What’s New in Home Video & Pop Culture – October 20, 2026 – One Night Only, Cable Guy, Futureworld, South Park, Star Trek, Godzilla, TMNT, & More!

By Mike Spring

 on October 20, 2026

What’s New in Home Video & Pop Culture – October 20, 2026

We’ve got graphic novels galore this week, plus a ton of home video releases as well. Dive in for the full scoop!

In This Week’s Column:

• One Night Only (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital)
• The Cable Guy: 30th Anniversary Edition (4K Ultra HD + Digital SteelBook)
• Futureworld (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray)
• The Morning Show: Season Three (DVD)
• South Park: The Complete 27th and 28th Seasons (DVD)
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Jason Aaron: Deluxe Edition (Graphic Novel)
• Godzilla Library Collection – Vol. 7 (Graphic Novel)
• Star Trek: The Edges of the Final Frontier – IDW Classic Collections (Graphic Novel)
• Dirty Donny Must Be Destroyed: The Art of Donny Gillies (Graphic Novel)
• The Agency: Season One (DVD)
• Hadestown: The Musical (Blu-ray)
• Citizen Vigilante (Blu-ray)
• Visitor Q (Blu-ray)

One Night Only (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital)

Official Synopsis:

One night can change everything! Recently dumped Owen and hopeful romantic Allie may be the only people in the city searching for something real on the one night a year when singles are allowed to have sex. As their night spirals into a series of missteps and unexpected side quests,

they realize that the very thing they are looking for might be closer than they think.

The Movie: 

How you feel about One Night Only will likely depend on how quickly you can get on board with its weird concept: that the United States has outlawed premarital sex, except for one night a year, where single people can freely have sex. So yes, the “It’s The Purge but for sex” comparisons you’ve heard are actually quite accurate. If you can get on board with that idea (in terms of accepting it as a narrative device, not actually supporting the idea), then the film quickly becomes more charming. But it is such a bizarre set-up for a rom-com that it takes a bit to adjust to it. 

That said, once you come to grips with the concept, what you get is a relatively enjoyable rom-com from the director of the Glen Powell/Sidney Sweeney hit, Anyone But You. Starring Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner, the filmmakers do a lot to overcome the concept by hiring two eminently likable leads. (Frankly, I’ll watch Monica Barbaro in anything because I just find her so endearing and likable.) They do a lot of the heavy lifting, especially in areas where the script doesn’t quite stick the landing. 

Ultimately, the film falls into the ‘enjoyable’ category but doesn’t fully make the leap into the ‘memorable’ category, except for the fact that its premise is so unique. Still, for a quick and fun Friday night date movie, there are a lot less enticing options than One Night Only. 

The 4K Video/Audio:

One Night Only is a pretty standard movie presentation on 4K Ultra HD. We get a good picture and a satisfactory surround soundtrack. Imagery is clear, the print is clean, and everything looks realistic and natural. The color saturation is bright and vivid, even in the numerous nighttime scenes. The soundtrack gives us plenty directional action when needed but focuses mostly on clear dialogue, which is represented well. All in all, a solid effort.

The Bonus Features: 

• Feeling Sparks
• Pizza 101 with Callum Turner
• The Plus Ones
• No Glucks Given

Digital Copy Included: Yes

The Cable Guy: 30th Anniversary Edition (4K Ultra HD + Digital SteelBook)

Official Synopsis:

Jim Carrey is Chip Douglas, cable installer. Raised on television sitcoms, he wants life to look just like My Three Sons. And when he meets single guy Steven Kovacs (Matthew Broderick), he sees his chance for some serious male bonding. But Chip’s idea of friendship – which includes physical assault, a game of ‘Porno Password’ and a medieval joust – may be hazardous to Steven’s health. In Chip’s own immortal words, “I can be your best friend…or your worst enemy.” Directed by Ben Stiller (Tropic Thunder, Zoolander), and co-starring Leslie Mann, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson.

The Movie: 

We’re at a point in time when a lot of people probably don’t remember what a big flop The Cable Guy was. Sure, it grossed $60 million in the U.S., which isn’t terrible in 1996 dollars, but coming off of hits like the two Ace Ventura movies, The Mask, Dumb and Dumber, and Batman Forever, Jim Carrey was box office gold at the time, and it seemed like he could do no wrong. 

The Cable Guy painted him in a new light: as a villain, which audiences didn’t seem to care for. (Yes, I realize he played The Riddler in Batman Forever, but that was cartoony and over the top, and that movie had other problems besides Carrey.) Maybe it isn’t even that he played a villain, but a mean-spirited one, that set this role apart. As he battled the hapless Matthew Broderick (the ultimate nice guy if there ever was one), it seemed that audiences didn’t enjoy this side of Carrey.

For me, it’s not just Carrey’s shtick that doesn’t work, but the film as a whole. As directed by Ben Stiller, it’s a bit too dark, too mean-spirited, and too cynical for my tastes. I did find it interesting that watching it 30 years after my original viewing of it, I found it a more interesting viewing experience, even if I can’t say I enjoyed it more. But maybe true Jim Carrey fans (which I’ve never particularly been one of) will find it more palatable. 

The 4K Video/Audio:

The Cable Guy arrives on 4K Ultra HD and it’s a very good presentation overall, but it’s not a wholly new revelation in terms of A/V quality or anything like that. This is still a movie from 1996, and it looks it. However, image clarity is nice and sharp and the print is free of any blemishes or artifacts, and that’s what you would hope for. The color saturation is solid, with some moments where real vibrancy shines through. The surround soundtrack focuses mostly on music and dialogue for large portions of the film, both of which sound quite good. There’s little to complain about for a movie that’s 30 years old.

The Bonus Features: 

• NEW: 30th Anniversary Conversation with Ben Stiller and Matthew Broderick, from the 2026 Tribeca Film Festival
• Audio Commentary with Ben Stiller, Judd Apatow, and Jim Carrey
• Deleted & Extended Scenes
• Gag Reel
• HBO First Look: The Making of The Cable Guy
• Rehearsal Footage
• Nightmare Camera Test
• Leslie Mann Audition
• “Leave Me Alone” Music Video by Jerry Cantrell
• Theatrical Trailer

Digital Copy Included: Yes

Futureworld (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray)

Official Synopsis:

Upon attempting to expose Futureworld, an ex-employee is dispatched after he tips off the reporter who exposed Westworld. Where WestWorld stops, FutureWorld begins! Following the success of Westworld, director Richard T. Heffron expanded Michael Crichton’s techno-nightmare with Futureworld – a sleek, conspiracy-laced slice of 1970s science fiction that trades frontier thrills for post-Watergate paranoia in the age of automation. When reporters Chuck Browning (Peter Fonda, Easy Rider) and Tracy Ballard (Blythe Danner, The Great Santini) are invited to inspect the newly reopened Delos resort, they find a futuristic paradise promising safe, sanitized entertainment. But beneath the polished surface, troubling inconsistencies begin to emerge – and as suspicion turns to terror, the pair uncover a sinister conspiracy with consequences far beyond the park itself. Stylish, suspenseful and packed with all-star turns – including the return of Yul Brynner’s implacable Gunslinger – Futureworld spins a compelling web of sci-fi intrigue, serving as a timely reminder that progress always has its price.

The Movie: 

In my opinion, Westworld is one of the greatest movies ever made, sitting comfortably within my Top 50 movie list. I rewatch it every couple of years, and I never fail to marvel at what a perfect film it is and how it recaptures that feeling I got as a kid when I watched it the first time on VHS in my living room. 

So making a sequel to one of the greatest movies ever is no easy feat, and Futureworld, the 1976 sequel to Westworld is – not surprisingly – a far cry from its predecessor. It’s not a bad movie by any stretch, it just doesn’t hold a candle to Westworld. This time around, the film stars Peter Fonda and Blythe Danner, and it’s more of a conspiracy/mystery movie than a pure technology-gone-wrong thrill ride. Fonda and Danner are fine in the lead roles, but they lack the charm and charisma of James Brolin and Richard Benjamin. Still, as big a fan of Westworld as I am, I have to admit that having the sequel on 4K to complete the pair of films makes me pretty happy. 

And even better, having that 4K release come from Arrow Video (like the 4K Westworld set that came out last year) makes it even better. Between the gorgeous packaging, the printed essay booklet, and the copious extras, this is a terrific release for fans, which is what I’ve come to expect from Arrow without fail. 

The 4K Video/Audio:

The 4K Ultra HD presentation of Futureworld offers up a nice audiovisual upgrade. This is a film that’s been around for over five decades now, but it looks and sounds greatly improved here over previous releases. Image clarity is clean and crisp, and the print is largely free of any blemishes or dirt, and that’s what you would hope for in a catalog title. The restored mono soundtrack isn’t the most nuanced ever, but it delivers clear dialogue and a little bit of ambience. Overall, this is another very strong effort from Arrow.

The Bonus Features: 

• Brand new audio commentary by filmmaker and film historian Daniel Kremer
• Future Present, a brand-new video interview with producer Paul N. Lazarus III
• NASA: Science Fact and Fiction, a 1976 behind-the-scenes short film chronicling filming at the Johnson Space Center, presented in high definition for the first time on home video
• Theatrical trailer
• TV and radio spots
• Image gallery
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Jeff Marshall
• Collector’ booklet featuring new writing on the film by David Michael Brown, Barry Forshaw and James Rose

Digital Copy Included: No

The Morning Show: Season Three (DVD)

Official Synopsis:

The future of the network is thrown into question and loyalties are pushed to the brink when a tech titan takes an interest in UBA. Unexpected alliances form and private truths are weaponized.

The Show: 

Of all the streaming services, Apple TV is actually one of the better ones when it comes to home video releases of their shows. Netflix has released, like, two, of their series to home video, and only in dribs and drabs, while this marks the third or fourth Apple TV release I’m reviewing this year alone. After the first two seasons of The Morning Show were released a year or so ago, this new collection features the third season, which shakes things up a bit.

I always like behind-the-scenes-of-Hollywood movies and TV shows, whether it’s documentaries or fictionalized, and The Morning Show fits that bill squarely. It’s not a perfect vehicle; there are a few clunky moments here and there and some occasional story decisions I don’t love, but by and large, it’s a solidly great watch. Season Three is a bit uneven, however; while I applaud certain storylines, such as one that explores the ramifications of the January 6th insurrection, there are also a lot of lightweight or somewhat odd story elements that don’t seem to fit quite as well. The show has always had a healthy dose of melordrama to it, but that seems to be ratcheted up this season. 

If you have been wanting to check out The Morning Show without adding another streaming service’s monthly charge to your bill, this third season DVD release is a great way to get you caught up.

The Bonus Features: 

There are no bonus features on this release.

Digital Copy Included: No

South Park: The Complete 27th and 28th Seasons (DVD)

Official Synopsis:

Join Stan, Kyle, Cartman and Kenny for the historic 27th & 28th seasons of South Park.

The Show: 

I’ve never been a big fan of South Park, something I’ve made clear in numerous reviews of the franchise over the years. But I also recognize that the show’s quick turnaround production time means they can tackle subjects in a much more timely way than many other TV shows can. So even though I’m not a huge fan, even I tuned into their season premiere last year where they savagely mocked the person currently acting as the President of the United States, also known as He Who Shall Not Be Named. I found it… mildly amusing, but the way the show’s creators were able to work in things that had happened literally days before was pretty impressive. 

Now, look, I don’t feel like much of what I have to say is going to change anyone’s minds about the show, and that’s fine, but what’s up with these “seasons”? Season 27 consists of five episodes, while season 28 consists of… [checks notes], yep five more episodes. Those are seasons? Together you get ten episodes in this set, which is barely a season on its own; calling it two seasons seems awfully gratuitous to me. 

That aside, the show is what it’s always been. As with most South Park episodes, there are a handful of funny jokes to be found here and there, but also a bunch more jokes that are just lowest common denominator humor, something I’m rarely a fan of. I give South Park credit for basically taking potshots at literally everything under the sun – literally no one is safe – and that’s something I can respect. If you’re a fan, you will probably find the timely deconstruction of the seemingly endless nonsense currently taking up our lives and our social media channels. If you’re not a fan, I doubt these will be the “seasons” to win you over.

The Bonus Features: 

There are no bonus features on this release.

Digital Copy Included: No

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Jason Aaron: Deluxe Edition (Graphic Novel)

Official Synopsis:

Jason Aaron rings in an all-new era of TMNT comics in this new series! Read the first 12 issues, collected together for the first time. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have all left New York to pursue their own interests, but gathering forces will pull them back together in this collection that includes the prelude story “Long Way From Home” and issues #1–12 by superstar writer Jason Aaron and an all-star lineup of artists, including Joëlle Jones, Rafael Albuquerque, Cliff Chiang, Chris Burnham, Darick Robertson, and Juan Ferreyra!

Raphael’s in prison. Michelangelo’s a TV star in Tokyo. Leonardo’s roaming the world seeking peace. Donatello’s trapped in a mutant zoo, fighting for the entertainment of the ultra-rich. And back in New York—what’s been happening while the Turtles were scattered across the globe? 

This deluxe oversize hardcover edition (7″ x 10.8″) also contains extras like Jason Aaron’s outline for the first six issues and a full cover gallery that includes regular covers, retailer incentive covers, and retailer exclusive covers collected in full for the first time! 

The Book: 

I really wish I could fully rave about this new collected hardcover of Jason Aaron and Juan Ferreyra’s 12-issue arc on the current series of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Unfortunately, after a fairly strong first four issues of the series, in which we caught up with each turtle individually before they reunited, I feel like the story kind of fell apart. And it pains me to say that, because Jason Aaron is one of my favorite comic book writers, and Juan Ferreyra’s art is — if not to my particular tastes — at least competent to tell a story.

But for some reason, this story arc as a whole just didn’t work for me, and I felt like I lost more and more interest in it as it went on. The introduction of District Attorney Hieronymous Hale as a bad guy around the halfway point was interesting enough, and the conclusion of the story — without spoilers — which sees the city recognize the Turtles’ contributions over the years, is a high point for the series. But as a reading experience, I found much of Aaron’s run to be a little too dark and dreary for me. I don’t want to say he doesn’t get the characters right, because I think he stays true to the individual characters; it’s more like I don’t care for the direction he takes them each in and how he chooses for them to evolve.

Aaron wrote the first 12 issues and then moved on to other projects, and this deluxe hardcover presentation of the entire storyline is a perfect way to experience (or re-experience) the entire story. You get all 12 issues, you get a complete cover gallery, and you get script and outline samples from Aaron’s desk. It’s an oversized hardcover as well, and it feels hefty and features nice paper stock and great printing. All in all, it’s a great product, especially if you enjoyed Aaron’s run more than me. 

The Specs: 

• Publisher: IDW Publishing
• Format: Hardcover
• Page Count: 400 pages
• Cover Price: $59.99

Godzilla Library Collection – Vol. 7 (Graphic Novel)

Official Synopsis:

Read every single Godzilla comic series by IDW! Volume 7 includes Rage Across Time, Godzilla Rivals, and Here There Be Dragons. The Godzilla Library Collection is a comprehensive line of books that will collect every Godzilla comic series by IDW!

Move over, dinosaurs…monsters used to rule the planet! Travel to different time periods to examine the origin of myths that fueled nightmares in Rage Across Time! Visit feudal Japan, ancient Greece, medieval England, classic Rome, and the Cretaceous in these stories by Ulises Fariñas, Erick Freitas, Chris Mowry, Ryan Ferrier, Matt Frank, Tadd Galusha, Jeff Zornow, and more!

In Godzilla: Rivals, Godzilla faces off with Hedorah, Mothra, King Ghidorah, and Battra! Across the grimy street of New York City, in the deep waters of Japan, and over the crimson sands of Mars, Godzilla defends its reign, facing each fearsome adversary one-on-one. These stories provide an all-out, knockdown kaiju brawl of epic proportions by Paul Allor, E.J. Su, Mary Kenney, SL Gallant, Adam Gorham, Rosie Knight, and Oliver Ono.

Then, in Godzilla: Here There Be Dragons, a ship of seafaring navigators in the 16th century runs afoul of a lost world where there is only one king, the King of the Monsters! “Here there be dragons” was written on maps to denote areas people dared not go, but as Sir Francis Drake circumnavigates the globe, he finds that monsters do lurk yonder, living on an island that still doesn’t appear on any map. By Frank Tieri and Inaki Miranda. 

The Book: 

I’m not gonna lie; I’m a huge fan of the Godzilla Library Collection trade paperbacks that IDW is releasing. I’ve read every one of them, and I was super excited when Volume 7 came to me for review. This ongoing series of massive trade paperbacks are reprinting the entirety of the IDW catalog of Godzilla comic books in order.

This 7^th collection returns to the more anthological nature of the series, with three different groupings of Godzilla stories. First up is Godzilla: Rage Against Time, a fun six-issue series in which various writers and artists use a framing device of an archaeologist explaining ancient historical events through the lens that they might have been caused by Godzilla or other kaiju. It’s a little up and down (as most anthology series are), but overall it’s a fun conceit. 

The second series is Godzilla: Rivals, which was actually a series of oversized one-shots that saw G-man taking on some of his biggest and most popular rivals. Each issue featured a main story (by various writers and artists) that was self-contained, and for the most part they focused on spectacle and action rather than deep storytelling, which personally I loved! Again, as an anthology, the stories varied a bit in quality, but for the most part I enjoyed all of them to some degree or another. 

Finally, we get Godzilla: Here There Be Monsters, the beginning of Frank Tieri’s history-spanning, conspiracy-laden Godzilla epic (and the first part of a trilogy.) I really enjoyed this one, as Tieri crafts a tale full of mystery and intrigue and some interesting ideas and concepts that tie Godzilla into world history events in a way that’s very different than Rage Across Time. It’s also a complete miniseries rather than an anthology, so it’s the most cohesive story in the book. 

All in all, the Godzilla Library Collection has been an epic collection of books so far, and I can’t wait for Volume 8!

The Specs: 

• Publisher: IDW Publishing
• Format: Softcover
• Page Count: 424 pages
• Cover Price: $29.99

Star Trek: The Edges of the Final Frontier – IDW Classic Collections (Graphic Novel)

Official Synopsis:

Explore the final frontier in these three graphic novels set in the world of the original series. Join Captain Kirk, Spock, and the rest of the crew in this pocket-sized (6 x 9) edition!

Fans of Star Trek will revel in The City on the Edge of Forever and Assignment: Earth, stories that tie in directly with the TV. series, while the third story centers on the fan-favorite Klingons! The City on the Edge of Forever presents an unrevised version of the episode of the same name penned by writer Harlan Ellison, as he originally intended it, with painted art by JK Woodward!

The 1968 TV episode “Assignment: Earth” was the season 2 finale for the original Star Trek series and was intended by Gene Roddenberry as the pilot for a spin-off series that never came to pass. Now, John Byrne delivers the series decades after it would have debuted, recounting the adventures of interstellar agent Gary Seven and his Earth-born assistant as they covertly confront threats to the past so that they can save Star Trek’s future. 

In Klingons: Blood Will Tell, dive deep into some of the most famous encounters between the United Federation of Planets and the Klingon Empire—from the Klingon perspective! By Scott Tipton, David Tipton, and David Messina. IDW Classic Collections give readers the best stories from IDW’s archives, all collected into portable 6 x 9 editions! 

The Book: 

I may not be the most objective reviewer on the planet. I love Star Trek, and I love IDW’s Classic Collections, so it’s kind of a no-brainer that I would love Star Trek: The Edges of the Final Frontier, the latest 6×9 digest-sized reprint collection of Trek tales from IDW. For just $13.99, you get a compact collection that gives you three complete miniseries – well over 300 pages of content!

And this is one of the best ones I’ve seen yet, with a focus on the Original Series. First up, we get Star Trek: City on the Edge of Forever, which gives fans a glimpse at Harlan Ellison’s original story for one of Star Trek’s most beloved episodes. For years, Ellison would complain that the show ruined or changed his story before ultimately printing his script as a book several years ago. Here, IDW has adapted that original script into comic book format, and it’s a fascinating alternate vision of a story Trek fans know so well. 

Next we get a John Byrne-penned story that serves as a sequel to the infamous Assignment: Earth episode that introduced Gary Seven. Byrne follows Seven’s adventures, so even though it’s a Star Trek story, it takes a different approach than just following our crew. And because it’s John Byrne, of course it’s an enjoyable read!

Finally, we get Klingons: Blood Will Tell, a sort of alternate history of some of Star Trek’s more memorable Klingon moments. The twist is that this time we see them from the Klingon point of view, which of course paints the Federation as the villains. Scott and David Tipton have probably written more Trek stories for IDW than any other writers, so they know what they’re doing, and David Messina’s art is outstanding; he’s one of my current favorite artists!

All that for under 14 bucks? Set your wallets to buy!

The Specs: 

• Publisher: IDW Publishing
• Format: Softcover
• Page Count: 360 pages
• Cover Price: $13.99

Dirty Donny Must Be Destroyed: The Art of Donny Gillies (Graphic Novel)

Official Synopsis:

Dirty Donny Must Be Destroyed celebrates the renegade spirit and art of Donny Gillies, better known as Dirty Donny—a singular force in punk, rock-and-roll, and heavy-metal visual culture.

For decades, Donny’s visceral, blacklight-charged style has leapt off skate decks, album covers, hot rods, posters, and full-scale pinball machines, earning him collaborations with major brands and bands and a reputation as a go-to artist for anything that needs attitude and heat.

This volume opens Donny’s studio door wider than ever: unpublished pieces, rare rock posters, prints, custom and production pinball machines, as well as automotive finishes on drums, helmets, cars, and guitars sit alongside candid essays and interview-style narration that read like a straight-up conversation with the man himself. This comprehensive book also includes 4 fold-out gatefold images of art pieces and dozens of pieces featured in neon ink. Diving into the last decade while also curating the best work of his career, Dirty Donny Must Be Destroyed functions as both an art-book treasure trove and an oral history—“the big book of Donny,” as he calls it—giving fans new context for the images they’ve loved and collectors the kind of behind-the-scenes detail they crave. This is truly a must-have for both Dirty Donny and art fans alike. 

The Book: 

Did I know who “Dirty” Donny Gillies was before receiving this monumental coffee table book of his art? I did not. But I instantly recognized the style he is known for, and even a few pieces of art from within the book. Dirty Donny Must Be Destroyed: The Art of Donny Gillies is a gorgeous new hardcover book celebrating a career of the outrageous, the twisted, and the weird. 

Dirty Donny has been an artist for decades who’s been decorating the underground: think skateboards, rock concert poster art, tattoo shops, and the like. Anything you can think of that represents the underground punk aesthetic, Dirty Donny has probably adorned it at some point or another. 

This oversized hardcover features over 250 pages of Donny’s artwork in full-color, and it also includes conversations with Gillies himself, giving that perfect blend of artwork and commentary. The focus of the book is the art, so it doesn’t feel like a textbook at any point, but you do get enough reading material to hear from Gillies himself and not feel like it’s just an expensive picture book with no insights from the artist. All in all, Dirty Donny Must Be Destroyed: The Art of Donny Gillies the best kind of art book in my opinion, and well worth tracking down for fans of Dirty Donny. 

The Specs: 

• Publisher: IDW Publishing
• Format: Hardcover
• Page Count: 256 pages
• Cover Price: $49.99

The Agency: Season One (DVD)

Official Synopsis:

Covert CIA agent ‘Martian’ is ordered to abandon his undercover life and return to London Station. When the love he left behind unexpectedly reappears, their romance reignites, pitting his career, his real identity and his mission against his heart while hurling them both into a deadly game of international intrigue and espionage.

The Show: 

There are two ways that Hollywood portrays the craft of spying: the Tom Cruise/Mission Impossible Way, and the Gary Oldman/Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy way. One is bombastic and involves disguises, car chases and explosions, and one involves paperwork, bureaucracy, informants, and waiting. Obviously, one is more realistic than the other, even if that doesn’t mean it’s the more enjoyable one to watch. 

The Agency: Season One definitely falls into the latter camp: it’s a slow burn of espionage as a process, not an explosion, but watching it you also get the feeling it might be one of the most accurate and realistic spy shows to grace television screens yet. 

And there’s a lot to like about the show, especially the performances. Michael Fassbender is in the lead role and he is, predictably, terrific, as are supporting cast members Jeffrey Wright (always excellent), Jodie Turner-Smith (as the love interest), and Richard Gere, who plays a station chief. The story is intriguing and engaging, but it’s also complex. This isn’t a show you can have on in the background; instead, it’s a show that requires and deserves your full attention. Drift off at your peril!

The Agency: Season One comes to DVD this week and includes all ten episodes from Season One. With Season Two already announced and on the way soon, this is a great way to catch up before the Season One plot threads come to a head in Season Two. 

The Bonus Features: 

There are no bonus features on this release.

Digital Copy Included: No

Hadestown: The Musical (Blu-ray)

Official Synopsis:

Following two intertwining love stories — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone —?Hadestown: The Musical invites audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back.

The Movie: 

I don’t think many people will argue that watching a play that’s been filmed isn’t the same as seeing it live and in person. And that’s okay; it doesn’t have to be. What a filmed play does is allow thousands or millions of people to experience a show they would never have seen otherwise. The filmed version of Hamilton allowed millions of people to watch it who would most likely never get anywhere near Broadway. 

And so we have Hadestown: The Musical. One of the breakout Broadway shows since it debuted in 2016 (although it’s origins date back to 2006 in a few small towns in Vermont), the show is an intertwining of two famous myths that shine a light on modern themes such as love and finances. Which sounds a little like it’s a parody or a satire, but it’s not. Hadestown is a drama that’s entirely told through song, with over 30 musical numbers running pretty much back-to-back. 

Now, personally, I prefer my musicals to have dialogue, with the musical numbers used to punctuate moments or tie elements together. I’ve never been huge on the “sing-through” musicals, but there’s no denying that Hadestown is a show that packs a lot of punch. With a number of different musical influences throughout, the songs are incredibly impactful, as is the stage choreography and the performances. If you’re a fan of musicals and you can’t get to Broadway to see Hadestown, this new Blu-ray is the next best thing. 

The Bonus Features: 

There are no bonus features on this release

Digital Copy Included: No

Citizen Vigilante (Blu-ray)

Official Synopsis:

A man takes justice into his own hands, hunting down criminals. His vigilante crusade turns him into a social media sensation while putting him at odds with law enforcement and drawing the attention of dangerous enemies.

The Movie: 

I’m going to skip over the Armie-Hammer-was-cancelled thing for this review. Honestly, I forget what he got called out for, and he’s been gone long enough that maybe we can hope he’s mended his ways. You may feel differently, but there was something more surprising to me than the fact that Armie Hammer was the lead actor in Citizen Vigilante. 

And that something is Uwe Boll. 

I know that sounds like some kind of farm insect, but at one point in time, Uwe Boll was the most notorious director in Hollywood. In the early 2000’s his name was synonymous among cinephiles and film reviewers alike as literally the worst director on the planet. He made a bunch of video-game-based movies as well as assorted other low-budget junk that were mostly used as tax write-offs for studios, and he never met a film he couldn’t make absolutely dreadful. I haven’t heard his name in several years, and honestly I assumed he’d been drummed out of Hollywood. 

And yet, here we are. Citizen Vigilante is not only directed by Uwe Boll, the title screen actually calls it Uwe Boll’s Citizen Vigilante, as if that’s a badge of honor. To say that this might be his best film is like saying cyanide is the best of the poisons: it’s still an awful way to die. There are some suspicious right-wing politics on display in the film (mostly echoed through man-on-the-street interviews in the story, but still…), and it’s a completely uninteresting mess. And then, during the first major big action sequence, Boll turns the gore meter up to 11, with more than a few shots of people’s heads exploding when they meet a couple of high-powered machine guns. 

And Armie Hammer’s performance is so stiff and wooden that you forget he was once a very charismatic leading man. I don’t know if it’s because he’s out of practice, bitter, or just being directed by Uwe Boll, but he’s completely monotonous and uninteresting throughout. At least Uwe Boll is consistent; this is not a good film, I’m sorry to say. 

The Bonus Features: 

• Video and Audio Commentary by director Uwe Boll
• Costas Mandylor on Uwe Boll (featurette/discussion)
• Trailers

Digital Copy Included: No