If you’re looking for information about the latest 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD releases coming this week, you have an incredible number to choose from. This edition is incredibly busy with just about every genre represented. I’ve tried to cover the highlights here to give an idea of just some of your options. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies or need to stay indoors for a while, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
BIG NEW RELEASES!
BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE – The fourth picture in this action/comedy series sees the two lead characters, a pair of Miami police detectives, starting to settle down. Upon learning that their deceased captain has been accused of associating with drug cartels, the protagonists decide to prove him innocent. They cross paths with past villains and familiar faces in order to discover the truth. The film itself was a box office hit and more critics liked it than disliked it. About one-third complained that while the leads were charismatic, the story and dialogue was beneath them. They stated that the film didn’t make much sense and was a tonal mess. Still, the majority called the movie entertaining and a funny homage to action pictures of an earlier era. There are multiple versions of this title available, including a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo, a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook, and a Blu-ray only edition. It stars Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Ioan Gruffudd, Eric Dane, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig and many more. Read this site’s review of the film here.
THE BALLAD OF DAVY CROCKETT – Set in the early 1800s, this western finds Davy Crockett visiting Washington D.C. to meet government officials. When he receives word that his wife is gravely ill, he decides to hurry back home and be by her side. He must face many threats as he returns to the frontier, and even has to protect his youngsters from enemies after they steal beaver pellets in order to take care of their mother. Not many members of the press have seen this independent western, but those who did were generally complimentary. Several complained that the story was weak and didn’t seem to represent the character accurately. But more wrote that this was a decent B-movie that delivered thrills and presented a new take on Crockett. For the time being, this is a DVD-only release. The cast includes Colm Meaney, William Moseley, Jesse Hutch and Valerie Jane Parker.
BEFORE DAWN – A youngster from the Australian outback considers serving his country during World War I. He is told by his father to be very careful and initially makes friends with those in his battalion. However, the lead and his pals are quickly sent to the western front where they come face to face with the enemy. They soon learn about the brutality of war. This Aussie feature earned a few awards nominations at a couple of film festivals around the world, but didn’t impress reviewers in this part of the world. A few thought the feature was an interesting and personal study of the effects of war on a soldier. Yet the consensus was that the picture suffered from poor pacing and wasn’t able to suspend disbelief in its depictions of battle scenes. They didn’t think the movie measured up to other titles on the subject. It features Levi Miller, Travis Jeffery, Myles Pollard and Tim Franklin.
CANARY – Dr. Lonnie Thompson is the subject of this documentary. He is a paleoclimatologist at Ohio State University whose life work involves traveling to glaciers at the most difficult to reach parts of the world. After locating and visiting these inhospitable summits, he tries to salvage pieces of them to help understand the history of the planet and ultimately present his findings to everyone. Viewers learn what inspired him and the incredible discoveries he has made about the effects of climate change. The feature was very well-received. A handful thought that the material was presented in a flat and dull manner and didn’t grip them as much as it should have. However, everyone else believed that the movie effectively delivered its message by helping viewers understand the man’s detailed past. They also stated that the movie brought attention to a very important issue.
DESPICABLE ME 4 – The latest chapter in this long-running animated family series about ex-super villain-turned-nice-guy Gru sees he and his minions adjusted to their new lives as decent members of society. When a new threat emerges and threatens the lead’s family, they are forced to go on the lam. The situation is complicated by Gru’s infant son, who is determined to torment his father and cause comedic complications for everyone. This follow-up received almost as many negative write-ups as it did positive ones. Close to half suggested that the story was weak and formulaic, the majority of gags fell flat and that viewers would forget the picture quickly. The same number and a few more liked that it focused on family life and wrote that it delivered enough chuckles to entertain viewers. Multiple editions of the picture are available, including a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray, a Blu-ray only version, and a Walmart exclusive Blu-ray-only Gift Set including Pencil Case and Coloring Book. The voice cast includes Steve Carrell, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell, Pierre Coffin, Joey King, Sofia Vergara, Steve Coogan, John DiMaggio and Stephen Colbert.
THE EXORCISM – Only last year, actor Russell Crowe appeared in the horror film The Pope’s Exorcist, but he is now appearing in another similarly-themed genre picture. This time out, the star is actually playing an actor in a horror movie performing the role of a priest. His behavior begins to spiral downward when his estranged daughter visits the set. Initially, she believes he may have started drinking again, but soon begins to wonder if he might really be possessed by a demon. Reaction to this picture was generally poor. A small number commented that the story presented a few twists on the typical exorcism formula and featured solid performances from the cast. Unfortunately, most stated that the story slowly fell apart and ended up following dull genre film tropes instead of developing the characters. Besides Crowe, it also features Ryan Simpkins, Sam Worthington, Chloe Bailey and Adam Goldberg.
IN A VIOLENT NATURE – This independent chiller from Canada involves a group of partying teens who discover a locket in the woods. Moments later, a figure rises from the ground. He begins to hunt them all down, determined to retrieve the item. Viewers essentially follow the mute slayer around, getting brief glimpses into his past and motivations as he seeks out his latest targets. This film was picked up and has been streaming on Shudder for a few months. Now it is receiving a DVD-only release. It was well-received by critics. About one-fifth of them didn’t like the unusual tactic of staying with the killer though most of the running time and found the movie extremely violent and difficult to endure. But most felt that the different perspective and presentation was what made this effort unique and fascinating. They were truly horrified by what they saw and also thought it provided effective commentary on the slasher genre. It stars Ry Barrett, Andrea Pavlovic, Cameron Love and Reece Presley.
JURASSIC EXORCIST – Regular readers might already know about Wild Eye Releasing, a distributor who releases ultra-low-budget (essentially homemade), independent genre films. The latest is from the director of Cocaine Shark, Amityville in Space and Jurassic Shark (among many others). After a sinister cult leader uses time travel to possess a dinosaur and make it do his bidding, a priest must step forward to stop it before it eats all the locals. As you might have guessed, this title is debuting on DVD (and will only be available in this format) and so it hasn’t been screened for the press. One expects that those who get a kick out of watching cheesy no-budget movies and enjoy the director’s other efforts may appreciate this one too, but those unfamiliar with this type of picture may struggle with it. The cast includes Titus Himmelberger, Natalie Himmelberger, Ryan Dalton and Jeff Kirkendall.
LONGLEGS – This horror film was one of the surprise hits of the summer. It follows an FBI agent in Oregon hunting down a serial killer who slays entire families. As she pursues this figure, the protagonist finds evidence that the person was into occult practices. She begins having horrifying clairvoyant visions that push her towards a breaking point. As mentioned, the movie made an impression on audiences and received strong responses from the press. A small number disliked the movie, asserting that after a decent start, the weak and predictable script failed to frighten or engage them. Yet the consensus was that the picture was memorably shocking with an unnerving performance by the villain that could possibly make the film a cult classic. Two versions of this title are available, including a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo, and a standalone Blu-ray. Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage, Blair Underwood and Alicia Witt headline the film.
OMEN – Released in its homeland under the title Augure, this foreign-language drama involves a Congolese man who decides to return home after living for 16 years in Belgium. He arrives with his fiancé and immediately begins to experience less-than-hospitable behavior from his domineering mother and the deeply religious townspeople. In fact, they start calling his future bride cursed. The two struggle with how to respond as some demand that they take part in a religious ritual to rid them of evil. This feature was Belgium’s submission for Best International Film at the most recent Academy Awards. It didn’t receive a nomination, but reviews were good. A few commented that the movie had too many plotlines and struggled to develop all of its elements effectively. Still, all others called the movie a dynamic and beautifully shot drama showing how legends and ancient practices can impact lives. It features Marc Zinga, Yves-Marina Gnahoua and Lucie Debay.
THE OUTLAWS – In this independent western, a group of bandits who have robbed a train awaken to learn that their loot has disappeared. Furious and paranoid, all members interrogate and accuse one another of stealing from the group. As more is revealed and violence begins to seem like the only option between them, one or two do their best to clear their name, get to the bottom of things and avoid a bloodbath. This picture has only been seen by a handful of press members. One thought that while it could have been done with a wider scope, it was a well-acted effort that delivered some tense moments. Unfortunately, more felt that the characters were not well developed and that it was just another ineffective direct-to-disc effort. For the time being, the movie will only be available on DVD. The cast includes Eric Roberts, Liam James Collins, Arthur Sylense and Jonathan Peacy.
PARADOX EFFECT – An ex-junkie turning her life around is excited to pick up her young daughter from the airport. But on the journey there, she witnesses a murder. The individual responsible jumps into the protagonist’s car and demands that she take him to a meeting with a notable mob boss. As it turns out, the rider’s son has been taken hostage by the criminal. The two make a deal to try and help each other survive with their kids. This picture appears to be debuting on disc in this part of the world, but a few mixed-negative notices have appeared from other regions. They suggest that the cast are decent and that the film is well-produced, but suffers from pacing issues and plot holes, failing to provide the necessary excitement in order to earn it a recommendation. It stars Olga Kurylenko, Oliver Trevena and Harvey Keitel.
SUCCUBUS – A stressed-out new parent who has recently separated from his wife considers signing up for a dating app. Once registered, he meets a very forward woman and has a spicy video chat with her. Not long after, the lead is contacted by a professor who claims the lady he was speaking to is incredibly dangerous… and perhaps even a supernatural entity. The man soon finds himself lost within this woman’s strange world. Using his cell phone, he gets hold of the teacher who attempts to guide him to safety. This chiller is a DVD-only release and it is debuting on disc. Unfortunately, no one at present has seen it. That means you’ll be taking this on with no prior knowledge as to its quality (who knows, perhaps evil forces are trying to tempt you into watching it right now!). Brendan Bradley plays the lead role, with Ron Perlman, Rosanna Arquette, Olivia Grace Applegate and Rachel Cook also appearing.
T-BLOCKERS – Here is another independent chiller, this time from Australia. A young trans woman working in a cinema and searching for a long-lost film must also deal with dating problems and an uncertain future in her small town. When an earthquake strikes, the ground opens up and releases ancient parasites. These creatures thrive on hatred and begin to search for hosts, turning locals into violent psychopaths and making them act on hidden Impulses. The lead tries to get out of the village for good. This has been well-received by reviewers. They all noted that while the movie is less-than-subtle with its message, it is very funny and high-energy. They also praised the performances and gruesome effects as being gleefully over-the-top and also called the movie strangely heartwarming. The movie is also known in some areas as T Blockers. It features Lauren Last, Lewi Dawson and Toshiro Glenn.
TOUCH – After receiving some terrible news from his physician, an elderly man in Iceland is asked to attend to any personal matters that haven’t been dealt with. He immediately thinks of this first love, a woman who vanished from his life 50 years earlier. The protagonist decides to try to locate her, with the journey taking him to England and Japan. As this occurs, we see flashbacks of how they met and what occurred in their relationship. This picture wowed critics and is also Iceland’s submission for Best International Film for the upcoming Academy Awards. A few individuals didn’t like all the flashbacks and called the movie melodramatic and slow-moving. Yet everyone else stated that it was beautiful to watch this bittersweet romance play out, calling the film incredibly moving and suggesting that it might bring tears to the eyes of viewers. The cast includes Egill Ólafsson, Palmi Kormákur and Yôko Narahashi.
WE ARE ZOMBIES – Back in 2015, Quebec-based filmmakers RKSS found a cult audience with their bizarre Turbo Kid, a post-apocalyptic action/comedy. Their latest involves zombies. In this story, the living and dead (who are essentially passive and of little threat) coexist everywhere. When three slackers are shocked to discover that one of their grandmas has been kidnapped, they must form a plan to free her. In the process, they uncover sinister plans by the mob and a mega-corporation to use the dead for their own nefarious purposes. Genre film critics liked the movie. They all thought that while the screenplay was overstuffed, the movie emphasized comedy and succeeded at delivering laughs, as well as social commentary in line with what you might see in a George A. Romero picture. Alexandre Nachi, Derek Johns, Megan Peta Hill and Vincet Leclerc.
A WOUNDED FAWN – Here is another horror picture that has been available on the Shudder streaming service for at least a year but is now arriving on disc. It follows a serial killer who works in the art world and has become an expert at luring and dispatching victims. He invites his latest target, a museum curator, for dinner at his home. After they enter, they both start experiencing disturbing hallucinations and visions as they square off against each other. The press was upbeat about this film. A few wrote that the final product had a self-satisfied and pretentious air that took them out of the proceedings. Everyone else thought it was creative, had excellent performances, and enjoyed the unpredictably surreal visions on display. They liked its arthouse approach and stated that there was plenty of subtext in the story. Sarah Lind, Josh Ruben and Malin Barr headline the film.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
As if there weren’t enough new releases to keep you busy, a ton of older titles are being given high -definition upgrades. Arrow Video is releasing the Japanese thriller The Threat (1966) as a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray. It’s an early home invasion movie from Kinji Fukasaku (The Green Slime, Sympathy for the Underdog, Battles Without Honor and Humanity, Battle Royale) about two crooks who take an executive and his family hostage. The disc contains a film historian commentary, a 20-minute video appreciation of the film, a trailer and image gallery, as well as an illustrated booklet and a double-sided fold-out poster with original and newly commissioned artwork for the film. Read all about the disc in detail by clicking this link!
In Addition, the company is rereleasing the Blu-ray box set American Horror Project Vol. 2, a “Standard Edition of the 4-disc collection Blood Money: Four Classic Westerns Vol. 2, as well as the indie cult feature Lake Michigan Monster (2018).
Blue Underground is putting out The Million Eyes of Sumuru (1967) in a very elaborate 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set. Pictured below and to the left, this campy effort incorporates James Bond elements and features an American spy and his best pal (George Nader and Frankie Avalon) taking on an army of women led by the titular Sumuru (played by Shirley Eaton from Goldfinger) who plot to take over the world. This disc includes a 4K restoration of the uncut version from the original camera negative, two film historian commentaries, an enlightening feature-length documentary on director Lindsay Shonteff, a Rifftrax edition of the movie as well as a ton of promotional material. Read a full review of this release right here!
The Champions (1983) is a Hong Kong action/comedy about a man on the run who joins a soccer team. Eureka Entertainment is presenting a Blu-ray of the film that boasts a 2K picture restoration, two movie expert commentaries, an interview with a film critic on the picture, a 1987 featurette looking at Hong Kong celebrity soccer and a trailer, as well as, for the first 2000 copies, a booklet with writing on the title and a slipcase with new artwork. You can read all the disc by clicking this link.
This distributor is also releasing the two-disc, double-feature Blu-ray Two Taoist Tales which contains the absolutely insane martial arts supernatural comedy Taoism Drunkard (1984) and The Young Taoism Fighter (1986). The first movie is notable for its “Banana Monster” that attacks the main characters in one of the oddest scenes ever committed to celluloid. Both the movies have been given 2K restorations and each film has two film expert commentaries. There is also an interview with the director of the first title, a discussion on each project with a historian, trailers and limited booklet and slipcase if you order one of the first 2000 copies. Want to know all about this release? Click here to read a review!
Radiance Films would like you to know that you can pick up a Blu-ray of the French buddy road movie Fill ‘er Up with Super (1976). You’ll get a 2K picture restoration from the original camera negative, three interview short films with the cast, a lengthy discussion with the star of the movie, a critical appreciation of the feature, and a reversible sleeve featuring designs based on the original posters.
A Man on His Knees (1979) is an excellent Italian movie about the mob that is also arriving on Blu-ray. The story involves an ex-con who goes straight and opens a coffee stand. When a hit occurs in the building behind him and a war erupts between two rival outfits, the innocent man is believed by all to have been involved. When a sketchy hit man arrives who may or may not be assigned to murder the lead, things get even more complicated. The film has been given a 4K restoration from the original camera negative and comes with archival interviews with cast and crew, as well as an authority on director Damiano Damiani. You’ll also get a trailer, a booklet with writing on the movie, and a reversible sleeve with original and newly commissioned artwork for the feature. You can read a detailed review of the disc by clicking this link.
Tattooed Life (1965) is a well-regarded Japanese effort about a low-level Yakuza member who is attacked. His artist brother arrives to help and ends up in the middle of the fracas. This Blu-ray features a film expert commentary, archival interviews with the director and art director, a trailer, a booklet with writing on the title, as well as a reversible sleeve with original and newly commissioned artwork. Read a full review of this Blu-ray right here.
Severin is delivering a trio of Blu-rays this week. They include The Creature (1977), a Spanish film about a couple about to welcome a baby into the family. After a tragic event involving a dog, the wife begins an unhealthy relationship with another pooch. The disc contains a 2K picture restoration from the original camera negative, an interview with the assistant director, as well as an introduction and discussion with filmmaker Gaspar Noe about the movie. You can find out more about this oddball feature by clicking on this link.
Speaking of animals, they are also making A Dog Called… Vengeance (1977) available on Blu-ray. It’s a Spanish shocker with Jason Miller (The Exorcist) about a South American political prisoner who breaks free and is hunted by a vicious dog. Besides a 2K restoration of the film from the original camera negative, it comes with a critical appreciation of the movie, a cast member interview, a talk with the daughter of the director and publicity materials. A full review of the Blu-ray is available to read here. Just click the link.
The Mummy and the Curse of the Jackals (1969) is also appearing on Blu-ray from Severin. This notoriously cheesy picture earned a brief VHS release decades ago and disappeared off of the face of the earth, but is now being put out in high definition. It features a werewolf and a mummy battling on the streets of Las Vegas and includes John Carradine in the cast. The release boasts an exploitation film authority commentary, two movie authority interviews, a talk with the son of the picture’s investors, and a bonus feature called Angelica, the Young Vixen (1974) from the same distributor as the main feature. And here is that Blu-ray review as promised…
And those are just the Blu-rays that I’ll be reviewing on the website over the next few days. Yes, there’s more!
The Shadow Boxing (1979) aka The Spiritual Boxer Part 2 is being put out on Blu-ray by 88 Films. It’s another kung-fu/horror-comedy from Hong Kong featuring undertakers fighting off the dead.
AGFA (American Genre Film Archive) is making the box set Supersoul Brother and the Films of Rene Martinez Jr. available. You’ll get Road of Death (1973), The Guy from Harlem (1977) and Super Soul Brother (1978). Rene Martinez Jr. was a do-it-yourself filmmaker making pictures in Florida. A theatrical print was used for the transfer (and in two of the movie’s cases, the only known elements to exist). The set also comes with a photo gallery.
Sweet Substitute (1964) is arriving on Blu-ray from the excellent outfit Canadian International Pictures. It follows an honor-roll high school student in Vancouver who is obsessed with pursuing the opposite sex. His actions ultimately lead to plenty of trouble for the protagonist. The disc arrives with a 4K picture restoration from the original 16mm A/B camera negatives, a film historian commentary, an archival movie professor commentary, a new introduction to the feature with the director, cast and crew interviews, additional footage that was added to the US release, a conversation with the filmmaker, audio interviews and more.
Criterion is delivering Gregg Araki’s Teen Apocalypse Trilogy as a box set. It includes the independent movies Totally F***ed Up (1993), The Doom Generation (1995) and Nowhere (1997). There is a 4K and Blu-ray edition (with first title on Blu-ray, second two on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray) as well as a Blu-ray only edition. The first title has been given a 2K restoration, while the other two have received 4K restorations supervised and approved by Araki. Extras include a conversation with the moviemaker, director and cast commentaries on the first and third movies, a documentary on the trilogy featuring discussions with cast and crew, a Q&A with the director, The Doom Generation video comic book, trailers and more.
The extremely dark indie drama/comedy Happiness (1998) is also getting a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo release, as well as a standalone Blu-ray edition. This picture from Todd Solondz (Welcome to the Dollhouse, Storytelling, Weiner-Dog) follows damaged souls from middle-class suburbia dealing with all sorts of unsettling personal issues. The cast includes Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jane Adams, Lara Flynn Boyle, Ben Gazzara and Dylan Baker. In addition to a 4K image restoration supervised by the cinematographer, a discussion with Solondz, an interview with co-star Baker and a trailer are listed as bonuses.
You can now pick-up several more Blu-rays that were originally put out as Vinegar Syndrome exclusives. The titles include Sepa: Our Lord of Miracles (1986) from Dekanalog, ETR Media’s A Fat Wreck: The Punk-U-mentary (2016) and I Am a Sex Addict (2005) from Factory25. Check the spec online for bonus material, most will have plenty of added features.
Redneck Miller (1976) is an independent effort that is being released on Blu-ray by Film Masters. Considered by many to be a “hickspoitation” picture, it follows a DJ in the south squaring off against the drug dealers who steal his motorcycle. The movie was scanned and color corrected in 4K from one of the only surviving 35mm release prints. The disc has a film historian commentary and a booklet with an essay on the feature.
Film Movement is putting out some arthouse titles on Blu-ray. The Italian period drama L’Innocente (1976) with Giancarlo Giannini is being released with a video essay on the movie. There is also the box set The Poetry of Lee Chang-Dong: Four Films, containing Green Fish (1997), Peppermint Candy (1999), Oasis (2002) and Poetry (2010). All of the titles received 4K restoration and come with a few extras as well. You can also purchase Asia Argento’s Scarlet Diva (2000) in high definition. It arrives with a director commentary and tons of bonuses.
Kino is also releasing a great many titles. Below the Belt (1980) is a drama about a female professional wrestler. The Blu-ray comes with a commentary track from a wrestling authority. The swashbuckling Alan Ladd sailing picture Botany Bay (1953) also lands with a movie expert commentary.
One of the distributor’s big titles is the Ealing comedy The Ladykillers (1955). It comes in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack and can also be purchased only on Blu-ray. Alec Guiness plays the leader of a criminal gang (that includes Herbert Lom and Peter Sellers) who set out to murder an oblivious old lady renting them a room. Things do not go according to plan. In addition to the improved picture, you’ll receive a new film historian commentary, an archived movie expert commentary, an intro from fan Terry Gilliam (Brazil, The Fisher King) and a great many featurettes and trailers.
Link (1986) is an eccentric thriller in which Elizabeth Shue plays a college zoology student who must square off against an orangutan when her professor (played by Terrence Stamp) disappears while caring for it. This is an 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray package that includes a sharp 4K picture restoration, a film critic commentary, an interview with director Richard Franklin (Road Games, Psycho II, Cloak & Dagger), a Jerry Goldsmith demo for the theme of the film and publicity materials.
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the first all-star Agatha Christie adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express (1974) is coming out in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray package. Besides the image improvements, it comes with a new film historian commentary, a lengthy archived making-of, an interview with the producer, a special on Christie and a trailer.
You can also pick up a Blu-ray of the Bob Hope comedy My Favorite Spy (1951) and the Alan Ladd western, Red Mountain (1951). Both pictures include a film historian commentary as a bonus feature.
If you like Woody Allen pictures, MGM is putting out A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy (1982) and the drama September (1987) on Blu-ray. Both of these pictures are hard to come by. While they don’t include much in the way of extras, at least you’ll be able to own them in the best possible image quality. The studio is also releasing the Tom Cruise World War II film Valkyrie (2008) on Blu-ray.
The silent Japanese romantic epic The Dragon Painter (1919) is appearing on Blu-ray from Milestone. It follows a mad painter who believes he must save a princess from a local dragon. New footage of the movie was recently discovered and this Blu-ray contains a restoration and reconstruction of the picture. Bonuses include two scores for the movie, a lengthy featurette on the restoration process, a pair of earlier silent films with the lead actor and a booklet.
Paramount Pictures is collecting a franchise together in one set. Paranormal Activity 8-Movie Collection contains Blu-rays of all the movies (with all extra features) made between 2007-2021 in one box. If you remember and enjoyed the Stephen King TV-miniseries The Stand (1994), a Walmart exclusive Blu-ray Steelbook is now available.
Stardust (2007) is also appearing in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook or can be picked up as a Walmart exclusive 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook. This is a wonderful fantasy film from Matthew Vaughn (X-Men: First Class, Kingsman: The Secret Service) about a young man who promises his village’s prettiest girl that he will bring her a fallen star. He takes part in an incredible (and incredibly humorous) adventure in the process. The picture stars Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, Sienna Miller, Henry Cavill, Peter O’Toole, Mark Strong, Rupert Everett, Ricky Gervais and many more. It didn’t do well at theaters during its original release, but it’s a heartwarming blast that comes highly recommended from this writer.
And Paramount is delivering a Transformers 7-Movie Collection set, which includes the movies on either 4K Ultra HD only or on Blu-ray only.
Shout! Factory is presenting John Carpenter’s fun remake Village of the Damned (1995) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set. It can also be purchased as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Shout! Factory exclusive slipcover bundle on the distributor’s website. It certainly isn’t a masterpiece, but it does contain plenty of entertainment moments and a few jumps. It also features a great cast that includes Christopher Lee, Kirstie Alley, Linda Kozlowski, Michael Pare and Mark Hamill dealing with strange infants who are from another world.
Sony Pictures is delivering the wild effort Body Double (1984) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook. This is another fun one from Brian De Palma (Sisters, Dressed to Kill, Blow Out, Raising Cain, Femme Fatale, and so many more) that caused a lot of controversy during its original release for its voyeuristic themes, but remains a visually spectacular thriller with odes to Hitchcock and even slasher movies of the period. Besides the picture upgrade, you’ll get archival EPK interviews with the director, as well as stars Craig Wasson and Melanie Griffith, in addition to a music video for Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s “Relax,” featurettes and more featurettes.
Sky Pirates (1986) is an oddball Australian sci-fi adventure film inspired by old Republic serials that is now arriving on Blu-ray from Umbrella Entertainment. Raiders of the Lost Ark was definitely an inspiration for this lower-budgeted effort. Extras on the disc include a crew commentary, extended interviews with crew members from the Not Quite Hollywood documentary, deleted and extended scenes, VFX test footage and a VFX breakdown featurette, a tribute to those involved no longer around, and loads of promo material.
If you’re excited about the new Despicable Me movie and want all the movies on either Blu-ray or DVD, Universal is making the Despicable Me 4-Movie Collection available at most retailers.
Vinegar Syndrome is delivering the horror/comedy Bloodbath at the House of Death (1984) on Blu-ray. It pokes fun at supernatural chillers and features Vincent Price in a supporting role. The movie has been scanned and restored in 4K from the original camera negative and comes with a film historian commentary, an interview with the co-writer, a discussion with the producer, an archival making-of featurette and publicity materials.
Devil Times Five (1974) aka Peopletoys is getting the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray treatment. This chiller tells the story of five psychotic children who go on a rampage at a lodge. They specifically target adults who are rude to them. The original camera negative has been given a 4K restoration for this release. Bonuses include two movie expert commentary tracks, crew and film historian interviews, archival interviews with cast and crew, trailers and more.
Hell’s Trap (1989) features a group of characters hunting for a bear who are terrorized by a crazed Vietnam veteran. The Blu-ray of this Mexican effort contains a 4K film restoration, cast and crew interviews, and reversible sleeve artwork.
Warner Archive is presenting a number of catalog titles as made-to-order Blu-rays. Titles include Bathing Beauty (1944) starring Red Skelton and Conflict (1945) with Humphrey Bogart. Journey Into Fear (1943) is a wartime thriller with Joseph Cotton and Orson Welles, while the star-studded A Prairie Home Companion (2006) marks the final title from legendary director Robert Altman.
With the recent release of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Warner Bros. has decided to add the feature to its Mad Max box sets. That means that there is now a Mad Max 5-Film Collection in 4K Ultra HD that contains all five franchise pictures in one package (no Blu-rays are included in this set).
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
If you’re a young tyke, you have plenty of options arriving this week.
Despicable Me 4 (2024 film) (Universal) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray, Blu-ray only, Walmart exclusive Blu-ray only with Gift Set including Pencil Case and Coloring Book
Despicable Me 4-Movie Collection (Universal) Blu-ray or DVD
Jonny’s Golden Quest, Jonny Quest vs. the Cyber-Insects (animated TV-movies made in 1993 and 1995) (Warner Archive) Blu-ray
Space Sheriff Shaider: The Complete TV Series (Discotek Media) Blu-ray
Strawberry Shortcake and the Beast of Berry Bog (NCircle) DVD
ON THE TUBE!
Below is a list of all the TV-themed releases coming your way.
The Equalizer: Season 4 (CBS) DVD
Game of Love (Hallmark) DVD
Friends: The Complete Series (30th Anniversary Edition) (Warner Bros.) 4K Ultra HD
Jonny’s Golden Quest, Jonny Quest vs. the Cyber-Insects (animated TV-movies made in 1993 and 1995) (Warner Archive) Blu-ray
Space Sheriff Shaider: The Complete TV Series (Discotek Media) Blu-ray
The Stand (1994 TV miniseries) (Lionsgate) Walmart exclusive Blu-ray Steelbook
Young Sheldon: The Complete Series (Warner Bros.) Blu-ray
Young Sheldon: Season 6 (Warner Bros.) Blu-ray
Young Sheldon: Season 7 (Warner Bros.) Blu-ray