Welcome once again to this overview of Blu-ray and DVD highlights coming your way. Some weeks are quiet, while others are jam-packed. This edition certainly falls into the latter category. There are a number of major releases and just as many independent features coming your way. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies this week or need to stay indoors for a little while, be sure to check out one of these titles!
BIG NEW RELEASES!
ALL MAN: THE INTERNATIONAL MALE STORY – International Male was a popular mail-order clothing company that started in the mid-1970s, offering customers the chance to order items through a catalog. During its heyday, the products offered were trendsetting and the business amassed a huge following. This documentary tells the story of Gene Burkard, the man who came up with and started the brand. Apparently, he was a closeted Midwesterner who decided to come out and began a new and successful life in San Diego. Critics were very upbeat about this movie. One review stated that the film was blandly formatted and could have told its subject’s life story in a more interesting manner. But everyone else thought it was packed with a lot of interesting information and effectively chronicled a remarkable success story. They noted that viewers would walk away with a new appreciation for the fashion business.
ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET – This adaptation of the 1970 Judy Blume middle-school book follows an 11-year-old who moves with her family from New York City to New Jersey. She finds the transition awkward, but becomes distracted by a year-long assignment given by a teacher in her class involving her family history. After confirming that one of her parents is Christian and the other is Jewish, the youngster ends up having to figure out her own religious identity. The press adored this feature. One or two were irritated that the lead character came across in a more perfect light than she did in the original book. However, all others thought the movie featured well-rounded characters and was sensitive, honest, clever and impressively put together. These reviewers recommended the movie to both youngsters and adults. It stars Rachel McAdams, Abby Ryder Fortson, Elle Graham, Benny Safdie, Kathy Bates and Amari Alexis Price.
BEAU IS AFRAID – The latest from writer/director Ari Aster (Hereditary, Midsommar) involves a man suffering from anxiety issues who learns that his mother has unexpectedly passed away. He heads back to his old neighborhood, which brings up more panic attacks and other psychological issues. As the lead tries to deal with them, it becomes clear that the family matriarch may have been a sinister woman who caused her son’s deep-rooted problems. Reaction wasn’t as exceptional for this film as it was for the filmmaker’s past two projects, but the majority did give it a recommendation. About one-third of write-ups commented that the movie was an overlong, ponderous and ultimately unsatisfying thriller with a weak resolution. But the rest complimented the performances and called the picture an intriguing and unpredictable black comedy that was hard to forget. The cast includes Joaquin Phoenix, Nathan Lane, Amy Ryan, Parker Posey, Latti LuPone and Stephen Henderson.
BENEATH THE OLD DARK HOUSE – Those who enjoy low-budget genre films may want to give this effort a look. It’s an anthology film about a creepy individual called “Coffintooth,” who welcomes you to his underground abode in order to share three disturbing tales of the supernatural (it appears as though one of them may involve a killer doll). At present, no one has seen this picture and it looks to be debuting on disc. So, interested parties will have to go into the film cold and simply hope that the featured tales send shivers down their spine. It features real “Scream Queen” Brinke Stevens, as well as Christy Johnson, Kaylee Williams, Kalia Spargo, David S. Witt and Jared Michael Miller.
BOOK CLUB: THE NEXT CHAPTER – This sequel to the 2018 hit comedy Book Club finds its familiar female protagonists reuniting after a couple of years apart due to the pandemic. When one of the group members announces that they are about to be married, they decide to take a lavish trip to Italy and celebrate. Of course, the group soon gets into a series of misadventures that threaten to not only derail the vacation, but the nuptials too. The original movie split reviewers and this follow-up received a slightly lesser reaction. Close to half thought that the cast were fun to watch, the locations were pretty and that it would appeal to its target demographic. Slightly more thought the movie wasted the talents of those involved with a dull and poorly written script that contained no surprises. Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, Mary Steenburgen, Andy Garcia, Don Johnson, Craig T. Nelson, Giancarlo Giannini and Hugh Quarshie headline the picture. Read a full review of the movie by clicking on this link.
CLOSE TO VERMEER – Recently, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam opened an exhibit containing the largest collection of Johannes Vermeer paintings ever assembled. This show featuring the Dutch artist was a massive success, selling out and receiving universal praise from the press and attendees. In this title, documentarians go behind the scenes to show how the exhibition was put together and all the hard work that went into it, as well as delivering a shocking revelation that one of the works included might be a forgery. Write-ups were all positive for this feature. Everyone commented that it presented an incredible look at what goes on behind-the-scenes and all that is involved in putting together a program for a museum. They all believed it would also make viewers really appreciate the work being displayed. For the time being, this is a DVD-only release.
COCAINE SHARK – If you enjoy micro-budget horror movies, then you’re likely aware that they are a great many featuring killer sharks. This effort is another title that follows the recent trend. According to the plot synopsis, the story follows the creation of a new and highly addictive stimulant called HT25 that causes monstrous side effects. When some of the illicit drugs end up on the streets, a hero must go undercover to try and stop the carnage. This title has already been available on streaming services for a couple of months as is now being given a DVD-only release. Notices have been hard to come by, but the ones that have appeared online aren’t very strong. They made note of the fact that there wasn’t actually a cocaine-addled shark in the movie and found the whole thing clumsily put-together. It stars Ryan Dalton, Samantha Coolidge, Titus Himmelberger and Natalie Himmelberger.
CORSAGE – This fictional biopic is set in 1877 and details a year in the life of Empress Elizabeth of Austria. The real figure was idolized for her beauty and fashion sense. This story begins with the woman reaching the age of 40 and tiring of going through the motions as a royal figure in Vienna. After visiting England, she becomes newly inspired and rebels, attempting to break with tradition and start new trends. This European production was well received by members of the press. A tiny contingent thought it was a bit slow and didn’t like the frequent anachronisms on display. Still, the vast majority were charmed by the lead performance and called the film a compelling and sharp movie with beautiful photography and a powerful finale. The cast includes Vicky Krieps, Florian Teichtmeister, Colin Morgan and Finnegan Oldfield.
DAY ZERO – An elite soldier-turned-criminal serves a lengthy sentence in prison, hoping to be reunited with his family after serving his term. He soon discovers that society has broken down after the release of a virus that causes victims to turn into zombies. The lead decides to break free, fight through the hordes of monsters and try to find his family. This foreign-language horror/action picture was produced in the Philippines. At present, very few North American reviewers have seen this low-budget independent film, but there have been a few articles posted online. These pieces suggest that while the story is fairly predictable and there are some slow sections, the movie offers some solid action set-pieces and should entertain genre movie enthusiasts. It features Brandon Vera, Pepe Herrera and Mary Jean Lastimosa.
KNIGHTS OF THE ZODIAC -Based on the popular anime series that was produced in the 1980s, early 2000s (as well as a new show very recently), this live-action movie condenses the plot into a single feature. It’s about a teen from the streets with fighting skills who is focused on finding his missing sister. After discovering remarkable hidden powers, he is thrust into a world of saints and fearsome creatures. The youngster has to quickly adapt to survive while he continues on his quest. This is a co-production between the US, Japan and Hungary. It was met with a fair amount of derision by the press. About one-quarters of reviews complimented the visuals and thought it effectively shortened the story while delivering thrills. However, most weren’t engaged in the story or characters, stating that it was a beautiful but dramatically flat adaptation. Mackenyu, Famke Janssen, Madison Iseman, Diego Tinoco, Mark Decascos and Nick Stahl headline the film.
THE NOVELIST’S FILM – This drama from Korea involves a writer who has lost confidence in her own work. Disenchanted and downcast, she decides to visit some friends in the film world. After meeting with a director who tried to adapt one of her novels, as well as a popular actress suffering from a similar sense of dissatisfaction, the lead cones to the conclusion that she needs to make her own movie. She casts the performer from the meeting and sets out on a new creative journey. Response towards this foreign-language title has been excellent and every notice written about the film has been positive. All stated that while the movie is very low-key, it is remarkably interesting and offers a lot of insight and humor about artists and the difficulties they face in their careers. The feature stars Lee Hye-young, Kim Min-hee, Seo Young-hwa and Park Mi-so.
PACIFICTION – Those who enjoy French films may appreciate this mystery tale. Set on the French Polynesian island of Tahiti, it follows a sly government official who excels at charming and making deals. When rumors float among locals that a French nuclear submarine has appeared and will be testing weapons in the area, the protagonist is asked by bosses to calm and convince them that nothing sinister is going on. Reviews were very strong for this French-language picture. A small number who disliked it thought it was slow-moving and a bit pretentious in its presentation. Regardless, the consensus was that the picture was hard to forget, and anchored by a remarkable lead performance. They suggested it was impossible to get a read on the main character and his motivations, which made the film unnerving. The cast includes Benoit Magimal, Pahoa Mahagafanau, Marc Susimi, Matahi Pambrun and Alexandre Mello.
SCREAM VI – The latest chapter in the long-running horror franchise finds the survivors from the previous installment making a new start in busy New York City. Of course, it isn’t long before another Ghostface killer appears and begins targeting them. The leads try to find help and then set out to learn who is responsible before they are all wiped out. Critics were more positive towards this follow-up than negative. About one-quarter of reviews noted that the series was becoming cliched and that it was all starting to feel like the kind of film that the original was satirizing. Still, the majority wrote that the movie was funny and filled with entertaining in-jokes, as well as a few memorable murder sequences. It features Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Courtney Cox, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Hayden Panettiere, Henry Czerny and Dermot Mulroney. The flick is being released on various formats, including 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray, so make sure you’re getting the right version for your system.
SHIN ULTRAMAN – When Japan finds itself being overrun with giant monsters (or kaiju), the human population forms a task force to help fight the threat. One of their members is an unusual figure who looks like a man, but may, in fact, be something else entirely. When the giant silver figure known as Ultraman unexpectedly appears and helps stop an attack, a villainous alien shows up to try and discredit him. As it turns out, the oddball team member may be the heroic Ultraman, who quietly reverted to the form of a team member killed years earlier during a monster battle. This is the 37th film in the Japanese Ultraman franchise and is a reboot that received raves from critics. Only one person disliked it, stating that they weren’t familiar with the character and found everything confusing. All others thought it was a wonderful update, packed with great action, excitement and a sense of humor. It was even nominated for Best Picture in its home country. Takumi Saitoh and Masami Nagasawa headline the feature.
SISU – This war movie and genre film tells the story of solitary prospector in northern Finland at the close of World War II. When Nazi forces fleeing the country arrive, they invade his mine and steal his gold. Naturally, the protagonist becomes determined to hunt them down. Using skills developed as an ex-commando, he squares off against the unit seeking retribution. This UK/Finnish co-production was very well received by the press. A small contingent thought it was overly violent and repetitive, tiring them out. Still, the vast majority were wowed by what they witnessed. They wrote that the movie would be a grindhouse classic, delivering top-notch thrills and a few chuckles as its protagonist wiped out sinister Nazis in increasingly creative ways. This picture is available in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray package, as well as a standalone Blu-ray. It stars Jorma Tommila, Aksel Hennie, Jack Doolan and Mimosa Willamo.
SPOONFUL OF SUGAR – A college student decides to spend a semester as a nanny for a secretive young family, taking care of their child who suffers from severe allergies. It isn’t long before the babysitter is revealed to be psychologically disturbed. She immediately sets out to break the family apart, attempting to seduce the father and giving the youth LSD to promote some bizarre visions. This chiller premiered on Shudder and earned split notices. Almost half stated that the movie was over-the-top and silly, lacking engaging characters or an important message. However, slightly more enjoyed the performances and described it as an interesting if not entirely successful psychological thriller. For the time being, this is a DVD-only release. The cast includes Morgan Saylor, Myko Olivier, Danilo Crovetti, Keith Powell and Laura Coover.
SUBSPECIES V: BLOOD RISE – The original Subspecies was a 1991 direct-to-VHS vampire flick from Full Moon Productions. Some 32 years later, a fifth title in the franchise has arrived. This chapter reintroduces a familiar character who is half-vampire and half-demon. After being trained by mystic monks to protect the church, the main character is asked to visit his homeland and recover an ancient relic. He learns more about his personal history in the process and soon realizes that he may be working for the wrong side. There aren’t many write-ups available for the film yet, but those that have appeared are upbeat. While admitting that the film is no classic, they suggest that if you like the series, this is one the better entries. They noted it had a solid lead performance and included nice photography. The film features Anders Hove, Denice Duff, Kevin Spirtas and Stasa Nikolic.
TO CATCH A KILLER – An anti-social Baltimore cop with an addiction problem is called in to help look into a crime scene involving a marksman. The shootings continue and when the FBI’s chief investigator arrives to take over the case, he’s impressed with the lead’s insights and asks for her assistance. She tries to tap into her own issues to help identify and stop the killer. This effort split the press almost right down the middle. Half wrote that the film was an effective and atmospheric procedural thriller that benefited from the work of its two excellent leads. But the same number complained that the movie didn’t make the most of its intriguing premise. They believed it provided a slick but surface-level thriller that wouldn’t be remembered. Shailene Woodley, Ben Mendelsohn, Jovan Adepo, Ralph Ineson and Richard Zeman headline the picture.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
You will also find some remarkable older titles getting high-definition upgrades as well. Criterion is presenting a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set (or a stand-alone Blu-ray) of the dark comedy After Hours (1985). This is a personal favorite that has only been available on DVD until this week. The story involves a mild-mannered and lonely Manhattan word processor who meets a woman and sets up a date with her in Soho. He heads out and everything immediately goes wrong. The unlucky protagonist loses his money, discovers the lady has serious issues, gets mistaken for a burglar and meets literally nothing but bizarre and potentially dangerous people everywhere he goes.
The movie was directed by Martin Scorsese (Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, The Departed, The Wolf of Wall Street, The Irishman) and features Griffin Dunne, Rosanna Arquette, Linda Fiorentino, John Heard, Teri Garr, Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, Will Patton and Catherine O’Hara. For this reviewer, it is one of the filmmaker’s most underrated titles. The movie is fast-paced, wild and twisty with some big laughs as well as some wonderfully energetic camera moves.
For its 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray debut, Criterion is presenting the film with a new interview with Scorsese, a 2004 commentary featuring the director, star Dunne, producer Amy Robinson, director of photography Michael Ballhaus and editor Thelma Schoonmaker. This track features a few additional comments recorded this year. There is also a making-of documentary, a new program on the look of the movie, deleted scenes, a trailer, and an essay about the title from a film critic.
The distributor is also presenting The Watermelon Woman (1996) on Blu-ray. It’s a well-regarded title from Cheryl Dunye about the black lesbian identity that was considered groundbreaking in its day. The plot involves a video store clerk who seeks out a black film star from the 1930s, who shares her own life story. In the process, the movie deals with how race and sexuality are presented on screen. The film is receiving a 2K digital restoration supervised by Dunye, as well as an interview with the movie-maker. It also features conversations about the movie with the director and film scholars, in addition to six shorts made by Dunye and an essay on the picture.
Full Moon Features is delivering the independent horror picture Netherworld (1992) on Blu-ray. It’s about a man who discovers supernatural beasts at his father’s mansion. The disc is presenting the movie uncut for the first time and arrives with numerous featurettes and trailers.
Fun City would like readers to know that the indie comedy Party Girl (1995) with Parker Posey is now available on Blu-ray from all retailers. This was originally a Vinegar Syndrome exclusive. It’s about a free-spirited young woman in need of cash after being arrested for throwing an illegal party. In order to pay the debt, she’s forced to work as a librarian. Extras include a film expert commentary, a lengthy interview with star Posey, a discussion with the producer/co-writer, a talk with the man who wrote the score, publicity materials, and a booklet with an essay and production photos.
Invaders from Mars (1953) is a science-fiction classic and Ignite Films is giving the title a big upgrade with a 4K Ultra HD release (you can also pick up a standard Blu-ray with the new transfer). The plot involves a young boy who sees a spaceship crash in his backyard and sets out to stop aliens from impersonating the human population. Apparently, the image quality on this release is incredible. Bonuses include a discussion with the granddaughter of the director, an interview with the star of the picture and a featurette with filmmakers like Joe Dante and John Landis discussing the influence the movie had on them. You’ll also get a featurette on the restoration work, an introduction to the film from the TCM festival, a deleted scene added to prints in foreign territories, the European ending and tons of publicity materials. Looks like a lot of fun.
Kino is releasing the Blu-ray box set Film Noir: The Dark Side of Cinema XV, which contains Man Afraid (1957), The Girl in the Kremlin (1957) and The Tattered Dress (1957). All the movies arrive with new 2K masters, as well as film historian commentaries, trailers and TV spots.
In addition, the distributor is offering the Fritz Lang film noir Human Desire (1954) on Blu-ray. It stars Glenn Ford as a war vet who has an affair with a co-worker’s wife, who also may be responsible for the death of her husband. Actress Emily Mortimer offers her thoughts on the movie and it also comes with a trailer and a “limited edition” slipcase.
Those who enjoy The Three Stooges may be interested in Stooge-O-Rama: The Men Behind the Mayhem – and Even More Mayhem, a Blu-ray from Kit Parker Films. It contains a lengthy 1994 documentary about the film performers with some newly added details. The disc also includes a lost theatrical featurette and some rare short subjects with the cast, in addition to more than 11 hours of media appearances that have never been released.
Mill Creek Entertainment is presenting a pair of double-feature Blu-rays this week. The first is the Richard Pryor Double Feature, which includes the union labor comedy Which Way Is Up? (1977) that is pictured above, as well as the period baseball film The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings (1976). The latter title co-stars Billy Dee Williams, James Earl Jones, Otis Day, Ted Ross and Ken Foree.
You can also pick up the horror flicks White Noise (2005) and White Noise 2 (2007) together in one package.
With the release of the new Mission: Impossible film this week, Paramount is continuing to put out more titles in special 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray sets. You can now pick up Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015) and Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) with the best possible picture quality.
Speaking of high-quality upgrades, Shout! is delivering a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set of the slasher flick The Burning (1981). In this title, a summer camp caretaker decides to take revenge on some young attendees because of a disfigurement he suffered on the job years earlier. Besides the new transfer from the original camera negative, it also comes with all previously released bonuses, including multiple commentary tracks, cast and crew interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and publicity material.
If you like over-the-top action, you can now pick up McBain (1991) on Blu-ray courtesy of Synapse. Christopher Walken stars as a war veteran who decides to help a revolutionary’s sister overthrow a dictator. The cast includes Maria Conchita Alonso, Michael Ironside and Steve James. It’s all pretty silly, but does deliver some fun and an enjoyable performance from Walken as the troupe leader. The disc includes the original sound mix as well as a new 5.1 surround track. There’s also an audio commentary with director James Glickenhaus (The Exterminator, The Soldier, Shakedown) and a trailer included.
VIC is presenting a couple of Blu-rays as well. Johanna Enlists (1918) is a silent film with Mary Pickford about a woman who falls for an army sergeant. The movie is newly restored and presented on both Blu-ray and DVD in this release.
And finally, Undercrank Productions is releasing a double-feature Blu-ray called Tom Mix: Sky High (1922)/The Big Diamond Robbery (1929). Each of these silent westerns appears with a 2K restoration and a new organ score.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
This week, the 1980s animated series is being rereleased at a discounted rate.
Denver The Last Dinosaur: Complete Series (VCI) DVD
ON THE TUBE!
And you can find all of the TV-related titles listed below.
American Experience: Casa Susanna (PBS) DVD
Before We Die: Season 2 (PBS) DVD
Denver The Last Dinosaur: Complete Series (VCI) DVD
Doctor Who: Jon Pertwee: Complete Season 3 (BBC) Blu-ray
Endeavour: Season 9 Masterpiece Mystery! (PBS) DVD
Hallmark Hall of Fame 3-Movie Collection: Christmas with Holly, Silver Bells, One Christmas Eve (Hallmark Channel) DVD
NOVA: Facing the Climate Challenge (PBS) DVD
Ridley: Season 1 (PBS) DVD
Walker: Season 3 (CBS/Allied Vaughn) DVD