Welcome back to another look at highlights arriving on Blu-ray and DVD. There is a really big blockbuster coming your way, as well as a few intriguing independent films (one of which has been reviewed on this site). 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!
Claire’s Camera – Set in and around the Cannes Film Festival, this arthouse effort is a co-production between South Korea and France. The plot involves a young woman who works as a production company sales assistant. She is fired without reason and takes to the streets, where she encounters a vacationing woman who may have a magical camera. Together, they try to figure out why the employee was treated poorly and let go so suddenly. Critics really liked this foreign-language film. A small group did complain that the material was too light and inconsequential, but most found the characters and their interactions engaging and entertaining. The cast includes Isabelle Huppert, Kim Min-hee and Change Mihee.
I Think We’re Alone Now – A devastating apocalypse leaves the world in tatters in this science-fiction/drama. Despite these horrifying events, the story focuses on one man who couldn’t be happier to be alone, creating his own personal utopia. Unfortunately, his existence is complicated by the unexpected arrival of another female survivor who wants to stay. Reaction was slightly more positive than negative towards this effort. Almost all wrote that they liked the concept and the way the screenplay attempted to deal with issues like loneliness. However, a good chuck disliked the final third of the film, which they felt became conventional and unconvincing. Still, more appreciated early sections of the film enough for it to earn a pass from them. It features Peter Dinklage, Elle Fanning, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Paul Giamatti.
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again – This follow-up to the 2008 hit reunites the mother/daughter leads and various characters from the original film some ten years later. One section of the story is a prequel about the mom dating three suitors. The second section of the tale focuses on the daughter as she discovers that she has much more in common with her parent than she previously believed. Lile the music of ABBA? If you do then that’s good news, although members of the press suggested it isn’t necessarily a prerequisite for enjoying this musical. A few did state that it was a cash-in on the original and wasn’t at all necessary. Yet most called it cheery, good-natured fun. It stars Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Lilly James, Andy Garcia, Dominic Cooper, Julie Walters, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard and Cher.
Sorry to Bother You – Destined to be a cult-favorite, this eccentric science-fiction satire is set in gloomy future and follows a black telemarketer who discovers the key to success at his gloomy place of employment. He quickly moves up the corporate ladder and finds himself becoming isolated from friends and co-workers. The protagonist also discovers some shocking things about the company head’s true motives and what he has planned for the future. Reviews were very strong for this feature. There were a couple of critics who couldn’t get on its wavelength and found the humor hit-and-miss. However, all the others were not only impressed by its boldness and outrageous gags, but also the deeper themes and subtext present. Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Armie Hammer, Terry Crews and Stephen Yuen headline the feature. To read a full review appearing on this site, just click here.
Blasts from the Past!
It may be a relatively quiet week for new releases, but there are plenty of older titles arriving in high definition that more than make up for it. Arrow are delivering a Blu-ray of the low-budget, independent flick, Deadbeat at Dawn (1988). This is a graphic film about a gang member taking revenge for the death of his girlfriend in the most violent and over-the-top manner possible. This Special Edition arrives with a 2K restoration of the original film elements, a new audio commentary from writer/director/star Jim VanBebber, a retrospective documentary on the film, a 1986 behind-the-scenes documentary on the production, outtakes, four shorts and several music videos directed by the movie-maker, never before seen still and loads of other bonuses.
On a completely different bent, Arrow Academy have the UK arthouse film, Distant Voices, Still Lives (1988). This Blu-ray includes a 4K restoration created by the British Film Institute, a writer/director commentary with Terence Davies, an interview with the filmmaker and production designer along with some additional extras.
VCI Entertainment are putting out a Blu-ray/DVD combo of the stylish Mario Bava horror/thriller, Blood and Black Lace (1964). Bava was an incredibly talented filmmaker whose work in Italy and abroad has been getting reevaluated over the past few years, with many realizing the influence he has had on cinema in general. You can read all about this excellent disc here.
Shout! Factory have some incredible stuff arriving for Halloween. Creepshow (1982), written by Stephen King and directed by George A. Romero (Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead) is one of the best anthologies ever made and features five great tales of terror made in the style of an old EC horror comic. It’s an absolute blast and the film that cemented my personal interest in the genre. This Collector’s Edition includes a new 4K scan of the movie, an audio commentary with Romero and make-up effects man, Tom Savini, a cinematographer audio track, another commentary with the score composer, a roundtable discussion with cast members, an interview with the costume designer, a talk with the man who created the animated segments, another bit with the movie’s sound recordist, a look at the restoration of the film, and so much more that it simply can’t all be listed here. Frankly, this is a must-own for all horror movie fans.
They also have a Collector’s Edition Blu-ray of the well-regarded comedy, Get Shorty (1995). This film involves a mobster (played by John Travolta) who pushes his way into the Hollywood scene and ends up becoming a big-time movie producer. The disc is remastered from a 2K transfer and comes with a director commentary, several featurettes on the production, a party reel, a deleted scene and promotional materials.
Shout! Are also re-releasing the low-budget cult horror film, Night of the Demons (1988) as a Steelbook. Naturally, it comes with all of the same extras, the only difference being the steel case with new artwork.
I can’t recall how many times I saw Maximum Overdrive (1986) as a youth. Written and directed by Stephen King (based on his short story, Trucks) it begins with machines turning on humanity and taking control of the planet. Despite being the debut of horror-master King behind the camera, it was a remarkably dopey effort. However, it did offer plenty of amusing mayhem as a group of characters take refuge in a truck-stop diner and try to survive the onslaught.
Vestron are presenting its Blu-ray debut as part of their Collector’s Edition series, which includes a Stephen King historian audio commentary, another track with fans Jonah Ray and Blumhouse film executive Ryan Turek, an interview with producer Matha De Laurentiis and plenty of the cast and crew. There’s also a talk with the make-up effects team, an AC/DC biographer on the use of their music in the film, behind-the-scenes footage and some trailers. I’ve always loved this movie’s teaser, which featured King standing in front of the camera, pointing out of the screen and stating that he was gong to “scare the Hell out of you.” He’s not wearing glasses when he does this and it seems evident that he can’t really see anything as he’s gesturing, adding to the (unintentional) humor.
Kino have a fascinating little horror/comedy coming to Blu-ray in the form of I Bought a Vampire Motorcycle (1990). This feature is about exactly what it sounds like… a man who buys and must contend with a sinister, blood-drinking bike. The title was never officially released in North America but has become something of a minor cult item. It’s now making its debut in this part of the world. Anthony Daniel (C3-PO himself) appears in a supporting role. The Special Edition release includes s 4K restoration of the film, a documentary on the production and a couple of featurettes.
They also have a Special Edition Blu-ray of the romantic comedy, Gun Shy (2000) starring Liam Neeson and Sandra Bullock. Frankly, I’m not entirely sure what’s included, but one would hope for a commentary track of some sort on this release. Finally, the Kino Classic line is putting out the feature, You Never Know Women (1926) in high definition.
Fans of director Brian De Palma (Phantom of the Paradise, Carrie, Raising Cain and many others) will be thriller to see Criterion giving one of his early films the Special Edition treatment. Sisters (1973), follows a man who goes out on a date with a young woman, only to discover that she may have an identical sibling. As things progress, more disturbing surprises are revealed. The Blu-ray includes a new 4K digital restoration, interview with co-star Jennifer Salt, talks from 2004 with director De Palma, other cast members, the editor and producer as well as a 1973 discussion with the movie-maker at the American Film Institute. Furthermore, there’s an archived interview with co-star Margot Kidder.
And that’s not all. Scorpion are releasing a Blu-ray of the blaxploitation flick, Lady Ice (1973). Henstooth are deliver the Sam Peckinpah war movie, Cross of Iron (1977).
You Know, For Kids!
And here are this edition’s listings for youngsters.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Ultimate Edition Blu-ray
On the Tube!
And here are the week’s TV-themed releases.
800 Words: Season 3, Part 1
The Americans: Season 6
Art 21: Art in the Twenty-First Century (PBS)
Grimm: Season 1
Grimm: Season 2
Grimm: Season 3
Grimm: Season 4
Grimm: Season 5
Grimm: Season 6
Heroes Reborn: The Event Series
How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Ultimate Edition Blu-ray
Mr. Robot: Season 2
Outlander: Season 3