Standing Tall Blu-ray Review

• Actors: Catherine Deneuve, Rod Paradot, Benoît Magimel, Sara Forestier
• Director: Emmanuelle Bercot
• Format: NTSC, Subtitled
• Language: French
• Subtitles: English
• Region: Region A/1
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated:
  R
• Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
• Release Date: September 13, 2016
• Run Time: 119 minutes

        Although the plot structure follows an expected arc of reformation, the delinquent coming-of-age tale of Standing Tall remains dedicated to a vision of social realism. The characters are so flawed and make so many atrocious mistakes over the repetitive narrative that we are justified in doubts about the sudden redemption found in the final minutes of the movie. Occasionally the insistent use of stark realism threatens to push the movie into melodramatic territory, regardless of how raw the performances and camerawork are.

Marguerite Blu-ray Review

• Actors: Catherine Frot, André Marcon
• Director: Xavier Giannoli
• Format: Subtitled, Widescreen
• Language: French
• Subtitles: English
• Region: Region A/1
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated:
  R
• Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
• Release Date: August 2, 2016
• Run Time: 129 minutes

        If the premise for this French satirical backstage musical from last year sounds familiar, that is likely because of a similar American production this year. Marguerite is loosely based on the true story of tone-deaf singer and socialite Florence Foster Jenkins, which was the name of the American film with Meryl Streep in the title role. But Marguerite came first, with the wonderful Catherine Frot in the role of the delusional vocalist. If a bit overlong and repetitive in its themes, Marguerite offers thoughtful commentary on the purpose behind the passion for musical artistry, as well as a magnificent central performance from Frot.

Hee Haw: The Collector’s Edition DVD Review

• Format: Box set, Collector's Edition, Color, NTSC
• Language: English
• Dubbed: English
• Region: Region 1
• Number of discs: 14
• Rated:
  Not Rated
• Studio: Time Life/WEA
• DVD Release Date: August 30, 2016

        This country-themed variety show first aired on CBS in 1969, and though its initial run only lasted 2 years, “Hee Haw” then went into first-run syndication until 1997. Adapted as a loose satire of “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” “Hee Haw” became a corny classic of its own, blending comedy sketches with musical performances from some of the most well respected names in country music. Led by hosts Roy Clark and Buck Owens, along with regular guests and cast members, each week brought musical performances and laughs, both unintentional and not. Lovers of classic country will rejoice over the release of this Collector’s Edition DVD, including a sampling of the best the show had to offer.