Review: This week’s newly released serial killers have differing motives (Includes first-hand account)

Jacob (Anton Yelchin) returns to his desolate hometown and discovers that his child-like brother, Buddy (Chris Marquette) is working for a notorious gang. The gang’s ruthless boss (Vincent D’Onofrio) has exploited Buddy’s simple mind and manipulated him into becoming a merciless killer. Jacob realizes the only way to save Buddy is to take down the gang from within.

This is a dark film, aesthetically and narratively, as the local gangster callously takes advantage Buddy’s naiveté and turns him into a murderer. As a child, Jacob never suspected that what his brother was doing to support them was illegal. As an adult he’s suspicious of Buddy’s prosperity, but would never have guessed he was a hired gun. The gangster’s manipulation of Buddy is beyond sinister and D’Onofrio is the perfect villain. Yelchin and Marquette don’t share many physical characteristics, though they do appear to have a brotherly bond. There is a lot of backstabbing in this picture, using its time well to tell a compelling story that straddles the modern age and film noir. The special features include a fun musical montage introducing the cast and crew, who really get into the shot.

Special features include: “A Glimpse (Through the Eyes of the Crew)”; “An Inception”; “The Look”; “Introducing the Crew: Bollywood Style”; “Behind-the-Scenes of Introducing the Crew”; “First Day of Shoot”; “Finding Buddy”; “Vidhu Vinod Chopra In Action”; “Last Day of Shoot”; “Introducing Hench”; “Brothers Are Forever”; “The Ranch”; and “Wrap Party Video.” (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)

Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday The 13th (Blu-Ray)

Inspired by the critically-acclaimed book, the documentary takes viewers behind the mask on an epic journey into the making of the landmark horror franchise — from its humble beginnings in 1980 at a New Jersey summer camp to the blockbuster release of its 2009 “reboot.” It combines hundreds of rare and never-before-seen photographs, film clips, outtakes, archival documents, conceptual art and behind-the-scenes footage, and features interviews with more than 150 cast and crew members spanning all twelve films and the television series.

At more than six and a half hours, this is the ultimate examination of the iconic franchise that would deliver one of the highest all-time body counts and creative murders. Each segment is structured similarly and dedicated to one film in the series. The filmmakers’ efforts to speak to all the important players in the documentary’s making are evident. From directors to actors to producers to special effects artists, audiences get the inside scoop on financing, casting, disputes, location scouting and the evolution of Jason Vorhees’ look, which includes a number of people taking credit for various defining moments throughout the franchise. This is almost everything fans ever wanted to and could know about this enduring franchise, including the development of the long-awaited battle between Jason and Freddy Krueger.

Special features include: commentary by Daniel Farrands, Peter Bracke and Luke Rafalowski. (RLJ Entertainment)

Extinction (DVD)

For nine years, Patrick (Matthew Fox), Jack (Jeffrey Donovan) and his daughter Lu (Quinn McColgan) have outlasted the zombie apocalypse by shutting themselves off in the snowbound town of Harmony. The monsters have seemingly disappeared with no sign of other survivors, but the constant fear of the unknown is starting to take a toll on this makeshift family. When Patrick goes scavenging for food, he discovers the undead have returned and evolved into something terrifying, beyond imagination.

The foundation of this movie is based on a theory previously proposed that zombies would not survive in cold climates. Thus, it’s not the first time survivors have successfully headed north and avoided the outbreak. However this narrative takes it one step further to suggest that over time rather than die out, the creatures would evolve. This is a fresh and intriguing concept that introduces a new take on a familiar monster. The other part of this story is the mysterious falling out between Patrick and Jack, which is slowly revealed in flashbacks. It’s relatively solid until the last act when it takes on a melodramatic tone and the savviest character makes a very senseless mistake.

Special features include: making-of featurette; “The Apocalypse”; “The Creatures”; “Visual Effects Progressions Reel”; “Clara Lago and Quinn McColgan”; “Matthew Fox and Jeffrey Donovan”; and two-part “Digital Effects.” (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)

Shocker (Blu-ray)

About to be electrocuted for a catalog of heinous crimes, the unrepentant Horace Pinker (Mitch Pileggi) transforms into a terrifying energy source. Only young athlete Jonathan Parker (Peter Berg), with an uncanny connection to Pinker through bizarre dreams, can fight the powerful demon. The two dive in and out of television programs, chasing each other from channel to channel through stunning scenes of disaster, game shows and old reruns.

This is a fun and unconventional story from writer/director Wes Craven, who was given carte blanche to make a horror movie of his choosing and design. Pinker is an all-around psychopath — a role the younger Pileggi relishes — that takes some interesting forms throughout the narrative. In fact, Craven wrote additional dialogue for Pinker after Pileggi was cast because he proved so capable in the over-the-top role. Berg, who went on to become a recognized director, also jumps in with both feet and gives the ridiculous narrative his all. Many of the scenes between the two actors are very physical as they tussle on rooftops, in houses and through various programs on an old tube TV. The final act is equally outrageous with teens banning together to defeat a villain they should have laughed off and black magic granting Pinker all sorts of privileges.

Special features include: commentary with writer/director Wes Craven; commentary by director of photography Jacques Haitkin, co-producer Robert Engelman and composer William Goldstein; “Cable Guy — An All-New Interview with Actor Mitch Pileggi”; “Alison’s Adventures — An Interview with Actress Cami Cooper”; “It’s Alive — An Interview with Executive Producer Shep Gordon”; “No More Mr. Nice Guy – The Music Of Shocker,” featuring interviews with music supervisor Desmond Child and soundtrack artists Bruce Kulick (KISS), Jason McMaster (Dangerous Toys), Kane Roberts (Alice Cooper), and Dave Ellefson (Megadeth); two vintage making-of featurettes; original storyboard gallery; still gallery; TV and radio spots; theatrical trailer. (Scream Factory)