Shutter Island Leonardo DiCaprio teams up again with his Gangs of New York director for this unabashed thriller about a federal marshal named Teddy investigating an insane asylum that just happens to house the arsonist who killed Teddy’s wife. As he tries to unravel the bizarre secrets that everyone’s keeping in this freaky funny farm, his own sanity is at risk. A worthy entry into the horror-thriller genre; it’s not on par with say, Goodfellas, but definitely worth a look (even twice, to see the clues to the ending that you missed first time round.) Extras: Nothing on the DVD; BD offers featurettes “Behind the Shutters” production details and interviews, “Into the Lighthouse” looks at psychiatric therapy in the 1950s.
From Paris With Love If John Travolta’s over-the-top villain was your favorite thing about last year’s otherwise dull Pelham 1 2 3, then his cracked-out, trigger-happy special agent in From Paris will have you hanging from the rafters, it’s that much more fun. He teams up with an upstart played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers for a high-stakes mission to foil a terrorist attack on the city that involves big guns, a high body count, hookers and piles and piles of cocaine. Ooh la la! Extras: Director commentary, featurettes on the making-of and the real-life spy world (DVD/BD); BD includes those and “Charlie Wax’s Gun Locker,” friend or foe trivia game and BDLive features.
New to Blu
The Illusionist Edward Norton turns in a first-rate performance as an acclaimed magician who captivates all of Austria—including the prince’s fiancée, which results in accusations of fraud and investigation all while the illusionist is planning his greatest trick yet. Paul Giamatti, Rufus Sewell and Jessica Biel turn in strong supporting performances, and the Blu-ray gives the visuals added punch. Comes with DVD too.
Caddyshack The comedy classic starring Rodney Dangerfield, Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Ted Knight and a pesky, rampant animatronic gopher debuts on Blu-ray in honor of its 30th anniversary. The golf course looks greener, golf balls whiter and gopher fuzzier, but it’s up to you to judge if the humor stands the test of time as well. No new extras.
