Welcome to another look at highlights arriving on Blu-ray and DVD. This edition sees a couple of well-received comedies, in addition to some interesting fare from abroad. 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!
THE BLACKENING – A group of black friends decide to reunite over the Juneteenth weekend by renting a remote cabin. They discover a bizarre board game and then learn that a masked psychopath is forcing them to play. The group have to use their knowledge of horror films and black history in order to survive the ordeal. This horror/comedy was well-received by the press. A very small number complained that while containing a few laughs, the concept didn’t warrant a full-length feature and felt awkwardly paced. However, everyone else thought it was hilarious. They complimented the picture on having a very funny and likable cast and also wrote that it delivered a few jumps, as well as effectively poking fun at genre cliches. It stars Antoinette Robertson, Dewayne Perkins, Grace Byers, Jermaine Fowler, Melvin Gregg and X Mayo.
CLARA SOLA – This Spanish-language drama follows a 40-year-old woman who lives in a remote village with her religious, demanding mother in Costa Rica. Awkward and withdrawn but skilled with animals, the lead spends most of her time in the natural world. However, when her niece arrives to celebrate her 15th birthday, it inspires the woman to form human relationships and break free from her oppressive mother’s grip. Critics spoke very highly of this international co-production. Three or four did find the film pretentious and commented that it was predictable and didn’t make a lasting impact. But the vast majority thought the movie marked a stunning debut for its writer/direction. They thought that the picture was beautifully acted, atmospheric and powerful as viewers followed the protagonist finding their way in the world. The cast includes Wendy Chinchilla Araya, Ana Julia Porras Espinoza and Daniel Castañeda Rincón.
METALOCALYPSE: ARMY OF THE DOOMSTAR – Metalocalypse was an adult animated series that ran on the Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim programming block between 2006 and 2013. It followed the exploits of the not-so-sharp members of a death metal band. This feature-length, direct-to-disc follow up attempts to bring back the characters and tie up many of the loose ends that were left dangling with the show’s unexpected cancellation. In this finale, the world is on the brink of disaster from sinister forces and the band must overcome personal obstacles to write an epic tune that could save the planet. This effort is debuting on disc, so no one has seen it as of yet. One expects that it will entertain those who enjoyed the show and it does boast an impressive voice-cast, including Brendon Small, Tommy Blacha, Mark Hamill, Malcolm McDowell, Victor Brandt, Jon Hamm, Laraine Newman, Juliet Mills, Chris Elliott, Janeane Garofalo, Marc Maron, Patton Oswalt, Jack Black, Dave Grohl, Kirk Hammett, Ace Frehley, Dweezil Zappa, Andy Richter, Brian Posehn, Werner Herzog and many more.
SPIRIT HALLOWEEN: THE MOVIE – Ever gone to the Spirit Halloween retailer to buy a costume? Well, someone worked out a licensing deal with the brand and made a fictional film based on the store. It was released at theaters and on digital platforms last fall and is now debuting on disc. The plot follows a nasty man who tries to close an orphanage in the 1940s and dies in the process. Some 80 years later, a group of teens decide to sneak into a Spirit Halloween store and spend the night there. They encounter the spirit of the villainous figure and must get out in one piece. This effort split reviewers, although it received a few more positive notices than negative ones. Those who disliked the movie stated that the script was bland and that the final product wasn’t exciting or memorable, merely serving as a commercial for the store. Slightly more thought it was well-produced and believed that it would sufficiently entertain tweens looking for fun Halloween-themed entertainment. Christopher Lloyd, Rachel Leigh Cook, Donovan Colan, Marissa Reyes, Jaiden Smith, Dylan Martin Frankel and Marla Gibbs headline the film.
TWO TICKETS TO GREECE – After many years apart two childhood friends randomly meet. Now middle-aged, one is conversative, while the other is wild. Excited to catch up, they decide to make good on a promise made years ago and go on a dream vacation to Greece. After arriving, they realize that they both need to make a fresh start in their lives. The pair get into all sorts of shenanigans as they travel across the country. This French comedy earned more recommendations than pans. About one-third of critics stated that the movie had difficulty juggling humor and drama and that the final product was predictable and contrived. Regardless, more were charmed by the cast and locales, calling this a fun little comedy about an unusual but lasting friendship. For the time being, this is a DVD-only release. It stars Laure Calamy, Olivia Cote, Kristin Scott Thomas and Alexandre Desrousseaux.
YOU HURT MY FEELINGS – In this independent comedy/drama, a happily married novelist is putting the finishing touches on her latest book. While her husband is supportive of it, she overhears a private conversation between him and a friend in which he mentions that he really doesn’t like the work. Upset, she confronts him about it. The issue upends the marriage with each spouse talking to friends about how to deal with the problem and move forward. Reaction was very upbeat towards this feature. One or two didn’t find the subject matter of addressing white lies in a relationship interesting to them and didn’t care for the film. Everyone else thought it was extremely well-written, relatable, refreshingly honest and fun to watch. They also gave high marks to the cast and the performances. The cast includes Julia Louis Dreyfus, Tobias Menzies, Michaela Watkins, Arian Moayed and David Cross.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
Arrow Video is releasing a Blu-ray of the creepy British thriller Unman, Wittering and Zigo (1971). David Hemmings stars as a teacher who takes a job at a school where his predecessor has died under mysterious circumstances. As it turns out, the kids are very resistant to his lessons and tension rises within the group. The well-regarded movie is said to criticize the British public school system, including teaching methods and the behavior of kids, some of whom have powerful and influential parents. The disc contains film critic commentary, an appreciation by a cultural historian, interviews with cast members Michael Howe, Michael Cashman, James Wardroper and Carolyn Seymour, the original 1958 recording of the radio play that the movie is based on, as well as publicity materials. Read a full disc review right here.
The distributor is also putting out a 4K Ultra HD edition of the comedy, Weird Science (1985). The story follows two teenage nerds who create a real woman using their computer. While their motives aren’t particularly noble, she ultimately teaches them about how to be decent human beings. The cast includes Anthony Michael Hall, Ilan Mitchell-Smith, Kelly LeBrock, Bill Paxton and Robert Downey Jr.. Just like the previous Blu-ray version, the disc contains both the theatrical and extended cuts of the film (but in 4K with an impressive picture upgrade), as well as all extras from their previous edition. Here’s a detailed look at the release.
A Moment of Romance (1990) is a well-regarded Hong Kong feature about a heist getaway driver who takes a woman hostage and then falls for her. Reviewers praised the movie’s style, breakneck pacing and unusual storyline. This cult title is arriving on Blu-ray from Radiance Films. It contains a 4K picture restoration, an archival interview with director Benny Chan, a visual essay on the movie, an audio commentary with an Asian cinema expert, a trailer and a reversible sleeve with original and newly commissioned artwork for the film. This is a limited edition, so if you’re interested, pick it up quickly before it’s gone. If you’d like to know more, read a review of the disc by clicking this link.
Criterion is presenting Bo Widerberg’s New Swedish Cinema on Blu-ray. This set contains the films The Baby Carriage (1963), Raven’s End (1963), Elvira Madigan (1967) and Adalen 31 (1969). The movies all made a mark in their homeland and are described as realistic and gripping portrayals of working-class Swedes and the problems in their everyday lives. The set includes introductions to the movies, a discussion with a cast member and a cinematographer on one of the titles, a short from Widerberg, 60s television interviews with the filmmaker, behind-the-scenes footage and more.
The Tim Burton-produced animated feature The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) has become both a Halloween and Christmas classic. Disney is marking the movie’s 30th anniversary with an Ultimate Collector’s Edition 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set (other versions available too, including a Best Buy exclusive Steelbook). Besides the picture improvements, the Blu-ray delivers all the previously released extras, including Burton’s fantastic 1984 Frankenweenie short.
Kino is delivering plenty of products as well. Geroge C. Scott stars in the hard-hitting drama Hardcore (1979) from writer/director Paul Schrader (First Reformed, Auto Focus). The story follows a religious, conservative businessman searching for his runaway daughter. He soon discovers she is working in the porno film industry and sets out to free her. This Special Edition comes with a Schrader commentary track, a movie historian commentary and a trailer.
Pretty Baby (1978) from acclaimed filmmaker Louis Malle (My Dinner with Andre) features Susan Sarandon, Keith Carradine as well as a young Brooke Shields playing a child prostitute in this examination of New Orleans brothels in the 1910s. Paramount has provided a new master from a 4K scan of the original camera negative for this release. It also comes with film critic featurettes, an interview with Shields and a trailer.
Three Into Two Won’t Go (1969) stars Rod Steiger as a middle-aged man who begins an illicit affair with a teenage hitchhiker. Things get really awkward when his lover moves in with the man and his wife. This disc includes a 2K restoration of the movie, a film expert commentary, a TV cut of the feature, and a trailer.
Powerhouse is presenting two European genre titles on Blu-ray. The Night of the Hunted (1980) is a French effort from B-moviemaker Jean Rollin about a woman trying to escape from a mysterious clinic. It can be purchased either in 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray or as a standalone Blu-ray. As with other titles from the distributor, it arrives with commentaries, tons of interviews and other bonus features.
The same goes for Rollin’s The Rape of the Vampire (1968), which is an early title from the moviemaker with two loosely connected erotic vampire tales. Like the other Powerhouse titles, extras are too numerous to list here.
Shout! Factory is releasing a Special Edition Blu-ray of the thriller Coma (1978). Co-written and directed by Michael Crichton (who penned the original novel, as well as Jurassic Park), this popular effort follows a female doctor who becomes suspicious after several patients fall into a coma. While investigating, she uncovers a horrible conspiracy. The movie stars Genevieve Bujold, Michael Douglas and Rip Torn. This disc contains an upgraded 2K picture scan, a film critic commentary and lots of publicity materials.
The Angelina Jolie/Jonny Lee Miller computer thriller Hackers (1995) is receiving the Collector’s Edition treatment/ This set includes a 4K Ultra HD disc as well as a Blu-ray. The story depicts a group of young hackers who are set up for a crime they didn’t commit. Besides the improved 4K image quality, it comes with a look back documentary featuring the director, supporting cast members like Fisher Stevens and Matthew Lillard and crew. A trailer is also included.
Ralph Bakshi is known to many as the animator who created R-rated features like Fritz the Cat (1972). One of his most underrated efforts is American Pop (1981). It presents the story of four generations of a Russian Jewish immigrant family of musicians whose careers parallel the history of American popular music in the 20th century. This animated effort is chock full of great music from beginning to and Sony is finally delivering it on Blu-ray.
Sony is also presenting the action film sequel The Legend of Zorro (2005) with Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones on 4K Ultra HD. It’s a follow-up to the fun effort The Mask of Zorro (1998) that finds the title character returning to action to take down a sinister aristocrat seeking power. Alas, no Blu-ray is included in this release.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
This week’s kid-friendly titles are all listed below.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) Ultimate Collector’s Edition (Disney) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray – other versions available too, including Best Buy exclusive Steelbook
Peanuts Deluxe Collection (Repackaged 2023) (Warner Bros.) DVD
Tom & Jerry 3-Pack Collection (Warner Bros.) DVD
ON THE TUBE!
And below is a list of all the TV-related releases.
Chicago Fire: Season 11 (Universal) DVD
CSI: Vegas: Season 2 (CBS/Allied) DVD
Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar (Warner Bros.) Blu-ray
NCIS: Season 20 (Paramount) DVD
Peanuts Deluxe Collection (Repackaged 2023) (Warner Bros.) DVD
Silent Witness: Season 26 (BBC) DVD
Tom & Jerry 3-Pack Collection (Warner Bros.) DVD