Liam Neeson is back with a vengeance this week -- and a brand-new Blu-ray. It doesn't seem like it's been that long since we've seen him get angry, has it? That said, his Taken 2 is taking the spotlight in this week's new Blu-ray releases.
A lot of people like Neeson best when he's at his most vengeful. At least that's what it seems like, given this action-packed sequel's $371 million take at the box office. If you aren't really a fan of his Bronson-esque endeavors, this week also has a new Exorcist-style supernatural thriller, a family-friendly underdog story and a trio of Woody Allen releases, which includes the director's latest all-star rom-com.
Did we miss one of your favorites for the week? Have something to say about one of this week's new releases? Sound off in the comments below. Otherwise, all of these titles are out as of January 15, 2013, except where noted. Enjoy!
Taken 2
If we've learned anything from Liam Neeson movies, it's that you don't mess with Liam Neeson. However, those villains never seem to learn, so here we are again. This time, he needs to save his family (and himself) from the bad guys. Good luck, bad guys! Famke Janssen and Maggie Grace also star.
Expect to watch Neeson kick some butt with a super-sharp 2.39:1 image and a DTS-HD Master 5.1 track. The 2-disc release also includes theatrical and unrated versions of the movie, deleted scenes and two featurettes, as well as a standard-def DVD and a Digital Copy of the movie. [Fox]
The Possession
This 2012 supernatural scarefest was a minor hit. That had to be more of a surprise than anything that happens in this movie. It's got a bit of an Exorcist vibe to it, as parents Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Kyra Sedgwick watch their offspring get possessed by a box that she picked up at a yard sale.
The 2:40:1 image is a decent one, but it's the creepy, immersive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that's a real standout. The single-disc set also packs in a hearty amount of extras, including a Digital Copy/UltraViolet copy, two audio commentaries, and a featurette on the origin of the story. [Lionsgate]
How Green Was My Valley
John Ford's classic snagged a ton of Oscars (including Best Picture and Best Director). Now, it's snagging its very first Blu-ray release. Based on the 1939 Richard Llewellyn novel, this drama tackles the story of a family in a Welsh mining town. Roddy McDowall, Maureen O'Hara, Walter Pidgeon and supporting actor winner Donald Crisp star.
Fox hasn't said a ton about this release. However, we've heard that it will include a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, commentary, a piece on the film, and the original theatrical trailer. [Fox]
To Rome With Love
Woody Allen leaves his beloved New York behind once again, in exchange for this comedic romp through Rome. There's like four movies going on at once here, with a stunning amount of stars. That lineup includes Antonio Albanese, Roberto Benigni, Penélope Cruz, Alec Baldwin, Judy Davis, Jesse Eisenberg, Greta Gerwig, Ellen Page, Alison Pill -- and of course, Woody Allen.
Fans can expect a nice 1.85:1 image, a dialogue-driven DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, and very little else. The single-disc set has a brief featurette and the theatrical trailer, which is actually more than most of Allen's Blu-ray releases. [Sony]
Sleeper
One of Woody Allen's earliest films is still one of his funniest. Here, he stars as Miles Monroe, who ends up cryogenically frozen after his untimely death. When he is awakened some 200 years later, the world has really changed -- and how Miles adapts is downright hilarious. Bonus points are given to this film for being the first to pair Allen with Diane Keaton.
At press time, nothing was known about the extras on this release. Given the history of Allen's Blu-ray releases, we're guessing there won't be much beyond the above trailer -- if that. However, you should expect a 1.85:1 image and a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track. [MGM]
Hannah and Her Sisters
This multi-Oscar winner shines a spotlight on three different women -- sisters, in case you couldn't tell by the title. Mia Farrow plays actress/wife Hannah, with Barbara Hershey and Dianne Wiest filling out the funny, sometimes very emotional family tree. Michael Caine, Max von Sydow, Carrie Fisher and Maureen O'Sullivan also star.
This is another one of MGM's double-secret releases, with not much information available about the disc's special features. However, like Sleeper, this one is expected to have a 1.85:1 image and a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track.
About Cherry
Want to know how to get into porn? This probably isn't the best movie for a how-to. However, it does have Ashley Hinshaw starring as an 18-year-old joining the business in an effort to escape her past. While that may not sound like a premise for everyone, this one has an enticing, all-star cast, including James Franco, Lili Taylor, Dev Patel and Heather Graham.
This is a low-budget film, so you can expect a pretty no-frills Blu-ray release, with a 1.85:1 image, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, deleted scenes and the film's theatrical trailer. [MPI Home Video]
Won't Back Down
You can add this one to your list of school-related dramas, in the vein of Stand and Deliver, Lean On Me and Dangerous Minds. This one has Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis as two moms, who band together to get their special needs kids the attention they deserve. Holly Hunter, Ving Rhames and Rosie Perez also star.
It wasn't a big movie, but this release gets a decent Blu-ray, with a 2.35:1 image, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and a nice crop of extras. That collection includes a commentary, deleted scenes, and a pair of featurettes on education, as well as promos and the film's trailer. [Fox]
