By ANGELA DAWSON

Front Row Features

Movies

Audrey Hepburn 7-Movie Collection (Drama/Musical/Romantic Comedy)

Rediscover seven of legendary actress Audrey Hepburn’s most memorable films with the “Audrey Hepburn 7-Movie Collection,” available now on Blu-ray together for the first time, from Paramount Home Entertainment.

Timed to coincide with the 60^th anniversary of the beloved classic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” which was originally released on October 5, 1961, this must-own collection sparkles with luminous performances from Hepburn in “My Fair Lady,” “Funny Face,” “Sabrina,” “Roman Holiday,” “Paris When It Sizzles,” “War and Peace,” and, of course, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”

Based on Truman Capote’s best-selling novella, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” captured the imagination of audiences everywhere and made an indelible impact on movies, fashion and society at large.  In director Blake Edwards’ timeless classic, Hepburn’s intoxicating New York party girl Holly Golightly embarks on a wildly entertaining, comedic adventure to find love in the big city.

Winner of eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, “My Fair Lady” also won the Best Picture- Musical/Comedy Golden Globe and was selected for the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry. Adapted from the Broadway stage hit, the film stars Rex Harrison as Professor Higgins, a role that earned him the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role, and Audrey Hepburn as the unforgettable Eliza Doolittle.

Set against the luminous backdrop of the timeless City of Lights, the classic tale filled with dazzling fashion, music and romance stars the enchanting British actress as a bookstore clerk turned modeling sensation and Fred Astaire as the photographer who discovers her.  “Funny Face” was the only pairing of the two stars and remains an irresistible love letter to Paris in the 1950s.

Screen legends Humphrey Bogart and William Holden are the mega-rich Larrabee brothers of Long Island, New York. Bogie’s all work; Holden’s all playboy. They have little in common, except that they’ve both taken notice of a beautiful, sophisticated young woman, possessing a delightful zest for living, suddenly in their midst—Sabrina Fairchild (Hepburn).

Hepburn lights up the screen in her first starring role opposite the charismatic Gregory Peck in this funny, beautiful, and intoxicating romantic comedy.  Ranked as the No. 4 greatest love story of all time by the American Film Institute, “Roman Holiday” earned 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and won Best Actress for Hepburn, Best Costume Design for legendary designer Edith Head and Best Writing for Dalton Trumbo.

Hepburn and Holden reunite in this delightful romantic comedy, making its Blu-ray debut. Hepburn is Gabrielle Simpson, the captivating young assistant to screenwriter Richard Benson (Holden), who has three days to finish his movie. Together, they write and revise a romance/mystery as they envision themselves in the lead roles.

Leo Tolstoy’s literary masterpiece comes to life in this epic film classic of international conflict, spectacular adventure, gripping intrigue and tragic romance set against the sweeping backdrop of Napoleon’s invasion of Russia. Directed by King Vidor, the film stars Hepburn, Henry Fonda and Mel Ferrer.

This Collection is loaded with hours of special bonus features including documentaries, commentary by film experts and those connected directly with the films, galleries, trailers, behind-the-scenes on Hepburn’s fabulous costumes and her role as a style icon, and much more.

Badland Doves (Action/Western)

With a multi-cultural cast and a feminist take on a beloved film genre, the Old West is “No Man’s Land” in the action-packed “Badland Doves,” shooting onto DVD Tuesday Oct. 19, including Walmart stores nationwide, from Green Apple Entertainment (GAE).

When masked men burst into the Silva family’s cabin in the Old West, gunning them all down as they sit at their dinner table, their daughter Regina (Jessica Y. Martin) is the only survivor of the grisly attack.

Learning how to handle a gun, Regina hits the trail to seek justice that eludes her for far too long. But when she takes a job at a brothel where a prostitute has recently been brutally murdered, she realizes they are seeking the same man, Pete Chalmers. However, the town is run by Pete’s father, and the local sheriff and town leaders are not only refusing to help but protecting him.

Along with the madam, Victoria (Sandy Penny), and the other ladies of the house, Cora (Michelle Nuquay) and Ekta (Elizabeth Selby), these girls are out for revenge and they’re up to the fight.

“Badland Doves” was written and directed by Paul Winter. The DVD will be available for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $9.98.

Final Set (Drama)

A former tennis prodigy seeks redemption both on and off the court in “Final Set,” available on DVD/Digital Tuesday Oct. 19, from Film Movement.

Thomas (Alex Lutz, a one-time rising tennis star, struggles with disappointment and setbacks over a long and lackluster career. In spite of his declining skills and chronic physical ailments, he is determined to play the French Open at the advanced age of 37. Although his wife, Eve (Ana Girardot), and mother, Judith (Kristin Scott Thomas), advise him to retire, Thomas obsessively preservers. IN the qualifiers, he goes to battle against stiff competition as well as his own demons before ultimately facing an up-and-coming star whose combination of talent and arrogance reminds Thomas of his younger self.

The DVD/Digital will be available for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $24.95, and includes a Q&A with Quentin Reynaud and Alex Lutz, courtesy of Film at Lincoln Center and UniFrance.

Frankenstein’s Daughter (Horror)

Cinedigm, through its The Film Detective (TFD), the classic media streaming network and film archive, is releasing a special-edition version of the 1958 cult classic, “Frankenstein’s Daughter ,” starring John Ashley and Sandra Knight, on Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday Oct. 19.

Fans of low-budget horror will recognize many familiar faces, including John Ashley, Harold Lloyd, Jr., and former “Playboy” Playmate of the Month, Sally Todd. For director Richard E. Cunha, “Frankenstein’s Daughter” was released in the heat of a historic year for low-budget favorites, also having directed other cult classics as “She Demon,” “Giant from the Unknown” and “Missile to the Moon.”

“Frankenstein’s Daughter”  finds Dr. Oliver Frank (Donald Murphy) carrying on the legacy of his late grandfather, the notorious Dr. Frankenstein, by building his own hulking beast with the transplanted brain of a beautiful, young woman. Bringing a fresh twist to Frankenstein films, “Frankenstein’s Daughter” takes place in 1950’s Los Angeles, where—despite news reports of a female monster menacing the neighborhood—nothing stops the local sun-soaked teenagers from partying poolside.

Special features include a commentary track with author and historian Tom Weaver, a full color booklet with original essay by Weaver, “Richard E. Cunha: Filmmaker of the Unknown,” a new retrospective from Ballyhoo Motion Pictures, featuring an archival interview with the famed director and “John Ashley: Man from the B’s,” a new career retrospective featuring film historian C. Courtney Joyner.

“Frankenstein’s Daughter” will be available on Blu-ray for $24.95 (SRP) and on DVD for $19.95 (SRP) on Amazon.com and MVD. This special-edition release marks the latest in a series of collaborations between The Film Detective and The Wade Williams Collection.

Needle in a Timestack (Romance/Sci-fi)

If love is in the form of a circle, what lines would you cross to be with your soulmate? “Needle in a Timestack” is a gripping, near-future love story arriving on Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday Oct. 19, from Lionsgate.

Directed by Oscar winner John Ridley, the futuristic drama is based on the short story of the same name by Robert Silverberg. It follows Nick and Janine (Oscar nominees Leslie Odom, Jr. and Cynthia Erivo), a couple living in marital bliss until Janine’s ex-husband (Orlando Bloom) warps time to try to tear them apart using Nick’s college girlfriend (Frieda Pinto). As Nick’s memories and reality disappear, he must decide what he’s willing to sacrifice in order to hold onto—or let go of—everything he loves. Can love endure in a future where time is fluid, and all of life may be just an illusion?

The film also can be seen in theaters, and is available now on digital and On Demand.

No Man of God (Drama)

RLJE Films, a unit of AMC Networks, will release the drama/thriller “No Man of God” on DVD and Blu-ray on Tuesday Oct. 19.

Directed by Amber Sealey (“No Light and No Land Anywhere”), “No Man of God” stars Elijah Wood (“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy), Luke Kirby (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”), Aleksa Palladino (“The Irishman”) and Robert Patrick (“Terminator 2”). It was written by Kit Lesser.

In 1980, convicted serial killer Ted Bundy was sentenced to death by electrocution. In the years that followed, he agreed to disclose the details of his crimes, but only to one man. During the early days of the agency’s criminal profiling unit, FBI analyst Bill Hagmaier met with the incarcerated felon in the hopes of understanding the psychology of the serial killer and providing closure for the victim’s families.

As Hagmaier delves into Bundy’s dark and twisted mind, a strange and complicated relationship develops that neither man expected. The drama is based on actual transcripts of interviews between FBI analyst Hagmaier and the incarcerated Bundy.

“No Man of God” on DVD and Blu-ray incudes a making of featurette. The DVD will be available for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $29.96 and the Blu-ray for $29.9 (SRP).

Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain (Documentary)

It’s not where you go. It’s what you leave behind. Chef, writer, adventurer, provocateur: Anthony Bourdain lived his life unabashedly. “Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain” will be available on DVD and Digital Tuesday Oct. 19, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

The documentary is an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at how an anonymous chef became a world-renowned cultural icon. From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville (“20 Feet from Stardom”), this unflinching look at this complex man reverberates with his presence, in his own voice and in the way he indelibly impacted the world around him.

With the purchase of “Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain” on disc or digital, fans are eligible to earn points towards special rewards via the Universal All-Access Rewards program. Members can redeem their points for digital movies, signed collectibles, box sets, win exclusive prizes and more.

Old (Suspense/Thriller)

Take a thrilling trip from the mind behind “The Sixth Sense,” “Signs” and “Split,” in M. Night Shyamalan’s “Old,” available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD, Tuesday, Oct. 19, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The film also is available now on Digital.

Starring an impressive international cast including Golden Globe winner Gael García Bernal (“Mozart in the Jungle”), Vicky Krieps (“Phantom Thread”), Rufus Sewell (“The Illusionist,” “A Knight’s Tale”), Alex Wolff (“Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle”), Thomasin McKenzie (“JoJo Rabbit”), Abbey Lee (“Mad Max: Fury Road”), Nikki Amuka-Bird (“Jupiter Ascending”), Ken Leung (“The Sopranos,” “Lost”), Eliza Scanlen (“Little Women”), Aaron Pierre (“Britannia”), Embeth Davidtz (“Schindler’s List,” “Matilda”) and Emun Elliott (“Star Wars: Episode VII—The Force Awakens”).

This chilling, mysterious new thriller follows a family on a tropical holiday who discover that the secluded beach where they are relaxing for a few hours is somehow causing them to age rapidly, reducing their entire lives into a single day.

Take a seat behind-the-camera with never-before-seen deleted scenes and bonus features that offer a deep dive into this mystery of a family vacation that quickly turns sinister.

Scream (Horror)

In celebration of its 25^th anniversary and just in time for Halloween, “Scream” will be released for the first time on 4K Ultra HD and in a newly remastered Blu-ray Tuesday Oct. 19, from Paramount Home Entertainment.

After a series of mysterious deaths befalls their small town, an offbeat group of friends led by Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) becomes the target of a masked killer. As the body count rises, Sidney and her friends turn to the “rules” of horror films to help navigate the real-life terror they’re living in. The film also stars Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Skeet Ulrich, Matthew Lillard, Jamie Kennedy, Rose McGowan and Drew Barrymore.

A quarter-century after its theatrical debut, the horror thriller remains a wildly entertaining and terrifically terrifying cinematic experience.  Directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson, “Scream” is a brilliant deconstruction of the horror genre that pays homage to the conventions of slasher films while upending them with clever twists and witty dialogue.

The new “Scream” 4K Ultra HD, Limited-Edition 4K Ultra HD SteelBook and Blu-ray include a brand-new look back at the film and Craven, featuring archival behind-the-scenes footage and new interviews with stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David Arquette, as well as screenwriter Williamson and the directors and other cast members from the new installment in the franchise scheduled to premiere in theaters in 2022 from Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group. The discs also include access to a Digital copy of the film and the legacy bonus content.

The Sheik (Romantic Drama)

Originally released in 1921 at the height of the nation’s appetite for motion pictures, the epic romantic drama “The Sheik” became a massive sensation, breaking box office records and earning over $1 million during its first year of release.  A century later, Paramount Pictures celebrates this towering classic of the silent film era with a brand-new Blu-ray release, arriving as part of the Paramount Presents line Tuesday Oct. 19.

Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, “The Sheik” was directed by George Melford and stars the legendary Rudolph Valentino as the title character. The role helped propel Valentino into stardom and sealed his status as a Hollywood heartthrob—and the original “Latin Lover”—at the age of 26.

Valentino is Ahmed Ben Hassan, a charming Arabian sheik who becomes infatuated with the adventurous, modern-thinking Englishwoman Lady Diana Mayo, played by Agnes Ayres.  When the sheik abducts Lady Diana, the two clash, but ultimately profess their love for one another in this quintessential “desert romance” that effectively capitalized on the popularity of the genre.

“The Sheik” restoration employed modern technology so viewers can experience the original beauty of this monumental silent film.  Since original negatives for silent films rarely exist, Paramount searched the world for the best elements and used a print and an intermediate element called a fine grain.  One source of the film yielded better results for image quality, another for intertitles.  One of the elements was “stretch-printed” and had to be adjusted digitally during the restoration process.

In the silent era, there was no standard frame rate, so stretch printing was done to show silent films at 24 frames per second. In addition, tints and tones were digitally applied, guided by an original continuity script from the Paramount archive. The result is the best picture quality the romantic drama has had since it was originally shown in theaters 100 years ago.

While “The Sheik” was wildly successful, it did provoke controversy, much as the source material had upon its original publication in 1919. Many of the themes and controversial elements of the film are still being grappled with today, a subject that is explored in a new featurette on the Blu-ray with film historian and professor Leslie Midkiff DeBauche entitled “Desert Heat: 100 Years with The Sheik.”  The disc also includes a music score by Roger Bellon and access to a Digital copy of the film.

As with all films released in the Paramount Presents line, “The Sheik” is presented with collectible packaging featuring a foldout image of the film’s theatrical poster and an interior spread with key movie moments.

TV Shows

Country Legends: Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner and Friends (Variety Show)

“Country Legends: Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner and Friends” comes to DVD Tuesday Oct. 19, from MPI Media Group.

The day after Dolly Parton graduated from high school in rural Tennessee, she took off to Nashville and quickly became a giant in country music. As a singer, songwriter and actress, she became one of the world’s most iconic and beloved entertainers. ​

In 1967, Porter Wagoner hired Dolly to sing on his weekly TV show. They worked together for over a decade and enjoyed many hit duets before and after Dolly’s solo career took off with her classics “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” among others. ​

This special collection features historic performances from “The Porter Wagoner Show” and the “Dolly” series spanning 1967-1977 and includes favorite songs not only by Dolly and Porter but other great country artists such as Tom T. Hall, Bobby Bare, Hank Locklin, Freddy Fender, Nat Stuckey, Jack Greene and others, including a special appearance by Dolly’s musical family.

Superman & Lois: The Complete First Season (Adventure/Fantasy)

Superman saves the world— and his family—when “Superman & Lois: The Complete First Season” releases on Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday Oct. 19, from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

After years of facing super-villains, monsters, and alien invaders intent on wiping out the human race, one of the world’s greatest super heroes, Superman (Tyler Hoechlin), and comic books’ most famous journalist Lois (Elizabeth Tulloch), come face to face with one of their greatest challenges ever—dealing with all the stress, pressures and complexities that come with being working parents.

The Blu-ray release of “Superman & Lois: The Complete First Season on Blu-ray will include 1080p Full HD Video with DTS-HD Master Audio for English 5.1. Featuring all 15 episodes from the first season in high definition, as well as a digital code of the season (available in the U.S. only).

“Superman & Lois” stars Tyler Hoechlin (“Supergirl,” “Arrow”), Elizabeth Tulloch (“Supergirl,” “Grimm”), Jordan Elsass (“Little Fires Everywhere”), Alex Garfin (“New Amsterdam”), Erik Valdez (“Graceland”), Inde Navarrette (“13 Reasons Why”), Wolé Parks (“All American”), Adam Rayner (“Tyrant”), with Dylan Walsh (“Blue Bloods”), and Emmanuelle Chriqui (“Entourage”). Based on the DC characters, and “Superman” created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the series was developed by Greg Berlanti (“Arrow,” “The Flash”) and Todd Helbing (“The Flash,” “Black Sails”).

Featuring never-before-seen extended versions of all 15 action-packed episodes from the first season, plus bonus features, “Superman & Lois: The Complete First Season” will be available for $24.98 (SRP) for the DVD ($29.98 in Canada) and $29.98 (SRP) for the Blu-ray ($39.99 in Canada), which includes a Digital Copy (U.S. only). “Superman & Lois: The Complete First Season” is also available now to own on Digital via purchase from digital retailers and to stream exclusively on HBO Max.

Nothing’s scarier than getting old, except getting old in a single day! Just in time for Halloween, Front Row Features is giving away one copy of M. Night Shyamalan’s “Old” on Blu-ray to one lucky winner. To enter this contest, simply email frontrowfeatures@gmail.com by Oct. 26. Good luck!