Welcome to another look at highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. This edition is quieter than most, but it does contain a few intriguing independents as well as some classic 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!
THE LEGEND OF HEI II – This effort, which also goes by The Legend of Hei 2 in some markets, is a sequel to the 2019 Chinese animated fantasy The Legend of Hei. Both films are prequels to a television series that began airing in 2011. For those who missed the previous chapter, the story involved a spirit that takes the form of a black cat, and has the power to bend space (as well as metal, apparently). After encountering various good and bad humans, the being befriended an individual and was forced to decide whether or not to protect our species from a sinister force (one assumes that he ultimately did save us). This time out, peace between his kind and humanity has ended, and the cat and his friends try to determine who is responsible for starting the new conflict. Currently, there are only a couple of reviews available for this picture, but they have been upbeat. They note that while it helps to already be familiar with the characters, this is a beautifully animated tale that has a pleasant message about striving for universal peace.
PETER HUJAR’S DAY – Peter Hujar was an influential New York City photographer in the 1960s and early 70s, perhaps best known for his portraits. Based on a 2021 book that describes 24 hours in his life, the biopic is focused on a 1974 conversation between the figure and his friend, Linda Rosenkrantz. Over the course of the running time, they talk about life in the city, living from day to day with no money, his artistic inspirations, and how he approaches his work. The feature was well-received by the press. One or two negative voices stated that the talky approach didn’t do much to involve them in the characters, and that their conversation wasn’t as interesting or deep as it could have been. However, everyone else appreciated the unique tactic used to create this biopic. They also suggested that the lead actors were excellent and the conversation was relatable, making the film interesting to watch. It stars Rebecca Hall and Ben Whishaw.
TWINLESS – Those who appreciate very dark comedies may enjoy this effort. The story follows a young gay man who visits a diner in Portland. He picks up another patron and they spend the night together. The lead wants to start a relationship with the new person, but the individual won’t return his calls. He stalks the figure and eventually confronts him on the side of a road, before the surprised man is accidentally hit by a passing vehicle. Shortly afterwards, the main character sees a person who looks exactly like the dead man. He discovers that it is his lover’s twin, and begins to stalk him too. The lead convinces a female friend to help him, and conflict arises when she actually begins dating his new obsession. Critics rated this effort highly. One or two didn’t like the oddball humor in the picture and changing tones. Yet all others praised the performances, calling the film a surprisingly complex examination of loss and guilt that possessed a surprisingly sharp and funny voice. They believed the film worked much better than they initially expected. The cast includes Dylan O’Brien, James Sweeney, Aisling Franciosi and Chris Perfetti.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
Looking for something a little older? 88 Films is putting out The Angry River (1971) on Blu-ray. It’s the first film from legendary studio Golden Harvest and is a period action picture about a woman searching for a cure for her badly injured father. She must find a remedy and evade her dad’s attackers. The film has been given a 2K restoration from the original negative, and comes with a film historian commentary, an image gallery, and a trailer. It appears with a slipcase with new art, as well as a reversible sleeve featuring original Hong Kong poster art
The Himalayan (1976) is the tale of a woman seeking revenge after her nasty brother-in-law frames her for adultery. This Hong Kong production was shot in Nepal and arrives on Blu-ray with a 2K picture restoration from the original negative, a film historian commentary, and an image gallery. It comes in a slipcase with new artwork, as well as a reversible sleeve with original Hong Kong poster image.
The Invincible Eight (1971) is a feature about eight warriors whose fathers have all been killed by a cruel general. They set out to destroy the official and his system of power. The Blu-ray includes a 2K restoration from the original camera negative, a film expert commentary, trailers, and an image gallery. Like the other releases, the packaging features a slipcase with new art, and a reversible sleeve with Hong Kong poster artwork.
Alliance Entertainment (who used to be known as Mill Creek Entertainment) is putting out a pair of Japanese TV miniseries out on Blu-ray. Ultraman: Towards the Future (1990) and Ultraman: The Ultimate Hero (1993) are the titles featured on this release.
Criterion is releasing the drama The Delta (1996) on Blu-ray. This independent American feature tells the story of a secretive young man who starts a relationship with a Vietnamese born, openly gay acquaintance. The film has been given a 2K restoration supervised and approved by director Ira Sachs. Bonuses include a 2001 director commentary, a new interview with the filmmakers, two shorts by Sachs shot in the early 90s, and an essay on the movie.
The Czechoslovakian film Karkatit (1948) is arriving as a “Standard Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray – from Deaf Crocodile Films. It’s a science-fiction mystery about a chemist who invents a powerful explosive, and then experiences delirium and regret for his actions.
Disney now owns Fox, which means that you may see the odd R-rated title arriving from the studio more associated with family-friendly entertainment. This week, you can pick up a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook of the excellent title Fight Club (1999). Brad Pitt and Ed Norton star in this tale of an automotive recall expert who befriends a soap salesman. The pair start up the unusual title organization. This release from David Fincher (Seven, Zodiac, The Social Network) promises a new 4K master of the movie approved by Fincher and presented in Dolby Vision. You’ll also get an archival filmmaker commentary, a director and cast commentary, a writer’s commentary, a technical commentary with crew, as well as featurettes on the sound design, behind-the-scenes vignettes, deleted and alternative scenes, promo materials, a music video and much more.
Scarlet Warning 666 (1974) is an independent, surreal horror picture about Satanists that is arriving on Blu-ray with a soundtrack CD, courtesy of Grindhouse Releasing. The original 35mm negative has been restored in 4K, and press materials list a screenwriter commentary, image galleries, trailers, a documentary on the eccentric, late moviemaker, an interview with the screenwriter, a cast member interview, a discussion with two figures who attended the premiere sharing their thoughts on the movie, pieces on the music, and a featurette about the producer’s obscure movies and their interesting music.
It’s another busy edition for Kino Lorber. Charles Bronson movie enthusiasts can pick up a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo of 10 to Midnight (1983), which follows a cop hunting down a serial killer. Specs for this title include a 4K restoration of the original camera negative presented in Dolby Vision, a film historian commentary, a commentary with the producer and casting director, interviews with cast members Andrew Stevens, Robert F. Lyons and Jeana Tomasina, as well as the film’s producer. Additionally, radio spots and a trailer are on the disc.
You can also pick up a Blu-ray of the James Stewart/Rock Hudson western Bend of the River (1952). This release contains a 4K picture restoration from Universal, as well as two movie expert commentary tracks.
The Matt Dillon/Sean Young thriller A Kiss Before Dying (1991) is also arriving on Blu-ray. This remake of a 1956 Robert Wagner feature follows a woman whose twin sister dies mysteriously. After dating a new man, she discovers he may have had a connection to her sibling. This disc promises two film historian commentaries and a trailer.
Rider on the Rain (1970) is arriving as a 2-disc 4K Ultra HD set. This is a French mystery starring Marlène Jobert and Charles Bronson. The story starts with a woman murdering her rapist, only to find herself being pursued by an odd American investigator (played by Bronson). Both the French cut and the American version have been newly restored in 4K and each version contains a different film authority commentary. Trailers are also featured on the discs.
The western buddy comedy Adios Amigo (1976) is arriving on Blu-ray from Leomark Studio. This effort stars Fred Williamson and Richard Pryor as a conman and cowboy who get into various adventures while traveling through the west.
Seven Alone (1974) is a period western drama about seven kids in the 1840s who are forced to go it alone from Missouri to Oregon after their parents pass away. Neither of these titles come with bonuses, but they’re pretty hard to find in general, so at least you can now pick them up on disc.
The concert film Soul to Soul (1971) is receiving a Blu-ray release from Liberation Hall. It features Ike & Tina Turner, Wilson Pickett, Santana, The Staple Singers, The Voices of East Harlem and others playing a show in Ghana and celebrating the country’s 14th anniversary of their independence. This release comes packed with extras. There are four commentary tracks featuring the different bands, as well as an outtake performance from Ike & Tina Turner, and a trailer.
Over the past year, Mondo Macabro has put out several horror films from around the world as elaborate “Special Editions”. Now, you can pick up “Standard Edition” Blu-rays of titles from India, Indonesia, and one from Greece. Aatma (2006), Island of the Doomed (1967), Mystics in Bali (1981), and The Queen of Black Magic (1981) are part of the list of titles, in addition to a double-feature Blu-ray of Tahkhana – The Dungeon (1986) and Purani Haveli: The Monster Wakes (1989). Features on the discs will be the same as earlier editions, only in simpler packaging.
Shout Factory is presenting one of their catalog titles in new packaging. You can now pick up the cult horror/comedy Motel Hell (1980) as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook. The discs are the same as the previous 4K edition, only the casing is different.
The baseball biopic Moneyball (2011) is getting a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo release from Sony Pictures. Brad Pitt stars as Billy Bean, the Oakland A’s general manager who used sports analytics to bring in a winning team on a slim budget, getting them to the playoffs in the process. Besides the 4K transfer (the film was shot in 4K, so this is likely as good as it can look), it comes with deleted scenes, and a number of featurettes on the production and Bean’s “Moneyball” system. Interested parties should note that early review copies revealed an audio issue on the disc. Apparently, replacement discs will be issued to those who purchase the movie before the corrected copies arrive. As such, you might want to hold off a few weeks before picking it up.
The indie horror picture Make Them Die Sleazy (2014) is arriving on Blu-ray from SRS Cinema. The disc also contains outtakes, an interview, a video, trailers and more.
Cradle of Fear (2001) is now a 2-disc “Collector’s Edition” Blu-ray from Unearthed Films. It’s a direct-to-disc, low-budget anthology horror movie from the UK and is famous for featuring members of the metal band Cradle of Filth. Besides the feature, there is a making-of, a German DVD-making-of, promo materials, shorts from the director, promos, a behind-the-scenes gallery and trailers.
Universal Studios is giving the hit comedy Bridesmaids (2011) a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray upgrade. Kristin Wiig stars as a thirty-something woman struggling in her personal life who ends up being a Maid of Honor for her best friend. She attempts to get the wedding organized, but she and the other bridesmaids get themselves into outrageous trouble along the way. The cast also includes Maya Rupdolph, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Ellie Kemper and Chris O’Dowd. You’ll get high quality editions of the unrated and theatrical cuts of the movie, as well as a director and cast commentary, deleted scenes, extended and alternate scenes, several featurettes and more.
VCI is delivering Blu-ray of classic Mexican features. You can now pick up Capitan de Rurales (1951), Janitzio (1935), El Nino y la Niebla (1953), and Traigo mi 45 (1952). They don’t appear to contain bonuses, but at least you’ll be able to own a copy of several classics from south of the border.
And, Visual Vengeance is delivering a Blu-ray double-feature set of two shot-on-video action pictures. Specifically, Born a Ninja (1988) and Commando the Ninja (1988). The first movie involves two pals who specialize in their own brand of martial arts and must use their skills to take down an evil scientist and his deadly assassins. The second title is a sequel in which the same protagonists are joined by two female fighters as they uncover a germ-warfare plot. You’ll get SD masters of the movies from the original tape elements, along with filmmaker commentary tracks, video essays on the titles, cast member interviews promo materials, two folded mini-posters with original VHS art, a reversible sleeve with VHS art, a booklet with essays on the pictures, a sticker set, a slipcover and more.
Finally, Warner Archive is releasing George Stevens: A Filmmaker’s Journey (1984) as a 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray combo. This is a documentary on the life and career of Stevens, who directed classics like Swing Time, Gunga Din, A Place in the Sun, Shane, The Greatest Story Ever Told and Giant. The subject also shot combat footage in Europe during World War II, and much of that material is presented here. This film has been given a 4K restoration from the original camera negative. Extras include conversations with moviemakers like Martin Scorsese, Guillermo del Toro and Christopher Nolan, who greatly admire his works.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
It’s a slow week, but if you know any youngsters who enjoy seeing Japanese superheroes fight monsters, one title is available.
Ultraman: Towards the Future and Ultraman: The Ultimate Hero (1990 and 1993 TV Miniseries) (Alliance Entertainment) Blu-ray
ON THE TUBE!
Below is a list of TV-related releases this week.
Call the Midwife: Season 15 (BBC) DVD
Ultraman: Towards the Future and Ultraman: The Ultimate Hero (1990 and 1993 TV Miniseries) (Alliance Entertainment) Blu-ray
