Welcome to another look at some of the highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. This edition includes many quirky independents as well as a release or two from bigger distributors. There is plenty to choose from, so if you can’t make it out to the movies this week or need to stay indoors for a few days, be sure to check out one of these titles!
BIG NEW RELEASES!
ALIENOID: RETURN TO THE FUTURE – Also released as Alienoid: The Return to the Future, this South Korean effort combines traditional period fantasy filmmaking and futuristic science-fiction elements. When a group of Taoists discover information about a powerful blade that could directly affect a disastrous event in the future, they travel ahead in time. The group attempts to obtain the weapon and put it to use against an alien enemy. The press was split on this feature (which is actually a sequel to a 2022 film called Alienoid). About half admired the movie’s wild story, but called the film narratively confusing and thought that it was so fast-paced it became tiring. The same number stated that the feature was a blast, with incredible visuals and plenty of exciting action, humor and thrills. It stars Ryu Jun-yeol, Kim Tae-ri and Kim Woo-bin.
BOTTOM FEEDERS – A 20-year-old from rural Pennsylvania struggles to see a positive outlook for his life, especially living with his infantile father. He gets a brief break from this toxic relationship and financial woe when a childhood friend returns home for the holidays with his wealthy girlfriend. The lead sees it as an opportunity and involves himself in their relationship, hoping it will help him escape his troubles. This is an independent feature that was released on the internet and recently got picked up for distribution on disc. No reviewers have officially reviewed the title yet, so there isn’t any word on its quality. But those who support indie movie making may want to give it a shot. The cast includes Will Ehren, Jenny Zwigard, Graham Poore, and Jonny Nichols.
FEED ME – Here is another low-budget indie effort vying for your attention. This British horror/comedy played at various festivals and has been released in Europe. Now, it’s arriving on disc in North America. The plot involves a suicidal widower who ends up finding himself at the residence of a cannibal. The strange homeowner begins to try and convince the bereaved to take his own life in the most shocking manner possible (one can assume that the flesh-eater wants to have a specific role in the death). So far, there haven’t been too many notices but most that are available online are positive. They state that the movie is very dark, but surprisingly well-acted and grimly memorable. As one might expect, it isn’t for the faint of heart. It features Neal Ward, Christopher Mulvin and Hannah Al Rashid.
THE FIRST OMEN – Most horror fans are familiar with the 1976 classic The Omen, which is about an American diplomat who, after his wife has a stillborn baby, is helped by the hospital chaplain to adopt a baby. Alas, this youngster turns out to be the Antichrist. This is a prequel to the original film. The story involves a woman who travels to Italy to join a convent. While there, she uncovers a conspiracy to bring about the birth of an evil incarnate. One can already guess how that will play out. Despite the tale’s finale being pretty obvious, critics didn’t mind this chiller. A small number described it as a cliched horror picture playing on nostalgia and doing little to match the original. But the majority called the picture well-acted, atmospheric and scary, also making some fine points critiquing organized religion (although one could argue that the original was subtly doing this as well). Nell Tiger Free, Ralph Ineson, Sonia Braga, Tawfeek Barhorn, Charles Dance and Bill Nighy headline the film.
HUMANIST VAMPIRE SEEKING CONSENTING SUICIDAL PERSON – A teenage vampire infuriates her bloodsucking parents by refusing to take lives and drink the blood of victims. They eventually decide to cut off the plasma they are providing her, hoping she will finally embrace their lifestyle. The protagonist is forced to go on the hunt and luckily encounters a suicidal young man. They reach an agreement in which she must help fulfill his last wish before taking his life. As the evening progresses and they get to know each other, the task becomes even more difficult. Reviews were generally strong for this French-language Canadian film. A small number didn’t think it made the most of its concept and that the story went in a familiar direction. Still, the majority called the film a stylish and funny genre picture with likable characters with deeper themes about teenage rebellion and suicide. It stars Sara Montpetit, Felix-Antoine Benard, Steve Laplante and Sophie Cadieux.
I SAW THE TV GLOW – A teenager living in the suburbs feels dissatisfied and unhappy with his existence. A friend introduces him to a late-night TV show about supernatural phenomena beneath his city. He becomes obsessed with the show, only to learn that it has suddenly been canceled. The pair go on a trek to find out what happened and, as he delves further, it begins to seem as though the lead may be losing his mind. The press gave this independent creeper high marks. About one-fifth did complain that it kept them at a distance and came across as ponderous and pretentious. Still, most stated that the film was moody, stylish and moving, effectively delivering on its themes of gender identity. For the time being, this Blu-ray will only be available for purchase on distributor A24’s website. The cast includes Justice Smith, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Ian Foreman, Helena Howard, Lindsey Jordan, Danielle Deadwyler and Fred Durst.
RENDEL: CYCLE OF REVENGE – Also known as Rendel 2: Cycle of Revenge, this English-language picture from Finland is a sequel to the 2017 feature Rendel: Dark Vengeance. That title followed a superhero whose need for revenge takes him down a dark path. In this follow-up, a new figure takes over the criminal organization from the first movie, so the vigilante decides to give these new adversaries the same brutal treatment. Professional reviewers haven’t had the chance to see this picture. Right now, there are only online reviews and they are less-than-complementary. They suggest that the movie can’t overcome its low-budget and that the story was dull, repetitive and dramatically flat. For the time being, this is a DVD-only release. It features Kristofer Gummerus, Sean Cronin and Bruce Payne.
STING – Have a deep-seated fear of spiders? Then this Australian film may send shivers up your spine. The plot is actually set in a New York apartment building and features a blended family struggling to get along. When their 12-year-old girl finds a strange spider (of possibly extra-terrestrial origin), she decides to secretly raise it in her room. The creature soon grows to an enormous size and begins devouring tenants. Overall response to this independent feature was upbeat. There was a group of critics who complained that the movie wasn’t funny, scary or disturbing enough for their tastes. However, the consensus was that this was a fun and entertaining little B-movie that pays homage to 50s creature features, delivering chuckles and chills in equal measure. Ryan Corr, Alyla Browne, Jermaine Fowler and Noni Hazlehurst. Read a full review of this film here.
THE SWEET EAST – A high school senior from South Carolina takes a class trip to Washington, D.C. and gets separated from her classmates. She decides to find her own way home and is declared missing with everyone looking for her. Despite this, the lead continues, meeting all sorts of people along the way. Some are friendly, others oddballs, as well as a potentially dangerous individual or two. In the process, she gets a firsthand glimpse into the country she lives in. Write-ups for this independent drama were good. About one-fifth commented that the pacing felt slow and that the surreal, eccentric tone was difficult to connect with. Regardless, most described the movie as an amusing and clever satire on America with a great lead performer who charmed them. The film stars Talia Ryder, Earl Cave, Simon Rex, Jacob Elordi, Jeremy O. Harris and Ayo Edebiri.
TRAMPS! – London fashion trends of the late 1970s and early 80s is the subject of this documentary. It follows the rise of the New Romantics movement after the fall of the punk music scene. Key members of the movement are introduced and the picture follows how they changed the underground art community and eventually reached mainstream culture. The picture played at various film festivals over the last couple of years and was nominated for some awards. The press liked it as well. It has been described as an interesting tribute to a somewhat forgotten era that actually will make some reassess movements like this and its lasting effect on popular culture. The movie includes Interviews with Duggie Fields, Judy Blame, John Maybury and an appearance by Boy George.
WILLIAM SHATNER: YOU CAN CALL ME BILL – The long and storied career of 93-year-old entertainer William Shatner is examined in this documentary. From his early life in Montreal, Canada, through his roles on The Twilight Zone and the Star Trek series and films, to his curious singing career and work as a science-fiction author, the actor talks about his experiences and reveals details about his remarkable life. Most write-ups for the picture had nice things to say about it. There were a few who complained that the performer rambled and wasn’t really giving us deep insight into his life. Regardless, the majority were impressed by the subject, along with his frank thoughts on his work and career. They noted just how charismatic he is and thought that any fan of Shatner would enjoy the film.
WITH LOVE AND A MAJOR ORGAN – This surreal independent drama is set in a world where human hearts are made of various objects. Apparently, it’s a universe where the only course of action is to keep feelings suppressed. One day, a lonely woman quietly in love decides to rip her heart out for the object of her desire. When he runs away with the organ, she must find him quickly and get it back. This independent film from Canada was well-received by the press. A small number of write-ups found the world presented to them hard to buy into and lost interest in the plight of the lead. However, most described the movie as very sweet and completely original. They thought the cast were excellent and that the message about love and compassion was most welcome. It features Anna Maguire, Hamza Haq, Veena Sood, Donna Benedicto and Arghavan Jenati.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
Wow, this is an incredibly busy week for older films and it seems like this site has reviewed them all (that’s an exaggeration, but there are disc reviews available for many of these titles).
Arrow Video gets the ball rolling with the release of The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015). It is available on either 4K Ultra HD or on Blu-ray. Based on the 1960s hit TV show and set during the Cold War, the plot follows an American agent forced to team with a Russian spy to help both of their countries. If you haven’t seen it, this is a fantastically fun effort from Guy Ritchie (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, Sherlock Holmes, The Gentlemen, The Covenant, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare) that deftly mixes humor and action. It’s a blast. Besides the picture upgrade, the release comes with a new film historian commentary, recently recorded interviews with the co-writer/producer, co-star Luca Calvani, new featurettes about the original TV-series and Guy Ritchie’s career. You’ll also get all archival promotional material on the movie that was on the previous edition, as well as a trailer, an image gallery, a double-sided fold-out poster with new and original artwork, as well as a booklet with writing on the picture, all packed in a reversible sleeve. Read a full review of this release by clicking this link.
The Nico Mastorakis Collection is a Blu-ray box set containing several of the independent Greek filmmaker’s works. You’ll get The Time Traveler (1984) aka The Next One, Sky High (1985), Terminal Exposure (1987), Glitch! (1988), Ninja Academy (1989) and The Naked Truth (1992). The press release states that these (mostly action/comedies) titles are zany, shocking and unhinged… offering a satirical and sardonic skewering of American cinema with a chutzpah that must be seen to be believed. In addition to the films, bonuses include six new interviews with Mastorakis, a talk with the star of Sky High, a discussion with Gerald Okamura from Ninja Academy, as well as trailers and an illustrated booklet with writing on the moviemaker. Read a full review of the entire box set right here!
Legendary filmmaker Howard Hawks is known for classics like Red River, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Rio Bravo and many others, but far fewer have seen Red Line 7000 (1965), an ensemble melodrama about stock car racers that boasts an early performance by James Caan. The movie didn’t do well during its original release but has built a following over the years. This Blu-ray of the hard-to-find feature arrives with a commentary featuring the daughter of the screenwriter and an interview with the assistant director (who shot the racing footage). There’s also a visual essay on both the film and the women featured in the movie, also with promo materials, an illustrated booklet with writing on the picture and reversible sleeve with original and newly commissioned art (which is also featured on a double-sided poster within). Click this link to read a full article on this disc.
Radiance Films is delivering a Blu-ray of the powerful period Japanese film Eighteen Years in Prison (1967), starring ex-Yakuza gangster Noboru Ando as a man forced to endure a rough prison term with crooked guards and gang member inmates. This release comes with a trailer, a film historian discussion on the star and director, as well as a visual essay on Japanese prison films. A booklet with writing on the picture is also included and a reversible sleeve with original and newly commissioned art for the title. Want to find out more? Read a review of the disc here.
Tchao Pantin (1983) is an award-winning French drama about two unlikely friends dealing with inner and outer troubles in a seedy area of Paris. It won prizes for its performances and was a massive hit in its homeland. The picture comes from a recent 4K restoration approved by the cinematographer. There’s also a lengthy documentary on the film and its tragic star, a discussion with a French film expert on the movie’s importance in France, as well as a trailer. It also has a booklet with writing on the movie and a sleeve with new and original artwork. Check out a full disc review by clicking this link!
Severin Films is releasing the Danza Macrabra Volume 3 Blu-ray box set, which includes the 1970s Spanish genre flicks Necrophagus (1971) aka The Butcher of Binbrook, Cake of Blood (1971) aka Pastel de Sangre, Cross of the Devil (1975) aka The Devil’s Cross and The Night of the Walking Dead (1975) aka Strange Love of the Vampires. All pictures have received either 4K or 2K image restorations and come with film historian commentaries, cast and crew interviews and more. Read a detailed review of this box set by clicking this link.
The distributor is also making Sherlock Holmes (1968) available on Blu-ray. This was a BBC TV-series which featured a season with Peter Cushing starring as the famed detective. This set is a collection of the six surviving episodes from the run. All of the episodes include a film historian commentary. The release also comes with a Peter Cushing interview and snippets of the lost episodes. A full review of this disc can be found right here.
You can also pick up a Blu-ray of Sherlock Holmes and the Deadly Necklace (1962), a film which stars Christopher Lee as Holmes. In this tale, the detective squares off with Moriarty over an ancient necklace owned by Cleopatra. This disc arrives with a film historian commentary, an interview with a biographer on the career of director Terence Fisher (The Curse of Frankenstein, Horror of Dracula), an audio interview with Fisher and a trailer. Read all about this release in detail by click this link.
And there’s more coming your way.
Canadian International Pictures is releasing a Blu-ray of Roadkill (1989), the debut feature of Bruce McDonald (Dance Me Outside, Hard Core Logo, Pontypool). Shot in black-and-white film, it’s a comic road movie about a woman trying to find a rock band who have disappeared while on tour. It comes with a commentary from writer/actor Don McKellar and the producer Colin Brunton, as well as a film historian audio track. There are interviews with McKellar, actress Valerie Buhagiar, producer Brunton, cinematographer Miroslaw Baszak (Land of the Dead, Pontypool), as well as a festival interview with the director, a trailer and a TV episode covering the making of the film.
The Ripper (1985) is a shot-on-video slasher now arriving on Blu-ray from Degausser Video. The movie has been transferred from the best quality tape master and comes with cast and crew interviews and promo materials.
The Film Desk is presenting a Blu-ray of The Plot Against Harry (1971), a crime comedy that was buried during its original run, only to find acclaim and success when it was rereleased in 1989. It follows an ex-con struggling to restart his underhanded enterprises. Additionally, the disc contains a 73-minute conversation with the director from 1990, a 2005 discussion with the filmmaker and the producer, a recent 2023 Q&A with the maker in New York and a new trailer for the picture.
The rom-com It’s Love Again (1936) and the Abott and Costello take on Jack and the Beanstalk (1952) are being released on Blu-ray from Film Masters.
Film Movement is presenting a Blu-ray of the futuristic German cult film, Kamikaze 89 (1982). The disc features a 4K picture restoration, a documentary, a producer commentary, radio spots and essays on the movie.
For their Blu-ray release of the Oscar-nominated Chinese historical crime drama, Shanghai Triad (1995). P:icured above and to the right, it’s about a boy who is recruited into a crime family, only to fall for his employer’s mistress. The disc contains a new digital restoration of the picture, a video essay on the movie and a booklet with a film critic essay.
Six in Paris (1965) is arriving on Blu-ray from Icarus Films. It contains six shorts about specific Parisian neighborhoods from different French directors (including Jean-Luc Godard). The picture has been given a 2K restoration and comes with 1965 interviews with the producer and two directors.
Mister Lonely (2007) from IFC Films is an indie feature from Harmony Korine (Gummo, Spring Breakers) about a Mchael Jackson impersonator who befriends a Marilyn Monroe lookalike and goes to visit her on a commune in Scotland. It comes with a film expert commentary, a video essay on the movie and 40 minutes of deleted scenes.
Beijing Watermelon (1989) is appearing on Blu-ray from Kani and follows a Tokyo grocer and his wife struggling to keep their business afloat. The movie has been given a 2K restoration and has an interview with the daughter of the director and trailers.
Kino is delivering Bwana Devil (1952) on Blu-ray in 3D, anaglyph 3D and a regular Blu-ray version. It’s about a group of British railway workers in Kenya who are hunted by man-eating lions. In addition to the film, purchasers will receive a 3D prologue, 2D color and black and white trailers for the movie, and an intermission snipe.
The distributor is also putting out Can’t Stop the Music (1980) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack. It will also be available on a standalone Blu-ray. Steve Guttenberg plays a songwriter who crafts hits for the notable disco band Village People. Besides the picture upgrade, you’ll receive an archived director commentary, a new film historian track, a discussion with the Village People’s Randy Jones, along with trailers and TV spots.
The Kevin Costner/Sean Young thriller No Way Out (1987) is also getting a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set and a standalone Blu-ray release. It’s a twisty effort about a CIA officer tasked with locating a KGB mole. Gene Hackman co-stars. The release includes a new film historian commentary, an archived commentary with director Roger Donaldson (The Bounty, Species), an interview with the filmmaker and a trailer.
Twisted (2004) is a thriller with Ashley Judd and Samual L. Jackson about a police officer who becomes a suspect in her own case. This Blu-ray contains a new 4K picture scan from the original negative, a director commentary, deleted scenes, featurettes and a trailer.
Just in time for its 25th anniversary, the fantastic Alexander Payne (Sideways, The Holdovers) satire Election (1999) is being put out in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack from Paramount Presents. Matthew Broderick plays a high school teacher who gets involved in shenanigans involving a school election. Reese Witherspoon plays the straight-A student that he’d rather not see win the prize. Besides the picture upgrade, there’s a new featurette on the production, as well as all previously released extras including an archived director commentary. The cardboard packaging includes a foldout image of the theatrical poster.
Shout! Factory is releasing the Sacha Baron Cohen comedy Ali G Indahouse (2002) on Blu-ray. The character, who often interviews and makes a mockery of real public figures appears in this fictional tale as a hero who saves the Prime Minister. It comes with an Ali G commentary, deleted scenes and outtakes, behind-the-scenes featurettes, a learn to talk like Ali G bit and promo materials.
The star-studded biopic House of Gucci (2021) is getting a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack from the distributor. Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons and Jared Leto are just some of the familiar faces in this tale of murder and mayhem within the famous Gucci family.
Sony is presenting the dynamic, spectacular German feature Run Lola Run (1998) on 4K Ultra HD. You’ll be able to see the character race through the streets of Berlin attempting to find cash to give to her boyfriend before he’s killed by his criminal employers. Viewers see three different scenarios as Lola tries to get things right and can ponder all of the little decisions in our lives that can change fate. Besides the improved picture quality, this 25th anniversary release contains all previously released bonuses like multiple commentary tracks, production featurettes and a music video.
The early silent thriller The Craving (1918) is coming out on Blu-ray from Undercrank Productions. The release includes three other shorts from actor/director Francis Ford in new 2K digital restorations.
Vinegar Syndrome is delivering a Blu-ray double-feature containing Criminally Insane (1975) and Satan’s Black Wedding (1976). Both indie genre pics have been newly restored in 4K and the set contains tons of extras including archival interviews, featurettes and trailers.
Chuck Norris fans, you can now pick up Invasion U.S.A. (1985) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set. The plot of this action picture from Cannon Films involves Russian forces trying to occupy America, and Norris pretty much wiping them all out. It’s ridiculous, but does include some impressive stunts. Besides a 4K restoration from the original camera negative, you’ll get a new commentary track with director Joseph Zito (Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter, Red Scorpion), and an author of a guide to Cannon Films. An old Zito commentary track is featured, along with a ton of cast and crew interviews, archival featurettes on the production and a trailer.
Finally, the distributor is also putting out the more recent Taiwanese plague-related chiller The Sadness (2021) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack. It comes with multiple commentaries, interviews, shorts from the director and much, much more.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Below is a list of some kid-friendly releases coming your way.
Mobile Cop Jiban: The Complete Series (1989-1990) (Discotek Media) Blu-ray
Ultraman Taiga: Series and Movie (Mill Creek) Blu-ray
ON THE TUBE!
And all of the week’s TV-related efforts can be found here.
The Arrested Development Documentary Project (ETR Media) Blu-ray
D.I. Ray: Season 2 (PBS) DVD
Great Performances: Now Hear This: Season 5 (PBS) DVD
Mobile Cop Jiban: The Complete Series (1989-1990) (Discotek Media) Blu-ray
Nature: Grizzly 399: Queen of the Tetons (PBS) DVD
Sherlock Holmes (surviving episodes of the 1968 BBC series with Peter Cushing) (Severin Films) Blu-ray
So Help Me Todd: The Final Season (CBS) DVD
Supernatural: The Complete Series (Warner Bros.) Blu-ray
Ted Lasso: The Richmond Way: The Complete Series (Warner Bros.) Blu-ray
Ultraman Taiga: Series and Movie (Mill Creek) Blu-ray