From Oliver Goldstick, the man behind “Ugly Betty” and “Pretty Little Liars,” comes “The Collection,” a stylish series set in Paris after the end of World War II.
The action pivots on two clashing brothers (Richard Coyle, Tom Riley) who are tasked with restoring their family’s fashion empire to its former glory. But as they struggle to sew up the necessary profits, they also have to deal with the repercussions of their loathsome bargains with the Nazis.
The cast is stuffed to the seams with talented thesps including Mamie Gummer, Sarah Parish, Irene Jacob and, especially, the powerhouse Frances de la Tour. On Amazon.
Also new to VOD and/or Streaming
Masterminds: The latest from “Napoleon Dynamite” director Jared Hess occasionally plays like a Coen Brothers’ black comedy with the edges sanded off. In this based-on-a-true-story tale, Zach Galifianakis stars as an armored-car driver who is manipulated into pulling a heist by his work crush (Kristen Wiig) and her friend (Owen Wilson). After stealing $17 million, he heads to Mexico where he has to dodge the cops and a hitman (Jason Sudeikis). Thanks to Galifianakis’ physical comedy chops and some very funny supporting turns by Wiig and Kate McKinnon, “Masterminds” is a gut-busting delight from start to finish. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu
***Michael Bolton’s Big, Sexy Valentine’s Day Special: Who better to host a variety show this Valentine’s Day than Mr. Cheese himself? Netflix promises that Bolton will “get people in the mood to make love.” Expect him to perform “an array of love songs made up of both classic hits and all-new original love-making music.” Regardless of whether Bolton’s crooning makes you swoon, you are sure to get some chuckles from the funny people guest-starring, including Lonely Island’s Andy Samberg and Jorma Taccone, Sarah Silverman, Fred Armisen, Maya Rudolph, Casey Wilson and Chris Parnell. On Netflix.
***The Bureau: As if there’s not enough must-see TV on cable, the networks and streaming channels, along comes a French import that’s an essential addition to the policier genre. Matthieu Kassovitz stars as an intelligence officer who has returned to France after a six-year stint working undercover in Syria. When the series begins, Kassovitz struggles to reconnect with his old life which turns out to be tougher than he imagines when he discovers that his Damascus girlfriend is now in Paris. Surprisingly timely and sophisticated about the current political climate, “The Bureau”is tailor-made for fans of “The Night Manager” and all things John Le Carre. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu
***Fall: A quietly intense performance by Michael Murphy (“Manhattan,” “McCabe and Mrs. Miller”) is the main attraction of this somber Canadian drama about Father Sam, an elderly priest who receives a letter accusing him of a sexual encounter decades earlier with a teenage boy. While Father Sam goes about his duties – performing last rites, hearing confessions and counseling young couples – he is tortured by his own fall from grace. From the wintry locations to the authentic depiction of the details of a priest’s life, “Fall” has a lot to recommend it. But, at some point, the ambiguity surrounding the central incident grows more perplexing than dramatic and your interest begins to drain away. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu
***The Take: There’s been a lot of talk lately about British actor Idris Elba taking over as James Bond when Daniel Craig decides to depart his 007 duties. The talk is likely to get louder after Elba’s fans catch him kicking butt and taking names as a rogue CIA agent forced to team up with a pickpocket (Richard Madden) to foil a terrorist plot. Elba is all effortless elegance as he dispatches the bad guys with his bare hands, cleverly pieces together clues and smartly trades banter with Madden. Martinis, anyone? On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu
***Frontier: Season One: The North American fur trade in the 18th century provides the backdrop for this series starring “Games of Thrones” vet Jason Momoa as an adventurer named Declan Harp. The series, which was the first scripted show produced by Discovery, reportedly impressed Netflix execs so much they’ve decided to air all six episodes and order a second season. With episodes titled “The Gallows,” “Wolves” and “Little Brother War,” this show promises to be serve up plenty of action. On Netflix.
***Girlfriend’s Day: For this Netflix original, “Better Call Saul’s” Bob Odenkirk stars as a romance card wordsmith who used to be the best in the business. In an effort to recapture the feelings that once made him the greatest, he gets entangled in a web of murder and deceit as a handful of writers vie to create the perfect card for a newly crowned holiday: Girlfriend’s Day. The film also stars Amber Tamblyn, Natasha Lyonne, Ed Begley Jr., Stacy Keach and Rich Sommer and Andy Richter. On Netflix
Teen TitlesSpin Out: Set in Australia, this broad but ultimately sweet-natured comedy revolves around off-road racing team Billy (Xavier Samuel) and Lucy (Morgan Griffin) who have a falling out after he takes a risky car stunt too far. She’s looking to take off but agrees to attend their small country town’s annual Bachelor and Spinsters Ball. With help from his friends, Billy must convince Lucy that he’s worth sticking around for. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu
***Justice League: Dark: Continue your journey into the DC Universe with this animated feature film which begins with everyday citizens of Gotham and Metropolis committing nightmarish crimes. Batman immediately suspects an otherworldly cause and teams up with Constantine to defeat the dark powers. On Amazon, Google, iTunes and Vudu
