DVD Roundup for July 9th, 2024

July 9, 2024

Welcome to another look at highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. Last week was a quiet edition, which means that this one is very, very busy with some big titles, notable independents and international cinema efforts. There’s definitely something for everyone. 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 give one of these titles a try!

BIG NEW RELEASES!

ABIGAIL – A band of kidnappers decide to kidnap the 12-year-old daughter of an underworld figure. They capture the young ballerina, take her to a remote mansion and demand a $50 million dollar ransom for her return. Unfortunately, the group soon discovers that the kid is far more dangerous to themselves than they are to her. In fact, she may be a vampire. Critics were generally positive towards this horror/comedy. About one-fifth of them did complain that the movie’s early twist was made obvious in the advertising and that the rest of the story was predictable and lacked scares. Still, the majority thought it was a fun genre picture that delivered gruesome chuckles. They also wrote that it was enjoyable to see the kidnappers panic and turn on each other. The movie stars Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, Kathryn Newton, Willaim Catlett, Matthew Goode, Giancarlo Esposito and Alisha Weir.

BIGFOOT EXORCIST – This picture from Wild Eye Releasing was set to be released a few weeks back but was delayed. The distributor’s titles are typically ultra-low-budget (essentially homemade) independent genre efforts that often cater to audiences wanting over-the-top monster movies with cheesy production values. This feature is from a filmmaker responsible for the Shark Exorcist series and follows a cult who summon a vicious sasquatch to do their bidding. When a man survives an attack by the creature, he starts transforming into a bigfoot. The figure asks for help from a nun to release him from this curse. No one has seen this picture yet and it is arriving as a DVD-only release. If you’ve seen the series mentioned above, expect something similar, only set in the woods. The cast includes Jessa Flux, Crystal Quin and Ford Windstar.

THE BOY AND THE HERON – The latest from legendary Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki (My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away) is a period piece set during World War II. It follows a boy grieving the death of his mother and attempting to deal with his father’s remarriage. He escapes into a dreamlike space, befriends an unusual gray heron and tries to build a better world for himself. This picture won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and received raves from reviewers. A tiny handful commented that the story was weak and that, while beautiful to look at, the picture didn’t engage them emotionally. Everyone else called it a gorgeously animated and fitting close to Miyazaki’s career that examined the theme of loss in a moving and original manner. This picture is available in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack, a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook and a standalone Blu-ray. It contains both the original Japanese-language version with subtitles and an English dub.

BOY KILLS WORLD – In a world where the most popular form of entertainment involves citizens battling to the death, a young boy’s family is executed by a ruthless crime family. The attack leaves the kid deaf, mute and waiting for his chance to get revenge. Adopting an inner-voice based on his favorite video game character, he grows up, trains and joins a resistance group in order to fight his enemies. This extreme action/comedy split the press, although more did appreciate its eccentric charms than dislike it. Almost half couldn’t get on the movie’s wavelength. They didn’t find it amusing and grew tired of the violence. Yet slightly more called the feature odd and hilarious, with creatively staged and exciting action scenes, helped by the charismatic performances. This title can be purchased in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo or on Blu-ray. It features Bill Skarsgård, Jessica Rothe, Michelle Dockery, Brett Gelman, Isaiah Mustafa, Yayan Ruhian, Sharlto Copely and Famke Janssen.

CHALLENGERS – This drama involves a tennis prodigy-turned-coach whose championship-winning husband has hit a rough patch. She enters him in a smaller tournament, thinking it will help him regain his confidence. However, the lead discovers that her ex-boyfriend (and her husband’s ex-best friend) has also entered the competition. Viewers learn about the complicated pasts of all three individuals and see how each reacts to this unexpected reunion. Reaction was very positive towards this feature. A small contingent believed that the drama was too exaggerated and over-the-top, stating that it didn’t deliver on its dramatic potential. Regardless, the consensus was that the cast was very strong and that the movie delivered plenty of heat as it showed the complicated relationships that come out of intense competitive spirit. Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist headline the picture. Read a full review of the movie here.

CIVIL WAR – Set in the future during a Civil War in the United States, a group of journalists head out in a vehicle to try and interview the President before he is forcibly removed from office. In order to get there, they must travel backroads filled with military figures from both sides. As they stop and interact with them during various battles, their lives are put into danger. In general, critics spoke highly of this chilling war picture. About one-fifth were upset that the movie refused to take sides and didn’t feel satisfied by the resolution or what the movie was saying. However, others thought it was harrowing to watch, impeccably made and acted, also showing how everyone involved were changed and dehumanized by the horrors of war. The film is available as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set, a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Amazon exclusive and a Blu-ray only release. It stars Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, Stephen McKinley Henderson and Nick Offerman. Click this link to read all about the film.

DEER CAMP ’86 – Set in 1986, this story involves six friends from Detroit who decide to take a hunting trip together in the woods. They also record their adventures while heading out to shoot deer. The group are suddenly visited by police and told that locals are turning up dead. As it turns out, a Native American spirit is also on the hunt, murdering those who enter its territory. This horror/comedy played at various film festivals over the past couple of years and finally received a limited theatrical release a few weeks ago. Members of the press who have seen the picture gave it a modest recommendation. They suggest that the performances and effects are good for an independent feature, but the characters are difficult to cheer for and leave one distanced from the proceedings. The cast includes Noah LaLonde, Hay J. Bidwell and Arthur Cartwright.

FAST CHARLIE – A skilled hitman is asked to assassinate a thug. Things go as planned until the lead loses the deceased figure’s severed head. Realizing that he will not be paid unless he delivers the lost skull to his employer, he asks for help in finding the body part from the victim’s ex-wife. She knows enough to help figure out where the head might be, but can the hired killer trust her? Response towards this independent action/comedy was upbeat. A small number complained that the movie couldn’t settle on a tone between thrills and laughs and suffered as a result. However, the majority wrote that the film was an excellent dark comedy and throwback to crime pictures of old, benefitting from a great cast and solid direction by veteran Phillip Noyce (Dead Calm, Patriot Games, The Quiet American). For the time being, this is a DVD-only release. It features Pierce Brosnan, Morena Baccarin, James Caan, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Toby Huss and Sharon Gless.

FOOD, INC. 2 – This is a sequel to the 2008 Oscar-nominated documentary that revealed major problems with the corporate food industry in America. It details the positive changes that have begun to occur in the last 15 years and the steps that many are taking to make food healthier for us. The movie also investigates new issues caused by the recent pandemic and features interviews with some of those attempting to improve food quality in the US. Reaction towards this non-fiction feature was positive overall. A small number called it a repeat of the first film that bit off more than it could chew and didn’t add much to the conversation of sustainability. Still, most thought the picture gave a fascinating update and had even stronger arguments than the original, still maintaining a positive and uplifting outlook on the future and the work of those helping all living species.

SPLICE HERE: A PROJECTED ODYSSEY – The art and history of film projection is at the heart of this Australian documentary. The filmmaker (who is also a projectionist) details the history of how movies have been exhibited since the advent of Cinerama in the 1950s. After the introduction of digital projection and streaming, most believe that seeing film on the big screen in a communal setting will soon be over for good. This doc laments the loss of old-fashioned moviegoing, but also shows a recent comeback of filmic presentations with titles like The Hateful Eight. It features interviews with those who champion projected film like Leonard Maltin, Quentin Tarantino, Douglas Trumbull and more. Not many North American critics have seen the picture, but this movie did win praise in its homeland and played well at festivals. For now, it is a DVD-only release.

STRESS POSITIONS – Set during the COVID pandemic, this independent comedy follows a stressed-out, gay New Yorker who is keeping his distance from others. His days of living a solitary life come to an end when he is asked to look after his 19-year-old nephew, a Moroccan model suffering from a broken leg. As the days pass, the visitor explains his dissatisfaction with being a model and the lead is forced to socialize when friends unexpectedly show up, hoping to meet his relation. Response to the film was more positive than negative. Nearly one-third described the tone as overly quirky, ultimately finding the characters grating and suggesting the story had little to say about the pandemic. Still, more wrote that the film was a clever satire examining lives on hold with some funny performances. John Early, Qaher Harhash, Elizabeth Dement and Theda Hammel headline the picture.

TAROT – A group of college students rent an old mansion and throw a big party. They discover tarot cards and decide to do readings for each other, ignoring warnings not to use someone else’s deck. Naturally, their night of fun turns to terror when they realize that the cards are cursed and that all of their lives are in danger. As they begin suffering horrible deaths, the survivors try to figure out how to destroy the deck. The press slammed this horror picture. A very small group had a good time with the film, saying that the elaborate death scenes were well-staged. However, everyone else thought that the screenwriters failed to focus on anything but the slayings, stating that the characters were bland and poorly written and that the movie didn’t generate any suspense. It stars Harriet Slater, Adain Bradley, Jacob Batalon, Avantika and Humberly Gonzalez.

TITANIC: THE MUSICAL – Who knew that the true story of the Titanic sinking actually inspired a 1997 Tony-award winning musical? Well, it is likely that Broadway fans were aware of the production, but anyone unfamiliar with stage shows could be surprised to learn about this musical. It indeed follows the maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic, following its passengers and the ship’s tragic end, incorporating song and dance to tell the story. This is a recording of a production that was performed in England. There are few critical reviews of the show, but reports suggest it is a faithful adaptation. It seems that those who already enjoy the musical should find this effort to their liking. Martin Allanson, Valda Aviks, Graham Bickley, Sam Brown and James Darch are credited as performers in this version.

UNSUNG HERO – This faith-based picture is a drama that is said to be based on a true story of an Australian family who perform music. In the early 1990s, they moved to America in the hopes of rebuilding their lives after suffering from financial setbacks. Realizing that their children are particularly gifted, the parents put their own dreams on hold and use everything at their disposal to help their kids succeed. In the process, two of their kids end up becoming huge stars in the Christian recording industry. Critics gave the picture a few more positive write-ups than negative ones. Nearly half called it sweet but bland and predictable, as well as less-than-subtle in its religious message. Still, a few more thought the music was impressive and that the story felt believable and authentic. It features Daisy Betts, Joel Smallbone, Kirrilee Berger, Jonathan Jackson, Candace Cameron Bure and Terry O’Quinn.

BLASTS FROM THE PAST!

If nothing new appeals to you, plenty of older options are available. 88 Films is delivering Blu-rays of a pair of Hong Kong action sequels. The Inspector Wears Skirts III – Raid on Royal Casino Marine (1990) features a team of female police officers going undercover on a floating casino. The picture has been given a 2K restoration from the original camera negative and the disc includes a film expert commentary, a deleted scene and a trailer.

The Inspector Wears Skirts IV (1992) is also arriving on Blu-ray. It follows a new team of police recruits who ask for help from a couple of ex-members while dealing with a gang of thugs. This one also contains a 2K picture restoration, as well as a film historian commentary, stills gallery and trailer.

Cauldron Films is giving the Michael York/Donald Pleasence Italian chiller Off Balance (1988) aka Phantom of Death the Blu-ray treatment. It follows a pianist suffering from a genetic disease who goes on a killing spree. The movie was directed by Ruggero Deodato (Cannibal Holocaust) and the disc contains a 2K picture restoration from the camera negative, both the Italian and English language versions, an interview with the director and trailers.

Criterion is presenting the French Alain Delon crime picture Le Samourai (1967) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set. The highly-rated feature follows a desperate hitman searching for an alibi after numerous witnesses see him in the act of killing. Extras include two archival film critic interviews, a collection of old cast and crew discussions on the production, a short documentary on the working relationship between the filmmaker and star, as well as a trailer and a 30-page illustrated booklet with writing on the movie.

The World of Kanako (2014) is a well-regarded Japanese thriller about a former detective searching for his long-lost daughter. Drafthouse Films is presenting the title on Blu-ray with a making-of, and interviews with the lead actress and the author of the source material.

The French title Lady Killer (1937), about a doomed romance between a member of the French Foreign Legion and a seductress, is arriving on Blu-ray from Grasshopper Film with a 4K picture restoration.

It’s another busy week for Kino. You can pick up the German silent film Carmen (1918) on Blu-ray restored for this release in 4K.

Come Back, Little Sheba (1952) is a drama about an alcoholic man and his wife taking in a charismatic lodger who causes trouble between them. It stars Burt Lancaster and Shirley Booth, and the latter won a Best Actress Oscar for her work. This “Special Edition” Blu-ray is from a 4K scan and features a film historian commentary and trailer.

Pictured to the left, The Country Girl (1954) with Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and William Holden is about an alcoholic performer struggling to make his comeback on Broadway. This 70^th anniversary Blu-ray contains a 4K scan, a film professor commentary and a trailer.

Restored in 4K from the original camera negative, The Hairdresser’s Husband (1990) is also arriving on Blu-ray. It’s a French film about a man obsessed with hairdressers. He marries one and ends up spending most of his life in her shop.

You can also pick up The Rose Tattoo (1955) on Blu-ray. This drama is about a woman who falls for a man who looks exactly like her late husband, right down to having that same tattoo. Burt Lancaster plays the new man in the woman’s life.

Action/disaster movie fans can pick up the exaggerated Ray Liotta/Lauren Holly picture Turbulence (1997) in a “Special Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack or as a standalone Blu-ray. It’s about a serial killer who terrorizes a stewardess on an almost empty passenger flight. The movie comes with a director commentary, as well as theatrical trailer and TV spots.

Sex Apocalypse (1982) is a Spanish title being released on Blu-ray from Mondo Macabro. It’s about a group of perverts who kidnap a millionaire’s daughter, only to discover that she’s kinkier than they are. The movie is restored in 2K and arrives with a second, more explicit version of the film, a discussion about the Spanish film industry during the reign of Francisco Franco, a discussion on the moviemaker and a film historian commentary.

The MVD Rewind Collection is delivering Ghoulies II (1988) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack. This one is set at a carnival, where the titular creatures go on a rampage. You’ll get both the PG-13 theatrical version (in 2K on Blu-ray) and the R-rated cut (in 4K Ultra HD), as well as an introduction by the screenwriter, a trailer, deleted scenes, publicity materials, a mini-poster and reversible artwork for the disc.

Dark Angel (1990) aka I Come in Peace is an enjoyably silly science-fiction action film from director Craig R. Baxley (Action Jackson, Stone Cold) that is being released in 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray from Shout! Factory. Dolph Lundgren and Brian Benben square off against a drug-dealing alien using humans to manufacture his intergalactic narcotics. The new 4K picture scan comes from the original camera negative and the disc also contains a new retrospective piece with cast and crew interviews, another piece on the production featuring Baxley, Lundgren and Benben. Publicity materials are also included.

On a completely different note, you can also pick up a Blu-ray of Storytelling (2001) from Todd Solondz (Welcome to the Dollhouse, Happiness, Life During Wartime). This effort details the often uncomfortable to witness life lessons learned by its central characters (played by Selma Blair, Paul Giamatti and John Goodman). An inter-positive of the movie was given a 2K scan for this release, which also features an interview with the cinematographer and the score composer. An alternate, uncensored version of a scene from the movie is also listed as a bonus, along with a trailer.

The Canadian LGBTQ period drama Lilies (1996) is also arriving on Blu-ray from Strand Releasing.

Horror fans may be excited to learn that Synapse is putting out a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray of Crocodile (1979), a Thai picture about a pair of men hunting down the giant croc that ate their wives and children. The picture was given a 2K restoration from the original camera negative and extras include a film historian commentary, an interview with the director, deleted and alternate scenes, and a trailer.

Street Scene (1935) is a well-regarded effort from the early sound period that is appearing on Blu-ray from VCI. Based on a Broadway play, it follows the hard lives of those living in a Hell’s Kitchen tenement. It includes a 4K picture restoration.

With the sequel coming out shortly, Warner Bros. is presenting the original Twister (1996) in 4K Ultra HD (no Blu-ray is included). A 4K Ultra HD only Steelbook is also being offered. The film stars Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton as storm chasers and exes who are forced to work together when storms converge over them. The release contains a new interview with director Jan de Bont (Speed), an archival commentary with de Bont, various featurettes on the production and a music video.