What’s New on Digital, DVD/Blu-ray, TV, & Netflix This Week: December 17-23
At a loss for what to watch this week? From new DVDs and Blu-rays, to what's streaming on Netflix, we've got you covered.
NEW ON DVD AND BLU-RAY
'Venom' (December 18)
Sony's efforts to create a Spider-Man spinoff universe certainly paid — at the box office, at least. Critics may have torn apart this super anti-hero flick, but it raked in the big bucks. Tom Hardy stars as a journalist named Eddie Brock who comes into contact with an alien symbiote that fuses with him. That gives him superpowers but also turns him into a slime monster with a really gross, long tongue.
The movie arrives on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on December 18 (and is already available on Digital HD). Bonus features include three deleted or extended scenes, an Easter Egg pop-up mode, and a history of Venom in comic books.
'The Predator' (December 18)
Shane Black's reboot/sequel to the classic sci-fi franchise brings back the super lethal alien hunters — even smarter, stronger, and ferocious than before — to wreak havoc on Earth, with only an evolutionary biologist (Olivia Munn) and a team of ex-soldiers standing in their way.
The movie arrives on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on December 18 (and is already available on Digital HD). Bonus features include deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes featurettes.
Watch an exclusive clip featuring young cast member Jacob Tremblay:
'The House With a Clock in Its Walls' (December 18)
Balancing light scares and zany fun, this family-friendly centers on an orphaned boy named Lewis who goes to live with his oddball uncle (Jack Black) in a house that mysteriously has a tick-tocking sound. Soon, he learns that his uncle and witchy neighbor (Cate Blanchett) can practice magic, which they'll need when Lewis accidentally wakens the dead.
The movie arrives on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on December 18 (and is already available on Digital HD). Bonus features include deleted scenes, audio commentaries, and behind-the-scenes featurettes.
'A Simple Favor' (December 18)
Blake Lively stars in this stylish thriller as Emily Nelson, an elegant and mysterious woman who strikes up a sort-of friendship with fellow mom Stephanie (Anna Kendrick). Then, Emily disappears without a trace after calling Stephanie for the titular favor. Is she dead? Where did she go? Should her husband (Henry Golding) be a suspect? This is the kind of grown-up movie — beautifully shot, with snappy performances and a carefully-built mystery — that just don't get made anymore.
The movie arrives on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on December 18 (and is already available on Digital HD). Bonus features include deleted scenes, eight featurettes, and a gag reel.
NEW VIDEO ON DEMAND, STREAMING, AND DIGITAL
'Bad Times at the El Royale' (December 18)
A star-studded cast — including Jeff Bridges, Dakota Johnson, Jon Hamm and Chris Hemsworth — gathers at a rundown hotel in Lake Tahoe with a dark past. Everyone has a secret to bury, and over the course of one night, seek redemption. This mystery thriller is chock full of twists and turns, building up to a shocking end. Available on Digital HD.
Fahrenheit 11/9 (December 18)
Michael Moore is up to his usual provocative tricks again, this time with a scathing look at current American politics and the presidency of Donald Trump. He asks two questions: "How the f--k did we get here?" and "How the f--k do we get out?" Available on Digital HD.
Mid90s (December 21)
Jonah Hill's directorial debut is a heartfelt, finely drawn coming-of-age tale about a teen from a dysfunctional family who spends his summer escaping his troubled home life and hanging out with a group of skaters. The film's lo-fi visuals evoke a sense of time and place. Available on Digital HD.
NEW ON NETFLIX
'Ellen DeGeneres: Relatable' (December 18)
The beloved daytime talk show host headlines her first stand-up comedy special in 15 years. She pokes fun at her sunny reputation, fabulous wealth, and penchant for dancing, but also goes dark (and even drops the F-bomb).
'3Below: Tales of Arcadia' (December 21)
Guillermo del Toro expands his animated "Trollhunters" universe with this tale of two royal teenage aliens fleeing from a surprise takeover of their home planet. They crash-land in Arcadia, where they try to blend in at the local high school.
'Watership Down' (December 23)
A new animated version of Richard Adams' seminal novel features an all-star cast as the voices of a group of rabbits that flee the intrusion of man and the destruction of their warren. Brothers Hazel (James McAvoy) and Fiver (Nicholas Hoult) lead them through the harrowing trials of predators and adversaries as they seek an idyllic new home.
For more, see what else is new on Netflix in December 2018.
TV WORTH WATCHING
'The Year in Memoriam,' ABC (December 17, 10 p.m.)
The ABC News special pays tribute to notable figures who died in 2018, from Aretha Franklin to Stan Lee to President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush.
'The Voice' Season 15 Finale, NBC (December 18, 9 p.m.)
America's choice for the winner is crowned in front of judges Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton.
'Survivor' Season 37 Finale, CBS (December 19, 8 p.m.)
One person will outwit, outplay, and outlast all the others to become Sole Survivor and win $1 million.