DVD Pick of the Week: Frontier(s)

Welcome back! Well, to some of you, anyway. To the rest of you, glad you decided to stop by and I hope that this humble column helps you navigate the stacks of new releases each week. My goal is to point you toward titles of interest and warn you away from those films that seek to do nothing but leech away your time and give you nothing in return.

This week brings an eclectic selection of films ranging from unrated horror films to classic Westerns and caper films. On top of that we get a new release of some classic action/adventure flicks and a couple of flicks from earlier this year. I know there are a few here that I am looking forward to checking out, as well as some that I am eager to see for the first time. Read on and see if any strike your fancy.

Frontier(s). This is my top pick this week for no reason other than I want to like it. I really do. Unfortunately, it will probably end up going the other way, but I am going to be optimistic. This horror film was originally slated to be a part of the 2007 After Dark Horrorfest, but they could not get the R rating needed to be a participant, so it got a limited theatrical release last weekend and now arrives on DVD. This is the debut feature from Xavier Gens (who went on to do the lousy Hitman flick). This film centers on a gang of thieves who flee Paris only to hole up in an inn run by neo-Nazis. The trailers make it look like some bloody fun! (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

Indiana Jones: The Adventure Collection. This box set is just the packaging of the three Indy films that are being released for the first time individually. There are some new extras, although I have not seen a reason to change from the original box set; besides, this set does not include the fourth disk of extras. Anyway, if you don't have them, now you can pick and choose which ones you want. I love all three, so there is my recommendation. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

The Great Debaters. This is a good film, although it is hampered by a sense of familiarity and an air of self-importance. If nothing else, this is worth seeing for the captivating performance by Jurnee Smollett. It is the story of a debate team from an all-black school that goes on to do battle with a white school. Sounds simplistic, but it isn't. It is definitely worth spending some time with. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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