On DVD & Blu-Ray, 5/17/11: 'Thor: Tales of Asgard,' 'The Hustler,' More

THOR: TALES OF ASGARD (DVD/Blu-ray & DVD Combo)

You’ve seen him in live-action as the arrogant/noble God of Thunder, now you can see him in animated form, long before he wielded the hammer Mjolnir. Thor, along with Loki and the Warriors Three (one of whom, Sif, is voiced by veteran voice artist Tara Strong), quests to find the Lost Sword of Surtur. Included on both the DVD and Blu-ray are two commentaries, a making-of featurette, and an episode of The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

REISSUES

THE HUSTLER: 50th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray)

In his best performance, the iconic Paul Newman played Fast Eddie Felson, a hustling pool shark consumed by his own greed and ambition. Though stylish and beautifully shot, the film is not a picnic to sit through; Fast Eddie is a wounded human being, and Newman fleshes out the character’s every nuance. Jackie Gleason, George C. Scott, and Piper Laurie are all also at the tops of their games. 

BEVERLY HILLS COP (Blu-ray)

These days, it’s hard to remember what it was like when Eddie Murphy actually mattered. Come to think of, it’s been hard to remember that for some time now. Luckily, here comes the Blu-ray edition of Beverly Hills Cop, Murphy’s funniest, edgiest comedy. Surprisingly gritty and backed by a classic/corny Harold Faltermeyer synth score, it’s a lively 80’s blockbuster. 

DIABOLIQUE: The Criterion Collection (Blu-ray)

Almost everyone describes Henri Georges-Clouzot as the French Hitchcock, and I’m loath to use the same cliché…but, damn it, it’s true. After making the masterpiece The Wages of Fear in 1953, Clouzot turned right around and made another masterpiece, 1954’s Diabolique. It’s the creepy, twisty story of two women murdering their abusive lover, often mislabeled as horror when it is instead a gripping tale of suspense. Extras include an interview with Clouzot collaborator Serge Bromberg, an interview with horror film expert Kim Newman, selected scene commentary by French film scholar Kelley Conway, and the requisite Criterion booklet of essays. 

For a more complete listing of new releases, make sure to scope out Video ETA.