NEW ON DVD AND BLU-RAY

“THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE II: FULL SEQUENCE,” starring Laurence R. Harvey and Ashlynn Yennie. Viewers eager to see more human beings sewn together in the least comfortable arrangement imaginable should be pleased with this somehow even more disgusting sequel to director Tom Six’s cult sensation. Here, the enthusiastically unpleasant Harvey makes his big-screen debut as Martin, a deeply disturbed loner who, in an admittedly inspired and meta twist, actually gets his horrific ideas by watching the original “Human Centipede.” Not rated; contains graphic violence, language and nudity. Running time: 1:28

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

“THE RUM DIARY,” starring Johnny Depp and Giovanni Ribisi. Depp reprises his uncanny portrayal of revered author and journalist Hunter S. Thompson in this adaptation of his semi-autographical novel, in which our frequently soused hero takes a job with a San Juan newspaper out of desperation and shares a ratty apartment with fellow reporters. Drunken, drug-fueled hijinks abound, but viewers expecting another “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” should know that the revelry on display is comparatively reined in and free of Terry Gilliam’s hallucinogenic flourishes. Rated R. Running time: 2:00

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

“BEAVIS & BUTTHEAD: VOLUME 4,” animated. Who among us expected creator Mike Judge (“Office Space”) to dig his hilariously idiotic MTV metalheads out of mothballs? Even further, who expected such a revival to just as funny as ever, if not more so? Without skipping a beat, and without improving on the primitive animation style all that much, it’s like the perennially chortling troublemakers never left. A welcome and completely successful comeback. Not rated; contains language, crude humor and comic violence. Running time: 4:24

Suggested retail price: $22.99; Blu-ray $26.99

“THE LORAX: DELUXE EDITION,” animated with the voices of Eddie Albert and Bob Holt. Newly remastered TV special from 1972 — just in time for the new live-action version — brings Dr. Seuss’ children’s favorite to vivid life, with veteran voice actor Holt providing the sonorous tones of the titular character, an ecologically minded critter who “speaks for the trees” and tries to prevent the unthinking Onceler from chopping them all down in the name of supposed progress. Not rated; nothing objectionable. Running time: 0:25.

Suggested retail price: $19.98; Blu-ray $24.98

NEW ON BLU-RAY

“THE PERFECT WEAPON,” starring Jeff Speakman and Mako. It never really came together for poor Jeff Speakman, a would-be action hero, but this 1991 actioner has gained a loyal stable of fans over the years thanks to some memorable fight scenes and Speakman’s refreshingly down-to-earth approach. A largely forgotten kung-fu flick well worth becoming acquainted with. Rated R for martial arts violence and some language. Running time: 1:27

Suggested retail price: $29.95

“THREE OUTLAW SAMURAI,” starring Tetsuro Tamba and Isamu Nagato. Well-regarded 1964 “chambara” (sword-fighting) film from director Hideo Gosha relates the bloody tale of the kidnapping of a magistrate’s daughter and the various samurai who are either directly involved with the kidnapping or attempting to rescue the girl. It all essentially erupts in upsetting but unavoidable chaos by the end. Thoroughly compelling throughout. Not rated; contains violence. Running time: 1:35

Suggested retail price: $29.95

VIDEOPORT PICKS

“THE DEAD,” starring Rob Freeman and Prince David Osei. We’d be lying if we said we weren’t a little zombied out at this point, but writer-directors Howard J. Ford and Jonathan Ford have managed to find a new spin on a tiring genre. “The Dead” pairs an American Lieutenant (Freeman) with an African sergeant (newcomer Osei), and they’re forced to square off against the zombies that have leveled their battalion and village, respectively. The breathtaking scenery is an odd but effective backdrop for the carnage. Rated R for bloody zombie violence and gore. Running time: 1:45

Suggested retail price: 26.98; Blu-ray $29.99

“TAKE SHELTER,” starring Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain. The presence of Shannon all but guarantees a fascinating experience, as he’s just one of those performers who can’t help but command attention. With his haunted look and unconventional delivery, he’s the perfect protagonist for this surreal ride from director Jeff Nichols, which saddles Shannon with a variety of impressively troubling, seemingly apocalyptic visions, leaving him unsure if he needs to protect his wife (Chastain) and children from an oncoming storm of unthinkable proportions, or himself. He begins building a massive storm shelter in their yard, to the understandable concern of his family and the community in general. Rated R for some language. Running time: 2:00

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

– Courtesy of Videoport

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