What's New on TV, Netflix, Digital, and DVD/Blu-ray This Week: December 4-10
At a loss for what to watch this week? From new TV, we've got you covered.
New on DVD and Blu-ray
"Despicable Me 3"
'Tis the season to start thinking of good holiday gifts, so here's one for the Minion-lover in your life. "Despicable Me 3" is out on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD this Tuesday, December 5. There's a long list of bonus features, including the all-new mini movie "The Secret Life of Kyle," plus Minion Moments, character profiles, a sing-along, and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie.
Here's an exclusive look at a bonus feature with Dana Gaier talking about her character Edith, and her growth over the course of the three films:"American Assassin"
Dylan O'Brien plays CIA black-ops recruit Mitch Rapp in this action film costarring Michael Keaton as Cold War veteran Stan Hurley. The Blu-ray -- out December 5 -- includes several behind-the-scenes featurettes on the locations, training, stunts, casting, and creation of the movie.
Watch this exclusive clip from the extras, focusing on the casting of Taylor Kitsch, who was approached years ago to play the Mitch Rapp role that ultimately went to Dylan O'Brien:"The Osiris Child: Science Fiction Volume One"
This sci-fi film starring Kellan Lutz, Isabel Lucas, Daniel MacPherson, and Rachel Griffiths comes out on DVD/Blu-ray December 5. When a dangerous outbreak threatens to destroy everyone living on a newly colonized planet, Lt. Kane Sommerville (MacPherson) goes against orders and leaves his station to rescue his young daughter (Teagan Croft). Desperate to get to her before it's too late, Kane enlists the help of an escaped prisoner (Lutz) as they battle their way through the chaos of a planet on the verge of annihilation. Bonus features include five featurettes on the making of the film, plus deleted scenes, music videos, a photo gallery, and a concept art gallery.
• Redbox: New titles coming to the big red box on Tuesday, Dec. 4 include "American Assassin," "Logan Lucky," "Better Watch Out," "Singularity," "Dementia 13," "The Crucifiction," "Ingrid Goes West," "Notorious," "The Osiris Child," "Howard Lovecraft and the Undersea Kingdom," "Pitch Perfect," and "Pitch Perfect 2."
New Video on Demand, Rental Streaming, and Digital
"Stronger"
Jake Gyllenhaal plays Boston Marathon bombing survivor Jeff Bauman in this powerful biodrama based on the 2013 attack. "Stronger" -- costarring Tatiana Maslany and Miranda Richardson -- arrives on Digital December 5 and Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand December 19.
Here's an exclusive sneak peek from the bonus featurette "Faith, Hope & Love: Becoming Stronger"; the filmmakers discuss how they worked with Boston city officials to make the film, and the work that went into recreating the bombing scene without being insensitive to the city and citizens who were affected by the tragedy:"Boston"
This documentary on the Boston Marathon, narrated by hometown boy Matt Damon, would be well-paired with "Stronger." "Boston," out on Digital December 5 and On Demand December 19, chronicles the story of the iconic race from its humble 15-runner origins to the present day. Extras include the featurette "Boston Symphony Orchestra Behind the Scenes."
"F the Prom"
Danielle Campbell, Joel Courtney, Madelaine Petsch, Ian Ziering, and Cheri Oteri star in this comedy arriving on EST and VOD December 5. "Former best friends Maddy and Cole exist on opposite ends of the high school social spectrum. When Maddy's reign as most popular girl abruptly ends, the duo reconnects as they conspire to ruin the ultimate popularity contest: senior prom."
Check out this exclusive clip from the movie, featuring Danielle Campbell's Maddy, and her parents, played by Cheri Oteri and Richard Karn:"Fits and Starts"
This comedy starring Wyatt Cenac, Greta Lee, Maria Dizzia, and Alex Karpovsky follows a struggling young writer who can't escape his wife's literary success. When a road trip to a publisher's housewarming party takes an unexpected turn, he has to face his own creative shortcomings and find a way to regain control of his life and work.
Check out this exclusive clip from "Fits and Starts" -- out on VOD and EST December 5 -- with the husband and wife authors squabbling in the car:"mother!"
Find out what all the fuss and controversy has been about when this Darren Aronofsky/Jennifer Lawrence film arrives on Digital HD December 5, then 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD December 19. The psychological thriller costars Javier Bardem, Ed Harris, Michelle Pfeiffer, Domhnall Gleeson, Brian Gleeson, and Jovan Adepo. Bonus content includes "mother! The Downward Spiral" and "The Makeup FX of mother!"
"The Crown" Season 2 (Netflix Original)
Lonely, isolated Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy), her "restless" husband Philip (Matt Smith), and her lovestruck sister Princess Margaret (Vanessa Kirby) are all back for Season 2, whose 10 episodes arrive on Netflix this Friday, Dec. 8. "With the world undergoing great changes, a damaged British monarchy must confront its past in order to have a future." Here's the trailer:"Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2"
Marvel fans, get ready to stream Baby Groot's big adventure. Before we see the Guardians join the Avengers for "Infinity War," watch them in this blockbuster sequel, available on Netflix starting December 5.
"DreamWorks Trolls Holiday "
This 30-minute special, based on the animated movie "Trolls," got high ratings in its recent airing on NBC. Now families can stream the DreamWorks special starting December 6
TV Worth Watching
"The Great American Baking Show" (Thursday on ABC at 9 p.m.)
It's not quite "The Great British Baking Show," but this American sister show will launch its holiday cheer this week with two episodes back-to-back episodes: Cake Week and Morning Treats Week. This time, Paul Hollywood is here to judge alongside Johnny Iuzzini. Somehow, we're supposed to go on without the sweetness and spice of Mary Berry. Nia Vardalos and Ian Gomez are also out as hosts, with Ayesha Curry and Anthony "Spice" Adams stepping in.
"Will & Grace" and "Superstore" Holiday Episodes (Tuesday on NBC at 9 p.m.)
Two of NBC's Thursday comedies are moving to Tuesday for one special week of Christmas episodes. First, "Will & Grace" will have "A Gay Olde Christmas" at 9 p.m.: "Will, Grace, Karen and Jack wish they could have experienced Christmas in old New York, but realize the past was not quite as romantic or open to diversity as they pictured it." Then "Superstore" will celebrate "Christmas Eve" at 9:30 p.m.: "Trying to prove how wild she can be, Amy turns a boring Christmas Eve at Cloud 9 into a holiday adventure; Jonah and Garrett's roommate issues boil over; Glenn tries to prove to Mateo that Christmas is better than fine."
"The Good Doctor" (Monday on ABC at 10 p.m.)
The first season of Freddie Highmore's medical drama is taking a midseason break after this week's Episode 10, "Sacrifice": "A charming young doctor puts a member of the surgical team in an awkward position at work; Dr. Glassman suggests that Dr. Shaun Murphy meet with a therapist." Don't forget this recent "Good Doctor" tease from TVLine: "I hear one of the rookie hit's full-time docs will be checking out in the near future, and his/her controversial onscreen exit — which may or may not stick — will set the stage for a big midseason storyline."
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