Welcome back to another look at highlights arriving on Blu-ray and DVD. Once again, there’s a wide variety of offerings coming your way, with a particular emphasis on documentary films. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies this week or need to keep yourself in quarantine, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
BIG NEW RELEASES!
AMERICAN CARNAGE – A cruel American governor issues an order to arrest children of undocumented immigrants in this independent horror/comedy. After being detained, the teens are informed that the charges against their families will be dropped if they go to a facility and care for the elderly. They agree, but discover that the job and institute is far more sinister than expected. This feature split the press. Nearly half of them complained that the story’s mix of horror and comedy didn’t gel and that the screenplay wasn’t as cutting or satirical as it could have been. A few more gave the movie a pass, suggesting that while overstuffed and blunt in execution, it presented some good ideas and strong moments. It stars Jenna Ortega, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Allen Maldonado, Jorge Diaz, Eric Dane and Brett Cullen.
BRIAN AND CHARLES – In this British comedy, an eccentric and lonely Welsh inventor spends his days creating various gadgets that fail to impress locals. But one day, he manages to create an artificially intelligent robot from washing machine parts. The protagonist begins teaching this figure about the world and the two become fast friends. Complications arise as the robot begins developing his own interests and wants. Reaction was very positive towards this movie. A small number found the tone too cute and quirky, saying they couldn’t get onto its wavelength. However, the majority of reviewers were completely charmed by what they witnessed, complimenting the film’s cast and saying that the writing was witty and that the film possessed real heart. The cast includes David Earl, Chris Hayward, Louise Brealey and Nina Sosanya.
FACING NOLAN – Major League Baseball pitcher Nolan Ryan is the subject of this documentary. Described as an athlete whose professional career was filled with extremes, the movie goes over many stories from the mound as well as his personal life. These include pitching a game in a blood-covered jersey, as well as his involvement in an on-field brawl with Robin Ventura. The filmmakers also note that while he struck out a great many batters and pitched seven no-hitters, he also gave away more grand slams and stolen bases than any other pitcher. Critics really enjoyed the picture. Only one reviewer panned it, saying that the presentation did nothing to make them care about the subject. But everyone else thought it would intrigue and entertain any baseball fan and included plenty of fantastic and bizarre stories.
FAYA DAYI – Those looking for more documentaries can also give this effort a try. Shot in Harar, Ethiopia, the film details a group of farmers who grow a special leaf called khat. This plant is a natural stimulant that is used in religious mediation ceremonies. When chewed, it can create a feeling of euphoria. The greenery is also the most lucrative cash crop in the country. The movie details the mythic history of the khat and its vital spiritual role in many communities and their worshiping rituals. Write-ups for this feature were very upbeat. A lone voice thought that it was too slow-moving and could have done with tightening up in the editing room. All others thought the film was visually striking, complimenting the black and white photography. They also called it a poetic and moving ode to the unique leaf.
GABBY GIFFORDS WON’T BACK DOWN – And if you haven’t gotten your fill of documentaries, you can check out this feature about Arizona Democratic congresswoman Gabby Giffords. Known for being a moderate while serving in office, she became an outspoken advocate for gun control after a man attempted to assassinate her in public. Six citizens were killed in the shooting spree and Giffords was shot in the head. The film details what occurred, her incredible recovery and rehabilitation (involving physical and speech therapy) and her attempts to prevent gun violence. There were no negative write-ups for this feature. All reviewers thought it did an excellent job of telling Giffords’ story and how she overcame a horrific ordeal. They also called the project inspirational and were moved by how the subject’s family came together during the tragedy.
OLGA – Last week saw the debuts of several films on disc from Ukraine. This drama is another tale from that country, telling the story of a talented teenage gymnast who is forced to leave her home for Switzerland after conflict arises between her country and Russia. Struggling to fit in and worried about her mother’s safety, she attempts to focus on the European championships, but finds it increasingly difficult as war breaks out. The press was very taken with this movie too. A very small contingent commented that the protagonist’s struggle was presented in a repetitive fashion and that it didn’t pack a strong emotional wallop. Still, the consensus was that the film was powerful and compelling, displaying how a young woman pushes herself to physical extremes to grapple with horrific events occurring in her homeland. It features Anastasiia Budiashkina and Sabrina Rubtsova.
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPEN – If you’re looking for something a little lighter, you might want to try this biopic about British golfer and hoaxer Maurice Flitcroft. The events depicted actually occurred in 1976 and became something of a media sensation. After discovering the British Open was being played near his home, this crane operator decided to get himself into the tournament (despite never having played a full round of golf). The trickster manages to get himself entered in the competition, becoming a folk hero in the process. Critics were taken by the movie’s charms. A few did criticize the finished product for taking too many liberties with the real story and painting a bland picture of the real figure. Yet, everyone else enjoyed the work of the cast, calling it an amusing and respectful portrait of an entertainingly eccentric figure. Mark Rylance, Sally Hawkins, Rhys Ifans, Jake Davies and Christian Lees headline the feature.
THE SPY – This co-production between Norway, Sweden and Belgium is set at the beginning of World War II. Inspired by a true story, it tells the tale of a popular movie actress in Stockholm. As Nazi forces invade, she is forced to help power their propaganda machine and is also romanced by a sympathetic Nazi officer. As this is occurring, the woman is recruited by Swedish intelligence to spy on the Germans. Things become more complicated and dangerous when her boyfriend pushes her to do the same to the Swedes. This feature hasn’t been seen by many in this part of the world. Online reviews have been divided. A few found the storytelling choppy, resulting in a film that didn’t create tension or excitement. But just as many complimented the photography and wrote that it was an exciting thriller that kept them on the edge of their seat. For the time being, this is a DVD-only release. It stars Ingrid Bolso Berdal, Erik Hivju, Rolf Lassgard and Alexander Scheer.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
Looking for something a bit older on disc? There are plenty of options to choose from.
AGFA is presenting the low-budget horror picture Satan’s Children (1975) on Blu-ray. It’s about a runaway teen who is assaulted and then takes refuge with a cult of Satanists. He then plots revenge on his attackers. The movie has been described as “feeling like an Afterschool Special from the depths of Hell,” albeit with more disturbing moments. It has been given a 2K preservation from the only theatrical print in existence. The disc comes with a film expert audio commentary, a cast and crew reunion Q&A, as well as bonus TV specials and short films involving the subjects of Satan and Satanism.
Altered Innocence is putting out a 4K restoration of Jack Be Nimble (1993) starring Alexis Arquette. The plot involves two abandoned kids with a psychic connection who are split up by an adoption agency, before attempting to find each other as adults. The Blu-ray contains a cast and crew commentary, an interview with director Garth Maxwell, a discussion with the filmmaker about his inspiration, several short films from Maxwell, publicity materials and more.
The Giallo Essentials box set is arriving courtesy of Arrow Video. It contains the Italian thrillers Smile Before Death (1972) (pictured above and to the left), The Killer Reserved Nine Seats (1974) and The Weapon, the Hour, the Motive (1972) aka L’Arma, L’ora. Il MOvente on Blu-ray. These discs have been released before separately by Arrow and come with all of the same extras. However, the first and third titles listed have been given new 2K restorations with improved picture quality.
The distributor is also delivering the Running Out of Time Collection on Blu-ray. It contains the Hong Kong action/crime pictures Running Out of Time (1999) and Running Out of Time 2 (2001). The story follows a hostage negotiator chasing a criminal mastermind with a terminal illness who is targeting the entire police force. Both movies have been given a 2K restoration and arrive with Hong Kong movie expert commentaries (the first film also contains a commentary with the screenwriter), archival interviews with the cast and crew, publicity materials and more.
Heavy Metal Parking Lot (1986) follows a pair of documentarians recording conversations with obsessive Judas Priest fans outside of a concert venue. The movie is considered one of the best documentaries on the metal scene. Circle Collective is now releasing a 2-disc Blu-ray of the flick. The package not only contains the original feature, but also a ton of bonuses. You’ll get the follow-ups Heavy Metal Basement (2001) and Heavy Metal Picnic (2010), as well as other fan-made titles like Neil Diamond Parking Lot and Harry Potter Parking Lot. It also comes with a 2016 exhibit on the cult movie, a Zoom Anniversary party and reunion, segments of the film that have been animated, featurettes on the location, a look at where the people interviewed are now, lost footage and other bonuses. If that wasn’t enough, you’ll receive other documentary shorts by the filmmaker like King of Porn (1996), I Created Lancelot Link (1999) and The Real Pinball Wizard (2013). Sounds like a fantastic Blu-ray.
Symphony for a Massacre (1963) is a classic French crime thriller that is debuting on Blu-ray in North America from Cohen Media Group. It’s a gangster flick featuring double-crosses and set-ups between various heavies. The disc comes with a 4K restoration, an evaluation of the movie by a film noir expert and a trailer.
Culture Shock Releasing is presenting Raw Nerve (1991), a thriller from B-movie veteran David A. Prior (Killer Workout, Deadly Prey, Raw Justice, Deadliest Prey). According to the synopsis, a race car driver has visions of the victims of a serial killer before their demise and tries to get a skeptical police detective and reporter to help him find the killer. It stars Traci Lords, Ted Prior, Glenn Ford and Jan-Michael Vincent. The Blu-ray includes a cast/crew commentary track, interviews with Ted Prior and the producer, a vintage blooper reel and loads of trailers.
Sampo (1959) aka The Day the Earth Froze is a very unusual Finnish/Russian family fantasy film dealing in myth and legend. It involves a sinister witch who takes the sun away and the efforts of a muscular hero to save the day. The film was memorably parodied on Mystery Science Theater some years back. Deaf Crocodile Films is now presenting the full film on Blu-ray with a stunning 4K restoration by the Finnish Film Institute. A critic audio commentary is included, as is a featurette detailing some of the elaborate Russian fantasy films also produced during this era.
Heartbreakers (1984) is a drama with Peter Coyote and Nick Mancuso about two men who struggle to maintain relationships with women. Fun City Editions is presenting a Blu-ray with a 2K restoration, a director introduction and commentary track, a new interview with the filmmaker, a discussion with stars Coyote and Mancuso, an image gallery, isolated music track and a booklet with essays on the title.
Gunpowder & Sky is delivering the recent drama Hearts Beat Loud (2018) on Blu-ray. It’s an enjoyable comedy/drama about a father and his teenage daughter who form an unlikely songwriting duo. This reviewer isn’t sure if this edition has any extras that aren’t included on earlier versions.
Kino would like you to know that a Blu-ray is coming of the Golan-Globus adaptation of Mata Hari (1985). This is the notorious Cannon Pictures release that was generally considered something of a cinematic disaster upon its release. Naturally, its cheesiness has now turned it into something of a cult item. The disc includes a film historian commentary and a trailer.
The distributor is releasing a Blu-ray of Mysterious Island of Beautiful Women (1979), a CBS TV-movie about a plane full of men who crash on an island populated only by women. The ladies are distrustful of the guys, who require their help to survive the ordeal. It comes with a 2K restoration of the title and a movie critic commentary.
Summer Heat (1987) is also arriving on Blu-ray. It’s a steamy period drama about a neglected farmer’s wife who starts an affair with a hired hand. Lori Singer and Anthony Edwards headline the movie. This disc comes with a trailer and radio spot
They also are putting out a Blu-ray of The Tenth Man (1988) another CBS TV-movie. This effort stars Anthony Hopkins as a French advocate imprisoned during the Nazi occupation. Kristin Scott Thomas and Derek Jacobi also appear in the feature. The title can be watched in two different aspect ratios (one assumes that it played theatrically in some international territories) and the disc also includes trailers.
Looking for more? Lionsgate is delivering a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook of the Tom Hardy/Joel Eggerton mixed martial arts drama, Warrior (2011). This title is a Best Buy exclusive and can only be purchased at this retailer.
Music Box Films is an excellent distributor who have been releasing some great Blu-rays recently of both new and older titles. This week, they have the steamy Spanish drama Sex and Lucia (2001), about an author whose novel accidentally intertwines with the romantic lives of various locals. This Blu-ray contains the much sought-after unrated director’s cut.
If independent chillers are more to your liking, Severin is making All About Evil (2010) available on Blu-ray. It’s about a failing movie theater and its unusual manager, who begins murdering people to help save the cinema. Natasha Lyonne plays the lead in this film. A new HD restoration has been prepared for the film and it also comes with a CD containing the soundtrack.
They are also making the Jess Franco slasher film Faceless (1987) available as an 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set. It’s about an evil plastic surgeon messing with the faces of kidnapped models. It comes with a ton of interviews with cast members and movie critics, an archival commentary with Franco and the lead actress, other old featurettes on the movie, a parody short from 1987 and some trailers.
Additionally, the distributor is putting out the French exploitation action/thriller, The Female Executioner (1986) aka L’executrice. It’s about a vice cop who goes rogue and takes down pornographers, pimps, pushers, human traffickers and more after her kid sister is mysteriously kidnapped. The disc has a 2K restoration of the feature and trailer, as well as interviews with the star and the director, a visit to the locations used in the movie, and a short film with the lead actress.
Not to be outdone, Shout! Factory has some titles of note. They include a new 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set of last year’s well-received Japanese animated film, Belle (2021).
And you can pick up the cult horror remake Cat People (1982) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set. This flick wasn’t well received during its original run, but has since earned a following due to its appealing cast and crazy narrative. The movie has been given a 4K scan from the original negative and comes with two commentaries featuring writer/director Paul Schrader (Auto Focus, First Reformed). You’ll also get interviews with actors Malcolm McDowell, Nastassja Kinski, Annette O’Toole, John Heard and Lynn Lowry, as well as composer Giorgio Moroder and Schrader. There are many more featurettes included as well as publicity materials.
Additionally, the distributor is making A Walk in the Woods (2015) available on Blu-ray. This effort stars Robert Redford and Nick Nolte as friends attempting to hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail. It comes with behind-the-scenes footage and a trailer.
And that’s not all. Shout! are also making a few of their new releases “limited edition exclusives” that can only be ordered through their own website. The first this week is the science-fiction/comedy Space Truckers (1996) with Dennis Hopper, Stephen Dorff, Debi Mazar, Charles Dance and Barbara Crampton. This goofy flick from writer/director Stuart Gordon (Re-Animator, From Beyond, Fortress, Stuck) follows independent cargo haulers who get in over their heads with a valuable load. The Blu-ray contains a new interview with Crampton, archived interviews featuring director Gordon, the score composer and the art director (who created the elaborate outer-space trucking environments). It also comes with a trailer.
Additionally, you can pick up a double-feature Blu-ray of Stripped to Kill (1987) and Final Judgement (1992) only through the official Shout! Factory website. These are cheesy thrillers with stories set around gentlemen’s clubs. The two flicks feature cast members like Brad Dourif, Kay Lenz, Greg Evigan, Norman Fell, Isaac Hayes and Karen Black. The first title comes with a director and star commentary as well as interviews. The second feature has been given a 2K restoration for improved image quality.
Vinegar Syndrome are another outfit known for releasing high quality Blu-rays of obscure genre titles. This week, in conjunction with other distributors, they are releasing discs that will be exclusives on their website. Then, on September 27th, these Blu-rays will also be available through other online retailers. All the Blu-rays come with numerous extras. These exclusives include The Birds II: Land’s End (1994), The Cornshucker (1997), Dead North (1991), Faults (2014), The Kid Brother (1987), Lo Sound Desert (2015), Lux Æterna (2019), Natural Enemies (1979), The Oregonian (2011), Robinson’s Garden (1987), Streets of Death (1988), Summer of Blood (2014), Unmasking the Idol (1986) and You Can’t Kill Meme (2020). Go to the Vinegar Syndrome website to find out more or order them right now.
The distributor is also giving wide releases to a few of their titles that can be purchased anywhere. You can pick up the amazing martial-arts/action/musical cult oddity Miami Connection (1987) in a new 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray package. Five Tawkeondo experts promote the power of friendship while taking on a drug kingpin and playing in a popular new wave band. In addition to the picture upgrade, this release comes with extras including a new and extensive making-of documentary on the film, a recently recorded audio commentary with star/producer Y.K. Kim and writer/co-star Joseph Diamond. The disc also includes previously released extras from earlier editions and much more. It even comes with a third Blu-ray containing Escape from Miami, which is the long-lost pre-release cut of the movie with additional scenes and a different ending.
Speaking of martial arts, you can also pick up Righting Wrongs (1986) on Blu-ray from Vinegar Syndrome. This well-regarded Hong Kong action film stars Yuen Biao and Cynthia Rothrock. It follows a lawyer who seeks vengeance after a mobster kills his family. You’ll get three different cuts of the movie, featurettes, an image gallery, a trailer and a bonus documentary called The Best of Martial Arts Films, which should give viewers plenty of ideas about what to check out next.
Finally, the distributor is presenting a Blu-ray of the early slasher, Shriek of the Mutilated (1974). A group of college kids in the wilderness search for Bigfoot, but instead find a hatchet-wielding maniac. It comes with a commentary track and other extras.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
It’s a slim week for kid-friendly entertainment and I’m not even sure that the below movie really qualifies, but it’s certainly the closest thing in this edition that you’ll find to a family flick.
Sampo (1959) aka The Day the Earth Froze (Deaf Crocodile Films) Blu-ray
ON THE TUBE!
And here is a list of this edition’s TV-themed releases.
1883: A Yellowstone Origin Story (Paramount) Blu-ray
61st Street: Season 1 (RLJ Entertainment) Blu-ray
The Bionic Woman: The Complete Series Collector’s Edition (Shout! Factory) Blu-ray
Blue Bloods: Season 12 (Paramount) DVD
Fairfield Road (2010 Hallmark TV-movie) DVD
Ghosts: Season 3 (BBC) DVD
The Good Witch: The Complete Series (Hallmark) Blu-ray
Mysterious Island of Beautiful Women (1979) (CBS TV-movie) (Kino) Blu-ray
Signora Volpe: Series 1 (Acorn) DVD
The Tenth Man (1988) (CBS TV-movie) (Kino) Blu-ray