Welcome back for another look at some of the highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. The last edition was very slow, but this one is full of notable titles from major studios and independents in a wide variety of genres. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these releases a try!
BIG NEW RELEASES!
BAGHEAD – After her estranged father unexpectedly dies, a woman inherits a centuries-old pub. She travels to Berlin, Germany, takes care of the paperwork and visits the establishment. As it so happens, she discovers something strange living in the basement. It turns out to be a shape-shifting supernatural entity that can make dreams come true, but for a deadly price. The new owner and her best friend must figure out how to control the creature. Unfortunately, critics didn’t recommend checking out this independent horror film. About one third of them stated that the film did deliver some creepy moments and a few unexpected story twists. But the majority found the story overly complicated and slow-moving, with thinly drawn and unengaging characters. For the time being, this is a DVD-only release. It stars Freya Allan, Jeremy Irvine, Saffron Burrows and Peter Mullan.
THE CONVERT – Set in the 1830s, this story follows a British preacher who is set to a newly established town in New Zealand. Upon his arrival, he ends up in the middle of a battle between two Maori tribes. He does his best to save whomever he can, befriending a daughter of one chief in the process. It isn’t long before the lead realizes how complicated his job is. White locals are racist and paranoid, there is violent friction between Maori tribes and he realizes he is being used as a pawn by his superiors. The press raved about this period drama from director Lee Tamahori (Once Were Warriors, The Edge, Die Another Day). A very small number complained about the perspective, with the film told from the POV of a colonist. However, everyone else was impressed with the performances and noted that the Maori director/co-writer did an exceptional job. They called the movie authentic, honest, bittersweet and uniquely told, displaying the era and its complicated, messy, violent history. The cast includes Guy Pearce, Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne, Antonio Te Maioha, Jackqueline McKenzie and Lawrence Makoare.
EXHUMA – A South Korean family becomes extremely concerned when their newborn son takes ill. They don’t call a doctor, but instead hire a Shaman and her protege. They investigate and become convinced that a curse has been placed upon the baby by a vengeful ancestor. The family patriarch and spiritual experts set out to move the ancestor’s grave, but as the process begins, strange events begin occurring causing grave danger. This foreign-language feature was very well-received. One or two reviewers complained that there were a few too many plot twists, pushing the movie into an overdrawn, two-plus hour ordeal. But the majority appreciated that the movie attempted to deliver atmospheric chills as well as a deeper plot and reasoning behind the curse. They were engaged and thrilled. This picture is arriving in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo and can also be picked up as a standalone Blu-ray. Kim Go-eun, Choi Min-sik and Lee Do-hyun headline the film.
THE GOOD HALF – After learning of the death of his mother, a young man returns home to Cleveland to settle the estate and her affairs. The protagonist is reunited with his stepfather and sister and tries to heal his relationship with them. He also meets a woman and begins to share his thoughts and feelings about what’s occurring, forming a close connection in the process. This independent comedy/drama split the press. Half couldn’t get on its wavelength and didn’t think that the screenplay offered any revelations on grief. The same number liked the performances and thought the picture did an excellent job detailing the confusion that surrounds death, as well as delivering amusing observations on the subject. For now, this is a DVD-only release. It features Nick Jonas, Brittany Snow, David Arquette, Alexandra Shipp, Matt Walsh and Elizabeth Shue.
HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON – Very loosely based on the famous children’s book of the same name, this live-action family feature introduces a grown-up Harold exiting the pages of his book and entering the real world. Of course, the hero still has his trusty purple crayon that he uses to draw himself out of trouble, while he learns about life in the big city. Unfortunately, when others find out about his magical drawing stick, they want to take it for themselves. Response was very poor towards this adaptation. About one-quarter of write-ups complimented the energetic stars and admired its attempt to develop a full narrative from the source material. However, the consensus was that this was a bland and generic family picture that didn’t take advantage of its concept or deliver laughs for either kids or their parents. The cast includes Zachary Levi, Lil Rel Howery, Zooey Deschanel, Jemaine Clement, Ravi Patel and Alfred Molina.
KINDS OF KINDNESS – The latest from eccentric director Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, The Favourite, Poor Things) is a dark comedy that follows a series of characters experiencing various existential crises. There is a man trying to change his path in life, a cop confused by his wife’s unusual behavior, and a woman desperately looking for a spiritual guide. This effort wasn’t as well-received as some of the filmmaker’s other works, but more reviewers were more positive about the film than negative. Almost one-third called the feature self-indulgent and overlong, commenting that the jokes didn’t work and the plotlines did little to stimulate them intellectually. Those who liked the picture admitted that it didn’t always work, but felt that it was fun to watch the strangeness unfold and they were always curious to see what unfortunate events befell the characters. It stars Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley and Hong Chau.
KNEECAP – This independent comedy/musical is a co-production between Ireland and the UK. Set in West Belfast, Northern Ireland and based on a true story, it tells the story of a disillusioned teacher who befriends two students from lower-class homes. The pair speak primarily in Irish-Gaelic and the instructor encourages them to make music using the largely lost language. Their rap tunes become successful and the team must suddenly deal with success and popularity. Critics greatly enjoyed the picture. A few did take issue with the comedic tone of the film and thought that, instead of dealing with its primary themes, it became an advert for the band. Yet almost everyone else thought the movie worked brilliantly. Reviews noted that since the story was true and the rappers were portraying themselves, it felt authentic. They also believed the leads were charismatic enough to get away with the off-color humor. For the time being, this is a DVD-only release. The cast includes Mo Chara, Moglai Bap, DJ Provai and Michael Fassbender.
LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL – A late-night TV host struggling for ratings decides to book guests with connections to the occult for his Halloween episode. Viewers witness the show unfold as interviewees arrive and display their connections to the underworld. Things soon begin to take on a disturbing tone and many of the staff worry that a real demonic possession may be occurring. This is a “found-footage” style horror movie set in the 1970s and presents “studio tapes” of what occurred during the ill-fated program. Press members were very chilled by the independent feature. One or two notices commented that for all the build-up, the payoff wasn’t very satisfying. All others believed the movie was a note-perfect recreation of a 70s talk show. They complimented the performances and thought the final product was effectively disturbing and darkly humorous. It features David Dastmalchian, Laura Gordon, Fayassi Bazzi, Ian Bliss and Ingrid Torelli.
MAXXXINE – If you’re a horror fan, then you likely saw the well-received 2022 period creepers X and Pearl from director Ti West (The House of the Devil, The Innkeepers). This is a sequel set after the events of X and follows the protagonist from that title, an adult film actress, as she attempts to break into mainstream movies in the 1980s. She does get cast in a horror picture, but must deal with a mysterious killer stalking her, and much, much more. This final film in the trilogy was generally well-received, although it didn’t receive as much praise as previous entries. About one quarter of reviewers suggested that the faithful slasher homages made this sequel feel like a poor carbon copy instead of something daring and original. However, the majority called the movie stylish, well-performed and engaging, effectively delivering jolts while pointing out outdated ideas of the era. The picture is available in a 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray set or as a standalone Blu-ray. Mia Goth, Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Halsey, Lily Collins, Giancarlo Esposito and Kevin Bacon.
MUMMY SHARK – The latest homemade horror/comedy from Wild Eye Productions (Sharkula, Amityville in Space, Cocaine Shark, Cocaine Werewolf, the Shark Exorcist and Ouija Shark series) involves a group of researchers visiting an ancient Egyptian pyramid. Within the structure, they discover a mummified alien shark. The team eventually learns that the creature is being guarded by a vengeful mystic. He brings the monster to life and hunts down the leads with it. The protagonists must figure out how to escape and survive the onslaught. This picture is debuting on DVD only, as well as streaming sites. That means that no one has been able to see and review the movie yet. Just know to expect something in the realm of the other ultra-low-budget movies mentioned above. Mark Polonia, Jeff Kirkendall, Jamie Morgan, Tim Hatch and James Kelly headline the film.
A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE – The third chapter in this horror franchise, about alien creatures who hunt by sound, is set on the first day of their invasion. A terminally ill woman living at a hospice is invited out to see a show in Manhattan. She and others witness the creatures landing on Earth and immediately find themselves being targeted. The lead desperately wants to return and help her cat, while struggling with inner conflict over what to do with the end of her life. Reaction towards the picture was generally strong. A handful of write-ups suggested this entry wasn’t as tense, had a weaker story and relied too heavily on jump scares. Still, the consensus was the movie contained excellent performances and provided an interesting story that dealt with mortality and a person’s final wishes and needs. There are many versions of the title available, including a 4K Ultra HD only disc, a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook, a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Walmart exclusive Steelbook and a Blu-ray only release. It stars Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff and Djimon Hounsou.
ROBOT DREAMS – This PG-13 animated feature from Spain is set in New York of the 1980s and follows a lonely dog living in Manhattan. In desperate need of a friend, he decides to purchase a robot to keep him company. The two form an immediate bond, but an unfortunate incident leaves the artificial life form low on power and is buried beneath the snow at Coney Island. The two must deal with separation and how to exist without one another. This charming effort was nominated for Best Animated Film at last year’s Academy Awards. Two or three members of the press found it dull and uninvolving. Every other critic thought the movie was remarkable. They noted that, without using a single line of dialogue, the film beautifully captured the bittersweet nature of relationships and their evolution, while also providing striking imagery.
ROVING WOMAN – After a young woman is locked out of her home by her boyfriend and told not to return, she simply walks away. With literally nothing in her pockets, the lead bolts from the area. Outside the city, she steals a car for shelter and drives around aimlessly, pondering the end of her romance and why it happened. The items in the vehicle become of interest to her and before long the woman develops feelings for the owner. Will she contact him or try to restart her life in a different way? This independent drama played at film festivals between 2022 and 2023 and earned a positive reception. One or two didn’t enjoy being stranded with the lead and thought her inner journey was slow and dragged out. But most suggested that it was an interesting, self-reflective trip and advised viewers to lose themselves in it. Despite reviews, the movie did have difficulty finding distribution and has just been picked up by Amazon as an exclusive Blu-ray though their site. It features Lena Gora and John Hawkes.
SUBSERVIENCE – After his wife suffers a heart attack that places her in the hospital for an extended period of time, a husband/father has difficulty caring for his daughter and working a full-time job. The man is convinced to purchase a humanoid robot with AI to assist around the house. Things are fine at first, but the new resident develops nasty habits. Concerned about her own usefulness once the wife recovers, the cyborg goes on the rampage and attempts to harm any potential threat. The press was split on this independent science-fiction thriller. Half wrote that the film was a pedestrian effort that didn’t deliver the material in an exciting or memorable way. The same number said that it had an interesting cast and enough unique and effective elements to earn it a recommendation. The movie stars Megan Fox, Michele Morrone and Madeline Zima.
THELMA – When a 93-year-old woman is tricked by a phone-scammer claiming to be her grandson, she is devastated to discover that ten-thousand dollars has been removed from her back account. Realizing that the police will do little to help her, she decides to find the person responsible and get the money back herself. The senior acquires a gun and goes on a quest across the city. Overall, critics adored this unusual independent comedy and gave it high marks. One or two commented that the movie offered viewers a few chuckles, but little more. However, everyone else was captivated by the story. They thought the lead performance was phenomenal and that the heartful story was cleverly written to deliver edgy humor, and also provide deep commentary into the plight of the elderly. June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Richard Roundtree, Parker Posey and Clark Gregg headline the film.
WINNIE-THE-POOH: BLOOD AND HONEY 2 – Last year’s Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey offered a grisly take on the famous children’s character (which is now in the public domain). It was universally panned by reviewers and won the Golden Razzie for Worst Picture. This sequel finds the menacing Pooh, Piglet, Owl and Tigger on the run. They decide to find and slaughter Christopher Robin (the boy who ultimately left them after growing up). The trail takes them to his hometown, where they encounter their target and new victims. Notices were slightly better for this follow-up, although still generally negative. Those who liked the film called it a noticeable improvement on its predecessor, with a decent story, sense of humor, and a few impressive murder set-pieces. Still, more felt that while this picture wasn’t as bad as the first, it was still an uneven, lazily put together and sloppy cash-grab on the property. It features Scott Chambers, Tallulah Evans and Ryan Oliva.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
Looking for something older? Well, you certainly have options. For those who enjoy music, America & Friends: Live at the Ventura Theater (2009) is a concert film that is arriving on Blu-ray from Cleopatra. The band America is famous for songs like “A Horse with No Name” and “Sister Golden Hair,” and you can hear them all played live. Extras on the disc include interviews with band members and a photo gallery.
Just in time for the Halloween season, Criterion is putting out the double-feature I Walked with a Zombie, The Seventh Victim: Produced by Val Lewton. Both of these features were produced in 1943. The set is arriving on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray and is also available as a standalone Blu-ray. Besides the 4K picture restorations, you’ll film historian commentaries on both pictures, an interview about the movie with another expert, audio essays from the podcast The Secret Histories of Hollywood. There is also a lengthy 2005 documentary on the career of Val Lewton featuring famous interviewees. You’ll also get trailers and essays on the features in an accompanying booklet.
Kino is putting out a Blu-ray of Monsieur Vincent (1947), a French biopic about St. Vincent De Paul, who served as an advisor to queens and princes and earned accolades as a humanitarian. It comes with a film historian commentary.
Riot in a Women’s Prison (1974) is an Italian crime/drama about a French tourist who is arrested while vacationing for a crime she didn’t commit. She experiences horrific treatment and eventually faces more issues when a riot breaks out. It also arrives with a movie expert commentary.
Sleepy Hollow (1999) has already been released as a 4K Ultra HD title from Paramount Pictures, but it is now being given a 25th Anniversary Edition 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook release. It’s a visually dynamic and very entertaining take on the Washington Irving story about a headless horseman rampaging through a small village.
Shout! Factory is delivering the thriller Devil (2010) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack. It’s about a small group of people trapped in an elevator. They find out that one of them is the Devil and do their best to survive the ordeal. The movie was produced by M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Split, Trap) and the disc includes a 4K restoration from the interpositive. You’ll get a film critic commentary on the disc, as well as deleted scenes and featurettes on the production.
The Strangers (2008) is receiving a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook that is a Walmart exclusive. It contains the unrated version of the movie in 4K Ultra HD and Blu-rays of the theatrical and unrated editions. Extras on the disc include numerous production featurettes, deleted scenes and publicity materials.
Synapse Films is presenting the horror/comedy The Convent (2000) in a 2-disc Special Edition containing 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray package. This tale involves college students who break into the title location, which is abandoned. Some are possessed by demonic spirits. You’ll receive a 4K restoration of the unrated cut supervised by the director. A cast and crew commentary, an alternate commentary, deleted scenes, gore outtakes, video location tour, vintage making-of featurettes, promotional materials, and the EPK are all present as bonus features.
Killers (1996) is also getting a Blu-ray release from the distributor. It’s about a pair of famous killers who escape from death row. They decide to take a family hostage, but soon learn that the family are just as, if not more, deranged than they are. This disc contains the unrated director’s cut of the film, a commentary with the moviemaker, promo trailers, an alternate ending and a booklet with liner notes.
Finally, Universal Pictures is delivering Friday Night Lights (2004) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo, and a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook. Extras include most features from earlier versions, including deleted scenes, a director commentary and more.
The Halloween Trilogy 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Walmart exclusive Steelbook contains the recent feature in the series, Halloween (2018), Halloween Kills (2021) and Halloween Ends (2022) in the best possible format. It contains the previous 4K editions of the movies, but all together in one package.
And the studio is delivering a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray “Limited Edition” Steelbook called Us, Get Out: 2-Movie Collection. As you might have guessed, it contains the 2017 effort Get Out and 2019’s Us together in one package.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
You’ll find a few titles that may be of interest to youngsters below.
Harold and the Purple Crayon (Sony) Blu-ray or DVD
Rubbadubbers: High Noon in the Bathroom (2002 – 2005 UK animated series) (Hit Entertainment) DVD
Rugrats: Season 2 (Nickelodeon/Paramount) DVD
ON THE TUBE!
All of the week’s TV-related discs can be found here.
Arcane: Season 1 (2021 Japanese animated series) (Shout Factory) Blu-ray or Blu-ray Steelbook or 4K Steelbook
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century: The Complete Series (Universal) DVD
Curb Your Enthusiasm: The Complete Series (HBO Home Video) DVD
Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 12 (HBO Home Video) DVD
Hallmark Countdown to Christmas 9-Movie Collection: Christmas on Cherry Lane, The Santa Summit, Magic in Mistletoe, Everything Christmas, A World Record Christmas, Mystic Christmas, You, Me, and the Christmas Trees, The Christmas Contest, Next Stop Christmas (Hallmark) DVD
Hallmark Festival of Lights 6-Movie Collection: Round and Round, Eight Gifts of Hanukkah, Double Holiday, Love, Lights Hanukkah!, Hitched for the Holidays, Hanukkah on Rye (Hallmark) DVD
Interview with the Vampire: Season 2 (RLJ Entertainment) Blu-ray
Las Vegas: The Complete Series (Universal) Blu-ray
Mary Berry’s Highland Christmas (PBS) DVD
NCIS: Hawai’i: The Complete Series (CBS/Paramount) DVD
NCIS: Hawai’i: The Final Season (CBS/Paramount) DVD
The Night Agent: Season 1 (Sony) DVD
Ridley: Season 2 (PBS) DVD
Rubbadubbers: High Noon in the Bathroom (2002 – 2005 UK animated series) (Hit Entertainment) DVD
Rugrats: Season 2 (Nickelodeon/Paramount) DVD