Welcome to another look at some of the highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. This edition isn’t as busy as the previous one, but there are a couple of notable titles appearing on disc. 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 movies a try!
BIG NEW RELEASES!
LA CHIMERA – This European co-production is a period piece that follows an English archeologist who has just been released from prison for robbing tombs. He travels to Italy to visit his ex-girlfriend’s mother and try to dig up some hidden items in the process. When the lead discovers they are gone, he seeks them out, meeting other thieves and working on new plots in the process. Things get complicated after he falls for a local woman. The picture was very well liked by reviewers. A few couldn’t figure out what the movie was trying to say and thought it wandered rather aimlessly. Everyone else thought that the performances were excellent and wrote that the picture asked a lot of interesting questions and playfully dealt with history and folklore in an engaging manner. It features Josh O’Connor, Carol Duarte, Vincenzo Nemoato, Isabella Rossellini and Alba Rohrwacher.
DARKNESS OF MAN – An ex-Interpol operative fails to protect his informant. Guilt-ridden, he vows to watch over the son of the individual who died on his watch. Many years later, the protagonist learns that the youngster is caught in the middle of a brutal gang war. He sees it as an opportunity to help the boy out and redeem himself. Response to this independent action picture was slightly more positive than negative. A large number did complain that the dialogue was weak and that the production didn’t have the necessary funds to rise above the glut of direct-to-disc action pics. Yet slightly more were complementary toward the lead performance and thought this was a reasonably effective neo-noir that kept them engaged. For the time being, this is a DVD only release. It stars Jean-Claude Van Damme. Kristanna Loken, Emerson Min, Spencer Breslin, Kirk “Sticky Fingaz” Jones and Shannen Doherty.
FOUNDERS DAY – A small town mayoral race coincides with a tricentennial celebration in this horror film. Things get very tense when a costumed figure with a gavel appears and begins killing locals. Opinions are voiced by government figures as well as the public about whether it’s a good idea to observe the holiday as the bodies pile up and police try to identify the killer. The press was generally split on this effort, with one or two more write-ups panning the movie instead of recommending it. Almost half thought it was an ambitious, entertaining and ultimately effective homage to slasher films of the 1980s. But a few more commented that the tone of the film was unbalanced and that the satire didn’t have enough bite to make the end result memorable. The cast includes Naomi Grace, Devin Druid, Willaim Russ, Amy Hargreaves, Catherine Curtin and Emilia McCarthy.
IN THE COMPANY OF KINGS – If you enjoy boxing, this documentary may be for you. The director, a huge fan of Muhannad Ali, talks to the figure’s manager Gene Kilroy, as well as promoters like Don King. But his journey ultimately leads to discussions with eight other World Champs about their experiences in the ring. They describe the racism they experienced, their struggles in the business, victories, defeats and ultimately picking themselves up off the canvas. There aren’t a great many notices for this picture yet, but those that have appeared online are upbeat. This film has been described as presenting an interesting and illuminating picture of famous boxers and others around the ring. The eight interviewees include Larry Holmes, Bernard Hopkins, Tim Witherspoon, Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Michael Spinks and Bob Arum. This title is being released exclusively on DVD.
LOST SOULZ – A young man dreams of becoming a famous rapper, but struggles to get noticed. One night, he meets a group of hip-hop musicians readying themselves for a big tour. They invite the protagonist to join them as they travel through Texas. After agreeing, he makes new friendships, learns from those around him, and attempts to discover his own voice as an artist. This independent drama includes a lot of music and many members of the press enjoyed the combination. A small number stated that the editing was choppy and that the finale didn’t make a big impression on them emotionally. Still, the vast majority described the leads as charming and enjoyed being taken on the trip. They called the movie relatable, authentic and inspirational. It stars Sauve Sidle, Alexander Brackney, Malachi Mabson, Micro TDH, Siyanda Stillwell and Krystal Poppin.
THE OLD OAK – The latest from well-regarded British director Ken Loach (Kes, The Wind that Shakes the Barley, I, Daniel Blake, Sorry We Missed You) is being promoted as his final feature. It’s about a pub owner in a depressed village in northeast England. Local mines have closed down and many struggling citizens become angry when Syrian war refugees arrive. The barkeeper steps in to try to help and befriend the new residents, eventually making friends with a mother. The pair work together to develop a stronger community spirit. This film was nominated for Best Picture at the BAFTAs (the British Oscar equivalent) and won awards at various festivals worldwide. A small number thought it oversimplified the problems being depicted and was heavy-handed. But the consensus was that the picture was a sweet, humanistic and hopeful film about different people ultimately finding the best in one another during difficult circumstances. The cast includes Dave Turner, Ebla Mari and Claire Rodgerson.
RUBY’S CHOICE – An independent, creative senior begins to have health issues and visits a doctor. After being diagnosed with dementia, she is forced to stay with her daughter’s family. There is difficulty in adapting to the problem, as the woman is situated with her granddaughter (who must attend to the relative). However, everyone begins to see that the matriarch may still be able to live a happy and fulfilling life together. This Australian drama hasn’t been seen by many in this part of the world, but reaction to it has generally been positive. One or two found the story a bit contrived and believed that it lacked authenticity. Yet most complimented the movie for presenting a fuller picture of the difficulties a family goes through under trying circumstances. They wrote that it was low-key but well-acted and warmhearted. For now, this is a DVD-only release. It features Jane Seymour, Jacqueline McKenzie and Coco Jack Gillies.
THE THREE MUSKETEERS PART II: MILADY – The French period feature The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan was recently released on disc in North America. It served as the first half of a new adaptation of The Three Musketeers. the classic Alexandre Dumas novel. This is the second half, following D’Artagnan and the Musketeers as they learn the details behind a plot to assassinate Louis XIII and try to stop villainous forces from controlling the country. Notices were strong for this foreign-language feature. A small number suggested that you needed to be very familiar with the first picture to keep up and critiqued the movie for lacking the excitement that the previous chapter generated. Regardless, the consensus was that the picture completed a lavish and thrilling adaptation, thanks to a great cast and few bonus twists and turns. François Civil, Vincent Cassel, Romain Duris, Pio Marmaï, Eva Green, Louis Garrel and Vicky Krieps headline the movie.
WICKED LITTLE LETTERS –This period crime/comedy from the UK is based on a true story. It begins when various upstanding citizens of a small village (including a very conservative and prominent member of the upper class) begin receiving strange letters in the mail. The notes are filled with profanities and insults, enraging them. A rowdy Irish migrant is accused and taken by authorities. However, a group of women who wonder if the wrong person has been incarcerated decide to investigate. A minor contingent didn’t care for the tone or find the material funny, believing it should have been more serious in its presentation. All others stated that the film was a hoot, with well-drawn and hilarious characters delivering creatively vulgar insults that would be sure to bring a smile to any viewer’s face. For now, this is a DVD-only release. It stars Olivia Colman, Jesse Buckley, Timothy Spall, Anjana Vasan, Joanna Scanlan, Gemma Jones and Malachi Kirby.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
If you’re looking for something older on disc, several new options are available. Cinema Guild is presenting a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo (a standard Blu-ray is also available) of Typhoon Club (1985). It’s a Japanese drama about unsupervised students trapped in a school gymnasium and trying to get along while a storm rages outside. Besides the improved picture quality, the disc comes with interviews with the director and lead actress, trailers and a booklet with a new essay on the picture.
Criterion is giving Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray upgrade package. This visually stunning picture from Terry Gilliam (Brazil, 12 Monkeys, The Fisher King) is based on the 1971 novel by Hunter S. Thompson. The picture details a journalist’s psychedelic adventure while covering a motorcycle race. As mentioned, the picture should be better than ever and extras (including three audio commentaries: one with Gilliam, one with actors Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro and producer Laila Nabulsi, and one with author Hunter S. Thompson and many, many more) from the previous Criterion release are all here.
The Argentinian noir thriller Never Open That Door (1952) aka No Abras Nunca Esa Puerta is arriving on Blu-ray from Flicker Alley. The movie tells two separate stories with one common element. A door that separates good from evil. Two sets of characters must contend with personal issues and encounter this passageway in the process. It is said to be incredibly suspenseful and effective. The disc includes a film expert introduction, a movie historian commentary, a rare archival scan of a third segment that was cut out of the picture, a documentary on the author whose short stories were adapted into this film, a discussion about the title with an Argentinian film authority and a souvenir booklet with photographs, posters and more,
Kino is delivering a number of titles this week. Bad Lieutenant (1992) is being given a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo upgrade. Harvey Keitel plays a self-destructive cop who succumbs to vices while investigating a big case. Extras include an audio commentary by director Abel Ferrera and the cinematographer, a new interview with the director of photography, a retrospective documentary and a trailer.
There is also a Blu-ray “Special Edition” of the film noir, The Chase (1946) featuring a chauffeur falsely accused on murder. The picture has been mastered in HD from 35mm elements and it arrives with a commentary from fan and filmmaker Guy Maddin (The Saddest Music in the World). You’ll also get two radio adaptations of the source novel.
Death Machine (1994) is a futuristic horror movie about an inventor (played by Brad Dourif) who creates a killer robot to execute his employers after they fire him. It is the first movie of director Stephen Norrington (Blade, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen). For its 30th anniversary, this 2-disc set contains three cuts of the movie (a US version, a director’s cut and a foreign edition), a critic commentary, a director commentary, a new interview with Norrington, and the make-up artist, tons of featurettes, publicity materials and reversible art.
The Hour Before Dawn (1944) is a UK war/drama about a Nazi agent who marries an unsuspecting English pacifist. This title has been given a 2K scan from the original 35mm original fine grain source, a film historian commentary and trailer.
The debut feature of martial artist Jeff Speakman is getting a “Special Edition” Blu-ray. The Perfect Weapon (1991) stars the performer as a man of action who decides to take revenge on the drug kingpin who murdered his mentor. Out-of-print for some time, this release contains a 4K picture restoration from the original camera negative, a commentary from director Mark DiSalle (Kickboxer), a new interview with Speakman, deleted and extended scenes and a trailer.
The Robert Mitchum western Pursued (1947) is also receiving the “Special Edition” Blu-ray treatment. Kino picked up a 2022 4K scan of the original camera negative and dupe negative from Paramount Pictures for this release. The disc contains a film historian commentary and an introduction by Martin Scorsese.
Saigon (1947) is a film noir set in Southeast Asia starring Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake. This Blu-ray contains a 2K scan of the 35mm original fine grain print, a film historian commentary and a trailer.
Paramount Pictures is giving the Oscar-winning animated feature Rango (2011) a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook. Apparently, the set contains the theatrical and extended versions of this highly entertaining feature.
Speaking of upgrades, Shout! Factory is putting out “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbooks of the classic western The Magnificent Seven (1960) and the Oscar-winning war picture, Platoon (1986). In addition to the image improvement, both sets include most previously released bonuses.
If you’re looking for something for tykes, Shiloh: The Complete 3-Film Collection is arriving on DVD from the distributor. It contains the original Shiloh (1996), Shiloh 2: Shiloh Season (1999) and Saving Shiloh (2006). The films follow a young boy who tries to save an abused beagle from his cruel owner.
The Civil War-set feature Glory (1989) is celebrating its 35th Anniversary with a new 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook courtesy of Sony Pictures. Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Andre Braugher, Matthew Broderick and Cary Elwes star in this picture about the first all-black volunteer company to fight in the war. Besides the picture upgrade, it arrives with previously released extras including a director commentary and deleted scenes, as well as multiple featurettes.
Finally, the bonus-packed Back to the Future: The Ultimate Trilogy 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set from Universal Studios is getting rereleased. Apparently, it’s a well-regarded release with excellent image quality on the 1985 original, 1989 and 1990 sequels, in addition to hours upon hours of extras.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
The exclusive release for kids this week is the Shiloh 3-movie collection on DVD.
Shiloh: The Complete 3-Film Collection (family movies made in 1996, 1999 and 2006) (Shout! Factory) DVD
ON THE TUBE!
Below is a list of all the TV-themed releases.
Armenia, My Home (PBS) DVD
A Brief History of the Future (PBS) DVD
Doctor Who: Peter Davison: Complete Season Two (BBC) Blu-ray
Manifest: The Complete Series (Warner Bros.) DVD
Manifest: Season 4 (Warner Bros.) DVD