By ANGELA DAWSON

Front Row Features

Movies

The Addams Family 2 (Animated Comedy)

The eccentric and unconventional Addams family is back in the all-new full-length animated comedy, “The Addams Family 2,” available to own for the first time on Blu-ray and DVD and Digital Tuesday Jan. 18, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

MGM’s hilarious sequel brings the beloved macabre squad closer than ever before as they squeeze into the family RV and embark on a cross-country road trip. Packed with family-friendly laughs and spooky hijinks, “The Addams Family 2” is filled with brand new exclusive bonus features for all ages to enjoy including a road trip checklist and featurettes with cast and crew, taking audiences behind the scenes of the wonderfully weird world of the Addams family and the film’s messages of family, love and acceptance.

From directors Greg Tiernan (“Sausage Party,” “Thomas & Friends”) and Conrad Vernon (“Shrek 2,” “Madagascar 3”), “The Addams Family 2” boasts a star-studded and critically acclaimed voice cast including Golden Globe winner Oscar Isaac (“Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” “X-Men: Apocalypse”), Oscar winner Charlize Theron (“Long Shot,” “Kubo and the Two Strings”), Chloë Grace Moretz (“Kick Ass,” “The 5^th Wave”), Emmy nominee Nick Kroll (“The Secret Life of Pets 2, Sing), Javon ‘Wanna’ Walton (“Euphoria,” “Utopia”), Wallace Shawn (the “Toy Story” franchise, “The Princess Bride”), hip hop artist Snoop Dogg, Oscar-nominee Bette Midler (“Hocus Pocus,” “The First Wives Club”), Emmy winner Bill Hader (“Inside Out,” “Trainwreck”)​ and more.

Morticia (Theron) and Gomez (Isaac) are distraught that their children are growing up, skipping family dinners, and totally consumed with “scream time.” To reclaim their bond, they decide to cram Wednesday (Moretz), Pugsley (Javon ‘Wanna’ Walton), Uncle Fester (Nick Kroll) and the crew into their haunted camper and hit the road for one last miserable family vacation. What could go wrong?

“The Addams Family 2-Movie Collection” also available to own on DVD on Jan. 18.

The Capture (Western Noir)

The Film Detective, the classic film restoration and streaming company, will release the western noir classic “The Capture” (1950) on special-edition Blu-ray and DVD, Tuesday Jan. 18.

From writer Niven Busch, author of “Duel in the Sun,” comes this equally torrid sizzler, loaded with the intrigue and passion that marked the Golden Age of Cinema.

Injured and on the run from police, Lin Vanner (Lew Ayres) confesses the sordid details of his life to a priest, which includes the death of a man he’d turned over to the police. Vanner also reveals that he fell in love with the dead man’s widow (Teresa Wright), only to have his past catch up to him.

Haunting and offbeat, The Capture was directed by John Sturges, famed director of “The Great Escape” (1963) and “The Magnificent Seven” (1960).

This special edition Blu-ray and DVD release will feature a stunning 4K transfer of “The Capture” from 35mm archival material from the Wade Williams Collection.

A brand-new featurette, “John Sturges: Man of Action” from Jacob T. Swinney; audio commentary with author/screenwriter C. Courtney Joyner; “Teresa Wright: The Actress Next Door,” a brand new featurette from Jacob T. Swinney; and “Not Quite Picture Perfect,” an essay by author Don Stradley.

“The Capture” will be available on Blu-ray for $24.95 (SRP) and on DVD for $19.95 (SRP) or fans can secure a copy at: https://www.thefilmdetective.com/capture.

The Dry (Crime Drama)

RLJE Films, a business unit of AMC Networks, will release the critically acclaimed thriller “The Dry” on DVD and Blu-ray Tuesday Jan. 18.

“The Dry” is directed by Robert Connolly (“Balibo,” “Paper Planes”) and co-written by Harry Cripps (“Supernova”) and Robert Connolly based on the book by Jane Harper.  The film stars Eric Bana (“Munich,” “The Other Boleyn Girl”), Genevieve O’Reilly (“Star Wars” franchise), Keir O’Donnell (“American Sniper”) and John Polson (“The Boys”).

Federal Agent Aaron Falk (Bana) returns to his home town after an absence of over twenty years to attend the funeral of his childhood friend, Luke, who allegedly killed his wife and child before taking his own life—a victim of the madness that has ravaged this community after more than a decade of drought. When Falk reluctantly agrees to stay and investigate the crime, he opens up an old wound—the death of 17-year-old Ellie Deacon. Falk begins to suspect these two crimes, separated by decades, are connected. As he struggles to prove not only Luke’s innocence but also his own, Falk finds himself pitted against the prejudice towards him and pent up rage of a terrified community.

Bonus features include six short behind-the-scenes featurettes.

“The Dry” will be available on DVD for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $27.97 and on Blu-ray for $28.96 (SRP).

Ema (Drama)

Pablo Larraín’s acclaimed “Ema” is available now on Blu-ray and DVD, from Music Box Films.

After a shocking incident upends her family life and marriage to a tempestuous choreographer (Gael Garcia Bernal), Ema (Maria Di Girolamo), a reggaeton dancer, sets out on an odyssey of personal liberation in this combustible drama about art, desire, and the modern family.

Written by Larrain, along with Guillermo Calderón Alejandro Moreno, the film is in Spanish with English subtitles. Bonus features include select scene audio commentary by choreographer Jose Vidal, the ‘Real’ music video and more.

“Ema” on Blu-ray is available $34.95 (SRP) and on DVD for $29.95 (SRP).

Escape from Mogadishu (Action Drama)

“Escape from Mogadishu,” the award-winning action-drama and South Korea’s official submission for Best International Feature at the 94^th Academy Awards, debuts on Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday Jan. 18, from Well Go USA Entertainment.

Internationally-acclaimed, award-winning director Ryoo Seung-wan (“Veteran,” “The Berlin File”) brings together a stellar cast, including Kim Yoon-seok (“The Chaser,” “The Yellow Sea”), Huh Joon-ho (“Kingdom,” “Illang: The Wolf Brigade”), Zo In-sung (“The Classic,” “The Great Battle”), Koo Kyo-hwan (“Train to Busan Presents: Peninsula,” “Kingdom: Ashin of the North”), Joung Man-sik (“The Swordsman,” “Rampant”) and Kim So-jin (“The Spy Gone North,” “The King”) for the riveting story of rival diplomats from North and South Korea who become trapped as a civil war rages in Somalia. With no aid from either government, their only shot at survival requires working together with their bitter adversaries. Bonus material includes production documentaries and a making-of featurette.

“Escape from Mogadishu” won six awards (out of 10 nominations) at the 30th Buil Film Awards, including Best Film and Best Screenplay (Ryoo Seung-wan, Ki-cheol Lee).

The Blu-ray will be available for $29.98 (SRP) and the DVD for $24.98 (SRP).

Express Bongo (Drama)

“Express Bongo” comes to Blu-ray Tuesday Jan. 18, from Cohen Film Collection.

This 1959 British rock and roll classic tells the fast-paced story of a cheap, opportunistic Soho talent agent (Laurence Harvey) who always is looking to make a quick buck. He’s glib and flashy, a bluffer with a ready talent for the quick double-cross.

When he picks up amateur singer and bongo player (Cliff Richard) in a Soho espresso bar, he uses a little bit of luck and tons of chutzpah to transform the kid into a highly-regarded international singing sensation.

This 2K restoration from the original negative was done in collaboration with the British Film Institute and its Unlocking Film Heritage program. This is the full and original 1959 theatrical version, which includes a number of songs that were cut out of the later and more commonly available 1962 version that was released at the time to capitalize on the popularity of Cliff Richard.

Directed by Val Guest, the film stars Laurence Harvey, Sylvia Syms, Yolande Donlan, Cliff Richard, Wilfrid Lawson and Hermione Baddeley. “Express Bongo” is in French with English subtitles.

Last Night in Soho (Psychological Thriller)

From the acclaimed director of fan-favorites such as “Baby Driver” and “Shaun of the Dead comes Edgar Wright’s tribute to 1960s London, “Last Night in Soho,” which is available to own for the first time on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday Jan 18, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Eloise (Thomasin McKenzie, “Jojo Rabbit,” “Old”), an aspiring fashion designer, is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s, where she encounters a dazzling wannabe singer, Sandie (Anya Taylor-Joy, “Emma,” “The Queen’s Gambit”). But the glamour is not all it appears to be, and the dreams of the past start to crack and splinter into something far darker.

The drama is filled with thrills, suspense and a love of classic film and music in every frame. Own the cinematic masterpiece for the first time, alongside exclusive bonus content, including never-before-seen deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes content and feature commentaries exploring the intoxicating nostalgia, flair and suspense. The film is co-written by Wright and Krysty Wilson-Cairns (1917).

An Unquiet Grave (Horror)

RLJE Films, a unit of AMC Networks, will release the horror movie, “An Unquiet Grave” from Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural on VOD, Digital HD and DVD Tuesday Jan. 18.

In his feature directorial debut, Terence Krey (“Graves”) co-wrote the film with Christine Nyland (Worthless). Nyland stars in the horror film alongside Jacob A. Ware (“Boardwalk Empire”).

A year after losing his wife in a car crash, Jamie (Ware) convinces her sister, Ava (Nyland), to return with him to the site of the accident and help him perform a strange ritual. But as the night wears on, it becomes clear that he has darker intentions.

Bonus features include a filmmaker’s commentary, interviews with the cast and director, the lyric video of “An Unquiet Grave” by Vanessa Cuccia, and more.

“An Unquiet Grave” will be available on DVD for $27.97 (SRP).

Joy Womack: The White Swan (Documentary)

“Joy Womack: The White” Swan” arrives on DVD/Digital Tuesday Jan. 18, from Film Movement.

Womack was the first American to graduate from The Bolshoi Academy’s prestigious training program as well as the first American woman to sign a contract with the revered ballet company.

Though only 27 when she made history, she rose to international stardom. This feature-length documentary offers a years-long perspective of the dancer’s time in Russia. Though Womack grew up in a typical American family, she yearned from a young age to be a ballet dancer, and moved to Russian when she was 15 to follow her dream. Without knowing a word of Russian, and not completely fit for the physical requirements of the Russian ballet dancers, Womack showed her strength and dedication to ballet and accomplished her dreams. The film follows her personal and professional life: from her daily challenges, injuries and performances to becoming a ballet dancer with the Bolshoi Theatre group and then prima ballerina of the Kremlin Ballet, where she performed the dance of her lifetime— “Swan Lake,” before closing this chapter of her life and returning home to the U.S., and joining the Boston Ballet.

Bonus features include additional interviews and a behind-the-scenes featurette.

“Joy Womack: The White Swan” is in English and Russian with English subtitles. It will be available on DVD/Digital for $24.95 (SRP).

A Walk in Her Shoes (Documentary)

In a quest to overcome a major life obstacle, personal trainer and author Metra Lundy recreates abolitionist Harriet Tubman’s 695-mile journey on foot in “A Walk in Her Shoes,” from Indiepix Films.

Being released to coincident with the bicentennial of Tubman’s birth, “A Walk in Her shoes will be available on DVD/Digital Tuesday Jan. 18.

Lundy simulates a walk to freedom by retracing the steps of Tubman from Maryland to Canada. In doing so, she discovers who she really is, answering a call to live life on purpose.

In this feature-length documentary, the filmmakers traverse 245 miles of Tubman’s path on foot, as Tubman did numerous times as she freed slaves and brought them north to freedom. Along the way, the filmmakers interview Underground Railroad historians, social workers and community leaders, bringing the scope of the renowned heroine’s epic journeys into poignant and unprecedented present-day context.

The DVD includes numerous extra including an audio commentary from the filmmaker and three featurettes.

Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy (Fantasy)

“Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy” arrives on Blu-ray, DVD/Digital on Tuesday Jan. 18, from Film Movement.

From director Ryusuke Hamaguchi (who also directed Japan’s acclaimed Academy Award entry “Drive My Car”) comes this enchanting triptych exploring fate and chance.

Playfully inspired by life’s tiny miracles and bound together by memory, regret, deception and fate, Hamaguchi leaves no stone unturned in his quest to chart the ever-deepening mysteries of the all-too-human heart.

The film premiered at the 2021 Berlin Film Festival where it was awarded the Silver Bear jury prize.

“Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy” is in Japanese with English subtitles. Bonus features including an interview with the filmmaker and the short film “The Chicken,” directed by Neo Sora. It will be available on Blu-ray for $24.99 (SRP) and DVD/Digital for $19.99 (SRP).

Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road (Documentary)

Join The Beach Boys Brian Wilson on an intimate journey through his legendary career as he reminisces with Rolling Stone editor and longtime friend, Jason Fine in “Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road, from Screen Media.

Directed by Brent Wilson (no relation), the documentary provides a portrait of friendship and love as much as it’s about music. Reminiscing and reflecting with longtime friend and “Rolling Stone” editor, Wilson and Fine revisit many of the periods and locations integral in shaping Brian’s life. Al Jardine, Don Was, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Nick Jonas, Jim James, Jakob Dylan, Gustavo Dudamel, and Taylor Hawkins are among those who have expressed their support for him, weighing in as admirers and as close personal friends.

With honesty and humor, this intimate, unconventional, and deeply revealing portrait of one of rock n’ roll’s most legendary and enigmatic icons, explores The Beach Boys cofounder’s life in music, his struggles with mental illness, and the daily rhythms of his life. It is punctuated with memorable concert, studio, and interview footage, and graced by Brian Wilson and Jim James’ original song “Right Where I Belong” recorded specifically for the film.

Wilson is widely regarded as one of the greatest popular music composer of the rock era and is credited with being the originator of the “California” sound. Wilson has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of The Beach Boys) and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, as well as receiving a Kennedy Center Honor and two Grammy Awards.

“Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road” will be available on DVD for $24.98 (SRP).

TV Shows

The Sommerdahl Murders: Series 2 (Murder Mystery)

“The Sommerdahl Murders: Series 2” arrives on DVD Tuesday Jan 18, from Acorn TV.

In the seaside Danish town of Elsinore, the personal and professional converge for DCI Dan Sommerdahl (Peter Mygind, “Bergen,” “Last Christmas”), his estranged wife, criminal technician Marianne (Laura Drasbaek, “Forbyrdelsen”), and his best pal and partner, Det. Flemming Torp (Andre Babikian, “The Protectors”). Separated after 25 years of marriage, Dan now asks for a divorce from Marianne despite still being in love with her. Marianne, meanwhile, wants to rediscover herself—which gets complicated when Flemming, needing a place to stay and carrying a torch for her, moves in.

As the trio content with these romantic entanglements, they also must investigate murders together, including the killing of a famous musician, a chef’s assistant found dead in a restaurant fire, and more.

All eight episodes of Season 2 are on two discs. The series is in Danish with English subtitles.

If you’re a fan of action-thrillers, have we got a giveaway for you! Front Row Features is giving away a copy of South Korea’s acclaimed action-drama “Escape from Mogadishu” on Blu-ray to three lucky readers. To enter the contest, simply email socalmovieeditor@aol.com by Jan. 24 for your chance to win. If an homage to Swingin’ Sixties London is more your style, we’ve also Edgar Wright’s “Last Night in Soho” on Blu-ray available for one lucky winner. Just send your email and indicate “Last Night in Soho” in your subject line to frontrowfeatures@gmail.com. One winner for this prize will be selected on Jan. 24. Good luck!