By ANGELA DAWSON

Front Row Features

Movies

Black Magic Live: Stripped (Documentary)

From the producers of “Kinky” and “Chocolate City” comes the documentary “Black Magic: Live,” arriving on DVD Tuesday Sept. 21, from Lightyear.

With Tyler Perry’s BET series “All the Queen’s Men” all the rage, go behind-the-scenes of the actual only black male revue in Las Vegas.

The documentary delves deep into the often-complicated lives of the revue’s male strippers through the eyes of owner Eurika Pratts and CEO Jean-Claude La Marre, and its all-black staff and cast, as they explore the challenges, struggles and growing pains of the show and its core group of dancers during their four-year stint on the Sin City strip.

The live show, spun off from the popular Jean Claude LaMarre-produced “Chocolate City” movie trilogy as well as the Lifetime series “Vivica’s Black Magic,” which has negotiated several obstacles while establishing their presence in Las Vegas including racial prejudice, fierce competition and a series of unexpected emotional pitfalls. The behind-the-scenes introduces audiences to a colorful cast of characters including the “OG,” Allen “LoverBoy” Hayward, who at 46, is the oldest dancer struggling with the reality that his time may be rapidly coming to an end, 26-year-old Jetorious “King” Morris, a former NFL prospect who saw his dream vanish after a career-ending injury, and who discovered stripping as a fallback career, as well as Jimmy “Lockz” Sigmond, a Vegas transplant from Los Angeles , who served several years in prison before becoming a Black Magic Live Dancer.

“Black Magic Live: Stripped” will be available on DVD for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $24.95.

Breakdown (Thriller)

Filled with tension and suspense, the fan-favorite thriller “Breakdown” arrives on Blu-ray as part of the Paramount Presents line Tuesday Sept. 21, from Paramount Home Entertainment.

Featuring a director-approved remaster from a new 4K film scan, the film, originally released in 1997, is presented in a limited-edition Blu-ray disc with collectible packaging featuring a foldout image of the film’s theatrical poster and an interior spread with key movie moments.

Kurt Russell is Jeff Taylor, headed toward a new life in California with his wife Amy (Kathleen Quinlan). When their car dies on a remote highway, a seemingly helpful trucker (J.T. Walsh) offers Amy a ride to the local diner while Jeff waits with the car. Then Jeff discovers his vehicle was deliberately tampered with, and by the time he gets to the next town, his worst fears are about to come true.

The Blu-ray boasts a wealth of new bonus content, including a look at the never-before-seen alternate opening, a new “Filmmaker Focus” with director Jonathan Mostow, commentary by Mostow and star Kurt Russell, a featurette with actress Kathleen Quinlan, an isolated track of Basil Poledouris’ score, access to a Digital copy of the film, and more.

Crocodile Dundee Trilogy (Adventure Comedies)

The “Crocodile Dundee Trilogy” arrives on Blu-ray Tuesday Sept. 21, from Paramount Home Entertainment.

Say g’day to Michael J. “Crocodile” Dundee (Paul Hogan), the eccentric Australian crocodile hunter who won the hearts of fans around the globe when he made his feature film debut in “Crocodile” Dundee, which celebrates its 35^th anniversary this year. Originally released on September 26, 1986, the film earned more than $328 million worldwide and spawned two sequels: “Crocodile” Dundee II” and “Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles.”

In “Crocodile Dundee,” Hogan’s hilarious, endearing performance made the film the No. 1 comedy at the U.S. box office in 1986, surpassed only by “Top Gun” in ticket sales. Michael J. “Crocodile” Dundee (Hogan) is a free-spirited Australian who hunts crocodiles with his bare hands, stares down giant water buffaloes, and drinks mere mortals under the table. But he’s about to face the ultimate torture test—a trip to New York City.  The Blu-ray also includes the theatrical trailer in HD.

In “Crocodile Dundee II,” just as the eccentric Australian is starting to adjust to life in New York City, Dundee (Hogan) and his girlfriend (Linda Kozlowski) are targeted by a gang of ruthless drug dealers. Dundee evens the odds by leading the big-city hoods into the treacherous Australian outback.  The Blu-ray includes a previously released behind-the-scenes featurette in standard definition and the theatrical trailer in HD.

In “Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles,” “Crocodile” Dundee swim with the sharks in L.A—not the kind that are in the ocean. In this hilarious third installment of the beloved film series, making its Blu-ray debut, the disc includes a previously released “Making of” featurette and the theatrical trailer in standard definition.

All three films will be available together in one Blu-ray collection in high definition, along with access to digital copies of each.

Dementia 13 (Horror)

Francis Ford Coppola’s “Dementia 13: Director’s Cut” will be available on Blu-ray and Digital Tuesday Sept. 21 via Vestron Video Collector’s Series from Lionsgate. Following his recent director’s cuts for “Apocalypse Now Final Cut” and “The Cotton Club Encore”, Coppola went into his own private collection to restore his directorial debut from 1963. Over the years, the film was shown on poor quality 16MM prints or transfers from whatever found its way into film collectors’ hands, but never properly presented as it was intended by the director. Now fully restored and remastered in Coppola’s original vision for the film, this is now the definitive version for fans of this cult classic.

The Blu-ray special features include an introduction by Coppola as well as an audio commentary and prologue (“Dementia 13 Test”).

The Blu-ray will be available for $17.99 (SRP) and on Digital for $9.99 SRP. The Blu-ray is in 1080p High Definition, with audio in English Mono DTS-HD Master Audio, English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, and presented in the director’s approved aspect ratio of 16×9 1.66. The film will be available in 4K digitally.

Coming to the Vestron Video Collector’s Series and presented in 4K for the first time in almost 60 years, Coppola’s remastered “Dementia 13: Director’s Cut” is quintessential gothic horror, wrapped in the twisted mysteries of a family’s deepest, darkest secrets. A widow deceives her late husband’s mother and brothers into thinking he’s still alive when she attends the yearly memorial to his drowned sister, hoping to secure his inheritance. But her cunning is no match for the demented, axe-wielding thing roaming the grounds of the family’s Irish estate in this cult favorite featuring Patrick Magee, Luana Anders, William Campbell, and Bart Patton.

Dreaming Grand Avenue and Sibyl (Dramas)

Music Box Films presents “Dreaming Grand Avenue”and “Sibyl,” which each will be available to own on DVD Tuesday Sept. 21.

From respective directors Hugh Schulze and Justine Triet, both films explore the blurred lines of reality and fantasy, creating “deeply poetic” and “blackly comic” worlds of their own.

Jackson Rathbone (the “Twilight” saga) and Andrea Londo star in “Dreaming Grand Avenue,” in which two dreamers (literally) keep meeting up but only while they sleep. Maggie and Jimmy recently suffered loss and is struggling to find the meaning of it all. They are now inexplicably tied together by fate in ways that they cannot yet comprehend. This romantic and thought-provoking film follows the young adults as they navigate their grief to discover the truth behind their linked destinies with the help of a dream detective, a sleep scientist, and the poet Walt Whitman. The fantasy romantic drama is written and directed by Hugh Schulze and also stars Wendy Robie and Tony Fitzpatrick. Bonus features including an audio commentary with the director, interviews with the cast and director, deleted scenes and the theatrical trailer.

A sly, sultry character study, “Sibyl” stars Adèle Exarchopoulos (“Mandibles,” “Blue is the Warmest Color”) as a young actress wrapped up in a dramatic affair and the therapist (Virginie Efira) who gets tangled up in the drama. The French film (with English subtitles) is directed by Justine Triet, who co-wrote it with Arthur Harari. The film also stars Gaspard Ulliel and Sandra Huller. Bonus features include interviews with the director and cast.

“Dreaming Grand Avenue” and “Sybil” will each be available on DVD for $29.95 (SRP).

F9: The Fast Saga (Action Thriller)

The high-octane “F9: The Fast Saga” arrives on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday Sept. 21, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

“F9: is the ninth chapter in the “Fast & Furious” saga, which has endured for two decades and has earned more than $5 billion around the world. Featuring the original theatrical release, the Director’s Cut and more than an hour of exclusive bonus content— including a behind-the-scenes look at the gravity-defying stunts and nitro-charged cars, a gag reel and even more justice for Han— fans can now add “F9” to their collection.

Vin Diesel’s Dom Toretto is leading a quiet life off the grid with Letty and his son, little Brian, but they know that danger always lurks just over their peaceful horizon. This time, that threat will force Dom to confront the sins of his past if he’s going to save those he loves most. His crew joins together to stop a world-shattering plot led by the most skilled assassin and high-performance driver they’ve ever encountered: a man who also happens to be Dom’s forsaken brother, Jakob (John Cena, “The Suicide Squad”).

“F9” sees the return of Justin Lin as director, who helmed the third, fourth, fifth and sixth chapters of the series when it transformed into a global blockbuster. The action hurtles around the globe—from London to Tokyo, from Central America to Edinburgh, and from a secret bunker in Azerbaijan to the teeming streets of Tbilisi. Along the way, old friends will be resurrected, old foes will return, history will be rewritten, and the true meaning of family will be tested like never before.

The action film stars returning cast members Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Jordana Brewster, Nathalie Emmanuel and Sung Kang, with Oscar winner Helen Mirren and Oscar winner Charlize Theron. “F9” also features Grammy-winning superstar Cardi B as new franchise character Leysa, a woman with a connection to Dom’s past, and a cameo by Reggaeton sensation Ozuna.

“F9: The Fast Saga” also is available now on Digital platforms.

God of War II (Action/Martial Arts)

“God of War II,” the sequel to the hit martial arts film “God of War,” arrives on Digital, Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday Sept. 21, from Well Go USA Entertainment.

Charles Lin (“The Outsiders”) and Yuxi Liu (“Legend of the Phoenix”) star in the exciting story of Lü Bu—general to warlord Dong Zhuo—who has blazed a trail of victories on the battlefield. But when a beautiful apprentice arrives claiming to be his long-lost love, he soon realizes that his closest allies may yet be his most dangerous foes.

The first feature film of director Cong Cai features a guest appearance from David Wu (“Farewell My Concubine”) and co-stars Yinghao Sheng in his feature film debut. It is in Chinese with English subtitles.

“God of War II” will be available on Blu-ray for $19.98 (SRP) and on DVD for $12.99 (SRP).

Hardball (Sports Drama)

Director Brian Robbins scores an emotional home run with the inspirational sports drama “Hardball.” Originally released Sept. 14, 2001, the film celebrates its 20^th anniversary this year and will arrive on Blu-ray for the first time ever Tuesday Sept. 21, from Paramount Home Entertainment.

Featuring a sensational cast including Keanu Reeves, Diana Lane, John Hawkes, D.B. Sweeney and Michael B. Jordan in one of his first film roles, the film follows Conor O’Neill (Reeves), a down-on-his-luck gambler in debt to dangerous loan sharks. Desperate for cash, Conor reluctantly takes a job coaching a youth baseball team. The “team” turns out to be a ragtag group of tough-talking kids from Chicago’s inner city. Secretly, Conor plans to desert the team after he wins a big bet. But the stakes are higher than Conor imagined: the kids need someone to believe in. As Conor wrestles with his past, the kids start to teach him some lessons that will forever change his future—that responsibility and trust must be earned and hope can appear in the most unlikely places.

The “Hardball” Blu-ray includes a commentary by director Brian Robbins and writer John Gatins, a “making-of” featurette, deleted scenes, a music video with the film’s stars Lil’ Bow Wow, Lil’ Wayne, Lil’ Zane and Sammie, Interstitials and the theatrical trailer.

The Human Factor (Documentary)

“The Human Factor” is available now on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital, from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

With unprecedented access to the foremost American negotiators, “The Human Factor” is the behind-the-scenes story from the last 25 years, of how the United States came within reach of pulling off the impossible—securing peace between Israel and its neighbors. Today, the need to learn from past mistakes couldn’t be more urgent.

Directed by Dror Moreh, who wrote the film with Oron Adar, and features Dennis Ross, Martin Indyk, Gama Helal, Aaron David Miller, Daniel Kurtzer and Robert Malley.

I Carry You with Me (Romantic Drama)

“I Carry You with Me” arrives on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Tuesday Sept. 21, from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

Based on a true story, this decades-spanning romance between an aspiring chef (Armando Espitia) and a teacher (Christian Vázquez) follows their treacherous journey from Mexico to New York with dreams, hopes, and memories in tow.

Directed by Heidi Ewing from a screenplay she wrote with Alan Page Arriaga, the film also stars Michelle Rodríguez, Ángeles Cruz, Arcella Ramírez and Michelle González.

Lady of the Manor (Comedy)

The “spirited” comedy “Lady of the Manor” arrives on Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday Sept. 21, from Lionsgate.

Past and present collide in this supernaturally funny buddy comedy when stoner-slacker Hannah (Melanie Lynskey) is hired to portray Lady Wadsworth (Judy Greer), a Southern belle who died in 1875, in a tour at Wadsworth Manor. Hannah, a hot mess, figures she can fake it —until the ghost of Lady Wadsworth appears! Lady Wadsworth tells Hannah it’s time to change her wild ways— and she’ll haunt her until she does—in this hilarious movie costarring Justin Long and Ryan Phillippe.

“Lady of the Manor” includes an audio commentary with writers/directors Justin and Christian Long, the featurette, “The Fartwarming Tale of Friendship and Vengeance: Making ‘Lady of the Manor,’’ outtakes and deleted scenes. The Blu-ray will be available for $21.99 (SRP) and on DVD for $19.98 (SRP). The film also is in theaters, on Apple TV and everywhere you rent movies.

Last Call (Romantic Comedy)

“Last Call” arrives on DVD Tuesday Sept. 21, from IFC.

A local success story and real estate developer, Mick (Jeremy Piven), returns home to his offbeat blue collar Irish neighborhood in the shadows of Philadelphia for a funeral and is obligated to stay to ensure his parents’ ailing family business gets back on course. Amidst all of this, he grows closer to his childhood crush (Taryn Manning) who is also back in town, while enduring the constant ridicule from his old hometown crew. As Mick begins to reconnect with the neighborhood he grew up in, he finds himself at a crossroads when forced to either raze or resurrect the family bar.

The film also stars Zach McGowan, Jamie Kennedy and Bruce Dern. The “Last Call” DVD will be available for $24.98 (SRP).

Nuclear Nightmares (Documentary)

From the team behind the award-winning “Einstein’s Universe” comes the haunting documentary “Nuclear Nightmares,” arriving on DVD/Digital Tuesday Sept. 21, from Corinth Films.

From the late science writer Niger Calder comes this documentary, initially released in 1980, that shows a visually frightening examination of the world’s Cold War era nuclear weapons infrastructure. Hot Peter Ustinov utilizes his wit and charm to narrate for the viewer how the U.S. command and control system functions in both training and in the event of an actual retaliatory nuclear strike, and the chilling means by which airpower, nuclear submarines and underground ICBM launch pads are employed to ensure absolute vengeance on the aggressor.

Historians, scientists, science advisors, political figures and leading war experts contribute valuable insights through interviews. Although the world’s political climate may have mellowed sing the end of the Cold war, “Nuclear Nightmares” brings viewers back in time to gain a perspective of what it was like to live under a very real nuclear threat.

The DVD/Digital of “Nuclear Nightmares” will be available for $24.95 (SRP).

The Power (Horror)

RLJE Films, a unit of AMC Networks, has picked up select rights to the horror film, “The Power” from Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural. RLJE Films will release “The Power” on VOD, Digital HD, and DVD Tuesday Sept. 21.

Written and directed by BAFTA-nominated director Corinna Faith, and featuring an original score by Gazelle Twin and Max de Wardener, “The Power” stars Rose Williams (“Sanditon,” “Reign,” “Medici”), Charlie Carrick (“Abandoned: Angelique’s Isle,” “Reign”), Gbemisola Ikumelo (“Roadkill,” “The Last Tree”), Theo Barklem-Biggs (“The First Team,” “The Forgotten Battle”), Emma Rigby (“Prisoners Wives,” “Endless Love”), and Shakira Rahman. RLJE Films will release “The Power” on DVD for $27.97 (SRP).

London, 1974. In “The Power,” as Britain prepares for electrical blackouts to sweep across the country, trainee nurse Val arrives for her first day at the crumbling East London Royal Infirmary. With most of the patients and staff evacuated to another hospital, Val must work the night shift in the empty building. Within these walls lies a deadly secret, forcing Val to face her own traumatic past in order to confront the malevolent power that’s intent on destroying everything around her.

Violation (Horror)

RLJE Films’ “Violation” from Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, will be released on Digital HD and Blu-ray Tuesday Sept. 21.

The feature screenwriting and directorial debut of Madeleine Sims-Fewer and Dusty Mancinelli, the film stars Sims-Fewer along with Anna Maguire (“Ever After: A Cinderella Story”), Jesse LaVercombe (“Murdoch Mysteries”), and Obi Abili (“21 Bridges,” “Billions”).

With her marriage about to implode, Miriam (Sims-Fewer) returns to her hometown to seek solace in the comfort of her younger sister and brother-in-law. But one evening, a tiny slip in judgement leads to a catastrophic betrayal, leaving Miriam shocked, reeling, and furious. Believing her only recourse is to exact revenge, Miriam takes extreme action, but the price of retribution is high, and she is not prepared for the toll it takes as she begins to emotionally and psychologically unravel.

“Violation” had its World Premiere at Toronto International Film Festival, International Premiere at Sundance Film Festival and screened at SXSW. Sims-Fewer received a TIFF Rising Star award for her performance.

“Violation” includes a meet-the-filmmakers featurette and will be available and TIFF introduction on Blu-ray will be available for $28.96 (SRP).

TV Shows

The Blacklist: Season 8 (Mystery)

“The Blacklist: Season 8” arrives on Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday Sept. 21, from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The long-running series stars James Spader, Megan Boone, Diego Klattenhoff, Amir Arison, Hisham Tawfiq, Laura Sohn and Harry Lennix. The series was created by Jon Bokenkamp who also serves as a producer.

With his back against the wall, Raymond Reddington (Spader) faces his most formidable enemy yet: Elizabeth Keen (Boone). Aligned with her mother, infamous Russian spy Katarina Rostova, Liz must decide how far she is willing to go to find out why Reddington has entered her life and what his endgame really is. The fallout between Reddington and Keen will have devastating consequences for all that lie in their wake, including the Task Force they helped to create.

The Blu-ray and the DVD each contain deleted scenes, a blooper reel and a featurette titled, “Liz’s Farewell.”

Dolly: The Ultimate Collection (Music/Performance)

Time Life delivers a spectacular DVD collection highlighting the incredible career of the Queen of Country Dolly Parton for the first time ever available at retail.

Some of the greatest moments from Parton’s rags-to-rhinestones career are highlighted in this carefully crafted six-disc collection packed with unforgettable moments from her TV variety show, including a special Christmas disc featuring “A Down Home Country Christmas.”

From her start in Nashville in the 1960s, Parton’s meteoric recording career led to her landing her very own variety shows in the 1970s and 1980s and beyond.

The set includes 11 star-studded episodes from Parton’s variety show form the 1980s with guest appearances by Oprah Winfrey, Kenny Rogers, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Willie Nelson, The Smothers Brothers and others; the special Christmas disc featuring “A Down Home Country Christmas” with Mac Davis, Burl Ives and Bob Hope’s “Jolly Christmas Show;” Parton’s “Live from London” concert; and the 2019 documentary “Dolly Parton: Here I Am.”

“Dolly: The Ultimate Collection” will be available nationally in Walmart and other select retailers for $49.99 (SRP).

Calling all “Fast & Furious” fans! Front Row Features is giving away one copy of “F9: The Fast Saga” to one lucky winner. To enter this contest, simply email frontrowfeatures@gmail.com by September 27. Wait! There’s more. For “God of War” fans, Front Row Features is giving away a copy of “God of War II” to three lucky readers on Blu-ray. To enter this contest, simply email socalmovieeditor@aol.com by Sept. 27 for your chance to win. Good luck!