Now Available on DVD and Blu-Ray -- Martha Marcy May Marlene (Review)

 

GET CAPTIVATED BY ELIZABETH OLSEN IN THE GRIPPING PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER

MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE

Featuring the Award Winning Short Film “Mary Last Seen”
Only On Blu-ray and DVD February 21

Summary: 

From 2011 Sundance Film Festival “Best Director” winner Sean Durkin, in his feature film debut, and featuring breakout star Elizabeth Olsen in her “Best Female Lead” Film Independent Spirit Award nominated role, MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE arrived on Blu-ray and DVD February 21 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

After escaping from a dangerous cult and the watchful eye of its charismatic leader, a young woman named Martha (Olsen) tries to reclaim a normal life with her family. But the haunting memories from Martha’s past trigger a chilling paranoia — and nowhere seems safe as the fragile line between her reality and delusions begin to blur.

Supported by unforgettable powerhouse performances from Academy Award® nominee John Hawkes ( Winter’s Bone, American Gangster) and Sarah Paulson (Down With Love, What Women Want), the MARTHA MARCY MARY MARLENE Blu-ray and DVD is rich with feature special features, including “Mary Last Seen,” the chilling short film by writer/director Durkin that started it all.

MARTHA MARCY MARY MARLENE Blu-ray Features:

• Mary Last Seen
• Spotlight on Elizabeth Olsen
• The Story
• The Making of Martha Marcy May Marlene
• A Conversation with Filmmakers
• The Psyche of a Cult
• "Marcy's Song" Music Video by John Hawkes
• Theatrical Trailer

MARTHA MARCY MARY MARLENE DVD Features:

• Mary Last Seen

MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE BLU-RAY: (Catalog # 2277170)
Street Date: February 21, 2012
Pre-book Date: January 25, 2012
Screen Format: 16:9 (2.40:1)
Audio: 5.1 DTS-HD-MA
Subtitles: English / Spanish
U.S. Rating: R
Total Run Time: 02:36:27
Closed Captioned: Yes

MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE DVD: (Catalog # 2277163)
Street Date: February 21, 2012
Pre-book Date: January 25, 2012
Screen Format: 16:9 (2.40:1)
Audio: 5.1 DD
Subtitles: English / Spanish
U.S. Rating: R
Total Run Time: 2:02:03
Closed Captioned: Yes

 

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My Thoughts:

Who knew that Mary Kate and Ashley Olson have a little sister who can act?  I was introduced to Elizabeth Olson upon viewing this cult thriller.  I especially loved getting to know her better, with the help of the spotlight feature in the bonus material section of the DVD.  Elizabeth really makes this movie, as a former cult follower, who is trying to return to a normal life, while battering memories of her past.  Her family tries to help her reclaim her independence, but, inevitable finds themselves needing to distance themselves from her and her paranoia.  This pysochological thriller really does keep you on the edge of your seat.  And, the audio in this film adds to the creepiness, which is always a plus in these types of films.  

If you like Indie films, then you will love this short film. I was captivated by the way they shot this film, which like many Indie films was on a short budget.  Even though it didn't garner much attention when it was in theaters last year, I know that it will, now that it is on DVD and Blu-Ray.  Don't forget to watch the extra short sequence, Mary Last Seen.  I will not spoil this continuation found in the bonus section of the Disc, but it is one not to miss.

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this DVD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.