Welcome to another look at some of the highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. In recent months, there have been some slow weeks and very busy weeks. This edition is jam-packed with major Hollywood features, international and independent efforts, as well as tons of older films being given major image upgrades. You’re guaranteed to find something of interest here. 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!
ALL THAT BREATHES – Made in India, this documentary follows two brothers in New Delhi who decide to rescue birds of prey being harmed by urban pollution in their city. The crew captures the ins and outs of their personal lives, as well as the struggles and successes in attempting to form relationships with various avian species. In the process, viewers see the interconnection between man and bird. This picture was nominated for Best Documentary Feature and received acclaim from the press. In fact, it has yet to be given a negative review. They all wrote that the movie was thoughtful and beautifully shot, suggesting that it showed the problems of modern cities and emphasized that all forms of life need to be kind and considerate of one another in order to survive. Criterion is releasing the film on Blu-ray and on DVD.
AMANDA – A well-off, sheltered but isolated 25-year-old lives at home with her family. She has never had any friends but secretly yearns for them. When those in the household try to force her to socialize with others who are her own age, the lead decides to search for a childhood acquaintance. She becomes determined to make this person her best friend and tries to grow as a human being in the process. This international Italian-language effort was very well received by critics. One or two did state that while they laughed, they didn’t feel any connection with or care for the characters. Everyone else thought it was a hilariously awkward but gentle coming-of-age film that was quite unlike anything they had seen before. Some also made note of the elegant cinematography. It stars Benedetta Porcaroli, Galatéa Bellugi and Giovanna Mezzogiorno.
AMELIA’S CHILDREN – An adult man who was taken as a child and permanently separated from his family receives a call from a twin brother who says he has spent years searching for him. The thrilled protagonist is excited to meet his long-lost relatives, traveling to Portugal with his girlfriend. But after arriving, neighbors warn the man about the family’s past and the couple begin to fear for their lives. This Portuguese chiller earned a mixed reception in North America, with slightly more negative notices than positive ones. Those who liked it said that the film was tense and found it grimly amusing to see the hero being manipulated by those around him. Yet, the majority called the picture uninspired, suggesting there were no surprises in the story and no effective shocks. For the time being, this is a DVD-only release. The cast includes Carloto Cotta, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Anabela Moreira, Alba Baptista and Rita Blanco.
ANATOMY OF A FALL – At a French chalet, police are called to investigate a mysterious death. A man has plunged from the top floor and died on the driveway below. His wife, a writer who is difficult to get along with, is immediately considered a suspect. Their son is also questioned about what he might have seen. The spouse ultimately ends up being charged with the murder, causing conflict with her son as the trial progresses. This French feature was praised and it ended up being nominated for Best International Film at the Academy Awards. A few called it a flat courtroom drama that felt icy and didn’t result in a strong emotional response. However, everyone else was fascinated by the storytelling and trying to get a read on whether or not the main character was guilty. They noted the fantastic performances and how it depicted a crumbling marriage. Sandra Hüller, Swann Arlaud and Milo Machado Graner headline the feature.
ARTHUR THE KING – Based on a true story, this tale follows an adventure racer who embarrasses himself during a big moment in a competition. After some time away, he decides to put together a team of old enemies and new friends to take the prize. They meet great obstacles along the way and come across an unusual companion who tags along… a stray dog. The animal continues to follow them around the lengthy trail and inspires them to be better people. Reviews were more positive than negative. Almost one-third found the feature uninspired in its execution with regards to race scenes, as well as emotionally manipulative in the way it handled the animal moments. Still, most liked the overall message and stated that this was one instance in which following a familiar formula worked. They liked the cast and dog and rallied behind the team. It stars Mark Wahlberg, Nathalie Emmanuel, Simu Liu, Ali Suliman and Paul Guilfoyle. Read this website’s review of the film here.
BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE – Reggae singer/songwriter Bob Marley is the subject of this musical biopic. Set in 1976 with Jamaica in political turmoil, star Marley, his band and family are targeted by assassins. He and the group leave the country and begin writing a new album that brings them worldwide acclaim. Still wanting peace for his countrymen, he considers returning home and performing while dealing with unexpected health issues. This drama earned a mixed reception from the press. Nearly half thought the lead performance was strong and that the film’s music and message was a treat to hear. Alas, slightly more thought that the storytelling wasn’t as dynamic as the songs and that the picture didn’t paint a detailed enough portrait of the musician. There will be various editions of the film available, including a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook, a regular 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo and a standalone Blu-ray. The cast includes Kingsley Ben-Adir, Lashana Lynch, James Norton, Tosin Cole and Umi Myers.
THE BRICKLAYER – A brilliant, retired CIA operative is asked to help the agency after a rogue insurgent begins assassinating foreign journalists and making it appear that they were responsible. He sets out to clear their name and, in the process, deal with his own questionable past decisions. The trail ultimately uncovers an international conspiracy that puts the world in danger. This independent action picture split reviewers. Almost half commented that the action set pieces were well-handled and the picture managed to entertain as efficiently as most big-budget contemporaries. The same number and a few more called it generic and noted that the zippy fights couldn’t overcome a pedestrian script and clumsy dialogue. Aaron Eckhart, Nina Dobrev, Clifton Collins Jr., Tim Blake Nelson and Ilfenesh Hadera headline the picture.
CLUB ZERO – This international co-production tells the story of a new teacher at an elite school. Her classes involve mindful eating and the charismatic leader soon develops a group of student followers. However, the teacher’s behavior becomes erratic and the kids act out in a strange manner. When parents and other teachers get involved, they discover the hidden motivations of the employee and the secretive club she runs with some of her pupils. This comic-thriller earned decent reviews from critics. About one-third didn’t think its critique of modern diets was effective and wrote that the picture confused its message. However, the majority thought that the story had numerous layers that viewers would be thinking about for a long time afterwards. They called the picture dryly funny and disturbing with a strong cast. It features Mia Wasikowska, Ksenia Devriendt, Luke Barker and Florence Baker.
CREATION OF THE GODS I: KINGDOM OF STORMS – Well, from the title alone one can assume that this period fantasy feature from China is the first in a series. It’s based on a popular novel in the country that details a mythical war between humans, immortals and monsters. This all begins when a tyrannical king brutalizes his people and incurs the wrath of Heaven. They send a warrior to help the people and battle with the villain and his forces. This foreign-language feature got a mixed-positive reception. Almost half complained that it was all set-up and no pay-off, tiring them out with its extended running time. Slightly more thought the film was impressively shot and labeled it an impressive epic that promises even more thrills in the next installment. The cast includes Huang Bo, Kris Phillips, Xuejian Li, Yu Xia and Kun Chen.
DAMAGED – When a serial killer terrorizes Edinburgh, Scotland and leaves investigators baffled, UK authorities ask a Chicago detective who handled a similar case years earlier to help them out. He arrives and is teamed up with a local cop. The two must get over their initial differences and work together to catch the murderer before he strikes again. Write-ups for this thriller were not strong. Almost one-third of them believed that the cast was engaging and the story efficiently managed, keeping them guessing until the close. Sadly, most described the film as dull and overly dark to the point that it came across as more silly than scary. They didn’t think it built up much tension and became a chore to get through. The movie stars Samuel L. Jackson, Vincent Cassel, Gianni Capaldi, Laura Haddock and John Hannah.
DRIFT – A refugee from a war-torn country arrives on a Greek island alone and penniless. She attempts to find support and make a new start for herself, but initially struggles not only with the new environment but also in dealing with her troubled past. Thankfully, the lead makes friends with a tour guide and the two support one another as they try to overcome adversity. This multinational independent production received generally upbeat reviews. About one-quarter of write-ups did find the pacing slow and thought it only presented a surface-level presentation of its protagonist. Regardless, many more wrote that the film was a small but sensitive and well-acted portrait of the struggles faced by refugees arriving after experiencing terrible hardships. They thought the two leads were excellent and shared great onscreen camaraderie. It features Cynthia Erivo, Alia Shawkat, Ibrahima Ba and Honor Swinton Byrne.
IN THE LAND OF SAINTS AND SINNERS – Set in Ireland in the 1970s, this tale follows a World War II veteran and widower living quietly in a small Irish village. Of course, his life isn’t all that mellow, as he has spent years working as a hit man for a mob boss. One day, a woman arrives determined to find the lead. She and others who are involved in the ongoing Northern Ireland conflict soon make their presence and violent intent known. Notices for this drama crime/thriller were very strong. A handful called the story predictable and called the tone too grim for their tastes. Yet the consensus was that this picture was its star’s best effort in a few years. They noted that the interesting, understated lead character was surrounded by a great cast and that the morally gray picture was suspenseful and compelling to watch. Liam Neeson, Kerry Condon, Jack Gleeson, Colm Meaney, Desmond Eastwood and Ciarán Hinds headline the picture.
IO CAPITANO – Here’s another picture that was nominated for Best International Film at the Academy Awards. The story is about two boys living in Dakar, Senegal. They decide to leave home for a fresh beginning in Europe, hiding money away for their lengthy trip. One of the youngster’s moms doesn’t want him to go, but the pair eventually do head out. The journey is incredibly long and arduous with grave dangers along the way. As one might expect, critics thought the film was exceptional. One or two critiqued it as being overly sentimental, saying that it needed a more realistic tone. All others thought the feature was beautiful, heartfelt and empathetic, putting human faces to the people making these intense journeys. They were also impressed by the acting and the visuals, stating that the film felt appropriately epic in scope. The cast includes Seydou Sarr, Moustapha Fall and Issaka Sawadogo.
KNOX GOES AWAY – An elderly hitman learns that he is suffering from a rapid form of dementia. With little time left before his mind completely fades away, he is visited by his estranged adult son. Panicked, the son explains that he has just murdered another man for hurting his daughter (the lead’s granddaughter) and needs assistance to cover the crime up. With police closing in, the assassin tries to keep it together long enough to complete the task. Critics gave this picture more recommendations than pans. Slightly more than one-third of reviewers disliked it, calling it gimmicky, the plot overly complicated, and the pacing slow. Still, more thought that the worsening condition added suspense to the story. They noted that the central performance was amazing and the film worked very well as a twisty, hard-boiled thriller. It features Michael Keaton, Al Pacino, James Marsden, Marcia Gay Harden and Suzy Nakamura.
KUNG FU PANDA 4 – As this sequel begins, the titular bear is still yearning for more adventure. When he is told that he should now become a community leader and train a disciple to take his role, he balks at the idea. A new threat to the land emerges, the protagonist decides to square off against the individual. But along the way, he meets a quick-witted thief and the pair team up to save the land. Notices were not as strong for this chapter as previous entries, but it still earned a majority of recommendations. A fair number of reviewers thought the humor in this entry wasn’t as sharp and that the story was unmemorable. Yet more referred to it as effective family entertainment with enough funny jokes and rousing bits of action to entertain viewers young and old alike. There are various editions of the film available, including a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo, a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo, a single Blu-ray, a Blu-ray and DVD Steelbook, and a four-movie collection Blu-ray pack. The voice cast includes Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Bryan Cranston, Ian McShane and Ke Huy Quan.
OUT IN THE RING – The history of queer identity in professional wrestling is the subject of this documentary. Starting in the 1940s and 50s, the filmmakers examine early appearances of LGBTQIA characters in the ring, following trends through the height of wrestling in the 80s all the way to the present day. Archival footage is used along with interviews of performers, those who worked with them in the ring, fans, historians and journalists. All share their insight on this subject. The picture hasn’t been seen by many critics, but all of those who have watched it enjoyed what they saw. They all called it an entertaining, inspirational and important examination of queer performers in the profession with excellent stories from all those involved. The movie includes discussions with Cassandro, Chyna, Pollo Del Mar, Kaitlin Diemond and many more in the industry.
PANDEMONIUM – At the beginning of this French horror feature, a driver and a cyclist suddenly find themselves at an accident scene in the mountains. They eventually determine that they have died in an accident and must pass through the gates of either Heaven or Hell. One moves onward and the film turns into an anthology as two other stories are told about how others have ended up in Hell. This independent foreign-language genre film earned a lot of attention from genre critics, who thus far have given it high marks. A small number (including myself) have commented that, after a strong opening, the following stories meander and fail to resonate or make an impression. Still, most called the picture effectively distressing and stated that it delivered eye-catching visuals and a nightmarish vision. It features Hugo Dillon, Arden Bajraktaraj and Ophélia Kolb. You can read my take on the movie here.
QUANTUM COWBOYS – This animated science-fiction/comedy is set in the 1870s and follows two drifters wandering through Southern Arizona trying to find a frontier musician. In the process, they meet and befriend a woman trying to recover her land. While trying to help her, viewers are treated to 12 different universes (each featuring its own style of animation) and their conversations about philosophy and time theory. This independent production played the festival circuit in 2022 and is now arriving on disc. A small number of reviews for the film have appeared and are all encouraging. They state that it takes a bit of time to get used to, but that the movie is an original and inventively trippy effort with wonderful imagery and interesting themes, including the creation of memories. The voice cast includes Kiowa Gordon, Lily Gladstone, John Way, David Arquette, Frank Mosely, Gary Farmer, Neko Case and Alex Cox.
RED RIGHT HAND – A man trying to live a quiet life is informed that his sister has died. He ends up taking in his niece and helping his widower brother-in-law. Unfortunately, thugs soon arrive at the door. It seems that the relations owe a huge monetary debt to a powerful underworld figure. This crime boss says that the protagonist can pay her back by providing muscle for her crew. He initially agrees, but eventually decides to fight back in order to protect his sister’s family. Response was mixed towards this independent action/thriller. Almost half called it a well-produced B-picture that was slick and fun to watch thanks to its great cast. Still, slightly more thought that the performances weren’t quite enough to overcome the predictability of the story and overly familiar characters. It stars Orlando Bloom, Andie MacDowell, Garret Dillahunt Wilder and James Lafferty.
SASQUATCH SUNSET – This narrative captures one year in the life of a most unusual family. Specifically, a unit of sasquatches living in the Northern Californian woods and hiding from human society. Viewers see their social bonds, witness them foraging for sustenance, as well as note how they deal with others of their kind. It features no dialogue, just “bigfoots” going about their bizarre daily rituals. This oddball feature earned more positive write-ups than negative ones. A portion complained that there was too much gross-out humor and that the repetitiveness of the story eventually became tiring. However, the majority called the film so weird that they couldn’t help but praise it for its audacity. They stated that it did win them over, providing memorable moments and plenty of humorous insight on living in isolation and co-existing with the environment. Underneath all the make-up, the picture features Jesse Eisenberg, Riley Keough, Christophe Zajac-Denek and Nathan Zellner.
SLEEPING DOGS – An ex-homicide detective suffering from memory loss is forced to revisit an old case. The man imprisoned for the crime who is facing a death sentence maintains his innocence and the lead begins to question the evidence. Obviously, he has difficulty remembering exactly what occurred, but becomes determined to make things right and solve the mystery. This crime picture was a co-production between the US and Australia. Reaction to the movie wasn’t particularly strong. More than a third of those who saw it thought the film was an effective modern noir, bolstered by the lead actor and a twisty script. Yet the majority commented that the project was overly morose, dimly lit and clumsily put together in an unsatisfying manner. For the time being, this is a DVD-only release. Russell Crowe, Karen Gillan, Martin Csokas and Tommy Flanagan headline the picture.
THE TIGER’S APPRENTICE – A young boy living in San Francisco is shocked to discover that his grandmother is a protector of a magical phoenix egg. After she passes away, the youngster is recruited by her old trainer (who is a tiger) to take over the role. When a sinister force emerges and threatens all of humanity, the boy must stand tall and team up with other fighters who have connections to the Chinese zodiac. The press was split about this animated feature. Almost half complained that the story was formulaic yet overly rushed, resulting in underdeveloped characters. The same number and a few more liked the voice cast, the use of humor and commented that it featured striking visuals that would appeal to kids. For the time being, this is a DVD-only release. Henry Golding, Brandon Soo Hoo, Lucy Liu, Sandra Oh, Michelle Yeoh, Leah Lewis, Sherry Cola, Patrick Gallagher and Bowen Yang provide voices for the film.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
If you’re looking for something older, this section is just as packed as the new release area. First off, Synapse Films is delivering a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo of the Italian cult zombie flick, Cemetery Man (1994). Rupert Everett stars as the caretaker of a village ceremony who contends with the dead rising out of their graves seven days after burial. He’s been doing it for so long with his simple-minded assistant that he is genuinely bored by his job. However, he seems to have no interest in quitting. This curious effort ends up being about a figure refusing to grow up and take charge of his life. His flaws become even deeper when he begins firing bullets at those who are still living.
Besides the big picture upgrade, this set comes with a commentary featuring director Michele Soavi (StageFright, The Church, The Sect) and the screenwriter. There is also an interview with Soavi, as well as a discussion with Everett who explains how he became involved in the project. Co-star Anna Facli also speaks about her role in the film. Additionally, it comes with trailers. Read a review of the release by clicking this link.
The Shinobi box set from Radiance Films presents three notable Japanese efforts featuring a famous Robin Hood-like ninja from the 16th century. You’ll get Band of Assassins (1962) aka Ninja, a Band of Assassins, Revenge (1973), aka Shinobi No Mono 2: Vengeance and Resurrection (1963) aka Shinobi No Mono 3: Vengeance all presented on Blu-ray for the first time in North America. It comes with a talk featuring the artistic director of the Tokyo International Film Festival about the director of the series, interviews with a film critic on the star of the pictures, trailers, a booklet with more writing on the franchise, reversible sleeves with artwork based on the original promotional material, and more! Here is a link to a review of the entire Blu-ray set.
Last week I reported that a 4K Ultra HD edition of Crimson Peak (2015) was arriving on disc courtesy of Arrow Video. It ended up being delayed a week and is now available for purchase. You can find a disc review here.
Hey Folks! It’s the Intermission Time Video Party (1993) is a wild and lengthy 2-Blu-ray collection of six previously released compilation videos from the distributor Something Wild, featuring vintage movie and drive-in ads. It totals roughly 11 hours of material and AGFA is now putting it all out on a single release. While some of the clips aren’t in stellar shape, frankly this release looks pretty amazing and should entertain anyone looking for an authentic drive-in experience in their own home.
If you’re familiar with eccentric Canadian children’s film from Quebec like The Christmas Martian (1971), The Dog Who Stopped the War (1984) and The Peanut Butter Solution (1985), you will definitely want to check out The Great Land of Small (1987) from Canadian International Pictures and Vinegar Syndrome. It’s another film from the same producers of the previous titles and involves a pair of kids who discover a mystical and magical land in the forest. This Blu-ray arrives with two film expert commentary tracks, a video conference interview with two cast members, an online discussion with the effects producer, a look at animation techniques used in the picture, a cable access show promoting the release of the picture, an archival interview with the director, as well as a couple of earlier projects that he made prior to this title. A theatrical trailer and a 10-page booklet will also be included in the package.
On a completely different note, Criterion is presenting Girlfight (2000) on Blu-ray. Michelle Rodriguez plays an abused daughter turned professional boxer. The picture has received a 4K restoration and the disc contains a director commentary, a new interview with the filmmaker as well as the editor and the score composer. A trailer rounds out the bonuses.
Kin-dza-dza! (1986) is an oddball Russian satire arriving on Blu-ray from Deaf Crocodile Films and Severin Films. It’s set on a desert planet depleted of resources and observes who the residents struggle with survival, inequality and oppression. The picture has been restored from the original camera negative. It comes with a film critic commentary track, an hour-long interview with the lead actor, a look at the history of Soviet science-fiction films, a video essay on the movie, a written article about the film and new art.
Discotek Media wants you to know that the Japanese animated picture Belladonna of Sadness (1973) is being put out in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack. It contains new interviews with the director and other crew members, as well as multiple trailers for the title.
The Spirit of ’45 (2013) is appearing on Blu-ray from The Film Desk and Vinegar Syndrome. This is a documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Ken Loach (The Wind that Shakes the Barley, I, Daniel Blake, Sorry We Missed You) about Brits hoping for a fairer and more united society after the end of World War II. It comes with a 24-page booklet featuring writing on the title and a trailer.
Film Movement is putting out All About Lily Chou-Chou (2001) on Blu-ray. This is a Japanese drama about high school kids dealing with a barrage of pop culture and how it affects their daily lives. A lengthy-making of and a trailer are also on the disc.
Kino is releasing the popular John Waters comedy Cry-Baby (1990) in a two-disc set. The theatrical cut is presented in 4K Ultra HD and a Blu-ray containing the director’s cut is also included. If you don’t have a 4K player, you can pick-up a Blu-ray only edition with both versions. It’s a comedic love story set in the 1950s about a greaser (played by Johnny Depp) who falls for a square (Amy Locane). The cast includes Ricki Lake, Iggy Pop, Traci Lords, Troy Donahue, Mike Stole and Patricia Hearst. The set contains a new commentary from Waters, as well as a recently recorded featurette with Waters, the associate producer/casting director, cinematographer and actress Mink Stole. There are also new interviews with Locane, Lake, Lords, Hearst, Iggy Pop, other cast members, a discussion with the hair and make-up person, a 1990 documentary on the film, five deleted scenes and a trailer.
The Cannon Pictures action film Revenge of the Ninja (1983) is receiving a Blu-ray “Special Edition” from the distributor. It contains a new film historian commentary track, an archival commentary with the director, an intro to the picture and publicity materials. Early copies come in slipcase packaging.
Sci-Fi Chillers Collection is a great sounding Blu-ray set containing three drive-in efforts. You’ll get The Unknown Terror (1957), The Colossus of New York (1958) (it’s a fun one featuring a rampaging robot) and Destination Inner Space (1966). All titles have been given new HD masters of 4K scans from Paramount Pictures. There are film historian commentaries on all three films, as well as on-camera sidebars with movie experts on two of the three pictures. You’ll also get a trailer for the second title.
The French (1982) is a well-regarded documentary on the French Open tennis tournament that contains incredible behind-the-scenes footage of Björn Borg, John McEnroe, Chris Evert, Yannick Noah, and Ivan Lendl. Metrograph Pictures and Kino will be presenting the title on Blu-ray (which is presented by director Wes Anderson). A re-release trailer is also on the disc.
The Paul Walker/Jessica Alba adventure film Into the Blue (2005) is being released on Blu-ray from MPI Media Group.
Paramount Pictures recently put out some box sets containing 4K versions of several Star Trek titles. They have slowly been putting out individual releases. This week sees Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984) appear on its own as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook, as well as a Walmart exclusive Steelbook with the very same contents. The plentiful bonuses are exactly the same as in the big box set.
Severin is presenting several genre titles in 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray sets loaded with extra features. This edition’s titles include Butcher, Baker Nightmare Maker (1982) aka Night Warning, Cathy’s Curse (1977) (which can also be picked up as a Blu-ray only release), The Devil’s Honey (1986) and The Great Alligator (1979) (this one can also be purchased exclusively on Blu-ray if you don’t have the 4K set-up).
This week also sees two Shout! Factory exclusive Blu-ray releases that can only be purchased through their website. Darkness (2002) stars Anna Paquin as a teen who discovers that her new home is haunted. The disc includes both the theatrical and unrated cut, as well as a behind-the-scenes featurette and trailer.
Fear City (1984) is a crime picture from Abel Ferrara (King of New York, Bad Lieutenant) about detectives hunting down a psychopath targeting strippers. It features a great cast that includes Tom Berenger, Billy Dee Williams, Jack Scalia, Melanie Griffiths, Rae Dawn Chong, and Maria Conchita Alonso. You’ll get 2K restorations of both the original and unrated cuts of the movie for your enjoyment.
The Tunnel (2011) is an Australian found-footage horror about a journalist investigating train tunnels beneath Sydney. Many consider it to be one of the best of its kind. Umbrella Entertainment and Vinegar Syndrome is putting out a Blu-ray of the film, which also contains a director and crew commentary and tons of featurettes, as well as the feature-length making-of The Tunnel: The Other Side of Darkness and publicity materials.
Speaking of Vinegar Syndrome, you can pick up some interesting titles from them as well. The psychological thriller The House Where Death Lives (1981) is appearing on Blu-ray with a film commentary, interviews with cast members and more.
Lady Reporter (1989) is a Cynthia Rothrock martial arts picture made in Hong Kong that is certain to impress action fans. The Blu-ray promises the Hong Kong theatrical version and English-language export cut presented from a 2K studio master. You’ll also get a film historian commentary and an interview with Rothrock and the actor who plays the villain. Publicity materials will also be included.
Paganini (1989) with Klaus Kinski is being presented on Blu-ray restored in 2K from its 35mm original camera negative. It arrives with a movie expert commentary, tons of interviews with cast and crew members, a 95-minute English-language director’s cut (sourced from tape) and many more bonuses.
And the Italian supernatural splatter flick Witch Story (1989) is getting a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack. It’s about a sister and brother visiting an old house in Florida with friends ready to party. They are soon hunted down by demonic forces. As you might expect, this is its 4K Ultra HD debut and arrives with so many archival extras that there is too much to list here.
Finally, for its 35th anniversary, Warner Bros. is releasing Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook. This disc originally came out in 2019 and everything about it (besides the Steelbook packaging) is likely identical to the previous edition.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Below is a list of the latest kid-friendly discs. The latest season of the phenomenal animated series Bluey is appearing on DVD. One can only hope that the series will get a 4K Ultra HD or Blu-ray release in the near future.
Bluey: Season 3 (BBC) DVD
Kung Fu Panda 4 (Universal Studios) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD, Walmart Exclusive with Blu-ray, DVD and Kid-Sized Training Chopsticks, and Kung Fu Panda: 4-Movie Collection Blu-ray
Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go – It All Adds Up (NCircle) DVD
The Tiger’s Apprentice (Paramount) DVD
ON THE TUBE!
And all of the week’s TV-themed releases can be found here.
Bluey: Season 3 (BBC) DVD
Dante: Inferno to Paradise (PBS) DVD
Maryland (Masterpiece) (PBS) DVD
Monk: Season 7 (Kino) Blu-ray
Mr. Bates vs the Post Office (Masterpiece) (PBS) DVD
Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go – It All Adds Up (NCircle) DVD