Happy March everyone! To kick off the month we have what might be the smallest new release day I have ever seen. But one title stands on its own this week, Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast. 9 year old Buddy (Jude Hill) lives with his working class Protestant family in Belfast in 1969. His father (Jamie Dornan) is often absent, working in England, but his mother (Caitriona Balfe), brother (Lewis McAskie) and grandparents (Judi Dench and Ciarán Hinds) are all there to guide Buddy through his childhood and the stark truths of the turmoil in his country, especially when riots hit their own neighbourhood, turning their lives upside down.

Kenneth Branagh wrote and directed this drama based on real events from his own childhood. The result is a wonderfully vivid tale of childhood and family with a cast to die for. Everyone from the brilliant young Hill to Dornan, Balfe and especially the scene stealing of Dench and Hinds are in top form. Branagh also chose to film Belfast in black and white which brings a great sense of nostalgia to the story, and an innocence to Hill’s adventures in their Belfast neighbourhood. It also brings the reality of the religious turmoil into stark contrast to that childhood. Belfast is touching, funny, heartfelt and genuine story. Highly recommended.

Also of note this week is a new 4K collection of Daniel Craig’s films as James Bond including the last entry, No Time to Die.

Until next week movie lovers, stay safe!

DVD and Blu-ray Releases for Tuesday March 1, 2022

Belfast (2021)

Blue’s Clue’s & You! Triple Pack

Flee (2021)

I Am Mortal (2021)

James Bond: The Daniel Craig Collection (2006-2021) 4K

Prehysteria! 2 (1994)*

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!: The Complete Series*

SpongeBob Squarepants Triple Pack

The Pilot (2021)

Xpiation

*New to Blu-ray