A second feature-film outing with Sega’s signature video game critter tops the DVD releases for the week of Aug. 9.
“Sonic the Hedgehog 2”: Sonic is joined by other classic characters from his pixelated universe like Tails and Knuckles in this sequel that again stars James Marsden and Jim Carrey and features the voices of Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba and Colleen O’Shaughnessey.
“It’s rare to see a kids’ movie, especially one based on an aging corporate franchise, in which every actor seems invested — especially Carrey’s wild-eyed, crisply performed baddie, who spews electricity in every scene,” Denver Post critic John Wenzel writes. “Dismiss it as another cash-in; you wouldn’t be wrong. But it’s pure and unapologetic fun, a thrill ride for kids that manages to fly by for adults, too.”
Also new on DVD
“Men”: In director Alex Garland’s latest offering, a woman seeks refuge in the English countryside after a traumatic loss in her life, only to find that the inhabitants of the village are a menacing bunch.
“Crimes of the Future”: Starring Viggo Mortensen and Kristen Stewart, this movie from filmmaker David Cronenberg is set in a near-future when human organs are rapidly evolving.
“Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts”: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and more reunite to discuss their time filming the Harry Potter movies in this special that premiered New Year’s Day on HBO Max.
“Hot Seat”: An IT worker who finds a bomb strapped to his office chair is then ordered to commit cybertheft by a hacker in this thriller starring Mel Gibson, Kevin Bacon and Shannen Doherty.
“Last Seen Alive”: A couple in the midst of a divorce stops at a gas station while driving, when the wife suddenly vanishes, leaving the husband (Gerard Butler) to traverse the town’s underbelly in search of her.
“Nitram”: Caleb Landry Jones stars in this Australian psychological drama based on the life of Martin Bryant, who killed 35 people in the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
“Pam & Tommy”: Lily James and Sebastian Stan both nabbed Emmy nominations for their portrayals of Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee respectively in this Hulu limited series about the couple’s headline-filled marriage in the ’90s.
“Vivo”: Netflix animated family comedy about an adventurous kinkajou, featuring original music from Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also voices the main character.
“Harper”: Drama about an 11-year-old girl who has to go live on a rundown farm with an aunt she has never met after her father dies unexpectedly.
“Bull: The Final Season”: Season 6 brings the CBS legal drama starring Michael Weatherly in the title role to a close.
“Back to the Beach”: The 1987 musical comedy starring former teen idols Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello gets released on Blu-ray for the first time in honor of the film’s 35th anniversary.
“Event Horizon”: This Blu-ray Steelbook release marks the 25th anniversary of the ’90s sci-fi horror cult classic featuring Sam Neill and Laurence Fishburne.
