In a summerfull of blockbuster hitsand major flops, several big franchises and new IPs are arriving with home releases. Whether it’s the latest and finalIndiana Jonesor the brand new live-action adaptation ofThe Little Mermaid, these new iterations offer plenty of content to audiences.
Here are the best new home releases and what they bring to the table.
Elementalwas one of Disney’s more divisive theatrical releases. The Pixar chief creative officer, Pete Docter, considered thisresponse to the film to be “confusing.” Whereas some reviews found thefilm to be “enchanting” with its romance and CGI. Now, with its VOD (video on demand) release, it is determined to win audiences over. If you are already a fan of the movie, then you will enjoy this home release. For those who need convincing, the special features pack a meaningful punch.
This digital release contains a variety of behind-the-scenes content and deleted scenes. The featurette “Paths to Pixar: The Immigrant Experience” gives the film a rich context. Director Peter Sohn speaks about his passion regarding this immigrant story in ways that will resonate with you. To get a deep and more meaningful approach to the film, these featurettes help paint a fuller picture. Fan or not, these great behind-the-scenes features make this digital release worth your time.
ElementalSpecial Features
Short Film
Featurettes
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Indiana Jonesis one of the most beloved franchises in Hollywood history. The character’s fifth and final adventure,Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,drew a mixed response from criticsand audiences. Everyone enjoyed the film but felt it did not live up to its potential. Now available on digital retailers, viewers have a chance to enjoy Indy from the comfort of their homes. There is only one question that remains aboutThe Dial of Destiny’sdigital release. Does the film warrant being added to your digital collection?
Related:10 Reasons Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Is a Must-Watch for Classic Film Lovers
TheDial of Destinycontains only one extensive five-part special feature. Its sole featurette is titled “The Making of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Chapter 1-5.”Some might consider this single 56-minute featurette to be disappointing. The entire vignette follows the shooting days of the film’s biggest sequences. Chapter 2’s section on the “New York Moon Parade"chase is particularly enthralling. Some chapters are better than others, but it’s the passion of Harrison Ford and Director James Mangold that leaves an impression. Both men wanted to deliver the best film they could, and while the response was mixed, their drive was infectious.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of DestinySpecial Features:
The Little Mermaid
Disney’s track record with live-action remakes has been admittedly rocky. Some have left audiences pining for the original classics. 2023’sThe Little Mermaidmanages to be one of the best of the bunch.Halle Bailey’s magnetic lead performanceis pitch-perfect for this adaptation.
She has Ariel’s sense of wonder and charm but also a ferocious independence perfect for modern viewers. Her performance takes the narrative on a trajectory that is entirely unlike the original film. Itmade a reasonable profitwith the hope of making money on its home release. Thankfully for diehard fans, this digital release contains numerous special features.
This release is perfectly designed for fans of the original film. Besides two featurettes, it encourages audiences to join in on the music. Containing a “Sing Along" version, families will have a joyous time. To have a proper experience, I would recommend starting with the “Song Breakdowns.”
While we are given moments of the behind-the-scenes recording process, it also allows viewers to learn the lyrics. Learning the lyrics, along with the actors will make the “Sing-along” version even better. It is a perfect home release that families can make a fun experience out of.
The Little MermaidSpecial Features:
Sing Along Version– Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with on-screen lyrics.
The Boogeyman
The Boogeymancrept under the radar when it was released in June. Based on a short story by Stephen King, there are plenty of haunts in the film for audiences. The story follows the Harper family as they are dealing with a horrific loss. When the mysterious entity known as the Boogeyman latches onto them, they begin to fight for their lives.
Viewers who are looking to scratch a horror “itch” need to look no further. This spooky film will deliver plenty of thrills and chills from the comfort of your home. Those looking for more of how the chills were made may be disappointed.
This digital release only contains two bonus features. One of which is a 16-minute behind-the-scenes feature titledInto The Darkness. This featurette gets you into the mind of director Rob Savage and his vision for the film. Besides the cast’s commitment, Savage’s passion for the material is clear. It makes you, as a viewer, appreciate his vision and admire his execution.
The BoogeymanSpecial Features
Related:Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Fan Pays Homage With LEGO Remake of Climactic Scene
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Versewas a success in every imaginable way. It was a groundbreaking achievementthat reinvigorated audience excitementfor superhero films. Miles Morales’s emotional arch made for some of the most compelling drama of the year. With it only being a part one, audiences will have to wait for his journey to conclude. While viewers are pondering over the cliffhanger, this digital release has plenty to offer. The fifteen behind-the-scenes featurettes can help enhance your viewing experience.
This is the rare digital release where every featurette enhances the next. From behind-the-scenes breakdowns, cast interviews, and certain scene recreations, it has a bit of everything. For a Spider-Man fan, adding this to your digital collection is a no-brainer. The results will do more than make you appreciate the film. Each feature makes you see the love of everyone who was involved in this epic story’s creation had. It’s a special film with special features that will make Spider-Man and Non Spider-Man fans love the journey and its destination.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-VerseSpecial Features
Blu-ray™, 4K UHD and Digital Exclusives:
