NEW ON THE SHELF

“THE CAMPAIGN,” starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis. Broad and frequently hilarious political satire pits Ferrell’s Clinton-esque congressman against out-of-his-league but enthusiastic patsy Galifianakis in a comically shameless bid for election, with billionaires the Motch Brothers (John Lithgow and Dan Aykroyd) pulling the strings in the background. While not as cutting as it thinks it is, “The Campaign” garners an impressive laugh count thanks to the ever-dependable leads and an excellent supporting cast including Dylan McDermott and “SNL” vet Jason Sudekis. Rated R. Running time: 1:25

Suggested retail price: $28.98; Blu-ray $35.99

 

“SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED,” starring Aubrey Plaza and Mark Duplass. A magazine intern (Plaza of “Parks and Recreation”) is assigned the uncertain task of following up on a classified ad that appears to be requesting a time-traveling companion. Said ad turns out to be placed by Kenneth Calloway (Duplass), a jean-jacketed grocery store clerk whose mental faculties understandably come into question early and often, but for how long? Director Colin Trevorrow delivers a film that manages to be quirky without being irritating, and cynical without being a downer. Rated R. Running time: 1:26

Suggested retail price: $30.99; Blu-ray $35.99

 

“COPPER: SEASON ONE,” starring Tom Weston-Jones and Kyle Schmid. Gritty slow-burn period drama from BBC America transports the viewer to 19th-century New York City — not one of the region’s more glamorous eras, it turns out. Attempting to keep law and order to the degree that it’s possible is Detective Kevin Corcoran (Weston-Jones), a tough-skinned Civil War vet and writer of wrongs who protects the downtrodden while simultaneously trying to track down his missing wife and the murderer of his young daughter. Striking period details and excellent performances keep things from getting too grim, but “Copper” is certainly a sordid, albeit compelling, affair all around. Special features include deleted scenes. Not rated; contains language and violence. Running time: 7:30

Suggested retail price: $49.98; Blu-ray $59.98

 

“HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS,” starring Jonathan Frid and Grayson Hall. Capitalizing on the popular Tim Burton reboot, this 1970 curiosity brought Barnabas Collins and the brood to the big screen with familiarly entertaining results. A long-awaited DVD release for the series’ legions of fans, and a fun companion piece for viewers who enjoyed Burton’s amusing take. Rated PG. Running time: 1:37

Suggested retail price: $14.96; Blu-ray $19.98

 

NEW TO BLU-RAY

“ALFRED HITCHCOCK: THE MASTERPIECE COLLECTION,” starring multiple stars. The end-all be-all of Hitchcock collections, this newly remastered and exhaustive set contains the following 15 undisputed classics from the master himself: “Saboteur” (1942), “Shadow of a Doubt” (1943), “Rope” (1948), “Rear Window” (1954), “The Trouble with Harry” (1955), “The Man Who Knew Too Much” (1956), “Vertigo” (1958), “North by Northwest” (1959), “Psycho” (1960), “The Birds” (1963), “Marnie” (1964), “Torn Curtain” (1966), “Topaz” (1969), “Frenzy” (1972) and “Family Plot” (1972). Special features include deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, storyboards and much more. Not rated; contains violence and mild language. Running time: 29:30

Suggested retail price: $299.98

“ROSEMARY’S BABY,” starring Mia Farrow and John Cassavetes. The Hollywood debut of esteemed director Roman Polanski (“Chinatown”), this 1968 horror classic finds young mother Farrow growing increasingly suspicious of her peculiar elderly neighbors and their odd new relationship with her husband (filmmaker Cassavetes), coming to the initially paranoid-seeming conclusion that they’re hatching a satanic plot against her and her newborn child. This Criterion release ensures that this “Baby” has never looked better, with the usual treasure trove of extras. Special features include new interviews with Polanski, Farrow and producer Robert Evans. Rated R. Running time: 2:16

Suggested retail price: $39.95

 

VIDEOPORT PICKS

“FIRST POSITION,” documentary. It’s hard to miss with documentaries that focus on a disparate group of individuals who share a common interest. But first-time director Bess Kargman hits it out of the park with this affecting, funny and downright inspirational doc, which endeavors to follow six young dancers diligently preparing for the Youth America Grand Prix, one of the world’s most prestigious ballet competitions for up-and-coming hoofers. Delving into participant back stories as well as shedding light on typical ballet practices (many of which look downright painful), “First Position” gets to know its subjects to such a satisfying degree that the outcome of the final competition achieves a surprising intensity. A prime example of the form, and hopefully not the last we’ll hear from this talented new filmmaker. Not rated; contains language and thematic material. Running time: 1:30

Suggested retail price: $24.98

 

“RUBY SPARKS,” starring Paul Dano and Zoe Kazan. It’s hard to believe it’s been six years since “Little Miss Sunshine” swept film festivals and theaters alike, but that’s how long it’s taken directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris to get their sophomore effort, “Ruby Sparks,” produced. “Sunshine” alum Dano gives arguably the performance of his career as Calvin, a young novelist severely afflicted by writer’s block following the runaway success of his first book. A breakthrough comes in the form of a mental image of a mystery woman named Ruby Sparks, inspiring Calvin to write what looks to be a more than worthy follow-up to his debut. But when Ruby (Kazan) actually turns up in real life — and moreover is apparently able to communicate with Calvin’s friends and family — he isn’t sure what to believe anymore. When he discovers he can alter their relationship simply by writing about it, things really get weird. Rated R. Running time: 1:44

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

 

– Courtesy of Videoport

 

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