Welcome to another look at highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. This is another busy edition filled with all kinds of big and independent features from a variety of genres. There is certainly something for anyone who reads this column. 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!
CAUGHT STEALING – A bartender is asked to take care of the cat of his punker neighbor, who is going out of town. Soon after, two violent Russian mobsters show up at the door making strange demands. They leave the protagonist in the hospital. A detective arrives and questions the lead. Fearful for his own life and those around him, the barkeep conducts his own investigation, encountering strange and violent individuals along the way. Reviews were good for this crime/dark comedy. A small number complained that the film wasn’t as funny as expected and didn’t care for the troubled characters. However, the vast majority stated that while the story was a basic homage to 90s crime pictures, it featured strong performances, was stylishly delivered and kept them gripped throughout. This title can be purchased as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo or as a standalone Blu-ray. It stars Austin Butler, Matt Smith, Regina King, Zoë Kravitz, Liev Schreiber, Vincent D’Onofrio, Griffin Dunne and Carol Kane. Read a full review of the movie here.
DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE – It has been 15 years since the TV series Downtown Abbey premiered. The show ran for six series and three films (including this final entry). The story picks up with the Crawley family and staff in the 1930s. When Lady Mary gets a divorce from her husband, it causes tension between the family and community. They host a dinner party to get important figures on Mary’s side, while other storylines between notable characters are wrapped up. The press responded positively to this historical drama. A tiny percentage commented that the story was bland and predictable. But the consensus was that the movie looked gorgeous, and the tale provided a warm, emotional closure for its characters. There are several versions being made available. A 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set, a standalone Blu-ray only, a Downton Abbey 3-Film Collection Blu-ray, and a Downton Abbey: The Ultimate Legacy Collection 24-disc Blu-ray set, which is an Amazon exclusive. The cast includes Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Raquel Cassidy, Paul Copley, Michelle Dockery, Brendan Coyle, Kevin Doyle, Michael Fox, Paul Giamatti, Elizabeth McGovern, and many others.
EDEN – Based on a true story, this tale from Ron Howard (Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, Cinderella Man) is set in the 1930s and follows a European couple frustrated with the modern world. They and other settlers decide to move to a remote location in the Galapagos Islands and start life anew. However, it isn’t long before the different views between group members come into conflict and result in misbehavior and eventually a lack of food. Critics were mixed about the picture, although it did earn more positive notices than negative ones. Almost half thought the characters were overly simple and also found the drama and satirical elements at odds. However, the majority were intrigued by the bizarre but accurate story, and appreciated that the movie took risks and didn’t follow a conventional path. It features Jude Law, Vanessa Kirby, Daniel Bruhl, Ana de Armas, Sydney Sweeney, Richard Roxburgh and Toby Wallace.
FREAKIER FRIDAY – This sequel to the 2003 Disney comedy (which was a remake of a 1976 feature from the studio) reintroduces viewers to the mother and daughter who once swapped bodies. The daughter is now a music producer and parent, while raising her own teen and prepping for a new marriage. But there’s tension in the house, as the teen’s potential sister-in-law is her class rival. A bizarre accident causes all four ladies to swap bodies. They must work together to correct the situation. Notices were decent for this follow-up. About one-quarter of write-ups stated that the movie rehashed a lot of the jokes and situations from the original, resulting in a forgettable film. Still, most enjoyed seeing the two leads together on screen and found the picture to be breezy fun with a positive message. Jame Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, Mark Harmon, Manny Jacinto, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Christina Vidal, Haley Hudson, Chad Michael Murray, X Mayo and Vanessa Bayer headline the film. You can read a full review of the movie here.
HIM – After a young football player shows incredible promise, a legendary quarterback nearing retirement asks if the youngster would like to visit his training facility. The excited athlete agrees and is taken to a remote compound, where he is put through numerous, increasingly strange challenges. It isn’t long before the new arrival wonders if the veteran might have sinister plans for him. This horror picture didn’t score a touchdown with the press. Roughly one-third of reviewers did write that the movie looked spectacular and was intrigued as it showed the desperation a legendary great will resort to in order to stay famous. Alas, everyone else wrote that while the movie introduced plenty of interesting ideas, it didn’t handle any of them effectively, and noted that the story became more and more ridiculous as it progressed. The film is available in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo, a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook, or a standalone Blu-ray. It stars Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker and Jim Jeffreis.
LIGHT OF THE WORLD – This feature was set for release a few weeks ago, but was delayed at the last minute and is now arriving this week. It’s a faith-based animated family feature that tells the story of Jesus from the point-of-view of the young Apostle John. When the boy’s father falls into debt, the youth searches for a way to help. The protagonist meets the divine figure and decides to follow his teachings. He witnesses the deity’s beginnings, right through his crucifixion and resurrection. Most critics recommended the movie. A few voices stated that the picture was well-intentioned, but very blunt and obvious in its attempts to convert young viewers into followers. Still, most felt that the animation was stylish and slick, and thought that telling the story through the eyes of a child added a unique element to the storytelling. The voice cast includes Ian Hanlin, Benjamin Jacobson and Michael Benyaer.
THE NAKED GUN – Those familiar with the 1980s will fondly remember The Naked Gun series, starring Leslie Neilson as an entertainingly inept police detective stopping various criminals. In this chapter, the son of Neilson’s character has followed in his late dad’s footsteps and is a detective for the LAPD. When an employee for a tech billionaire is murdered, the protagonist investigates and uncovers a ridiculously elaborate conspiracy. This comedy earned a great deal of good press. A small number didn’t think the latest follow-up was memorable and simply consisted of a series of blunt and obvious gags. Yet everyone else was pleasantly surprised, stating that the lead was perfectly cast, the pacing was zippy, and the picture contained an endless supply of silly gags that mostly hit the mark. The movie is available in a 4K Ultra HD package, as well as a Blu-ray only release. The cast includes Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, Danny Huston, CCH Pounder and Kevin Durant.
PRISONER OF WAR – In this period action flick set at the end of World War II, a British SAS officer is taken captive by Japanese forces. He is placed in a Philippine POW camp run by a vicious general. As the conflict comes to an end, the hungry, depleted captives are prepared for the Bataan Death March. As if that wasn’t bad enough, those in charge set up a series of death matches between the prisoners for their amusement. But the lead hatches a plan to escape and take revenge. This low-budget action picture earned more recommendations than pans. About one-third of write-ups found the story so serious and grim that the entire effort was a slog to endure. However, the majority thought that the picture delivered some excellent fight scenes and solid performances that helped raise it above the usual direct-to-disc fare. Scott Adkins, Peter Shinkoda, Michael Copo< Donald Cerrone and Gabbi Garcia headline the picture.
RED SONJA – Here is another title that was pushed back two weeks. It is a retelling of Marvel comic book warrior Red Sonja (who last appeared onscreen in 1985). A young woman’s village is destroyed by a tyrant. She is captured, picked out to be a gladiator and is trained to fight like a warrior. The protagonist eventually unites other outcasts in the kingdom to destroy the ruler and his minions. Critics were only slightly more positive than negative on this version of the story. Almost half commented that the budget was too slim and it suffered from poor visual effects. They also noted that the humorless tone didn’t help matters. Still, slightly more wrote that even though the movie was uneven, the lead performer’s charisma helped the movie deliver enough effective sword-and-sandal mayhem to earn it a recommendation. It stars Matilda Lutz, Robert Sheehan, Wallis Day, Luca Pasqualino and Michael Bisping.
SOON – An aspiring vlogger finds himself in deep financial trouble. He is facing eviction, can’t build an audience and is shunned by his family. One day, he runs into an old college acquaintance and sparks fly. The lead begins dating the woman and she assists him in making his online channel popular. But strange packages from an unknown sender begin arriving at the door that relate to a decades-old mystery. It all leads to a potentially deadly situation. This low-budget indie effort has only been seen by a couple of reviewers, but so far reaction has been upbeat. They note that the film was made on a very modest budget, resulting in some technical wobbles. But they also insist that the plot is clever, there is a good twist or two, and the movie effectively examines the problems that arise for vloggers desperate for followers. Dominik Alesia, Anna Roemer and Keith Kelly headline the picture.
SPINAL TAP II: THE END CONTINUES – This follow-up to the 1982 comedy classic is, like its predecessor, a mockumentary following the title hard-rock band. More than 40 years after the previous chapter, documentarian Marty DiBergi (played by director Rob Reiner) finds that the members have all gone their separate ways, but are now contractually obligated to perform one last show. Cameras follow the group as they reform, rehearse and bicker. More reviewers enjoyed the picture than disliked it. About one-third thought the movie didn’t compare to the original and consisted of informal improvisations that didn’t land. Yet the consensus was that, as long as you didn’t expect the film to match its predecessor, it did deliver some hilarious moments, amusing characters and an entertaining tune or two. You can pick up a Blu-ray only version or 4K Ultra HD only Steelbook of the film. Besides Reiner, it features Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, Valerie Franco, C.J. Vanston, Fran Drescher, Don Lake, John Michael Higgins, Chris Addison, Paul Schaffer, Garth Brooks, Questlove, Trisha Yearwood, Chad Smith, Lars Ulrich, Elton John and Paul McCartney. Read a detailed review of the feature right here.
TOGETHER – A couple experiencing martial problems decide to move out to a small town. They go for a hike in the woods and fall into a cave. Before reaching safety, the husband consumes water and after falling asleep, the pair awaken to find themselves temporarily stuck together. They return home, only to learn the disturbing history of the cave. They also find the same sticky problems recurring as their personal issues become more pronounced. Reviewers gave this horror picture high marks. A few voices claimed that the supernatural elements didn’t gel with the relationship drama and had a hard time getting involved. But all others described the movie as a compelling body-horror tale with excellent performances, dark humor and disturbing chills as it examined codependent relationships. The movie is available in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set or as a standalone Blu-ray. It stars Dave Franco, Alison Brie, Damon Harriman and Mia Morrissey.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
Those looking for something older will also find plenty of options. Arrow Video is presenting a 4K Ultra HD only and a Blu-ray only “Limited Edition” of the hit Jim Carrey comedy, The Mask (1994). Based on the comic book of the same name, an introverted bank teller finds a Norse mask that transforms him into a green-faced, zoot-suit wearing prankster with magical abilities. He faces off against a mobster who wants the mask for himself. While not a big-budgeted effort, the comedy was the fourth highest-grossing film of 1994, delivering plenty of laughs and fantastic moments. The feature also marked the screen debut of Camerion Diaz.
For this release, the original 35mm negative was given a 4K scan and restoration. It is presented in Dolby Vision and the final product has been approved by director Chuck Russell (A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, The Blob, Eraser, The Scorpion King). It arrives with an archival director commentary, an archival track featuring the filmmaker and New Line studio co-chairman Bob Shaye, as well as various crew members. There is a newly shot discussion with Russell, as well as the various writers who worked on the project, the visual effects supervisor, editor, and co-star Amy Yasbeck. There is also an interview with the dance choreographer featuring never-before-seen- rehearsal footage. And if that wasn’t enough, there is a video essay on the movie, archival featurettes, deleted scenes with optional director commentary, and a ton of publicity materials. It all comes with a booklet with essays on the movie, a double-sided foldout poster with two original art pieces for the movie, postcard-sized art cards, and a reversible sleeve. Read a detailed review of this disc here.
Criterion is putting out the great documentary Burden of Dreams (1982) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo set, as well as a Blu-ray only release. This movie chronicles director Wermer Herzog getting in over his head while making the film Fitzcarraldo in South America with difficult performer Klaus Kinski. Some crazy things happened during the shoot, and this movie captures most of it. You’ll get a 4K picture restoration approved by the son of the documentary’s director, an archival commentary with the filmmaker, editor and sound recordist and Herzog. An interview with Herzog is also a bonus, as well as a 1980 short from the director in which Herzog loses a bet, after which he cooks and eats his own shoe (it’s another eccentric story). Deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes photos and a trailer are included, as is a film scholar essay.
Sirius (1942) aka Szíriusz is a Hungarian science-fiction film about a scientist who invents a time travel machine and takes a journey, only to cause problems for all. Deaf Crocodile is putting out a Blu-ray of this title that features a new picture restoration, rare behind-the-scenes footage of the production, and an interview with a film historian on the making and preservation of the title. It also comes with a video essay on the feature, a movie expert commentary track, and more.
Film noir fans can pick up Kansas City Confidential (1952) as a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray from Film Masters. This tale follows an ex-con who is framed for a crime he didn’t commit and must square off against the real culprits. The disc includes a film historian commentary and liner notes.
The low-budget British horror film Frightmare (1974) is arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber. It tells the story of a former asylum patient who moves to the country. The elderly woman is driven to madness once again by those around her and goes on a rampage. This release contains an archival director commentary and an archival film historian track, as well as a talk with the director, an interview with the main character in the film, discussions with the editor in addition to another cast member. A trailer is also included.
Kit Parker Films is presenting a Blu-ray called Laurel & Hardy – The Definitive Restorations Volume 2, which is full of shorts featuring the comedy duo that were made between 1929 and 1935. It comes with a ton of extra features like commentary tracks, lost versions of the shorts, promo footage, rare trailers and much more.
If you head over to the Lionsgate Limited website, they are offering a new exclusive release of a modern horror classic. The Descent (2005) is arriving as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook only through the site. It follows a group of female friends who decide to go spelunking in a massive cave. First, they get lost in the tunnels, and then discover that they are not alone. It’s an incredibly tense and effective chiller that will send chills down the spine of any viewer. The release contains a 4K Ultra HD restoration in Dolby Vision of the feature on both the director’s cut and theatrical version. New featurettes on the film’s legacy and the score are included, as well as an archival behind-the-scenes, outtakes, deleted and extended scenes, director and crew commentaries, featurettes on the actors and effects, storyboard and scenes comparisons, a trailer gallery, and more.
Mondo Macabro is delivering a Blu-ray of Café Flesh (1982) which is described as a dystopian adult film. It contains a 4K restoration of 35mm materials of the movie in two aspect ratios, as well as an audio commentary with the director/co-writer, discussions with various individuals on the production.
Eva Man (1980) and The Return of Eva Man (1982) is getting a “Standard Edition” from the distributor. These are Italian/Spanish comedy/action co-productions with a hermaphrodite as the lead character. For this edition, a new 4K restoration was made from the original camera negative. There is a film expert commentary, interview with star, a visual essay, discussion with the sound recordist, an alternative ending, and a short film among other extras.
Paramount Pictures is delivering Friday the 13th: 8-Movie Collection “Limited Edition” Blu-ray Steelbook, which is exactly what it sounds like… the first eight movies, made between 1980 and 1989 in the series in a Steelbook package.
The Killer Must Kill Again (1975) aka L’assassino è Costretto ad Uccidere Ancora is an Italian giallo arriving on Blu-ray from Rustblade. This is considered one of director Luigi Cozzi’s best titles (he also made Starcrash, Contamination, and Hercules). It’s about an adulterer who makes a deal with a serial killer to wipe out his wife and other problem-people in his life. Unfortunately, things don’t go according to plan. Not much is written about the specs on the disc, except that this is a fully restored transfer, this definitive edition preserves the director’s original vision.
A little while back, Samuel Goldwyn Films debuted a Blu-ray of the recent, well-regarded French retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo (2024). The movie is now being upgraded with a 4K Ultra HD-only release. No word on specs for this title yet.
It’s another busy week for Shout Factory. First there is a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray rerelease of the classic werewolf picture The Howling (1981) in Steelbook. The contents are the same as in the “Collector’s Edition”, only in new packaging. The same is true for the recent horror/comedy Renfield (2023) with Nicholas Hoult and Nicolas Cage. A 2-disc 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set arrived roughly a year ago, and now a Steelbook version is available.
As for new titles, the Oliver Stone biopic Snowden (2016) with Joseph Godron-Levitt is being released as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray “Collector’s Edition” set. It details the life of ex-CIA agent Edward Snowden and his leak of classified documents to the press. The feature has been given a 4K restoration from the original elements and is presented in Dolby Vision. Additionally, it arrives with new interviews with director/co-writer Stone, two producers, the cinematographer and a co-editor. And, archival bonuses from earlier versions are included, like a director commentary, a featurette, an interview with Snowden himself, deleted scenes and a trailer.
Spotlight (2015) won the Academy Award for Best Picture a decade ago, and now it’s appearing in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set from the distributor. This is a biopic that examines the work of Boston Globe reporters in uncovering a long history of child abuse committed by prominent leaders within the Catholic Church. The film is newly presented in 4K UHD with Dolby Vision, and extras include a roundtable discussion from the movie’s creators about the story, a look inside the production, and another featurette on the state of journalism.
Many horror fans are subscribers of the Shudder streaming service, who pick up and distribute a number of exclusive chillers. This week you can purchase Shudder: A Decade of Fear Blu-ray set, which contains several of the company’s famous titles over the past ten years. You’ll get Terrified (2017), The Mortuary Collection (2019), Caveat (2020), Host (2020), The Dark and the Wicked (2021), Mad God (2021), V/H/S 94 (2021), Skinamarink (2022), Late Night with the Devil (2023) and In a Violent Nature (2024). One assumes the contents will be the same as the individual releases, only together in one box.
Speaking of box sets, here’s a notable release from Sony. The Luc Besson Collection is a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray compilation featuring a number of titles from visionary filmmaker Besson. It contains Le Dernier Combat (1983) aka The Last Battle, Subway (1985), The Big Blue (1988), La Femme Nikita (1990), the documentary Atlantis (1991), Leon: The Professional (1994), The Fifth Element (1997), The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999), and Angel-A (2005). There are some fantastic titles in this set. Notes on the release state it includes hours of in-depth looks behind the scenes, new cast and crew interviews and more. In fact, several of the titles included have between one hour and two hours of retrospective interviews.
Those who appreciate campy low-budget genre flicks can pick up a Blu-ray of Sharks of the Corn (2021) from SRS Cinema. It’s exactly what it sounds like… a picture set at a Kentucky farm in which sharks begin appearing and attacking locals. The disc comes with a 90-minute making-of, a documentary, a music video, and a trailer.
Anyone who is already getting excited about the holidays will be pleased that Universal Studios is presenting Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (2000) as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set, and 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray “Limited Edition” Steelbook. This is the live-action redo starring Jim Carrey as the title character. This is to commemorate the film’s 25th anniversary, so in addition to delivering a 4K Ultra HD image in Dolby Vision, it also features all previously released bonuses and a new retrospective feature with director Ron Howard, producer Brian Grazer, make-up artist Rich Baker and cast member Taylor Momsen.
Those looking for something scarier can pick up a new edition of Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023), also from Universal. A 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray “Limited Edition” Steelbook is available, as well as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray “Ultimate Collector’s Edition” Steelbook with IconArt that is an Amazon exclusive.
The studio is also releasing the World War II submarine picture U-571 (2000) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set, as well as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook. The movie boasts an impressive cast including Matthew McConaughey, Bill Paxton, Harvey Keitel, Jon Bon Jovi, David Keith, Thomas Krestschmann, Jake Weber and many more. Beside the improved picture quality and Dolby Vision presentation, you’ll get numerous archival features like a director commentary, and production featurettes.
Warner Bros. is proud to announce the release of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) on 4K Ultra HD only and in a 4K Ultra HD Steelbook package, all to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Considered by many to be one of the greatest films ever made, the title won the top five categories at the Academy Awards. This edition presents a new 4K restoration of the film and contains a lengthy archival behind-the-scenes look at how the movie was slowly developed over the years. Additionally, there are deleted scenes. New bonuses include talks with producer Michael Douglas, Danny DeVito, Christopher Lloyd and Brad Dourif on the casting process, and more conversations with the four sharing their experiences working with star Jack Nicholson and director Milos Foreman (Hair, Amadeus, The People vs. Larry Flint, Man on the Moon).
And Warner Bros. is re-releasing the Superman I-IV Film Collection, which contains 4K Ultra HDs and Blu-rays of all the Christipher Reeve films from the 1978 original to Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) and the 2006 recut of Superman II, all presented in the highest possible quality. Expect all the contents of the disc to be identical to earlier versions.
Finally, VCI is delivering a Blu-ray of Out of Season (1975) with Vanessa Redgrave, Susan George and Cliff Robertson. The women play a mother and daughter who run a hotel together. When the mother’s long-lost lover arrives to reconnect, a strange love triangle develops.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
There isn’t much for kids this week. The closest thing is the below title, which is geared for tweens.
Freakier Friday (Disney) Blu-ray
ON THE TUBE!
Below is a list of the latest TV-themed releases.
Creepshow: The Complete Series (4 seasons) (Shudder) Blu-ray
The Morning Show: Seasons 1 & 2 (Fifth Season) Blu-ray
Rick & Morty: Season 8 (Warner Bros.) Blu-ray
Ted Lasso: The Richmond Way (Warner Bros.) 4K Ultra HD
Two and a Half Men: The Complete Series (Warner Bros.) Blu-ray
