March is Oscars month, so this month’s releases are a nice mix of Oscar nominees and blockbuster hits, plus as always, some hidden gems. Check out the best home releases for March (plus one special early preview for April) in this slideshow.
Remakes are hard to embrace, especially ones of original classics. Try telling that to Steven Spielberg who absolutely hits a grand slam with “West Side Story”. A glorious eventful take on the all-time classic musical. There are so many notable things to say about this film, the choreography of the dancing is top-notch. The sets look exquisite. The singing is great. The fresh faced talent is outstanding. There is little not to like about this remake. It is not only on-par with the original, dare I say it might be even better! It’s a must-see and sure Oscar contender. WEST SIDE STORY is out on Digital and Disney+ on March 2 and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD March 15. 
One of my favorite and most underrated films of 2021. It did get a Oscar nomination, but not enough buzz for the all-around quality of the film. From mastermind Guillermo del Toro comes this mysterious thriller that stars Bradley Cooper, Rooney Mara, Toni Collette and Cate Blanchett. Cooper is phenomenal in the lead role, one of his best performances ever. Blanchett is equally terrific. This film is lengthy but highly compelling. There are twists and turns you won’t see coming until the jaw-dropping final scene. A must-see! NIGHTMARE ALLEY releases on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital on March 22. 
One of the best films of last year. It’s a film and story of a family you can’t help but root for. Based on the real life experiences of director Kenneth Branagh. This black and white gem is like a movie photo album storybook. Even if you can’t relate to the experiences of these characters, this movie feels like “home” and reminds you how adventurous a childhood can be. Fantastic cast lead by Jamie Dornan, Caitriona Balfe, Judi Dench, Ciaran Hinds and a breakout star-making performance from young Jude Hill, who is sensational. This is a funny film, amid a backdrop of fear and war, but it’s also so rich on family and love. Belfast is simply timeless. BELFAST is out on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital on March 1, 2022. 
The national champs have arrived. Yes, the film is centered on college football and the National Championship, but it’s the behind-the-scenes lead-up to it that’s at the forefront of this story. Stephan James and J.K. Simmons star as a superstar football player and his legendary head coach at a crossroads in the lead up to the biggest game of their lives..The National Championship. This film doesn’t have much action or even football action, but if you can make bedside conversation all based in a hotel compelling, this movie accomplishes it. Football, just behind-the-scenes. I also liked the fact this movie centered on college football and the topic of student/athlete pay. Good stuff. NATIONAL CHAMPIONS is out on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital on March 8, 2022. 
Some things just feel right, Keanu Reeves and the Matrix are a perfect fit that you can’t stop wanting to see. Matrix Resurrection is highly satisfying. Lana Wachowski directs, so you know the film is in familiar hands from the source that knows the franchise best, and it shows. The wildcard that steals the show is Yahya Abdul Mateen II (Candyman) who is really good in the film. Mr. Anderson steps into the toughest and most dangerous Matrix than ever before. Resurrection is packed with action and top visual effects. Double realities are just as good today as when the Matrix started. THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS is available on 4K, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital as of March 8. 
He’s back! Years after the hit series came to an end comes the new evolution of Dexter. It’s been a hot minute since we last saw Michael C. Hall playing Dexter Morgan, so it’s cool to see Michael C. Hall return to reprise the role, along with Jennifer Carpenter playing Dexter’s sister Deb. The original showrunner Clyde Phillips also returns. Even though a decade almost passed since we last saw Dexter, it still feels familiar. Fans of the original should be thrilled with Dexter: New Blood. The Steelbook 4-disc special edition Blu-ray set comes with all the episodes of New Blood and special features. DEXTER: NEW BLOOD arrives on Blu-ray, DVD and limited-edition Blu-ray SteelBook on March 22, 2022. 
This is an early look at a film that stars Scout Taylor-Compton and Nolan Gerard Funk. The Long Night is a wild and freaky horror-thriller. The couple are trapped in an old family home in the South (aren’t those swamp land homes always the freakiest and perfect for horror?). The couple is invaded by a cult that is just plain creepy, something out of the worst nightmare. This film is thrilling at every turn. Lots going on to keep the goosebumps from disappearing. It’s like a home invasion and haunted house combined with an addition of a chilling cult and an apocalyptic prophecy. Let the terror begin! THE LONG NIGHT releases on Blu-ray and DVD on April 5th 
If the title “Highway to Heaven” sounds familiar to you, it’s because it is familiar. The film is a modern adaptation of the popular 1980’s Michael Landon TV series of the same name. This Lifetime Original film version stars Jill Scott and Barry Watson. Scott stars as an angel sent from heaven to be a school counselor to help a troubled student in need. This is really a positive feel-good movie that will undoubtedly warm your heart. We need movies like this, to share a message of hope and love. HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN is out on DVD on March 1st 
You want a juicy real-life scandal? Look no further than Netflix’s ‘Bad Vegan’. A four-part documentary on the Pure Food and Wine NYC hotspot and the celebrity restaurentour behind it. What promised to be a new-age vegan cuisine turned to a story of fraud and blackmail. The doc is fascinating with mind-blowing testimonials from people who were witness to this fraud by Sarma Melngailis and her con-man lover. So many twists and turns, it’s hard to believe it’s actually real. This is a must-see. Plenty of meat on this bone (no pun intended). BAD VEGAN is out on Netflix on March 16 
Megastar Jennifer Lopez is back on the big screen in the genre she’s known best for, the romcom. JLo plays a heartbroken pop star (where is Ben Affleck when you need him?). No worries, she finds a romance in the unlikeliest ways when she randomly ties the knot with a stranger from the audience of one of her shows. Now the stranger isn’t your typical unknown, it’s Owen Wilson! The film is a traditional romcom with two star leads that fit well into the genre. I found the film to be endearing and fun. The romcom is making a comeback and “Marry Me” is a good one to lead the way to start out 2022 in that genre. MARRY ME releases on Digital March 13, 2022, Blu-ray and DVD on March 29, 2022. 
Two Kenneth Branagh films make this month’s list (see: Belfast). ‘Death on the Nile’ is in the same mold of his previous film ‘Murder on the Orient Express’. A murder mystery with the same central lead character “Hercule Poirot” played by Branagh. I enjoyed ‘Death on the Nile’ a lot more than ‘Murder on the Orient Express. It has a stellar cast and instead of a train, the action takes place on a lavish boat. The murder mystery turns you in several directions and keeps you guessing. It’s entertaining and engaging. A very watchable movie experience. DEATH ON THE NILE arrives on Digital March 29 and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on April 5.
This is a list of some fantastic titles, several Oscar nominated, plus a compelling documentary, a blockbuster favorite, and a feel-good story. A little bit for everyone, fantastic stories, acting and drama.