NEW ON DVD AND BLU-RAY:

“BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL NEW ORLEANS,” starring Nicholas Cage and Eva Mendes. Finally, a Nicholas Cage performance that doesn’t seem like he took the role to pay his back taxes. Wisely teaming up with always-compelling filmmaker Werner Herzog (“Grizzly Man”), Cage is electrifying as Terence McDonagh, a crazed cop who redefines the old term “loose cannon” by engaging in any and all vices and behaving like a terrifyingly entertaining lunatic. He’s investigating the murders of a family of immigrants amid the wreckage of post-Katrina New Orleans; no easy feat, especially while being plagued by hallucinations of iguanas. As with Herzog’s best work, there’s an uneasy tonal mishmash afoot, and the fact that one is rarely sure whether to laugh or be horrified only adds to the experience. Both filmmaker and star go for broke, and the abandon on display hits far more often than it misses. It’s an assured cult classic. Special features include interviews with cast and crew. Rated R for drug use and language throughout, some violence and sexuality. Running time: 2:02.

Suggested retail price: DVD $28.98; Blu-ray $29.98.

 

“THE COLLECTOR,” starring Josh Stewart and Andrea Roth. Handyman and ex-con Arkin aims to repay a debt to his ex-wife by robbing his new employer’s country home. Unfortunately for Arkin, a far worse enemy has already laid claim to the property — and the family. As the seconds tick down to midnight, Arkin becomes a reluctant hero trapped by a masked “Collector” in a maze of lethal invention — the Spanish Inquisition as imagined by Rube Goldberg — while trying to rescue the very family he came to rob. Rated R for pervasive sadistic violence, language and some sexuality/nudity. Running Time: 1:30.

Suggested retail price: DVD $24.99; Blu-ray $24.99.

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NEW ON DVD:

“DIRT! THE MOVIE,” starring Jamie Lee Curtis. A clever documentary that seeks to disprove the supposed inherent dullness in its subject, “Dirt!” enlists Curtis to ably narrate a thoroughly entertaining look at the ground under our feet, blending animation, anecdotes and interviews in its noble and largely successful quest to champion soil. Not rated, nothing objectionable. Running time: 1:26.

Suggested retail price: $26.95.

 

“I’M NO DUMMY,” starring Jeff Dunham and Kelly Asbury. Intimate, informative and above all funny, “I’m No Dummy” takes an in-depth look at a roundly beloved yet rarely revered art: ventriloquism. Beginning with vent vets such as Edgar Bergen and Paul Winchell and continuing on to more recent acts, such as Jay Johnson and the hugely successful Dunham, this acclaimed documentary is an enjoyable and oddly affecting look at a singular ability and showbiz phenomenon. Not rated, contains mild language. Running time: 1:30.

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Suggested retail price: $19.98.

 

“LUCY CALLS THE PRESIDENT,” starring Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance. Nostalgic curio from 1977 is a rare look at later-era Ball, here playing a small-town resident who takes it upon herself to call then-President Jimmy Carter when an impending housing development threatens to destroy a local camp for underprivileged children. When Carter unexpectedly promises to stop by her house to discuss the matter, Lucy and her neighbors must scramble to prepare. Barely seen since its original television broadcast, “Lucy” also features former co-star Vance, funnyman extraordinaire Steve Allen, and Ed “Hey-o!” McMahon as Lucy’s husband. Special features include never-before-seen rehearsal footage. Not rated, nothing objectionable. Running time: 1:00.

Suggested retail price: $14.98.

 

NEW ON BLU-RAY:

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“COCOON,” Don Ameche and Wilford Brimley. Well-loved sci-fi charmer from 1985 finds cantankerous coots Ameche (who won an Oscar for his touching performance) and Brimley experiencing a second adolescence of sorts after having their old bones completely rejuvenated following a dip in a swimming pool inhabited by aliens. What could have lapsed into weird hokum becomes an endlessly rewatchable modern classic thanks to the wonderful performances across the board, with a great cast that also includes Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy, Jack Gilford and Maureen Stapleton. Special features include a commentary from director Ron Howard. Rated PG-13 for language and sexual content. Running time: 1:57.

Suggested retail price: $24.99.

“DREAMSCAPE,” starring Dennis Quaid and Kate Capshaw. Somewhat underappreciated sci-fi/thriller is a marvel of low-budget wizardry, with a winning early performance by Quaid as a mischievous psychic co-opted by the government to invade people’s dreams, both to garner information and to track down a serial killer (David Patrick Kelley of “The Warriors,” at his slimy best) who enters dreams for more nefarious purposes. A good old-fashioned night at the movies, ’80s-style, with some terrific if somewhat dated special effects and an engaging sense of humor. A sleeper well worth rediscovering on Blu-ray. Special features include a still gallery and a special effects test reel. Rated PG-13 for language and some frightening images. Running time: 1:39.

Suggested retail price: $24.98.

 

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“TAXIDERMIA,” starring Gabor Mate and Istvan Znamenak. Anybody in the mood for a good Hungarian horror-comedy? In a genre unfortunately scant with competitors, ultra-talented director Gyorgy Palfi (“Hukkle,” also highly recommended) and his unforgettable “Taxidermia” stand out all the same, with a fascinatingly revolting, intertwining tale of three men with distinct abilities: speed-eating, giant cat-embalming and a third talent we wouldn’t dream of spoiling for you. Astounding special effects and a beyond-ghoulish sense of humor are the name of the game here, and fans of David Cronenberg, Sam Raimi and Lars Von Trier will find much to entertain them. The weak of stomach are gently encouraged to seek entertainment elsewhere, but for Incredibly Strange fans, “Taxidermia” is “Freaks” for a new generation. Not rated, contains graphic nudity, language and gore. Running time: 1:31.

Suggested retail price: $24.98.

 

“THE YES MEN FIX THE WORLD,” starring Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno. The latest package of subversive tomfoolery from the brilliant and fearless Yes Men finds the sneaky suits successfully pitching a ridiculous inflatable contraption called the “Survivaball” to a nonplussed audience, distributing candles supposedly made from humans at an Exxon conference, and posing as Dow Chemical employees to falsely offer monetary compensation for the damage they’ve caused (resulting in an immediate drop in Dow stock, of course). With their anonymity and unassuming looks proving to be their greatest asset, the Yes Men are modern-day heroes in an era sorely lacking in same. Not rated, contains language and thematic material. Running time: 1:27.

Suggested retail price: $26.95.

 


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