Review: This week’s releases follow people living the dream

Minions: The Rise of Gru [Collector’s Edition] (4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray & Digital code)
Long before he becomes the master of evil, Gru (Steve Carell) is just a 12-year-old boy in 1970s suburbia, plotting to take over the world from his basement. When the infamous supervillain group, the Vicious 6, ousts their leader (Alan Arkin), Gru attempts to join their ranks but soon finds himself the mortal enemy of the apex of evil. With Gru on the run, the Minions (Pierre Coffin) attempt to learn martial arts to help save him, and Gru discovers that even bad guys need a little help from their friends.

There is something about the adorable little minions of which fans cannot get enough. They are the ideal companions, making up for their many mistakes with cuteness and dedication. As the Minions are reunited with an albeit younger Gru in this picture, it does feel more like the first couple of films. After agreeing to be their boss, Gru puts them to work renovating his basement and providing familial support at school. Even then, his goal in life was diabolical super villain — ambitions that don’t go over well during a class project. It’s difficult getting respect at such a young age, but Gru’s intellect and perseverance make him a formidable opponent for anyone — as he proves time and again in this amusing narrative — as do his little yellow helpers, who are determined to make Gru the best villain possible… one day.

Special features include: extended scene; “Gru-Vy Animation”; “The ’70s — Fashion, Food & Funk”; “Minion Martial Arts”; two mini movies, “Post Modern Minions” and “Minions and Monsters”; “how to draw (& animate) with Brad Ableson”; “Lair Flair: Make Your Own Minion Hideout”; “Super Style Shop”; and outtakes. (Universal Pictures Home Entertainment)

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris [Collector’s Edition] (Blu-ray & Digital copy)
A London housecleaner, Ada Harris (Lesley Manville), thinks her lonely life might turn around if she can become the owner of a Christian Dior gown. Saying goodbye to her friends, like Archie (Jason Isaacs), won’t be easy, and neither will winning over elite people in Paris from Madame Colbert (Isabelle Huppert) to idealistic accountant André (Lucas Bravo). But Ada’s irrepressible charm just might end up saving the whole House of Dior.

At its core, this is the story of one blue collar woman pursuing a luxurious dream. Ada is well-liked in her neighbourhood, has a friendly relationship with her employers, is an excellent seamstress and enjoys gambling. However, she has no idea how to navigate the world of fashion elites — which is where her lovely personality comes into play. Paris is another universe when compared to London with language only being part of the problem. Yet, stepping inside the House of Dior and watching a fashion show of the designer’s ‘50s collection is a treat in itself — and of course Ada selects the most stunning dress for herself. It’s a bit of an underdog story as Ada’s dream is the same as many women’s, though while it proves unattainable for so many, audiences can’t help but root for her.

Special features include: deleted and extended scenes; and gag reel. (Universal Pictures Home Entertainment)

Star Trek: The Original Motion Picture Collection [and six individual 4K UHD releases] (4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray & Digital code)
All six original Star Trek big screen adventures come to 4K UHD in one collection. Starring the original cast — including William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig and James Doohan — all have been remastered for optimum picture quality from their original film elements. This new collection includes Star Trek: The Motion Picture — The Director Edition, in addition to the original theatrical cut, as well as the director’s cut of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.

As Star Trek: The Original Series proved so wildly popular in syndication, 10 years after it ended the studio opted to make a movie starring the original cast. Captain Kirk is promoted to Admiral, but all of the films would still have specially edited TV versions. Kirk’s rebellious nature endures as he steals the Enterprise to save a friend and then avoids a court martial by once again saving the planet in the third and fourth films, while facing off with a renegade Vulcan and Klingons set for war in fifth and sixth. Nimoy would also take the opportunity to take a bigger role behind the camera, directing two of the films and co-writing another, while Shatner took the helm for the fifth picture. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is one of the most memorable pictures of the franchise as it involved the return of a formidable enemy that had a significant impact on the crew.

Includes all previously released special features. (Paramount Home Entertainment)