New on Netflix: August 2015

New Netflix titles this month include “Reading Rainbow,” “Girl Meets World,” “Revenge,” “The Hurt Locker” and lots more. Let’s take a closer look at all the new offerings on Netflix in August.

Avail 8/1/15

Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet Frankenstein (1999). In this animated adventure, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore revel in their new gig at a movie theme park by wandering the grounds after hours. Among the attractions is the spooky Frankenstein’s Castle, where a real mad scientist is bringing the monster to life. But when the boys cross paths with the creature (Frank Welker), they soon learn that appearances can be deceiving, and Frankenstein is more misunderstood than malevolent.

Asylum (2005). A psychiatrist’s wife encounters an inmate at a maximum-security asylum and finds herself curiously drawn to him. But things really heat up when the inmate is placed on a work detail just a few steps from the psychiatrist’s home.

Back in Time/ Cong Cong Na Nian (2014). A wedding guest nostalgically looks back on more than 15 years of memories with his best friends and draws inspiration from recalling a lost love.

Beneath the Helmet (2014). Israel’s compulsory military draft requires all 18-year-olds to receive eight months of basic training. This respectful documentary tracks the path of five teen inductees whose lives are changed forever by the experience.

Breakup Buddies/ Xin Hau Lu Fang (2014). When a has-been singer divorces and suffers a meltdown, his best friend breaks him out of the asylum and takes him on a trip to remedy his troubles.

Bride and Prejudice (2004). The Bakshis celebrate the arrival of a man who may be perfect husband material for one of the family’s four unmarried daughters. But eldest daughter Lalita refuses to marry someone handpicked for her, choosing to believe in true love instead.

Casting By (2012). Profiling legendary casting director Marion Dougherty — who filled roles in such movies as Batman and Midnight Cowboy — this illuminating documentary spotlights the vital but often overlooked part that casting directors play in the world of film.

Dancing on the Edge: Season 1. This miniseries follows the Louis Lester Band, a group of black jazz musicians who became darlings of English society in the 1930s. As their star rises, the band faces discrimination and becomes involved in a murder plot that’s stranger than fiction.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Season 2. A new animated continuation to Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, this sweet series finds the original characters now grown up with their own preschool-aged children.

Dear Frankie (2004). After years of lying to her son and pretending his deadbeat father is away at sea, a protective mother must find a man willing to pose as the boy’s dad when the ship docks right by their home.

Dogs on the Inside (2014). This documentary follows the relationships between abused dogs and prison inmates working towards a second chance. In an attempt to re-build their confidence and prepare for a new life, these prisoners must learn to handle and care for a group of neglected strays. This heart-warming story shows the resiliency of a dog’s trust and the generosity of the human spirit in the unlikeliest of places.

Electric Slide (2014). In this fact-based drama, what starts as a stunt to impress a woman becomes as addictive as the drugs fueling the heist for suave bank robber Eddie Dodson — who quickly earns the moniker “The Gentleman Bandit.”

Enemy at the Gates (2001). Set during the infamous World War II siege of Stalingrad, this suspenseful drama follows a battle of wits and wills between renowned Russian sharpshooter Vassili Zaitsev and top German sniper Maj. König.

Flex is Kings (2013). This dance-fueled documentary immerses audiences in the art of “flexing,” a gritty style of movement born on the streets of East New York that mirrors the neighborhood’s violence — and ingenuity.

Lost and Love/ Shi Gu (2015). A father whose toddler son was kidnapped forms a special bond with a young survivor of abduction as they search together for the loved ones they lost.

Masha and the Bear: Season 1. Masha is an exceedingly active little girl who can’t sit still on one place and has to make everything a business of her own. The Bear is a big and hearty guy who loves comfort and quietness. Together, they share in fun and wild adventures.

November Rule (2015). Up-and-coming sports shoe entrepreneur Steve, who is still reeling from the death of his dad, has made a “November rule” in order to keep his distance from the women who seem to be getting too serious about their relationship. Every November 1st, Steve makes up a whopping lie in order to break up with his current girlfriend. However, this year, when he gives the beautiful Leah her walking papers, he realizes his immature and arbitrary rule has just lost him the woman of his dreams. But whether he can win Leah back seems increasingly doubtful, especially after she starts dating pro sports star, James Avedon.

Odd Squad: Season 1. Geared for children ages 5 to 8, “Odd Squad” follows two young agents, Olive and Otto, who are part of an agency that seeks to save the day using math when odd things happen.

Outcast (2014). Hunted by their ruthless older brother after he kills their emperor father, royal siblings Princess Lian and Prince Zhao — the chosen heir to the throne — enlist the protection of a European crusader who’s looking for redemption.

Pants on Fire (2014). Chaos strikes when a boy’s lies magically become real, including tall tales of aliens, a possessive girlfriend and an imaginary buddy.

Reading Rainbow: Volume 1. Winner of 24 Emmys and one of public television’s longest running programs, this series — hosted by LeVar Burton — aims to instill in youngsters a lifetime love of reading. Designed to introduce kids to the world around them through the pages of books, the show explores cultural and social issues in a way that children can easily digest.

Russell Brand: From Addiction to Recovery (2012). After the death of his friend Amy Winehouse from an overdose, Russell Brand looks back on his own years of addiction and wants to show that not all addicts turn out the same way.

Somewhere Only We Know/ You yi ge di fang zhi you wo men zhi dao (2015). When a young Chinese girl goes to study in Prague, she traces her grandmother’s path, finding a new sense of self and the love of a beautiful man.

Sorority Row (2009). When a prank results in the accidental death of a Theta Pi sister, the sorority’s members keep the crime under wraps. But as graduation rolls around, a masked killer begins stalking and slaying the girls responsible for the death.

The Code: Season 1. Two Canberra based brothers become entangled in a cover up that involves a remote outback community and key members of the Australian Government.

The Golden Era/ Huang Jin Shi Dai (2014). The story of famed writer Xiao Hong comes alive through memories of her great love affair, literary influence, and escape from China during WWII.

The Hurt Locker (2008). Kathryn Bigelow directs this gripping drama that follows a U.S. Army explosive disposal team operating in Iraq. Amid the dangers of their work, the squad also contends with the pressures that arise from living in constant peril.

The Living (2014). When Molly’s abusive spouse, Teddy, brutally beats her after going on a bender, she must decide whether to leave or save her marriage — all the while grappling with her mother’s dire warnings and her brother’s inclination to have Teddy murdered.

The Mind of a Chef: Season 3. This mouth-watering series produced by Anthony Bourdain takes viewers inside the world of culinary artist and restaurateur David Chang. Traveling the globe to research what we eat, the Momofuku founder brings an exotic dash to all his creations.

Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns (2008). When Brenda (Angela Bassett), a struggling single mom in Chicago’s inner city, learns that the father she never knew has died, she heads to Georgia with her three kids in tow for the funeral and meets her dad’s raucous family. Despite their boisterous manner, Brenda finds them a comforting presence in her fragmented life. Writer-director Tyler Perry also co-stars in this adaptation of his hit stage play.

Utopia: Season 1. After a group of people, who meet online, discover a bizarre graphic novel which seems to hold mysterious answers, they find themselves being tracked down by a merciless organization known merely as The Network.

Vexed: Season 1-2. After they’re matched up as partners on the London police force, charming slacker Jack Armstrong and driven professional Kate Bishop try to solve crimes together without driving each other crazy.

War (2007). When his partner is killed and all clues point to a notorious assassin named Rogue, FBI agent Jack Crawford sets out for revenge. But when Rogue turns up years later to take care of unfinished business, he sparks a violent clash between rival gangs.

Wing Commander (1999). In the 27th century, Earth’s only hope against the vicious Kilrathi Empire are two talented young fighter pilots. The guys, with their beautiful, tough-as-nails wing commander Angel, try to fend off the enemy and warn Earth of an impending attack.

Avail 8/3/15

Chronic-Con, Episode 420: A New Dope (2015). In response to Morgan Spurlock’s COMIC-CON: A FAN’S HOPE, comedian Doug Benson (SUPER HIGH ME) stars in this doc that looks at San Diego Comic-Con from his hazy perspective. Featuring fellow film fanatics Kevin Smith, Brian Posehn, Joe Rogan and even Spurlock himself, it’s a fun look at a rapidly growing cultural event.

Avail 8/4/15

Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead (2015). After a comet rains mysterious germs on Earth, auto mechanic Barry finds his world overrun by zombies. When his sister ends up in the hands of a doctor conducting hideous experiments on plague survivors, Barry begins a bloody crusade to rescue her.

Avail 8/5/15

Yellowbird (2014). Left orphaned in his family’s nest, the diminutive Yellowbird begins exploring the world alone. But after joining a friendly flock of birds, he winds up leading his comrades in an epic migratory journey to Africa.

Avail 8/6/15

Kill Me Three Times (2014). Linked by a British assassin, three neo-noir tales mingle against the backdrop of an Australian coastal town, where the hit man arrives to bump off one Alice Taylor. But he soon discovers that he isn’t the only person with Alice in his crosshairs.

My Amityville Horror (2012). In this riveting documentary, Daniel Lutz discusses the supernatural happenings that plagued his family in 1975 at the notorious Amityville house.

The Look of Love (2013). This bittersweet biopic chronicles the over-the-top life of Paul Raymond, England’s Hugh Hefner, from nightclub mind reader to burlesque impresario. When not putting nude women on stage, he indulges in every excess and nearly destroys his family.

Welcome to Me  (2014). When mentally unstable Alice Klieg hits the lottery, she uses her winnings to produce and star in an off- the-wall talk show. Ignoring her illness and skipping her medication, she uses the spotlight to work through her deep-rooted pain.

Avail 8/7/15

Club de Cuervos: Season 1. A brother and sister battle high expectations and each other after inheriting a soccer team. This series is from the creators of “Nosotros los Nobles.”

HitRECord on TV: Season 1. This television show includes contributions from the hitRECord community, a collaborative production company founded by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and his brother “Burning Dan.”

Motivation 2: The Chris Cole Story (2015). After rising from humble beginnings to world fame, pro skateboarder Chris Cole returns to his hometown to give kids the chance that he never had.

Project Mc2  (2015). Four brilliant tween girls become secret agents who use science, technology — and sometimes even Instagram — to catch bad guys.

Transporter: The Series: Season 2. For high-risk transporter Frank Martin, a typical day at work can include furious pursuits, crazed villains and lethal hand-to-hand fighting. In addition to his sky-high client fees, Frank’s earned a fearsome reputation all over the underworld.

Avail 8/8/15

Doctor Who: Season 8. The Doctor – No. 12 in the long-running franchise, played by Peter Capaldi – returns for another thrilling series In the BBC science fiction television. Also stars Jenna Coleman.

Avail 8/11/15

Fred: The Movie (2010). After discovering that his next-door neighbor and ultimate dream girl has suddenly moved away, hot- tempered, squeaky-voiced Fred Figglehorn sets out on a wacky adventure to find her and prove that he’s way cooler than other kids think.

Fred 2: Night of the Living Fred (2011). When Fred’s music teacher goes missing, he’s convinced that the replacement, Mr. Devlin, has something to do with it. Could he really be a vampire? With the help of his Dad and his friends, Fred must stop Mr. Devlin before it’s too late.

Fred 3: Camp Fred (2012). Fred is excited for Camp Superior, but horrified when he discovers his mom signed him up for Camp Iwannapeepee instead.

Two Days, One Night (2014). On the verge of losing her job, Sandra comes up with a last-ditch strategy: get her workmates to give up their bonuses so that she can stay on. With a single weekend to make it work, Sandra and her husband take her crusade for sympathy all over town.

Avail 8/12/15

For a Good Time, Call… (2012). Fate lands former college rivals Lauren and Kate together in the same apartment, where they launch a phone sex line to make ends meet. As business booms, the unlikely partners find themselves too busy (and too successful) to harbor old grudges.

Leap Year (2010). Anna chooses February 29 to propose marriage to her “perfect” boyfriend, Jeremy, sure he’ll accept because of an Irish custom. But after meeting a charming innkeeper en route to Dublin, Anna must evaluate her original plans.

The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death (2014). Evacuated from London to a long-deserted country estate during World War II, a group of orphans and their teacher think they’ve found refuge. Soon, however, the youngsters’ odd behavior reveals a force even more evil than what they were fleeing.

Demetri Martin: Live (At The Time) (2015). Demetri Martin’s newest comedy special premieres exclusively on Netflix. Filmed at the Historic Lincoln Theatre in Washington, DC, the special features Martin delivering a brand new hour of his signature one-liners, showcasing his abilities as one of this generation’s sharpest comedy minds.

DinoTrux. Half dinosaur, half construction truck, full-on fun! Watch giant Ty Rux, his little buddy Revvit and the crew come face-to-face with evil D-Structs.

Ever After High Way Too Wonderland (Season 3). The kids of fairytale characters attend a school with two cliques: those who accept their fairytale destinies and those who want to write their own.

Ship of Theseus (2012). This film explores questions of identity, justice, beauty, meaning and death through an experimental photographer, an ailing monk and a young stockbroker.

Avail 8/15/15

Alex of Venice  (2014). Devastated by her husband’s abrupt departure, hard-driving attorney Alex must try to pick up the pieces of her life as best she can. With an important case looming and a son and father to look out for, Alex is forced to reappraise her priorities.

Avail 8/16/15

Being Flynn  (2012). A young man employed at a Boston homeless shelter comes upon his long-lost, destitute and alcoholic father while at work one evening in this subtle, emotionally-charged drama based on the acclaimed memoir by poet and playwright Nick Flynn.

Pariah  (2011). Though she acts in a traditional, feminine way around her religious parents, a Bronx teenage lesbian comfortably expresses her sexuality among her friends. Eventually, her worlds will collide and Alike will have to fully embrace her true self.

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012). As an asteroid hurtles toward Earth, a man whose wife has abandoned him spends the planet’s final days on a road trip to reunite with his high school sweetheart. But a lovely neighbor who tags along for the ride complicates his plans.

Avail 8/17/15

Lord of War (2005). Looking to break away from his dead-end life, a Ukrainian immigrant goes from two-bit thug to international arms dealer — closing his eyes to the repercussions of who purchases the weapons. But he soon finds that his profiteering comes at a cost.

Jerk Theory (2009). An aspiring recording artist is burned by a bad relationship experience and decides to ditch his nice-guy image and be a jerk.

Real Husbands of Hollywood: Season 3. Kevin Hart and other real-life husbands of Hollywood celebrities play fictionalized versions of themselves in this reality-show spoof.

Avail 8/20/15

30 for 30: Angry Sky (2015). At the height of the space race, Nick Piantanida had a dream and a reach that far exceeded his grasp: He would climb to the edge of the atmosphere and break the free-fall parachute record.

As Cool As I Am (2013). About to turn 16, Lucy realizes that her parents’ marriage is on shaky ground — and that theirs is not the only relationship that’s in trouble. After her longtime boyfriend leaves town, Lucy opts to ditch her tomboy image and restyle her life.

Strange Empire: Season 1. In 1869 Janestown on the Alberta-Montana border, three women band together for survival after the men in their town are murdered.

Avail 8/21/15

Grantham & Rose (2014). Seventeen-year-old Grantham struggles to find his way as a man when a spontaneous road trip thrusts him into the care of a feisty 81-year-old African-American woman named Rose.

Transcend (2014). Long-distance running allowed Wesley Korir to escape the grinding poverty of Kenya. But after winning multiple American marathons, including taking running’s most cherished prize – the Boston Marathon – he risks it all and returns home to help his fellow Kenyans create better lives for themselves.

Avail 8/23/15

Girl Meets World: Season 1. This next-generation comedy reprises the characters of Cory and Topanga Matthews from the much-loved 1990s sitcom “Boy Meets World” and focuses on the continuing adventures of the couple’s young daughter, Riley.

Avail 8/27/15

Byzantium (2012). On the run for a gruesome crime, two mysterious “sisters” take refuge in a seaside town, where their shocking secret lies waiting to be discovered. Bloody and brooding, Neil Jordan’s gothic tale delves into the ladies’ shared dark history.

White God (2014). When a cruel father dumps his daughter’s beloved dog, Hagen, out on the highway to fend for himself, Hagen not only survives the horrors of abandonment, dog fights and starvation, but rouses an angry army of mongrels out to exact vengeance.

Avail 8/28/15

Inspector Gadget: Season 2. Inspector Gadget is back and must face his old enemy, the evil Dr. Claw, who has reactivated M.A.D., his global crime syndicate.

Narcos: Season 1. The true story of Colombia’s infamously violent and powerful drug cartels fuels this gritty new gangster drama series.

Once Upon a Time: Season 4. Jennifer Morrison, Ginnifer Goodwin and Robert Carlyle star in this fantastical series that follows the travails of a young woman who is drawn to a small Maine town and discovers that it’s filled with the mystical elements of the fairy tale world.

Revenge: Season 4. Inspired by Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo, this modern-day drama follows a lovely young woman who moves to the Hamptons and charms the pants off her new neighbors — while plotting their downfall for sins committed against her family.

Avail 8/29/15

Ride (2015). When Jackie’s free-spirited son swaps college for the breakers of California, she decides to follow him west, hoping to mend fences between them. Soon after arriving, Jackie meets a young surfing instructor who helps her rediscover her sexuality.

Avail 8/30/15

Muffin Top: A Love Story (2014). Suzanne’s body is changing faster than her moods after IVF shots to get pregnant. When she finds out, on her birthday, that her husband has knocked up his younger, thinner co-worker and wants a divorce, she turns to desperate and hilarious measures to lose weight and get a life.

All images used with permission of Netflix and the distributors.