Welcome to another look at highlights arriving on Blu-ray and DVD. This week offers a big studio title, as well as plenty of noteworthy and interesting independent features. So, if you can’t or shouldn’t be heading out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
BIG NEW RELEASES!
BAD LUCK BANGING OR LOONY PORN – In this dark satire, a teacher in Bucharest, Romania records herself having sex with her husband. Her spouse takes his computer in for repairs and the recording ends up on the internet. The school board and her student’s parents demand her resignation. However, she refuses to do so, leading to a comical series of conflicts and confrontations. This European production received excellent reviews, winning the Golden Bear award at the Berlin International Film Festival. A few naysayers complained that the movie was strangely edited (with extraneous segments at the beginning) and didn’t deliver a clear message. Yet the majority called it a bold mix of highbrow and lowbrow humor that intentionally makes viewers uncomfortable and pokes fun at hypocrisy in the world. For the time being, this title is only being release d on DVD. It stars Katia Pascariu, Claudia Ieremia and Olimpia Malai.
COSMIC DAWN – A young girl witnesses her mother being abducted and taken away by aliens at the beginning of this independent science-fiction thriller. Now grown up and frustrated that no one has ever believed her story, she joins a cult devoted to extraterrestrials. It isn’t long before she becomes suspicious of the group and what they truly represent. Ads note that the popular band MGMT provided new tunes specifically for use in the film. It opened in limited release at theaters last week and is now debuting on disc only a few days later. There currently aren’t many write-ups for the title, but members of the press who have seen it have all responded favorably. They have stated that the movie is atmospheric and improves as it progresses, ending on a strong note and leaving a lasting impression. The cast includes Camille Rowe, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Antonia Zegers and Joshua Burge.
ETERNALS – This Marvel comic book adaptation focuses on a group of lower-profile superheroes. They are a group of ancient aliens who have been living on Earth in secret for centuries, trying to help us build a better world. When an unexpected and devastating threat to the planet arises, the members must regroup to save the day. As they do so, some discover surprising secrets about themselves and their true mission. This effort received a mixed response from critics, with a few more negative reviews than positive ones. Upbeat articles liked the cast and admired the film for focusing on character over action. Unfortunately, more found the end results dramatically flat. They felt that the screenplay didn’t offer much depth and that the movie was slowly paced. Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Kit Harington, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Ma Dong-seok and Bill Skarsgård headline the film. The movie is arriving on disc in various editions (including a 4K version and a regular Blu-ray) so be sure to check the specs before picking it up. To read a full review of the movie, click here.
GANG – After putting a fellow student in a hospital, a young hooligan is transferred to the worst school in the country. In fact, it’s a place that feels more like a prison than an educational institute. Once he arrives, he knows that he must literally brawl for his place in this new society. The main character is led to an underground fight club at the school, where students fight among themselves to be the top dog. This foreign-language flick was made and released in South Korea in 2019 and there aren’t many reviews available for it in this part of the world. You can find a few if you scour the internet and the response hasn’t been pretty. Most complained that the story didn’t make sense, all of the main characters were unlikable and that viewers will have little empathy for them or interest in how any of the events play out. It features Ji-Hyuk Cha.
JULIA – Julia Child was a Californian cooking teacher who became a celebrity in her 50s as an author and television personality. She inspired average people to understand more about food and changed the way that Americans thought about the subject. This documentary tells her life story, using never-before-seen archival footage, personal photos, first-person narratives and mouth-watering food cinematography. Along the way, viewers learn more about her early days and struggles to find a publisher for her future bestseller, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Response was very positive towards this non-fiction film. One or two reviewers thought it was an average documentary that didn’t teach them anything new about the woman. All others concluded that it was a sweet and likable look at the life of an important figure in the culinary arts. This is a DVD-only release.
MOGUL MOWGLI – Last year, actor Riz Ahmed earned raves and an Academy Award nomination for his performance in Sound of Metal. He followed that film up with this project (which he also co-wrote) about another musician struggling with a health issue. He plays a British-Pakistani rapper whose star is rising. Just before setting out on a big European tour, he is diagnosed with a degenerative autoimmune disease and must contemplate his next step in life. The press found plenty to like in this independent drama. A small contingent thought it dragged and that the story was too unfocused to make a lasting impression on viewers. Regardless, the vast majority claimed that the star gave another stellar performance. They also said the movie was unpredictable and brought up some interesting and complex thematic issues. The cast also includes Anjana Vasan, Aiysha Hart, Nabhaan Rizwan and Alyy Khan.
MONDAY – When two Americans in their mid-30s cross paths unexpectedly in Athens, Greece, sparks immediately fly. After a whirlwind romance between the man and woman over a single weekend, she reveals that she is scheduled to head back home to her highly-paid job in the US. The lady is tempted to leave it all behind and try to make it work with her new love. Can a sudden and unexpected relationship abroad survive after the vacation ends? Critics were split down the middle about whether they believed the movie was worth enduring. Half thought that it was an accurate depiction of an unexpected fling and the complications that can arise as complications begins to set in. Just as many wrote that there was little palpable chemistry between the leads and criticized the movie for being ponderous and lacking passion. It stars Sebastian Stan and Denise Gough.
SEOBOK: PROJECT CLONE – In this South-Korean action/thriller, a terminally ill ex-intelligence agent is hired to transport the world’s first human clone. Of course, he quickly learns that it will be the toughest assignment of his career. Knowing that this creation holds the secret to immortality, powerful criminals and other desperate individuals set out to kidnap the clone for their own experiments. Write-ups were decent for this picture. About a quarter of them called the film hollow and thought it mishandled some of the interesting themes behind the concept. Still, the consensus was that this was an effective buddy movie that made some intriguing points about cloning. They also thought that a lot of tension was generated by the grim situation placed upon the lead characters. Park Bo-gum, Gong Yoo and Park Bo-gum headline the picture.
SETTLERS – In the future, a convoy of humans attempt to settle on Mars. A family living in a remote area on the harsh planet find themselves in danger after an armed figure suddenly appears at their door. The new arrival explains that people have turned on each other and that larger settlements of people have been wiped out. He seizes control of their property and the family must find a way to regain their home. Response was divided towards this independent science-fiction feature that possesses western elements. Almost half of reviewers found it so bleak, heavy and minimalist that it was a chore to sit through. Still, the same amount admired its dourness, which they believed added to its authenticity. They also called it chillingly atmospheric. The cast includes Sofia Boutella, Jonny Lee Miller, Nell Tiger Free, Brooklynn Prince, and Ismael Cruz Cordova.
SLATE – Here’s another South Korean action film making its North American debut on disc. It follows an aspiring actress who has always dreamed of becoming an action film star. After many years auditioning and training in swordplay, she is offered a low position as a stand-in on a movie set. The lead shows up for work and is unexpectedly transported to a lawless and dangerous parallel world. Suddenly, she gets the opportunity to be an action heroine… for real. There aren’t a lot of write-ups available for this title, but the ones that have appeared online have been decent. They suggest that while the movie isn’t perfect, it does have a great concept and delivers some fun action, as well as a few winks and amusing jokes made at the expense of the movie industry. It features Ji-hye Ahn, Min-ji Lee and Tae-San Park.
SPONTANEOUS – This genre picture certainly has an interesting premise. A group of high school students begin suffering from sudden and unexpected bouts of spontaneous combustion. Knowing that any moment could be their last, two seniors decide to embark on a romance and find some happiness in a terrible situation. This feature played at drive-ins and open theaters during the height of the pandemic in 2020 and is now finally premiering on disc. The movie earned excellent notices from critics. In fact, there were only a couple of reviewers who panned it, stating that the movie didn’t take full advantage of its conceit. However, the consensus was that the movie was surprisingly effective, benefitting from likable leads and effectively blending horror, satire and teen romance in a new and unique manner. It stars Katherine Langford, Charlie Plummer, Yvonne Orji, Hayley Law, Piper Perabo and Rob Huebel.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
If you’re looking for something a little older, there are plenty of options as well. Arrow Video have Versus (2000), an over-the-top Japanese zombie flick. It follows an escaped convict who ends up in the forebodingly named Forest of Resurrection. He must travel through the woods and battle a horde of zombies in order to reach safety. This Special Edition Blu-ray includes a 2K restoration of the film, two commentaries (one with director and producer and another with the director, cast and crew), as well as a visual essay on the movie and director from a Japanese movie authority. You’ll also get a documentary on the feature, film festival screening footage, archival promotional materials with the cast and crew, deleted scenes, a pair of mini-movies that tie-in to the main story, a condensed 20-minute recut of the title and much, much more.
The Howling (1981) is a werewolf movie about a TV reporter who is attacked by a serial killer. After surviving the assault, she decides to recuperate at a mountain resort, only to encounter a new, beastly threat. It’s a very clever genre flick that features some fantastic make-up effects by Rick Baker (who won an Oscar the very same year for his work on another horror flick, An American Werewolf in London). Shout! Factory are presenting a Collector’s Edition that contains a 4K Ultra HD disc and a regular Blu-ray of the feature. Besides the upgraded picture quality, you’ll also get two audio commentaries, an interview with members of the cast and crew, vintage featurettes, deleted scenes with optional commentary, outtakes, a look at the locations, trailers and a still gallery.
Lipstick (1976) is a crime drama starring Margaux Hemingway as a model who seeks justice (and eventually, revenge) after being brutally assaulted by her sister’s disturbed music teacher. The actress was nominated for a Golden Globe for her lead performance. This Blu-ray includes interviews with co-stars Chris Sarandon, Mariel Hemingway and Perry King, as well as a film historian commentary, theatrical trailer and still gallery.
Kino have some interesting Blu-rays as well. They are releasing a double-feature disc (as part of their Forbidden Fruit line) containing Damaged Lives (1933) and Damaged Goods (1937). Both are considered “social hygiene” films, giving viewers over-the-top warnings about the dangers of venereal and sexually transmitted diseases. Each of the titles have commentary tracks with exploitation movie experts. It also comes with four short films dealing with the same subjects, old and out-of-date sex hygiene lecture reels for teaching purposes and a few trailers.
If you’re looking for 80s action, Kino have you covered there as well. The Final Option (1982) is a British film about terrorists taking over the US embassy in London. A highly trained SAS team are sent in to stop the threat. This Special Edition Blu-ray includes a commentary with the director and the producer, as well as a documentary on the very same producer and a couple of trailers for the film.
Murphy’s Law (1986) is a Charles Bronson flick about a cop framed for the murder of his wife. He breaks out of prison and seeks revenge while handcuffed to a young, foul-mouthed female car thief. It all makes for an interesting and unique buddy-movie pairing. This Special Edition Blu-ray has a commentary that includes a film historian and co-star Kathleen Wilhoite (who plays the thief). You’ll also get an interview with another cast member, radio spots and a trailer.
Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985) is a film adaptation of the novel The Destroyer, the first in a popular action book series. It stars Fred Ward as the title character, a cop who is killed in the line of duty. Or at least, that’s what the world thinks. He ends up being taken by the government and trained as a secret agent/assassin for the US President. The movie earned an Oscar nomination for its make-up effects, but flopped during its theatrical release. This Blu-ray features a commentary track with the producers, numerous featurettes on the production and lots of publicity materials used during its initial run at theaters.
Criterion are releasing a Blu-ray of Love Affair (1939), a romance picture about two strangers who fall in love while travelling. They agree to meet again six months later at the top of the Empire State Building if they are still interested in being with one another. This classic was nominated for numerous Academy Awards (including Best Picture) and was remade in 1957 as An Affair to Remember with Cary Grant. The story was filmed once again in 1994 with Warren Beatty and Annette Benning in the lead roles. It has been given a new 4K restoration for Blu-ray. Bonuses include a special feature in which a film critic discusses the original feature’s complicated production history, an interview with the person who led the picture restoration efforts, two radio adaptations of the story, as well as two shorts made by the same director.
Discount Blu-ray distributor Mill Creek are presenting The Skulls Trilogy on Blu-ray. This includes The Skulls (2000), a pulpy teen thriller with Joshua Jackson and Paul Walker about a secret society at an Ivy League college. You’ll also get the follow-ups The Skulls II (2002) and The Skulls III (2004), which don’t feature any of the original cast members and instead involve all-new characters coming into contact with the sinister outfit.
Paramount are delivering several movies on Blu-ray, some for the first time ever. First, they have the star-studded comedy 200 Cigarettes (1999), which involves a group of 20-somethings dealing with relationships problems. Just who is in it, you may ask? Ben Affleck, Casey Affleck, Dave Chappelle, Kate Hudson, Gaby Hoffman, Janeane Garofalo, Courtney Love, Jay Mohr, Christina Ricci, Paul Rudd, Elvis Costello and many more. Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (2001) is the third and final feature in the popular comedy series about an Australian crocodile hunter. You can also pick up Euro Trip (2004) and the animated family film Hey Arnold! – The Movie (2002) in high definition.
If you like thrillers, In Dreams (1999) is an interesting one with supernatural overtones starring Annette Benning and Robert Downey Jr.. It was directed and co-written by Neil Jordan (The Crying Game, Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles, Ondine, Greta). They also have Intersection (1994) another suspense picture featuring Richard Gere and Sharon Stone.
Kids in the Hall: Brain Candy (1996) was movie a spin-off off the popular Canadian Kids in the Hall sketch-comedy show. The story was about a group of scientists who develop an anti-depression pill that promises to make all of humanity happy. This movie takes aim at the pharmaceutical industry and profiteering from mass-marketed drugs. Unfortunately, it did not make a good impression during its original release and was essentially buried by the studio (who hated some of the edgier material present in the film). Time has actually been kind to the feature – there’s some sharp satire present in the movie and it has earned a cult following over the years. Finally, fans can pick it up on Blu-ray… and now hope that the original ending and all of the deleted scenes (some of which are in the trailer) will eventually see the light of day.
They also have Nick of Time (1995) with Johnny Depp and Christopher Walken. This suspense picture involves an average man whose daughter is kidnapped. He is told that he must assassinate an important politician in order to get her back safely. The story and its events all play out in real time over 90 minutes.
Sony are releasing Looper (2012) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set to celebrate the movie’s 10th Anniversary. It’s a time-travel story about a hired gun who is sent through time to kill a target. He soon realizes that he is hunting himself, leading to various complications. The cast of this well-received picture includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis and Emily Blunt.
And finally, Warner Archive are presenting The Three Musketeers (1948) with Gene Kelly as a made-to-order Blu-ray. This adaptation of the classic Alexandre Dumas novel was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography, so it’ll probably look quite good in high definition. You can purchase it exclusively through Amazon.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Here are some new releases that may appeal to kids.
44 Cats: Season 1 DVD
Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers: The Complete Series (used to be a Disney Movie Club exclusive, now available through Amazon) DVD
Hey Arnold! – The Movie
Llama Llama and Friends (Netflix) DVD
ON THE TUBE!
And you’ll find a listing of all the TV-themed titles below that are arriving on store shelves.
44 Cats: Season 1 DVD
Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers: The Complete Series (used to be a Disney Movie Club exclusive, now available through Amazon) DVD
Doctor Who: Flux: The Complete 13th Series
Heels: Season 1
Legacies: Season 3 DVD
Llama Llama and Friends (Netflix) DVD
Signed, Sealed, Delivered Collection: Movies 1 – 4 (Hallmark Channel) DVD
Signed, Sealed, Delivered Collection: Movies 5 – 8 (Hallmark Channel) DVD