“The Blind Side” — This redemption-minded sports flick serves its inspiration straight-up with no twist. Writer-director John Lee Hancock wisely lets the true story of Michael Oher — the African-American teen who found a home and, eventually, football stardom, after being adopted by a wealthy Memphis family — speak for itself. That direct focus delivers a feel-good crowd-pleaser, but it also drains the film of the kind of subtle nuances that might have separated it from other Hollywood Hallmark-like efforts, including Hancock’s own “The Rookie.” The movie dutifully chronicles the transformation of Oher (newcomer Quinton Aaron) from blank slate to a fully formed young man, emphasizing the involvement of Leigh Ann Tuohy (Sandra Bullock). Bullock brings her trademark spunkiness to the mother hen role, delivering an iron-willed woman who looks past appearances to do the right thing. DVD Extras: Deleted Scenes; Additional Blu-Ray Extras: Michael Oher Interview, one-on-one conversations and featurettes. Rating: Two and a half stars. (PG-13)

“Brothers” — About a family twisted from its natural form when a father leaves for service in Afghanistan just after his brother comes home from prison. The good brother (Tobey Maguire) goes into harm’s way while the bad brother (Jake Gyllenhaal) is shielded by his misbehavior. The serving brother is reported killed in action. The survivor tries awkwardly to help the widow (Natalie Portman). We know all along Maguire didn’t die and is being tortured by the Taliban. When he returns, the drama deepens. Directed by Jim Sheridan; remade from a 2004 Danish film. DVD and Blu-Ray Extras: Audio commentary, featurettes and widescreen presentation. Rating: Three and a half stars. (R)

“Fantastic Mr. Fox” — Wes Anderson’s “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is an animated picture with nothing in common with traditional animation, except that it’s largely in one of the oldest animation styles of all — stop motion. Based on the famous children’s book by Roald Dahl, the film, which like all of his work, has ominous undertones. These animals aren’t catering to anyone in the audience. Voices by George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray. DVD Extras: Three featurettes; Additional Blu-Ray Extras: Five more featurettes. Rating: Three and a half stars. (PG)

“The Men Who Stare At Goats” — A weirdly funny comedy that seriously claims to be based on an actual U.S. Army interest in using paranormal soldiers as weapons. Ewan McGregor plays a reporter who encounters George Clooney, a “Jedi Warrior” graduate of this secret program; flashbacks show Jeff Bridges as an officer who seems very much like the Big Lebowski. Could they kill goats by staring? Well, if you can bend a spoon with your mind, why not a rifle? DVD Extras: Featurettes, commentaries, character bios, deleted scenes and sneak peak; Additional Blu-Ray Extras: A digital copy of the film. Rating: Three and a half stars. (R)

COMING UP: Movies scheduled for national release March 30 include “Sherlock Holmes,” “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel,” “An Education” and “The Baader Meinhof Complex.” Check with local video stores for availability.

— Roger Ebert, The Chicago Sun-Times (“DVD and Blu-Ray Extras” from wire and online sources)