Welcome to another look at highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. Last week was one of the busiest on record, meaning that this edition is filled with more independent pictures, as well as tons of older films getting 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!
BIRTHRITE – A pregnant woman inherits a house from her deceased aunt. She and her girlfriend decide to leave the big city and make a new start at the impressive country locale. It all seems gorgeous, before a tradesman begins to tell the pair about all the strange past of the house. Rumors even suggest it was a coven for witches and that children disappeared there. Soon, the new residents and their unborn child are threatened by a mysterious force. Only a few members of the press have seen this independent horror film, but most have given it a recommendation. A small number wrote that the film was plodding and predictable, taking too long to get to the thrills and chills. Still, the majority called it quiet, yet atmospheric and creepy, with well written characters and interesting themes. It stars Alice Kremelberg, Juani Feliz, Michael Chernus and Jennifer Lafleur.
BOYS GO TO JUPITER – A quirky suburban Florida teenager quits school and takes a job in order to make enough money to pay for his own place. He works as a delivery boy and ends up meeting all sorts of eccentric clients as he tries to earn his way in the world. This independent, adult-animated feature played at various film festivals over the past year and a half and was very well-regarded by critics. A very small group of reviewers couldn’t get on the movie’s oddball wavelength and wrote that the film was a disjointed mess. Everyone else raved about the picture. They thought that this coming-of-age story was completely original, with a unique vision that won them over very quickly. They claimed it was filled with sweetness, humor and a bit of sorrow and that the unusual scenarios were entertaining to watch. The voice cast includes Jack Corbett, Grace Kuhlenschmidt, Elsie Fisher, Janeane Garofalo, Tavi Gavinson and Julio Torres.
A DESERT – A photographer decides to take a trip to the Mojave Desert and get some impressive images. While out in the quiet landscape, he runs into a brother and sister who start giving him a lengthy history about the area. The pair insist the cameraman take their picture and the three end up at a motel, where things get even stranger and more threatening when the lead tries to extricate himself from the two. The notices for this film were positive overall. A small number of write-ups described the movie as being so slow that it was not worth the final revelation. Regardless, the majority called the independent chiller a grim and disturbing neo-noir that keeps you guessing about what exactly is going on. They also noted that the climax left them appropriately disturbed. It features David Yow, Kai Lennox, Sarah Lind, Zachary Ray Sherman and Ashley Smith.
DUNGEONS OF ECSTASY – The latest direct-to-disc and streaming effort from independent producer Charles Band (The Dungeonmaster, Trancers, and The Gingerdead Man and Evil Bong series) is an erotic thriller. After a journalist survives a car crash, she decides to recuperate at a remote Italian village. She meets a man who resembles her ex-husband and is taken captive by him. The figure leads her to the title location for a series of “sensual trials”. A shorter version of this picture was released with a vertical image (presumably for viewing on phones), but now a feature-length widescreen version is appearing on disc. No critics have seen the picture. It’s probably for the best given the plot synopsis, which sounds like a low-budget Fifty Shades of Grey knock-off. The cast includes Nicole Mattox, Eric Guilmette and Mark Aaron.r
THE ENCAMPMENTS – This documentary chronicles the 2024 student protests at Columbia University. Hundreds who opposed the bombings in Gaza demanded a ceasefire and an economic boycott of Israel until the bombing stopped. The leaders of the movement are interviewed, as well as university professors. The movie also deals with other protests, and the detaining of the graduate student and leader of the Columbia effort, who was taken by ICE and is currently fighting deportation. For the most part, response to the feature was positive. One or two notices complained that while the message was a good one, the film needed to offer more perspectives on what occurred. All others called the film an important work that showed how the message of the protests were being distorted. They hoped the movie would help inform more on what exactly occurred.
IN OUR BLOOD – A filmmaker decides to make a documentary about her estranged mother, who was a drug addict and appeared to be suffering from paranoia. She and a cameraman travel to a facility to interview the woman, but are surprised to discover that she has disappeared. The two set out to find out what happened. In the process, they begin to wonder if some of her disturbing claims might be true. This independent horror picture has only been seen by a handful of critics so far, but reaction has been uniformly upbeat. They complimented the performances and suggested that the story gripped them from beginning to end. Several believed that it built up a great deal of suspense, that the finale was eerie and that this was an above-average found-footage feature. Brittany O’Grady, E.J. Bonilla and Alana Ubach headline the feature.
MAN FINDS TAPE – There is a second independent, found-footage chiller arriving this week. As the title suggests, this effort begins with a Texas man recording himself after finding a mysterious box of tapes that include secretly recorded footage of various persons… including himself. He attempts to investigate who photographed him and others as well as figure out what the purpose was. Everything appears to be tied to a local pastor, leading to a horrifying discovery. Those who reviewed the picture were generally positive. A small number of write-ups thought that the set-up was strong, but that the final act was a disappointment. Still, the majority called the film atmospheric and that it successfully pulled off a few chilling twists and kept them guessing right to the climax. It stars John Gholson, Christine V. Hall, Nell Kessler, Mia King and William Magnusson.
RESCUE AT DONGJI – Released in other parts of the world as Dongji Rescue, this Chinese war-time thriller is based on a true story (referred to in the east as the Lisbon Maru shipwreck). During World War II, a Japanese cargo ship carrying nearly two-thousand British prisoners of war was torpedoed by the US Navy. The tale follows a group of Chinese fishermen who attempt to save the lives of survivors and protect them after Japanese forces arrive and search the area. The film was nominated for awards in its homeland for its visual effects, and received decent reviews. A few have called the movie a depthless and unmemorable war picture, but the majority commented that it was a compelling effort. They admired its attempts to tell a complicated story and find heroism from unexpected places. The cast includes Yilong Zhu, Lei Wu, Ni Ni, Haoyu Yang, Minghao Chen, William Franklyn-Miller and Kevin Lee.
THE SECRET LIVES OF BILL BARTELL – This independent documentary is also arriving for purchase this week. It attempts to tell the story of L.A. figure Bartell, who is described as a musician (who was part of the early 1980s punk rock band White Flag), a record label owner, as well as police officer, rodeo bull rider, attention-seeking recluse, and the ultimate fan-boy. According to the makers of this feature, many notable performers knew him, including Sean Lennon, Kurt Cobain, KISS, Iron Maiden, The Melvins, Shonen Knife, and even Quentin Tarantino. Unfortunately, few got the full picture of who he really was. Through extensive archival footage and interviews, Bill’s friends and collaborators compare notes on what they knew and what Bill kept hidden from them. Few have seen this picture, but its director (who also made 1991: The Year Punk Broke) attempts to paint a full portrait of the man. If you’re interested, you can now pick it up on Blu-ray.
SHE WAS HERE – Also released as Heather O’Rourke: She Was Here, this documentary tells the story of child performer O’Rourke. She made a strong impression with audiences in the early 1980s, thanks to recurring roles in television shows like Happy Days and Webster. Yet she was most famous for playing Carol Anne Freeling in the Poltergeist movie series. Sadly, the youngster passed away at the age of 12 after contracting giardiasis and suffering from various intestinal complications, including sepsis. This documentary tells her life story and features interviews with family members, as well as co-stars like Craig T. Nelson, JoBeth Wiliams, Zach Galligan and director Gary Sherman. The film also goes into specifics about her tragic passing, which a few media sources falsely claimed was part of a curse affecting members of the Poltergeist film series. This picture hasn’t been seen by critics yet, but may be of interest to those who remember the actress and her films. It is a DVD-only release.
THE TIME IT TAKES – This Italian/French drama is a biopic from filmmaker Francesca Comencini (Mi Piace Lavorare aka Mobbing) and tells her story growing up on film sets with her father (who worked on numerous productions). The story focuses on her time with her dad on the set of a famous Pinocchio adaptation, her later addiction to drugs, and how her pop guided her through these rough periods in her life. The film was nominated for numerous awards in its home country, but hasn’t been seen by many reviewers outside of Italy. One North American critic found the movie excessively self-contemplative and tired of it quickly. However, all others were impressed by the character drama and called the film an intriguing and honest examination of adolescence. For now, this is a DVD-only release. It features Romana Maggiora Vergano, Fabrizio Gifuni and Daniele Monterosi.
AN UNFINISHED FILM – A filmmaker in Wuhan, China decides to complete a movie he started ten years earlier, bringing his cast and crew back together to resume shooting. But just as they’re about to get underway, COVID-19 forces everyone into lockdown at their hotel. The group are suddenly forced to deal with the unexpected challenges that result, including being separated from their families. This Singapore production played at major film festivals like Cannes and received awards. Critical reception to the movie was good, but not as euphoric as on the festival circuit. Not quite one-quarter of them found the pacing sluggish and the story overly melodramatic. However, the majority described the picture as an interesting take of the good and bad that occurred in China during the lockdown. Hai Qin, Xiaorui Mao, Xi Qi, Xuan Huang and Ming Liang.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
So many older titles are being released this week that it’s going to be difficult to get through them all, but I’ll do my best.
The first title is the iconic Excalibur (1981) which is being given a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD from Arrow Video, as well a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray. This is an incredible British feature about the legend of folk hero King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. In fact, if you ask me, it’s the best adaptation, telling Arthur’s life story and the numerous challenges he faced. The film was directed by John Boorman (Point Blank, Hell in the Pacific, Deliverance, Zardoz, The Emerald Forest, Hope and Glory, The General), stars Nigel Terry, Cherie Lunghi, Helen Mirren, Gabriel Byrne, Liam Neeson and Nicol Williamson.
You’ll get a 4K Ultra HD restoration of the original 35mm camera negative presented in Dolby Vision. The theatrical cut contains two new commentaries from John Boorman authorities, as well as an archival track from Boorman himself. The accompanying Blu-ray contains a never-before-released documentary on the production that was directed by a young Neil Jordan (The Crying Game, Interview with the Vampire, Ondine), a new interview with Jordan, a new interview with 93-year-old Boorman and his son, Charlie Boorman (who played Mordred). A recent talk with the production designer is also included, as well as one with 2nd unit director Peter MacDonald (who later helmed Rambo III). There are new film historian featurettes included as well, trailers and an image gallery. Additionally, a third Blu-ray contains a 50-minute retrospective documentary from a little more than a decade ago featuring most of the cast. A shorter, TV-version of the movie with alternate narration is also included.
It all comes with a booklet featuring more writing on the movie, a double-sided fold-out poster with original and newly commissioned art, and six postcard-sized artcards. And if you don’t have a 4K Ultra HD player, a Blu-ray version is also available. Read a full review of the release here.
Arrow Video is also reissuing True Romance (1993) as a “Special Edition” 4K Ultra HD and a “Special Edition” Blu-ray. A “Limited Edition” was available last year but sold out, so this is a newer edition. With the exception of elaborate packaging and posters, etc., the contents of the discs should be similar.
The memorable science-fiction feature Westworld (1973) is arriving as a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD, as well as a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray. This picture was written and directed by Michael Crichton (who later wrote Jurassic Park) and features a group of tourists as a theme-park filled with robots that resemble humans. The bots soon go haywire and terrorize the customers. For this release, the original 35mm camera negative was scanned and restored in 4K and is presented in Dolby Vision. Bonuses include a new film historian commentary, a recently recorded conversation with star Richard Benjamin, an interview with actor James Brolin, and a talk with the producer. A new video essay and appreciation of the movie is also included, as well as an archival behind-the-scenes featurette, a 48-minute pilot for a TV series based on the film, and promo materials. Additionally, you’ll receive a booklet with new essays on the feature, a double-sided fold-out poster with original and newly commissioned artwork, and six postcard-sized artcards.
Radiance Films is presenting more fantastic features from around the globe. This week, you can purchase the Greek feature Iphigenia (1977), which follows a group of Athenians attempting to rescue Helen of Troy from Paris. The Blu-ray promises a high-definition digital transfer of the movie, a recent interview with a Greek film expert, an archival interview with the director and the star, and a booklet with new writing on the move. It all comes in packaging with a reversible sleeve containing new and original art for the picture. Read a full review of this disc right here.
The Japanese Godfather Trilogy is a Blu-ray box set containing the crime pictures Japanese Godfather (1977), Japanese Godfather II: Ambition (1977) and Japanese Godfather III: Conclusion (1978). In addition to high-definition digital transfers of the movies, you will receive an archival interview with the director, a new discussion with the screenwriter, a recently recorded appreciation of the film with Japanese moviemaker Kazuyoshi Kumakiri, and trailers. Of course, a booklet is included with writing on the features, and a reversible sleeve with artwork based on original promotional materials. You can read a detailed review of the set including all three pictures by clicking on this link.
Another notable title this week is from Severin. They are putting out a Blu-ray of the drama Lookin’ Italian (1994), which is famous for featuring Matt LeBlanc in his first major role. It’s about an ex-enforcer for a mobster who quits the business. His quiet life is turned upside down by his nephew, who comes to live with him. This independent title also features Jay Acovone, John LaMotta, Lou Rawls, Densie Richards and a few other notable faces. For this release, the film has been given a new 4K restoration from the original camera negative. It comes with a new interview with the writer/producer/director, archival interviews with cast and crew (including LeBlanc), a Q&A with the filmmaker and cast members from the 1994 Palm Springs International Film Festival, a segment from the TV-show Inside Edition about the movie, a behind-the-scenes featurette, a gag reel, and a trailer. Read a detailed review of the release by clicking on this link.
If you enjoy action titles from the far east, 88 Films has you covered. Duel to the Death (1983) is a story about a Chinese martial arts expert and a Japanese samurai who fight to determine who is the best. The film has been given a 2K restoration from the original camera negative for this Blu-ray release. It comes with a commentary track from a film expert, archival cast interviews, alternate English credits, an image gallery, and trailers.
She Shoots Straight (1990) involves a Hong Kong officer who marries a co-worker. After they get assigned a dangerous case, she teams up with talented martial artist sisters-in-law to battle the bad guys. Sammo Hung appears in a supporting role. The disc contains a 2K image restoration taken from the original negative, a film historian commentary, alternate English credits and promo materials.
Blast-Off Girls (1967) and The Girl, The Body and The Pill (1967) is arriving as a double-feature Blu-ray from AGFA. These are both low-budget independent titles from Herschell Gordon Lewis (Blood Feast, 2000 Maniacs). The first title follows the exploits of a female garage band, while the second involves a teenager struggling with sex and oncoming adulthood. The titles have been transferred from the best surviving 35mm prints (the first film’s original negative is decayed and the second one is lost). You’ll get film historian commentaries, an audio interview with a cast member, a short from the director, alternate opening credits, a 51-minute collection of trailers for the moviemaker’s films, a photo gallery, and a booklet with essays on the movies.
Ghostkeeper (1981) was recently released as a Blu-ray through Canadian International Pictures. It was a Vinegar Syndrome exclusive, but it’s now available everywhere as a “Standard Edition” (the only difference is that you won’t get a slipcase with this version).
Cinematographe is also making the At Close Range (1986) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo available as a “Standard Edition” at most retailers. New Rose Hotel (1998) is also getting the “Standard Edition” Blu-ray treatment.
The Man Who Wasn’t There (2001) from the Coen Brothers (Fargo, No Country for Old Men) is being released in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack and a standalone Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion. Billy Bob Thornton plays a barber who gets involved in a blackmail scheme that quickly turns ugly. The film also stars Frances McDormand, James Gandolfini, Scarlett Johansson, Richard Jenkins and many more. The 4K picture restoration, presented in Dolby Vision, has been supervised and approved by cinematographer Richard Deakins. You’ll also get a commentary with the Coen Brothers and Thronton, a conversation with the filmmakers, an archival interview with Deakins, a short making-of documentary, deleted scenes, and a booklet with an essay.
Pictured below and to the right, the Oscar-winning, Sidney Lumet classic media satire Network (1976) is also arriving from Criterion as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set and standalone Blu-ray. Besides a 4K picture restoration presented in Dolby Vision, extras include an archival audio commentary with Lumet, a 2025 feature-length documentary about screenwriter Paddy Chayefsky, a six-part making-of documentary and a trailer.
Cult Epics is delivering a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo, as well as a Blu-ray only edition of The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (1983). It’s a Japanese effort about a teenage girl who gains the ability to travel through time. Besides the 4K transfer and restoration, a film historian commentary, multiple visual essays, a movie scholar discussion, a music video, promotional material and more are listed as bonuses.
You can now pick up a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray of Treasures of Soviet Animation: Volume 3 from Deaf Crocodile Films at most retailers. It contains another group of quality animated shorts made between 1968 and 1979.
The independent horror film, She Came from the Woods (2022) is getting a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray from ETR Media. It’s limited to 500 copies and features a crew commentary, behind-the-scenes featurette, curated stills gallery and trailer.
Doomsdays (2013) is an independent comedy that is now being made widely available on Blu-ray from Factory25. It follows looters whose lifestyles are forced to change after taking in a runaway teen and aimless young woman. The disc promises the original short that inspired the feature, a 2024 short and a 32-page booklet with writing on the movie.
The drive-in flick, The Black 6 (1973) is arriving on Blu-ray from Film Masters. After a black high school student starts dating a white girl, her brother and his gang murder him. The victim’s brother and his biker gang arrive to avenge his death. It stars Gene Washington, Joe Greene, Mercury Morris, Jefferson Richard, Maury Wills, Paul Stevens and Doug Carroll. The disc contains a film historian commentary as well as liner notes.
The Great Silence (1968) is arriving as a “Standard Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray from Film Movement. The plot involves bounty hunters who take to the snowy mountains to find a group of innocent outlaws. Along the way, they encounter a mute gunslinger who fights to protect them. This Italian/French co-production stars Jean Louis Trintignant and Klaus Kinski. The film has been given a 4K transfer using the best available elements, and features three film historian commentaries, interviews with the same experts, an archival piece on “Spaghetti Westerns”, alternate endings, and trailers.
Glass Eye Pix is presenting a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray of the survivalist thriller Trigger Man (2007) from Ti West (The House of the Devil, The Innkeepers, X). Like the others previously listed, this used to be an exclusive on Vinegar Syndrome, but is now available through all retailers.
Afterschool (2008) is a psychological drama about a shooting at a prep school. IFC Films is putting out a Blu-ray of the title, which stars Ezra Miller. It arrives with a new writer/director commentary, an archival director and crew commentary, deleted and alternate scenes, cell phone videos, outtakes, a short, interviews, trailers and more.
IFC is also releasing a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray of The Last Mistress (2007), a French period drama with Asia Argento about a troubled wedding between two persons of different social classes. It features a film historian commentary, video essay on the movie, video interview with Argento, and booklet with writing on the feature.
The documentary Christina Lindberg: The Original Eye Patch Wearing, Butt Kicking Movie Babe (2015) is appearing on Blu-ray from Klubb Super 8. The title pretty much says it all, as this film tells the story of the Swedish centerfold turned actress who wowed exploitation audiences in the 1970s. The disc boasts an extended version of the movie, a documentary short about the subject’s world travels, a short film from Lindberg, trailers and a gallery.
The MVD Rewind Collection is presenting the martial arts film Force: Five (1981) as a “Collector’s Edition” Blu-ray. It’s about a group of heroes who attempt to rescue a girl from a sinister cult. The film was directed by Robert Clouse (Enter the Dragon), but isn’t one of his best. Still, it may provide a laugh or two to action film fans. This release boasts a high-definition presentation, archival interviews with cast members, a fight featurette, an original trailer, reversible artwork, a collectible mini-poster, and slipcover.
Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs: The Animated Series (2008) is arriving as a DVD-only set from MVD Rewind Collection. Based on the cult comedy, this show aired on G4 back in the day and tells more stories featuring the characters from the movie. In addition to 13 episodes, you’ll get a trailer for the 1987 comedy, a teaser for the upcoming sequel, a collectible mini-poster and a slipcover on the first pressing.
Severin Films is presenting The Eurocrypt of Christopher Lee Collection 3 Blu-ray box set contains the films Beat Girl (1960), The Hands of Orlac (1960), The Virgin of Nuremberg (1963) 4K and Blu-ray, Arabian Adventure (1979), A Feast at Midnight (1994), and the documentary The Life and Death of Christopher Lee (2024). The movie has been scanned from superior cult elements, so the movies have never looked better. Like other titles from the distributor, it comes with a ton of extras, film historian commentary tracks and a total of 16 combined hours of extras.
The Ghost (1963) is arriving as a “Standard Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray, and a “Standard Edition” standalone Blu-ray. The plot involves a woman who gets her lover to murder her wealthy, paralyzed husband. But after moving forward, they experience strange events and begin to wonder if they really succeeded in killing him. It comes with the same extras, just the packaging is simple.
Retribution (1987) is also coming out as a “Standard Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo. Severin discovered the unclaimed, unrated negative of the film, which was given a 4K restoration (along with the theatrical cut which is also presented in 4K), and comes with a ton of extras, cast and crew interviews, promo materials.
Shout Factory is presenting a double-feature 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set of the Hong Kong action pictures Prison on Fire (1987) and Prison on Fire II (1991). Both have been given 4K scans from the original camera negative and are presented in Dolby Vision, along with film historian commentaries, cast/crew/movie expert interviews and trailers.
The Dead Thing (2024) was first released on the horror movie streaming service Shudder last year. A “Standard Edition” Blu-ray of the film is now arriving with an audio commentary, a behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes with optional commentary and a booklet with an essay on the movie.
Sony Pictures is presenting the action/comedy D.E.B.S. (2004) on Blu-ray. It follows a group of students whose SAT results get them recruited by the government to become secret agents. The campy movie has become a cult film in the years since its release. It arrives on disc with a director commentary, a cast commentary, and a couple of making-of featurettes.
Richard Pryor: Here and Now (1983) is arriving in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo. This is a part stand-up/part documentary picture chronicling the comedian during the peak of his commercial power. Unfortunately, no bonuses are included.
Synapse Films is delivering a website exclusive “Limited Edition” Blu-ray of Tag: The Assassination Game (1982). It’s an action/thriller set at a college where a group of students participating in dart gun activities on campus get involved in a real crime. The movie was written and directed by Nick Castle (The Last Starfighter, The Boy Who Could Fly) and stars Robert Carradine (whom I’m sorry to say passed away recently), Linda Hamilton, Perry Lang, Michael Winslow, Bruce Abbott and Xander Berkeley. It arrives with a commentary featuring Castle and Carradine, a trailer, liner notes, and a film poster reproduction card. It’s all packaged with a slipcover featuring new artwork for the movie.
It’s another busy week for Vinegar Syndrome, who are putting out several website exclusives as well as wider release titles. One that can only be purchased through their website is Boxcar Bertha (1972). Released with Cinematographe, this crime film is set in the 1930s, stars Barbara Hershey, David Carradine and Bernie Casey, was produced by Roger Corman, and was the second movie from legendary director Martin Scorsese (Raging Bull, Goodfellas, The Departed, The Irishman). You’ll get a film historian commentary, a cast member interview, a talk from a Scorsese expert, a video essay on the picture, a Trailers from Hell segment on the feature, an intro to the film from Turner Classic Movies featuring footage of Corman, rarely seen storyboards drawn by Scorsese, a booklet with an interview about the film with Scorsese, and essays on the feature.
Dead Boyz Can’t Fly (1992) is another Vinegar Syndrome Blu-ray exclusive.
So is the adult film Debbie Does Dallas (1978) and High School Memories (1980), a drama with adult film stars Annette Haven, Jamie Gillis. And Driller (1984) is an adult horror title that is being released on Blu-ray in conjunction with Wild Eye Releasing. You can check the Melusine line on the official Vinegar Syndrome site for details on those Blu-rays.
Made in Hong Kong: Volume 2 is a Blu-ray collection of obscure Hong Kong action pictures. This set features New York Chinatown (1982), Best of the Best (1992) and Final Justice (1997) and can only be purchased through the website.
Those who enjoy Dario Argento pictures can now pick up the filmmaker’s take on The Phantom of the Opera (1998) as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set. Asia Argento stars with Julian Sands in this take on the story, although from my perspective it’s among the filmmaker’s weakest entries (along with Dario Argento’s Dracula). At least the set boasts a 4K scan and restoration of the original 35mm camera negative presented in Dolby Vision. It comes with a film historian commentary, interviews with the make-up effects artist, the editor, co-stars Nadia Rinaldi and Gianni Franco, the set designer, the producer, camera operator, and Argento himself.
Blu-rays of Raw Talent (1984) and the black and white monster movie The Snow Creature (1954) are also available through the website, featuring the best presentations of the films ever and bonus features.
Smoke and Mirrors: The Story of Tom Savini (2015) is a documentary on the famous make-up effects artist that is arriving as an exclusive with Wild Eye Releasing. Besides the movie itself, you’ll get a commentary with the director and Savini, excerpts of the subject’s personal behind-the-scenes video archives from movies like Day of the Dead, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, Creepshow, and other films), personal videos from the set of his 1991 Night of the Living Dead remake, trailers, and even more home movies.
The low-budget chiller Terror Firmer (1999) is getting a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo through the site as well. It follows an indie film crew who are targeted by a real killer. Lloyd Kaufman directed this picture and the 3-disc set contains so many extras that they can’t all be listed here. Rest assured that if you like the movie, you’ll be getting every possible bit of bonus material about it that exists.
Visual Vengeance, who specialize in presenting independent, shot-in-video genre pictures, is back with a “Collector’s Edition” Blu-ray of Date with a Vampire (2000). It follows a bisexual bloodsucker who charms a young man and takes him into a world of indulgence and terror. You’ll get a new SD master of the movie from original tape elements, a director commentary, numerous cast and crew interviews, the bonus film Blood Dog (2002) from the same director, a commentary and interview on the second feature, promo materials for both titles, trailers for these and other films from the distributor, a reversible sleeve with new art, a folded mini-poster and more!
Highway to Hell (1990) is also getting a “Collector’s Edition” Blu-ray. The film involves a mass murderer who escapes from prison and goes on a rampage in the desert while an officer attempts to hunt him down. For its Blu-ray debut, the film has been given an SD master from the original tape elements. Extras include a director commentary and interview, cast and crew interviews, an image gallery, a bonus movie called Redneck County Fever (1992) with a commentary and interviews. There is also a set of trailers, a VHS sticker set, a reversible sleeve featuring original VHS art, a mini-poster for the second movie and more.
Finally, Warner Archives is delivering Loopy De Loop: The Complete Collection on Blu-ray. It consists of animated Hanna and Barbera cartoons that were made for movie theaters and shown between 1959 and 1965. You can also purchase Blu-rays of titles like Mogambo (1953), Stranger on the Third Floor (1940) and Tarzan and His Mate (1934).
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Below is your lone choice for animated kid’s fare (although I can’t comment on the content of the early 60s shorts as they were even before my time).
Loopy De Loop: The Complete Collection (animated cartoons made for movie theaters and shown between 1959-1965) (Warner Archive) Blu-ray
ON THE TUBE!
Below is a list of the week’s TV-themed releases.
And Just Like That…: The Complete Series (HBO) DVD
And Just Like That…: Season 3 (HBO) DVD
Hearts Around the Table 4-Movie Collection: Jenna’s First Love, Shari’s Second Act, Josh’s Third Serving, Kiki’s Fourth Ingredient (Hallmark) DVD
Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs: The Animated Series (2008) (MVD Rewind Collection) DVD
Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators: Season Five (BBC) DVD
Year of the Rabbit (2019 TV miniseries) (All3Media) Blu-ray
