By ANGELA DAWSON

Front Row Features

Movies

Freedom (Drama)

The German drama “Freedom” arrives on DVD/Digital Tuesday May 11, from Corinth Films.

Directed by Jan Speckenbach (“Die Vermissten”), the film stars Joahanna Wokalak (“Pope Joan,” “The Baader Meinhof Complex”) as a woman who walks out on her family without a word of explanation.

Driven by an irresistible force, Nora (Wokalak) a seemingly normal wife and mother leaves behind a shell-shocked husband and pair of baffled children in Berlin, moving to a random city and totally changing her identity in order to pursue an entirely new life. She roams through a museum in Vienna, has sex with a young man and hitchhikes randomly on to Bratislava. Nora hides her identity by telling little lies, and changes her look, finds work as a chambermaid and makes friends with a young Slovakian stripper and her husband. Meanwhile, in Berlin, her lawyer husband Philip (Hans-Jochen Wagner), their teenage daughter Lena (Rubina Labusch) and son Jonas (Georg Arms) attempt to go about their lives carefully skirting the absence of their wife and mother. As Nora digs into her independent existence, Philip struggles to adapt to his own new life, troubling court cases, his role as a single parent and an affair that tests the ideas of fidelity, all while becoming more and more obsessed with finding out why his wife left.

“Freedom” was nominated for Best Film at four festivals including the Golden Leopard at the Locarno Film Festival. The film is in German and Slovak with English subtitles.

Land (Drama)

From acclaimed actress Robin Wright (“Wonder Woman,” “House of Cards”) comes her feature film directorial debut, “Land,” arriving on Blu-ray (plus Digital) and DVD Tuesday May 11, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

“Land” tells the poignant story of one woman’s search for meaning in the vast and harsh American wilderness. Edee (Wright), in the aftermath of an unfathomable event, finds herself unable to stay connected to the world she once knew, and in the face of that uncertainty, retreats to the magnificent, but unforgiving, wilds of the Rockies. After a local hunter (Demian Bichir, “The Hateful Eight,” “Weeds”) brings her back from the brink of death, she must find a way to live again.

Bonus featurettes include: “Crafting ‘Land,’” “Robin Wright Feature Film Directorial Debut” and “After the Trauma.”

“Land” also is available now on Digital platforms.

Lapsis (Sci-Fi)

Director Noah Hutton (“Deep Time,” “In Silico”) opens a window into a parallel near-future in his innovative, darkly funny feature film debut, “Lapsis,” arriving on DVD and Digital Tuesday May 11, from Film Movement.

In an alternate present in New York, the quantum computing revolution has begun and investors are lining their pockets in the quantum trading market. Building the network, though, requires miles of infrastructure to be laid between huge magnetic cubes by “cablers”—unprotected gig workers who compete against robots to pull wires over rough terrain.

Queens delivery man Ray Tincelli (Dean Imperial) is skeptical of new technology, and the buy-in to start cabling is steep, but he struggles to support himself and his ailing younger brother, who suffers from a mysterious illness. So, when Ray scores a shady permit, he believes their fortunes may have finally changed. What he doesn’t expect is to be pulled into a conspiracy involving hostile cablers, corporate greed, and the mysterious “Lapsis” who may have previously owned his permit.

Bonus features include a making of featurette, audio commentary with Hutton and the producers and the bonus short film, “Guts.”

The Marksman (Action)

“The Marksman” will be available on Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand Tuesday May 11, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Oscar nominee Liam Neeson stars as Jim Hanson, a former Marine turned rancher who defies the law to save a young boy’s life from a group of merciless cartel assassins in the suspenseful and powerful action-packed film. The film also is available now on Digital platforms.

From Open Road Films and Briarcliff Entertainment, the tense thriller follows one man and the boy he promised to protect on a dangerous cat-and-mouse race across America. The film is directed by Academy Award nominee Robert Lorenz (“American Sniper,” “Mystic River”) and showcases memorable performances by Neeson (“Taken” franchise, “The Grey”) and the film’s supporting cast including Katheryn Winnick (“The Dark Tower,” “Big Sky”), Juan Pablo Raba (“Peppermint,” “Narcos”), Teresa Ruiz (“Narcos: Mexico,” “Here on Earth”) and Jacob Perez (“Papa Bear,” “Willy Goes Way Back”).

Featuring never-before-seen bonus content with cast and crew, “The Marksman” includes an exclusive behind-the-scenes featurette that dives deeper into the deadly cross-country road trip of the captivating story.

The Mauritanian (Drama)

Witness the astounding and inspirational true story of one man’s decades long fight for freedom and his relentless pursuit for justice in “The Mauritanian” on Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday May 11, from STXfilms and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

The political thriller is based on “The New York Times” bestselling memoir “Guantánamo Diary” by former inmate Mohamedou Ould Salahi, who was imprisoned on the grounds of being a suspected collaborator in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks but never charged. Directed by Kevin Macdonald (“The Last King of Scotland,” “State of Play”), the film has been hailed by critics as one of the most important and timely films of the year.

Filled with deeply emotional and suspenseful moments from beginning to end, the drama stars Academy Award winner Jodie Foster (“Silence of the Lambs,” “Contact”) as Nancy Hollander, Salahi’s tenacious defense attorney turned ally and Tahar Rahim (“A Prophet,” “The Past”) as Salahi, who was held at Gitmo without being charged for 14 years. As a battle for justice rages and shocking truths are revealed, Salahi proves that the human spirit cannot be locked up. Alongside Foster and Rahim, the film features memorable performances from the supporting cast including Academy Award nominee Benedict Cumberbatch (“Avengers” franchise, “The Imitation Game”), Golden Globe nominee Shailene Woodley (“Divergent” franchise, “Big Little Lies”) and Zachary Levi (“Shazam!,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”).

Foster won a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress in Motion Picture and Rahim earned a Golden Globe nomination in the Best Actor in Motion Picture Drama category. The acclaimed film also was nominated for several BAFTA Awards including Best Film, Best Adapted Screenplay and Leading Actor.

“The Mauritanian” on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital features exclusive bonus content including an alternate opening, deleted scenes and insightful featurettes that take viewers deeper into the gripping story of the power of courage and conviction against all odds.

“The Mauritanian” also is available to own now on Digital and Video on Demand.

Morgue (Horror)

The supernatural thriller “Morgue” arrives on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital platforms Tuesday May 11, from Well Go USA Entertainment.

After a harrowing accident, a down-on-his-luck security guard accepts a promising new gig at the local morgue. But his luck quickly changes back when he gets locked in and eerie occurrences (and a not-quite-lifeless body) leave him to wonder: how much otherworldly rage does it take to wake the dead?  A huge breakout hit in its home country of Paraguay, first-time writer/director Hugo Cardozo has based the film on what he says are real events. The cast of newcomers includes Pablo Martínez, María del Mar Fernández, Willi Villalba, Abel Martínez, Dr. Aldo Von Knobloch, Raúl Rotela and Francisco Ayala.

“Morgue” on Blu-ray will be available for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $29.98 and the DVD will be available for $24.98 (SRP).

Send It! (Action Adventure)

From director Andrew Stevens (a producer of “The Boondock Saints” and “The Whole Nine Yards”) comes the action/adventure film “Send It!,” premiering on DVD and Digital Tuesday May 11, from Lionsgate.

Kevin Quinn, Claudia Lee and Patrick Fabian with Denise Richards and Michael Jai White star in this extreme action sports comedy with music by rapper 2Chainz, with a special appearance by entrepreneur Richard Branson, as well as stunts from the sport’s real-world superstars.

When it comes to kite-boarding—the extreme water sport—Billy Johnson (Quinn) shreds. En route to the worldwide kiting championships, he picks up savvy, sexy Sky (Lee), and as the wild, decadent festivities unfold, Sky teaches Billy to fight for his dreams.

Senior Moment (Romantic Comedy)

William Shatner and Jean Smart co-star in “Senior Moment,” arriving on DVD and Digital Tuesday May 11, from Screen Media.

Victor Martin (Shatner) is a retired NASA test pilot often seen speeding around Palm Springs in his vintage Porsche convertible with his best friend Sal (Christopher Lloyd) in tow. His life changes when his license is revoked for drag racing and his car impounded. Forced to take public transportation for the first time, he meets his polar opposite Caroline (Smart) and learns to navigate love and life again as he goes up against the state’s new DA to get back his license and car.

The film also stars Christopher Lloyd (“Back to the Future,” “Who Framed Robert Rabbit”), Esai Morales (“NYPD Blue,” “Ozark”), Katrina Bowden (“Tucker and Dale vs Evil,” “30 Rock”)
Carlos Miranda (The Bling Ring, “Vida”)

The bonus features include a commentary by the director and producer, a behind-the-scene with the cast and crew and the “Bad Boy Rocker” music video.

The “Senior Moment” DVD will be available for $24.98 (SRP).

Shrek (Animated Adventure/Comedy)

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment celebrates “Shrek: 20^th Anniversary Edition” with a 4K Ultra HD for the first time ever Tuesday May 11, as well as Blu-ray and DVD. The first-ever Academy Award winner for Best Animated Feature, the hilarious comedy adventure celebrates its 20^th anniversary this spring.

The animated classic features the voice talents of Mike Myers (“Austin Powers” franchise), Eddie Murphy (“The Nutty Professor”), Cameron Diaz (“Charlie’s Angels”) and John Lithgow (“The Crown”). It launched three sequels, a spin-off, a TV series, holiday specials, a theme park attraction and more, and has stayed a fan favorite for two decades.

Venture into more than four hours of bonus material including a bonus disc that comes with five episodes from “The Adventures of Puss in Boots” television series and 10 shorts including “Scared Shrekless,” “The Pig Who Cried Werewolf,” “The Ghost of Lord Farquaad” and more.

There has never been a hero quite like “Shrek.” The endearing ogre sparked a motion-picture phenomenon and captured the world’s imagination with the “Greatest Fairy Tale Never Told.” Relive every moment of Shrek’s (Myers) daring quest to rescue the feisty Princess Fiona (Diaz) with the help of his loveable loud-mouthed Donkey (Murphy) and win back the deed to his beloved swamp from scheming Lord Farquaad (Lithgow).

TV Shows

Cold Call (Thriller)

The timely British limited series “Cold Call” is available now on DVD, from Sundance NOW.

After single mother June (Sally Lindsay, “Mount Pleasant”) receives a fateful phone call, she takes increasingly desperate measures to salvage her family’s future in this dark thriller. Finding herself the victim of a scam that wipes out her savings, June tries to hunt down those responsible with the help of an old flame (Daniel Ryan, “Mount Pleasant”).

A four-episode series, “Cold Call” originally premiered on this side of the pond on Acorn TV and is available for $34.99 (SRP).

Man with a Camera: The Complete Series (Drama)

The Charles Bronson TV series “Man with a Camera” arrives on DVD and Digital platforms Wednesday May 12, in a complete series box set from MPI Media Group.

In 1958, the young actor starred in the ABC Television fast-paced action drama “Man with a Camera,” which was loosely based on the popular radio series “Casey, Crime Photographer,” starring Staats Cottsworth and the earlier TV series “Crime Photographer,” starring Darren McGavin.

Bronson played Mike Kovac, a former WWII combat photographer now freelancing in New York City, who specialized in getting the photographs that other lensmen couldn’t. His assignments came from newspapers, insurance agencies, the police and private individuals, all of whom wanted a filmed record of an event. His cases always lead to danger, usually involving a good-looking damsel in distress. Kovac’s police liaison was Lieutenant Donovan (James Flavin), who looked to the freelance cameraman for help with the cases the cops couldn’t handle.

To the viewer’s delight, Kovac employed the latest photographic technology to solve a case, including a Minox III mini-camera fastened to his belt; fisheye and telephoto lenses; and various other cutting-edge technologies; even converting the trunk of his car into a portable darkroom where he could develop his negatives on the spot. Character actor Ludwig Stossel starred as Kovac’s immigrant father Anton, to whom Kovac frequently came for advice.

The two-disc DVD set will be available for $19.98 (SRP).

A Suitable Boy (Drama)

The India-set limited series “A Suitable Boy” arrives on DVD Tuesday May 11, from Acorn TV and BBC Studios.

Based on Vikram Seth’s bestseller, adapted by Andrew Davies (“Bridget Jones’s Diary”) and directed by Oscar nominated Mira Nair (“Monsoon Wedding”), this epic BBC period drama follows the fortunes of several youths amid the cultural upheaval of 1950s India. It originally premiered in the U.S. on Acorn TV.

The two-disc DVD set includes all six episodes, plus a 16-minute behind-the-scenes featurette, and is available for $39.99 (SRP).

Wisting: Season 1 (Crime Drama)

“Wisting: Season 1” is available now on Blu-ray and DVD, from Sundance Now.

This acclaimed series follows a homicide detective (Sven Nordin, “Valkyrien”) tracking an American serial killer hiding in his community, with the help of an FBI agent (Carrie-Anne Moss, “The Matrix”). When an old case comes back to haunt Wisting, he must fight to save his reputation and others when he is suspended.

The three-disc box set of “Wisting: Season 1,” containing all 10 episodes of the first season, is available for $34.99 (SRP). It is in Norwegian and English with English subtitles.

Front Row Features has some extra-special giveaways this week. For one lucky fan of Oscar-winning actor Liam Neeson, we are giving away a Blu-ray copy of “The Marksman,” which stars the action hero together with a Blu-ray copy of Open Road Films’ crime drama “Honest Thief,” in which the acclaimed Irish actor also stars. Additionally, we have one copy of Lionsgate’s high-flying “Skip It!” DVD available for one lucky winner. To enter either of these contests, simply email your name and specify which prize you’re interested in to frontrowfeatures@gmail.com by May 17 for your chance to win.

And, finally—fact or fiction? We are giving away a Blu-ray copy of “Morgue” to three lucky readers so they can decide for themselves whether or not first-time writer/director Hugo Cardozo was telling the truth when he said the supernatural horror thriller is based on real events. To enter the “Morgue” contest, simply email socalmovieeditor@aol.com by May 17 for your chance to win. Good luck!