By ANGELA DAWSON

Front Row Features

Movies

Belfast (Drama)

The historic epic “Belfast” arrives on Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday March 1, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

The film tells a poignant story of love, laughter and loss in one boy’s childhood amid the music and social tumult of the late 1960s, from acclaimed filmmaker/actor Kenneth Branagh.

Buddy’s family lives in a largely Protestant district with a few Catholic families, but one day his community and everything he thought he understood about life is suddenly turned upside down. Buddy’s family gets caught in the mayhem and must decide to stay or leave the only place they have ever called home. Through it all, his passionate parents and quick-witted grandparents keep the joy alive through music and the magic of movies in this feel-good story that reminds us that no matter how far you go, you never forget where you came from.

Written and directed by Academy Award nominee Kenneth Branagh (“Henry V”), “Belfast” on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital comes packed with all-new bonus content including a heartwarming alternate ending featuring Branagh, deleted scenes and featurettes about his vision, the characters and spectacular filming locations, plus personal childhood memories from the cast drawing audiences deeper into the authentic story about the power of family and community.
Featuring a remarkably talented and dynamic ensemble cast that has been nominated for Critics Choice and Screen Actors Guild awards also stars BAFTA winner Caitríona Balfe (“Outlander”), Academy Award winner Dame Judi Dench (“No Time to Die”), Jamie Dornan (“Fifty Shades of Grey” franchise), Ciarán Hinds (“Harry Potter” franchise), Colin Morgan (“Legend”) and rising star Jude Hill in his feature film debut.

“Belfast” has been nominated for over 195 awards to-date including 11 Critic’s Choice Awards^® and a total of 13 Best Picture nominations as well as award nominations from the Producers Guild of America and Directors Guild of America for Branagh.

Highway to Heaven (Drama)

A new original movie reboot inspired by Michael Landon’s iconic ’80s television drama, “Highway to Heaven” arrives on DVD Tuesday March 1, from Lionsgate.

The inspiring film stars Jill Scott (“First Wives Club,” “Why Did I Get Married?”), Barry Watson (“The Loudest Voice,” “Naomi”) and Ben Daon (“The Mysterious Benedict Society,” “The Astronauts”).

Originally aired on Lifetime, the movie reboot follows Angela Stewart, played by Grammy winner actress/singer Scott, who is an angel sent back to Earth in order to help people in need. This story finds a junior high student struggling with the tragic loss of his mother as he and his dad drift apart. Angela takes a temporary job as a school counselor working alongside principal Bruce Banks (Watson) to bring the broken family back together, and help them find the light in each other’s darkness.

“Highway to Heaven” will be available on DVD for $14.98 (SRP).

I am Mortal (Sci-fi)

“I am Mortal” arrives on Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday March 1, from RLJE Films.

The sci-fi film is set 200 years in the future when the human race has achieved immortality through a genetic vaccine. All war, violence and crime has been eradicated, but in this utopian society a small band of rebels have formed to overthrow the status quo and reclaim their right to die.

Directed by Tony Aloupis, the film stars Sean Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy, “Gilmore Girls”), Eloise Smyth (“Harlots,” How to Talk to Girls at Parties), Abraham Lewis (“Guerrilla”), John Harlan Kim (“9-1-1,” “The Librarians”), Nina Kiri (“The Handmaid’s Tale”), Nia Sioux (“Dance Moms”) and Lauren Lindsey Donzis (“No Good Nick,” “Liv and Maddie”).

“I am Mortal” on Blu-ray will be available for the suggested retail price (SRP) $29.97 and on DVD for $29.96 (SRP).

The Pilot (Action Thriller)

“The Pilot” lands on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Tuesday March 1 from Well Go USA Entertainment.

The action-packed thriller tells the true story of Aleksey Maresyev, a World War II Russian pilot whose fighter plane was shot down over the German-occupied Novgorod Region.

Director Renat Davletyarov (“The Dawns Here Are Quiet”) and cast members Pyotr Fyodorov (“Sputnik,” “The Duelist”), Anna Peskova (“Good Boy”), Pavel Osadchy, Maksim Emelyanov (“The Blackout,” “The Search”) and Nikoloz Paikridze bring to life the exciting story of a highly decorated heroic Russian pilot who was shot down behind enemy lines and faces a relentless test of physical and mental endurance—battling hunger, extreme cold, and wild animals, all while evading Nazi soldiers—as he attempts to return home. The bonus features include an English dub.

“The Pilot” will be available on Blu-ray for $29.98 (SRP) and on DVD for $19.99 (SRP).

Run & Gun (Action Thriller)

“Run & Gun” arrives on DVD and On Demand Tuesday March 1, from Paramount Home Entertainment.

After leaving a life of crime and violence, Ray is a reformed good guy, enjoying a quiet family life in the ‘burbs. But when his past is discovered, Ray is blackmailed into one last job to collect a mysterious package. After a deadly double-cross, he finds himself wounded and on the run from ruthless assassins who will stop at nothing to get what he has. Now, with the lives of his loved ones hanging in the balance and danger at every turn, Ray’s only hope is to draw upon his violent past to survive.

Written and directed by Christopher Borrelli, the film stars Ben Milliken, Brad William Henke, Janel Parrish, Mark Dacascos, Celestino Cornielle, Angela Sarafyan, Alison Thorton, Hudson Yang, Michelle Campbell, Ari Barkan, Rafael Cebrián and Richard Kind.

Calling all fans of World War II films. Front Row Features is giving away a copy of the WWII action thriller “The Pilot” on Blu-ray to three lucky readers. To enter the contest, simply email socalmovieeditor@aol.com by March 7 for your chance to win. Good luck!