The first batch of movies designed to get you into the holiday spirit is out Oct. 29 on DVD and Blu-ray.
• “A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish” HHH: Katherine “Kat” Decker (Laura Marano) dreams of becoming a famous singer-songwriter, but she is being held back emotionally by a cruel stepmother and professionally by her job as a department store elf. This could have been the end of her story. But she meets a charming young man, Nick (Gregg Sulkin), who is working as the store’s Santa Claus. Little does she know, he has a very rich secret life.
It takes a little coaching — and some very fun musical numbers — but Kat and Nick end up on their way to living happily ever after.
This is the fifth film in the “A Cinderella Story” movie series, with previous offerings starring Lucy Hale, Hilary Duff, Selena Gomez and Sofia Carson. Casting is the key to making the films work; the basic storyline rarely wanders far from the original tale.
Marano plays the most endearing department store elf since Zooey Deschanel’s work in 2003’s “Elf.” Marano plays the role with such a deep and honest sweetness that she can win over the hearts of almost anyone around her. She and Sulkin have a nice chemistry that makes it easy to want them to find true love.
It is an added bonus that Marano is an accomplished singer, which adds another layer of enjoyment to the direct-to-DVD production.
The offering also distinguishes itself from the other tales of evil stepfamilies in the series by taking place during Christmas. The time frame sets up both a film that can be enjoyed by those who are fans of Cinderella or those who just like sweet holiday movies. And “A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish” is as sweet as a sleigh full of candy canes.
Also on DVD, Blu-Ray
• “A Discovery of Witches”: Modern love story set in a world where witches, vampires and demons secretly live and work alongside humans.
• “The Swan Princess”: Animated film that looks at a beautiful princess who is transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s spell. It is being rereleased to mark the 25th anniversary.
• “Batman Beyond: The Complete Series Limited Edition”: Includes all of the episodes from the animated series that debuted in 1999.
• “10 Minutes Gone”: Crime boss (Bruce Willis) must uncover the truth behind a botched robbery.
• “It’s a Wonderful Life”: The Frank Capra classic is being released on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray for the first time.
• “Mike Wallace Is Here”: Examination of the legendary reporter who became known for his aggressive reporting style and showmanship.
• “Warrior Season 1”: Crime drama set during the Tong Wars of San Francisco’s Chinatown in the last half of the 19th century.
• “The Blob”: Kevin Dillon and Shawnee Smith star in this 1988 remake of the 1958 film about a shapeless creature that consumes everyone around it.
• “Mehsampur”: Film that looks at the life and death of a folk singing duo is presented as both as a work of fiction and as a documentary.
• “Queens of Mystery”: Series follows the adventures of three crime-writing sisters and their niece.
On digital HD
• “The Art of Racing in the Rain”: Dog helps his owners through unconditional love. Set for DVD and Blu-ray release Nov. 5.
• “The Angry Birds Movie 2”: The flightless angry birds and the scheming green piggies take their battle to the next level. This animated offering will be available on DVD and Blu-ray on Nov. 12.
• “Good Boys”: Three sixth graders end up on an adventure when they skip school. Look for it on DVD and Blu-ray Nov. 12.
• “The Farewell”: Young woman discovers the family matriarch has not been told she’s dying. Awkwafina stars. It is set for a Nov. 12 release on DVD and Blu-ray.
• “47 Meters Down: Uncaged”: Four teenage girls fight for survival in a submerged Mayan city. DVD and Blu-ray release date is Nov. 12.
