Welcome to another look at some of the highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. After a couple of lean editions, things are beginning to pick up. There are plenty of major studio pictures and notable independents appearing on disc. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
BIG NEW RELEASES!
AZRAEL – Set in a land where no one speaks, this tale follows a young woman on the run from her devoutly religious community. This is because it appears that they have chosen her to be sacrificed to an evil presence living in the wilderness. As the group closes in, the protagonist does all she can to avoid capture and find out what the demonic force in the trees really is. Critics were generally positive about this independent horror picture. Just over one-quarter of them did say the characters weren’t properly developed and that the end result didn’t make much sense. However, the majority greatly enjoyed the lead performances and called the movie zippy, atmospheric and creepy, delivering chills and thrills. It stars Samara Weaving, Vic Carmen Sonne, Narthan Stewart-Jarrett, Eero Milonoff and Sebastian Bull.
DARK SANCTUARY: THE STORY OF THE CHURCH – Goths may be interested in this documentary that tells the sorted history of one of the longest running goth clubs in the US. The Church/Lizard Lounge opened in Dallas, Texas and became a popular home for artists and those involved in this alternative movement. The doc suggests that despite the venue’s incredible popularity, it did draw negative attention and struggled to survive after the gentrification of the area. Apparently, the title includes interviews from those who ran the club, as well as others who attended and played there. This feature hasn’t been shown to critics yet, so there is no word yet on how effective or informative it is. The movie will be debuting on disc this week and will later be available In April to stream online.
ELEVATION – This chiller is set in the Rocky Mountains after a devastating attack has left the world decimated. A single father lives in the hills with his son and other survivors at a “safe” elevation. When his youngster gets sick, the dad is forced to sneak down into the city of Boulder to find medicine that can save the child. He is joined by two women in his quest as they square off against monstrous forces. The press was split on this title. Almost half noted that there were many similarities between this picture and another very popular franchise. They stated that the movie was derivative, repetitive and lackluster. The same number and a few more liked the cast, thought the picture was well-paced and liked that the script was focused on its characters rather than the creatures. It features Anthony Mackie, Morena Baccarin, Maddie Hasson and Danny Boyd Jr..
HERE – Ever wondered about the place where you live and who resided there beforehand? This drama from Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Forrest Gump, Cast Away, The Polar Express) features a camera set in one location from the beginning of time until present day. Viewers see the area develop over thousands of years before focusing on a home being built on one plot of land. The movie shows various people and families residing in the living room and witness their personal struggles. Reaction toward this feature was more negative than positive. Those who enjoyed it admired the ambitious concept and technical wizardry, also commenting that the stars were engaging and the film successfully showed the trials and pain of existence. Alas, more found the feature gimmicky, overly sentimental and a little too focused on its storytelling method to deliver a moving or engaging story. Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Paul Bettany, Kelly Reilly and Michelle Dockery headline the film. Read a full review of the movie here.
HERETIC – Two teenage Mormons are tasked with finding people to convert to their religion. The pair end up in contact with a middle-aged man who invites them into his home. After accepting his offer, he begins questioning their faith. They argue for some time, eventually hoping to make a hasty retreat. But as it turns out, the host doesn’t want the conversation to end and intensely questions and tests their beliefs. This horror film was well-received by the press. A few voices didn’t appreciate the discussion, stating that it became repetitive, and also felt that the final act resorted to genre cliches. However, the vast majority loved the performances and were amused by the mind games and back-and-forth between the characters. They summarized that it was a unique and entertaining chiller. It stars Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East and Topher Grace. Read a detailed review of the movie right here.
A LEGEND – The latest action/adventure picture with Jackie Chan is this fantasy that is a sequel to the Hong Kong films The Myth and Kung Fu Yoga from 2005 and 2017. The fantasy series involves an archeology professor who discovers a jade that transports him thousands of years back to the Western Han Dynasty. After the last two films, the lead returns with his assistant to find out more about the era and what really occurred there. There haven’t been many reviews for this title yet and the ones that have appeared are lukewarm. Almost all state that while it’s lavishly produced, the lead characters are very passive, appearing to watch and react to historical events rather than getting involved. They also complain that, for a good part of the movie, the star has been de-aged and that these effects aren’t convincing. Besides Chan, it features Bextiyar Gülnezer, Yixing Zhang and Chen Li.
MONSTER SUMMER – A group of teens on Martha’s Vineyard do their best to make great memories over the summer. But when one of the group members is attacked by what he claims is a monster, he stops interacting with his friends and acts vacantly. Concerned, they decide to investigate, hiring a local retired detective to help them. They all soon realize that their hometown is being overrun by monsters. This independent effort earned slightly more upbeat notices than negative ones. A good number complained that it felt like a low-budget Stranger Things and was formulaic. But slightly more were amused and thought that the picture would appeal to preteens and delivered enough thrills and chills to entertain them. For the time being, this is a DVD-only release (it can also be streamed). The cast includes Mel Gibson, Mason Thames, Julian Lerner, Abby James Witherspoon, Lorraine Bracco, Patrick Renna and Kevin James.
THE RETURN – Based on Homer’s Odyssey (the first work of literature ever published), this mythic tale follows Odysseus, who leads his army to victory in the Trojan War but disappears almost immediately afterwards. Ten years pass and the figure’s wife begins to feel pressure to remarry and, in the process, bring a new leader to the land. As tensions rise, a man washes on shore claiming to be Odysseus. He quietly travels the land, telling his story and planning his next political move. This drama was generally well-received. Almost one-quarter of reviewers stated the film was visually beautiful but that the drama and intrigue was flat, also lacking an epic scope and feel. Yet most admired the work of the two leads, noting that the film was low-key but sharply written and interesting, resulting in a compelling and tragic tale. Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Charlie Plummer and Marwan Kenzari headline the picture.
RUMOURS – The leaders of the G7 get together for a summit at the beginning of this satirical horror picture to address a global crisis facing the world. While they are in attendance, they’re shown the recently discovered mummified remains of bodies in a nearby bog. As the group attempts to find common ground at the meeting, the deceased beings rise and attack. The world leaders begin to panic as they search for safety. This international co-production also earned solid notices from critics. About one-quarter commented that the film was slowly paced, the characters were irritating and the humor wasn’t particularly sharp or witty. However, the majority suggested that the movie was completely unique and effectively skewered world leaders, delivering a number of enjoyably wild and bizarre moments. It stars Cate Blanchett, Roy Dupuis, Denis Menochet, Charles Dance, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Takehiro Hira and Alicia Vikander.
SMILE 2 – This is a sequel to a 2022 horror hit about a supernatural entity that curses people to death while possessing strangers with a menacing grin. This follow-up involves a popular pop star recovering from drug addiction and prepping a comeback tour. When she throws her back out, she meets with a drug dealer carrying the curse. The panicked individual tries out several tricks to save herself from meeting a nasty end. Surprisingly, response to this effort was even more upbeat than it was for the original. A small number stated that the script frequently broke the rules of the hex and that it was an ordinary, unmemorable chiller. Still, the consensus was that the film was entertaining and visually dynamic, as well as being more consistent and jolting than its predecessor. The title is available as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray or a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook. It features Naomi Scott, Rosemarie DeWitt, Lukas Gage, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Peter Jacobson and Drew Barrymore.
THE SUBSTANCE – An aging celebrity famous for her workout program gets desperate after learning that her boss wants to replace her. She takes a black-market drug that creates a younger replica of herself. There is a catch however, as this separate entity must share half of the individual’s life while the other goes into stasis. Things start on a positive note, but both soon want to stay active, leading to a grotesque series of physical maladies. The press was enamored of this extreme horror/comedy. A small number believed that while the movie started well, it became overlong and repetitive, with the exaggerated climax distracting from the intended message. However, everyone else wrote that this was an impressive and memorable body-horror film with incredible performances that deftly mixed humor and graphic events in a striking manner. Those interested can purchase a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack or a standalone Blu-ray. The cast includes Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid, Gore Abrams and Oscar Lesage.
VENOM: THE LAST DANCE – This is the final chapter (for now) in this superhero trilogy from the Marvel Spider-Man universe. Now on the run, Venom symbiote host and ex-reporter Eddie Brock tries to hide out in alternate universes. The strange duo return home when they learn that a deadly alien named Knull is plotting to wipe out their world. His ultimate goal is to take a Codex hidden in Venom. Response was all over the place, with the film receiving more negative reactions than positive ones. Close to half found it to be a funny and unusual buddy picture with laughs and the, at times, surprisingly sweet and affecting sentiment. But more called it a weak entry, being excessively silly, choppy and lacking in creative spark. They were happy that this was the supposed end of the franchise. Multiple editions of the film are available, including a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray pack, a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray “Collector’s Edition” Steelbook, a regular Blu-ray and a “3-Movie Collection” Blu-ray. Tom Hardy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Alanna Ubach, Rhys Ifans, Stephen Graham and Peggy Lu headline the picture. Read a detailed review of the movie by clicking this link.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
Plenty of impressive older films can also be purchased this week. 88 Films is presenting a Blu-ray and DVD pack of Love & Crime (1969). This is a Japanese horror anthology featuring four bizarre and disturbing acts committed by women during various historical eras. The disc includes an introduction by a movie expert, a film historian commentary track, a stills gallery, a trailer and new and original packaging art for the film.
Arrow Video is releasing a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD or “Limited Edition” Blu-ray only of The Cell (2000). This visually stylish thriller tells the story of a psychologist who is recruited by the FBI to literally enter the mind of a serial killer in order to prevent him from striking again. This edition contains filmmaker approved 4K transfers of both the 107-minute theatrical cut and 109-minute director’s cut. There is also a bonus disc with an unseen version of the movie with an alternate aspect ratio and grading created by the cinematographer (with a 2K scan).
It also comes with an archival director commentary, an archival crew audio track, a new film scholar commentary and a recently recorded screenwriter track. Additionally, there is a feature-length interview with the director, an in-depth talk with the cinematographer, numerous visual essays on the movie, archival featurettes, deleted/extended scenes, promotional materials, a book featuring new writing on the movie and unique packaging with a reversible sleeve containing new and original art for the feature. Sounds like a packed edition!
The Grifters (1990) is a brilliant neo-noir from Stephen Frears (My Beautiful Laundrette, Dangerous Liaisons, High Fidelity, Philomena) about a conman who is torn between his mother and girlfriend (the two are also criminals looking for a big score). It’s an incredibly twisty and dark effort, featuring great performances from Anjelica Huston, John Cusack and Annette Bening. Criterion is making a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray package and Blu-ray edition available. The picture restoration is approved by the cinematographer, and this edition contains a commentary with Frears, Cusack, Huston and the production designer, as well as a new interview with Bening. You’ll also get a making-of doc, cast and crew interviews, a biography of the author of the book upon which the movie is based, and a trailer.
Kino is putting out several titles as well. The comedy/slasher April Fool’s Day (1986) is getting a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray release. It features a group of college friends vacationing at a friend’s island home who find themselves being targeted by a mysterious figure. The picture is newly restored from the original camera negative. A critic commentary is featured as an extra, along with two lengthy interviews with the director, a couple of cast interviews, a discussion with the composer, a talk with the cinematographer, as well as trailers and TV spots for the movie.
Fade In (1968) is a TV-movie starring Burt Reynolds a few years before he became a box office sensation with Smokey and the Bandit. He plays a cowboy hired to work on a film set and ends up wooing a Hollywood film editor in the process. The image quality on this Blu-ray is significantly upgraded with a 4K restoration from Paramount Pictures. It also comes with a producer commentary, an entertainment journalist commentary, newly commissioned cover art and a slipcase for the disc.
If you enjoy cheesy B-movies, the Invasion of the Bee Girls (1973) Blu-ray might fit the bill. The story involves a bee-like alien force that possesses human women and tries to get them to kill men by wearing them out in the, err, bedroom. This title arrives with a film historian commentary, two trailers and a slipcase for the disc.
Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts will appreciate the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray edition of Murder by Decree (1979). Chirstopher Plummer plays Holmes and James Mason is Watson in this mystery that finds the sleuth hunting down Jack the Ripper. The cast also includes Donald Sutherland, Genevieve Bujold, John Gielgud, David Hemmings, Susan Clark and Frank Finlay. The improved UHD master is by Studio Canal and the bonuses include a director commentary, a film historian commentary, a trailer and a cardboard sleeve.
Reindeer Games (2000) is also arriving in 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack, as well as a Blu-ray only disc. This silly but fun thriller follows an ex-con whose cell mate is stabbed days before both are released from prison. When he runs into his buddy’s fetching pen-pal, he assumes the identity of the man, only to become trapped in the middle of a Christmas heist run by the woman’s brother. The story isn’t plausible, but the cast is great and the movie is filled with amusing double-crosses. It stars Ben Affleck, Charlize Theron, Gary Sinise, Dennis Farina, James Frain, Clarence Williams III, Donal Logue, Danny Trejo and Isaac Hayes and is directed by the late, great John Frankenheimer (Birdman of Alcatraz, The Manchurian Candidate, Seconds, French Connection II, Black Sunday, Ronin). You’ll get a 4K Ultra HD upgrade of the theatrical cut and a Blu-ray of the director’s cut, as well as an archival Frankenheimer commentary track, behind-the-scenes featurette and trailer.
Lionsgate is rereleasing some great Quentin Tarantino films. Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster, Bridget Fonda. Michael Keaton, Robert De Niro and Chris Tucker star in the underrated Jackie Brown (1997), which you can now pick up in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set or a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray exclusive Steelbook. It follows a stewardess who gets caught in the middle of a showdown between cops and drug dealers. Besides the 4K Dolby Vision picture upgrade, you’ll get hours of previously released bonus material.
Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003) and Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004) is also arriving in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set or in a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook. This a revenge movie from Tarantino about a woman (Uma Thurman) seeking vengeance after being betrayed and shot at her own wedding. David Carradine, Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox, Michael Madsen and Daryl Hannah make up the cast for this two-part feature. In addition to the 4K Dolby Vision presentation, these movies come with a making-of, musical performances, trailers, and, on the second title, a deleted scene.
The distributor is also presenting a “Limited Edition” Mr. Pink 4K Ultra HD Steelbook of Reservoir Dogs (1992), Tarantino’s first movie. It’s a violent, gripping heist movie with Tim Roth and Harvey Keitel that boldly introduced the filmmaker. Extras on this edition should be identical to previous versions.
Kit Parker Films is delivering a Blu-ray called Saddle Up Western Double Feature that contains Apache Rifles (1964) and Panhandle (1948). Remastered for this release in 4K, Audie Murphy stars in the first title and Rod Cameron headlines the other.
Shelf Life (1993) is a dark comedy from Paul Bartel (Death Race 2000, Eating Raoul) about a couple who disappear into a nuclear fall-out shelter. 30 years later, their surviving children exit and try to come to terms with the modern world. This “Special Edition” Blu-ray of the film is from Liberation Hall and features a cast commentary, Q&A with the performers, a second Q&A and publicity materials.
Unearthed Films is releasing Feed (2005) on Blu-ray. This Australian horror picture from director Brett Leonard (The Lawnmower Man, Virtuosity) is about a cybercrime investigator hunting a killer who force feeds women to death. The disc includes a director commentary, deleted scenes, an alternate ending, a final day of the shoot interview with the moviemaker, cast discussions, a featurette and promo material.
VCI is delivering a “Collector’s Edition” Blu-ray of Impact (1949) film noir. Brian Donlevy stars as a man who learns that his wife is planning on murdering him while they’re vacationing in Lake Tahoe. He tries to turn the tables on her.
You can also pick up a Blu-ray called Poverty Row Classics which includes the voodoo/horror feature King of the Zombies (1941) and World War II thriller Miss V From Moscow (1942).
And finally, Warner Bros. is rereleasing the recent drama Till (2022) as a single-disc Blu-ray. The movie stars Danielle Deadwyler and tells the true story of Emmett Louis Till, and the legacy of this mother who pursued justice for him.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
If you’re looking for some kid-friendly animation, you have one option (but you will be able to really stock up on the show if you like it).
Arthur and the Minimoys: Season 1 (Dreamscape Media) DVD
Arthur and the Minimoys: Season 2 (Dreamscape Media) DVD
Arthur and the Minimoys: Season 3 (Dreamscape Media) DVD
ON THE TUBE!
Below is a list of the week’s TV-related releases.
Arthur and the Minimoys: Season 1 (Dreamscape Media) DVD
Arthur and the Minimoys: Season 2 (Dreamscape Media) DVD
Arthur and the Minimoys: Season 3 (Dreamscape Media) DVD
Fade In (TV-movie) (Kino) Blu-ray
Hallmark 2 Movie Collection: Falling in Love in Niagara, A Whitewater Romance (Hallmark) DVD
NATURE: Lions of the Skeleton Coast (PBS) DVD