The Blacklist: The Complete Third Season Blu-ray Review

• Actors: Megan Boone, Diego Klattenhoff, James Spader, Harry Lennix, Ryan Eggold
• Disc Format: AC-3, Box set, Dolby, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Subtitles: French, English
• Dubbed: French
• Region: Region A/1
• Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 5
• Rated:
  Not Rated
• Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
• Release Date: August 2, 2016
• Digital Copy Expiration Date: December 31, 2019

        Season three of “The Blacklist” switches up the established formula from the first two season and seems to be making big changes to the dynamic of the show. After two seasons adhering to a basic structure that was beginning to wear thin, it is somewhat of a relief that the third season broke free from the predictable formula. The unfortunate part of these changes seems to come from the realization that many were made to counteract events in the actor’s lives rather than bold choices by the writers. Despite some shifting in the roles of the main cast members, I’m not convinced that season four won’t return to business as usual.

The Trust Blu-ray Review

• Actors: Nicolas Cage, Elijah Wood, Sky Ferreira, Jerry Lewis
• Director: Alex Brewer, Benjamin Brewer
• Format: NTSC, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Region: Region A/1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated:
  R
• Studio: LIONSGATE
• Release Date: August 2, 2016
• Run Time: 92 minutes

        Despite the fact that Nicolas Cage appears to take every VOD role offered to him as a way to counterbalance his notorious spending problems, The Trust actually features him in a role which makes use of his boisterous acting style. He may agree to be in every film offered, but at least this is one which feels written specifically for him. Meanwhile, it simultaneously gives Elijah Wood another opportunity to play against type, creating an effective dynamic between the two stars. This chemistry between actors is nearly enough to dismiss some of the screenplay’s shortcomings in the third act. These performances are completely effective in making The Trust a watchable heist film, even if the resolution is more frustrating than logical.

Manhattan Night Blu-ray Review

• Actors: Adrien Brody, Yvonne Strahovski, Jennifer Beals, Campbell Scott
• Director: Brian DeCubellis
• Disc Format: NTSC, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Region: Region A/1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated:
  R
• Studio: LIONSGATE
• Release Date: August 2, 2016
• Run Time: 83 minutes

        Manhattan Night has all of the elements of a good film noir, and while that is at times the film’s greatest asset, it often makes for a predictable tale of pulp. The atmosphere is spot-on, the acting is effective, but any knowledge of the genre will make this watchable film equally forgettable. The resemblance to countless other classic noir narratives works as a double-edged sword, much in the same manner that The Force Awakens was simultaneously praised for its nostalgic elements while being criticized for its unoriginality. Those who enjoy the plot twists and backstabbing from the original 1940s and ‘50s film noirs, or the added R-rated scenes of violence and steamy erotica brought with the 1980s and ‘90s revival of neo-noir, will be equally satisfied at the way Manhattan Night adheres to each. I’m afraid the only problem is that filmmaker Brian DeCubellis doesn’t have anything new to bring to this formula.