By ANGELA DAWSON

Front Row Features

Movies

Dog Days

The fun-filled comedy “Dog Days” is available now on DVD and Digital platforms.

You’ll fall head over paws in love when the lives of a group of strangers intertwine in this sweet and lovable PG-rated film. When a barista (Vanessa Hudgens) finds a stray Chihuahua, she learns that a love-struck customer (Jon Bass) heads a rescue agency. Meanwhile, a widower’s pug changes life for its adoptive parents, pups help a newscaster cope with her co-host, and a slacker musician reluctantly pet-sits his sister’s scruffy Labradoodle. With its irresistible cast and satisfying story of love and face laps, “Dog Days” is one hilarious romp in the park.

School Daze

Acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee’s (“BlacKkKlansman”) contemporary comedy with music “School Daze” celebrates its 30^th Anniversary by debuting on Blu-ray from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Based on Lee’s experiences while a student at Morehouse College in Atlanta, this coming-of-age dramedy follows a group of fraternity and sorority members clashing with other students at a historically black college during homecoming weekend.

The all-star cast includes Academy Award nominee Laurence Fishburne (“What’s Love Got to Do with It”), Emmy Award nominee Giancarlo Esposito (“Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul”), Tisha Campbell-Martin (“Dr. Ken”), Kadeem Hardison (“A Different World”), Jasmine Guy (“The Vampire Diaries”) and two-time Academy Award nominee and Honorary Oscar winner Spike Lee (“4 Little Girl,” “Do the Right Thing”).
The Blu-ray release includes an all-new special feature: a new question-and-answer interview with Lee and select cast and crew, along with some special guests. Legacy special features include a director’s commentary, a cast commentary with Campbell-Martin, Rusty Cundieff, Bill Nunn, Darryl Bell and Kadeem Hardison, three featurettes and music videos, including “Be Alone Tonight” from the Rays, “Be One” from Phyllis Hyman, and “Da Butt” by EU.

TV Shows

Picnic at Hanging Rock

With stellar casting and stunning visuals, the critically acclaimed Australian Victorian thriller “Picnic at Hanging Rock” makes its DVD and Blu-ray debut Tuesday Nov. 27, from Acorn, an RLJ Entertainment brand.

Enigmatic Hester Appleyard (Natalie Dormer, “Game of Thrones,” “Hunger Games” films) runs a finishing school for young ladies in an isolated mansion. On Valentine’s Day, 1900, several of the schoolgirls attend a field trip to Hanging Rock, but three of the girls and one of their teachers mysteriously disappear. As the police search the Australian wilderness for the missing women, Hester struggles to keep her college afloat amid the rumors and speculation that overtake the town.  The supporting cast includes Don Hany (“East West 101,” “Serangoon Road”), Samara Weaving (“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” “SMILF”), Anna McGahan (“The Doctor Blake Mysteries”) and Yael Stone (“Orange Is the New Black”).

The two-disc DVD and Blu-ray sets feature six episodes and bonus cast interviews, crew interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. ($39.99, Amazon.com).

Jack Irish, Season 2

Emmy-winner Guy Pearce (“Memento,” “Iron Man 3”) returns as the iconic titular character in the DVD and Blu-ray debut of “Jack Irish, Season 2” from Acorn TV Tuesday Nov. 27. Inspired by the late Peter Temple’s award-winning crime novels, Jack Irish is a former criminal lawyer, and part-time debt collector, with a penchant for getting wrapped up in things he shouldn’t. Season 2 features a complex narrative brimming with dark humor, memorable characters, and outstanding performances. The two-disc DVD and Blu-ray sets feature six episodes, plus bonus cast interviews and behind-the-scenes featurettes ($39.99, Amazon.com). Jack Irish, Season 2 made its U.S. premiere in September on Acorn TV. Acorn TV is North America’s most popular streaming service focused on British and international television from RLJ Entertainment.

In Season 2, Jack’s life has hit a rough patch: the horse-racing world is in turmoil; Jack’s beloved local pub may be sold; and his journalist girlfriend, Linda (Marta Dusseldorp, “A Place to Call Home,” “Janet King”), has left him. Then the suspicious death of an international student at a dubious Australian college plunges Jack into a high-stakes investigation. To crack the case, Jack will need Linda’s help, along with assistance from a beautiful, enigmatic psychiatrist, Dr. Rory Finch (Danielle Cormack, “Wentworth,” “Rake”).

Praised by critics and fans alike for its sharp humor, sly charm, and thrilling cinematic style, the series also stars Aaron Pederson (“Mystery Road”), Roy Billing (“Underbelly”) and Kate Atkinson (“Wentworth”).

Elizabeth I and Her Enemies

Presented by historians Dan Jones (“Britain’s Bloody Crown”) and Suzannah Lipscomb (“Hidden Killers” series), the fascinating docu-drama “Elizabeth I and Her Enemies” makes its DVD debut Tuesday Nov. 27, from Athena, an RLJ Entertainment.

The docu-series tells the historic tale of jealousy, treachery, ambition and tragedy of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth I, from her life as a young princess to a mature queen. With lavish dramatizations featuring Lily Cole (“Snow White and the Huntsman”) as Elizabeth and shocking revelations, this docu-drama series offers an intimate look into a formidable but often fragile reign.

Queen Elizabeth I was one of England’s greatest monarchs, but she spent her life surrounded by enemies. Born in 1533 to King Henry VIII and his second wife Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth was declared illegitimate when her mother was beheaded after losing the king’s favor. Elizabeth fought hard for her crown—and even harder to keep it—as foreign powers, scheming nobles and members of her own family sought to topple her. Surviving assassination attempts, rebellions and accusations of treason, Elizabeth had to overcome numerous adversaries to become one of history’s most remarkable figures.

The DVD features three episodes ($34.99, Amazon.com). “Elizabeth I and Her Enemies” also is available on Acorn TV.