Welcome back to another look at some of the highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. It’s been relatively quiet the past couple of weeks, and that seems to be because everything is arriving on shelves now. This is a loaded edition filled with notable releases in just about every genre. 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!
THE ASTRONAUT – An astronaut working at the International Space Station returns to Earth, but her shuttle seemingly hits debris on the way back and crashes. She barely survives, and after waking up has amnesia about what occurred. She’s placed in an isolated cabin to recover, but begins to suspect that she is being watched by the government. After more strange events follow, the lead becomes convinced that an extraterrestrial lifeform is responsible for these odd incidents. This sci-fi/thriller split the press, with slightly more panning the picture than praising it. Almost half liked the lead performance and found it interesting trying to determine if what was happening was all in her mind or an actual alien. But more suggested the movie was overly ambitious and began to feel more unbelievable as it progressed, leaving them cold. For now, this is a DVD-only release. It stars Kate Mara, Laurence Fishburne, Gabriel Luna and Ivana Miličević.
THE CARPENTER’S SON – Based on the religious text, Infancy Gospel of Thomas, this independent supernatural thriller tells the story of a teenage Jesus. He lives in a remote village in Egypt with his parents. After sinister supernatural forces begin targeting the family, the youngster struggles with doubt about his abilities. He rebels, putting himself and his family in danger before trying to guide everyone through the ordeal. The press largely panned this effort. Slightly less than one-third of reviews called the movie a strange but well-intentioned and compelling effort that dealt with its grand themes in an original way. Still, the majority described the movie as muddled and something of an endurance test, suggesting that it was miscast and that it never managed to grip viewers. The cast includes Nicolas Cage, Noah Jupe, FKA twigs and Isla Johnson.
CLOUD – A dissatisfied factory worker starts an online business in this psychological thriller. He rips off his employer by taking health devices and listing them online, marking up the prices. His online business takes off and he buys a large house in the country while expanding his efforts to buy or steal medical items and sell them at inflated rates. However, his business model draws the attention of the local mob, and soon his life, as well as those of his girlfriend and assistant, are threatened. This Japanese feature earned excellent notices. One or two found the lead characters so despicable that they had no interest in seeing how the story played out. But everyone else thought it was a mean and brooding but exceptionally chilling feature about the dark side of online reselling and profiteering. It features Masaki Suda, Kotone Furukawa and Daiken Okudaira.
DEATHSTALKER – This remake of a 1983 sword and sorcery epic follows a former knight who lives on the fringes of a fantasy world. One day he finds a golden amulet off of a dying man on a battlefield and takes it. He soon finds himself being pursued by goblins and others who want the trinket. Even after trying to get rid of the item, it keeps returning to the knight. He realizes that the amulet possesses special powers and that he has been chosen to protect it from evil forces. Most of those who saw the picture enjoyed it. A handful of critics thought that the story was too faithful to the mediocre original and that it could have done with plot twists and a steadier, more serious tone. Still, the consensus was that this reboot was silly fun and vastly superior to the original. They noted that it mixed action and humor effectively and was a knowingly fun throwback to 80s fantasy pictures. Daniel Bernhardt, Laurie Field, Patton Oswalt, Christina Orjalo, Paul Lazenby and Nina Bergman headline the film.
THE DEVIL’S TRAP – A young man suffering from a paralysis-causing tumor is found by his sister and taken to the hospital. The ailing figure is placed in a room with an elderly patient who observes the siblings. He befriends the girl and suggests she call for the services of a priest he knows personally. The surprised sibling does so, only to learn that this figure is an exorcist and that the old man believes the boy is possessed. Soon, the kids, the senior and all the hospital staff find themselves battling off an evil spirit. This picture is debuting as a DVD-only release and, so far, only one online reviewer has seen it. The person claims that while the story is very predictable, the performances are reasonable and those who enjoy low-budget independent horror will appreciate the flick. It features Bruce Dern, Michael Paré, Richard Grieco, Cortney Palm, Elissa Dowling and Nick Davi.
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S 2 –This sequel to the 2023 horror hit about a “Chuck E. Cheese”-style restaurant/arcade with sinister animatronic characters picks up one year after the events of the original. Those strange occurrences have become local legend, with fan festivals popping up all over the town. The surviving nightwatchman has attempted to keep his 11-year-old sister away from the media frenzy. But when he is reminded of the events and decides to revisit the site, things go haywire once again. This picture was another big hit for Universal Pictures, but critics disliked it intensely. A small handful stated that this follow-up was slicker than its predecessor and tried to show the effects of trauma on its protagonists. Everyone else claimed the film didn’t deliver scares or atmosphere, had pacing issues, and was a cynical cash-in that only seemed interested in setting up more sequels. You can purchase the film as a 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray combo, a 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Steelbook, or a Blu-ray only release. It stars Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, Piper Rubio, Wayne Knight, Matthew Lillard, Theodus Crane, Skeet Ulrich and Mckenna Grace.
FRONTIER CRUCIBLE – Set in Arizona in 1874, this western involves a former soldier who is hired to deliver medical supplies to territory in the south. On his travels, he encounters a wounded couple, outlaws, and a group of Apache warriors. In order to survive, the main character tries to navigate several relationships and figure out who is telling him the truth about themselves. So far, notices for this independent feature have been more positive than negative. Those who disliked the movie noted that the film was beautifully shot, but lacked tension or excitement. Still, the majority appreciated the cast’s work and believed that while it wasn’t a classic, this was a decent character-based effort that would entertain western aficionados. This movie can be picked up either in a 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray set or as a Blu-ray-only release. The cast includes Myles Chohessy, Mary Stickley, Armie Hammer, William H. Macy, Thomas Jane, Eli Brown, Eddie Spears, Juwan Lakota and Joshua Odjick.
NOW YOU SEE ME: NOW YOU DON’T – The third chapter in the Now You See Me franchise involves a master illusionist and his team taking on a new challenge. They attempt to bring down a huge global money laundering scheme for criminals run by a diamond heiress. To pull off the seemingly impossible task, the leads recruit a group of young illusionists to help them out. The press was slightly more positive than negative about the latest magic-centric chapter. Forty-percent of reviews found that the tasks given the leads were so over-the-top and the illusions so exaggerated that the picture veered into sheer silliness and never delivered real excitement. Still, the consensus was that the movie would please fans of the series. They believed the characters were still charming and that the film ultimately delivered a satisfying helping of good, old-fashioned thrills. It can be picked up in a 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray combo, a 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Amazon exclusive Steelbook, or as a standalone Blu-ray. Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Andrew Santino, Henry Fisher, Sen Seidman, Ariana Greenblatt, Dominic Sessa, Justice Smith and Rosamund Pike headline the movie.
PREDATOR: BADLANDS – The latest chapter in the Predator series does something a little different than previous entries. It focuses on a predator as its lead character. After failing to impress others of its kind and being banished from its home planet, an alien creature sets out to reclaim its honor by hunting down a notoriously dangerous and difficult-to-kill creature. Along the way, the lead befriends an android created by the Weyland-Yutani Corporation (from the Alien series) and the two work together to accomplish both of their goals. Reaction towards this sequel was the most upbeat since the 1987 original (which actually took considerable time to earn its accolades). A small group felt that the latest chapter was borrowing from other action classics, as well as trying to form a shared universe and thus had a difficult time pulling its ideas together coherently. But all others called it an entertaining science-fiction/action picture that added a few new wrinkles to the Predator formula, while interjecting some memorably humorous moments between its characters. You can purchase the film as a 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray set, a 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Steelbook, or a Blu-ray-only release. It stars Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi. Click on this link to read a full review of the movie.
REGRETTING YOU – Based on the popular 2019 romance novel by Colleen Hoover, a teenager is devastated by the sudden deaths of her father and aunt in an accident. There is confusion as to why the pair were together, leading to strife within the family. When the lead unexpectedly meets a cute boy, they share an instant connection. Her mother disapproves of the relationship and the teen feels guilty about being so happy during a terrible time, leading to conflict between all the characters. Write-ups were generally poor for this drama. A small number thought the young cast were charming and that the relationship between the teenagers earned the movie a pass. But everyone else called the story overly complicated and absurd, resorting to over-the-top melodrama that generated more chuckles than emotion. It stars Allison Williams, Mckenna Grace, Dave Franco, Mason Thames, Scott Eastwood, Willa Fitzgerald, Clancy Brown and Sam Morelos.
RENTAL FAMILY – An out-of-work actor living in Japan answers an ad for a company needing an employee with performing experience. He is then hired to act in real social situations. This includes being a friend for lonely people, taking part in a fake version of traditional custom in order to please a customer’s parents, and more. The protagonist is initially happy with the work, but begins to question the ethics behind his assignments after feeling personally involved in their lives. This picture earned very strong reviews from critics. A small number did react badly to the narrative,complaining that it was overly sentimental, the lead character too sweet, and that it needed to be more critical of the real business model. Everyone else wrote that the picture was a low-key, yet moving delight, featuring an incredible lead performance, as well as a fascinating look at unusual Japanese social codes. The movie features Brendan Frasier, Takehiro Hira and Mari Yamamoto.
SAVAGE HUNT – Multinational conglomerate resort developers break ground on a new project in a forested area. Locals wandering in the woods, as well as construction crew and officers, soon find themselves being hunted by an enormous grizzly bear. A vengeful tracker is called in to hunt down and eliminate the wild beast, but in the process, he ends up discovering details about what might be setting this animal off. This independent horror picture has only received a handful of reviews so far, and most of them warn genre fans to stay away. They suggest that while the movie looks polished, it is shockingly dull and unexciting considering the subject matter. Apparently, the story goes on several tangents that aren’t adequately wrapped up, and that it has a disappointing and abrupt ending. For now, this is a DVD-only title. James Oliver Wheatley, Fotina Papatheodorou, Colin Mace and Priya Blackburn headline the picture.
SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT – This reboot of the cult 1984 holiday slasher involves a young boy who witnesses a psychopath dressed as Santa Claus murdering his family with an axe. A strange surge passes between the two after they briefly interact. Many years later, the boy has grown up and lives on the streets. He begins hearing the voice of the killer in his head, who urges him to dress up and slay “naughty” individuals. As the bodies pile up, a woman the lead encounters and befriends complicates matters. Overall, the press liked this horror picture. About one-quarter of them felt that the script didn’t deliver or twist enough genre tropes and the experience was bloody but bland and uninvolving. Still, more thought the film was a solid tribute, offering up incredibly graphic kills with a dark sense of humor. It can be purchased in a 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray combo, a 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray “Collector’s Edition” Steelbook, or as a standalone Blu-ray. It features Rohan Campbell, Ruby Modine, March Acheson and David Tomlinson.
SISU: ROAD TO REVENGE – Speaking of cult films, the 2022 Finnish action feature Sisu has recently been called a top-flight midnight picture. That first film was set during World War II and followed a Finnish gold prospector who loses his family to Nazis and sets out for bloody vengeance. In this follow-up, the title character tries to make a new start, but finds that his land is now in Russian territory. After encountering Soviet soldiers (and a villain from the previous effort who was imprisoned in Siberia for his family’s slaying), the lead goes on another bloody rampage. Response to this picture was just as upbeat as it was for the original. One or two called it more of the same and that they were tired of seeing the character go through the same motions. However, all others thought this follow-up was even crazier and faster-paced than the previous chapter, with so many outlandishly gory set-pieces that action/horror fans wouldn’t be able to resist it. The movie is coming out a 4K Ultra HD-only Steelbook or a standalone Blu-ray. It stars Jorma Tommila, Stephen Lang, Richard Brake and Tommi Korpela.
SONG SUNG BLUE – Based on a true story that occurred in the 1990s, this drama follows two Milwaukee performers who meet and start up a Neil Diamond tribute band. As they grow closer and get married, the pair try to build their fanbase and make ends meet by playing small gigs in local establishments. Viewers see the struggles they face over several years, including an unexpected accident, as well as their personal highlights as they draw the attention of musicians like Diamond himself. Notices were very good for this biopic. A small group suggested that the storytelling was too obvious and found the final result corny and aggrandized. However, the majority (myself included) were extremely impressed by the two lead performances (co-star Kate Hudson has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her work). They thought that the actors were magnetic, the music was fun, and that the overall feature made an emotional impact. The cast includes Hudson, Hugh Jackman, Ella Anderson, Hudson Hensley, King Princess, Michael Imperioli, Fisher Stevens and Jim Belushi.
THE SUMMER BOOK – This multinational drama is set in Finland and was adapted from a novel written by famous children’s author Tove Jansson (whose Moomin books are known to everyone outside North America). It doesn’t feature any fantastical creatures from that series, but instead follows a young girl whose mother has just passed away. She accompanies her father and spends a summer with her elderly grandmother on a small island. Over the season, the girl explores the natural world around her, while the family matriarch attempts to teach her lessons about life, grief and the natural world. Response towards the picture was upbeat. A tiny contingent complained that the picture was slow and overly meditative, failing to tie up the subjects it dealt with. But all others were charmed by the film, calling it true to the book. They stated that it was an atmospheric meditation on life’s ups and downs, featuring compelling performances and beautiful photography. For now, this is a DVD-only release. Emily Matthews, Glenn Close and Anders Danielsen Lie headline the title.
TRAP HOUSE – A DEA agent and his partner have difficulty juggling their dangerous work and family lives. In fact, their teenagers complain about their parents’ job and its low pay and poor benefits. When the adults get close to a dangerous drug cartel, they are surprised to learn that someone is stealing large sums from the criminal organization. They soon discover that their kids have gone through their classified work files, stolen their tools and are now robbing the crooks. This leads to deadly complications as the teens find themselves in over their heads and their parents incriminated in their heist. This crime/action picture split reviewers. Almost half thought the cast were solid, but the combination of drug cartel cruelty and teenage rowdiness didn’t quite gel. Still, slightly more commented that while the movie had an unusual tone, these unique elements were what made it engaging, unique and interesting. This is currently a DVD-only title. The cast includes Dave Bautista, Jack Champion, Bobby Carnnavale, Sophia Lillis, Tony Dalton and Kate del Castillo.
WILDCAT – An ex-black ops agent settles down to raise her eight-year-old daughter in London, England. But one day, her little girl is kidnapped. It seems the people responsible know about the protagonist’s history. They demand a huge ransom for her girl’s safe return. The protagonist calls in friends to pull off a desperate heist in order to acquire the necessary funds. She also sets out to get revenge on those responsible. Reaction towards this action picture from the UK was split down the middle. Almost half claimed that the story was bland and predictable, and that the performances and stunts couldn’t elevate the material beyond typical direct-to-disc fare. The same number and a few more called it an above-average B-movie with a few exciting moments and some amusingly catty interplay between cast members. This is also a DVD-only release. It features Kate Beckinsale, Lewis Tan, Rasmus Hardliker, Alice Krige and Charles Dance.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
Looking for an older title? There is no shortage on that front either. Arrow Video is releasing a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD edition of the bonkers cult film, The Visitor (1979). This Italian genre film combines elements of The Omen, Carrie and other fantasy films of the era as it tells a story about a sinister alien spirit that has impregnated human and is now controlling a young girl. She develops telekinetic abilities and starts causing chaos around her, while a space man who claims he is from Poland sets out to stop the rampage of terror. The cast includes John Huston, Lance Henriksen, Glenn Ford, Shelley Winters, Franco Nero and film director Sam Peckinpah. It’s a fascinating mess and one that has developed a huge cult following over the years.
This release includes a remaster of the original 35mm camera negative presented in Dolby Vision. You’ll also get a film historian commentary, two new visual essays on the feature, archival 2014 discussions with the screenwriter, the cinematographer and co-star Henriksen. An image gallery and a trailer is also featured. There is also a booklet with writing on the film, a reversible sleeve for the title and a slipcover. Read a detailed disc review right here.
If you missed the “Limited Edition” a couple of years ago, you can now pick up a 4K Ultra HD “Standard Edition” of the excellent anthology picture, Trick ‘r Treat (2007). The contents should all be the same as the previous edition, only in simpler packaging. Buyers should remember that, like the previous title mentioned here, no Blu-ray is included in the set.
Heaven (1987) is a documentary film from Diane Keaton (who is most famous for her acting roles) that features people sharing their views and ideas about where we go and what happens after we die. It was produced in the late 1980s and received a limited release, but has been out-of-print for multiple decades. Lightyear is now presenting a Blu-ray of the film. It arrives with a trailer. A full Blu-ray review has been posted on the site here.
Eclipse Series 8: Lubitsch Musicals is a Blu-ray set arriving from Criterion. Filmmaker Ernst Lubitsch was a director who specialized in Hollywood comedies, but was also an early pioneer in creating musicals. This collection contains The Love Parade (1929), Monte Carlo (1930), The Smiling Lieutenant (1931) and One Hour with You (1932), early sound pictures starring the likes of Maurice Chevalier, Jeanette MacDonald, Claudette Colbert and Miriam Hopkins that include big numbers and comedic moments. The set comes with an essay on the movies by a historian.
Discotek Media is presenting a couple of Japanese films on Blu-ray. The first is the animated title Space Adventure Cobra: The Movie (1982), which follows a space pirate hired to find and rescue the sister of a client. Based on a popular manga, it’s a cult title among anime enthusiasts. This disc presents the English-language UK dub of the film containing a soundtrack by Yello.
Tomorrow’s Joe (2011) is a live-action feature about an imprisoned boxer who finds meaning in his life by fighting his way up through competitors in the slammer. It’s being put out on Blu-ray in its original Japanese language with English subtitles.
It’s another busy week for Kino. If you like 3D films, you can purchase The Flesh and Blood Show 3D (1972) from the distributor, which presents the film in Blu-ray 3D, along with a second Blu-ray containing an anaglyph 3D version of the movie. It’s a low-budget British genre picture from Pete Walker (Frightmare) about a group of actors being stalked by a maniac while prepping for their latest stage show. The 3D sequences have been newly aligned for this release, which also comes with a film historian trailer, an interview with Walker, cast and crew interviews, and promo materials.
A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon (1988) is also arriving on Blu-ray. Pictured above and to the left, this period teen comedy starred River Phoenix as a charming kid who wants to write poetry instead of attending business school, and comes up with a plan to try and achieve his goal, only to run into numerous complications. The cast includes Ann Magnuson, Meredith Salenger, Ione Skye and Matthew Perry. No word on if there are any extras.
The biopic Ray (2004) can now be purchased in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray package. Jamie Foxx won an Academy Award for his performance as iconic musician Ray Charles. Director Taylor Hackford has approved the 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative that is presented in Dolby Vision. Besides the picture upgrade, bonuses include a new film historian commentary, an archival commentary with Hackford, a director’s introduction to the movie, production featurettes, 14 deleted scenes (with optional director commentary), 9 uncut music performances and a trailer.
Scott Joplin (1977) is also arriving on Blu-ray from Kino. Billy Dee Williams stars in this biopic about the ragtime performer, perhaps best known for the song, “The Entertainer”. Viewers see his discovery and eventual rise to the top of the charts despite racism from many around him. This Blu-ray features a director commentary and a trailer.
And the French action picture The Vultures (1984), starring Jean-Paul Belmondo, is also appearing on Blu-ray. Set during World War II, it follows a group of French survivors who attempt to pull off an incredible heist in German-occupied Tunisia. This Blu-ray contains a film historian commentary and a trailer.
If you head on over to the Lionsgate Limited website, you can now order The Doors (1991) The Final Cut “Exclusive” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook. In this music biopic about the famous 1960s band from Oliver Stone, Val Kilmer stars as Jim Morrison, with Kyle MacLachlan, Frank Whaley and Kevin Dillon playing the other band members. Billy Idol, Meg Ryan and Kathleen Quinlan also appear in the film. You’ll get a 4K picture presented in Dolby Vision, with a new introduction to the movie from Stone, a new clip in which Kilmer and Stone talk about Morrison, an archival commentary with Stone, a documentary on the production, 14 deleted scenes with a Stone intro, featurettes, and promo materials.
MVD Rewind Collection is filling in some holes for those who collect Jean-Claude Van Damme pictures. You can now pick up a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo of Double Impact (1991). In this action film, the star plays twin brothers who were separated at an early age. One lives in Paris, while the other becomes a petty crook in Hong Kong. The two are reunited when they discover who was responsible for the death of their parents. In addition to a 4K Ultra HD presentation of the movie, press materials state that you will also receive new interviews with cast and crew, rare never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage and a trailer. A mini-poster is also included.
The same distributor is also presenting Knock Off (1998) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo or as a standalone Blu-ray only. Tsui Hark (the Once Upon a Time in China series) directed this tale about a Hong Kong fashion designer who is set up for a crime he didn’t commit and must take down weapons smugglers. Rob Schneider also stars in the picture. This release contains a 4K scan and restoration of the original camera negative, a film historian commentary, an interview with writer Steven E. de Souza, a talk with the producer, an archival press kit and trailers. A fold-out poster is also included, along with a slipcover for the disc.
Paramount Pictures is rereleasing Mean Girls (2004) on 4K Ultra HD. This edition should be identical to the one that came out in 2024, only without the “Limited Edition” pink packaging.
Just in time for the latest sequel, you can also pick up a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook of the horror film, Scream (1996). It looks identical to the 2023 4K/Blu-ray combo, which must have gone out-of-print.
And Small Soldiers (1998) is getting a “Standard Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray release. The movie came out in Steelbook packaging last year and sold out very quickly. Now, you can get this underrated and entertaining picture from director Joe Dante (Gremlins, Gremlins 2: The New Batch) in regular 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray packaging. The movie features an impressive cast and is about war toys with military chips that go on the rampage through a suburban neighborhood. Only a team of monster toys can stop the threat and save the day.
Powerhouse Films is putting out the Cliff in Color!: The Technicolor Musicals of Cliff Richard Blu-ray set, which contains the British rock ‘n roll musicals The Young Ones (1961), Summer Holiday (1963) and Wonderful Life (1964). The first two pictures have gotten 4K restorations for this release, and all come with archival director commentaries, new interviews with crew members, a visual essay on the pictures, production footage, behind-the-scenes footage, newsreels from the premieres, a look at Richard’s performances in the movies, trailers, images gallery and so much more that it can’t all be listed here. If you like Richard’s music, then this set is for you.
It’s a busy edition for Shout Factory as well. You can now obtain the French period horror film Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001) as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray “Collector’s Edition” Steelbook. When a wolf-like beast terrorizes a community in southern France, a hunter and his Iroquois partner set out to discover who, or what, is responsible. The 4K Ultra HD and second Blu-ray disc contains the director’s preferred 150-minute cut of the movie. This extended version was reconstructed and scanned in 4K from the best available materials, and is presented in Dolby Vision. Additionally, there is a third Blu-ray with extras including a feature-length making-of, a lengthy look at the make-up effects, a featurette on the author of the source material, deleted scenes and two trailers.
The horror sequel Child’s Play 2 (1990) is arriving as a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD Amazon exclusive Steelbook featuring a close-up of Chucky. One imagines the contents are identical to previous editions, only the packaging is different.
Dead Silence (2007) is a horror picture about a murder involving a ventriloquist. This feature from James Wan (the Saw series, the first two Conjuring films) is receiving a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray “Collector’s Edition” Steelbook. The contents look to be the same as the previous 2023 version, only in new, fancier packaging.
Shout Factory is also debuting Nightcrawler (2014) in 4K, with a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook. This is a fantastically creepy movie with Jake Gyllenhaal playing an unhinged man with a video camera who prowls the streets of Los Angeles, looking for gruesome footage of murder scenes and accidents to sell to television news stations. Its audience appears to be growing with each passing year. This release contains a 4K scan from the original DI film negative, presented in Dolby Vision. You’ll also get a film historian commentary, an archival commentary with writer/director Dan Gilroy, producer Tony Gilroy and editor John Gilroy. Additionally, there is a featurette on scoring the movie, a making-of and a trailer.
The distributor is also offering a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook of the Jason Statham crime picture, Wrath of Man (2021). This looks identical to the 2023 release, only in new packaging.
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Universal Studios is presenting A Beautiful Mind (2001) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo set. This biopic of mathematician John Nash, starring Russell Crowe, won four Academy Awards including Best Picture. Besides the picture upgrade, you’ll get a ton of archival bonuses including a director commentary, a screenwriter commentary, deleted scenes and featurettes on the production.
The studio is also releasing Blu-rays of The Benny Goodman Story (1956), Birth of the Blues (1941), Double or Nothing (1937), Here Come the Waves (1944) and Sing, You Sinners (1938).
The Warner Bros. Archive line is repackaging Blu-ray and releasing them as nice sets. The Broadway on the Big Screen 6-Film Collection contains Blu-rays of Brigadoon (1954), Guys and Dolls (1955), The Pajama Game (1957), Damn Yankees (1958), Gypsy (1962) and The Boy Friend (1971).
With the Fred Astaire 4-Film Collection, you’ll receive Easter Parade (1948), The Band Wagon (1953), Silk Stockings (1957) and Finian’s Rainbow (1968) on Blu-ray.
And the Spencer Tracy 4-Film Collection Blu-ray set contains Fury (1936), Libeled Lady (1936), Northwest Passage (1940) and the masterpiece Bad Day at Black Rock (1955).
Finally, Warner Bros. is releasing All the President’s Men (1976) as a 4K Ultra HD “Limited Edition” Steelbook (as well as a “Standard” 4K Ultra HD in normal packaging). Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford star in this Oscar-winning political drama about the Washington Post reporters who uncovered the Watergate scandal. The transfer is sourced from a recent 4K scan of the original camera negative and has been graded by various sources online as the best the film has ever looked. You’ll also get new retrospective featurettes on the movie and its importance, legacy featurettes on the production, and more.
Additionally, a 4K Ultra HD “Limited Edition” Steelbook and “Standard Edition” 4K Ultra HD of the religious Chalton Heston epic Ben-Hur (1959) can also be purchased. Apparently, the image was taken from a recent 8K scan of the original 65mm camera negative, and is presented in Dolby Vision. In addition to the stunning image quality, it comes with an archival Heston commentary track, new retrospective featurettes with a film historian discussing epics, as well as the cinematographer. There are also a number of lengthy making-of pieces on the movie and star Heston, as well as screen tests.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Surprisingly, there isn’t much for little tykes this week. Older, preteens might enjoy the release listed below (which is rated PG-13 for intense moments of toy mayhem).
Small Soldiers (1998) (Paramount Pictures) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo
ON THE TUBE!
Below is a list of the week’s TV-related releases.
American Masters: Starring Dick Van Dyke (PBS) DVD
Dexter: Resurrection: Season 1 (Paramount Pictures) Blu-ray
Providence Falls: 3-Part Special (Hallmark) DVD
