It’s time for another look at highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. This is an incredibly busy edition with a ton of new releases in a wide variety of genres. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies this week or need to stay indoors for a few days, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
BIG NEW RELEASES!
BARDEJOV – Based on a true story, this period drama set during World War II involves a Jewish wine maker in the title city (which was part of the country of Czechoslovakia at this time in history). After learning of Nazi forces approaching, he realizes that the villains plan on sending most of the population to Auschwitz for execution. In order to save their lives, the protagonist hatches a plan to fool the enemy and move the residents to safety. This film hasn’t been seen by many critics, but a few positive reviews have appeared online. They noted that this lesser-known-story from the conflict was inspiring and relatable. The write-ups claim the movie effectively shows how an average, put-upon man can outsmart evil. The cast includes Robert Davi, Danny K. Abeckaser, Dean Miroshnikov, Emma Renana Bardea and Kyle Stefanski.
THE BOOK OF CLARENCE – This tale takes place roughly 2000 years ago and involves a fast-talking and charismatic but cash-strapped man who struggles to provide for his family. When he notices the rise of the Messiah, he decides to convince others of his own divinity (and make some cash in the process). Roman soldiers arrest the protagonist and tell him that if he delivers the real Messiah to them, they will forgive his scams against fellow citizens. Reaction was more positive than negative towards this comedy/drama/biblical epic. About one-third of reviewers stated that the film had difficulty finding the right tone, awkwardly juggling humor and earnestness and failing to deliver a convincing message. Still, the majority commented that the story was unpredictable and told in a completely unique and intriguing manner with a great cast and plenty of effective observations. It stars LaKeith Stanfield, Omar Sy, Anna Diop, RJ Cyler, David Oyelowo, Michael Ward and Alfre Woodard.
BORN TO FLY – Released in its home country under the title Chang kong zhi wang, this feature starts after a new fighter jet is developed in China. A special team of elite pilots is recruited to train and fly these high-tech planes. As the intensive program continues, many are pushed to their physical and psychological limits, with only the strongest graduating and taking to the skies to fight enemies. This picture was a hit in China, but North American critics were split on the results. Half thought it was a jingoistic and melodramatic Top Gun knock-off. But just as many were impressed by the aerial photography and admitted that while the movie was clearly copying the US hit series, it was exciting and showed the toll taken on those serving their country. Yibo Wang, Jun Hu and Yosh Hu headline the picture
CARPET COWBOYS – Yes, carpets are the subject of this documentary. Apparently, most of the rugs seen in hotel hallways, casinos and convention centers across the country come from the same city. The filmmakers go to Dalton, Georgia and talk to one the creators and developers about the design and manufacture of the material lying under our feet. He shares his experiences and the troubles he faces as the global market changes. All but one member of the press who saw this picture liked it. The lone negative voice didn’t care for the focus on one individual and wanted the more to tell the stories of other carpet makers. But the vast majority wrote that the movie was a fun and zippy look at something important that we don’t think about. They also suggested that it effectively showed how the dreams of many in this industry are now being squashed.
CRAIG BEFORE THE CREEK: AN ORIGINAL MOVIE – Craig of the Creek was a popular animated series from the Cartoon Network that ended its run in 2022. It followed the adventures of a group of kids in a wilderness wonderland. Now a movie has arrived that serves as a prequel. It shows how the young lead arrived in town and located the magical area. While there, he hunts for a figure who can grant his wish to return to his hometown. So far, there has only been one single review for the movie. It states that the picture is plenty of fun and that it will please fans of the show, but doesn’t provide any stunning revelations about the characters or program. For the time being, this is a DVD-only release. The voice-cast includes Philip Solomon, Terry Crews, Noel Wells, Michael Croner, Phil LaMarr and Jolie Hoang-Rappaport.
THE CRIME IS MINE – A pretty and talented but broke actress in Paris is accused of murdering a producer. Her best friend, a young, unemployed lawyer, offers to defend her in court. Surprisingly, they are successful and the woman is acquitted. She immediately becomes famous and uses the publicity to become an overnight celebrity. But soon the truth of what really occurred is revealed, complicating the pair’s relationship and their fame. This French period comedy was very well-received. One person called out the picture as being inauthentic and forgettable. Everyone else was charmed by the cast and described the movie as a bubbly farce with plenty of laughs reminiscent of sharp-witted comedies from the 1930s. It features Nadia Tereszkiewicz, Rebecca Marder, Isabelle Huppert, Dany Boon, Fabrice Luchini and André Dussollier.
EVERYTHING TO ENTERTAIN YOU: THE STORY OF VIDEO HEADQUARTERS – Ken McAleer is the subject of this documentary. In 1983 at the young age of 27, he decided to open a video store in New Hampshire. The business became a huge success, even being voted as the best video retailer in 1997. This documentary details its 32-year run before it was forced to shut its doors in 2015. Viewers are also shown the influence that McAleer had on the industry. The picture includes interviews with former employees, customers and contains fascinating footage of the place during the height of the video rental boom. This movie hasn’t been seen by a lot of critics, but plenty of online reviewers have watched and enjoyed it. Most state that it presents fascinating insight into the business and how, for a brief period, independent store owners found themselves being courted by studio heads.
THE FOX – Here is another movie with World War II as a backdrop. This Austrian/German effort is based on a true story. It follows a boy who grows up in extreme poverty, only to become a motorcycle courier in the Austrian army. When Nazis take over the country and incorporate his unit into their forces, he is assigned to deliver messages for his superiors. Along the way, he finds a wounded fox and decides to care for it while traveling through France. Their bond grows close and, as the young man attempts to find safety for himself and the animal, he changes in unexpected ways. The movie hasn’t been reviewed by many critics outside of its homeland, but it did receive a few award nominations in Austria and Germany. For now, this picture is only being released on DVD. Simon Morzé, Karl Markovics and Adriane Gradziel headline the picture.
GOOD BURGER 2 – This sequel to the 1997 comedy Good Burger finds one of the two leads and ex-restaurant employee experiencing hard times after his efforts to become a successful entrepreneur go horribly awry. When his best friend, who is now the owner of the title establishment, offers him a job there until he can find his footing, he reluctantly agrees. Soon, a big and sinister corporation makes an offer on the site and two must fight to save the business. Reviews for the movie were slightly more positive than negative. Close to half of the write-ups weren’t impressed by the new cast members and thought that the picture was genial but unmemorable. Slightly more got a nostalgia kick from the movie and thought it was entertaining, keeping the tone and spirit of the first movie intact. It stars Kenan Thompson, Kel Mitchell, Lil Rel Howery, Jilliam Bell, Kamaila Fairburn, Alex R. Hibbert and Carmen Electra.
THE IRON CLAW – The Von Erich siblings were wrestlers who performed in the World Class Championship Wrestling, NWA and WWE leagues during the early 1980s into the 90s. This biopic tells their story from the point of view of eldest brother Kevin. He and his siblings try to impress their stern father/coach (who was also a wrestler), but suffer a continuing series of awful setbacks that begin to feel like a curse. Notices for the picture were remarkably strong. A very small number of reviewers were not moved by the events and found the movie repetitive and downbeat. However, the vast majority thought the cast were excellent and that the picture ably depicted grief among the family members and a toxic relationship between the domineering father and his overly admiring sons. The cast includes Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Stanley Simons, Maura Tierney and Holt McCallany. Click this link to read a full review of the movie.
THE MONSTER MASH – Using monster movies, as well as Amicus and Hammer horror flicks from the 1960s and 1970s as its inspiration, this independent anthology begins with host “Dr. Freudstein” introducing three chilling stories. The segments contain a serial killer, werewolves, as well as a UFO and a zombie causing terror. Very few people have seen this picture, but it did play at a few small genre festivals where it won some awards. An online review or two has popped up as well, and they seemed upbeat about the finished product. These notices describe the movie as a capable homage with plenty of practical effects, dark humor and nastiness that should impress low-budget horror enthusiasts. The flick features Michael Gentile, William Kozy, Cherry Fu, Justina Valentine, Sharma Monica and Kevin Losani.
NIGHTSIREN – Originally released under the title Svetlonoc, this co-production from Slovakia and the Czech Republic is about a woman who returns to her small home village to get answers about her troubled childhood. As it turns out, the superstitious locals are none too pleased to see the protagonist return. As she learns about her past and ancient legends that the residents believe, the lead soon becomes accused of being a murderous witch. This 2022 picture arrived in North America on streaming services back in October, but is now arriving on disc. The press appeared to find the movie effective. A small number complained that it came across as too self-important and serious to be taken seriously. However, the consensus was that the feature had a wonderfully creepy vibe, strong visuals and some interesting ideas about the power of folk beliefs. Natalia Germani, Eva Mores and Juliána Brutovská headline the film.
OUT OF DARKNESS – The Old Stone Age is the setting for this British horror film. It begins with six humans arriving by boat in a new land. They forage and attempt to find shelter for themselves in a nearby cave. Suddenly, the group are attacked by a mysterious figure they believe to be a demon. The leads try to band together to understand what is going on, but fear and panic causes further strife within their ranks. Response to this unique horror tale was positive. A limited number of write-ups thought it started well but became so bleak and brutal that the end result was tiring. Still, everyone else complimented the movie’s attention to detail and called it a scary, tense and original effort that, by its close, had a welcome and effectively delivered message. The cast includes Safia Oakley-Green, Kit Young, Chuku Modu, Iola Evans and Arno Luening.
POLAR RESCUE – Also released in some English markets under the title Come Back Home, this Chinese drama follows a family visiting a snowy mountain range. When the father angrily disciplines his 8-year-old son for misbehaving, the child runs away into the wilderness. The guilt-ridden dad faces judgment from those he knows and sets off into the snowy mountainside with authorities to find the boy. But as time passes, the chances of locating his son alive become slimmer and slimmer. Reactions have been mixed towards the final results. Most notices in this part of the world complement the work of the lead, but also describe the central characters as difficult to root for. They also call the story exceedingly melodramatic and full of outrageous and unbelievable elements that strain believability. Donnie Yen, Cecilia Han, Bing Jia and Xu Tang headline the movie.
THE ROUNDUP: NO WAY OUT – This sequel to the 2017 Korean action movie The Outlaws and its 2022 follow-up The Roundup finds the main character and heroic detective on a new case. After investigating an overdose-related death, he discovers that a sinister crime syndicate is supplying the area with a new designer drug. In order to stop them, he goes toe-to-toe with the organization. Critics in this part of the world have been impressed with this series and raved about the latest chapter. Everyone enjoyed it, saying it was an extremely entertaining picture that reminded them of entertainingly excessive cop movies like Lethal Weapon. They also described it as well-produced with jaw-dropping action scenes featuring a dynamic star. It features Ma Dong-seok (credited as Don Lee) on the poster, Lee Jun-hyuk and Munetaka Aoki.
THE ROYAL HOTEL – This independent thriller follows two American women who decide to go backpacking through a remote part of Australia. After arriving penniless in a mining town, the pair decide to make some money working at a pub for a couple of weeks. The locals are initially friendly, but the ladies eventually find themselves trapped among hard-drinking and increasingly threatening individuals. In general, the press gave the picture high marks. A small number felt that the film never really delivered on its promise and that the ending was mishandled. Yet the consensus was that while the picture wasn’t perfect, it was remarkably tense throughout, eventually boiling over in memorable fashion. The work of the cast also made a big impression on reviewers. The movie stars Jessica Henwick, Julia Garner, Hugo Weaving and James Frecheville.
SAINT OMER – A novelist arrives at court to write about a criminal case involving a young woman accused of abandoning and killing her 15-month-old daughter in the rising sea waters in the north of France. The attendee initially thinks that covering the trial will be easy and straightforward, but as it progresses and she hears more, she begins to question her own beliefs and the outcome of the case. Critics were very impressed by this French foreign-language drama. A very small number of reviews suggested that it was a stiff and manipulative courtroom drama that felt a bit flat. All others thought the performances were impressive, and while not necessarily absolving the actions of one of the characters, the movie helped viewers understand how such an event could occur. They stated it would give viewers plenty to think about. It features Kayije Kagame, Guslagie Malanda and Valérie Dréville.
THE SHAMROCK SPITFIRE – Irish fighter pilot Brendan “Paddy” Finucane is the subject of this independent biopic. At the dawn of World War II and against the wishes of some of his family and friends, the young man decides to join Britain’s Royal Air Force. He is eventually remembered as one of the greatest pilots of the conflict, taking part in several dangerous missions and, at the age of 21, becoming the youngest Wing Commander. There aren’t a great many reviews for the picture in this region, but it fared very well at film festivals across the globe. According to notices that have appeared online, the filmmakers manage to do a lot on a limited budget and note that the movie is heartfelt and features a memorable and compelling lead performance. For the time being in this part of the world, this is a DVD-only release. The cast includes Jamie B. Chambers, Chris Kaye, Emily Outred, Eoin Lynch and Carl Wharton.
SNOW VALLEY – A couple decide to celebrate their engagement by enjoying a weekend with friends in the mountains. After arriving at the vacation home of the future groom’s parents, a snowstorm hits. An unwanted visitor also arrives at the door, making strange claims about an ominous death that occurred in the basement of the house. Before long, the group are tormented by seemingly supernatural forces. This independent horror picture has a tragic story behind it. It has been reported that the movie’s 43-year-old writer/director Brandon Murphy (who wrote The Hitman’s Bodyguard’s Wife) passed away suddenly during the post-production process. Few have seen the finished product and it is now being released on disc. Rachel Michiko Whitney, Barbara Crampton, Cooper van Grootel and Tom Williamson appear in the film.
WHEN EVIL LURKS – This Argentinian chiller is set in a farming community and involves brothers who discover a demonic infestation in a neighboring home. They learn that it may be infecting local livestock. Unfortunately, their efforts to stop it fail and the nastiness spreads throughout the area. All the nearby cattle and their owners begin to turn, causing complete chaos until a mysterious “cleaner” arrives saying he can stop the spread. The press gave this foreign-language chiller high marks. A scant few called the film overwrought and suggested that it would have been more effective as a horror/comedy. Yet everyone else stated that the movie was terrifying, completely unique and well-paced. They noted that it focused on the effects this strange outbreak had on the community, making it more effective than similarly-themed possession films. It stars Ezequiel Rodríguez, Demián Salomón and Luis Ziembrowski.
WHERE THE DEVIL ROAMS – Set during the Great Depression, this effort follows a family of performers in the carnival circuit whose stage show features some disturbing tricks. As it turns out, they commit even more unsettling acts when they aren’t working, including murder. It is revealed that the leads may have entered into a pact with the Devil that allows them to survive as well as perform their bizarre shows. Reviewers with a taste for genre pictures uniformly praised this independent production. All of those who saw it stated that it was the best film from this family of moviemakers/thespians (their previous titles include Hellbender and The Deeper You Dig). These reviewers called the grisly film creative and atmospheric, as well as being filled with numerous unexpected and scary twists. It features Toby Poser, John Adams, Lulu Adams, Zelda Adams and Lulu Adams.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
Wow, there’s an impressive array of older titles getting upgrades or making their high-definition debuts. Radiance Films is releasing a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray set called The Bounty Hunter Trilogy, containing Killer’s Mission (1969), The Fort of Death (1969) and Eight Men to Kill (1972). All three are Japanese period movies starring Tomisaburo Wakayama (the Lone Wolf and Cub series) as a samurai-for-hire who takes down ruthless villains. The movies combine western and samurai aesthetics in a manner that was unique for its day. Two of the three titles were directed by Shigehiro Ozawa, who is most famous to western audiences for later helming The Street Fighter movies with Sonny Chiba. This is the Blu-ray debut for the series and besides a high-definition transfer, it comes with a film historian audio commentary on Killer’s Mission, movie expert interviews, a visual essay on the director of The Fort of Death, publicity materials, a reversible sleeve featuring artwork based on the posters for the films, a booklet with writing on the franchise and more. Read a full review of the set by clicking on this link.
The Inspector Wears Skirts II (1989) is arriving on Blu-ray from 88 Films. This Hong Kong production is a sequel that features more women being hired to join their female crime fighting department. The group is then tasked with stopping a group of terrorists. The disc contains a 2K picture remaster from the original negatives, a film authority audio commentary, interviews with the director as well as a stuntman and a trailer.
In case you missed it, The Warriors (1979) recently received a wonderful upgrade from Arrow Video in an extras-filled “Special Edition”. Now, two “Standard Editions” are arriving, which contain either a 4K Ultra HD or a Blu-ray of the title and some of the extras from the earlier edition.
Night of the Blood Monster (1970) is a Spanish horror flick from Jess Franco (Zombie Lake) that stars Christopher Lee as a Lord Chief Justice in 17th century England who uses his position of power to torture women. Blue Underground is presenting a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo or a Blu-ray only edition. It comes with three movie critic commentaries, a featurette on the person the story was based on, a bit with a film historian discussing the title’s unique qualities, and a look at the producer’s career. Deleted and alternate scenes are also included along with trailers, TV spots and still galleries.
Criterion is proudly presenting a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo of the sharp crime/dark comedy To Die For (1995). It features Nicole Kidman as an aspiring television news anchor who asks some teenagers to help her make a documentary on them. Before long, she is using them in shocking ways for her own personal and professional gains. Gus Van Sant (Drugstore Cowboy, Good Will Hunting) directed the picture. Extras include a commentary with Sant, the editor and the director of photography, deleted scenes, a trailer and a leaflet with writing on the movie. The movie can also be purchased as a standalone Blu-ray-only.
Cult Epics is putting out a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray edition of the kinky Italian effort All Ladies Do It (1993), which follows a wife who tries to save her failing marriage with betrayal. The movie has received a 4K image restoration from the original camera negative. It also comes with a film historian commentary, trailers, an interview with the director, outtakes, a photo gallery, a booklet with essays on the picture, a reversible sleeve featuring the uncensored Italian poster art and collectable lobby cards. You can also purchase a Blu-ray only version.
The Hungarian animated musical Bubble Bath (1980) is arriving on Blu-ray from Deaf Crocodile Films. The movie is said to be quite original and follows some eccentric characters trying to figure out their lives. In addition to a picture restoration for its Blu-ray debut, it arrives with a film historian commentary and essay, a discussion with the composer, a restoration featurette and five animated shorts from the director.
Herencia Diabolica (1993) is a Mexican horror picture about a killer clown doll that is premiering on Blu-ray from Degausser Video. It has been transferred from the best quality tape master. The disc also contains a film critic commentary and a cast member interview.
Discotek Media is delivering the animated feature Fist of the North Star: The Legend of the True Savior – Legend of Kenshiro (2008) on Blu-ray.
A Japanese animated adaptation of The Little Mermaid (1975) is also being released on Blu-ray. It is presented with the original Japanese audio track with English subtitles as well as an English-language dub.
And Lovely Complex (2006) is a Japanese teen comedy based on a manga book about a tall teenage girl and her short male classmate who find themselves falling for one another.
The Joan Allen/Gary Oldman drama The Contender (2000) follows a woman running for Vice President who struggles with disinformation and rumors about her past. The movie was nominated for two Academy Awards but has since fallen off the radar. Giant Interactive is now delivering a Blu-ray of the movie.
IFC Films is presenting a Blu-ray of the thriller Simon Killer (2012), which follows a sociopath who gets involved with a prostitute while visiting Paris. It features a commentary track containing observations from the director and the writer, as well as a recent interview with the pair. There are also several featurettes in the production and a trailer.
Film Noir: The Dark Side of Cinema XVIII is a box set from Kino containing City of Shadows (1955), Crashout (1955) and Finger Man (1955). New HD masters for the titles were acquired from Paramount and of the discs come with film historian commentaries
Loosely based on the life of a pro-football player for the Dallas Cowboys, North Dallas Forty (1979) is being given the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray treatment. The movie has been given its 4K restoration from the original camera negative. There is a commentary track with director Ted Kotcheff (Fun with Dick and Jane, Split Image, First Blood, Weekend at Bernie’s) alongside a pair of film critics. You’ll also get an intro from the director, as well as a featurette detailing a few of his memories from the shoot, and an analysis of the picture. A trailer is also included. The title is also available as a standalone Blu-ray.
Like Clint Eastwood westerns, but wished they had more musical numbers in them? If that’s the case, then the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray of Paint Your Wagon (1969) is for you. This one is set during the Gold Rush and also features a crooning Lee Marvin. The picture has been restored for 4K from the original camera negative and the set comes with a film historian commentary. A Blu-ray-only version is also available.
The Wind of Ayahuasca (1982) aka El Viento del Ayahuasca is a Peruvian drama set on the Amazon. This Blu-ray release comes with a trailer and an interview with the filmmaker.
The Little Girl Who Sold the Sun (1999) and Le Franc (1994): Two Films by Djibril Diop Mambéty is arriving on Blu-ray from Metrograph Pictures. Mambéty was a renowned Senegalese filmmaker and these two efforts are well-regarded medium-length pictures he made late in his life. The disc comes with a film scholar commentary track, a documentary about the director and trailers.
Paramount Pictures is continuing their Paramount Presents line with Primal Fear (1996). This the 43rd title in the series and includes a 4K Ultra HD disc and a Blu-ray. Richard Gere and Edward Norton (in his film debut) star in this courtroom drama about an arrogant attorney who decides to defend a teenaged altar boy accused of brutally murdering a bishop. Extras haven’t been announced, but it comes with the fold-out poster packaging.
Australian outfit Powerhouse Films is delivering some titles for the North American market. They include the wild and crazy Mexican superhero picture The Bat Woman (1968) and the horror picture The Panther Women (1967) about a gang of women wanting to resurrect the deceased leader of their satanic cult. The first movie boasts a 4K picture restoration, a commentary with a Mexican film authority, a featurette on monsters in early Mexican genre cinema and more. The second includes a 2K film restoration, a movie expert commentary, featurettes on the protagonists and a deeper look at the representation of female characters in genre films during this era, in addition to some publicity materials.
You can also purchase the memorable Australian horror picture Patrick (1978) which is arriving in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo (a stand-alone Blu-ray can also be purchased). It’s about a catatonic hospital patient who begins using psychic abilities to communicate with a nurse. Three cuts of the movie have been given a new 4K restoration with a large upgrade in image quality. There is a commentary with director Richard Franklin (Road Games, Psycho II, Cloak & Dagger) and the screenwriter, an on-set discussion with the filmmaker, a talk with the producer, interview excerpts about the movie from the 2008 documentary Not Quite Hollywood, an appreciation of the film from an Australian cinema specialist, tons of publicity materials. The “Limited Edition” version also contains an 80-page book on the title.
Mexican wrestling fans can also pick up a Blu-ray of Santos vs. the Riders of Terror (1970), which presents a 4K restoration from the original negative and a ton of bonuses including a commentary, interviews and more.
Snapshot (1979) aka The Day After Halloween is another Australian effort receiving a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray release. The thriller follows a model being stalked by a mysterious figure driving an ice-cream truck. This was an early effort from director Simon Wincer (D.A.R.Y.L., the Lonesome Dove mini-series, Quigley Down Under, Free Willy, The Phantom). You’ll get two versions of the movie with a 4K restoration from the original negative. And once again, the set is packed with numerous extra features (too many to go into here) including commentaries, interviews and more.
Genre movie completists can pick up the ultra-low-budget indie chiller The Zombie Army (1991) on Blu-ray from Satan’s Core Audio & Video. It’s a shot-on-video effort about undead soldiers that comes with a visual essay on the movie, an interview with the distributor, an archival contest video and a trailer.
Severin is releasing several genre titles on Blu-ray as well. They include Bloodmoon (1990), Closed Circuit (1978), Dracula, Prisoner of Frankenstein (1972) and Stir (1980). As with all of their releases, they will include improved picture quality and loads of bonuses.
The highlight of the week for this distributor is a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo of the Italian zombie movie, Burial Ground (1981). It follows a group of friends vacationing together in a villa who come under assault by the undead. Alas, it’s a pretty weak movie but one that features incredibly graphic make-up effects. It is also known for its unusual casting of an adult playing the part of a child of one of the couples. He ends up doing some truly wince-inducing things to his doting mother, which has helped the movie develop a cult following. In addition to a picture upgrade, you’ll get two critic commentaries, a featurette on the locations, interviews with cast members (including the figure who played the boy), a discussion with the producers, deleted/extended scenes and a trailer.
Shout! Factory is releasing a pair of Blu-rays exclusives that will only be available for purchase through their website. The first is the sequel The Crow: Salvation (2000). This was the third picture in the series. It follows the same general storyline of the previous pictures and stars Kirsten Dunst and Eric Mabius. The disc also contains a cast and crew commentary, three featurettes on the production, an image gallery and trailer.
Venomous (2001) involves a number of genetically altered snakes accidentally escaping a lab and terrorizing a small town. The late Treat Williams plays the lead. The disc features a director commentary and a trailer. Both of these exclusive releases are limited to 1620 copies.
The wonderful French picture Amelie (2001) is arriving from Sony on Blu-ray once again with a 2K restoration in special Steelbook packaging. It contains previously released extras from earlier editions along with a new interview with director Jean-Pierre Junet (Delicatessen, The City of Lost Children, A Very Long Engagement, Micmacs). Sounds good, but let’s hope that all his visually inventive pictures eventually get 4K upgrades.
Australian distributor Umbrella Entertainment is delivering a Blu-ray of Stranded (2015) and Cosmic Psychos: Blokes You Can Trust (2013). These are both documentaries on Aussie punk bands of the 1970s.
And Vinegar Syndrome has a number of titles that are being upgraded to Blu-ray along with a ton of bonus material. Just a few include Five Card Stud (1968) The Playgirls and the Vampire (1960) and the set Spanish Blood Bath which contains Night of the Skull (1974), Violent Blood Bath (1974) and The Fish with the Eyes of Gold (1974).
The distributor’s big release is the science-fiction chiller Phase IV (1974), which is coming out in a 4K Ultra HD and two Blu-ray combo pack that is limited to 8000 copies. This film is about superintelligent ants waging war on humanity. Two scientists try to find a way to stop the insects. The movie was directed by graphic designer Saul Bass (noted for his work on title sequences on movies like Vertigo, Psycho, Spartacus and many other classics). You’ll get a 4K picture restoration of the film from the original camera negative. The 4K Ultra HD disc contains the theatrical cut, while a Blu-ray contains a preview version with five minutes of extra footage. There’s a film historian commentary, a 48-minute documentary on the movie, a featurette on the music, deleted shots and sequences, raw footage from Bass’ original ending and plenty of publicity materials.
Warner Archive is presenting Blu-rays of several catalog titles. They include the John Ford western 3 Godfathers (1948) with John Wayne (it also includes the 1936 original, Three Godfathers). The Diane Keaton drama The Little Drummer Girl (1984) is also arriving on Blu-ray, as is the Chris Tucker/Charlie Sheen comedy Money Talks (1997). If you prefer drama, Stand and Deliver (1988) with Edward James Olmos is also being made available, as is the well-regarded film noir, They Drive by Night (1940).
Finally, Warner Bros. is putting out the Silent Classics Double Feature Blu-ray containing the comedies The Boob (1926) and Why Be Good? (1929).
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Here are some titles that may appeal to kids.
Craig Before the Creek: An Original Movie (Warner Bros./Studio Distribution Services) DVD
The Little Mermaid (1975 Japanese animated feature) (Discotek Media) Blu-ray
ON THE TUBE!
And this week’s TV-themed discs are listed below.
American Experience: Nazi Town USA (PBS) DVD
Midsomer Murders: Series 24 (Acorn Media) Blu-ray or DVD
Monk: Season 5 (Kino) Blu-ray
Wednesday: Season 1 (Warner Bros.) Blu-ray