DVD Roundup for November 19th, 2024

November 19, 2024

Welcome to another look at some of the highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. The last edition was quiet, so this one is jam-packed with some big releases, as well as plenty of interesting independent fare. 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!

ALL HAPPY FAMILIES – Family members living great distances apart come together at their old family home to do renovations and make it available for the rental market. The main character is shy and takes a personal interest in a woman who may want to lease the home. His brother is an egotistical Hollywood actor who has just been written out of his show. The parents are also dealing with their own personal issues. This independent comedy/drama was well-received by the press. A small number referred to the movie as cute but conventional and forgettable. However, the majority really liked the performers and thought the film did an excellent job of dealing with various family problems while providing laughs along the way. For the time being, this is a DVD-only release. It stars Josh Radnor, Chandra Russell, Rob Huebel, Becky Ann Baker, John Ashton and Colleen Camp.

BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE – This sequel to the 1988 fantasy/comedy hit brings the Deetz family back to their unique abode. After a family tragedy, three generations head home to possibly sell the estate. The daughter of the protagonist from the previous chapter accidentally finds a portal to the Afterlife, releasing various evil forces. It’s only a matter of time before the title paranormal spirit attempts to use the situation to his own advantage. Critics generally enjoyed this follow-up. Slightly less than one-quarter complained the film was playing on viewer nostalgia and didn’t compare to the original. Everyone else called the movie surprisingly charming and funny, delivering great visuals, memorably manic moments and an interesting focus on three generations of living Deetz women dealing with loss. Multiple versions of the title are available, including a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook, a 4K-only edition and a Blu-ray only version. The cast includes Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Jenna Ortega, Arthur Conti and Willem Dafoe. Read a full review of the movie here.

GODZILLA MINUS ONE – Released over the holiday season last year, this Oscar-winning (for Best Visual Effects) prequel to the 1954 classic is finally arriving on disc (it has been available on streaming sites and Netflix for a few months). At the close of WWII, a Japanese Kamikaze pilot decides to retreat from battle and return home. But of course, post-war Japan is a mess. Over the following years, the man deals with survivor’s guilt, before the giant monster arrives and threatens the country. Reactions towards the movie were extremely positive. One or two commented that the movie was too serious and slowly paced to impress them. Yet all others were blown away by the spectacle. They called the characters well-developed and the story more meaningful than other titles in the franchise. The same critics also found the title character scary and the action tense throughout. There are multiple editions of the film available, including a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo, a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook, and a standalone Blu-ray. The movie features Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe and Munetaka Aoki. You can read a full review of the movie here.

HELL HATH NO FURY – A couple whose marriage looks fine on the surface actually despise each other. So much so, in fact, that one night during the holiday season they plot to murder one another. Unfortunately, they both begin to get in the way of their spouse’s plotting as events progress, making their goals more and more difficult as the evening progresses. This independent horror/comedy film has played in a festival or two over the past year or two, and has now been picked up by a distributor for a streaming and disc release. Those who saw it complimented the performances, saying the two leads were amusing and that the tone veered more into comedy than horror. However, they also noted that some of the other characters and subplots didn’t come off as effectively. Leah N.H. Philpot, Jacob Ryan Snovel and Ashley Mandanas headline the picture.

IN WATER – This South Korean drama begins with a filmmaker traveling with his cast to an island in order to shoot an independent production. He struggles to find inspiration or meaning in the project and discusses his issues with actors around him. Will he find the creative inspiration to move forward and start shooting? And where will the big idea come from? This foreign-language arthouse picture runs a short one-hour, but was generally admired by the press. A few were annoyed by the shooting style and the intentional decision to shoot events out-of-focus, saying they became frustrated by the technique, as well as the listlessness of the story. Still, the majority thought it was a bold, experimental endeavor that impressed them with its minimalism and well-explored themes of doubt and depression. The cast includes Shin Seok-ho, Ha Seong-guk and Kim Seung-yun.

THE KILLER’S GAME – Europe’s best hitman begins suffering from severe migraines and gets a medical check-up. His physician tells the lead that he has a terminal illness. Thinking he has only a short time to live, the assassin decides to put a contract out on himself, hoping he will meet a quick end. Of course, he immediately gets a call from his doctor saying that there was a mix-up and that he is in fine health. Now, the protagonist must fend off killers from around the world. This action/comedy split reviewers, with slightly more panning the film than praising it. Those who liked it said the leads were fun to watch, the gags were amusing and that found the film’s romance subplot unexpectedly engaging. But more found the movie’s over-the-top approach distracting and thus could not relate to or find excitement in the characters, action or drama. Multiple versions of this title are available, including a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo, a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Amazon exclusive Steelbook and a Blu-ray and DVD combo. The film stars Dave Bautista, Sofia Boutella, Scott Adkins, Terry Crews and Ben Kingsley.

REAGAN – This biopic tells the story of Ronald Reagan, the actor who was elected President of the United States in 1981. The story is narrated by former KGB agent Victor Petrovich, who gives an overview of the man’s life as an actor and his eventual turn to politics. Viewers see how Reagan became a world leader, as well as the actions he took as President. This picture was largely panned by reviewers. A small percentage found the movie earnest and well-intentioned, providing viewers with an underdog story of a man rising from humble beginnings. Unfortunately, everyone else called the feature a glossy, simplified telling of the Reagan story that didn’t enlighten or intrigue, nor did it even present its main character with a personal challenge or flaw to overcome. It features Dennis Quaid, Penelope Ann Miller, Jon Voight and Mena Suvari.

RYUICHI SAKAMOTO: OPUS – While Criterion is better known for their extraordinary work releasing classic films in high-definition formats, occasionally they have been known to debut a newer title through their outlet. This 2023 documentary focuses on legendary musician and pianist Ryuichi Sakamoto. The movie is a concert film that captures his final public performance, playing a selection of compositions that span his entire career. Sakamoto was suffering from terminal cancer at the time, and passed away shortly after this performance. Everyone who saw the film adored it, calling it a stirring and incredible performance played with emotion and great power. They noted the show, and the beautiful black and white photography beautifully marked a stirring final hurrah for the artist. This disc will be available exclusively on Blu-ray.

SPEAK NO EVIL – An American family living in the UK encounters a free-spirited English couple and their child while visiting Italy. They become fast friends and are invited to spend a weekend at the country home of their new acquaintances. Things immediately get awkward after arriving as the hosts become exceedingly gruff and blunt with them. Eventually, the protagonists begin to fear for their safety. This remake of a 2022 Danish-Dutch movie of the same name actually fared well with the press. A small number disliked the story changes in the last act and thought it turned into a conventional horror/thriller. Still, most couldn’t help but be impressed by the performances, complimenting the central villain role. They also said the awkwardness on display was incredibly tense and grimly amusing, resulting in an entertaining genre picture. James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy and Aisling Franciosi headline the film. Read a full write-up on the movie here.

A SUDDEN CASE OF CHRISTMAS – A youngster is surprised when her parents tell her they’re going to visit her grandfather, who runs a fancy hotel in Italy. Grandad is also confused by their arrival in August, rather than the holidays when they normally visit. The couple soon tell gramps that they are getting a divorce and have yet to tell his granddaughter. With the future up in the air, the family patriarch decides to put on a festive celebration for the youngster, which may also help the parents rediscover their love for each other. This picture received a limited theatrical run a couple of weeks ago and is now appearing on disc as a DVD-only release. Only a handful of press members have seen it, but most were upbeat about the movie. One did call it a collection of holiday movie cliches, but all the others wrote that the movie was sweeter and funnier than expected, noting the charismatic cast made the story spirited and enjoyable. It features Danny DeVito, Andie MacDowell, Wilmer Valderama, Lucy DeVito and Antonella Rose.

TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN – Based on a popular graphic novel, this futuristic Hong Kong action film is set in a world where Kowloon has been turned into a lawless, walled-in district run by the criminal underworld. One day, a fighter appears in town and begins offending all of the area’s major criminals. A bounty is put on his head, but he doesn’t seem to mind, fighting his way up the chain in order to take revenge on Kowloon’s biggest boss. Notices were excellent for this foreign-language effort. One or two suggested there was simply too much action on display and that they found the story confusing. Every other critic admitted that the plot was silly, but admitted that the movie still featured some of the best martial arts they’d seen in a very long time. They called the movie a blast and said it would leave most viewer’s jaws on the floor. Louis Koo, Raymond Lam, Terrance La and Sammo Hung headline the movie.

BLASTS FROM THE PAST!

If you’re looking for something older, it’s a jam-packed edition as well. A Simple Plan (1998) is arriving as a 4K Ultra HD “Limited Edition” and Blu-ray “Limited Edition” from Arrow Video. The story follows a struggling young family who discover a downed plane with $4 million dollars hidden within. They take the cash and try to keep things a secret, but a close relative threatens to ruin everything. This excellent thriller from Sam Raimi (the Evil Dead and Tobey Maguire Spider-Man series) stars Bill Paxton, Bridget Fonda and Billy Bob Thronton. Besides the impressive picture upgrade, extras include two film historian commentaries, an interview with the cinematographer, cast and crew interviews, a behind-the-scenes featurette and a trailer. It also comes with a reversible sleeve and booklet with essays on the movie. You can read a complete and detailed review of the disc right here.

Tomie (1999) is a Japanese effort that combines elements of horror, crime and drama. The story follows an amnesiac trying to regain her memories. This Blu-ray comes with a film historian commentary, new interviews with the lead actress as well as the producer. You’ll also get a lengthy making-of EPK, an image gallery, and trailers for the film and the many sequels that followed this picture. Read a full review of this disc by clicking this link.

Radiance Films is presenting a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray of Japan Organized Crime Boss (1969) from Kinji Fukasaku (Sympathy for the Underdog, Battle Royale). This tale involves an ex-con getting out of jail only to end up in the middle of a Yakuza war between Osaka and Tokyo mobsters. This disc comes with a 1999, 34-minute biography of the director, an analysis of the movie, a visual essay on the film and a trailer. A booklet with writing on the movie and a reversible sleeve is also included.

Slap the Monster on Page One (1972) is an Italian effort with a unique combination of political and “giallo” elements. It’s about a right-wing newspaper that tries to influence a murder investigation in order to protect a fascist political candidate. This “Limited Edition” Blu-ray contains a 4K picture restoration from the original camera negative, an interview with the director, a critic interview, an appreciation from filmmaker Alex Cox, a reversible sleeve and a booklet with writing on the movie. Read a detailed review of the Blu-ray by clicking this link.

ClassicFlix is presenting The Little Rascals: The Restored Silents on Blu-ray which contains theatrical versions of several Our Gang comedy shorts that were produced between 1922 and 1938.

The Criterion Collection is putting out a massive 40-movie Blu-ray box set CC40. It features a selection of some of the most popular titles they’ve released. The years of production for these films date between 1940 and 2001. You can go to their website to find out which titles are included in the package.

You can also pick up the Barbra Streisand/Omar Sharif musical-comedy-drama Funny Girl (1968) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack or as a standalone Blu-ray. Pictured to the left, star Streisand won an Oscar for her role in this picture, in which she plays a singer who falls for an unreliable gambler. Besides the image restoration, you’ll receive a new audio interview with Streisand, a conversation with director William Wyler’s son, a documentary on Wyler, an archival interview with Shariff, a deleted scene, featurettes from the release and an essay on the movie.

Eureka Entertainment is delivering Super Spies and Secret Lies: Three Undercover Classics from Shaw Brothers on Blu-ray. You’ll get The Golden Buddha (1966), Angel with the Iron Fists (1967) and The Singing Thief (1969). The movies come with action cinema expert commentaries, an interview on the pictures with a James Bond authority (as the character in part inspired these pictures), an interview with a Hong Kong film scholar, a reversible sleeve, trailers, a booklet with essays and a slipcase.

The Sword (1980) follows a swordsman who believes that he carries a cursed blade. He tries to hide, but finds himself being pursued by those who want to prove themselves by taking him on. The film has been given a 2K restoration for Blu-ray and comes with two film expert commentaries, two critic interviews, a trailer, booklet with writing on the feature and a slipcase.

Film Masters is celebrating the 70^th anniversary of Salt of the Earth (1954) with a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray. Based on a true story, it follows Mexican-American workers fighting for their rights in a zinc mine.

Kino is putting out a Blu-ray of the western California (1947) with Ray Milland. Cattle Drive (1951) is about a cowboy who discovers the lost, spoiled son of a railroad magnate and teaches him how to provide for himself. It is also being released on Blu-ray.

The Clint Eastwood picture The Eiger Sanction (1975) is getting a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray upgrade. This one features the star as a man tasked with finding and assassinating a killer during a climbing expedition. Besides the 4K restoration from the original camera negative, the set comes with two film expert commentary tracks, cast interviews, a promo reel for the movie and publicity materials.

Play Misty for Me (1971) marked Eastwood’s directorial debut. He plays a radio DJ being stalked by an obsessive fan. Jessica Walter co-stars as the stalker. This 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo also contains a 4K restoration from the original camera negative, as well as new screenwriter/producer commentary, a critic commentary, an interview with co-star Donna Mills, a documentary about the production, a featurette on the film, a “Trailers from Hell” discussion on the trailer with director Adam Rifkin, tons of promo materials and more.

And also getting the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo treatment is the Eastwood picture Two Mules for Sister Sara (1970). He plays a cowboy who saves and begins protecting a nun in Mexico. Like the other two features, this set presents a 4K restoration of the preferred “International Cut” of the movie from the original camera negative, two movie expert commentaries and a vintage candid interview with Eastwood. The Blu-ray contains the domestic cut as well as tons of publicity materials.

Kino is also releasing the Gina Gershon all-female rock band movie Prey for Rock & Roll (2003) on Blu-ray. This disc includes a director commentary, an archival interview with Gershon, promo and B-roll footage, a behind-the-scenes photo gallery, coverage of the musical finale, a discussion with the writer and a re-release trailer.

Buster Keaton fans can pick up a Blu-ray of the silent comedies Seven Chances (1925) and Sherlock Jr. (1924). Both pictures contain commentary tracks with movie experts, as well as a Three Stooges short that uses the premise of the first movie in the set. You’ll also get a comedic Edison short produced in 1904 and a score for the movies by Robert Israel.

Additionally, the crime/drama The Visitors (1972) is arriving on Blu-ray. It’s about a Vietnam vet who is surprised by the arrival of a pair of war buddies whom he had a falling out with. This title comes with a film historian commentary and trailer.

Paramount Pictures is celebrating the 45^th anniversary of Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) with a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook. It should contain all the materials from the previous 4K set put out in 2022, but in new packaging.

If you grew up in the 1980s and loved comedies, you may want to pick-up the ZAZ: The Collection! which is a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set. It contains the hilarious comedies Airplane! (1980), Top Secret! (1984) and The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988). All of the movies are presented for the first time in 4K, accompanied by hours of bonus features and, exclusive to this set, collectible posters and a booklet containing never before-seen-images from the studio archives. They’re all classics of their era (I’m particularly fond of the second movie, which features a young Val Kilmer playing the lead in a send-up of Elvis movies) and I can’t wait to pick this up.

Powerhouse Films is an international Blu-ray distributor who have been getting in on the North American market with some impressive titles. This week, they are releasing the British abortion drama Family Life (1971) on Blu-ray, which comes with numerous bonuses like cast, crew and film expert interviews. Promo materials are also included.

Left Right and Center (1959) is a political satire from the UK also getting a Blu-ray release. It comes with a movie historian commentary, a discussion on this movie’s importance in the UK film industry, a short film about the 1960 British elections, and promo materials.

The Man Who Had Power Over Women (1970) is arriving as a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray with a 4K picture restoration. It is set in 60s swinging London and follows a womanizer trying to take advantage of the party scene. Besides the image upgrade, you’ll get a 90-minute archived interview with the director, an early training film made by the director and a short about Apartheid in South Africa. It also comes with a discussion with the screenwriter, an image gallery and a 40-page booklet on the movie.

Shout! Factory is celebrating Jim Henson this week with the release of The Dark Crystal (1982) “Limited Edition Collector’s Set” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray, as well as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Walmart exclusive Steelbook of the release. This cult film features two characters in a fantasy world undertaking a dangerous journey to restore the health of their planet. It comes in a big box with a glass crystal replica, five art cards, a 28-page book on the movie, a collectable sticker and a ton of bonus features like a commentary track, deleted scenes and more. The Walmart version looks to contain just the discs in fancy packaging.

You can also pick up the Labyrinth (1986) “Limited Edition Collector’s Set“ 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray, which is also available as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Walmart exclusive Steelbook. This fun tale involves a youngster played by Jennifer Connelly, who travels to a fantasy world to save her baby brother from a Goblin King (David Bowie). The packaging and contents look very similar, with a replica glass crystal ball. Like with the other release, the Walmart version just contains the discs with extras in Steelbook packaging.

And if biopics are more to your liking, Shout! also has a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray of the racing drama Rush (2013). This underrated gem tells the story of Formula One racers Niki Lauda and James Hunt. It comes with a new 4K Dolby Vision presentation of the movie, a new introduction from director/producer Ron Howard, as well as making-of featurettes and deleted scenes.

Sony Pictures is putting out the Frank Capra at Columbia Collection which contains 4K Ultra HD and/or Blu-rays of a number of titles from the movie-maker. You’ll get So This Is Love (1928), The Way of the Strong (1928), That Certain Thing (1928), Submarine (1928), The Younger Generation (1929), Flight (1929), Ladies of Leisure (1930), two cuts of Rain or Shine (1930, Dirigible (1931), The Miracle Woman (1931(), Platinum Blonde (1931), American Madness (1932), The Bitter Tea of General Yen (1932), Forbidden (1932), Lady for a Day (1933), It Happened One Night (1934), Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936), Lost Horizon (1937), You Can’t Take It With You (1938), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) and the recent documentary Frank Capra: Mr. America (2023). There are so many bonuses and features, those interested shout simply look up the release to find out more about it.

You can also pick up a 4K Ultra HD only “Standard Edition” of Little Women (1994). This adaptation stars Susan Sarandon, Winona Ryder, Gabriel Byrne, Trini Alvarado, Samantha Mathis, Kirsten Dunst, Claire Daines, Christian Bale and Eric Stoltz.

A Blu-ray of the Jack Lemmon comedy You Can’t Run Away from It (1956) is also arriving on Blu-ray from Sony Pictures.

Universal is rereleasing the Best Picture-winner Oppenheimer (2023) as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Walmart exclusive Steelbook. Contents should be exactly the same as in previous editions, just contained within new, unique packaging.

And Warner Bros. is getting in on the 4K releases this week. You can now pick up Blazing Saddles (1974) in 4K Ultra HD or as a 4K Ultra HD Steelbook. Dune: Part Two (2024) is being rereleased as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Walmart exclusive Steelbook. Also getting a special 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Walmart exclusive Steelbook is the musical biopic Elvis (2022). The following are not exclusives, but you can now pick up either a 4K Ultra HD or 4K Ultra HD Steelbook of the Alfred Hitchcock classic, North by Northwest (1959). And if action is your game, The Terminator (1984) is receiving a “40^th Anniversary” 4K Ultra HD release from the studio.

YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!

Below is a list of kid-friendly titles (please note that the Jim Henson films are for older kids aged 8 or perhaps even older).

The Dark Crystal (1982) Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Collector’s Set and 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Walmart exclusive Steelbook – Shout!

Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock: Season 1 (Sony) Blu-ray

Labyrinth (1986) Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Collector’s Set and 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Walmart exclusive Steelbook – Shout!

SpongeBob SquarePants: Season 14 (Nickelodeon/Paramount) DVD

Thomas & Friends: The Christmas Letter Express (NCircle) DVD

ON THE TUBE!

All of the TV-themed releases can be found below.

Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock: Season 1 (Sony) Blu-ray

House of the Dragon: Season 2 (Warner Bros.) 4K Ultra HD or 4K Ultra HD Steelbook or Blu-ray or DVD

Leonardo da Vinci: A Film by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns and David McMahon (PBS) DVD