary woman who knows how to overturn the codes of an entire era. A powerful biopic whose simple name reflects unparalleled conviction, resilience and strength of character to discover on February 15.
X
Released on February 16
To the poster of X, a vintage horror film, with two actors of horror and fantasy. It’s Jenna Ortega, then Scream (2022) is coming soon Scream VI and Wednesday on Netflix, is the undisputed star of the moment, but also Mia Goth (A cure for life, Suspiria, The Secret of the Marrowbones) who already has a packed horror filmography.
X is the first in a horror trilogy, with Pearl (2022) a prequel and Maxxine coming soon. The pitch is simple, a group of young filmmakers shoot X movie, but the shooting doesn’t go exactly as planned. We can’t help but think Chainsaw Massacre (1974), where the ghosts of Texas horror still reside. Far from falling into parody or nanar, X pays a nice tribute to the horror films and burlesque films of yesteryear. An old school movie that returns to the roots of horror with just the right amount of blood and sex to discover on February 16.
black adam
Released on February 22
First Dc comics superhero incarnation for Dwayne Johnson, in black adam. Evil alter ego of Shazam (with the same power), very sympathetic anti-hero that we will soon see on the big screen for the second part. We see Jaume Collet-Serra in the production, in a different register from his previous films, which also found his actor from Jungle Cruise (2021). Originally known as Teth Adam, he served Prince Khufu until his death. An event that would completely change him and affect his powers, diverting him from good to evil, making him the Black Adam of today. Raised from the dead by a group of mercenaries, Black Adam resumes his duties as an assassin and wreaks havoc. But Amanda Waller (Viola Davis), head of The Agency, has a wary eye on the superhero collectives plaguing the city. In this particular case, the Justice Society is ready to send Black Adam straight to his grave, if he doesn’t end his actions. A gang war to be discovered on February 22.
Halloween is over
Released on February 22
Because all good things come to an end Halloween is over the final part of David Gordon Green’s trilogy began in 2018, ending with brio, a 40-year-old shooting. We see the community of Haddonfield there, disenfranchised, fearful, and angry against the authorities, but especially against Laurie Strode who they hold responsible. Jamie Lee Curtis, looking pale in the excellent second act Halloween Kills (2021), is forced to face his fears and accept new responsibilities vis-à-vis his family. Less action and more psychology in this final part, which focuses on the inner demons of the small town, and on the origins of evil, all of which it is the judge to control, restrain or release. An evil that never dies, but only changes form. Undoubtedly, horror franchises are on the rise and few manage to retain the essence of the 1978 original and this is certainly one of them. Much more visceral and violent, this trilogy plays on reinterpretations of the original, while avoiding the myth of the boogeyman. A final breath on February 22, for Michael Myers, who terrorized the web for more than 40 years and a trilogy to discover as soon as possible.
The edition of the month
shout 2 (1998)
After the release of Scream5e part of the legend Screamand the recent release of the first opus on Steelbook 4k, it’s pretty legit shout 2, released in 1998, will reappear in the same 4k Steelbook collection, and it is expected that opus 3 and 4 will also follow. Wes Craven, still in control of this slasher saga that doesn’t need to be shown, once again tracks down Sidney Prescott, the survivor struggling to recover from the latest massacre in Woodsboro. If this second is considered the least beautiful of the franchise, that’s right, however, it offers us very good scenes of murders and chases within the walls of the university campus.
