The summer’s really heating up not just at cinemas but also with new Blu-ray and DVD releases. There’s plenty to choose from once again (including the highest grossing film of the year) and all the highlights are included below. So if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
Big New Releases!
All is True – Shakespeare is the subject of this biographical drama from actor/director Kenneth Branagh. This picture is set in 1613, when the playwright had become incredibly successful. After the Globe Theatre burns down and he is forced to return to Stratford, the writer must deal with past relationships and issues that have fallen by the wayside. The press generally enjoyed the feature. About one third did criticize the picture for being too over-baked for its own good. However, more commented that the film’s photography was gorgeous to behold and many admired its attempts to show a different and lesser known history of the bard. The cast also includes Judi Dench and Ian McKellan.
American Bistro – An accountant’s world is seemingly destroyed after he learns that his seemingly perfect marriage is a sham and that she’s been having an affair behind his back. The man leaves, deciding to fulfill an old dream. He immediately sets out to open a restaurant despite having little to no experience in this type of business. The lead teams up with his estranged, deadbeat nephew and together they try to use the venture as a way to make new beginnings. This small, independent comedy is premiering on disc and doesn’t have any ratings available as of yet. So those interested will just have to take a chance on this confection. It features Arthur Diennet and Marcel Diennet.
Avengers: Endgame – Here’s a flick you might have heard of. This Marvel superhero movie team-up is the highest grossing film of the year in North America and picks up right after the previous installment’s cliffhanger ending. With the world devastated after villain Thanos completes his plan, the remaining characters attempt one final and desperate move to save the universe. Critics gave the title as much praise as enthusiasts. One or two wrote that it was overlong and noted the denouement as being sappy. Still, almost everyone else stated that it was better than the last entry and about as strong a finale as one could possibly hope for, giving every character their moment to shine. It stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd, Benedict Cumberbatch, Chadwick Boseman, Brie Larson, Tom Holland, and almost every actor who has previously appeared in a Marvel movie. To read this site’s review, click here.
Enemy Within – This period drama has UK production credits and begins with a Japanese pilot crashing near the remote Hawaiian island of Ni’ihau. The friendly locals rescue and take the survivor in. However, after treating and caring for him they learn about the recent attack on Pearl Harbor. Naturally, the group must then decide on what to do with the aviator. It looks as if this title is premiering on disc and through streaming services on Amazon Prime. There aren’t any reviews as of right now, so those who are curious about the movie will just have to take a chance on it. Rila Fukushima, Beulah Koale, Matt Riedy and Melissa Paulo headline the feature.
Finding Steve McQueen – Based on a real 1972 heist known as the United California Bank robbery, this action comedy involves a fan of actor Steve McQueen who is inspired to break into a vault containing the alleged illegal slush fund of President Richard Nixon. After the attempt, the hero goes on the run and tries to evade authorities in pursuit, also putting a strain on his personal relationships. This effort received split notices. Roughly half suggested that while the concept was intriguing, as presented the storytelling wasn’t nearly as exciting or thrilling as it should have been. Regardless, just as many opined that it was a fun and nostalgic trip, even if it didn’t quite hit full throttle. The cast includes Travis Fimmel, Rachel Taylor, William Fichtner, Lily Rabe and Forest Whitaker.
Shadow – Released in China as Ying, this foreign-language period effort takes place about 1800 years ago during the era of kings and warring empires. The movie incorporates black and white along with color photography and begins with a youthful and inexperienced leader taking the throne. Using a mysterious figure known as “The Shadow” who can take the form of anyone he chooses, the new King of Pei must try and lead his realm to victory in a great war. The press were incredibly taken with the feature. Only one or two had minor issues, saying the striking visuals actually distracted from the script and story. Still, almost everyone called the inky cinematography and fight choreography absolutely jaw-dropping, even suggesting that the film marked a new landmark in martial arts filmmaking. They suggested seeing it on the largest screen possible. It features Chao Deng, Sun Li, Lei Wu and Ryan Zheng.
Unplanned – This very religious, faith-based feature from the writers of the God’s Not Dead series deals with abortion. Specifically, it tells the story of a Planned Parenthood clinic director and spokesperson who worked to protect women’s rights before eventually becoming a pro-life activist. Reviews for the picture were extremely poor. While a small group did give it a pass for presenting a different side to the abortion debate, almost everyone suggested that it was a blatant propaganda piece. They noted that at its best the film was clumsily made and wouldn’t convince anyone to change their minds on either side. They followed by noting that at its worst moments, it was an ugly movie, sermonizing in an incredibly ignorant and out-of-touch manner. Ashley Bratcher, Brooks Ryan and Robia Scott headline the picture.
Vault – Based on a true story from 1975, this thriller involves a group of criminals who set out to commit the largest heist ever in the US. No, this isn’t a sequel to Finding Steve McQueen, but another robbery flick. This time, the leads plot to steal $34 million in loot from the Mafia in Rhode Island. As one might expect, there are some complications after setting out to complete the task. Alas, the movie debuted on streaming formats a month or so ago and is now making its debut on disc. Notices have been less than complimentary, calling it bland and clichéd, also mentioning that the many impressive guest appearances simply can’t salvage it. It stars Theo Rossi, Clive Standen, Samira Wiley, Chazz Palminteri, Don Johnson, William Forsythe and Burt Young.
The VelociPastor – This tongue-in-cheek B-movie is exactly what you might expect given the title. After his elder family members pass away, a priest decides on a change of pace and heads off to work in China. He soon inherits an extremely odd condition and an ability that allows his to transform into a dinosaur. The pastor befriends a local prostitute who convinces him to use his newfound power to fight crime. His new calling puts him in danger as he takes on evil ninjas and sinister hoods. This title is streaming and premiering on disc at the same time. So far, there’s only one review available but it has been positive, saying that the flick works hard to deliver laughs and manages to earn some chuckles. Greg Cohan and Alyssa Kempinski lead the cast.
Blasts from the Past!
It’s an absolutely great week for classic titles getting high definition upgrades. First off, Shout! Factory are delivering a Blu-ray of the teen romance, Endless Love (1981), starring Brooke Shields, Martin Hewitt and James Spader (along with Ian Ziering, Jami Gertz and Tom Cruise). It’s an adaptation of a novel about a student who really, really falls for a classmate. When the girl’s parents try to split them up, he becomes unhinged and takes some crazy steps to try and stay in contact. The movie was directed by Franco Zeffirelli (Romeo and Juliet, Otello) but was panned as being an ineffective adaptation of the book. Still, it is remembered for its Oscar-nominated theme song performed by Diana Ross and Lionel Ritchie. And it’s probably better than the 2014 remake. The disc includes a new 2K scan of the film from the interpositive, a film historian audio commentary, interviews with co-star Hewitt and several other cast members, along with some publicity materials.
Fans of Roger Corman monster movies will also be happy to see upgrades of two Shout! titles in new Steelbook packaging. They’re both sci-fi movies with creatures that were made around the same period. Forbidden World (1982) is about an experimental life created by scientists that attacks a crew. This Blu-ray comes with all of the extras from the previous edition, but includes a new 4K scan of the theatrical cut from the original elements, and a 2K upgrade taken of the Director’s Cut from the only existing film print. The other title is Galaxy of Terror (1981), about a space crew coming face to face with a lifeforce that can take the form of their innermost fears. The Blu-ray includes a new 4K scan of the original film elements and all of the extras included on the last release.
The action B-movie Vice Squad (1982) is also arriving on Blu-ray as a Collector’s Edition. It’s about a prostitute and cop in Hollywood who team up to catch a murderous, psychopathic pimp (played by an entertainingly over-the-top Wings Hauser). This cult flick has been given all kinds of incredible brand new bonuses. They include a 4K scan of the negative, an audio commentary with the director and producer, interviews with the filmmaker, producer, co-star Gary Swanson and other actors appearing in the movie. You’ll also get a look at all of the locations used, a second audio track with the director and loads of publicity materials.
Remember the hit buddy cop film, Stakeout (1987), with Richard Dreyfuss and Emilio Estevez? Incredibly enough, as of this date the film has yet to receive an actual Blu-ray release (I think that Disney may own the rights and they don’t appear to be interested in releasing it). Well, in the meantime Kino have licensed the rights to the sequel, Another Stakeout (1993), and are making a Blu-ray available for purchase. It comes with a theatrical trailer but no other extras, and sadly, no explanation as to why the first movie still hasn’t been made available.
The distributor are also releasing a few early cinemas classics. They have a Special Edition Blu-ray of the Alfred Hitchcock thriller, Blackmail (1929), which arrives with a second, silent version of the movie, an introduction, a film historian commentary, a cast member’s screen test, and audio interviews with Hitchcock. Murder! (1930) is another title from the famed moviemaker and it arrives with many of the same features, as well as an alternate ending.
Additionally, you can pick up a Special Edition Blu-ray of the French thriller, Port of Shadows (1938). It comes with a film critic introduction and a documentary on the production, as well as a trailer. Speaking of Gallic features, Kino are presenting Razzia sur la Chnouf (1955) aka Razzia in high definition with an expert commentary and a Special Edition of Touchez Pas au Grisbi (1954) aka Don’t Touch the Loot. It includes a critic commentary, interviews with the director and star, in addition to a discussion with a film professor about the movie’s significance.
Mill Creek have some fantastic titles making their Blu-ray debuts and are including their great 80s retro VHS style slipcovers with most of these releases. The first is the teen thriller, The New Kids (1985). James Spader appears as a high school student/gang leader who takes a liking to a new arrival (Lori Loughlin) and begins to harass, pursue and threaten her. The heroine and her brother must learn to fight back, fending the villain and his cronies off at a local amusement park. It’s certainly no classic, but it does provide plenty of cheeseball, B-movie fun and was directed by Sean S. Cunningham (Friday the 13th, DeepStar Six). Apparently, in some markets it was released as Striking Back.
They also have the well-received Steve Martin/Daryl Hannah romantic comedy, Roxanne (1987). This modern adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac features star Martin as an intelligent and kind man who is very sensitive about a particular facial feature. So much so that he can not approach the woman he loves. Comedic hijinx follow as he attempts to muster up some courage.
The courtroom crime drama True Believer (1989) is also getting a Blu-ray release. It’s about an attorney and clerk played by James Woods and Robert Downey Jr. who attempt to free a man who may have been wrongfully convicted.
And the distributor are also putting out the Marlon Brando adventure film, The Ugly American (1963) – this is an older release so it doesn’t include the retro VHS cover. Finally, Mill Creek are giving the slipjacket treatment to the Jan-Michael Vincent trucker action picture, White Line Fever (1975). And as always, all of their titles typically sell for less than $10, making them great deals.
Criterion have a Blu-ray this week in the form of the unique documentary, The Inland Sea (1991). It’s a travelogue of sorts about a moviemaker inspired by writing of film scholar Donald Richie in 1971 about a trip he once took; she undertakes the exact same journey, visiting the same places chronicled in the original work and meditating on what it means to be a foreigner. The film has been given a new, restored 4K digital transfer supervised by the cinematographer and includes a recent interview with the filmmaker, a talk about the author as well a 1991 interview with Richie himself.
And there’s more. Universal have dug into their vaults to debut some Blu-rays of a few lost titles. The first is Fierce Creatures (1997) with John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline and Michael Palin, which was a follow-up to the 1988 smash A Fish Called Wanda. The story involves a group of zoo employees dealing with the strange ramifications of their site being bought out by a commercial corporation. This flick didn’t make much of a splash upon its original release and disappeared from view for some time. However, it most definitely has some great moments… and now it can be purchased in high definition in its original widescreen aspect ratio.
Additionally, they are bringing the film adaptation of the TV-series Leave It to Beaver (1997) to disc.
And Universal are delivering Radioland Murders (1994). This is another feature that got a great deal of publicity during its initial release but vanished soon afterwards. It’s a murder-mystery comedy film set at a radio station in the 1930s that features a very impressive cast. Interestingly enough, George Lucas wrote the story, which may also make it worth a look as a curiosity.
VCI are releasing a 12-episode serial to Blu-ray. The Vanishing Shadow (1934) is an adventure series involving a hero trying to stop some corrupt politicians and facing off against robots and ray guns in his heroic quest.
LionsGate have recently started producing their own line of made-to-order Blu-rays, following in the footsteps of companies like the Warner Archive. This week, customers can order the Rob Lowe/Bill Paxton western Frank & Jesse (1994) in high definition. You’ll also be able to pick up the period drama, In Secret (2013). The title features Elizabeth Olsen, Oscar Isaac, Tom Felton and Jessica Lange. And they also have the Spanish drama/thriller Open Your Eyes (1997) with Penélope Cruz. This well-regarded film about a man who experiences a facial disfigurement and falls in love was later remade for US audiences in 2001 as Vanilla Sky. And if you’re not excited about going to the studio store, you’ll definitely be able to order these Blu-rays on Amazon.
Synapse always do a spectacular job of bringing cult and B-movie titles to Blu-ray. This week they have Django the Bastard (1969), a violent Spaghetti western that bears some similarity to the later Clint Eastwood picture, High Plains Drifter. This disc contains the alternate English language U.S. version titled The Strangers Gundown. It has been remastered in high-definition widescreen from its original 35mm negative element. And Unearthed Films have found an obscure little horror picture in the form of Nightwish (1989). The Blu-ray will include trailers and a commentary.
Finally, Warner Archive are releasing Blu-rays of the Fritz Lang adventure film Moonfleet (1955) as well as the John Ford western, Wagon Master (1950).
That’s a great week with a whole lot to choose from.
You Know, For Kids!
There’s plenty of family friendly material to choose from. Here are some highlights.
Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog: The Complete Animated Series
Double Dragon: The Animated Series
Highlights: Fall Fun!
Leave It to Beaver (1997)
Leave It to Beaver: Seasons 1 & 2
Scooby-Doo!: Best of Warner Bros. 50 Cartoon Collection
T.O.T.S.: Bringing This Baby Home (Disney Junior)
Wild Kratts: Creepy Creatures (PBS Kids)
On the Tube!
And here are the week’s TV-themed releases.
Blacklist: Season 6
Double Dragon: The Animated Series
Hart to Hart – Movies are Murder Collection (All 89 Made-for-TV Movies)
Homeland: Season 7
I Love Lucy – Colorized Collection
Leave It to Beaver: Seasons 1 & 2
Love Struck Cafe (Hallmark TV-movie)
Mr. Mercedes: Season 2
New Amsterdam: Season 1
NOVA: Lost Viking Army (PBS)
Primal Survivor: Season 3
Riverdale: Season 3
Scooby-Doo!: Best of Warner Bros. 50 Cartoon Collection
The Spanish Princess (Starz mini-series)
When Calls the Heart: Heart of a Mountie
Wicked Tuna: Season 8 (National Geographic)