New movies to be released this week on DVD

August Evening (2008) *** Writer/director Chris Eska seems to be attempting an ambitious Mexican-American variation on "King Lear," another tale of an aging patriarch seeking refuge but ultimately rejected by ungrateful children.

Blindness (2008) ** The trouble with this movie is that it’s so preoccupied with shouldering this symbolic weight that it gradually forgets to tell a story — to keep faith with the directives of common sense.

Frozen River (2008) ***½ Does what too many independent American movies only pretend to do: Takes you to an unnoticed corner of our country and shows what it’s like to actually live there.

The Guitar (2008) * That the movie is easy on the eyes (Saffron Burrows’ fetching silhouette against those sunset river views) doesn’t make it any less bogus.

The Lodger (2009) ½* Filled with second-rate Brian DePalma twists, noirishly blurred lights and usually solid actors mouthing potboiler brine, this movie resembles bottom-shelf ‘80s dreck.

Miracle at St. Ana (2008) *½ When director Spike Lee isn’t doing cinematic somersaults or mining for injustice, he doesn’t seem to know where to put the camera. The logistics of the plot make no sense, and he has nothing to sell but the theme of our common humanity — in which, on the evidence, I don’t think he believes.

My Name Is Bruce (2008) *½ The only things missing from this unfunny Bruce Campbell love fest are a passable script, Sam Raimi’s inventiveness, and a level of sophistication beyond nose-picking and ass grabs.

Nights in Rodanthe (2008) *½ A shameless puddle of romantic slop.

Soul Men (2008) ** Couldn’t be more unhip — it just never hits the groove.

W. (2008) **½ Director Oliver Stone paddles down the giant river of George W. Bush’s life without exploring any of the tributaries; he passes by two or three dozen better movies along the way.