New on DVD this week...
Foxcatcher
Bennett Miller examines male bonding-turned-obsession in the true story of John Du Pont (Steve Carrell), heir to an American fortune with delusions of grandeur as a participant and promoter of Olympic-calibre wrestling. To this end, he hires Olympic medallist Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) to coordinate a training program on his sprawling estate. But the relationship proves twisted, and then deadly. Stellar performances by Carrell, Tatum and Mark Ruffalo, as the older brother casting a big shadow. Special features on the disc: deleted scenes and a making-of featurette, with actor, director, crew interviews.
Outlander, Season One
There鈥檚 nothing sexier than a man in a kilt, you say? Have I got a series for you, guaranteed to get a little 50 Shades of Plaid before it鈥檚 done. Series one of Outlander, based on Diana Gabaldon鈥檚 25-million best-selling novels, is now out on DVD after a run on the pay-per-view Starz network. After the end of the Second World War, British nurse Claire and her husband (Catriona Balfe, Tobias Menzies) are taking a holiday in the Scottish highlands. But when Claire investigates some ancient stone circles she finds herself transported to Scotland in 1743 amid rebellion against the British and clan in-fighting. The only things keeping Claire from being hanged as an English spy are her doctoring skills and the protection of Jamie (Sam Heughan), an outlaw highlander. History class was never this juicy鈥� Special features include An Epic Adaptation, wherein author Gabaldon confesses being inspired by an old Dr. Who episode; actors, writers, producers also weigh in. Authentic In Design: The Dresses and Kilts of Outlander, chronicles the rich history behind the costuming.
A Place to Call Home, Season One
Making its North American debut is your newest binge series: A Place to Call Home. Set in 1953, the story follows Sarah (Marta Dusseldorp), a nurse returning home to Australia after 20 years, and carting a ton of secrets with her. Family and culture clashes ensue, following Sarah鈥檚 entanglement with the wealthy Bligh family on the ship home. A love interest brews with George Bligh (Brett Climo) against the violent objections of family matriarch (Noni Hazlehurst) and the troubled, adult son (David Berry). DVD out now, ahead of Acorn TV streaming service鈥檚 exclusive premiere of season two in April.
Jamaica Inn
Also from Acorn is the new miniseries Jamaica Inn, starring Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey). 鈥淭here鈥檚 nothing so dangerous as a headstrong girl who knows her own mind,鈥� wrote Daphne du Maurier in her 1936 gothic novel. After the death of her mother, Mary heads to the Cornish moors 鈥渢he ends of the earth鈥� and her last living relative, only to find herself in the middle of a dangerous smuggling ring. But where鈥檚 there鈥檚 danger and adventure, there鈥檚 also romance (Matthew McNulty).聽 Pick up the DVD or visit for streaming membership options.
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