Welcome to another look at some of the highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. This edition includes award winners and nominees, wacky comedies, and international fare, along with a ton of upgrades of older releases. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
BIG NEW RELEASES!
THE BRUTALIST – Set just after the close of World War II, a Hungarian immigrant arrives In the United States to make a name for himself. Despite being a brilliant architect, he is poorly treated and must try his hand at several menial jobs. Eventually, a wealthy industrialist sees the protagonist’s talent and hires him to design an elaborate building. But even then, the lead endures horrors as he tries to complete the project. This independent film was nominated for several Academy Awards and won Best Actor, Best Cinematography and Best Score. It also received plenty of rave reviews. A few voices took issue with the very long running time, calling the film dull and stating that they weren’t sure what it all meant. But everyone else was deeply impressed with the actors and technical specs, stating that the movie was an epic that offered an effective and disturbing examination of the treatment of immigrants by the American system. The film can be purchased either on 4K Ultra HD or on Blu-ray. The film stars Adrian Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pierce, Joe Alwyn and Raffey Cassidy.
HER BODY – Andrea Absolonová is the subject of this dramatic biopic from the Czech Republic. It follows the young diver as she joins her country’s national team and competes to qualify in the 1996 Summer Olympics. After a terrible vertebra accident, she retires from professional sports and takes up modelling, only to eventually become an adult film actress. The lead finds success in her new career, but is soon diagnosed with brain cancer. The movie was released in Europe at the end of 2023 and was well-received, but took some time to find a distributor in North America. Critics in this part of the world also paid the movie compliments. They wrote that the story was fascinating and painted an enlightening portrait of an individual and the unique choices made during an unfortunately short life. The cast includes Natalia Germani, Denisa Baresová, Zuzana Mauréryand Martin Finger.
HERE COMES A NEW CHALLENGER – This documentary takes you back to a period in the 1980s when most kids went to arcades and used their allowances to play video games. By the end of the decade, with many home gaming systems becoming available, the business was beginning to suffer. That is, until the release of Street Fighter II in 1991, which revitalized the industry with its tournament-style play. Viewers learn how the game was created, and then see its popularity grow with a well-designed release on Super NES. A toy line and other developments (including movie adaptations) are detailed during interviews with gaming authorities. This hasn’t been seen by many, but several online reviewers rated the film highly. They called it a fun and fascinating look at the creation of an iconic game and believed it would entertain anyone who remembers playing it.
IN FLAMES – Initially set for release in late February, this effort was delayed at the last minute. It is now arriving on disc. This is a horror film from Pakistan involving a mother and her teenage daughter who struggle to see eye-to-eye. When the family patriarch dies, they must fend for themselves in an old-fashioned society that offers little assistance. The teen finds a boyfriend, but is followed and stalked by a figure who disapproves of the romance. These two must eventually find common ground to fight back and save themselves. Write-ups were strong for this foreign-language feature. One or two didn’t think that mixing a tale of societal oppression with horror tropes worked well. Still, the overwhelming majority called the film tense and terrifying as it depicted the psychological toll of a patriarchy forcing its will onto women. It features Ramesha Nawal, Omar Javaid, Bakhtawar Mazhar, Adnan Shah and Mohammad Ali Hashmi.
MEMOIR OF A SNAIL – Set in 1970s Australia, this animated film tells the story of a girl and her twin brother, whose mother passed away tragically. The lead’s depressed, alcoholic father does his best to raise them, but ultimately dies not long afterward. The two kids are separated, with the brother being sent into the foster care of a cruel evangelical family, and the protagonist in another strange and faraway home. Over several years, the girl withdraws into herself and takes care of snails, until an eccentric senior inspires her. This film earned raves and was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards. One or two called it slow-moving and didn’t appreciate its unique stop-motion animation. However, the vast majority of critics were impressed. They wrote that the film was bleak, but that it charmed them as an original, personal and darkly humorous tale that delivered a deeply moving finale. The voice cast includes Sarah Snook, Eric Bana, Jacki Weaver, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Nick Cave and Dominique Pinon.
NOT AN ARTIST – A group of struggling artists are brought together by a wealthy patron in this comedy. They are given an ultimatum by the man who has brought them together. By the end of their one- month residency, they must unlock their full creative potential… or give up art forever. As the days pass, some use the initiative to create quickly, while others begin to panic. When an outsider arrives unexpectedly and begins asking questions, the entire program is put in jeopardy. Reaction was quite positive towards this independent feature. Most of those who saw the movie thought that the concept was clever and that it managed to delve amusingly into the creative process. Despite there being a number of characters, they wrote that it didn’t lose focus and was engaging throughout. It stars Haley Joel Osment, Betsy Sodaro, Rosalind Chao, Matt Walsh, Ciara Bravo, Cleopatra Coleman, Robert Schwartzman and RZA.
SURVIVE – This French/Belgian science-fiction/disaster film follows an American husband and wife, who set sail with their son and daughter on a birthday celebration. When a storm suddenly appears and capsizes their boat, they wake up surrounded by a desert-like vista. After making radio contact with another survivor, the family learns that a reversal of polarities on Earth has moved ocean waters onto land, leaving the seas dry and submerging all the continents. After discovering that all the water will soon be rushing back towards them, they must find a way to survive. This film was shot with most of the actors speaking English, and the press was more positive than negative about the final product. About one-quarter found it all preposterous, particularly when the family are attacked by oversized, hungry crabs. Still, most were impressed by the visuals and described it as a fun B-movie with effective jolts and exciting sequences. For the time being, this is a DVD-only release. Émilie Dequenne, Andreas Pietschmann, Lisa Delamar and Lucas Ebel headline the picture.
THUNDER – Looking for a more serious international production? This Swiss period drama, released as Foudre in its homeland, involves a woman in a convent readying to become a nun. When she receives word that her sister has passed away under mysterious circumstances, she returns home. The protagonist is reunited with three childhood friends and discovers a revealing diary, helping put some of the pieces together about the death. In the process, she begins to doubt her calling and tries to figure out what to do next. This effort was released in its homeland a couple of years ago to a warm reception and was considered for inclusion as a Best International Film nominee at the Academy Awards (it didn’t end up earning a nod), but is only just now arriving on disc in North America. The press stated that the film was beautifully shot, atmospheric and meditative. They wrote that it captivated them with its story of a woman finding herself. It features Lilith Grasmug, Mermoz Melchior and Benjamin Python.
TRAILER PARK BOYS PRESENTS: STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF KITTIES – Also known as Standing on the Shoulders of Kitties and Standing on the Shoulders of Kitties: The Bubbles and the Shitrockers Story, the latest feature film based on the Canadian Trailer Park Boys comedy TV-series sees the bespectacled Bubbles deciding to start a rock band. With his pals in tow, he books a European tour. However, things go wrong and they get lost on the road, having to busk to earn enough money for their trip home. This effort features many cast members, and plenty of cameos, but critics were not on board for this follow-up. A few wrote that while it wasn’t the team’s best effort, it offered a few amusingly off-color moments. However, the majority found the movie unfunny, filled with recycled and often tasteless gags that didn’t play well. It is highly rated by fans on IMDb, so it might all depend on your own sense of humor. The cast includes Mike Smith, Billy Bob Thornton, Robb Wells, John Paul Tremblay, Patrick Roach, Ronnie Wood, Duff McKagan, Rick Nielson and Martin Freeman.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
Looking for something older? Well, you definitely have options this week. Severin Films is delivering the effective chiller Antiviral (2012) from Brandon Cronenberg (son of David Cronenberg) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack. The story is set in a celebrity-obsessed world where people pay to be infected with viruses (like herpes) from their favorite performers. A company salesman (Caleb Landry Jones) specializing in this service finds his own life at risk after being accidentally infected with the disease that killed a major star. The film’s internegative was scanned in 4K for this release, with the specific color adjusted to the specifications of the cinematographer and director. The set contains a Cronenberg and director of photography commentary, a short from the filmmaker than inspired the feature, a making-of, a detailed look at the interesting restoration process for this release, as well as director interview, deleted scenes with optional commentary, a first meeting between two cast members, a featurette on the production design, an EPK with cast and crew and a trailer. Read a full review of the disc here.
The French comedy/horror Delicatessen (1991) is also arriving in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set from the same distributor (a standalone Blu-ray is also available). This tale is set in a grim future where people live in squalor. Some of humanity have even resorted to cannibalism to survive. A sweet young man shows up to work at a delicatessen, only to discover that his boss/landlord is planning on carving him up for food. The 4K restoration of the movie was overseen by co-director Jean-Pierre Jeunet at StudioCanal, who used the original 35mm negative and restored it to match the original image created by cinematographer Darius Khondji (Se7en, Panic Room, Mickey 17). Jeunet provides a commentary track to the film, and bonuses include an interview with Jeunet and co-director Marc Caro, a making-of, a lengthy and recent talk with Caro, another discussion with filmmaker Terry Gilliam about his connection to the movie, as well as a trailer. A detailed disc review can be found by clicking this link!
Radiance Films is presenting a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray of the Japanese feature and Palme d’Or winner The Eel (1997). It tells the story of a man who murders his wife. Still suffering from mental illness upon his release from prison eight years later, he attempts to make a new start by opening a barber shop, but finds it difficult to adapt. In addition to a high-definition digital transfer of the feature, you’ll receive an interview with a critic about the movie, a discussion with the screenwriter, a visual essay on Japanese cinema in 1997 and a trailer. A booklet is also included. NOTE: The release date has recently been pushed to April 15th.
88 Films is presenting a trio of Hong Kong features on Blu-ray An Amorous Woman of Tang Dynasty (1984). This is a period effort about a priestess rebelling against traditional female roles in society. This disc comes with a trailer, stills gallery, commemorative art cards and slipcase.
Hong Kong, Hong Kong (1983) is a social realist drama about an illegal immigrant from mainland China trying to make a better life for herself. Bonuses in this 88 Films Blu-ray are identical to the previous title.
The Lady is the Boss (1983) is a comedy about an Americanized Hong Kong woman who returns home to her father’s martial arts and shakes things up. Apparently, it features impressive action sequences, and as the picture suggests, some BMX racing.
Arrow Video is releasing a title that was previously available as part of a box set. You can now pick up a 4K Ultra HD only version of the entertaining Antonio Banderas action picture Desperado (1995). It comes with a commentary from director Robert Rodriguez, several interviews with cast and crew and more.
Don’t Torture a Duckling (1972) is a “giallo” slasher from Lucio Fulci that is arriving as a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD. This one is set in a small village and involves a killer who may be closely associated with the Catholic Church. In addition to a remaster of the 35mm camera negative, the disc features a film expert commentary, a video conversation with another “giallo” authority, a video essay on the movie, audio interviews with Fulci, cast and crew discussions and a trailer.
Blue Underground has been releasing wonderful, high-quality products for years. Their latest title is a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set of the snake-thriller Venom (1981). The film is about a kidnapping that occurs at an English estate. Little does anyone know that a poisonous slithering creature also happens to be loose on the property. The cast includes Klaus Kinski, Olver Reed, Nicol Williamson and Sterling Hayden. This disc contains a new 4K remastering of the picture from the original camera negative. It arrives with a director commentary track and a film historian commentary, interviews with the editor/second unit director, makeup artist, as well as a featurette with a movie authority on the movie, a look at the era and films of this period, as well as tons of publicity materials, a reversible cover, and an 18-page booklet.
Canadian International Pictures is presenting a 40th anniversary 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray of the documentary Hookers on Davie (1984) which details the lives of prostitutes in Vancouver, British Columbia. It’s said to have a humanistic approach and explores the day-to-day lives of its subjects. This version delivers a 4K restoration of the original 16mm A/B negatives, a new commentary with the directors. There is also a second commentary on the film with an artist, a filmmaker introduction, new interviews with co-director Janis Cole on the film and other projects with co-director Jordan King. There is also a video report on the sex workers, an arts award tribute to the moviemakers, interviews, other shorts by the directors with commentaries and much more, including a booklet with essays and reversible cover art.
Speaking of Canada, you can also pick up the Japan/Canada co-production Nova Seed (2016) on Blu-ray from Cartuna. It’s a futuristic animated feature about characters trying to stop a mad scientist from destroying the world.
The new company Cinematographe is presenting the indie comedy/drama Go Fish (1994) on Blu-ray. It details a lesbian college student in Chicago searching for her soulmate. The 16mm camera negative from the black and white feature has been given a 4K restoration, and the disc includes a director/co-writer/editor commentary, a queer film historian commentary, cast and crew interviews and a trailer.
A Blu-ray double-feature of In Custody (1993) and The Proprietor (1996) is arriving courtesy of Cohen Media Group. They’re both dramas directed by Ismail Merchant (who also produced Howard’s End and The Remains of the Day). The first title features a conversation about the movie with compatriot James Ivory, legacy interviews with Merchant and the cast, and the trailer. The second feature comes with a film critic commentary and a short directed by Merchant.
Criterion is presenting notable titles this week. Choose Me (1984) is appearing as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo or as a Blu-ray only release. Pictured above and to the right, this rom-com is about a group of night owls in Los Angeles who interact over the course of the story, discussing their relationship problems and anxieties. The cast includes Genevieve Bujold, Keith Carradine, Lesley Ann Warren, Rae Dawn Chong and John Larroquette. The 4K Dolby Vision restoration for this release was supervised by director Alan Rudolph (Trouble in Mind, Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle) and extras include a conversation with Rudolph and Carradine, a program with crew interviews, excerpts from a director interview at a screening, and trailers.
Night Moves (1975) is a Gene Hackman thriller follows a private investigator in L.A. who gets overly involved in a case to find a runaway teen. This picture has built a bigger and bigger following over the years and is now being given a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray release (a standalone Blu-ray is also available). Besides the 4K Dolby Vision restoration, you’ll get a commentary with a film expert, an audio interview with cast member Jennifer Warren, a 1975 interview with director Arthur Penn (Bonnie and Clyde, Little Big Man), a 1995 interview with the filmmaker, a behind-the-scenes featurette and trailer.
Eureka Entertainment is presenting a double-feature “Limited Edition” Blu-ray containing The Daredevils (1979) and Ode to Gallantry (1982), two Hong Kong martial arts films. Both titles come with two movie expert commentary tracks, as well as an interview with a Hong Kong cinema scholar, a booklet with writing on the films.
Mapantsula (1988) is a South African crime film that is considered the first anti-apartheid feature made in the country. It involves a gangster who gets involved in the movement, fighting for freedom. Film Movement is delivering a Blu-ray of the feature that includes a director commentary and interviews with members of the cast and crew.
You can also pick up a Blu-ray set called Two Faces of Tai Kato, which contains a pair of films from the Japanese director. First is By a Man’s Face Shall You Know Him (1966) and the other title is I, The Executioner (1968). The set has a few movie expert video essays, trailers, a booklet with writing on the pictures, and more.
IFC Films is delivering a Blu-ray of 4:44 Last Day on Earth (2011) from writer/director Abel Ferrara. Willem Dafoe and Natasha Lyonne play artists who spent their last day together before the end of the world. It arrives with a film historian commentary, a Ferrara interview, a video essay on the movie, and a booklet with an essay.
And if you’re interested in the new Australian animated film Memoir of a Snail (2024) noted in the new release section, IFC is also putting out a double-feature Blu-ray containing the movie and Mary and Max (2009) an earlier and equally beloved animated feature from the same writer/director. Both films have director’s commentaries, and also come with cast interviews and making-of featurettes.
The Italian futuristic feature The 10th Victim (1965) is arriving on Blu-ray from Kino. Marcello Mastroianni and Ursula Andress star as assassins competing in a game of legalized murder. The picture has been given a 2K restoration for this edition, and comes with a film historian commentary, a featurette on the movie, trailers and both the English language and Italian audio for the title.
Enjoy Christ Farley and David Spade movies? Then this is your week. The comedy Black Sheep (1996) is being given a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo release. Farley plays a gym teacher who can’t help but get into embarrassing situations around his brother, a governor. The 4K restoration comes from the original camera negative and the set includes an audio commentary with director Penelope Spheeris (Wayne’s World, Suburbia) and a trailer.
Kino Cult is putting out a Blu-ray of the Marjoe Gortner/Lynda Carter crime spree movie Bobbie Jo and the Outlaw (1976). It features a commentary with director Mark L. Lester (Class of 1984, Firestarter, Commando), an interview with the filmmaker, a discussion with cast member Belinda Balaski and another talk with actress and producer Merrie Lynn Ross.
Diary of a Chambermaid (1964) is a French drama from Luis Bunuel (Un Chien Andalou, Belle de Jour, The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie). For this Blu-ray, a 2K picture restoration has been completed by StudioCanal. It comes with a film historian commentary, a lengthy featurette on the movie, an interview with the screenwriter, a Q&A on the picture, and a trailer. A slipcase is also included.
The Glass Web (1953) is a 3D film about a television actress who seduces and blackmails others to get ahead. That is, until she does so to the wrong person. The cast includes Kathleen Hughes, Edward G. Robinson, and John Forsythe star. This release includes a 3D Blu-ray that has both an anaglyph (with a pair of red/cyan glasses) and regular 3D version, all presented with a new picture restoration. A regular Blu-ray is also part of the set. Additionally, it comes with a film scholar commentary, trailer, TV spots and a slipcase.
And the French film-noir Hi-Jack Highway (1955) aka Gas-Oil is also arriving on Blu-ray from Kino. It involves a trucker who finds a dead body on the road and then has to prove his innocence in the man’s murder. A 4K picture restoration is included in this edition, along with a film critic commentary and a trailer.
Those looking for more Chris Farley and David Spade can also pick up Tommy Boy (1995), which is arriving as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set, or a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook, as well as in 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Walmart exclusive Steelbook, all from Paramount Pictures. In this feature, the two leads have to go on a long road trip to save the family business. The 4K image restoration was supervised by the director. There is also a director commentary, numerous featurettes on the production, storyboard comparisons, deleted and extended scenes, alternate takes, a gag reel, photo gallery, TV spots and a trailer.
Rot (1999) is an indie body horror chiller about two punks who contract a virus that causes them to, well, decompose while still alive. Saturn’s Core Audio & Video is releasing a Blu-ray of the film. It comes with a commentary track featuring the director and the co-star, a director and cast commentary, a visual essay on the movie, an interview with the filmmaker, more cast and crew discussions, bloopers and outtakes, a trailer, a bonus hour-long film from the director, and a short (both with optional director commentary) and more.
Severin Films is delivering the Fear in the Philippines: The Complete Blood Island Films Blu-ray two-disc box set, containing Terror is a Man (1959), Brides of Blood (1968), Mad Doctor of Blood Island (1968) and Beast of Blood (1971). All of the movies have received 4K restorations. Film historian commentaries, cast and crew interviews, film expert discussions and press materials are featured on all of the titles.
Shout Factory is releasing a big title for anyone who grew up in the 1980s with the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray “Collector’s Edition” of Night of the Creeps (1986). This incredibly fun zombie flick follows two college students who discover a dead body infected by space slugs that control the brains of corpses. The leads must deal with an outbreak of the walking dead and are helped by a sorority sister and a gruff detective who barks “Thrill me!” at regular intervals. It’s a hoot. While the film didn’t initially receive a very wide release or make a ton of money at the box office, it became a huge cult item on cable and video a few years later when genre fans caught up with it (myself included).
This set only includes the “Director’s Cut” (which contains a longer and more elaborate ending), so if you have the theatrical version, you may still want to hang on to it too. However, this versions presents a 4K restoration of the film from the original camera negative, a commentary with writer/director Fred Dekker (The Monster Squad, with writing credits on the House series, Ricochet and The Predator), a cast commentary, a film expert commentary, a new career retrospective with Dekker, the original theatrical ending (as a separate bonus feature), a ton of cast and crew interviews, a look at the locations from the movie, a 5-part exploration of the film, a featurette on co-star Tom Atkins (who plays the detective), deleted scenes and a trailer.
The distributor is also delivering the Blu-ray box set Shaw Brothers Classics: Volume 6, which includes Swordswomen Three (1970), The Twelve Gold Medallions (1970), Duel for Gold (1971), Shadow Girl (1971), Swordsman at Large (1971), The Black Enforcer (1972), The Black Tavern (1972), Fingers of Doom (1972), The Young Avenger (1972), Na Cha and the Seven Devils (1973) and Crazy Nuts of Kung Fu (1974). All of the titles feature film historian audio commentaries, interviews and some also have trailers and image galleries.
The horror picture The Strings (2020) is arriving on Blu-ray from Shudder. It follows a musician who retreats to an isolated cottage to write new tunes, only to experience supernatural events. This film debuted on the streaming site and is now arriving on disc with a filmmaker commentary, a cast featurette, deleted and alternate scenes, a photo montage, a look at the music, an extended musical performance scene, a soundtrack album teaser, a trailer, and a booklet with writing on the film.
Terror Vision is a distributor who offers most of their product exclusively through their website. After some time, they usually allow versions to be sold on other sites, but you’re advised to buy directly from them if there’s a title you adore (because they don’t print a lot of copies and titles often sell out). This week, the website is offering a Dance or Die (1987) “Deluxe Edition” Blu-ray and CD combo. It’s a slasher about a killer murdering members of a Las Vegas dance show that comes with a director commentary and cast and crew interviews.
Enter the Panther (1976) is a Spanish martial arts movie starring Bruce Li. Apparently, the print came from Spain with Spanish subtitles burned in at the bottom of the screen, but otherwise you should get an improved image from earlier editions. A martial arts historian provides a commentary track, the alternate VHS cut is included and the release includes a booklet with writing on the movie.
The Japanese effort Gushing Prayer (1971) follows a woman who decides to indulge in her sexual appetites, learning more about herself in the process. This Blu-ray features multiple visual essays on the movie by film historians, and a booklet with writing on the movie.
Suddenly in the Dark (1981) is getting a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo release. It’s a Korean film about a biology professor and his wife who welcome a housemaid into their home, only to result in tension and jealousy. The 4K restoration of the uncut version of the film was completed by the Korean Archive, and you’ll also get a booklet with writing on the movie, a Korean film expert commentary track, a visual essay, an interview with the producer and another discussion on the history of Korean horror pictures.
Umbrella Entertainment is releasing a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray of the stylish sci-fi/horror film Hardware (1990) about an artist who must fend off a violent robot. This set contains a new audio commentary with director Richard Stanley (Dust Devil, Color Out of Space), a making-of, a video essay on the film, a discussion with the producer, an original storyboard featurette, deleted and extended scenes, a talk about plans for a sequel, promo music videos, an original promo video, multiple short films by the director, and a trailer.
Deadly Obsession: The Films of Bill Reeves is a Blu-ray set containing 9 very low-budget, shot-on-video movies made by Reeves between 1987 and 2003. VHSHitfest is putting out this title. Apparently, the release contains commentaries, interviews and trailers.
Vinegar Syndrome is putting out several titles as well. The first is a website exclusive that is now available everywhere. It’s a Blu-ray of The Carpenter (1988) with Wings Hauser as a deceased handyman who is given the electric chair for murder, and then returns from the dead to complete his dream house. Naturally, this is very bad news for the young couple now living in the home. The movie has been given a 2K restoration from a 35mm release print and includes a director commentary, a genre film historian commentary, a 33-minute making-of documentary, and an interview with star Hauser.
You can also pick up a double-feature Blu-ray set of the Honk Kong “Category III” possession title Devil Fetus (1983) and the “Category III” revenge picture Her Vengeance (1988). This rating applies to titles that are extreme and disturbing in their content. The films have been restored for this set. Both films feature film historian commentaries, video essays, trailers, promotional materials and more. A booklet with essays on the movies is included, as well as reversible sleeve artwork.
The Mansion of Madness (1973) aka Dr. Tarr’s Torture Dungeon is a Mexican horror film based on the work of Edgar Allan Poe about a mad doctor who tortures unsuspecting victims. For this Blu-ray, the movie has been scanned and restored in 4K from the original camera negative, and boasts a Mexican film historian commentary track, cast and crew interviews, a feature-length documentary on the director, as well as both the English and Spanish language audio tracks for the movie. The disc contains reversible sleeve artwork.
You can also pick up a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo of The Possession of Joel Delaney (1972). The story follows a New York-based woman who fears that her brother may be possessed by the spirit of a serial killer. It stars Shirley MacLaine and Perry King. The film has been given a 4K restoration from the original camera negative and comes with a movie expert commentary, an interview with the director, a look at the adaptation from book to film, as well as a featurette on the movie’s locations. A trailer is also listed as an extra.
Warner Archive is putting out made-to-order Blu-rays of several catalog titles. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1921) is a silent World War I film about family members from different countries who end up on opposite sides of the battlefield. The best presentation elements available were given a 4K restoration for this disc.
Hit Man (1972) is a cult crime picture with Bernie Casey and Pam Grier about an ex-cop investigating his brother’s death in the L.A. underworld. It’s from late writer/director George Armitage, who would go on to helm the fantastic Miami Blues and Grosse Pointe Blank. Apparently, a 4K restoration of the movie from the original camera negative was used for this release.
Monogram Matinee Volume 1 contains three B-westerns from the studio that have been lost in the vaults for some time. The pictures featured on the disc are Mississippi Rhythm (1949), Crashing Thru (1949) and Western Renegades (1949), which have all been remastered for their first-ever home video release.
And Sadie McKee (1934) stars Joan Crawford as a flapper trying to choose between love and money. The best available elements were given the 4K restoration treatment for this Blu-ray release, which also features a trio of 1934 cartoons and a trailer.
Finally, Well Go USA is presenting Blu-ray re-releases of the South Korean action pictures The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil (2019) and The Tiger (2015).
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Looking for something kids might enjoy? Here are your options.
Care Bears: Unlock the Magic – Seeds of Caring (NCricle Entertainment) DVD
Magilla Gorilla: The Complete Series (1964 animated series) (Warner Archive) Blu-ray
ON THE TUBE!
And this week’s TV-themed releases can be found below.
Asia: Season 1 (BBC) Blu-ray
Care Bears: Unlock the Magic – Seeds of Caring (NCricle Entertainment) DVD
Earth II (1971 TV-movie) (Warner Archive) Blu-ray
Hallmark Dayspring 2-Movie Collection: An Easter Bloom, The Blessing Bracelet (Hallmark) DVD
Hallmark 3 Movie Collection: Easter Under Wraps, Home by Spring, Tulips in Spring (Hallmark) DVD
Magilla Gorilla: The Complete Series (1964 animated series) (Warner Archive) Blu-ray
Star Trek: Lower Decks: The Complete Series (Paramount Pictures) Blu-ray Steelbook
Star Trek: Lower Decks: The Final Season (Paramount Pictures) Blu-ray