Welcome to the latest look at highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. This is a massive edition for incredible new titles, also containing a ton of older features receiving high-definition upgrades. 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!
ALTERED – After a cataclysmic disaster occurs, the world is rebuilt but with genetically enhanced humans taking control of the planet. They leave ordinary people to survive in poverty while they live in the lap of luxury. A paraplegic man living in a foundry and his best friend build a weaponized metallic suit. The protagonist dons it, gaining the ability to move around easily and fight against corrupt politicians and the oppressive new government. So far, this independent science-fiction/action picture has only been seen by a handful of critics, and they have not been full of praise. The entire group stated that, despite its short running time, the pacing was poor, the story underdeveloped, the dialogue creaky and the final product difficult to endure. But should anyone be interested in the film, it is available as a 4K Ultra HD-only release, as well as a standalone Blu-ray. The movie stars Tom Felton, Aggy K. Adans, Richard Brake, Elizaveta Bugulova and Igor Zhizhikin.
APOCALYPSE BIGFOOT – If you’ve read this column before, you’ll know about Wild Eye Releasing, a distributor who specializes in putting out homemade genre pictures made on microbudgets. This week, they have multiple titles arriving. This one follows the residents of a snowy mountain town who are terrorized by the title creature. A sheriff battling inner demons decides to step forward and take on the threat before it wipes out the entire community. This picture was shot in late 2023 and played at a film festival or two in 2024. It actually won an award for Best Michigan-Made Film at the Motor City Nightmares International Film Festival. Other than those screenings, no one has seen it. Wild Eye acquired the film and it will be debuting as a DVD-only title (one assumes you may be able to stream it too). The cast includes Matt Hundley, Paul Bilbrey and Lucia Reid.
CAUGHT BY THE TIDES – While the Criterion Collection is mainly known for presenting upgrades of classic titles on disc, they occasionally pick up a notable new and original title. This Mandarin-language picture is a China/France/Japan coproduction and involves a woman whose significant other leaves town to try and find work. After completely disappearing from her life for twenty years, the protagonist leaves home and sets out to locate the individual and find out what happened. This epic drama was shot over two different time periods decades apart, and reviewers were wowed by the final results. One voice complained that the low-key approach taken to the characters muted the emotions and the suffering of the lead character. Everyone else called the film a quiet, but deeply moving tale, noting that it accurately showed the emotional and intellectual impact of such a situation, and had a powerful effect on the viewer. The movie features Tao Zhao and Zhubin Li.
DR. JEKYLL AND MR. SHARK – Here’s another micro-budgeted genre picture arriving exclusively on DVD from Wild Eye. Based very, very loosely on the classic horror tale, this retelling follows mad scientist Dr. Jekyll, who now presumably lives near the sea. The lead is pushed over the edge after the passing of his wife and injects an untested drug he developed called Sharcopine. Naturally, the compound turns him into a maniacal man-shark, causing him to go on the rampage through his home town. As you might have guessed, this picture is premiering on disc, so no one in this part of the world has seen it yet. A trailer is available to watch online. The preview should give you some idea of the level of campiness to expect if you choose to watch it. Nicholas Bagrow, Randy Clower, Josh Martin and Erica Muse headline the picture.
FACKHAM HALL – This period British comedy is set in 1931 at a massive estate. Poking fun at series like Downton Abbey, the tale involves a young man and orphan who arrives to work as a staff member for the very eccentric family living onsite. When the Lord of the Manor is murdered, lunkheaded inspectors arrive to solve the crime and brand the new arrival as a suspect. A young, female from the wealthy family also takes a romantic interest in the employee, leading to further comical complications. Overall, the press was positive about the picture. One-quarter couldn’t get on its comic wavelength, saying the jokes failed to amuse them and that they became annoyed by the scenario. However, the vast majority described the movie as a cross between Downton Abbey and Airplane!, effectively parodying the genre with a mix of deadpan laughs and uproarious sight gags that would entertain all comedy enthusiasts. It stars Thomasin McKenzie, Ben Radcliffe, Damian Lewis, Hayley Mills, Katherine Waterston and Tom Felton.
KEEPER – A couple decide to celebrate their anniversary by taking a vacation at a romantic cabin in a remote forest. Despite their seemingly happy temperament towards each other, they each appear to be hiding secrets from one another. Suddenly, a dark presence appears, which forces the pair to examine the dark history of the home and their own relationship. This chiller from Osgood Perkins (Longlegs, The Monkey) split critics, with a few more giving the film a pass than dismissing it. Almost half felt that, after a strong opening act, the movie suffered from slow-pacing and a story that failed to shock or provide any twists. This group also had difficulty relating to the protagonists. The same number and a few more liked the performances and described the movie as an interesting and moody slow-burn that creeped them out and left a lasting impact. The picture is available in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack. The cast includes Tatiana Maslansky, Rossif Sutherland and Birket Turton.
ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER – The latest from writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Punch-Drunk Love, There Will Be Blood, Phantom Thread, Licorice Pizza) involves an ex-revolutionary living off the grid with his teenage daughter. She’s frustrated by his fear and dread of being found by the government. That all changes when a military colonel and his team try to track them down. The father and daughter are separated and the protagonist must attempt to reunite with old members of his team to retrieve her. This film received mostly raves from reviewers. A small handful didn’t like the film’s tone and felt the feature was too long and scrappy. Yet all others stated that, while the story was fictional, it was a movie that played into today’s issues and fears about the state of America, critiquing extremist views in the country. They noted that it also benefits from stellar performances and incredible photography. The movie is available either on 4K Ultra HD only or Blu-ray. It features Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Teyana Taylor, Regina Hall, Wood Harris and Alana Haim. Read a full review of the movie right here.
ORWELL: 2+2=5 – This documentary takes an interesting tactic in covering the writing of legendary author George Owell. The English writer was a journalist who experienced World War II and the Spanish Civil War firsthand. He used these observations to inspire his novels Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four, voicing his criticism of all forms of totalitarianism. In this doc, filmmakers narrate his personal diaries and writing, editing it with footage from these conflicts and with images of modern-day politics that mirror his arguments and compositions. Reaction was very strong towards the picture. A minor contingent found the picture heavy-handed and repetitive, claiming that it also lacked an emotional center. But everyone else was floored by the movie, noting that it was revelatory. They commented that while it did frequently restate its ideas, the film was a dire warning and those watching needed to hear its message, or else suffer the same fate. This is currently a DVD-only release. Damian Lewis narrates the picture.
ROOFMAN –Based on a bizarre true story, this tale is about a charismatic criminal on the run from the law. He unexpectedly discovers a place to hide out above the toy section in a department store. As the days and weeks pass, he ventures out at night and cuts holes in the roofs of nearby restaurants to keep himself fed. The lead eventually meets an employee. As they develop a bond, he is forced to reconsider his options. The press liked this effort from Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine, The Place Beyond the Pines). A handful of write-ups suggested that the movie downplayed the main character’s crimes too much and should have offered a more complicated portrait of the figure. Still, most were amused by the picture, commenting that the charming cast hooked them and the combination of laughs and drama resulted in a fun and crowd-pleasing exercise. The picture is available in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack. Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, LaKeith Stanfield and Tony Revolori headline the film.
SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE – If you enjoy the music of Bruce Springsteen, you likely consider his low-fi 1982 album Nebraska one of the artist’s masterpieces. This biopic tells the story of what inspired the artist to make it and the difficult process of recording the record. As the artist goes through a period of depression, the record label pushes Springsteen and his management for more upbeat material, while he strives to create a personal record. Reaction towards the drama was slightly more upbeat than negative. More than one-third of reviewers found the story too dour and took issue with some of the tale’s fictional elements (like a love story that didn’t occur in real life). But the general consensus was that the feature contained a fantastic lead performance and offered interesting insight into the creative process and pressures frequently placed on artists. They suggested anyone who liked Springsteen would take a shine to the film. It can be purchased as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set or as a Blu-ray only release. It stars Jeremy Allen White, Jeremy Strong, Paul Walter Hauser, Stephen Graham, Odessa Young and Marc Maron. Read a review of the feature by clicking on this link.
TRUTH & TREASON – The true story of Helmuth Hubener is recounted in this historical drama from faith-based studio Angel Studios. Set in Germany under Nazi rule, this 17-year-old and devout member of the Latter-day Saint church is stunned when his pastor tells him to follow the orders of the regime. The teen decides to defy the rules and expose the truth about the fascism taking hold of the country. He is soon put on trial by the government for his views. Critical reception to the film was generally positive. A small group suggested that the story was told in a bland manner and complained that it didn’t offer any narrative surprises. All others commended the picture, as well as the strong work of the cast. They noted that the filmmakers were clearly making allusions to modern-day troubles, telling an important story about resistance against authoritarian forces. The cast includes Ewan Horrocks, Rupert Evans and Ferdinand McKay.
VAMPIRE ZOMBIES… FROM SPACE! – This low-budget independent comedy/horror feature is set in 1957. As the story begins, we learn that mythical vampire Dracula actually hails from space. After taking some time off in another world, the vampire has devised a new plan to take over the world. Dracula and his son arrive on Earth in a UFO and begin murdering locals, raising the dead, and using their many victims as an undead force of villainy. A local set-up for one of the slayings teams with a rookie cop, a private detective, a chain-smoking greaser and a young lady to fight back. This little picture was shot in black and white and hasn’t been seen by many big-city reviewers. However, online write-ups from genre critics have been positive. They all call it a campy B-movie homage to horror films from the 1950s and 60s. Apparently, not all the jokes land, but there are plenty of wild and silly moments that should bring smiles to the faces of those who appreciate monster movies. The film features Oliver Georgiou, Jessica Antovski, Rashaun Baldeo, Judith O’Dea, Simon Reynolds and Lloyd Kaufman.
WICKED FOR GOOD – The second and final segment in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked picks up from where the previous chapter left off. Elphaba finds herself in hiding after being branded the Wicked Witch of the West. She continues battling against the Wizard of Oz, who has enacted laws against animal species. Meanwhile, Glinda attempts to broker a peaceful compromise between all the parties. It ultimately leads to a final showdown. This follow-up garnered decent response, although the response wasn’t as strong as it was for the previous entry. One-third felt that this chapter was padded out and slow-moving, with weak songs and an unmemorable finale. The rest believed that the movie was slick, well-produced and would satisfy fans of the previous film with its lively tunes and vivid imagery. You can pick the title up as a 4K Ultra HD or Blu-ray combo, a Blu-ray-only release. For those who don’t own the prior entry, you can also purchase a Wicked 2-Film Collection in either 4K Ultra HD or Blu-ray. The cast includes Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
If you’re looking for an older title, you have just as many options. Arrow Video is releasing a 4K Ultra HD and a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray of the comedy/disaster/horror film Snakes on a Plane (2006). The plot involves a surfer who witnesses a mob hit. When he agrees to testify against the gangster responsible, he is escorted on a commercial flight with an FBI agent (played by Samuel L. Jackson). The villain plans for more than 100 poisonous snakes to be released during the voyage. The agent does his best to save his witness and the eccentric passengers from the reptiles. This silly flick isn’t exactly a masterpiece, but it does provide a few laughs and some memorable moments.
This edition delivers a 4K restoration of the 2K digital intermediate and presents it in Dolby Vision. The disc promises a new film historian commentary, an archival director, star and crew commentary, a new mini-documentary exploring the movie tie-in novelization phenomenon, an archival feature on the making-of the movie with cast and crew interviews, and an archival featurette on the film’s snake wrangler. Additionally, you’ll get a visual f/x featurette on the CGI snakes, a special on the online hype surrounding the film prior to its release, a music video, a making-of for the music video, a gag reel, deleted and extended scenes, and a ton of publicity materials. It all comes with a booklet featuring new writing on the movie, an airline safety instruction card and a reversible sleeve featuring two original artwork options. Read a detailed write-up of the release right here.
Arrow Video is also putting out a couple of “Standard Editions” of two previously released titles. Cruising (1980) with Al Pacino arrives again on 4K Ultra HD only with a Blu-ray disc of extras. The previous version had an elaborate box and packaging bonuses, while this is essentially just the movie and bonus features (which are plentiful).
The gritty Tom Skerritt action picture Fighting Back (1982) is reappearing on Blu-ray as a “Standard Edition”. Again, count on the disc contents to be the same, only in less elaborate packaging.
Radiance Films is also presenting a series of “Standard Edition” reissues of older Blu-rays. The first three are single disc editions of three titles in the Hardboiled: Three Pulp Thrillers by Alain Corneau box set. You can now pick up Choice of Arms (1981), Police Python 357 (1976) and Serie Noire (1979) individually on Blu-ray. All are solid French crime thrillers that are worth checking out. In particular, the second title delivers an effective French take on a Dirty Harry-style picture, and the third features a fascinating portrait of a small-time crook.
The award-winning and memorable Japanese drama The Eel (1997) follows an eel-owning ex-convict trying to make a new start by opening a barber shop. It is also reappearing as a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray.
If you enjoy Hong Kong action, On the Run (1988) is arriving on Blu-ray from 88 Films. It stars Biao Yuen as a cop whose wife is murdered by corrupt coworkers. He has to solve the crime and mete out justice to other officers before they can get to him. The disc contains two film historian commentary tracks, a 30-plus-minute interview with the writer of the movie, a discussion with a movie expert about Hong Kong cinema during this era, an alternate ending and a trailer.
With Disney’s classic Steamboat Willie cartoon going into the public domain last year, many independent filmmakers set out to take advantage of the free property. Most made a horror version of the children’s animated short. One of these, Screamboat (2025) is being rereleased by Cineverse as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray “Collector’s Edition” Steelbook. Bonus contents appear to be the same as the Blu-ray (a making-of, deleted scenes, and a filmmaker commentary) just with an upgraded presentation (no word on details about the 4K transfer) and packaging.
It’s a great week for those who appreciate the Criterion Collection. You can now purchase a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo (or a Blu-ray only edition) of the Errol Flynn/Olivia de Havilland swashbuckling action epic Captain Blood (1935). The plot involves an Irish doctor who ends up in Jamaica and becomes a feared pirate. The feature has been given a new 4K restoration. Additionally, it contains a film historian commentary, a 2005 documentary chronicling the making-of the movie, a Lux Radio Theater adaptation of the film from 1937 that starred the cast, and a trailer. An essay on the title is also included in the disc booklet.
The Dead (1987) is an adaptation of a James Joyce short story and was the last film from famed director John Huston (The Maltese Falcon, Treasure of the Sierra Madre, Key Largo, The African Queen, The Man Who Would Be King, Prizzi’s Honor). The plot involves a family celebration that turns dark and brooding after a big secret is revealed. It’s now arriving in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set or as a standalone Blu-ray.
This release contains a new 4K restoration of the film supervised and approved by cinematographer Fred Murphy, an interview with author Colum McCann on the James Joyce story and this adaptation, a one-hour behind-the-scenes documentary John Huston and the Dubliners (1987) presented with a new 2K restoration, audio excerpts on the production from 2014 with co-star Angelica Huston, an essay on the picture from a film critic and a 1987 piece on the movie from the screenwriter.
The distributor also has the Martin Scorsese’s World Cinema Project, Volume 5 Blu-ray set, which contains Chronicles of the Years of Fire (1975), Yam Daabo (1986), Kummatty (1979) and The Fall of Otrar (1991). All of the movies have received 4K restorations for this release. Scorsese introduces all of the pictures, and there are interviews with film scholars, programmers and moviemakers on the titles. Additionally, there is a new making-of for The Fall of Otrar with the director and crew, as well as essays on the titles by various experts.
Deaf Crocodile Films is delivering a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray set of 3 X Teuvo Tulio with the films Sensuela (1973), Cross of Love (1946) and Restless Blood (1946). These are highly-rated and slightly surreal Finnish melodramas. Also included on the set are film critic commentary tracks, the only remaining fragments from the filmmaker’s early works shot in the late 1930s, a short documentary on one of the titles, two Finnish educational shorts from the 1940s, a rare Swedish-language trailer for one of the pictures and visual essays on the titles.
The Hungarian animated medieval story Heroic Times (1983) is also being made available on Blu-ray from most retailers. You’ll get a 4K picture restoration, a film expert commentary, a movie authority essay on the movie, three animated shorts that are satires of the military, an interview with an animator on the feature, and another talk with a historian on Hungarian animation and the career of the director.
It’s amazing when a title you’ve never heard of appears from out of the blue. Especially, when it’s from an era in which you thought you were overly familiar with. Such is the case with Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains (1982) appearing as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Limited “Deluxe Edition” from Fun City Editions. It’s a music comedy about a female teenage punk rock band. Lacking talent but exceeding in attitude, the group suddenly become a national phenomenon and go on tour with an older, fading band. This efforts stars Diane Lane, Laura Dern, Christine Lahti and Ray Winstone, along with musicians like Steve Jones (from The Sex Pistols) and Pual Simonon (from The Clash). How did I not know that this movie existed? For this release, the picture has been given a new 4K restoration. It arrives with archival commentaries with the director, as well as Diane Lane and Laura Dern. There are two newly recorded tracks with film historians, an archival making-of, alternate opening titles from a 35mm workprint, deleted scenes form a 35mm workprint, a reel of dailies from a music video shoot, and more.
It’s a great week for Kino releases too. Agatha Christie mystery movie watchers can pick up two Hercule Poirot tales starring Peter Ustinov. Death on the Nile (1978) and Evil Under the Sun (1982) are both appearing in 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray sets. Each possess a new 4K scan of the 35mm original camera negative presented in Dolby Vision. Both also arrive with a film historian commentary, and promo materials. Death on the Nile also has a making-of, and archival interviews with cast members.
Diva (1980) is a noted cult crime thriller from France and it is getting the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray treatment (a standalone Blu-ray is also available). The story revolves around numerous characters who come into contact with an illegally recorded concert of a reclusive opera singer. The original 35mm camera negative has been given a 4K scan for this release. Bonuses include a film historian commentary, an introduction to the picture from a film professor, interviews with the cinematographer, set designer, composer, the casting director, and cast members, as well as a pair of discussions with the director and a trailer.
Man in a Crooked Hat (1959) is a comedy co-starring Peter Sellers about a cash-strapped former British colony that attempts to play the UK and Russia against each other in order to score some much-needed funding. The new Blu-ray boasts of a 4K restoration from the original negative provided by Studio Canal, as well as film journalist commentary and trailers.
And there is more Agatha Christie on the way. The Miss Marple mystery The Mirror Crack’d (1980) is also getting the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray treatment. Angela Lansbury plays the famous sleuth in this adaptation, investigating a murder on a movie set with Hollywood actors on an English estate. The feature is as filled with as many stars as the Poirot pictures starring Ustinov. This title has been given a 4K restoration from the original camera negative and is presented in Dolby Vision, arriving with a film historian commentary, a trailer and TV spots.
The Cher/Dennis Quaid thriller Suspect (1987) is being released on Blu-ray by Mill Creek Entertainment. It involves a deaf/mute homeless veteran who is accused of a crime he may not have committed. His defense attorney attempts to find out the truth about what happened. Liam Neeson and Joe Mantegna also appear in the picture. There won’t be any bonus features on this budget release, but the title has been out-of-print for some time, so at least you’ll be able to pick it up again.
MPI Media Group is debuting an Oscar-winning title with the biopic Shine (1996), which you can purchase in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Mediabook (that also contains an extra Blu-ray with bonus features) or as a standalone Blu-ray. This effort stars Geoffrey Rush as pianist David Helfgott. After suffering a nervous breakdown and disappearing for years, the musician attempts to rebuild his life and return to the piano. The distributor hasn’t gone into detail about the extras, but hopefully they’ll be substantial.
If you enjoyed Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023) and haven’t picked it up yet, Paramount Pictures is offering a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook of the film. It seems the contents are the same as for previous versions, only in collectible packaging.
The police drama End of Watch (2012) is arriving as a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook from Shout Factory. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña play young cops on the beat in South Central Los Angeles. The movie also features Anna Kendrick, America Ferrera, Frank Grillo and David Harbor. This release promises an upgraded 4K scan of the movie presented in Dolby Vision, along with a director commentary with David Ayer, deleted scenes and five featurettes on the production.
Low-budget horror movie enthusiasts can pick up Frightmare (1983) on Blu-ray from Troma. This “Special Edition” contains the original DVD intro to the film, an archival director interview, a historical commentary, another commentary with The Hysteria Continues podcast, a discussion with the cinematographer, a music video, promo materials and more.
Luther the Geek (1989) features a circus geek-obsessed maniac hunting down victims and tormenting them in part by making chicken noises. This “Special Edition” Blu-ray features intros from the director and Lloyd Kaufman, a director commentary, interviews with the filmmaker, cast member discussions, “fowl takes”, a music video and other clips.
A “Limited Collector’s Edition” Blu-ray of the German, English-language chiller Garden of Love (2003) arrives from Unearthed Films. It follows a woman whose family is murdered. Years later, the ghosts of her family guide her to avenge their deaths. The disc arrives with a making-of, a behind-the-scenes featurette, a photo gallery and trailers.
Universal Pictures is delivering the Ma and Pa Kettle: Complete Comedy Collection Blu-ray set, which presents the films The Egg and I (1947), Ma and Pa Kettle (1949) aka The Further Adventures of Ma and Pa Kettle, Ma and Pa Kettle Go to Town (1950), Ma and Pa Kettle Back on the Farm (1951), Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair (1952), Ma and Pa Kettle on Vacation (1953), Ma and Pa Kettle at Home (1954), Ma and Pa Kettle at Waikiki (1955), The Kettles in the Ozarks (1956) and The Kettles on Old MacDonald’s Farm (1957).In addition to the ten features, you’ll get a featurette on the career of co-star Claudette Colbert.
And the Woody Woodpecker and Friends Golden Age Collection from Universal contains 25 theatrical cartoons that were made and shown at cinemas between 1941 and 1972. There are a number of featurettes about how the cartoons were created with subjects including drawing, timing, movement, and backgrounds (one includes creator Walter Lantz).
VCI Entertainment is giving a 4K image restoration to the Mexican anthology picture, The Body of Crime (1970) aka El Cuerpazo del Delito, which tells various stories about characters getting into trouble because of their lust and greed.
We spoke about new releases from Wild Eye Releasing earlier. Another branch of the company is named Visual Vengeance, who specializes in releasing micro-budgeted and homemade shot-on-video genre films from decades ago. Ozone: Attack of the Redneck Mutants (1986) is arriving as a “Collector’s Edition” Blu-ray. Set in rural Texas, it follows a toxic spill that causes irradiated citizens to turn into ghouls. A hitchhiker and an environmental science student attempt to survive the rampage.
This disc comes with a ton of bonus features like a producer and star commentary, a film expert commentary, interviews with cast member Blue Thompson, a location visit, deleted scenes, outtakes, special effects outtakes, the original VHS intro reel, an interview with the director and a trailer reel with the filmmaker, a short film from the production team, an acting reel from one of the co-stars, a public access TV review of the movie, a podcast interview with the director, an image gallery, trailer, trailers for other titles from the distributor, a sticker set, a reversible sleeve featuring original VHS art, and a folded mini-poster. The first pressing also comes with a special slipcard with alternate art, a 12-page mini comic book, a puke bag, and a logo sticker. If you like these types of titles, this sounds like a great deal.
The same goes for Violent New Breed (1997), another Visual Vengeance “Collector’s Edition” Blu-ray. The plot of this tale from Todd Sheets (Zombie Bloodbath, Dreaming Purple Neon) involves the Antichrist appearing in a Manhattan sewer, creating a demon army, and attempting to get citizens hooked on a drug that he has created. Two burnt out cops have to stop the rampage. “Blaxpoitation” legend Rudy Ray Moore actually has a small part in this picture.
Those who pick up this release will get a director-approved remastered SD version from the original tape elements, along with the original DVD version, the alternate R-rated version that aired on cable, an alternate VHS release version, three commentary tracks, an interview with a cast member and director Sheets, a featurette on Sheets working with Rudy Ray Moore, a behind-the-scenes documentary, a 2023 screening Q&A, a blooper reel, a behind-the-scenes image gallery, local Kansas City news coverage of the production, the uncut strip club sequence, a short from Sheets, a trailer and other Visual Vengeance trailers. And there is a booklet with liner notes, a reversible sleeve featuring original VHS art, and a folded mini-poster of original Ghana art by Heavy J.. If you pick up the first pressing, you’ll also receive a slipcase with art by Heavy J., and a vintage Antichrist “birth announcement” reproduction.
Well Go USA is rereleasing a Blu-ray of Police Story: Lockdown (2013), a later entry in the popular Jackie Chan Police Story series made out of Hong Kong. It’s been out-of-print since 2015 and is now being repressed. A trailer and featurette or two also should be on this version.
And finally, Wild Eye Releasing is going back into their vaults to issue Arachnado (2020) on DVD. I’ll be honest, I’m not sure if this is the first release for the title or a repressing, but the movie itself is listed as being at least five years old so it’s hardly a new release. The cast includes Brinke Stevens and Mike Ferguson and the film tells a story about millions of spiders overrunning Los Angeles after a cyclone hits. A trailer is included on the disc.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
If you’re looking for something kid-friendly, the only release is the Woody Woodpecker set mentioned up above.
Woody Woodpecker and Friends Golden Age Collection (contains 25 theatrical cartoons made between 1941 and 1972) (Universal) Blu-ray
ON THE TUBE!
Below is a list of the week’s TV-related titles.
An Unexpected Valentine (also includes My Secret Valentine) (Hallmark) DVD
Blue Lights: Series 3 (BBC) DVD
Doctor Who: Tom Baker: Complete Season 2 (which is also Season 13 of the full Doctor Who series) (BBC) Blu-ray
Lucifer: The Complete Series (Warner Bros.) Blu-ray
