Happy Halloween readers. As you might have guessed, this edition features plenty of new horror fare. However, there are other options arriving as well, including a well-reviewed independent feature. 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 BECOMERS – After their own planet dies, two aliens with body-snatching capabilities land separately on Earth. They both find and take control of two human beings, and then set out to find each other and assimilate into our culture. Of course, it’s a tougher job than expected as they try to find their way in this new world. This independent science-fiction comedy received solid notices from those who saw it. A small number complained that the film was too bland and stiffly written, lacking any real emotional resonance. Still, the majority commented that while the movie was eccentric, it was interesting, creative and managed to make its points about the nature of love in a unique and original manner. The cast includes Russel Mael, Isabel Alamin, Molly Plunk, Mike Lopez and Keith Kelly.
CRACKCOON – In this low-budget horror/comedy, a hungry raccoon in a mountain community gets its paws on a synthetic drug. After consuming it, the animal is transformed into a vicious, clawed killer. Unfortunately for the locals, campers and tourists, they immediately become targets of the new and extremely aggressive monster. This picture first premiered on streaming platforms and is now being made available on disc. So far, only a handful of genre film critics have seen it, but they were upbeat about the finished product. Most noted that while this feature was made on a shoestring, it delivered exaggerated mayhem and laughs in equal measure. They suggested that those who appreciate low-budget horror comedies from Troma or Wild Eye Releasing might get a kick out of it. It stars Jessa Flux, Angel Nichole Bradford and Gary Lee Vincent.
DIDI – Set in 2008, this semi-autobiographical coming-of-age tale follows a 13-year-old Taiwanese-American boy. With the start of high school only a few weeks away, the youngster makes a big effort to fit in with other kids. In the process, he learns about skating and flirting with girls, whilst he attempts to deal with his concerned parents. It’s a rough and awkward period in his life and viewers witness him grapple with the trials of puberty. The press raved about this picture. A tiny contingent wrote that while the character depictions were likely honest, the lead was so irritating and difficult that they found the film hard to enjoy. Still, everyone else called the movie authentic, amusing and wrote that they could relate to the leads. They were impressed that the movie didn’t shy away from the funny but real ugliness of growing up. Izaac Wang, Joan Chen, Shirley Chen and Zhang Li Hua headline the picture.
DISCO BOY – A man from Belarus escapes his homeland and, after an arduous journey, tries to make a new start in France. He joins the Foreign Legion and after being sent to Nigeria, meets a man fighting for his people and ideals. The two come together and exchange thoughts while trying to enact significant change in their lives. Most reviewers were impressed by this European multinational production. One or two voices didn’t care for the narrative shifts between the two leads and didn’t feel emotionally engaged in the story. Everyone else believed that the picture’s aspirations were very high and that it largely succeeded. They were impressed with its focus on the internal states of its characters, as well as the trippy visuals and eccentric storytelling style. It features Franz Rogowski, Morr Ndiaye, Laetitia Ky, Leon Lucev and Matteo Olivetti.
DOGLEG – This independent comedy involves an amateur Los Angeles-based filmmaker who can’t seem to catch a break. He has difficulty completing shorts and begins to doubt his own abilities. On the day of the most important shoot of his life, the lead loses his fiancée’s dog. A New York film critic/friend attempts to help and inspire the protagonist as he struggles through the most chaotic day of his life. This little picture has only been seen by a handful of reviewers so far. Most of them were upbeat about what they witnessed. They all thought that it cleverly depicted the hardships involved in making an independent feature and managed to deliver plenty of laughs as seemingly everything goes wrong for the protagonist. The cast includes Al Warren (who also directed and co-wrote the movie), Ella Smith and Courtney Pauroso.
THE FOREST HILLS – The Catskill Mountains in New York state is a place of scenic beauty…. but it can also be a nightmarish landscape. This tale follows a middle-aged man whose life isn’t going as hoped for and begins taking new medication to treat his psychological issues. He decides to take some time for himself in the mountains. The protagonist soon begins having visions of werewolves and his sanity is questioned in the process. Thus far, only a handful of people who review low-budget independent features online have seen it. One or two stated that the film features a solid cast and tries to blend psychological horror with horror elements. Just as many wrote that it was slow-moving, clumsily put together, with a confusing and ineffective story. Chiko Mendez plays the lead, with a supporting cast that includes Shelley Duvall, Edward Furlong and Dee Wallace.
I USED TO BE FUNNY – A struggling stand-up comic suffers from PTSD and depression after learning that the young girl she used to nanny has disappeared. She wonders if trying to help in the search for the individual will affect her mental state in a positive or negative way and talks to friends about what to do. As the story progresses, viewers learn that some of the comedienne’s issues are due to a rape that occurred during the same time period. Reaction towards this independent drama was very strong. A small number found that the non-linear narrative was confusing and got in the way of the story. But the vast majority were impressed with the lead performance and stated that the picture was sharply written, complex and engaging. It features Rachel Sennott, Olga Petsa, Jason Jones, Sabrina Jalees and Caleb Hearon.
THE OTHER LAURENS – This darkly comic crime/thriller is a French/Belgian co-production and was released as L’autre Laurens in its homeland. The story involves a cash-strapped private detective who is having a hard time making ends meet. His wealthy niece appears and asks him to investigate the death of her father. The protagonist reluctantly agrees. He learns more about his brother and must deal with his own feelings about his sibling. This picture earned more recommendations than dismissive pans. Those who didn’t care for the movie thought it wasted a strong concept with slow pacing and a disappointing final reveal. But most appreciated the movie’s unique sense of style and humor, stating that while the ending was low-key, they still enjoyed the ride and the lead performance. The film stars Olivier Rabourdin, Louise Leroy and Kate Moran.
THE THICKET – Set in West Texas, this western follows a boy on the frontier desperate for help after his sister is kidnapped by a vicious killer. He begs a noted bounty hunter for help. Realizing that their target is one of the most dangerous men alive, the hired hand enlists and leads a group of oddball outcasts to find the girl and earn their pay. This independent feature first appeared on the Tubi streaming service and is arriving as a DVD-only release. Despite the unusual release pattern, critics generally enjoyed the movie. About one-fifth did state that while the cast were impressive, the story was bland and lacked any sort of originality. Still, the consensus was that the picture was very well acted and atmospheric, with impressive visuals and a dark and disturbingly memorable approach to the material. Peter Dinklage, Juliette Lewis, Esme Creed-Miles and Levon Hawke headline the film.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
As you might have already guessed, a great deal of horror-related titles will be made available this week. Arrow Video is presenting the Blu-ray set J-Horror Rising, which includes Shikoku (1999), Isola: Multiple Personality Girl (2000), Inugami (2001), St. John’s Wort (2001), Carved: The Slit-Mouthed Woman (2007), Persona (2000) and Noroi: The Curse (2005). These pictures all arrived on the scene after the success of Ringu aka The Ring and feature supernatural spirits in the hopes of providing thrills and chills. All seven pictures arrive with plenty of extras, including multiple commentary tracks, cast and crew interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, publicity materials and more, like a discussion with a Japanese horror authority on features from this era. Read a full review of this box set by clicking on the link.
There are very few genre fans who don’t adore the Halloween anthology film Trick ‘r Treat (2007). Arrow Video is delivering a 4K Ultra HD version of the movie with a picture restoration approved by writer/director Michael Dougherty (Krampus). It follows a series of characters getting into or causing serious trouble on the holiday. The film is excellent, with plenty of laughs and shocks that will please any horror film enthusiast. Besides the sharp new image quality, you’ll get a newly recorded commentary with Dougherty, as well as an archived track with the filmmaker and crew. There are new interviews with cast and crew, in addition to multiple making-of featurettes, additional scenes and more from previous releases. Sounds like this is the ultimate version of the title. It comes with a reversible sleeve with new and original art, six poster-sized art-cards, an illustrated booklet and much more. An alternate 4K edition is also available through the Arrow Video website. Read a full review of the disc here.
Radiance films is putting out a Blu-ray box set called Daiei Gothic: Japanese Ghost Stories, containing The Ghost of Yotsuya (1959), The Snow Woman (1968) and The Bride from Hades (1968). Apparently, these are considered three of the best Japanese ghost-related features of their era. There is an interview with the filmmaker on the first and third titles, as well a movie expert commentary and director interview on the second. Bonuses like visual essays and trailers can also be found on the release. Two of the pictures are presented with 4K restorations and the set also contains postcards and an 80-page book with essays on the movies. Read a full review of the entire set right here!
The distributor is also putting out Dogra Magra (1988) on Blu-ray. It’s a surreal tale from Japan about an institutionalized man attempting to understand whether or not he murdered his wife. The director of photography and producer supervised the transfer for this disc, which also contains an interview and commentary track with the director, a video essay, instruction on a chant used in the film that is presented by a legendary street performer, and a trailer. You’ll also get a reversible sleeve with new and original artwork and a booklet with essays on the film. You can read of review of the disc by clicking this link.
And Severin Films is delivering a few notable Blu-rays of cult titles. Don’t Change Hands (1975) is a French title about a female politician who is blackmailed by a mysterious figure with footage of her son in a pornographic movie. She hires a private detective to find out who is responsible. The original negative has been given a 2K scan for its North American premiere. It comes with an appreciation of the film, a featurette on the work of the director, an interview with the screenwriter, discussions with cast members and a re-release trailer. Read a full review of the disc here.
The Mad Bomber (1973) from Bert I. Gordon (The Amazing Colossal Man, Attack of the Puppet People, Food of the Gods) is a crime picture about a mad bomber on the rampage against his ex-wife and those who ruined his life. When one of the attacks is witnessed by a rapist, a detective must work with the individual to stop the crimes. The cast features Vince Edwards, Chuck Connors and Neville Brand. The fully uncut version is appearing on Blu-ray with a 4K restoration from the internegative. It comes with a movie historian and bomb squad detective commentary track, an isolated score, an audio interview with the director, a talk with the filmmaker’s daughter, a featurette on the picture’s locations, TV cut of the movie, TV spots and an essay on the feature. You can read all about this impressive release right here.
The Red Light Bandit (1968) is a Brazilian feature about a famous criminal who would break into houses and assault victims with a red flashlight. This chilling tale features a 2K restoration from the original camera negative, interviews with the film’s producer and a cast member, trailer and short films from Brazil with similar themes. Click this link to read a disc review.
If you appreciate cinema from Canada, When Tomorrow Dies (1965) is appearing on Blu-ray from Canadian International Pictures. It follows a frustrated housewife who escapes into fantasy and begins an affair as her family life falls apart. The original 16mm A/B negatives were given a 4K restoration for this release, which also contains two film historian commentaries, cast and crew interviews, a 1993 feature from Kent exploring some of the same themes, a new intro to the picture, a booklet with writing on the title and reversible cover artwork.
The Paul Schrader indie film Touch (1997) is arriving as a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray from Cinematographe. It follows a miracle healer who becomes a media sensation, and how others try to exploit him. The cast includes Skeet Ulrich, Bridget Fonda, Chirstopher Walken, LL Cool J and Gina Gershon. You’ll get a 2K picture scan, a new interview with Schrader, a film historian commentary, a visual essay on the movie and other written pieces about the titles.
Dark Force Entertainment is delivering a Blu-ray of the drive-in action picture, Texas Detour (1978). It’s about three California teens who must fight back after their vehicle breaks down in a small Texas town run by a corrupt sheriff. It comes with a movie expert commentary track.
You can also pick up a Blu-ray release of the well-regarded documentary That Guy Dick Miller (2014) with a new 2K transfer from Dekanalog. The independent drama See You Next Tuesday (2013) is also being made available everywhere on Blu-ray from Factory25.
Film Movement is putting out several Blu-rays this week. Ferocious Fukasaku: Two Films by Kinji Fukasaku is a double-feature release that contains Wolves, Pigs and Men (1964) and Violent Panic: The Big Crash (1976). Fukasaku is the famous figure behind The Green Slime, Sympathy for the Underdog, Battles Without Honor and Humanity, Battle Royale and many others. Both titles have been given new restorations and come with cinema expert commentaries and more.
The German/Austrian horror/mystery Hotel (2004) from Jessica Hausner is celebrating its 20th Anniversary with a new Blu-ray with a disc containing a 4K picture restoration and director commentary. You can also pick up a Blu-ray of Lourdes (2009) from the very same director as the previous title. It comes with movie-maker interviews. Lovely Rita (2001) is an earlier effort from the filmmaker and arrives with a director commentary.
Icarus Films is delivering the documentary The Battle of Chile Trilogy on Blu-ray. Part I (1975), Part II (1976) and Part III (1979) are included, all of which show the horrific overthrow of a democratically elected president in the country. You’ll also get a previous film from the director and a booklet with articles on the movies.
The Japanese film My Heart Is That Eternal Rose (1989) is arriving on Blu-ray from Kani.
It’s a busy week for Kino. The graphic French horror movie Baby Blood (1990) is arriving in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo set. It follows a woman who literally takes in an infant creature and helps it feed and survive. Besides the picture upgrade, it comes with a movie historian commentary. Deadly Circuit (1983) aka Mortelle Randonnée is a thriller about a private eye investigating a woman who seduces rich men and kills them. The Blu-ray has a 2K picture restoration and film expert commentary. And Enough Rope (1963) aka Le Meurtrier follows two men who suspect each other of murdering their wife. The specs include a 4K Blu-ray restoration, a film historian commentary and a trailer.
Film Noir: The Dark Side of Cinema XXII is the latest box set from Kino containing lesser known but still effective film noirs. This edition includes The Enforcer (1951), The Scarlet Hour (1956) and Plunder Road (1957). Film historian commentaries and trailers are listed as bonuses.
A double feature of the Cab Calloway pictures Hi-De-Ho (1947) and Boarding House Blues (1948) is also arriving on Blu-ray from Kino. A film historian intro to the second picture and numerous musical shorts featuring the performer are listed as extras.
The notable European comedy/thriller/heist picture Topkapi (1964) is also appearing on Blu-ray. Pictured above and to the left, the title features Melina Mercouri, Peter Ustinov, Maximilian Schell, Robert Morley and Jess Hahn. MGM provided a 4K restoration for this disc release, which also comes with a film historian commentary, trailer, and slipcase with reversible art.
It’s a big week for Paramount Pictures, who is releasing the sequel Addams Family Values (1993) on 4K Ultra HD (no Blu-ray is included). This follow-up to the 1991 hit features the same cast and crew and, in this reviewer’s opinion, a funnier and more effective movie than the original. The plot involves a new baby in the family and a serial killer who seduces Uncle Fester with the intent of murdering him. Other family members try to stop her. A notable subplot involves the kids being sent away to camp and being forced to perform in a Thanksgiving musical. There’s a lot of hilarious contrast in this title as the leads spend time in environments they are not used to. The release comes with a director and screenwriter commentary and a collection of promotional clips.
Zodiac (2007) is being presented on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray. This David Fincher biopic tells the story of the Zodiac Killer and a newspaperman who became obsessed with discovering the psychopath’s identity. David Fincher (Seven, The Social Network, Mank) brilliantly directs this chilling feature that stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo.
The indie horror picture Flesh Freaks (2000) is appearing as a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray from Saturn’s Core Audio & Video, containing a writer/director commentary and other extras.
It’s also a big week for Shout! Factory. The extremely enjoyable horror film Drag Me to Hell (2009) is appearing in a “Collector’s Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray three-disc combo pack from the distributor. Sam Raimi (the Evil Dead and original Spider-Man series) directs this tale of a young banker who is cursed by a dying gypsy. The first disc is the unrated and theatrical editions newly transferred in 4K from the original negative and approved by Raimi. The Blu-ray contains the unrated version with director commentary and a two-hour documentary on the production. And the third disc is a Blu-ray with the theatrical version, production featurettes and publicity materials.
The distributor is also putting out a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set of the Wes Craven picture, Shocker (1990). It follows a mass murderer who gets the electric chair and develops the ability to harness electricity. He ends up using outlets and other devices to continue stalking prey. It’s a silly one but the finale in which the hero does battle with the antagonist in a TV set is very amusing. The release contains a 4K restoration from the original camera negative, an archival Wes Craven commentary track and a crew commentary. There is also a new interview with star Peter Berg, as well as the film’s composer and the production designer. You’ll also get archived cast and crew interviews, a featurette on the music and tons of TV and radio spots, plus a trailer, making-of and more.
Additionally, Asylum of Terror (1998) is arriving on Blu-ray courtesy of VHSHitfest. You can check in on the extras, of which there are several, on the Amazon release page.
Speaking of cult pictures, Vinegar Syndrome is delivering Bloodline (1979) on Blu-ray. It follows a daughter investigating the murder of her father, a pharmaceutical tycoon. The trail leads to several sinister relatives. This one has an impressive cast that includes Audrey Hepburn, Ben Gazzara, James Mason and Omar Sharif. The two-disc release contains a 4K restoration from the original camera negative of both the theatrical and television versions, a film historian commentary, crew interviews and a trailer.
Delirium: Photo of Gloria (1987) aka Delirium, a late “giallo” picture from Lamberto Bava (Demons, Demons 2) is also getting the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray treatment. This 4K transfer is from the original camera negative and comes with a film historian commentary, as well as ton of cast and crew interviews and so much more that there isn’t enough room to write it all down.
Howling II: …Your Sister Is a Werewolf (1985) is also being released in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set. Pictured to the left, it’s a not-so-great sequel to the 1981 classic The Howling. If you do enjoy the movie, at least this edition presents the fully uncut international version newly restored in 4K from the original 35mm camera negative. There is a new director commentary, an archived filmmaker track, a third commentary with the composer, a bunch of cast and crew conversations and publicity materials.
Warner Archive is delivering some phenomenal catalog titles on Blu-ray. The Beast with Five Fingers (1946) is a classic horror picture with Peter Lorre about a murderous, severed hard.
The comedy For Your Consideration (2006) sees director Christopher Guest (who also helmed the hilarious Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind and Mascots) showcasing a group of actors desperately hoping for awards glory and frequently coming up a bit short.
Like his other pictures, this title has an all-star and very talented cast that includes Catherine O’Hara, Harry Shearer, Parker Posey, Eugene Levy, Jennifer Coolidge, John Michael Higgins, Jane Lynch, Michael McKean, Bob Balaban and Fred Willard.
The Return of Doctor X (1939) is another chiller about a mad scientist that features Humphrey Bogart in its cast. You can also pick up the Oscar-nominated musical/comedy/mystery/romance Sweethearts (1938) on Blu-ray.
And, for zombie fans, The Walking Dead (1936) is a great little picture that combines horror trends with the gangster picture. Boris Karloff is framed for a murder by hoods and returns from the dead (courtesy of a mad scientist) to take revenge. It’s a moody and stylish effort from Michael Curtiz, who would go on to direct The Adventures of Robin Hood, Casablanca, White Christmas and King Creole among many other classics.
Finally, the animated family TV-special, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966) is being released in a 4K Ultra HD only package from Warner Bros..
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Listed below is the kid-friendly release of the week.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966) (Warner Bros.) 4K Ultra HD only
ON THE TUBE!
And all of the TV-released titles can be found here.
Classic Ghosts – 1970s Gothic Television: The Haunting of Rosalind, The Screaming Skull, The Deadly Visitor, The House and the Brain, And the Bones Came Together (ABC 1973 horror TV-movies from “The Wide World of Mystery”) (Kino) Blu-ray
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966) (Warner Bros.) 4K Ultra HD only
Holiday Hotline (Hallmark) DVD
A Man Called Shenandoah: The Complete Series (Warner Archive) Blu-ray
My Life is Murder: Series 4 (Acorn) DVD
The Perfect Christmas Present (Hallmark) DVD
Round and Round (Hallmark) DVD
The Santa Summit (Hallmark) DVD
Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To the Altar (Hallmark) DVD
So You Said Yes (Hallmark) DVD
A World Record Christmas (Hallmark) DVD