Two Oscar winning films, one Oscar nominated film, and Horrible Bosses 2 headline this week’s home video releases.
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This consensus Watchlist office favourite of 2014 did pretty well for itself at the Oscar ceremony this past weekend. The only anticipated win for Damien Chazelle’s jazz drama was in the supporting actor category, where J. K. Simmons‘ portrayal of menacing maestro Terrance Fletcher triumphed, but the film grabbed two technical awards as well: achievement in editing and sound mixing. Not bad for a Sundance indie with a $3-million budget. The disc is supplemented with a few features including commentary by Chazelle and Simmons, Chazelle’s original Whiplash short film, and an interview with cast and crew from last year’s Toronto International Film Festival.
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Disney’s first foray into the world of Marvel superheroes managed to take home the Best Animated Feature Oscar even though they were considered underdogs in the category. How to Train Your Dragon 2 was the slight favourite after scoring a Golden Globe win in the same category, but the king of the animation studios won the battle. Disney also scored a win in the Best Animated Short category for Feast. That adorable film is included on the Blu-Ray release along with some deleted scenes and a few featurettes.
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Even with a bigger budget and a release out side of the crowded summer months, the sequel to the 2011 hit Horrible Bosses failed to match the original’s success. Warner Bros. barely made their money back at the domestic box office but made a reasonable amount overseas to compensate. It wouldn’t be surprising if this signals the end of the comedy franchise. The Blu-Ray release includes the theatrical and unrated extended cut of the film, deleted scenes, an infomercial for the film’s “Shower Buddy” invention, and more.
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Gugu Mbatha-Raw continued her rise to stardom with this Best Original Song Oscar nominee and sleeper hit about a teen pop superstar battling with the pressures of fame and celebrity. For her performances in Beyond the Lights and Belle, the actress was nominated for a BAFTA Rising Star Award (which eventually went to Unbroken star Jack O’Connell). This year Mbatha-Raw will star in Courtney Hunt’s The Whole Truth and the football drama Concussion alongside Will Smith. The home video release features a director’s cut of the film as well as commentary and deleted scenes.
Also available:
Kill the Messenger
One Chance
Two Night Stand