• “Shazam!”: After stumbling around trying to find the right tone for its movies, the executives behind the DC cinematic universe have found the right path. All it required was going back to what made the company so successful before Marvel Comics came along.
“Shazam!” reflects the original thinking of the company that it is possible to have a character with superpowers that doesn’t have to be weighed down with the problems of the universe. The film is full of energy, life and smile-inducing entertainment. Most of that comes from how a 14-year-old boy would act if he suddenly had superpowers and also looked and talked like an adult. The first thing he does is buy beer.
This “Superman” meets “Big” works because of Zachary Levi, who plays the adult Shazam. Best known for “Chuck,” the actor has a boyish quality that makes it believable that underneath that red-and-yellow suit beats the heart of a teen.
A change in tone and great casting means “Shazam!” is taking the DC movie universe up, up and away.
• “Space: 1999: The Complete Series”: This science fiction series that was originally broadcast from 1975 to 1977 is being released on Blu-ray and DVD for the first time in North America. It remains one of the best television offerings in the genre because of the same smart writing that made “Star Trek” so popular almost a decade before, plus far superior visual effects and art direction.
The production looked at the aftermath of a nuclear waste dump on the lunar surface that unexpectedly detonates. The blast knocks the moon out of Earth’s orbit and takes the inhabitants of Moonbase Alpha on a trip across the galaxy. It features a superb cast topped by Martin Landau and Barbara Bain.
Included are all 48 episodes that were produced during two seasons.
Also on DVD
• “Breakthrough”: Chrissy Metz stars in this film based on the true story about the importance of faith.
• “Titans: The Complete First Season”: Dick Grayson (Brenton Thwaites) joins forces with a group of young people who have special powers.
• “American Masters: Robert Shaw: Man of Many Voices”: Documentary looks at the life of the legendary musician.
• “Puppy Swap: Love Unleashed”: Two dogs try to reunite their human owners.
• “Criminal Minds: Season 14”: A team of FBI agents tracks down the most dangerous and unstable criminals. Joe Mantegna stars.
• “Moon”: The Sam Rockwell science fiction film is being rereleased to mark the movie’s 10th anniversary.
• “Don’t Look at Me That Way”: Mongolian-born documentary director Uisenma Borchu makes her feature film debut with this film that looks at what happens when cultures collide.
• “Fast Color”: Young woman with superhuman abilities decides to go home and search for help. Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Lorraine Toussaint star.
• “Big Bad Fox & Other Tales”: Life in the country is a little wild because of a fox who mothers a family of chicks and a rabbit who handles the duties of the stork.
• “Dogman”: Timid dog groomer faces a monumental decision that could change his life.
• “NOVA: First Horse Warriors”: A look at how man finally mastered the use of horses.
On digital HD
• “Long Shot”: Journalist (Seth Rogen) is hired by a politician (Charlize Theron) to be her speechwriter, sparking old emotions. Wil be released on DVD and Blu-ray July 30.
• “The Curse of La Llorona”: Mother (Linda Cardellini) must battle a spirit looking to take her children. It will be available on DVD and Blu-ray Aug. 6.
• “Miss Arizona”: Group of women goes on wild adventure with the help of a former beauty queen. Available July 12.
• “From Earth to the Moon”: Original HBO series from 1998 that looked at the early days of the space race is being rereleased July 15.
