View from the Couch

The real tale is complicated and convoluted but goes something like this: In 1904, a formidable woman named Lizzie Magie invented something called the Landlord’s Game, with rules very similar to today’s Monopoly. It then evolved over the years to become something of a folk game – with the rules and gameplay altered by those who played it. One version was discovered by Darrow, who was introduced to it by a neighbor. He then claimed inventorship, made his own changes and pedaled it to department stores, where it became a big hit and drew the attention of Parker Bros. And the rest, as they say, is history.

The story got new life during the energy crisis of the early 1970s, when a San Francisco State University economics professor named Ralph Anspach, fed up with the monopoly of OPEC, invented a trust-busting game called Anti-Monopoly and was subsequently sued by General Mills, which owned Parker Bros. And it is around this classic David-versus-Goliath tale that the documentary revolves.

“EMPIRE

OF LIGHT”

Though it’s not set during the coronavirus pandemic, this drama from writer-director Sam Mendes (“Skyfall,” “American Beauty”) deals with a situation that also has been relevant more recently. Set in the early 1980s, it casts Olivia Colman (“The Crown”) as a movietheater manager dealing with personal and professional concerns, partially because of the questionable financial status of her business. Her newest

BY JAY BOBBIN

employee (Micheal Ward) has his own challenges, and though he’s not sure he’ll stay very long, his growing relationship with his boss has profound impacts on both of them. Colin Firth, Toby Jones and Crystal Clarke (“Sanditon”) also star in the film, which currently has an Oscar nomination for best cinematography (by the celebrated Roger Deakins). DVD extra: “making-of” documentary.

››› (R; AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray, Digital and On Demand)

“STATION ELEVEN”

This much-praised HBO Max limited series, based on the novel by Emily St. John Mandel, certainly came along at an appropriate time ... dealing as it does with a pandemic. Years after a flu ravages civilization, a number of survivors band together as a so-called Traveling Symphony, but they face potential peril from a cult leader who has a connection to one of them. Cast members include Mackenzie Davis, Himesh Park, David Wilmot, Daniel Zovatto, Gael Garcia Bernal, Danielle Deadwyler (“Till”), Enrico Colantoni and Lori Petty (“Point

Break”). ››› (Not rated: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD)

“THE REMAINS OF THE DAY”

On its 30th anniversary, this superb drama from the acclaimed Merchant-Ivory filmmaking team makes its 4K Ultra HD debut. In the adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel, Anthony Hopkins is a marvel of restraint as the butler in charge of the staff at an English estate, with an equally excellent Emma Thompson as a housekeeper who tries to open up his emotions ... a failed effort in most instances.

James Fox and Christopher Reeve portray the masters of the house at different times, with veteran actor Peter Vaughan quite moving as the Hopkins character’s father, also a manservant who taught the profession to his son. Also notable in the cast is Hugh Grant, in the sort of period piece he specialized in until his career took a major turn soon after this with “Four Weddings and a Funeral.” ›››› (PG: AS, P)

“SALVATORE: SHOEMAKER OF DREAMS”

A profile that crosses a couple of different disciplines, this documentary from filmmaker Luca Guadagnino (“Call Me by Your Name”) showcases the work of Salvatore Ferragamo, a shoe designer whose work serviced a number of stars from the silent-movie era.

Mary Pickford and Douglas

Fairbanks – spouses and two of the founders of United Artists – and Gloria Swanson were among those whose wardrobe, specifically that on their feet, benefited greatly from Ferragamo’s unique talent.

Celebrated director Martin Scorsese and fashion titan Christian Louboutin are among those offering comments, again indicating the dual worlds that Ferragamo operated within. ›››

(PG: AS) (Also on Blu-ray and Digital)

“THE PRICE WE PAY”

The title cost may turn out to be considerable, indeed, for two thieves (played by Emile Hirsch and Stephen Dorff) and their hostage (Gigi Zumbado, formerly of the series “Bridge and Tunnel”) in this frequently gruesome melodrama from “The Midnight Meat Train” director Ryuhei Kitamura. The criminals flee after robbing a pawn shop and take shelter at a remote farmhouse ... and you can tell just from that description that sooner than later, there will be trouble. Indeed, there is when the site’s owner returns, and the place’s concealed dungeon is a major part of that. Vernon Wells (“The Road Warrior”) also is featured. ››› (R: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand)