The troubles of the working class, animals killed for sport, zombies and the Holocaust: it's a dark week for DVD releases when a Mike Leigh box set, Delphine Gleize's "Carnage," Romero's "Dawn of the Dead" and Steven Spielberg's "Schindler's List" all make their digital debut.
1. Mike Leigh Collection - Volume 1 (3-Disc Set)
No one depicts the real lives of the working class Brits better than Mike Leigh. Now out on DVD are three early television films in one box set. "Hard Labour" (1973) stars Liz Smith as an exhausted housewife and maid. In "Abigail's Party" (1977), Alison Steadman stars as Abigail, whose smashingly successful party is interrupted by the untimely heart attack of her husband. "Grown Ups" (1980) finds a young working class couple moving into a new flat, right next door to their old teacher.
2. Carnage
In Delphine Gleize's audacious debut film, the lives of otherwise unrelated characters across Europe are connected by the aftermath of a Spanish bullfight, when the dead bull's remains are carved up and sold. The DVD also contains Gleize's early short films "Dirtie Basterdz" and "A Castle in Spain." The film won the youth award at the 2002 Cannes film festival.
3. Dawn of the Dead: (Special Divimax Edition)
It's synergy, kids. As Sarah Polley takes her first Hollywood role in eons, killing zombies in multiplexes near you, George Romero's cult classic is being released on DVD. Newly remastered, the DVD features commentary by director George Romero and special effects creator Tom Savin.4. Schindler's List
Steven Spielberg's labor of love tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, the German businessman who saved the lives of thousands of Jews during World War Two. The film won seven Academy Awards. Chicago Sun-Times critic Roger Ebert picked it as one of his "Great Movies." Liam Neeson stars in the title role. The DVD release includes the 77 minute documentary "Voices From the List" (with never-before-seen testimonies from the foundation archive of Schindler survivors.)5. Croupier
Clive Owen smolders in a tuxedo. A would-be author and self-loathing professional casino dealer, he distances himself from his girlfriend (Gina McKee) and gets involved in shady business at the casino through the seductive lure of an elegant gambler (Alex Kingston.) A surprise arthouse hit after its 1998 release, Mike Hodges directed this moody British thriller.