Hello and welcome to another look at highlights arriving on Blu-ray and DVD. Plenty of interesting pictures to choose from this week that encompass a wide variety of genres. As always, you can click on any links you see to read full reviews. 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!
Body at Brighton Rock – A part-time state park employee is tasked with completing a trail hike at the end of the season. Along the way, she is forced off of her path and encounters what may be a crime scene. After attempting to radio it in, she’s asked to stay put and guard the area as night descends and authorities head out. Of course, this leaves her alone and vulnerable in the wilderness. This independent thriller earned decent reviews from critics. While a small contingent complained that the filmmakers didn’t do enough with its great concept and take things to new and exciting places, more did like the central character and compliment what was depicted as being tense and suspenseful. Karina Fontes, Casey Adams, Emily Althaus and John Getz headline the feature.
El Chicano – Set in East L.A., this indie crime drama involves twin brothers on opposite sides of the law. When a L.A.P.D. detective is assigned a big case taking down a drug cartel with connections to his supposedly deceased brother, the officer jumps at the opportunity. But as difficulties and roadblocks arise, he takes an unusual tactic to cut through red tape and get the job done… resurrecting a masked street avenger named El Chicano. The press weren’t excited by this little superhero effort. A group did call it a violent, well-made and ambitious B-movie. However, the majority suggested that the writers didn’t really deal with the issues raised and believed the tone of the piece was too gloomy and hackneyed. It features Raul Castillo, Aimee Garcia, Jose Pablo Cantillo and David Castaneda.
Domino – A Copenhagen police officer heads out for vengeance when his partner is shot dead by an unidentified terrorist. To find the man responsible, he enlists the help of his co-worker’s wife, who is just as anxious to take down the guilty party. However, their job is complicated by a CIA agent with suspicious motives who wants to use the terrorist as a lead to find other criminals. This international thriller was directed by Brian DePalma (Carrie, The Untouchables, Carlito’s Way), but didn’t earn a lot of praise. While some said it was visually sharp and more exciting than other films of its ilk, most noted that the movie-maker was clearly working with limited financial resources and that the final product may have been cut down to its barest elements. The cast includes Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Carice van Houten and Guy Pearce.
Fat: A Documentary – Public funding site Indiegogo helped raise the completion funds for this documentary about the history of fat. The makers suggest that they detail the history of dietary myths, as well as harmful actions taken by government and industry that has resulted in a nation whose obesity problems continue to get worse. Using interviews with various experts on the subject, they’ll also go into detail about what kind of fats are beneficial, as well as negative food choices that may be problematic for consumers. This picture is debuting on disc, so as of right now there are no write-ups that might give readers a taste of what they’ll be in for.
The Intruder – In this thriller, a young married couple decide to buy a gorgeous property in Napa, California. After finalizing a deal with the seller, the pair begin their new life. However, the previous owner begins threatening them and doesn’t seem as ready to leave the area as he initially claimed. As they try to determine the reasons for his actions, their lives come into danger. Notices for this picture were more negative than positive. A portion did enjoy watching the psychopathic villain and thought it was a fun, if somewhat routine, suspense picture. Others thought that it came across as preposterous and suffered a screenplay that didn’t do its talented cast justice. It stars Meagan Good, Dennis Quaid and Michael Ealy.
The Island – A crazy series of events occur to a lovelorn businessman pining over a co-worker in this Chinese foreign-language comedy/drama. First, his job requires him to attend a team-building exercise with his fellow employees off the mainland, presumably in the South China Sea. While venturing out, he learns that he has won a massive lottery prize. But before he can return, disaster strikes and the group are stranded on a deserted island. Overall, critics thus far have seemed to enjoy the movie. Pretty much all of them admit that the feature is overlong and rambles, but they state that the overall approach is unique and think that the personal relationships and dynamics were intriguing to witness. The cast includes Bo Huang (who also directed the movie), Qi Shu and Baoqiang Wang.
Long Shot – This romantic/comedy pairs two very different personalities trying to start a relationship. A diplomat and candidate for President decides to hire a childhood acquaintance turned clever left-wing blogger as one of her speechwriters. Sparks fly between them, but advisors warn that this new love interest is bad for her career and will turn away potential supporters. The press gave this unique pairing high marks. There was a percentage who just couldn’t buy into the idea of the unkempt male lead winning over such an appealing partner. Still, most enjoyed the onscreen chemistry between the two performers and thought the movie offered laughs that would appeal to both genders. Charlize Theron, Seth Rogen, O’Shea Jackson, Jr., Andy Serkis and June Diane Raphael headine the movie. To read this site’s review, click here.
Meeting Gorbachev – Werner Herzog and André Singer focus on former U.S.S.R. leader Mikhail Gorbachev in this documentary. Now 87, the man sits with co-director Herzog as the two talk about his political career and many accomplishments over his six-year term. In particular, his negotiations with the US to reduce nuclear weapons proliferations, his actions to help end the Cold War, deciding to secede control of the Eastern Bloc and assist in the reunification of Germany, as well as his work to dissolve the former Soviet Union into Russia. The two discuss his programs and also further challenges faced in today’s world. Reviews were strong for the non-fiction feature. One of two didn’t like that the interviewer was so taken with his interview subject, but all others enjoyed their conversation and Gorbachev’s rational approach to making change during his time in power.
The Swindlers – Determined to take down the world’s greatest con artist, a detective decides to build a team comprised of cops and criminals (who have also been tricked by the hustler) to locate and finally catch their illusive target. Of course, the plan involves the gang working together despite each having different motivations and goals. Notices were fairly mixed for this foreign-language crime thriller from South Korea. Some thought that while they knew exactly what was coming next, the performances were good and the action bits were well-handled. Slightly more found it too similar to its cinematic inspirations, and as a result they lost interest in the characters and their plights. Hyun Bin, Ji-tae Yu and Seong-woo Bae take on the lead roles.
UglyDolls – Based on the stuffed animal toy-line, this animated feature follows the adventures of the free-spirited UglyDolls who live in a town filled with like-minded individuals. The characters must deal with physical appearance issues when they venture out and learn that they don’t fit conventional ideas of attractiveness. They strive to find love and acceptance in a world that treats them differently based on their appearance. Reaction towards this family feature wasn’t accepting. A few thought that the concept was welcome and believed smaller kids would enjoy the film. Yet the consensus was that the movie tried too hard to be cute and avoided most of the questions it raised; they also grumbled that it felt like an extended TV commercial for the product line. The voice-cast includes Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Gabriel Iglesias, Emma Roberts, Wanda Sykes, Jane Lynch, Ice-T, Pitbull and Blake Shelton.
Blasts from the Past!
Lots of incredible older titles are hitting high definition this week. First off, Shout! Factory have a Limited Edition Steelbook of the cheesy monster movie, Humanoids from the Deep (1980). For those curious, the disc contains a new 4K transfer of the uncut international version, taken from the original camera negative. Besides the upgraded picture quality, the bonus contents are exactly the same as in previous releases. However, the Blu-ray comes in sturdy shell packaging with new art on the cover.
Lust for a Vampire (1971) is a period vampire title from the UK’s Hammer Films that features plenty of buxom women and undead action as the bloodsuckers bite prey and get staked. This Blu-ray release is arriving with a new 4K scan of the feature in both the 1.85:1 and 1.66:1 aspect ratios. Buyers will also get a film historian audio commentary, an interview with actress Mel Churcher, another audio track with the director, star and a Hammer horror expert, as well as loads of publicity materials.
The fictional scientist Bernard Quatermass was the central character in a lengthy series of cult sci-fi/horrror films in Britain. This week, the distributor are also delivering two Hammer productions featuring the character that have been difficult to find in this part of the world. The first is Quatermass 2 (1957), which features the hero taking on a alien force who are building a massive industrial structure in the marshlands. Besides a new 2K scan from a pristine archival print, the Blu-ray bonuses include two new separate film historian commentaries, interviews with the special effects artist and assistant director, a vintage audio track and interview featuring the film’s director, a World of Hammer TV doc detailing the companies sci-fi films., a US theatrical trailer (where it was given the moniker Enemy from Space), and stills.
They also have one of the follow-ups, Quatermass and the Pit (1967). This title features the hero getting to the bottom of a shocking discovery made in the London Underground. The Blu-ray comes with two recently recorded film historian commentaries and new interviews with a cast member, the effects artist, the focus puller and the clapper loader. You’ll also get with performers and fans of the movie including director Joe Dante, authors Judith Kerr, Kim Newman and many others. Additionally, there’s an archived director’s commentary, the same World of Hammer episode and plenty of publicity materials. Sound like some great stuff for Quatermass fans!
The same distributor have yet another Hammer flick in the form of The Reptile (1966). This feature’s about a terrifying monster killing victims in a small, Cornish village. The Blu-ray presents the movie in the 1.85:1 and 1.66:1 aspect ration and contains extras that include a new film historian audio commentary and an interview with the 1st assistant director. There’s also a making-of program and a World of Hammer episode detailing some of the studio’s more famous female antagonists. And of course, you’ll also get trailers, TV spots and a still gallery.
If you’re looking for something that might appeal to kids, Shout! also have a Blu-ray of Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie (1997), the first English-language big-screen effort featuring the famous TV superhero team who fight sinister alien monsters. This release includes a retrospective piece on the movie, as well as an original featurette made for its release and a trailer.
A couple of weeks back, Kino Lorber were set to put out the Nick Nolte period drama, Jefferson in Paris (1995). Well, the disc got delayed, but is now hitting store shelves. They are also releasing a Blu-ray of the Vic Morrow action-thriller, Target: Harry (1969). This title was produced by B-movie veteran Roger Corman and the story features a pilot getting mixed up with a dangerous underworld organization. The film has been given a new 2K master and the disc arrives with a film historian commentary and a trailer.
Speaking of upgrades, Sony Pictures and delivering a spectacular 4K Ultra HD version of the Civil War title, Glory (1989) as part of its 30th anniversary. It also comes with a Blu-ray and digital copy of the picture. This critically-praised picture about the first all-black volunteer infantry regiment who fought against the Confederates, won three Oscars and features Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman in leading roles.
Some smaller companies are also putting out fascinating Blu-rays. It may not be easy to come by, but Scorpion are said to be bringing the strange thriller, Too Scared to Scream (1985). Apparently, the picture is about a psychotic killer tormenting residents of a Manhattan apartment complex. It stars Mike Connors, Anne Archer, Leon Isaac Kennedy and Ian McShane. The release includes a brand new remaster of the film, an interview with the director and another with co-star Kennedy. I can’t find this one for sale online yet, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled, as that may mean that it might end up getting delayed.
MPI Media Group have a Blu-ray of the Helen Mirren drama, Love Ranch (2010), about a married couple opening a brothel in Nevada. And slasher fans can pick up the obscure horror pics Hellmaster (1992) and Play Dead (1983) courtesy of Vinegar Syndrome.
Warner Archive have four made-to-order Blu-ray releases from their vast catalog of titles. The first is the drama, Pure Country (1992) with George Strait. If cowboy music isn’t for you, then you can always pick up a high-definition reissue the Marlon Brando classic, A Streetcar Named Desire (1951). And that’s not all. They also have the popular William Powell/Myrna Loy murder mystery, The Thin Man (1934), which is actually a lighthearted and comedic effort about a husband and wife detective team who investigate a violent crime between heading to the bar so that they can drink and trade witty quips.
Finally, the studio are delivering a Blu-ray of the creepy chiller, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962). This film follows two sisters (played by Bette Davis and Joan Crawford) who become engaged in a spine-chilling battle of wills. One is wheelchair-bound, while the other is an ex-child star turned unhinged psychotic who takes to torturing her sibling. Tensions rise as the one sister vows to escape and the two fight it out for survival. The movie was nominated for several Academy Awards (winning one Oscar for Costume Design).
You Know, For Kids!
Here are some titles that may be of interest to children.
Butterbean’s Cafe (Nickelodeon)
Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie (1997)
On the Tube!
And these are the week’s TV-themed highlights.
BoJack Horseman: Seasons 1 & 2 – Collector’s Edition
Butterbean’s Cafe (Nickelodeon)
Deadly Class: Season 1
Drain the Oceans: Season 2
Eyewitness: D-Day (National Geographic)
The Good Place: Season 3
The Hot Zone (National Geographic)
Frontline: Supreme Revenge (PBS)
Grantchester: Season 4 (PBS)
Murdoch Mysteries Collection: Seasons 9 – 12
Murdoch Mysteries: Season 12
NOVA: Back to the Moon (PBS)
NOVA: Inside the Megafire (PBS)
The Team: Season 1
Vidago Palace: Series 1