Welcome to the year’s final look at highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. With 2026 just a day away, this edition isn’t quite as packed as a typical column. But there are a few noteworthy discs arriving that may be worthy of your attention. 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!
CHRISTMAS EVE IN MILLER’S POINT – Still looking for some holiday-themed entertainment? You can try this dark comedy from 2024. It got a limited release and appeared on various streaming outlets last year in December, but is only now debuting on disc. The story is set on Christmas Eve and follows a bickering, extended family who return to their ancestral home for one final get together before they sell the place. While tensions arise around the table, two teenagers slip outside and try to find their own way to bring joy into their lives. Reaction from the press towards the film was generally positive. A small number found the characters annoying and didn’t think that the script balanced comedic and dramatic elements well. Still, the majority suggested that while the film was overstuffed, there were plenty of great moments and interesting observations about dysfunctional families. It stars Matilda Fleming, Maria Dizzia, Ben Shenkman, Francesca Scorsese, Elsie Fisher, Michael Cera, Gregg Turkington, Sawyer Spielberg, Chris Lazzaro and Caveh Zahedi.
GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK: LIVE FROM BROADWAY – The 2005 film Good Night, and Good Luck was a well- regarded biographic drama set in the 1950s from co-star/co-writer/director George Clooney about tensions between veteran journalist Edward R. Murrow and U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy. McCarthy was an extremist, attempting to spread fear around left-wing viewpoints and mislabeling them as communist ideals. Murrow challenged McCarthy’s views, also noting his contradictory arguments. The journalist ended up being largely responsible for the politician’s downfall. This is a recording of the Broadway stage production of the film. The play was well-received, so it stands to reason that if you liked the original movie, this version of the story might appeal to you as well. The cast includes Geroge Clooney, Ilana Glazer, Clark Gregg, Mac Brandt, Willer Dagger, Christopher Denham, Glenn Flesher and Paul Gross.
HOT SPRING SHARK ATTACK – Initially set to be released a month ago, this picture was unexpectedly delayed and is arriving this week. It’s for those who appreciate ultra-low-budget cheeseball films involving killer sharks. Also known simply as Hotspring Sharkattack, this Japanese comedy follows visitors who start disappearing while at a hot spring resort. The town mayor, a marine biologist, and a grizzled cop discover a new breed of shark that can not only survive in freshwater, but squeeze through narrow waterways. The group tries to stop the menace before all their tourists perish. More reviewers enjoyed this picture than disliked it. About one-third stated that the cliched story, intentionally bad jokes and effects quickly wore out their welcome. However, most thought the film was poking fun at the subgenre’s tropes, resulting in an entertainingly ludicrous and surreal movie experience. And if you like this one, rest assured that a sequel is already in production. The movie features Daniel Aguilar, Shôichirô Akaboshi and Takuya Fujimura.
MARMALADE – This independent British romance/comedy/heist film involves a young, sweet-natured incarcerated man sharing his story with a cellmate. This tale involves him caring for a sickly mother whose medication is unaffordable, as well as a chance meeting with a mysterious young woman named Marmalade. The pair come up with an elaborate robbery plot. In the process of detailing his experiences, he forms a friendship with the other incarcerated man, who claims to be an experienced escape artist. They talk about escaping together, but is either figure exactly who they say they are? About one-fifth of critics didn’t buy into all the twists and turns that occurred during the final act and found the end result unsatisfying. However, the majority were impressed by the work of the cast and the numerous surprises contained in the screenplay. They were also surprised by the amount of heart and charm the movie possessed. It stars Joe Keery, Camila Morrone, Aldis Hodge and Amy Warner.
NEVERMORE: THE RAVEN EFFECT – Wrestling enthusiasts will likely be interested in this documentary that chronicles the career of “Raven” aka Scott Levy, who performed primarily in the ECW league during the 1990s. The rebellious figure was not above causing controversy and getting into trouble both in the ring (which was known for its bloody and extreme matches) and in public. This was,, in part, due to his own excessive lifestyle behind the scenes. Viewers will hear some wild stories from Levy himself about what was occurring behind closed doors during the shows and in the hotels. This feature played at some festivals, but most critics haven’t seen the picture. Online reviews are strong, with many calling it a fascinating documentary with some incredible stories. It includes interviews with Chris Jericho, Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman, DDP, Rob Van Dam, Billy Corgan and many others.
SULTANA’S DREAM – Inspired by a real science-fiction short story written by Rokeya Hussain in 1905, a Spanish artist living in India decides to go on a lengthy journey and learn what inspired the tale and its idea of utopia. As the protagonist travels to new places within the country, she also learns more about author Hossain and how the work came to be created. This animated Spanish feature was produced in 2023. It earned a limited release at theaters at the end of 2024, yet it is only now arriving on disc in North America. All critics who saw the picture enjoyed it. While most admitted that the narrative was light and went on some unnecessary tangents, they called the picture beautifully animated and impressive to watch. Reviewers thought that anyone who might appreciate a more surreal and interpretive storytelling technique would be impressed. The voice cast includes Mary Beard and Miren Arrieta.
YOU ARE NOT ME – After leaving for three years, starting a new life with a partner and welcoming a baby, a woman decides to surprise her estranged family and return to her childhood home for Christmas. She makes a horrible discovery shortly after arriving. While all recognize the protagonist, the woman’s parents have replaced her with an unknown lady whom they treat as their daughter. Tension arises as the lead tries to figure out what is going on, as well as protect her new family. This Spanish chiller was released in its homeland in 2024, before being picked up for North American release this year. All notices for the film have been positive. Write-ups assert that the premise is excellent, creating a slow-burn of tension as the main character attempts to get her family to talk. They also liked the cast and called the final act memorably creepy. The movie stars Pilar Almeria, Alvaro Baguena. Victor Rodriguez Enguidanos and Anna Kurikka.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
If you’re looking for something a bit older, there are plenty of potential options. First off, AGFA is releasing a couple of remarkable clip features. One is Krazee Kidz Video Party Blu-ray, which is a selection of eccentric children’s films made between 1957 and 1965. Specifically, The Big Bad Wolf (1957), a take on the “Little Red Riding Hood” fairy tale made in West Germany, and Kingdom of Crooked Mirrors (1963) from the U.S.S.R., as well as the notoriously amateurish independent Philadelphia production, Fun in Balloon Land (1965). You’ll also get an unaired pilot for a 1960s kid’s show called Polly Pockets (which has nothing to do with the toy line), and finally, the campy, animated feature The Princess and the Magic Frog (1965). The picture for these efforts was preserved from the original 1990s “Something Weird” S-VHS tape masters, and they come with trailers and eccentric child-themed drive-in spots.
The Movie Orgy (1968) is actually one of the week’s biggest titles. This film is famous for being one of the most noteworthy unreleased titles out there. Vinegar Syndrome announced its Blu-ray release a month ago, and advance copies quickly sold out, so one hopes it’ll be repressed very shortly (one notable retailer states they will be stocking it in late January).
So, what is so important about this effort? Well, many consider it the first found-footage picture. Future director Joe Dante (Gremlins, Innerspace, The ‘Burbs) and future producer Jon Davison (Robocop) found and went through a massive collection of 16mm reels, cutting together moments from television programs and B-movies of the 1950s and 1960s, as well as commercials, music clips, newsreels, blooper outtakes, satiric short films and promotional and government films. According to the press synopsis, they pieced bits and pieces together in a fascinating way. Segments primarily culled from about a dozen other films and programs are increasingly intercut to create the effect of a single disjointed story in which numerous monsters and assorted social menaces seem to inflict themselves simultaneously on various American cities and towns.
The title runs well over four hours and apparently, it’s extremely entertaining. So much so that Dante for decades, would periodically show it to packed houses around Los Angeles. No one ever thought it could be officially licensed or released, but here it is. The original 16mm film elements were used for this transfer with digital SD inserts used for missing footage. There is an introduction to the feature with Joe Dante, and a trailer. Sounds phenomenal. Please manufacture some more copies, guys!
Beast Wishes: The Fantastic World of Bob and Kathy Burns (2012) is arriving on Blu-ray from Anchor Bay Entertainment. The documentary tells the story of Bob and Kathy Bruns, the goodwill ambassadors of science-fiction film fandom, and features interviews with Joe Dante, John Landis and Rick Baker.
The distributor is also releasing a Blu-ray of Long Live the King (2016), a look at the history of King Kong on screen and the character’s enduring popularity. The movie contains interviews with dozens of celebrated writers, artists and filmmakers (including the busy Joe Dante), who speak about the character and its enduring legacy.
Film Movement is putting out Girls Town (1996) on Blu-ray. It’s a coming-of-age tale about a group of high school seniors that stars Lili Taylor. The film has received a new 4K image restoration for this release, and arrives with a making-of featurette, a discussion with the director, select scene commentaries with cast and crew, as well as a trailer. A 20-page booklet is also included in this release.
Love’s Whirlpool (2014) is a drama set at a Japanese sex club. The Blu-ray contains an interview with the director and trailers.
The extremely entertaining Japanese rom-com Shall We Dance?(1996) is also appearing on Blu-ray. The story follows an accountant who feels like something is missing from his seemingly contented life. He ends up making a big change by taking part in a competitive ballroom dancing competition and secretly practicing in some unusual environments. Film Movement is presenting a 4K restoration of the original 138-minute uncut version of the film for the first time in North America. Bonuses include a director introduction, a new director interview, and archival interviews with cast and crew.
The French crime classic Martin Roumagnac (1946) is arriving on Blu-ray from Icarus Films. Jean Gabin takes the role of a nice-guy building contractor who is wooed by a femme fatale played by Marlene Dietrich. Besides the disc, a booklet is included with writing on the film.
Sightseers (2012) from cult British indie director Ben Wheatley (A Field in England, Free Fire) is arriving on Blu-ray from IFC Films. This extremely dark comedy tells the story of a very eccentric couple who go on a tour of their home country in a caravan, resulting in numerous deaths. The disc has a new film historian commentary, a director commentary with the cast, a director commentary with the cinematographer, a making-of documentary, cast and crew interviews, UK and US trailers, and a booklet with new writing on the movie.
Kino Lorber is releasing a Blu-ray of the Costa-Gravas drama Hanna K. (1983). The film has been given a 2K restoration from the interpositive and arrives with a new film historian audio track, interview with cast member David Clennon and a trailer.
The documentary Italia: Fire and Ashes (2021) provides an examination of the origins of the Italian silent film, featuring clips from incredible shorts from the beginnings of cinema. It is narrated by Isabella Rossellin.
Paramount Pictures is making a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray of the entertaining thriller Breakdown (1994) available. It was previously featured as part of a box set, but now is getting reissued on its own. Kurt Russell and Kathleen Quinlan play a couple whose car breaks down. When she is kidnapped, her panicked husband does all he can to find and recover his spouse. If you can accept the premise, the film delivers the goods with a wildly entertaining climax involving a showdown involving big rigs. Extras include a commentary with director Jonathan Mostow (Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines), interviews with the filmmaker, co-star Kathleen Quinlan, and producer Martha De Laurentiis. An alternate opening (with an optional director commentary) is also included, along with trailers and an isolated score.
Hardcore Poisoned Eyes (2000) is a low-budget, shot-on-video genre film. It follows a trio of friends who find themselves trapped in an isolated cabin and pursued by satanists. Saturn’s Core Audio & Video is releasing a Blu-ray of this title. The disc contains a newly restored director’s cut created in 2025 from the source material with a filmmaker commentary, a new transfer of the 2000 director’s cut from the original master tapes (with an archival director, cinematographer and producer commentary), the original archival DVD/VHS cut, a feature-length 25th anniversary documentary on the production featuring new cast and crew interviews, archival behind-the-scenes footage and bloopers, an archival interview with the director, a trio of shorts from the director and trailers, as well as a reversible sleeve for the disc.
Shudder is putting out a Blu-ray of The Advent Calendar (2021), a chiller about an ex-dancer who finds herself out of work and in a wheelchair. She finds an antique advent calendar with magical abilities. But as the days pass, the lead learns that for all of the good things the calendar seems to bring, just as many terrible things occur. Bonuses include an intro from the writer/director, a film historian commentary, a trailer, and a booklet with an essay on the movie.
As you might already know, the North American branch of the fantastic Australian outfit Umbrella Entertainment has been recently making more of their titles available in this part of the world. Their latest North American release is a Blu-ray of The Chain Reaction (1980). The story follows an Aussie engineer at a remote nuclear waste facility. After an earthquake occurs, he discovers a dangerous leak and wants to warn the small surrounding community about potentially irradiated water. However, he learns that his bosses would prefer to cover the mess up. They try to kill him, but he escapes and finds a vacationing couple.The trio then try to sneak past a quarantine of the area.
Reportedly, this film contains some remarkable chase scenes and stunts that Mad Max director George Miller helped shoot. The Blu-ray boasts a previously restored picture from Umbrella Entertainment, extended interviews from the Not Quite Hollywood documentary featuring cast and crew members, featurettes on the production, deleted and extended scenes, an early cut of the movie, a ton of promo material, and a booklet with new writing on the movie.
The shot-on-video horror movie Psychotropic Overload (1994) is arriving on Blu-ray from VHSHitfest. It’s about a therapist who suspects one of his patients might be responsible for a series of strange disappearances. The disc includes multiple commentary tracks with the director (one also features a cast member), a making-of documentary, a fan appreciation, a critical appraisal of the movie, and a press gallery.
Finally, there is a new Blu-ray from Wild Eye Releasing, a distributor behind many wild and campy in-house horror pictures like Cocaine Shark, the Ouija Shark series, as well as Amityville in Space. Model Hunger (2016) is directed by “scream queen” Debbie Rochon and involves a former model who, after being passed over for several gigs, decides to take revenge on young ladies whom she crosses paths with. You’ll get the complete and uncensored director’s cut on Blu-ray, a new commentary with director Rochon, a new commentary with the producer, an archival Rochon commentary with a cast member, an audio essay on the feature, a career retrospective on Rochon, tons of cast and crew interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, outtakes, a still gallery, a tribute video, a short film, a music video a 24-page booklet with a new introduction and short story, as well as a reversible sleeve featuring alternative art for the title.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
There is one title this week, which might appeal to kids who like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers-type entertainment.
Special Rescue Exceedcraft: Season 1 (Discotek Media) Blu-ray
ON THE TUBE!
And below is a list of the week’s TV-released releases.
American Experience: Kissinger (PBS) DVD
Special Rescue Exceedcraft: Season 1 (Discotek Media) Blu-ray
