Welcome to another edition of highlights arriving on Blu-ray and DVD. I’ve been away (and actually still am abroad) so this is a bare bones edition as far as images are concerned. Next week will be back to normal though. In the meantime, there are fewer discs coming your way right now, but there is a major release arriving that is sure to appeal to the masses. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies this week or need to stay indoors, be sure to give at least one of these titles a try!
BIG NEW RELEASES!
THE GOOD BOSS – In this Spanish feature, a small, fledgling company specializing in scale manufacturing must prepare for an extremely important event after they find out they have been nominated for a Business Excellence award. If they receive the honor, it will save their business. However, losing out could mean the end for them. The president must do whatever it takes to win the prize. Response was positive for this comedy/drama. A very small number wrote that the film was too slowly paced and didn’t earn enough laughs to win them over. However, the majority thought it was an excellent low-key comedy with a super lead performance that had a lot of fun pushing its lead character into making morally gray choices. The cast includes Javier Bardem, Almudena Amor, Manolo Solo and Celso Bugalo.
HONK FOR JESUS. SAVE YOUR SOUL. – This satirical comedy deals with a husband-and-wife team who run a Southern Baptist megachurch. When a scandal shuts down their house of worship and the congregation disappears, the pair scheme to find new ways to draw in followers. They use outrageous methods to try and draw in new members in an attempt to make a comeback from near oblivion. Critics generally liked this effort. About one-quarter of reviewers complained that the screenplay wasn’t as razor-sharp as it needed to be and the overall effect was underwhelming. Regardless, the consensus was that the two leads were exceptionally funny and that the story expertly took down organized religion and some of its hypocritical elements. The movie stars Regina Hall, Sterling K. Brown, Austin Crute, Conphidance, Devere Rogers and Nicole Beharie.
PETER VON KANT – A famous director with a mean streak regularly torments and humiliates his assistant and lover. While working on a new project, he is introduced by his star actress to a new man of modest means. The filmmaker soon takes an interest in the youngster. He invites this new person to move in with him and his boyfriend, saying he will help the youngster get his start in the business. However, things don’t go as planned and lives are altered in the process. This foreign-language title from France received more positive notices than negative ones. Those who disliked the movie said that it was neither emotionally involved nor funny enough to recommend. Still, three-quarters of reviewers thought that it was a sharp melodrama that effectively dealt with complex relationships. It features Denis Ménochet, Khalil Ben Gharbia, Stefan Crepon and Isabelle Adjani.
RUBIKON – The Earth is covered by a toxic cloud after an unknown disaster, leaving a crew living aboard an orbiting space station doing research on creating oxygen supplies with a difficult choice. Do they return home to find out what happened, search for survivors and help out? Or should they remain hovering above the planet for much longer to try to find a solution from above that will allow them to return safely? This Austrian science-fiction feature wasn’t particularly well-received by North American members of the press. A small number wrote that the movie was awfully bleak and grim, but engaging and one that would leave many pondering what they might do in such a situation. Sadly, more called the feature talky and overlong, also saying it lacked urgency and excitement. Julia Franz Richter, George Blagden and Mark Ivanir headline the film.
SUMMER GHOST – In this Japanese animated short (it apparently runs a mere 45 minutes), a trio of troubled teens decide to investigate an urban legend. The myth claims that lighting fireworks on a special night in an abandoned amusement park will raise the “Summer Ghost” who will answer any question. Unfortunately, they accidentally call another being who is only visible to those who are about to die. The panicked threesome attempt to figure out if they can avoid death. This effort hasn’t been seen by many in this part of the world but a couple of upbeat notices have appeared. They have described the project as a well-animated and unique effort that details the fragility of existence and the need to live to fullest while we still can. This disc from Shout! Factory contains an original Japanese language track and an English dub.
TOP GUN: MAVERICK – The big release of the week is this blockbuster sequel to Top Gun, which was a massive hit back in 1986. Some 35 years after the original, Maverick is still flying, pushing boundaries, irritating superiors as a test pilot. After getting himself in trouble once again, he is asked to coach a new group of young recruits for a dangerous mission in a far-off country. He agrees, but finds it a challenge when one of the newbies turns out to be the son of his best friend who died in the original film. Critics generally were impressed by this follow-up. A very small number suggested that it felt like the very same movie as the original and pandered to fans instead of updating the concept and themes. Everyone else loved the aerial photography, appreciated seeing the lead character again and called it summer fun that would appeal to most viewers. It stars Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, John Hamm, Glen Powell, Ed Harris and Val Kilmer. Here’s a full review of the movie.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
Looking for a classic instead? Well, I wouldn’t think that the new Cinedigm Blu-ray set Sharknado! The Complete Collection qualities, but it does present all six of the intentionally cheesy made-for-cable Sharknado! titles in one package. As you might already imagine, the story pits a group of protagonists against a tornado containing hungry sharks. These flicks were made between 2013 and 2018 and should appeal to those who enjoy that kind of stuff. One imagines that any extras included on original releases will also be available in this edition.
Cohen Media Group is releasing the double-feature of Felix and Lola (2001) / Love Street (2002): Two Films Directed by Patrice Leconte on Blu-ray. As mentioned, both of these French pictures come from the same filmmaker. They arrive with film historian commentaries and trailers.
Daisies (1966) is appearing on Blu-ray from Criterion. It’s a Czechoslovakian title about two brash young women who believe the world is spoiled. According to the synopsis, the pair embark on a series of pranks in which nothing, including food, clothes, men and war, is taken seriously. The movie arrives with a 4K picture restoration. Bonuses include a film scholar commentary, a documentary on the director, another special on the filmmaker’s relationship with the cast and crew, two short films and a trailer.
The distributor also is putting out the Hong Kong drama, In the Mood for Love (2000) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray. It follows a newspaper editor and his wife who find out their new neighbors include a beautiful secretary and her executive husband. When their spouse leaves on trips, the editor and secretary spend time together and contemplate an illicit relationship. You’ll get a disc presenting the film in 4K and a Blu-ray containing the movies and extras like a documentary on the production, a press conference, a short film from the director, deleted scenes, a music video and more.
The Black Vampire (1953) aka El Vampiro Negro is appearing on Blu-ray from Flicker Alley. The Argentinian title is said to be a virtually unknown remake of a 1931 film from the same country. It’s about a cabaret performer trying to save her daughter from a murderer while fending off the advances of a prosecutor. It sounds like she has to stop both threats on her own. The disc includes a film scholar commentary and introduction, a comparison of all the versions of this story, an overview of the director’s works and plenty more.
In case you’re still looking for even more horror after the holidays, Lionsgate have The Evil Dead Double Feature which presents 4K Ultra HD and Blu-rays of both genre classics The Evil Dead (1981) and Evil Dead II (1987). Extras weren’t listed on the press sheet so you’ll have to investigate further to see if there are any included in this version.
At Close Range (1986) is a well-regarded little drama from the 80s with Sean Penn. He plays a youth who is an expert in petty crime and Christopher Walken plays his father, a big-time thief who attempts to show his boy the ropes. MVD Visual is debuting the movie on Blu-ray. The new disc contains a film historian commentary with director James Foley (who also made After Dark, My Sweet and Glengarry Glen Ross), as well as an isolated score track, a trailer, reversible box art and a collectable mini-poster.
Action movie enthusiasts may be happy to see that Paramount is releasing a 35th Anniversary Edition of The Running Man (1987) with Arnold Schwarzenegger as a man forced to compete in a deadly game show. But they may also be disappointed to learn that this is a 4K Ultra HD-only edition that doesn’t have a Blu-ray, but does include the movie with the best possible picture quality.
The James Spader/Madchen Amick thriller Dream Lover (1993) is appearing on Blu-ray from Sandpiper Pictures, alongside the Egypt-set, British drama Khartoum (1966) with Charlton Heston and Lawrence Olivier. They are also putting out an adaptation of Wuthering Heights (1970) in high definition.
Looking for more. Although it was previously released on disc only last year, Shout! has a new “Limited Edition” Blu-ray and DVD Steelbook package of the Japanese animated effort, Belle (2021).
The same distributor is presenting a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Collector’s Edition of the horror/comedy Piranha (1978). This early effort from director Joe Dante (The Howling, Gremlins, Explorers, Innerspace, The Burbs, Small Soldiers) was by far the best of the movies inspired by the hit Jaws and features a cast being menaced by oversized and hungry killer fish. It’s fast-paced fun with plenty of mutant mayhem. The movie has been given a new 4K restoration for this release and arrives with a new interview with Dante, alongside two commentary tracks and a boatload of previously released extras. It’s a great movie and no doubt an excellent disc that any horror aficionado will enjoy.
Starship Troopers (1997) is also receiving a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray upgrade. This one is a Steelbook celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the science-fiction satire. It should arrive with all previously available bonuses. This is another great feature from Paul Verhoeven (Robocop, Total Recall) that was underrated and misunderstood during its original release. The story involves humans fighting a war with supposed alien invaders and is sure to look spectacular with the image upgrade.
Universal is putting out a noteworthy collection of specials that originally aired on television. The Classic Christmas Specials Collection: Frosty the Snowman (1969), Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (1964) and Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (1970). The first was traditionally animated, while the others employ stop-motion animation techniques to tell their stories. All of the discs arrive with extras and, if you only want one or two of them, they can all be purchased individually.
Amazon is releasing an Exclusive 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Gift Set of Universal’s E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982). In addition to the film on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray all previously released bonuses, there is 45-minutes of new material here. You will also get a lunch box, thermos, booklet and certificate of authenticity stating that you have the swankiest, most elaborate box set of this release ever created.
And finally, Warner Bros. is making some interesting titles available this week, all in 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray. This includes a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Best Buy Exclusive Steelbook of The Batman (2022). They also have the holiday-themed pictures A Christmas Story (1983), Elf (2002), Holiday Inn (1941), National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) and The Polar Express (2004) all as 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combos. You can have a great movie marathon in December with these pictures.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Here are some titles that may appeal to children.
The Classic Christmas Specials Collection: Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Comin; to Town (Universal) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray
E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) Amazon Exclusive 40th Anniversary $K Ultra HD and Blu-ray 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Gift Set
Nick Jr. Holiday Bonanza (Nickelodeon) DVD
Sesame Street: My Favorite Holidays (Shout! Factory) DVD
ON THE TUBE!
And here are all of the week’s TV-related titles. If you like made-for-cable Christmas flicks, be sure to read this list.
The Big Bang Theory: The Holiday Collection (Studio Distribution Services) DVD
Christmas is You (Paramount/GAF) DVD
The Classic Christmas Specials Collection: Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Comin; to Town (Universal) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray
Coyote Creek Christmas (Hallmark) DVD
Dark Winds: Season 1 (AMC Studios) Blu-ray
Death in Paradise: Season 11 (BBC) DVD