What's New on TV, Netflix, Digital, and DVD/Blu-ray This Week: August 29-September 4
At a loss for what to watch this week? From new TV, we've got you covered.
New on DVD and Blu-ray
"Me Before You"
Emilia "Khaleesi" Clarke and Sam "Finnick" Claflin star in this heart-rending romantic drama out on Blu-ray and DVD August 30. Easygoing Lou takes a job as caregiver to wealthy Will, who has lost his desire to live after a tragic accident, and they discover they are just what the other needs. The film is based on the somewhat controversial novel by Jojo Moyes, and the Blu-ray and DVD come with outtakes, deleted scenes, and the featurette "Me Before You: From Page to Screen."
"The Commitments"
Can you believe it has been 25 years since "The Commitments" was released? To honor the anniversary, director Alan Parker's cult classic is being released for the first time on Blu-ray August 30. The 25th Anniversary Edition features a brand new interview with Alan Parker and cast members Robert Arkins, Glen Hansard, and Kenneth McCluskey, looking back 25 years after the release. Other extras include commentary and several more making-of featurettes.
"Grey's Anatomy" Season 12
Meredith Grey's first McDreamy-free season arrives on DVD August 30. The 24-episode collection includes bonus features, and you should have enough time to get through them all before Season 13 premieres September 22 on ABC.
"Shameless"
The Gallaghers are back in the sixth season of Showtime's irreverent comedy, which arrives on DVD, and Blu-ray including Digital HD, on August 30. Fans get Season 6's 12 episodes, plus bonus content, including two new featurettes and deleted scenes. Season 7 premieres October 2, so there's more craziness to come.
"The Phenom"
Hopper (Johnny Simmons) has always dreamed of becoming a major-league pitcher but when he's on the verge of becoming one of the most promising players, he unexpectedly breaks down on the mound. He turns to an unorthodox sports therapist (Paul Giamatti) for help, bringing up past memories of his abusive father (Ethan Hawke) relentlessly pushing him. Written and directed by Noah Buschel, the sports drama arrives on DVD and Blu-ray August 30.
"The Jungle Book"
Watching Disney's epic adventure is one of the bare necessities of life! Get your copy of Jon Favreau's acclaimed live-action reimagining of "The Jungle Book" when it arrives on Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand August 30. The in-depth bonus features take fans into the filmmaking process, and share more on the all-star voice cast and breakout actor Neel Sethi (Mowgli).
New Video on Demand, Rental Streaming, and Digital
"Captain America: Civil War"
Avengers, assemble! Wait, this isn't an Avengers movie. Or is it? Captain America's third solo movie arrives on Digital HD, Digital 3D, and Disney Movies Anywhere on September 2, ahead of the DVD, Blu-ray, and On Demand release September 13. The Digital and Blu-ray releases include the gag reel, deleted and extended scenes, audio commentary, an exclusive "Doctor Strange" sneak peek, and more. Here's a look at the gag reel:
"The Neon Demon"
Nicolas Winding Refn ("Drive") directed this polarizing horror-thriller set in the world of fashion, following an aspiring model who moves to Los Angeles and enters an industry where "eat their own" takes on new meaning. Elle Fanning, Karl Glusman, Jena Malone, Bella Heathcote, Abbey Lee, Christina Hendricks, and Keanu Reeves co-star in the film, which is out on Digital HD and VOD August 30, and Blu-ray and DVD September 27.
"Wiener-Dog" (Amazon)
A new month always brings a long list of new titles to streaming services, including Amazon and Hulu. Amazon Prime has a lot of stuff to check out, including this dark Amazon Original Movie by Todd Solondz, about a dachshund who shuffles from oddball owner to oddball owner, including two couples, a veterinary nurse (Greta Gerwig), a screenwriter (Danny DeVito), and a bitter woman (Ellen Burstyn). It's available September 1. But warning: This is not a sweet feel-good movie! More on that here.
"High Maintenance" (HBO Now)
A marijuana dealer (Ben Sinclair) delivers to clients in New York City in this comedy series that started on the web and will continue with new episodes September 16 on HBO. In the meantime, catch up on all 19 original webisodes on HBO Now starting September 1.
"Kickboxer: Vengeance"
Jean-Claude Van Damme's new chapter in the "Kickboxer" franchise opens in theaters and is available on VOD and Digital HD September 2. An update to the 1989 film, this round follows Kurt Sloane (Alain Moussi), who trains with legendary Master Durand (Van Damme) and travels to Thailand to avenge the death of his brother at the hands of Tong Po (David Bautista). MMA champions Georges St-Pierre, Gina Carano, Cain Velasquez, and Fabricio Werdum co-star.
On September 1, a bunch of new titles will be added to and subtracted from Netflix. Here are some Netflix Originals arriving the first week of September.
"Narcos" Season 2
The story of the rise and fall of Colombian kingpin Pablo Escobar continues September 2. Here's what Netflix is teasing about Season 2: "The DEA. Search Bloc. The Cali Cartel. Los Pepes. Now that Pablo was out of prison, everyone wanted payback. But the question remains, #WhoKilledPablo?"
Watch the trailer, and get ready to stream the full second season:
"Chef's Table" Season 3
Netflix's delicious documentary series returns September 2 with a special French edition, following four of the top chefs in France: Alain Passard from L'Arpege, Michel Troisgros from Maison Troisgros, Adeline Grattard from Yam'Tcha, and Alexandre Couillon from La Marine. According to Whats-on-Netflix, "this will be a shorter season that those that came before it but you can expect Season 4 of 'Chef's Table' to arrive in 2017."
"Kazoops!" (Season 1)
If the title sounds like a bubbly kids's show -- you're right. This 13-episode animated series, aimed at preschool kids, promotes curiosity and critical thinking in a playful style. Here's a description, via Deadline: "Monty has a huge imagination, a great sense of adventure and is always asking the question 'Why?' ... Accompanied by his best friend Jimmy Jones, the family pet pig, Monty challenges everyday preconceptions about life through the power of his imagination." It's available September 2.
TV Worth Watching
"Pretty Little Liars" Season 7 (Tuesday on Freeform at 8 p.m.)
PLL always goes big with summer finales, so expect the same from "The DArkest Knight," which will follow an all-day PLL marathon from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on August 30. As Freeform teases, in the summer finale, "The PLLs confront old foes head-on and mayhem ensues. ... The Liars face off with their enemies in a chaotic fight that ends fatally. One of the PLLs learns a secret about her past that changes everything while another Liar discovers something about her future that could alter her course forever." Strap in for a bumpy ride!
"You're the Worst" Season 3 (Wednesday on FXX at 10 p.m.)
This comedy series follows self-involved writer Jimmy and self-destructive PR exec Gretchen -- two toxic people who attempt a relationship. Season 3 starts August 31 with "Try Real Hard," as Jimmy and Gretchen adjust to life after "I love you"; Edgar and Dorothy have sexual problems; and Lindsay and Paul find a new hobby.
"Through the Wormhole With Morgan Freeman" (Tuesday on The Science Channel at 10 p.m.)
The Emmy-nominated series returns for its new season August 30, with Freeman and a team of expert scientists and anthropologists exploring society's most timely and controversial questions. The season premiere tackles the question "What Makes a Terrorist?" from the perspective of science. Future episodes explore "Are There More than Two Sexes?" and "Is Privacy Dead?"
Watch the promo:
Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook.