THE ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE. (DVD Artwork). ©Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
By ANGELA DAWSON
Front Row Features
Based on the true story told in The New York Times best seller by Diane Ackerman, the critically acclaimed and heart-pounding WWII drama “The Zookeeper’s Wife” debuts on Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand Tuesday July 4, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. It also is available on Digital HD.
Directed by Niki Caro (“North Country”) from a screenplay adaptation by Angela Workman (“Snow Flower and the Secret Fan”), the historic drama film stars two-time Academy Award nominee Jessica Chastain (“The Help,” “Zero Dark Thirty”), Johan Heldenbergh (“The Broken Circle Breakdown”), Michael McElhatton (“Game of Thrones”), and Golden Globe Award nominee Daniel Brühl (“Rush”).
In 1939 Poland, working wife and mother Antonina Żabińska (Chastain) became a hero to hundreds. Antonina and her husband Jan (Heldenbergh) care for animals at the Warsaw Zoo and have raised a family in an idyllic existence. Their world is overturned when the country is invaded by the Germans and they are forced to report to the Reich’s newly appointed zoologist (Brühl). To fight back on their own terms, the Żabińskis risk everything by covertly working with the Resistance and using the Zoo’s hidden passages to safeguard human life.
“The Zookeeper’s Wife” comes packed with exclusive bonus content including deleted scenes as well as a special behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film and captivating interviews with the real-life Żabiński family.
Bonus features include deleted scenes, a making-of “The Zookeeper’s Wife,” and a close up look at the Żabińskis, the family at the center of The Zookeeper’s Wife, including interviews with Teresa Żabińska and Ryszard Żabiński, the real-life children of Antonina and Jan.
Also available on DVD Tuesday July 4 is “Man in the Camo Jacket,” a documentary about iconic musician Mike Peters of the Welsh rock band The Alarm. The film traces his rise to fame, battles with cancer, and inspiring climb back as he enlists some of the world’s top musicians to help save the lives of cancer patients around the globe.
Ultimately though, the life he saves may be his own. Filmed over the course of eight years, the film documents Mike’s journeys to the summits of the world’s tallest mountains and to the depths of his regular chemotherapy treatments and features one-of-a-kind performances from legendary rock musicians. The documentary features Peters, Slim Jim Phantom of Stray Cats, Duff McKagan of Guns N’ Roses, Billy Bragg, Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze, Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins, Richard Blade and Martha Quinn.
”Man in the Camo Jacket” won Best Music Documentary at the 2017 Arizona International Film Festival and the Audience Award for Best Music at this year’s Newport Beach Film Festival. Peters was honored with the Humanitarian Award at this year’s American Documentary Film Festival.
Epic Pictures will be releasing the anthology horror film “The Dark Tapes” Tuesday July 4. Customers will be able to purchase online and via Redbox.
“The Dark Tapes” is a horrifying blend of terror and mayhem which takes the viewer on a twisted journey into the world of paranormal activity, demonic possession and the supernatural. The cast includes Cortney Palm (“Sushi Girl”), Brittany Underwood (Nickelodeon’s “Hollywood Heights”) and Emilia Ares Zorayn (“V/H/S: Viral”).
“The Dark Tapes” is directed by Michael McQuown and Emmy winning make-up effects artist Vincent J. Guastini (“Requiem for a Dream”).
