Page 18 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II, III & IV • March 6, 2013 DVD releases (continued from Restaurant page) power of friendship, the possibilities of those stricken with terrible physical conditions to enjoy life, and the ability of two people from diverse class and racial backgrounds to care about each other and become fast friends. Blu-ray bonus features are slight, with only five deleted scenes. However, those who sit through the credits will learn about the lives the two men went on to lead and will see the real Philippe and Driss. “Lay the Favorite” (Anchor Bay) stars Rebecca Hall as Beth Raymer, a real-life cocktail waitress turned numbers wiz who wrote the memoir on which the film is based. In Las Vegas, she works for big-time gambler Dink (Bruce Willis), who runs numbers on sporting events. Beth starts placing bets in the casinos to alter the odds for Dink, but soon discovers a knack for keeping track of numbers and becomes a vital part of the operation, even though Dink’s jealous wife (Catherine Zeta-Jones) isn’t too thrilled with Beth’s presence. Director Stephen Frears (“The Queen,” “High Fidelity”) is off his game in this one. Performances are undistinguished, there are connective problems with scenes, and the picture never catches dramatic fire. Hall forges ahead admirably, but has too many obstacles to overcome. The film has the look and feel of a TV movieof-the-week, albeit with big-screen talent. The only bonus on the Blu-ray release is a series of deleted scenes. “Gun Hill Road” (Virgil Films) stars Esai Morales (“La Bamba,” “NYPD Blue”) as an ex-con struggling to do the right thing. After three years in prison, Enrique returns home to the Bronx to find the world he once knew has changed. His wife, Angela (Judy Reyes) has had an affair, and his teenage son, Michael (Harmony Santana), is undergoing a sexual transformation. Unable to accept his child, Enrique clings to his masculine ideals while Angela attempts to hold the family together by protecting Michael. Enrique must become the father he needs to be or risk losing his family and freedom once again. Though the film is supposed to be Enrique’s story, Santana’s incredible performance draws interest to Michael. Santana was actually transitioning to a woman when she took the role. Her scenes are natural, believable, and riveting. Morales always turns in solid work, and he ably conveys the mixture of emotions of a man trying to reconnect to life and family. The only bonus on the DVD release is an interview with director Rashaad Ernesto Green. “Collaborator” (Entertainment One) focuses on Robert Longfellow (Martin Donovan), a famous playwright who has fallen into a pit of bad luck. His recent Broadway play received scathing reviews and an early cancellation, and his marriage is being tested as an old flame (Olivia Williams) has re-entered his life during a particular moment of weakness. Retreating to his childhood home to visit his mother (Katherine Helmond), Robert crosses paths with his childhood neighbor, Gus (David Morse). An alcoholic ex-con who still lives at home with his mother, Gus is Robert’s opposite in every way. When Gus holds Robert hostage at gunpoint during a drunken reunion gone wrong, the drama unfolds as social status, celebrity, and the imminent threat of violence converge. Written and directed by Donovan, “Collaborator” is a showcase for the two principals. Donovan wisely allows Morse plenty of strong scenes, and the unfolding conversations between Robert and Gus reveal an attempt to connect, even though their lives appear so far apart. The script seems more suitable to the stage than the silver screen, since there is little action, one primary location, and fairly routine “point-and-shoot” cinematography. The 87-minute running time and two first-rate performances, however, hold viewers’ attention. The only bonuses on this DVD release are interviews with Martin Donovan and Olivia Williams.