NEW ON THE SHELF

“MUD,” starring Matthew McConaughey and Tye Sheridan. McConaughey portrays the titular character, a fugitive hiding out in a boat stuck up in a tree and going without notice until he’s discovered by young Ellis (an impressive Sheridan of “The Tree of Life”), a troubled boy in need of a father figure. Whether “Mud” is the right man for the job remains unclear throughout, and matters are further complicated by Carver (Paul Sparks) and King (Joe Don Baker), who have their own, far less friendly reasons for wanting to catch up with the mysterious drifter. Includes a commentary track from director Jeff Nichols. Rated PG-13. Running time: 2:10

Suggested retail price: $19.98; Blu-ray $24.99 

“OBLIVION,” starring Tom Cruise and Morgan Freeman. Refreshingly recalling the more cerebral and story-centered sci-fi efforts of the ’70s and ’80s, director Joseph Kosinski’s thoughtful and critically lauded effort finds interstellar repairman Cruise sent to Earth, now uninhabitable and demolished after years of war. While there, he discovers a spaceship containing information that casts the destruction of the planet in a whole new, potentially devastating, light. Includes deleted scenes and a commentary from Kosinski and Cruise. Rated PG-13. Running time: 2:04 

Suggested retail price: $29.98; Blu-ray $34.98 

“THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES,” starring Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper. In this sprawling, excellently acted crime drama, motorcycle stunt rider Luke (Gosling) and injured cop Avery (Cooper) watch their best-laid plans crumble under the burden of unfortunate circumstances and questionable decisions. Natural performances and a fine script only add to the onscreen stress and heartbreak, but “Pines” remains electrifying throughout despite its potentially depressing content and an ambition that occasionally overreaches. Includes a commentary from Cianfrance. Rated R. Running time: 2:20

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Suggested retail price: $29.98; Blu-ray $34.98 

NEW TO DVD

“COMMUNITY: THE COMPLETE SEASON FOUR,” starring Joel McHale and Danny Pudi. A controversial season for fans due to the unexpected departure of creator/writer Dan Harmon, “Community” still managed to maintain its position as one of the funniest half-hours on TV despite the very noticeable absence of Harmon’s distinctive voice. Special features include commentary from cast and crew on every episode, outtakes, deleted scenes and making-of featurettes. Not rated. Running time: 3:38

Suggested retail price: $45.99  

NEW TO BLU-RAY

 “ROBIN HOOD: 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION,” animated with the voices of Brian Bedford and Phil Harris. This Disney favorite from 1973 arrives on Blu-ray to celebrate its 40th anniversary. We’ll give you a few moments to let that cruel, sobering fact sink in, then inform you that this animated classic has never looked better, and its freewheeling blend of knockabout comedy and derring-do holds up quite well. Special features include an art gallery and an alternate ending. Rated G. Running time: 1:23

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Suggested retail price: $36.99 

VIDEOPORT PICKS

“ON THE ROAD,” starring Garrett Hedlund and Kristen Stewart. It’s been a several-decade-long haul to get Jack Kerouac’s beloved beat masterpiece to the big screen, and while director Walter Salles doesn’t completely nail it, this faithful and gorgeously shot adaptation proves that it was possible after all. With Sam Riley and Hedlund embodying Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty, respectively, and Kirsten Dunst and Kristen Stewart portraying Moriarty’s inexplicably loyal ladies, Salles both meanders and goes for the gut-punch in all the right places. Rated R. Running time: 2:04 

Suggested retail price: $24.98; Blu-ray $29.98 

“THE SAPPHIRES,” starring Chris O’Dowd and Deborah Mailman. O’Dowd stars as Dave, a would-be talent scout who takes time out of his lifelong bender to take a music group of Australian Aborigine sisters under his wing. The sisters start out as country performers before Dave uncovers their hidden talent for soul music. “The Sapphires” creates so much goodwill through its performances and soundtrack that it’s difficult to imagine a viewer who wouldn’t be thoroughly won over by its considerable charms. Rated PG-13. Running time: 1:39

Suggested retail price: $26.98; Blu-ray $30.99

– Courtesy of Videoport


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