Welcome to another look at some of the highlights arriving on Blu-ray and DVD. There are a couple of major releases coming your way this week, as well as some interesting independent efforts. 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!
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAGICAL NEGROES – A young African-American man is recruited into a secret group of black people with magical powers. They tell him that they use their gift to make white people as comfortable as possible, all so that race-related conflict can be avoided. The protagonist is assigned to befriend and help a stressed-out a white man at his job. However, complications arise when the hero falls for a woman at the workplace, taking his attention away from his duties. Critics were unimpressed with this fantasy/comedy. About one-quarter stated that after a slow start, the satirical elements started to work and that it ultimately charmed them. Unfortunately, the majority thought the story was too busy with comedy and romantic subplots. They wrote that the end result felt slight, lacking any sort of bite or memorable comments on its themes. It stars Justice Smith, David Alan Grier, An-Li Bogan and Eric Lutz.
DESTROY ALL NEIGHBORS – An aspiring musician struggles for years to complete his debut post-progressive rock LP while working at a recording studio. Just about everyone has stopped believing in his dream and frayed nerves appear to be getting the better of him. After deciding to confront a noisy neighbor, he accidentally kills the man. The lead begins hallucinating as he attempts to rid himself of the body and cover his tracks. This horror/comedy debuted on the Shudder streaming site and is now arriving as a DVD-only release. Overall, the press was positive about the picture. Close to one-third of reviews complained that the story became repetitive and tired of the gross-out humor. Still, the consensus was that while a bit unruly there was plenty here to enjoy and that the hilarious cast members made the most of the material. It features Jonah Ray, Kiran Deol, Thomas Lennon, Alex Winter and Kumail Nanjiani.
DUNE: PART TWO – Finishing off the story introduced in Dune: Part One, this follow-up begins after the fall of House Atreides by the sinister Harkonnen. Hero Paul escapes into the deserts of Dune with his mother and finds friends in the local population of Fremen. As the villains hunt for and attempt to wipe out the remaining population, the heroes plot to take them down and free themselves. Response to the picture was excellent and the picture’s worldwide box office is currently the largest of any film this year. A small number did call the film slow-moving and overly solemn in tone. However, the overwhelming majority thought it was a phenomenal adaptation that delivered stunning action and thrills, jaw-dropping imagery and expertly delivered themes about the dark side of being a leader. The cast includes Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Stellan Skarsgård and Charlotte Rampling. Multiple editions of the title are being released in a variety of formats, including a 4K Ultra HD edition, a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook, a Blu-ray, as well as a 4K Ultra HD combo pack of part one and two and a Blu-ray version of both chapters. Read a full review of the movie here.
A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS – A small town hardware store owner spends years yearning to own a run-down fixer-upper that has been slowly falling apart over the years. Her friend, a real estate agent, finally arranges for her to purchase the home. But after she moves in, the recently divorced heir to the property shows up with his son. The group are forced to live together in the locale while legal matters between them are sorted out. Eventually the two leads begin to develop feelings for each other. This little Hallmark-style romance debuted on streaming sites a few months ago, but is only now arriving on disc. Very few critics actually watched the picture when it debuted, so there really aren’t any reviews available for the film. Interested parties will have to go in and watch it cold. Shannon Elizabeth and Daniel Cudmore headline the picture.
IMAGINARY – Anyone have a close bond with their teddy bear during their childhood? This horror picture follows a young girl who owns one such toy and converses with it. When the kid grows up, she leaves it behind and eventually becomes a children’s author. Returning home with a new husband and his two daughters, one of her stepdaughters takes an extreme liking to the old bear. It soon becomes clear that the stuffed animal is real and wants revenge for being abandoned. Reaction towards the picture wasn’t very strong. About one-quarter of write-ups thought that while flawed, it delivered a few jolts and delivered an effectively wild climax. However, the overall consensus was that the picture delivered nothing but cliches from better chillers and didn’t make a lasting impression. It stars DeWanda Wise, Tom Payne, Taegen Burns, Pyper Bruan, Matthew Sato, Veronica Falcon and Betty Buckley.
ISTIKHARA, NEW YORK – A young American Muslim dreams of becoming a Broadway actor. In order to achieve his goal, he moves to New York City. Of course, he finds it hard to catch a break and finds himself working as a food delivery courier instead. Trouble arising when his job is put in jeopardy. Along the way, he meets new people and tries to find his way in the big city. This independent feature played at a few film festivals back in 2022. Word seems to have been upbeat (there have been a few news articles on the picture), but it had trouble finding a distributor. The film is now debuting on disc as a DVD-only release. No one has seen or officially reviewed the film just yet, so there is currently no critical consensus on it. The cast includes Nabeel Masood, Faizan Kareem and Kelly McCready.
NORYANG: DEADLY SEA – This historical epic from South Korea tells a chapter in the life of Yi Sun-sin, a famed Korean admiral and military general who rose to prominence in the late 1500s. When Japanese forces including 500 ships sail the Noryang Strait during the Imjin War, the aging protagonist plots and leads his fighters in battle against the enormous and intimidating enemy force. This actually appears to be the third film in a trilogy featuring Sun-Sin, following 2014’s The Admiral: Roaring Currents and Hansan: Rising Dragon in 2022. There haven’t been many reviews for the movie in this part of the world, but the few that have appeared are positive. They all called it a thrilling war epic that effectively closed a trilogy and presented a full picture about the subject and his remarkable military accomplishments. It features Kim Yoon-seok, Jeong Jae-yeong and Yeo Jin-Goo.
ONE LIFE – Sir Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Winton is the subject of this British biopic. In the months leading up to World War II, this young London broker visits Prague, Czechoslovakia and sees Jewish children and their families living in destitute conditions and readying for a Nazi invasion. He decides to help get as many children as he can out of the country before forces invade. In the process, 669 kids are rescued. In 1988, the now elderly man is still haunted by the fates of those he wasn’t able to rescue in time. When he’s invited onto a BBC television show, many of the grown kids appear to thank him, allowing him to come to terms with feelings of guilt and grief. Notices were excellent for this picture. A few members of the press thought the picture was overly sentimental and failed to deliver a detailed portrait of Winton. Everyone else thought the cast was exceptional, the story powerful and that it was an important tribute to a little-known hero. They also commented that it would bring many to tears. Anthony Hopkins, Johnny Flynn, Lena Olin and Romola Garai headline the picture.
QUEEN TUT – This drama/comedy from Canada follows a young Egyptian man who comes to live with his estranged father in Toronto after the death of his mother. His dad is heavily involved in the local church, but the closeted lead would rather spend time developing his dressmaking skills. He finds new friends in the LBGTQ2S community and tries to help them save their drag queen bar before it is purchased by a developer and turned into condos. He eventually takes on a drag persona himself. This independent picture earned some award nominations at the Canadian Screen Awards (which is the Canadian equivalent of the Oscars), but hasn’t been seen by many in the US. Reviews that have appeared have been generally upbeat, calling the film cute, funny and heartwarming. For the time being, this is a DVD-only release. It stars Alexandra Billings, Ryan Ali, Thom Allison Kiriana Stanton and Dani Jazzar.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
If you’re looking for something a bit older, you also have options. Lionsgate is releasing a Blu-ray Steelbook of the fun cult Canadian chiller, The Gate (1987). It follows a group of suburban kids who do battle with evil demons and their minions after a supernatural gateway opens in a backyard. This little production ended up being a box-office hit in North America during its original run and is unusually intense and effective for a kid-friendly horror picture.
This is the identical disc to the previously released Vestron Video Blu-ray, only with newly created Steelbook packaging. It comes with two commentary tracks featuring most of the crew, as well as an isolated score with commentary by the soundtrack composers. You’ll also get a 30-minute retrospective with director Tibor Takacs (I, Madman) and the special effects supervisor. There are also featurettes containing discussions with the make-up head, the producer, an actor playing a zombie found in the walls of the kids’ home, more talks with the Toronto-based cast and crew members, as well as the writer. Additionally, there is a making-of promo, tons of publicity materials, behind-the-scenes gallery and a story gallery. Read all about the disc by clicking on this link.
The Lair of the White Worm (1988) is also receiving the Steelbook Blu-ray treatment. This is an oddball but very entertaining horror/comedy from Ken Russell (The Devils, Tommy, Altered States) based on the novel by Bram Stoker. Set in the UK, it follows an archeologist and local Lord who must fight off a large dragon snake and the sinister woman who serves it. The impressive cast includes Hugh Grant, Peter Capaldi, Catherine Oxenberg and Amanda Donohoe.
Besides the impressive new Steelbook package, it comes with previously released extras like a Ken Russell commentary track, a film historian commentary, a 30-minute special on the make-up and visual effects, an interview with the editor, a Trailers from Hell spot, an interview with one of the supporting cast members and publicity materials. If memory serves, it’s an enjoyable disc.
Speaking of British creepers, Criterion is giving the famous Peeping Tom (1960) a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray release (a Blu-ray only edition is also available). This picture from Michael Powell (The Red Shoes, Black Narcissus, A Matter of Life and Death) follows a psychopathic voyeur who stalks and murders women, using his camera to photograph them as they are killed. The picture was considered shocking in its day and essentially ruined the career of the director, but was reevaluated years later and is now considered by most film experts to be a masterpiece.
The release contains two film historian commentaries, an introduction from director Martin Scorsese (Killers of the Flower Moon, The Departed, Goodfellas), a discussion with film editor and Powell’s wife Thelma Schoonmaker (who talks about the movie’s negative effect on her husband’s career). There is also an archival featurette with film experts about the picture, an archival documentary about the screenwriter and a look into the restoration of the film. Also included is a trailer and a leaflet with writing on the film.
Kino is delivering a Blu-ray of the WWII picture Submarine Command (1951) starring William Holden. The image has been given a new HD master from a 4K scan by Paramount. It comes with a film historian commentary. Thunder in the East (1951) is a romantic war drama with Alan Ladd. The specs and extras for this Blu-ray are identical to the previous title.
The distributor is also putting out a Blu-ray called Vitagraph Comedies, which contains three discs full of early silent comedy shorts that were produced between 1907 and 1922. You’ll also get interviews on the various films with a historian, archivist and the disc curator, as well as film expert commentary tracks.
Frankly, one of the best westerns ever made is Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in the West (1968). Paramount Presents is putting out a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo of the film. It follows a mysterious, harmonica playing man traveling through the old west, hoping to enact revenge against a vicious killer. The movie stars Charles Bronson, Henry Fonda and Jason Robards. This edition has a commentary with Spaghetti Western podcasters, a look back with Leonard Maltin, an archive commentary with fans John Carpenter, John Milius and Alex Cox, as well as movie historians and cast and crew. It also comes with numerous featurettes and promotional materials. And for those familiar with this line of releases, there is a fold-out cover with original poster art. One word of warning though. There has been a lot of controversy over this 4K transfer, so be sure to read reviews of the disc before committing to a purchase.
Shout! Factory is making some genre films available this week. Dracula 2000 (2000) is a, well, kind of cheesy horror flick produced by Wes Craven and starring Gerard Butler, Jonny Lee Miller, Omar Epps, Jennifer Esposito, Jeri Ryan and Christopher Plummer. The story revolves around thieves who think they’re stealing art from a vault, but end up freeing vampires. The movie has been given a 4K restoration for this Blu-ray release. It comes with a film critic commentary, an interview with the director/editor/co-writer, a discussion with the production designer, a talk with the score composer, an archived director commentary, deleted and extended scenes, a vintage behind-the-scenes featurette, auditions and a trailer.
Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988) is getting a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack, as well as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook release. It’s a hilarious and inventive horror comedy about an alien invasion in which the otherworldly villains happen to look like clowns (even their ship looks like a circus tent). The film was created by the Chiodo Brothers, who provide an audio commentary. The disc also features a making of, a featurette on creating the klowns and composing the score, a look at the visual effects, deleted scenes, bloopers, early shots from the Chiodo Brothers and other easter eggs. The movie should be eye-popping in 4K and this release looks like a lot of fun.
The distributor is also putting out a “Collector’s Edition” of Orphan (2009), a chiller about a couple who adopt a little European girl who is not as she initially seems. The movie has been given a new 2K scan and arrives with four film critic commentaries, suggesting the title really made an impression on genre film enthusiasts. It also comes with a new interview with the composer, a featurette on the production, deleted scenes/alternate ending and publicity materials.
Warner Bros. is presenting the war picture 12 Strong (2018) as a 4K Ultra HD only title. The hit film American Sniper (2014) is arriving as a 4K Ultra HD only title and will be available in regular or Steelbook packaging. Magic Mike (2012) is also getting the 4K Ultra HD treatment (again, with no supplemental Blu-ray.
Additionally, the distributor is rereleasing a Blu-ray of Gravity (2013). This particular edition includes the “Silent Space” version of the film as a bonus. It doesn’t have any score and instead plays out without any nondiegetic sound.
Warner Archive is releasing a made-to-order Blu-ray of the Oscar-nominated romance/drama film Friendly Persuasion (1956) with Gary Cooper. The Nun’s Story (1959) is another Academy Award nominee getting a Blu-ray release. It’s a drama featuring Audrey Hepburn as a nun struggling with her vows. And You’re a Big Boy Now (1966) is an early picture from Francis Ford Coppola. This rom-com follows a young man trying to navigate two potential romantic relationships in New York City. It is also available as a made-to-order Blu-ray.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
If you’re looking for kid-friendly entertainment, this is your best bet this week (and it’s probably for older kids).
My Adventures with Superman: Season 1 (Warner Bros.) DVD
ON THE TUBE!
Below is a list of the TV-related releases coming your way.
American Experience: The Cancer Detectives (PBS) DVD
Hallmark 2-Movie Collection: Love in the Great Smoky Mountains: A National Park Romance & 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost (Hallmark) DVD
Masterpiece: Alice & Jack (PBS) DVD
My Adventures with Superman: Season 1 (Warner Bros.) DVD