By ANGELA DAWSON

Front Row Features

Movies

Back to Soloz (Documentary)

The inspiring documentary “Back to Soloz” is available now on DVD/Digital, from Indiepix Films.

Across three decades, Palme d’Or winning director Serge Avedikian returns to his Armenian roots, journeying to his family’s village to powerfully address identity, genocide and reconciliation. Beyond a simple personal quest and far from a nostalgia narration by an Armenian lacking roots, “Back to Soloz,” is a journey through multiple layers.

Filmed over the course of four trips and 33 years, from 1987-2019, Avedikian returned to the village of his grandparents located 100 miles south of Istanbul, Turkey and a stone’s throw from Boursa to address the history of the village—the deportation of the Armenian people who lived there, including Avedikian’s grandfather; exchanges of populations and the settlement of Balkan Muslims in Soloz; shared histories of lost ancestral lands and exile; the near-erasure of the history of Armenians in Soloz and in all of Turkey and a dialogue on possible Armenian-Turkish reconciliation that engages historical truths and identity.

Drawing from his experiences across the decades, Avedikian delivers a powerful film on the themes of identity, historical truth and reconciliation and a living encounter between two peoples marked by blood, on the spot of one of the greatest human tragedies of the 20^th century. The DVD/Digital includes scenes from the lost film “Ravished Armenia” as well as the trailer.

“Back to Soloz” on DVD/Digital will be available for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $24.95.

Beavis and Butt-head Do America (Animated Comedy)

Celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the film that changed the landscape of American cinema and forever altered the course of human history when “Beavis and Butt-head Do America” arrives on Blu-ray for the first time ever Tuesday Dec. 7, from Paramount Home Entertainment.

Widely praised as the end of civilization as we know it, “Beavis and Butt’head Do America” follows the brainless pair as they set off on a nacho-fueled road trip to find their stolen TV and score with some hot chicks. Along the way, the metal-head morons become entangled with one nefarious character after another, eventually ending up stranded in the desert and hallucinating in a mind-altering sequence based on and including artwork by musician and artist Rob Zombie.

Creator Mike Judge unleashed Beavis and Butt-Head on the big screen on Dec. 20, 1996. Unabashedly offensive, unapologetically stupid and unexpectedly funny, the film grossed more than $60 million and cemented Cornholio’s place among the pantheon of Hollywood greats.

The “Beavis and Butt-head Do America” Blu-ray includes access to a Digital copy of the film, as well as legacy bonus content. Including commentary by Mike Judge and Yvette Kaplian, MTV News “Celebrity Shorts,” a montage of all the characters in the movie getting slapped or fighting, “The Big Picture,” a retrospective making-of segment that features the journey to the big screen including story, voice casting and more, including a look at the hallucination scene—drastically different form the animation in the rest of the film—and an extended version of the scene, and more.

Copshop (Action)

Action stars Gerard Butler (“Greenland,” “Angel Has Fallen”) and Frank Grillo (“The Grey,” “The Purge: Anarchy”) star in “Copshop,” available to own on on Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday Dec. 7, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The edge-of0your-seat thriller also is available now on Digital platforms.

This shoot ‘em up-style thriller from Open Road Films and Briarcliff Entertainment is filled with shocking twists and turns that takes audiences on an exciting journey with non-stop action and intense stunts from start to finish. Directed by “A-Team’s” Joe Carnahan, the film follows wily con artist Teddy Murretto (Grillo) as he rolls through the Nevada desert in a bullet-ridden Crown Vic. He hatches a desperate plan to hide out from lethal hitman Bob Viddick (Butler) by sucker-punching rookie officer Valerie Young (Alexis Louder; “The Tomorrow War”, “Harriet”) to get himself arrested and locked up in a small-town police station. But jail can’t protect Murretto for long. Viddick schemes his own way into detention, biding his time in a nearby cell until he can complete his mission. When the arrival of a competing assassin (Toby Huss; “Halt and Catch Fire,” “Rescue Dawn”) ignites all-out mayhem, mounting threats force Viddick to get creative if he wants to finish the job and escape the explosive situation.

Cry Macho (Drama)

Experience an uplifting and poignant story of redemption when Clint Eastwood’s “Cry Macho” arrives on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday Dec. 7, from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

In 1979, Mike Milo (Eastwood), a one-time rodeo star and washed-up horse breeder, takes a job from an ex-boss (Dwight Yoakam) to bring the man’s young son (Eduardo Minett) home from Mexico. Forced to take the backroads on their way to Texas, the unlikely pair faces an unexpectedly challenging journey, during which the world-weary horseman finds unexpected connections and his own sense of redemption. The film also stars Fernanda Urrejola (“Blue Miracle,” “Narcos: Mexico”) and Horacio Garcia-Rojas (TV’s “Narcos: Mexico,” “La querida del Centauro”).

The film is directed by Eastwood (“Million Dollar Baby,” “Gran Torino”), who marks his 50^th year partnering with Warner Bros. this year. Eastwood directs from a screenplay by Nick Schenk and N. Richard Nash, based on the novel by Nash.

The 4K Combo Pack, Blu-ray and DVD contain the featurette “Back in the Saddle: The Making of Cry Macho and The Mustangs.”

“Cry Macho” is available on 4K Ultra HD for $49.98 (SRP), on Blu-ray for $34.98 (SRP) and on DVD for $29.98 (SRP). The film also is available via Premium Digital Ownership and via Movies Anywhere.

Dear Evan Hansen (Musical Drama)

Ben Platt steps back into Evan Hansen’s shoes one final time with a memorable performance in the powerful film adaptation of the remarkable generation-defining Broadway musical that broke records at the Music Box Theatre, “Dear Evan Hansen,” available to own on Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday Dec. 7, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. It also is available now on Digital.

Just in time for the holidays, fans and newcomers alike can experience the emotional journey of self-discovery and familial relationships that take us back to our vulnerable teenage years and reminds us all of our inherent need for human connection, no matter how big or small. Get ready to come a little closer to the entire cast and go behind the scenes with “Dear Evan Hansen” with over an hour of brand-new bonus content including an in-depth look at the music of the film, one-of-a-kind mini documentaries with cast, Platt’s personal reflection on his character and a never-before-seen making of featurette with cast and crew.

Platt, the Tony, Grammy and Emmy award winner, reprises his role as an anxious, isolated high schooler aching for understanding and belonging amid the chaos and cruelty of the social-media age. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Stephen Chbosky, the film features music and lyrics by the Oscar, Grammy and Tony-winning songwriting team of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“La La Land,” “The Greatest Showman”), including two brand new songs and the iconic anthem “You Will Be Found.”

The all-new musical drama also showcases an all-star supporting cast including Academy Award winner Julianne Moore (“Still Alice”), Academy Award nominee Amy Adams (“Enchanted”), Kaitlyn Dever (“Booksmart”), Amandla Stenberg (“The Hate U Give”), Nik Dodani (“Atypical”), Colton Ryan (“Little Voice”), Danny Pino (“Law & Order: SVU”) and DeMarius Copes (Broadway’s “Mean Girls”).

El Hombre Bufalo (Thriller)

An investigative journalist in Mexico risks his life to uncover a criminal mining venture in “El Hombre Bufalo,” available on DVD/Digital Tuesday Dec. 7, from Indiepix Films.

Inspired by true events, this fantastical thriller underscores the grave dangers of investigative journalism in Mexico.

Writer/director David Torres tells the story of Eric (Raul Briones, Netflix’s “A Cop Movie”), a driven young journalist in Mexico City who focuses on inequality, abuse of authority and other issues that seem to place him directly in the crosshairs of some very dangerous people. On the verge of uncovering a criminal open-pit mining venture, he receives multiple death threats and begins to reconsider his line of work. But after becoming obsessed with the urban legend of “the Buffalo Man,” a mystical being who takes care of abandoned children, he decides to write again, even if it costs him his life.

“El Hombre Bufalo” on DVD/Digital includes an audio commentary by Torres, five deleted scenes and the official trailer. It will be available on DVD/Digital for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $24.95.

Harold and Maude (Dramedy)

Directed by Hal Ashby and written by Colin Higgins, the critically acclaimed cult classic “Harold and Maude” arrives on Blu-ray as part of the Paramount Presents line Tuesday Dec. 7, from Paramount Home Entertainment.

Harold (Bud Cort) is a death-obsessed teen who falls for Maude (Oscar winner Ruth Gordon), a happy-go-lucky, eccentric 79-year-old. To a lilting Yusuf/Cat Stevens soundtrack, Maude teaches Harold a valuable lesson about making the most of his time on earth.

Originally released Dec. 20, 1971, the dark May-December romantic comedy celebrates its 50^th anniversary this year and has been beautifully restored and remastered for this Limited-Edition release. For the restoration, the original negative was scanned in 4K and careful color correction and cleanup were undertaken to pay homage to director of photography John Alonzo’s memorable work and honor the look of the film. In addition, the incredible soundtrack was completely remixed using recently discovered tracks to add clarity and depth.

The Paramount Presents Blu-ray includes a new commentary with Larry Karaszewski (co-screenwriter, “Ed Wood;” co-screenwriter, “Dolemite Is My Name”) and Cameron Crowe (writer/director, “Jerry Maguire,” “Almost Famous”), as well as a look at the film featuring Yusuf/Cat Stevens, who composed and performed the songs for the movie.

As with every title in the Paramount Presents line, “Harold and Maude” is presented in collectible packaging featuring a foldout image of the film’s theatrical poster and an interior spread with key movie moments.

The Karate Kid Collection (Drama)

The enduring coming-of-age trilogy “The Karate Kid Collection” arrives in a collectible limited edition 4K Ultra H set available Tuesday Dec. 7, from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

The box set includes: “The Karate Kid,” “The Karate Kid, Part II” and “The Karate Kid, Part III.”

From Academy Award-winning director John G. Avildsen (“Rocky”) comes the highly entertaining Included is 1984’s “The Karate Kid,” starring Ralph Macchio and Noriyuki “Pat” Morita in his Academy Award nominated performance as Mr. Miyagi.

Returning in “The Karate Kid, Part II,” Daniel (Macchio) accompanies Miyagi (Morita) to his Okinawa home, which he hasn’t seen since he left 45 years earlier. There, Miyagi encounters Yukie (Nobu McCarthy), the woman he left behind when he immigrated to America.

In “The Karate Kid, Part III,” Daniel is in danger of losing it all when he places pride before principle in this final chapter of the original franchise.

The box set is loaded with bonus materials including a mastered 4K resolution from the original camera negative, with Dolby Vision, new deleted scenes, “remember ‘The Karate Kid,’” a reflective look back with Macchio, William Zabka (who plays Johnny Lawrence in the first two films) and Martin Kove (who played John Kreese in the original film), commentaries, a making of featurette, and much more.

Malignant (Horror Thriller)

Discover terrifying realities as “Malignant” is available now on Blu-ray and DVD as well as Premium Digital Ownership.

Director James Wan (“The Conjuring,” “Aquaman,” “Furious 7”) returns to his roots with this original horror thriller. A woman (Annabelle Wallis, “Annabelle,” “The Mummy”) is paralyzed by shocking visions of grisly murders, and her torment worsens as she discovers that these waking dreams are in fact terrifying realities.

The film is also from a screenplay by Akela Cooper (“M3GAN,” “Luke Cage”), story by Wan, Ingrid Bisu and Cooper. The film also stars Maddie Hasson (“Impulse,” “Mr. Mercedes”) and George Young (“Containment”). The film also stars Michole Briana White (“Black Mafia Family,” “Dead to Me”), Jacqueline McKenzie (“Palm Beach,” “Reckoning”), Jake Abel (“Supernatural,” the “Percy Jackson” films) and Ingrid Bisu (“The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It,” “The Nun”).

The Blu-ray and DVD include a behind-the-scenes look at the film with Wan.

“Malignant” is available for Premium Digital Ownership at home for $24.99 and for 48-hour rental via PVOD for $19.99 (SRP) on participating digital platforms where you purchase movies. The horror film will be available on Blu-ray for $34.98 (SRP) and on DVD for $29.98 (SRP).

“Malignant” also will be available on Movies Anywhere. Using the free Movies Anywhere app and website, consumers can access all their eligible movies by connecting their Movies Anywhere account with their participating digital retailer accounts.

The Monkey King: Reborn (Fantasy Action)

“The Monkey King: Reborn” lands on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Tuesday Dec. 7, from Well Go USA Entertainment.

Playing off the three hugely popular “Monkey King” live action films, “The Monkey King: Reborn” follows the short-tempered trickster after he is insulted while visiting a temple with his master Tang Monk. Outraged, he destroys a magical tree and accidentally releases the ancient King of Demons, who kidnaps Tang Monk as revenge for his long imprisonment. Now, Monkey King and his fellow disciples must rescue their master within three days, before the demon king regains his full power and unleashes his armies to destroy the earth.

Directed by Wang Yun Fei (“Yugo & Lala” franchise), “The Monkey King: Reborn” features an all-new English dub for this release. The Blu-ray will be available for $29.98 (SRP) and the DVD for $19.99 (SRP).

One Shot (Action)

Screen Media presents the action-packed “One Shot” on Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday Dec. 7.

In an effort to prevent a terrorist attack on Washington D.C., an elite squad of Navy SEALs led by Lt. Blake Harris (Scott Adkins) and a junior CIA analyst Zoe Anderson (Ashley Greene) must retrieve a prisoner from a CIA black site island prison. Tensions flare as Deputy Site Manager Tom Shields (Ryan Phillippe) refuses to release the suspected terrorist based solely on Anderson’s intel, but when the base comes under attack by waves of insurgents they must band together to complete the mission.

Directed by James Nunn from a screenplay by Jamie Russell, “One Shot” follows the action in what appears to be one continuous take. The Blu-ray and DVD set each contain a making-of as well as a behind-the-scenes featurettes with Nunn and the cast.

Shirobako: The Movie (Documentary)

A love letter to the anime industry, the highly anticipated new film “Shirobako: The Movie” will be released on digital download and on Blu-ray + DVD combo pack Tuesday Dec. 7, from Eleven Arts and Shout! Factory. The fan-favorite anime about making anime makes its home entertainment debut following a North American theatrical earlier this year.

“Shirobako: The Movie” is the eagerly awaited sequel to the television anime series of the same name, which has also been adapted as a manga series. Director Tsutomu Mizushima (“Girls und Panzer,” “Prison School”) and screenwriter Michiko Yokote (“Naruto,” “Cowboy Bebop”) lend their talents to the movie after working on the beloved series.

Four years after the events of the series, Musashino Animation has gone through drastic changes and things are looking bleak for the studio. One day, Aoi Miyamori is offered a role managing a new theatrical animation project. With only a few months left before the deadline, can Musani complete the project in its current state? It’s up to Aoi to work alongside both familiar faces and new to finish the project in time.

Bonus features on the Blu-ray + DVD combo pack release include a teaser and trailer never-before-seen in North America, and a four-page booklet with stunning character art.

Ron’s Gone Wrong (Animated Adventure)

“Ron’s Gone Wrong,” from 20^th Century Studios and Locksmith Animation, arrives just in time for the holidays on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday Dec. 7. Witness the crazy adventures between a B*Bot and his human best friend, as they discover self-acceptance and courage along the way.

Things go hilariously awry when Barney, a socially awkward middle-schooler, receives a malfunctioning, digitally connected device that’s supposed to be his “best friend out of the box.” In this action-packed animated story set against the backdrop of the social media age, a boy and his robot discover the wonderful messiness of true friendship. The film is directed by Sarah Smith and Jean-Philippe Vine, from a screenplay written by Smith and Peter Baynham. The voice cast includes Zach Galifianakis, Jack Dylan Grazier, Olivia Colman, Ed Helms, Justice Smith, Rob Delaney, among others.

A digital edition will be available Wednesday Dec. 15.

Werewolves Within (Horror)

RLJE Films, a business unit of AMC Networks, will release the critically acclaimed horror-comedy whodunit “Werewolves Within” on DVD and Blu-ray Tuesday Dec. 7. The horror film previously was released for Digital rental and VOD this past summer.

After a proposed pipeline creates divisions within the small town of Beaverfield, and a snowstorm traps its residents together inside the local inn, newly arrived forest ranger FINN (Sam Richardson) and postal worker Cecily (Milana Vayntrub, “This is Us”) must try to keep the peace and uncover the truth behind a mysterious creature that has begun terrorizing the community.

“Werewolves Within” is directed by Josh Ruben (“Scare Me”) from a script by Mishna Wolff (“I’m Down”), and also stars Sam Richardson (“Veep”, “Detroiters”), George Basil (“Crashing”), Sarah Burns (“Barry”), Michael Chernus (“Tommy/CBS”), Catherine Curtin (“Orange Is the New Black”), Wayne Duvall (“The Hunt”), Harvey Guillen (“What We Do In The Shadows”), Rebecca Henderson (“Russian Doll”), Cheyenne Jackson (“30 Rock”), Michaela Watkins (“The Unicorn,” “Brittany Runs A Marathon”) and Glenn Fleshler (“True Detective”).

RLJE Films will release “Werewolves Within” on DVD for $27.97 (SRP), and on Blu-ray for $28.96 (SRP).

TV Shows

Agatha Raisin Halloween Pop-Up Collectible (Mystery)

“Agatha Raisin Halloween Pop-Up Collectible,” featuring a special Halloween episode of the popular British series, is available on DVD in a limited edition from Acorn TV.

Agatha (Ashley Jensen, “Ugly Betty”) opens her own detective agency, but potential clients aren’t exactly breaking down the door of her new office. In search of new business, Agatha and James visit Ivy Hall, a house said to be haunted since the English Civil War. Are the strange sounds and unexplained footsteps heard at night truly supernatural, or is someone trying to scare the obnoxious owner out of her home?

Agatha Raisin Halloween Pop-Up Collectible is available on DVD for $24.99 (SRP).

Creepshow: Season 2 (Horror)

RLJE Films, a unit of AMC Networks, will release “Creepshow: Season 2” from Shudder, AMC Networks’ streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural on Tuesday Dec. 7, on DVD and Blu-ray.

The five-episode season and bonus episodes “A Creepshow Animated Special” and “A Creepshow Holiday Special” from showrunner Greg Nicotero (“The Walking Dead”) star Kevin Dillon (Entourage), Ted Raimi (“Buddy Thunderstruck”), Ali Larter (“House On Haunted Hill”), C. Thomas Howell (“The Amazing Spider-Man”), Iman Benson (“Alexa and Katie”), Josh McDermitt (“The Walking Dead”), Ashley Laurence (“Hellraiser” franchise), Keith David (“21 Bridges”), Ryan Kwanten (“True Blood”), Breckin Meyer (“Ghosts of Girlfriends Past”), Molly Ringwald (“Riverdale”), Eric Edelstein (“Shameless”), Barbara Crampton (“Jakob’s Wife”), Denise Crosby (“Ray Donovan”), Justin Long (“Lady of the Manor”), D’Arcy Carden (“The Good Place”), Kiefer Sutherland (“Designated Survivor”), Joey King (“The Kissing Booth”), Anna Camp (“Pitch Perfect”) and Adam Pally (“Happy Endings”).

Following “Creepshow: Season 1’s,” Saturn Award win for Best DVD/BD Television Release comes the second season of the anthology series based on the 1982 horror comedy classic. A comic book comes to life in nine chilling tales told across five episodes. Explore terrors ranging from murder, creatures, monsters and delusions to the supernatural and unexplainable. You never know what will be on the next page.

Special features include “A ‘Creepshow’ Animated Special,” “A ‘Creepshow’ Holiday Special,” “WonderCon@Home 2021 interview with Greg Nicotero,” photo galleries, comic art booklet, exclusive never-before-seen behind-the-scenes featurettes, and more.

“Creepshow: Season 2” on Blu-ray and DVD will be available for $34.98 (SRP) each.

My Life is Murder: Season 2 (Mystery)

“My Life is Murder: Season 2,” the popular series from Down Under starring Lucy Lawless (“Xena: Warrior Princess”) will be available on Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday Dec. 7, from Acorn TV.

Ex-cop Alexa Crowe (Lawless) returns to her New Zealand hometown and finds herself investigating puzzling murders alongside charismatic DI Harry (Rawiri Jobe, “Tatau”) and partner-in-crime-solving Madison (Ebony Vagulans), who’s closer than ever to her mentor—literally, as she moves into Alexa’s home. But to truly make a fresh start, Alexa must deal with the family troubles she’s avoided for years.

“My Life is Murder: Season 2” will be available on Blu-ray/DVD in a three-disc box set for $59.99 (SRP).

Rick and Morty: The Complete Fifth Season (Animated Comedy)

America’s favorite crazy scientist and his grandson return for their long-awaited and highly anticipated misadventures when the latest season of Adult Swim’s hit series “Rick and Morty: The Complete Fifth Season” arrives on Blu-ray Steelbook, Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday Dec. 7.

From creators Justin Roiland (“Solar Opposites”) and Dan Harmon (“Community”), get ready to binge on one of cables No. 1 watched comedies featuring all 10 episodes from Season 5, and outrageous bonus content including the never-before-seen featurette “Fighting Gravity: The Making of Season 5.”

Exclusive to the set, follow co-creator Dan Harmon and the crew as they reflect on the challenges of completing this season in the middle of a pandemic. Additional special features include “Inside the Episode” segments for every episode, numerous featurettes, and more.

“Rick and Morty: The Complete Fifth Season” will be available for $24.98 (SRP) for the DVD ($29.98 in Canada), $29.98 (SRP) for the Blu-ray ($39.99 in Canada), $39.99 (SRP) for the Blu-ray Steelbook ($44.98 in Canada). “Rick and Morty: The Complete Fifth Season” also is available now to own on Digital via purchase from digital retailers.

“Rick and Morty” is the multi-Emmy award-winning half-hour comedy series that airs on Adult Swim, The half-hour animated Adult Swim hit comedy series follows a sociopathic genius scientist who drags his inherently timid grandson on insanely dangerous adventures across the universe. Rick Sanchez is living with his daughter Beth’s family and constantly bringing her, his son-in-law Jerry, granddaughter Summer, and grandson Morty into intergalactic escapades.

“Rick and Morty: The Complete Fifth Season” Blu-ray release will include 1080p Full HD Video with DTS-HD Master Audio for English 5.1. Featuring all 10 episodes from Season Five in high definition, as well as a digital code (available in the U.S. only).

Calling all anime fans! Front Row Features is giving away a copy of the all-new anime action-adventure fantasy “The Monkey King: Reborn” on Blu-ray to three lucky readers! To enter the contest, simply email socalmovieeditor@aol.com by Dec. 13 for your chance to win. Good luck!