Welcome to another look at some of the highlights arriving on Blu-ray and DVD. There’s one huge release in this edition, as well as a few interesting independent titles arriving. And, as always, plenty of older features have received high-definition upgrades. 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!
DALILAND – Famed Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali is the subject of this biopic. It focuses on a later part of his life and marriage. While preparing for a big new gallery show with the help of a young assistant, the pressure causes friction between the temperamental figure and his wife. As the event nears and he becomes even more obsessed, their relationship begins to crumble. Critical response for this feature was split. Almost half appreciated the eccentricities and at times nasty behavior of the main characters, stating that the lead actors were impressive in their roles. But a few more thought that the feature was blandly put together and that the performances were over-the-top and difficult to believe. For the time being, this is a DVD-only release. It stars Ben Kingsley, Ezra Miller, Barbara Sukowa, Christopher Briney and Rupert Graves.
GOD IS A BULLET – Inspired by true events, this crime thriller involves a vice detective who learns that his ex-wife has been murdered and his daughter kidnapped by a cult. The protagonist becomes furious at other officers bumbling the case and decides to solve it himself. He quits the police force and goes undercover, eventually meeting and befriending a female escapee who also wants payback. Danger follows as the pair go deeper and deeper into the cult. Notices were generally weak for this effort. A small number found the story compelling and complimented the performers for drawing them into the story and taking them down a dark road. Unfortunately, the majority thought it was self-important, the pacing was slow and that the somber tone made the film a slog to sit through. The cast includes Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Maika Monroe, Karl Glusman, January Jones and Jamie Foxx.
GOODBYE MONSTER – This animated feature film from China follows a healer who lives with a community on many small islands. After his people are attacked by nasty spirits, he attempts a new spell that ends up causing disaster. The figure is banned from ever returning. When a new threat arises and he is framed for a crime he didn’t commit, the protagonist returns home determined to redeem himself in public. But after discovering a suffering child, his focus starts to drift towards attending to the youth. There aren’t many reviews available for this title, but a few have popped up online and they have been mixed. One stated that the storytelling was confusing and that the material wasn’t translated effectively for western audiences. However, another wrote that it was beautifully animated and, while it may be too intense for kids under 5, was thrilling and had positive themes.
MASTER GARDENER – The latest feature from writer/director Paul Schrader (First Reformed, Auto Focus, Affliction, Light Sleeper) involves an exacting and demanding horticulturist working on a large historic estate in the country who answers to the land’s dowager. One day, she demands he take on a new apprentice, her troubled great-niece. The lead reluctantly agrees and everyone immediately finds themselves at odds. As time passes and dark secrets are revealed about all the characters, tension levels boil over. Overall, the press liked this drama/thriller. Almost one-third of them found it stilted, taking issue with the lead character’s behavior and calling him unlikable. However, most thought the film was engaging, noting that it was a human character study and that all the characters were interestingly flawed and compelling to watch. Joel Edgerton, Sigourney Weaver and Quintessa Swindell headline the picture.
SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE – This sequel to the 2018 animated superhero feature picks up with the young lead after saves his world with the help of Spider-mans from alternate dimensions. This time out, the protagonist is recruited to join a team that can help protect all multiverses. When a new and even more dangerous threat arises and threatens all dimensions and timelines, the group must overcome their differences and work together. Critics gave this follow-up high marks. There were one or two naysayers, who wrote that the picture was long, overstuffed and didn’t offer a satisfying conclusion. Yet all others were wowed by the animation, calling it a wild and trippy delight with clever scenarios and an enjoyably sprawling narrative. They commented that they were excited to see where the story was going and welcomed more installments. The voice cast includes Shamiek Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Oscar Isaac, Jake Johnson, Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, Jason Schwartzman, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Velez, Greta Lee and Rachel Dratch. Be sure to note that multiple versions of the title will be released (including 4K, Blu-ray and more), so be sure you pick up the right one for you.
THE YOUTUBE EFFECT – Most readers will know Alex Winter from his acting roles in the Bill & Ted series and The Lost Boys, but he’s made a great career for himself as a director and documentarian. His latest title is both an inspirational and cautionary examination of YouTube. This includes how the site was created and its massive (and, at times, dangerous) influence on the world and public since its launch in 2005. Response towards the non-fiction feature was very upbeat. A small contingent of critics felt that the picture didn’t offer anything new to say about the subject. However, the vast majority thought the subject was fascinating and that the movie effectively examined the pros and cons of this sudden phenomenon on the minds of viewers. A few even stated that the picture would likely stand an important documentary for future generations.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
If you’re looking for something older, you’ll also find plenty of options. Arrow Video is releasing a Blu-ray of the French/Italian gangster picture Borsalino (1970). Set in Marseilles, France during the 1930s, two small-time crooks decide to start up their own criminal organization and square off against their old employers. Besides a nice high-definition transfer of this hard-to-find title, you’ll also get a film scholar commentary, an interview with the film’s composer, a movie expert discussion on the costumes, an archival extra celebrating the lead actor, publicity materials, an illustrated collector’s booklet with new essays on the feature, six postcard-sized reproduction artcards and a double-sided poster featuring original and new artwork for the movie. Read a full review of the Blu-ray here.
If you haven’t seen it, The Princess Bride (1987) is one of the best updates on classic fairy tales that has been made in the last 50 years. Written by William Goldman (based on his own book of the same name), this brilliant, Oscar-nominated effort presents a funny take on heroes, princes and princesses that features Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn, Fred Savage, Peter Falk, Carol Kane, Peter Cook and Billy Crystal. It is being given the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray by Criterion. You’ll get a sharper picture and it comes with an archived commentary with director Rob Reiner (This is Spinal Tap), Goldman, Crystal, Falk and producer Andrew Scheinman. There’s an edited audiobook reading of the original novel, programs about Goldman and the adaptation of his book, cast and crew interviews, featurettes about the movie’s many elements, an on-set video diary, behind-the-scenes videos with commentary, a trailer, as well as a lavishly illustrated clothbound book.
For anyone who enjoys Marvel pictures and hasn’t picked up this movie yet, Best Buy is putting out an exclusive edition of Iron Man (2008) containing 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray discs. It comes in Steelbook packaging and presumably includes all previously released extras.
Kino is presenting a few Blu-ray titles as well. Double Trouble (1992) is a silly comedy starring brawny “Barbarian Brothers” Peter and David Paul about a muscle-bound police officer and his crooked twin sibling who team up to stop a criminal organization. Roddy McDowall plays the villain and David Carradine makes an appearance in the film. The disc comes with a trailer.
The First Time (1969) is a teen drama about a young man who travels to Buffalo for the summer and attempts to convince his friends that he has lost his virginity in Niagara Falls. His friends show up and the group all attempt to pick up a Canadian woman (played by Jacqueline Bisset). It also arrives with a trailer.
The comedy It Takes Two (1988) follows a man about to be married who is hustled at a car dealership. A female salesperson decides to help him get revenge on the owner and the two begin to fall for one another over the course of events. The bonus feature is, once again, a trailer.
If you’re anxious to see the newest Expendables movie (which opens at theaters in a couple of weeks), Best Buy is releasing Steelbooks of The Expendables (2010), The Expendables 2 (2012) and The Expendables 3 (2014). All contain a 4K Ultra HD disc and a Blu-ray with the movie and previously released extras.
Paramount is giving Sleepy Hollow (1999) the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray treatment. This wonderful, stylish, very loose adaptation of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow features Johnny Depp as a stuffy investigator tasked with solving a series of decapitations in the titular village. The cast includes Christina Ricci, Miranda Richardson, Micheal Gambon and Christopher Walken. It’s a gorgeous movie oozing atmosphere, thrills and a few laughs. You can pick up a Limited Edition Steelbook of the title with improved image quality and (hopefully) previously released extras (on the Blu-ray).
Enjoy cheesy Elvis Presley pictures? Well, Clambake (1967) is one of the cheesiest and it’s arriving on Blu-ray from Sandpiper Pictures. The King plays a wealthy young man who trades places with a Florida water-ski instructor. He finds a woman who will love him for himself and not his fortune, sings to kids, attends a clambake and competes in a big boat race. The tunes in this picture (and just about everything else) aren’t up to snuff, but the movie will certainly offer bad movie fans with some entertainingly cornball moments.
Shout! Factory is releasing a Blu-ray of the supernatural-themed rom-com My Demon Lover (1987). It stars Scott Valentine (who had a role on the TV-series Family Ties as the boyfriend of Mallory Keaton, for those who remember the show) as a homeless street-musician who turns into a monster whenever he’s sexually aroused. It’s a bizarre one. For its Blu-ray debut, the film has been given a 2K upgrade and comes with loads of new cast and crew interviews (including Valentine and the director). Publicity materials are also included.
Night of the Comet (1984) is an entertaining little cult flick about a Valley Girl who has to deal with a zombie-like outbreak after a comet strike wipes out most of the Earth’s population. This Collector’s Edition arrives with a 4K Ultra HD disc and a Blu-ray, which means that it should look fantastic. In addition, the release includes three commentary tracks (one with the director, another with stars Catherine Mary Stewart and Kelli Maroney and a third featuring the production designer). As if that wasn’t enough, there are cast and crew interviews, as well as a generous helping of stills, behind-the-scenes photos and a trailer.
If you’re looking for something family friendly, you can’t go wrong with Matilda (1996) from director Danny DeVito (Throw Momma from the Train, The War of the Roses). It wasn’t a big hit during its original run, but this critic always enjoyed the movie and it has found its following over the years. Sony is giving the film a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray upgrade and it’ll certainly benefit this visually striking comedy. The story involves a mistreated young girl who must deal with terrible parents and a cruel headmistress at her school. Based on the book by Roald Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach) is a great adaptation and features DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz and Paul Reubens in supporting roles. Besides the picture upgrade, it comes with a new DeVito commentary track, a ton of production featurettes and a reunion filmed a few years back featuring cast and crew.
Finally, Synapse Films is releasing a Blu-ray of the Mexico/Sweden co-production Black Circle (2018). It’s a horror film about two sisters who are hypnotized by a vinyl record from the 1970s and start to do its sinister bidding. A CD of the soundtrack is included in this package (unfortunately, no vinyl), along with a director commentary, the original short film, cast interviews, a behind-the-scenes featurette and publicity materials.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Here is a list of some titles that may be of interest to kids.
Goodbye Monster (2022) (Well Go USA) Blu-ray
Matilda (1996) (Sony) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook
The Princess Bride (1987) (Criterion) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set
ON THE TUBE!
And below is a selection of the week’s notable TV-themed releases.
Black Snow (Australian TV Series) (Sundance) DVD
Hallmark 12-Movie Collection: A Paris Proposal, Moriah’s Lighthouse, Love, Once and Always, Game, Set, Love, Girlfriendship, Sweeter Than Chocolate, Made for Each Other, The Professional Bridesmaid, Truly, Madly, Sweetly, A Pinch of Portugal, Hearts in the Game, Sweet Carolina (Hallmark) DVD
Harley Quinn: Season 3 (Warner Bros.) Blu-ray
NCIS: Los Angeles: The Complete Series (Paramount) DVD
Star Trek: Picard: The Complete Series (Paramount) Blu-ray
Star Trek: Picard: The Final Season (Paramount) Blu-ray