Welcome to another look at some of the highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. The last edition was one of the busiest in recent memory, so things are slower this week. Still, there are some interesting independent features, and some great older pictures 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!
THE ACCIDENTAL GETAWAY DRIVER – An elderly Vietnamese cab driver in Orange County picks up a trio of passengers. They turn out to be prison escapees who take the man hostage and demand he help them get to San Jose. The lead attempts to get them to come to their senses and turn themselves in as he takes them to their destination. This independent crime/drama was generally well-received by reviewers. A small number believed that, while well intentioned, the film was slow-moving and didn’t do as much as it could have to build and maintain tension. Still, the majority appreciated the work of the cast and wrote that the film wisely focused on its characters and provided a number of moving and inspirational moments. It stars Hiep Tran Nghia, Dustin Nguyen, Phi Vu and Dali Benssalah.
THE BANISHED – After escaping her abusive father, a young woman returns home after being informed of the family patriarch’s death. Upon her arrival, she learns that her younger brother has gone missing. Clues suggest that the sibling may have ended up in a hippie commune in the wilderness, so the lead heads out with a tracker to find him. She also encounters a lost hiker. As the woman gets closer to her destination, strange events occur and the truth about her brother’s disappearance comes to light. Only a handful of critics have seen this Australian independent horror feature. Unfortunately, most haven’t rated the picture very highly. A few thought it was a unique and atmospheric genre film that was strange, but also compelling and unpredictable. Alas, more complained that the impressionism on display was simply an excuse for not filling in story issues. They ultimately felt it didn’t deliver on the promise of its concept. The cast includes Meg Eloise-Clarke, David Beelen, Steve Brekalow and Taylor Buoro.
LA COCINA – This Mexican drama is based on the 1957 stage play The Kitchen, written by Arnold Wesler. It follows the workers at a high-end Manhattan restaurant. Owned by a wealthy Arab American businessman and staffed by mostly undocumented immigrants, the team making the food are forced to work long and arduous hours for little pay. Viewers see their stressful job situation as well as the personal drama going on between employees, which heightens after a large sum of cash disappears from a register. The press was more positive than negative about this film. Slightly more than one-quarter of them commented that the film was overstuffed with too many characters, meaning that viewers didn’t get enough time to get involved in their plight. Still, most called the movie appropriately chaotic and tense as it dealt with very topical themes in a dynamic and sympathetic manner. It features Raúl Briones Carmona, Rooney Mara, Anna Diaz, Soundos Mosbah, Eduardo Olmos, Motell Foster and Oded Fehr.
THE GLASSWORKER – This hand-drawn animated feature from Pakistan is about an artist aiming to be a notable glassworker like his father. As he prepares for his first exhibition, he receives a letter from a childhood friend whom he had a crush as a young boy. Flashbacks reveal that the writer was the daughter of a general with different political views, and that the two were separated by a lengthy war. The movie details what transpired between them. This film earned an upbeat reception from reviewers. A small number suggested that, despite its best efforts, the characters and their story didn’t end up making a lasting emotional impression. But everyone else called the film sweet and beautiful, managing to make a moving anti-war statement that would impress anyone who gave it a chance. This Blu-ray appears to contain only the English-language version of the film.
THE HISTORY OF SOUND – Set in 1917, this tale follows two American students who meet while studying music. After they each go off to fight in the war, they return home to different lives. One of the two, now working for a university, asks for the other’s assistance in compiling folk songs from the northeast. The two reconnect and begin their work, growing closer as the months pass. Eventually, they realize they have to make a choice about each of their futures, as well as whether or not they want to spend their lives together. Critics gave this picture more recommendations than pans. Close to one-third suggested that while well-acted, the story was blandly delivered with no searing drama or passion. Regardless, the consensus was that the picture featured two charismatic leads and that it was a moving and bittersweet tale about relationships and music. Paul Mescal, Josh O’Connor, Peter Mark Kendall, Chris Cooper and Molly Price headline the film.
OUT COME THE WOLVES – This independent genre title from Canada involves a couple who become interested in hunting. They decide to take a trip to a cabin in the remote wilderness along with a professional hunter (who also happens to be an ex of one of the pair) in order to learn how to catch wild game. There’s some tension between the group, which only gets worse when a pack of vicious and very hungry wolves attack them. This forces them all to put their skills into practice. More critics liked this picture than disliked it. About one-third stated that while the action was suspenseful, the characters weren’t well developed and the movie left viewers with no one to root for. However, all others felt a genuine unease between the central trio and found the wolf-related carnage disturbing and effective. The film stars Missy Peregrym, Joris Jarsky and Damon Runyan.
QUAKEASAURUS – If you appreciate micro-budgeted genre pictures from Wild Eye Releasing (Cocaine Shark, the Ouija Shark series), their latest is this effort that begins with Los Angeles being rocked by a devastating earthquake. If that wasn’t bad enough, a fissure opens up and releases a massive, fire-breathing, winged dinosaur. A group of individuals who survived the initial shock must now avoid a giant flying predator while trying to escape the rubble and reach safety. It appears as though this title is a DVD-only release, and as of right now no one has seen the picture yet. But, if you’ve seen other titles from the studio, you likely have an idea of what to expect – cheesy homemade monster movie mayhem. The cast includes Butch Patrick, Dawna Lee Heising, Stacey Nelkin, Dustin Ferguson, Mel Novak and Traci Burr.
SOLVENT – This English-language Austrian horror/dark comedy tells the story of an American contractor who is hired by a Polish historian to travel to Europe and help her investigate the abandoned property of a former SS Officer. He and the crew discover evidence that the individual had been taking part in various bizarre experiments beneath his home, leading to even more shocking discoveries and events. Response towards this picture was strong from genre film critics. One or two did critique the film, noting that it wasn’t particularly scary nor funny, leaving them cold. Still, most described the movie as chilling and felt that, between the scares and creepy humor, it offered a lot more subtext than the majority of genre pictures out there. It features Jon Gries, Aleksandra Cwen, Johannes Grenzfurthner and Roland Gratzer
SWAMP DOGG GETS HIS POOL PAINTED – Swamp Dogg is the stage name of American country soul and R&B singer Jerry Williams Jr.. He has been making music, as well as writing and producing tunes, since the 1970s. This documentary tells the story of how he started his career and navigated decades in the recording industry. Apparently, he has also transformed his home into an artistic playground that has also welcomed the likes of Jenny Lewis and John Prine, as well as superfans Mike Judge, Johnny Knoxville and Tom Kenny (all of whom perform while visiting). Every member of the press who saw this picture enjoyed it. All stated that the movie was amusingly quirky and told a fascinating story about a very unique individual. They also thought it was fun to see him interact with other artists and get creative and new and unconventional ways.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
If you’re looking for something older, you have some great options too. Radiance Films is releasing several “Limited Editions” this week. Agitator (2001) is a well-regarded Yakuza film from noted director Takashi Miike (Audition, Ichi the Killer, One Missed Call, 13 Assassins) about a mob boss who attempts to take over a rival group and head the largest syndicate in Japan. Those who pick up the movie will receive a high-definition transfer of the theatrical cut, and a standard definition edition of the extended version (which looks better than one might initially expect), as well as a film historian commentary, a recent interview with Miike and a trailer. A booklet is also included with an essay on the title. A full review of this title is now available to read by clicking on this link.
Cutter’s Way (1981) is arriving as a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray. This major cult film involves an alcoholic Vietnam veteran who is shocked when his drifter friend is falsely accused of murder. He decides to set things right, causing a lot of trouble along the way. The movie stars John Heard and Jeff Bridges and is very well regarded.
For this release, the film has been restored in 4K from the original 35mm camera negative and is presented in Dolby Vision. You can also view the film with the title sequence featuring the movie’s original moniker Cutter and Bone. A featurette on the legacy of the movie is included, along with two film historian audio commentaries, a commentary with the assistant director and unit production manager, and a commentary with various cast and crew members. There is also an archival featurette on the score composer, an archival audio introduction by Bridges, an archival video intro from the director, trailers, and an 80-page book with new writing on the movie. You can read a detailed review of the release by clicking on this link.
And you can also purchase the visually striking Polish film The Dancing Hawk (1977) as a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray. This one tells the story of a man’s life as he tries to work his way up in the world in communist Poland. As you might have already guessed, things don’t go particularly well for him. The film was given a 4K scan and restoration in its home country for this release and it looks incredible. You’ll also receive a discussion on the film with a critic, two short films by the cinematographer, a booklet with writing on the picture, and a reversible sleeve with two pieces of original artwork for the title. Want to know more about this disc? Click here to read a full review of the title.
Arrow Video has a big cult item arriving this week with their “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD of Red Sonja (1985), the sword and sorcery feature starring Brigitte Nielsen and Arnold Schwarzenegger. It’s a spinoff of sorts from Conan the Barbarian about a female warrior seeking revenge for the murder of her family. It isn’t a particularly good film, but Conan completists will likely get some enjoyment out of the picture. You’ll get a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative presented in Dolby Vision. There is a comic book expert commentary, a film historian commentary, numerous new cast and crew interviews, an archival, previously unreleasing interview with the poster artist , an archival featurette on this part of Schwarzenegger’s career, a discussion with the assistant director, tons of promo materials, a reversible sleeve with two new pieces of original art for the film, a booklet with writing on the title, a double-sided foldout poster, and six postcard sized reproduction artcards.
88 Films is putting out Helter Skelter (2012) on Blu-ray. It’s a Japanese title about a model who begins to suffer the effects from numerous illegal plastic surgery procedures to her body. Besides the high-definition presentation, you’ll get a movie expert audio commentary, interviews with the director and cast, behind-the-scenes making-of footage, press conferences, a premiere stage greeting, promo materials and more.
Sakuran (2006) is also appearing on Blu-ray. This feature follows a woman making her way in the red-light district of Edo-era Japan. Bonuses include an intro to the movie, a film expert commentary, a stills gallery, trailers and a booklet with essays on the title
AGFA is releasing the independent shot-on-video horror film Enbalmer (1996) as a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray. Extras should be the same as the previous edition, only in simple packaging.
Alliance Entertainment, which used to be Mill Creek, is putting out a Blu-ray of The Good Shepherd (2006) with Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie and Robert De Niro (who also directed the feature).
Bleeding Skull would like you to know that you can pick up the Folies Meurtrières and the Films of Antoine Pellissier set on Blu-ray. Titles and specs can be found on various retailer sites.
Multiple Oscar-nominee Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) is arriving as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo and a standalone Blu-ray from Criterion. Leonard DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone star in this biopic about a group of individuals murdering and stealing the land and oil of Osage Nation peoples in the 1920s. A new 4K master was created for this release and approved by director Martin Scorsese. It is presented in Dolby Vision. Additionally, there is a new documentary chronicling the making of the movie, a new documentary illuminating the film’s final shot, an archival interview with the cinematographer, excerpts from the 2023 Cannes Film Festival press conference, a short of the cover art for the release, a trailer and essays on the movie.
Cult Epics is delivering the steamy Italian romance film The Key (1983) from Tinto Brass as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo and a regular Blu-ray edition. The movie has been given a 4K restoration and contains a critic commentary track, a film expert interview, a cast member interview, a discussion about Ennio Morricone’s score, an archival interview with the director, outtakes, galleries, trailers, a booklet with writing on the movie, and a reversible cover with vintage poster art.
Deaf Crocodile is presenting a couple of “Standard Editions” of earlier releases. You can now purchase a regular version of the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set of Krakatit (1948) and a Blu-ray of White Sun of the Desert (1970). The transfers and most disc content should be the same as previous editions, but without the more elaborate packaging (with slipcovers, etc.).
Cruel Tale of Bushido (1963) is getting the Blu-ray treatment from Eureka Entertainment. This Japanese film follows a man and his sons over multiple generations. The film was given a 4K restoration from Toei for this presentation and comes with a film expert interview, a video essay on the movie and a trailer.
A “Standard Edition” Blu-ray of the drama Bye Bye Brazil (1980) is arriving from Film Movement. All the bonuses are the same as in the previous edition, this version simply omits the slipcover.
The popular Tsui Hark romantic comedy Shanghai Blues (1984) is getting a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray release from the distributor. Besides the 4K picture restoration upgrade, the release promises interviews with director/producer Hark and the film’s coordinator, as well as a film expert commentary track and a 16-page booklet with writing on the feature.
Suo Duo: Two Films by Masayuki Suo is a Blu-ray containing Fancy Dance (1989) and Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t (1992). Both of the titles have been given new 4K restorations for this release and arrive with video intros from the director, archival interviews with the cast and a 16-page booklet with writing on the movies.
It’s a very busy week for Kino Lorber. If you’re looking for something to entertain the whole family, Beethoven (1992) is arriving as a “Special Edition” Blu-ray. The film has been given a new 2K restoration from an interpositive and arrives with a new director commentary track, a film historian commentary and a trailer.
Blackberry (2023) was a fantastic comedy and biopic from Canada about the meteoric rise and fall of the Blackberry, which was the world’s first smartphone. It’s a wild and very entertaining film that comes highly recommended. This release contains the theatrical and extended cuts of the movie, two commentaries with director/co-writer/co-star Matt Johnson (Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie) an audio track with a former engineer of the Blackberry company, featurettes on the crew, scoring production, cinematography, and more, as well as a blooper reel, trailer and booklet with new writing on the movie.
If you enjoy war pictures, the James Caan/Michael Caine/Sean Connery/Gene Hackman World War II film, A Bridge Too Far (1977) is arriving as both a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo and a standalone Blu-ray. A 4K restoration of the movie was taken from the original camera negative and is presented in Dolby Vision. Additionally, there is a film historian commentary, a screenwriter commentary and a trailer included in this release.
House Calls (1978) is a rom-com with Walter Matthau and Glenda Jackson that is appearing on Blu-ray. No word on whether any bonuses will be present on the disc.
Uncommon Valor (1983) is also appearing in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set. This picture follows a group of Vietnam vets who try to find one of their own who was left behind on the battlefield. It features an incredible cast that includes Gene Hackmlan, Robert Stack, Fred Ward, Reb Brown, Harold Sylvester, Patrick Swayze and Tim Thomerson. Spec state that the set contains a 4K restoration of the film from the original camera negative that is presented in Dolby Vision. There are two film expert commentaries included, as well as new interviews with Brown and Sylvester, and a trailer.
The Bleeder: A Rocker Story (1982) is a shot-in-video shocker from Sweden that Klubb Super 8 is putting out on Blu-ray. This disc contains the movie, location scouting footage, cast and crew interviews, a reunion featurette, deleted scenes, bloopers and more.
MPI Media Group is rereleasing Supernova (2000) on Blu-ray. Shout Factory put this picture out on Blu-ray with some extras many years ago. No word on whether or not this is the same edition, or one with just the film (it’s probably just the movie).
Powerhouse Films has a couple of big cult titles arriving this week. The first is the dark comedy/horror movie Dead Kids (1981) aka Strange Behavior, which will be available as a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD or a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray. This is a chiller from Australia/New Zealand involving teens being turned into murderers by a mad scientist. It features Michael Murphy and Louise Fletcher and is much better than you would expect given the story synopsis. Both the Aussie version and US cut of the film have been newly restored in 4K from the original negative and are presented in Dolby Vison. Extras listed include a director/co-writer commentary, a co-writer and cast commentary, tons of recent interviews with cast and crew, an interview with the producer recorded for the Not Quite Hollywood documentary, a new movie critic appreciation of the movie, an isolated score track, trailers, a Patton Oswalt commentary on a trailer, publicity materials, and an 80-page book on the film.
The Survivor (1981) is also getting a 4K Ultra HD-only and a Blu-ray-only release. This sci-fi/disaster picture involves a pilot who ends up the sole survivor of an airline crash. He can’t remember what occurred and attempts to put the pieces together and figure out how he survived. The eerie effort stars Robert Powell and Jenny Agutter. The film’s original negative has been given a 4K restoration and is presented in Dolby Vision. This release contains three cuts of the movie (including a never-before-seen director’s cut), multiple commentaries on the film, tons of archival cast and crew interviews, critical retrospectives on the title, promo materials, an 80-page book on the film, and more!
Shout Factory is releasing the Coen Brothers period Hollywood comedy Hail, Caesar! (2016) as a 4L Ultra HD and Blu-ray set. Besides the 4K restoration presented in Dolby Vision, the specs suggest featurettes on the production will also be included.
Sony Pictures is putting out a 4K Ultra HD only edition of the San Francisco rave party drama Groove (2000). The studio is also making the comedy A Lot Like Love (2005) available on Blu-ray.
If the rom-com Love and Other Catastrophes (1996) is appealing, you can pick up a Blu-ray of the feature from Umbrella Entertainment.
Finally, Wild Eye Releasing is presenting a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray of the cult Australian film Cat Sick Blues (2015). It’s about a man who loses his cat, has a psychotic break, starts to slay people in the hopes that killing nine humans will resurrect his feline. Like all other titles from the distributor, this release comes with hours of bonus material, including commentaries, behind-the-scenes footage, music videos, and more.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Below is a list of a title or two that may appeal to young viewers.
Beethoven (1992) (Kino) Blu-ray
Looney Tunes Collector’s Vault: Volume 2 (Warner Archive) Blu-ray
ON THE TUBE!
And all of the week’s TV-related releases can be found below.
Hallmark Channel 3-Movie Collection: Journey to You, The Easter Bloom, The Blessing Bracelet (Hallmark) DVD
Looney Tunes Collector’s Vault: Volume 2 (Warner Archive) Blu-ray
One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (Hallmark) DVD
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off: The Complete Limited Series (Universal Studios) Blu-ray
A Zest for Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (Hallmark) DVD
