With the nearest open movie theaters likely in the next state (and scary), many fans look to home entertainment more than ever. If the kids are quarantined at home also, purchases, rather than rentals, start to look better and better for the inevitable repeat viewings. But with so many, it’s hard to know where to begin or what to afford. In this ongoing series, Superhero Hype takes a look at some of the better deals Amazon.com has running as of publication time. Please note that all deals are subject to change or sell out at any time based on supply and demand. These are the deals for Aug 11.
The War of the Worlds (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]
No, not the Tom Cruise one where everyone miraculously survives. This is the 1950s George Pal adaptation, in which the tripods become flying machines, the Cold War was the metaphor, and the special effects won an Oscar. Newly transferred from 4K, the Criterion edition includes commentary by filmmaker Joe Dante, film historian Bob Burns, and author Bill Warren, as well as the 1938 radio broadcast by Orson Welles. Yes, that infamous one that people actually believed was real.
The Phantom [Blu-ray]
Slam evil! Billy Zane emits Adam West-like vibes in purple spandex as a deadpan camp incarnation of Lee Falk’s syndicated comic-strip hero. The Ghost Who Walks could have become an offensive colonialist stereotype, as a white dude who guards the jungle. Simon Wincer’s movie, however, never allows anyone to take it too seriously. Treat Williams is what his first name suggests as villainous scoundrel Xander Drax, while Catherine Zeta-Jones made a pre-Zorro impression as an evil aviatrix who’s not quite as bad as she appears. For $9.99, one cannot go wrong here.
Split Second [Blu-ray]
An extremely deluxe collector’s edition for a cult movie about Rutger Hauer versus an alien. But those who like it, really like it. Many more prestigious films don’t get thee kinds of extras:
- NEW! Audio Commentary by action film historian Mike Leeder and filmmaker Arne Venema
- NEW! ”Great Big Bloody Guns!” Producer Laura Gregory & Actor Alastair (Neil) Duncan on Split Second (HD, 27:25)
- NEW! ”Call Me Mr. Snips!” An Interview with Composer Stephen W. Parsons (HD, 22:21)
- NEW! ”Stay In Line!” An Interview with Line Producer Laurie Borg (HD, 23:02)
- NEW! ”More Blood!” An Interview with Creature Effects Designer Cliff Wallace (HD, 32:03)
- NEW! ”Shoot Everything!” An Interview with Cinematographer Clive Tickner (HD, 18:57)
So $27.99 may sound high for a Blu-ray, but it comes packed.
Wonder Woman: The Complete Series (BD) [Blu-ray]
After the 1966 Batman, the ’70s Wonder Woman easily spawned the most memorable DC TV show theme. And Lynda Carter essentially defined the role in live-action, first fighting Nazis in World war II, and then suddenly taking on terrorists and misogynists in the present day. Enjoy the complete series in all its retro glory, with select commentaries and more. All the world’s waiting for this.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter comes to the United States in this unusual prequel, featuring eddie Redmayne as a magical zookeeper of sorts who befriends Dan Fogler in New York. Character work often takes a backseat to dense world-building, but fans who want to know more about the history of magic in this universe should relish the details. For only $7.40, it’s not much of a risk as a purchase. And if the buyer likes it, well, there is a sequel that exists. Though whether all four planned sequels ever will could be anyone’s guess.
Treasure Planet (10th Anniversary Edition) (Blu-ray + DVD)
Long John Silver’s a cyborg, Ben Gunn’s a crazy robot, and Disney animation heads into outer space in this occasionally forgotten gem. The most expensive traditional animation feature ever made at $140 million, it stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Jim Hawkins, alongside an all-star cast including Brian Murray, David Hyde Pierce, Martin Short, Roscoe Lee Browne, Emma Thompson, Michael Wincott, Laurie Metcalf, and Patrick McGoohan.
Star Trek: Voyager: The Complete Series
Voyager can seem a real mixed bag. On the one hand, Seven of Nine. On the other, Neelix was Jar Jar years before The Phantom Menace, and his seven year-old girlfriend didn’t help any. After Deep Space Nine became the first Star Trek series to mostly stay put in and around a central location, Voyager returned to the idea of unexplored space, sending a Starfleet ship to the other side of the universe where they had to work together with the terrorists they’d chased there. The intriguing idea sometimes paid off, and others got way too touchy-feely sensitive. But Trek fans are completists, and $133.33 for 47 DVDs sounds like one hell of a deal.
The Hobbit Trilogy and The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy, 6-Film Theatrical Versions (Blu-Ray)
Some Lord of the Rings fans want it all — the full extended editions complete with every minute of behind-the-scenes footage that exists. Others just want what they saw in theaters. This is for that latter group: $40 nets all six of Peter Jackson’s J.R.R. Tolkien features. Theatrical cuts, no extras. Even for folks who think that final Hobbit movie was a bit much, this is a bargain.
The Hunger Games: Complete 4 Film Collection
The Hunger Games films haven’t lingered in the popular consciousness long after their run, perhaps because real life is becoming too similar. But there’s a strong message here of ever giving in and never accepting the parameters of the rules that a corrupt government lays out. And Jennifer Lawrence makes a fantastic messenger.
The Dark Knight Trilogy Special Edition (BD) [Blu-ray]
Heath Ledger’s Joker. Tom Hardy’s Bane. Christian Bale’s raspy voice. Love them or mock them (or both), but Christopher Nolan seared them into the public consciousness. A groundbreaking superhero trilogy in that it actually featured a beginning, middle, and end, The Dark Knight paved the way for future final-chapter movies like Logan and Avengers: Endgame. This three-movie set for $14.99 includes exclusive villain prints from Mondo posters.
