Welcome to another look at highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. It’s another busy edition that emphasizes a great many notable international features, as well as some domestic products too. 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!
AGENT ZERO – A French secret agent known as Badh gives up her life as an assassin and decides to retire. However, when an old friend is shot and left in a coma, she decides to get revenge on those responsible. The trail leads her to Syria, where she faces off against a deadly foe, and also discovers that her old boss may have been involved. This French action picture hasn’t been seen by many in this part of the world, and reaction has been mixed. A couple commented that despite its best efforts, the picture doesn’t match other titles of its genre and presents a bland and predictable story. A similar number thought that while there were no surprises, the elaborate chases were fun to watch and that the international settings added one unique aspect to the proceedings. For now, this is a DVD-only title. It stars Marine Vacth, Emmanuelle Bercot, Slimane Dazi and Niels Schneider.
BLACK RABBIT, WHITE RABBIT – This Iranian picture combines drama, thriller, and comedy elements. It follows a set of characters whose lives unexpectedly intertwine. One is a film director shooting a remake of a classic title. His armorer becomes worried that a prop gun being used is a real weapon. A woman also arrives on location demanding a part in the production. And across town, a woman involved in a car accident discovers it may be related to the shoot. There haven’t been many reviews yet for this foreign-language feature, but the ones that have appeared are generally positive. One or two complained that it took too long for all the elements to come together and that the ending felt contrived. But the majority became caught up in the various stories and thought it was an exciting and amusing tale with interesting movie references. The cast includes Babak Karimi, Hasti Mohamai and Kibriyo Dilyobova.
A BODY TO LIVE IN – Fakir Musafar is the subject of this documentary. This individual wanted to experiment with body modification, using piercings and taking more extreme acts to explore his ideas. Apparently, the man is known for pioneering the “Modern Primitives” movement, which blends spiritual practices with sexuality. Viewers see interview footage, as well as learn about his life and the ideas he was attempting to communicate to others. Members of the press who saw the picture generally liked it. One or two found that the ideas being relayed were simple and the picture was overly focused on footage showing his physical transformation. However, most stated that the film presented the material in an interesting manner. They noted it was an informative way to introduce Musafar’s unique ideas and philosophy.
BUSTED WATER PIPES – A police station filled with dedicated, hard-working cops sees crime go down significantly in their district. Unfortunately, they learn that they’ve done their job too well, as superiors decide to close their precinct. The leads set out to create a series of fake crimes in order to keep their jobs. But as they plot out various phony investigations, they initially miss a real gang of thugs who arrive in town to create trouble. This action/comedy from China garnered a mixed reception from critics. Some believed this was an overstuffed but madcap, high-energy affair with plenty of entertaining moments. The same number agreed about the plotting problems, became annoyed by the shifts in tone, and were ultimately disappointed by all the missed opportunities. It features Eddie Peng, Haoyu Yang, Binglong Pang, You Zhou, Qi Zhang, Lun Ai and Xueming Jang.
DREAMS – A wealthy American socialite/foundation chair has a chance meeting with a talented dancer who performs on the street. She gets to know him and learns that he is an undocumented ballet dancer from Mexico trying to make a fresh start in the US. The two begin an affair, but face difficulties not only from the government, but from the woman’s disapproving associates and friends. This drama garnered a split reaction. Almost half complained that it didn’t really get to the story’s most important elements quickly enough, and they also didn’t like the angry tone and social critique. The same number plus a few more liked the movie, noting that the movie was designed to make one uncomfortable and get them talking. They wrote that it featured great performances, pushed boundaries and sharply critiqued not only obvious targets, but unexpected factions. Jessica Chastain, Isaac Hernandez and Rupert Friend headline the film.
THE FIRE RAVEN – This story begins with the tragic murder of a student by a figure with a blade wearing a crow mask. 15 years later, another blade-wielding figure with the same get-up appears and starts slicing and dicing individuals connected to the original death. A cop is assigned to investigate the murders, discovering an underground community and learning about a vast conspiracy while they search for the killer. This feature was produced in China and there have only been a handful of notices for it, which aren’t complimentary. Most have suggested that the film is overly stylized to the point where the characters don’t feel authentic. They also critiqued the story, which was convoluted and didn’t deliver any impressive reveals when all was eventually explained. This feature stars Janine Chang Chun-Ning, Yuchang Peng and Wang Xun.
HEEL – Also released as Heel (The Good Boy), this UK/Poland co-production is about a 19-year-old criminal. He’s eventually caught by a married couple, who decide to rehabilitate him themselves. The pair and their family live on a remote farm and use unconventional techniques on their new, kidnapped houseguest. Their increasingly disturbing actions force the young man to try and find a means of escape. Reviews for this thriller have been very good. A few were not taken with the picture, stating that it was somber to a fault and that its ultimate message was unclear to them. Everyone else found the film incredibly tense, commenting that the performances were excellent and that there were many unsettling levels beneath the seemingly simple story. The cast includes Stephen Graham, Andrea Riseborough, Anson Boon, Kit Rakusen and Monika Frajczyk.
IF I HAD LEGS I’D KICK YOU – A psychiatrist begins to have a mental breakdown after her husband is forced to work away from home. The lead struggles to juggle her career analysing patients and treating them, while caring for a difficult infant with an eating disorder. Her behavior becomes increasingly erratic and irrational, leading to concern from all those around her. Reaction was very strong towards this picture, which earned an Oscar nomination for its lead performance. A small number found the film difficult to relate to, suggesting that the situations were repetitive and that the end result wasn’t as compelling as hoped for. All others believed that the acting was phenomenal and the filmmaker did an excellent job of showing the effects of a mother’s psychological breakdown. It features Rose Byrne, Conan O’Brien, Danielle Macdonald and Delaney Quinn.
MICRO BUDGET – Along with his nine-months pregnant actress wife, a fledgling and slightly panicked filmmaker decides to squeeze in a personal dream before their baby arrives and his life changes. He moves his family across the country to Los Angeles to shoot an independent feature. A camera crew decides to document the potentially disastrous production, which goes haywire in every possible way. This indie comedy earned upbeat reviews. A small number found the lead character dimwitted and situations so over-the-top that the humor felt forced and unfunny. However, most were very amused, suggesting that the picture entertainingly showed just how difficult it is to make a movie, with plenty of cringe-inducing scenarios that made them smile. Neil Casey, Nichole Sakura, Brandon Michael Hall, Jordan Rock, Jon Gabrus and Carla Jimenez appear in the film along with Bobby Moynihan, Chris Parnell, Matt McCoy, Hal Linden, Maria Bamford and Seal.
NIRVANNA THE BAND THE SHOW THE MOVIE – Following up on a popular Canadian web series and a later television show, this tale follows two Torontonians with one aspiration… to put on a concert at a downtown club. They’ve never put out an album, but they don’t see any reason why that should stop them in their goal. In order to promote themselves and the performance they want to put on, they execute elaborate stunts around the city. The pair also discover a time machine, which takes them back to their early days and poses temptations to change the future. This comedy combines a fictional narrative with actual footage of the leads interacting with people on the street as they commit bizarre acts. Critics were very amused by the feature. One or two called the movie dopey and thought it needed a more focused storyline. All others stated that while the plot rambled, this was a hilarious and surprisingly sweet feature with stunning footage that really made them question just how everything was accomplished. It stars Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol. Read a full review of the movie here.
SENTIMENTAL VALUE – This Norwegian drama was the most recent winner of Best International Feature at the Academy Awards. The plot follows an actress and her sister, a historian. The pair have a strained relationship with their film director father who divorced their mother when they were young. One day, the moviemaker attempts to come back into their lives. Further conflict arises when the performer’s father tells her that he wants to make a movie about their family and mother, who committed suicide. As you might have guessed based on the Oscar win, reaction for the picture was excellent. A handful commented that some of the motivations were vague and that they couldn’t connect with the characters or get involved in their troubles. Yet the majority were deeply impressed, praising the performances and calling the movie a fascinating examination of troubled family dynamics, as well as forgiveness. The movie can be purchased as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo, as well as a standalone Blu-ray. The cast includes Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas and Elle Fanning.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
If you’re looking for something from an earlier time, there are plenty of options. Arrow Video is releasing a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD disc of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991). This big-budget Hollywood adaptation of the legendary English outlaw stars Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Christian Slater and Alan Rickman as the Sheriff of Nottingham. You will get a 4K transfer of the theatrical version and the extended cut, delivered from a scan of original 35mm negative and 35mm intermediary elements. It is presented in Dolby Vision. Extras include two archival commentaries. One with the director and Coster, as well as another with Freeman, Slater and the writers/producers. There is also an hour-plus making-of featuring crew members, a 1991 television special on the film, archival cast interviews, the Bryan Adams music video, “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” (which was written for the movie), soundtrack cues, and publicity materials. It all comes packaged in a box with a reversible sleeve containing original and newly commissioned art for the movie, a double-sided fold-out poster of the images, as well as a 60-page book on the production, and six double-sided artcards for the film.
Radiance Films is delivering Hi, Mom! (1970) as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray. This is an early effort from Brian De Palma (Sisters, Phantom of the Paradise, Carrie, Dressed to Kill, Scarface, The Untouchables, Mission: Impossible and too many others to go into here) starring Robert De Niro as an aspiring filmmaker who ends up in an edgy comedy troupe. Specs include a 4K image restoration from the original camera negative presented in Dolby Vision, a film expert commentary, a critic interview, a piece made by De Palma about the experimental comedy troupe featured in the movie, 76-minutes of behind-the-scenes footage, an archival discussion with the co-writer and a trailer. The packaging contains a reversible sleeve featuring artwork based on original posters, and a booklet. This title is limited to 5000 copies.
You can now pick up a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray of the indie feature Holy Trinity (2019) from Art Label. It was previously available through Vinegar Syndrome. All disc contents should be identical to the last version. The same goes for House of Dreams (1963) from Bleeding Skull. It was first available through the Vinegar Syndrome website with a slipcover, but you can now pick up an edition in regular packaging.
This is also true of the Canadian International Pictures documentary Blu-ray of Star Wars Kid: The Rise of the Digital Shadows (2022). For those unfamiliar with the title, it follows a crew as they catch up with the now-adult figure who became famous on the internet as a teen for recording himself playing with a lightsaber.
Cinematographe is debuting a new 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray “Limited Edition” Mediabook of Come Back to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean (1982) exclusively through the Vinegar Syndrome website. A “Standard Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray is also available. Based on a stage play, this film from Robert Altman (McCabe & Mrs. Miller, Nashville, The Player, Gosford Park) follows a small group of Jimmy Dean fans who get together for a 20-year reunion to catch up after years apart. The cast includes Cher, Sandy Dennis, Karen Black and Kathy Bates. The film has been given a 4K restoration from the camera negative and comes with a movie expert commentary, an archival film historian commentary, two video appreciations/essays on the title, as well as an archival interview with the editor, production designer, two Turner Classic Movies introductions, and text essays on the feature.
Also from the distributor is a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray of Liebestraum (1991), a drama from Mike Figgis (Stormy Monday, Leaving Las Vegas). This version of the title can be purchased at most retailers.
ClassicFlix is presenting the Blu-ray Fleischer Cartoons: Greatest Hits, Volume 1 (1932 – 1937), which contains shorts from famous animator Max Fleischer. They include efforts featuring Betty Boop, Popeye the Sailor Man, Superman and more. All have been restored in 4K from the original camera negatives. Animation experts also provide commentaries on the contents.
The Lenny Bruce biopic Lenny (1974) is arriving as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo and a standalone Blu-ray from Criterion. Dustin Hoffman plays the famous underground stand-up comedian in this title that was nominated for several Oscars upon its release. This disc contains a 4K picture restoration presented in Dolby Vision, and includes a 2015 film historian commentary, an archival interview with Hoffman and co-star Valerie Perrine, an interview with the editor, and a trailer.
The Dutch effort VD (1972) is arriving on Blu-ray from Cult Epics. This drama follows a wealthy, nasty family and exposes some of their lewd and illegal acts in business and in their personal lives. The movie has been given a 2K restoration and arrives with a film historian commentary, a 1969 short by the director, a photo gallery and trailers. A reversible sleeve is also included with original Dutch poster art.
Relatively recent indie horror movies Beware the Boogeyman (2023) and Revenge of the Boogeyman (2025) are now arriving everywhere as a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray from Dark Star Pictures. Behind-the-scenes featurettes are included on the release. The same goes for Dekanalog’s “Standard Edition” Blu-ray of Motel Drive (2023). Again, these efforts were first put out as exclusives on the Vinegar Syndrome website.
The Naughty World of Stanley Long is a two-disc Blu-ray set from Distribpix containing the British sexploitation films Groupie Girl (1970), The Wife Swappers (1970), Sex and the Other Woman (1972) and Eskimo Nell (1975). The last title listed had a movie poster that was ranked by many as one of the worst ever produced. All of the movies have been newly restored in 4K from the best surviving film elements. Never -before-seen “Continental Sequences” for the pictures, as well as film historian commentaries, a trailer and an image gallery are listed as bonuses on the set. And it comes with double-sided artwork.
The Time Bending Mysteries of Shahram Mokri is arriving on Blu-ray. It contains the Iranian films Ashkan, the Charmed Ring and Other Stories (2008), Fish & Cat (2013), Invasion (2017) and Careless Crime (2020). This set features a 4-part interview series with the director on his works, and behind-the-scenes footage of the last title with director commentary.
If you enjoy arcade games, you may appreciate Slopes Game Room: Arcade Classics the Complete History Volume 1 (2025) from ETR Media. This title arrived as an exclusive from Vinegar Syndrome, but is now receiving a “Standard Edition” release without a slipcase. It includes five hours of documentary content on several early arcade games and comes with a variety of bonuses.
Here is another Vinegary Syndrome exclusive that is being released everywhere. The French killer-bull film Animale (2024) is appearing as a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray from Film Movement
IFC Films is presenting the indie drama Holler (2020) on Blu-ray. It follows a young woman who must pay for her college education by taking a dangerous position as part of a scrap metal crew. It comes with a writer/director commentary, an intro to the film with the executive producer, the short the movie was based on, deleted scenes, conversations with the director, behind-the-scenes videos and a photo gallery, and more.
The fun period body-snatching horror/comedy I Sell the Dead (2008) is arriving on Blu-ray from the distributor with a limited slipcover. Dominic Monaghan, Larry Fessenden, Angus Scrimm and Ron Perlman headline the picture. It comes with a commentary featuring the director and co-star/producer Fessenden, a film critic commentary, new interviews with the director, Fessenden and Perlman, a pitch reel, an hour-long documentary on the movie, archival commentaries featuring the director, as well as a track with performers Monaghan and Fessenden, a featurette on the visual effects, a trailer, and a booklet with writing on the movie.
The Illegal Immigrant (1985) is a Hong Kong drama about an immigrant fighting to stay in New York and obtain his Green Card. Kani is releasing the movie as a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray, after its debut some time ago on the Vinegar Syndrome website. The same is true of Faust (1994) from Kimstim, which is getting a wide release “Standard Edition” Blu-ray.
This week is a busy one for Kino Lorber. First up is the Blu-ray box set Brit Noir: Collection I, which contains the film noir thrillers Cage of Gold (1950), The Ringer (1952) and The Frightened City (1961). A young Sean Connery stars in the third picture listed.
Bunny Yeager’s Nude Camera (1963) and Nude Las Vegas (1963) is a double-feature focusing on photographer Bunny Yeager which captures the artist at work taking pictures of nude models. Both titles have been newly reconstructed and restored. Film historian commentaries are included, as well as a visual essay, outtakes with commentary, a gallery with artwork and images, and a trailer.
The John Candy/Dan Ackroyd comedy The Great Outdoors (1988) is arriving as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo. It follows a family man and his annoying brother-in-law who are forced to share a single cabin with their families during a lengthy summer vacation. The picture was written by John Hughes (The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Panes, Trains and Automobiles) and directed by Howard Deutch (Pretty in Pink, Some Kind of Wonderful) and has a huge fanbase. The image comes from a 4K restoration of the original camera negative, and is presented in Dolby Vision. It comes with a new director commentary, and two film historian commentaries, as well as a trailer. The first set of copies come in a slipcase.
Many who remember being kids in the 1980s will have fond memories of Harry and the Hendersons (1987). It is also arriving as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo. The tale stars John Lithgow and follows a family who accidentally hit a bigfoot with their car. They treat it, befriend the gentle giant, and then attempt to hide it from authorities. Those who pick it up will receive a 4K restoration of the movie from the original camera negative, presented in Dolby Vision. It comes with a new director commentary track, two new film historian tracks, an archival director commentary, a production featurette, a making-of, deleted scenes, a newswrap feature, and a trailer. A slipcase is also included with first copies sold.
Ilsa, The Wicked Warden (1977) is also getting the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray treatment. This sexploitation film sequel comes with a 4K picture restoration from the original camera negative, a film critic commentary, an archival cast commentary, a new piece on the movie, a conversation on the title between experts, a promotional short, and publicity materials.
The Snowman (2017) is coming out as both a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo and a standalone Blu-ray. This is a love-it-or-hate-it thriller that stars Michael Fassbender as detective Harry Hole, a detective investigating a series of slayings in Norway. Some enjoy it for all the wrong reasons, while others appreciate its surreal qualities. You can now find out for yourself how you feel with this release, which contains a 4K master of the movie from the original camera negative presented in Dolby Vision. You’ll also get a screenwriter commentary, a film historian commentary, various featurettes on the production, and a trailer.
Kino is also putting out a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo (and standalone Blu-ray) of the Jamie Lee Curtis horror film Terror Train (1980). This Canadian slasher involves a masked killer targeting a fraternity party taking place on a locomotive. Hart Bochner and magician David Copperfield also appear in the movie. You’ll get a 4K picture restoration from the original camera negative, along with two film historian commentaries, interviews with the film’s director, Roger Spottiswoode (Turner & Hooch, Tomorrow Never Dies), and the screenwriter. A trailer is also included. It also comes in a slipcase.
If you like notoriously bad B-movies, you can now pick up a bare bones Blu-ray of Billy the Kid Vs. Dracula (1966) from Leomark Studios.
MPI Media Group is rereleasing a Blu-ray of the South Korean action picture, The Roundup: Outlaws (2017).
Savage Vows (1995) from Saturn’s Core Audio & Video is also getting a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray, after its Vinegar Syndrome exclusive drop. And a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray of Small, Slow but Steady (2022) from Several Pictures is now available from all retailers.
Severin Films is another quality distributor specializing in hard-to-locate titles and giving them exceptional treatment. Some of their titles are only available through their website, arriving to regular retailers at a later date. As of this week, you can now purchase a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray of The Bronson Lee Za Karate Collection, which contains the Hong Kong martial arts features The Karate 2 (1974), Bronson Lee, Champion (1975), and The Karate 3 (1975).
You can purchase the worldwide Blu-ray debut of The Crippled Masters (1979) at any retailer. It’s a martial arts classic about a crime boss who cuts off the limbs of his victim. A group learn how to develop fighting skills and take revenge on the villain. The movie arrives from an interpositive that was newly scanned in 4K for this release. It comes with a commentary track, an audio essay, interviews, and more than three hours total of bonus features.
Jess Franco: From Bangkok with Bullets (1985) is getting a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray.
The distributor is also presenting the Blu-ray set, Suzzanna: Empress of Darkness, a series of Indonesian horror pictures starring the title figure. You’ll get Kliwon Friday Night (1986), Malam Satu Suro (1988), White Crocodile Queen (1988), Pact with the Forces of Darkness (1991), Ghost Ambulance (2008) and the documentary, Suzzanna: The Queen of Black Magic (2024). It comes with hours of bonus materials like interviews with the directors, producers, and cast, footage from film festivals, making-of specials, and more.
And Lucio Fulci fans can purchase Voices from Beyond (1991) as either a 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and CD set or a single Blu-ray. It’s a ghost story about a wealthy figure who dies, and then torments one of his daughters from beyond the grave to determine which of his family members killed him. Specs include a 4K restoration from the original camera negative, interviews with cast, crew and a film critic, as well as an archival audio interview with the late Fulci.
And there’s more titles coming! Shout Factory is delivering the ghost story The Haunting (1963) as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo. Robert Wise (The Body Snatcher, The Day the Earth Stood Still, West Side Story, The Sound of Music) directed this tale of an anthropologist who takes a team to research a haunted mansion and gets more than he bargained for. The incredible visuals and eerie atmosphere make this effort a classic. The black and white film has been given a 4K restoration from the original camera negative and is presented in Dolby Vision. Additionally, it comes with two film historian commentary tracks, and an archival commentary with late director Wise, along with the screenwriter and cast members Julie Harris, Claire Bloom, Richard Johnson and Russ Tamblyn.
Shout is also releasing a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo of I Love Maria (1988), a Hong Kong take on Robocop featuring armed robots. This release features a 4K Ultra HD scan from the original camera negative presented in Dolby Vision, along with a film historian commentary, a talk with the screenwriter, and promo materials.
Shudder is giving one of their titles an upgrade. The Spine of Night (2021) is arriving as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo. It’s an animated fantasy/horror tale about a mystical plant that infects users over centuries with terrible power. The voice cast includes Richard E. Grant, Lucy Lawless, Patton Oswalt, Betty Gabriel, Joe Manganiello and Larry Fessenden. The is a “Standard Edition” of the previous Vinegar Syndrome exclusive release.
Another “Standard Edition” Blu-ray is the Ozplotation thriller Crosstalk (1982) from Umbrella Entertainment. It follows a computerized security system in a high-rise that causes terror for the tenants. Remaining copies of the feature can now be purchased at several retailers and not only on the Vinegar Syndrome site.
Universal Studios is preparing a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo of the all-star comedy/drama, Parenthood (1989). The film presents the trials of being a parent in the late 80s and was a late summer hit the year it was released. Steve Martin, Tom Hulce, Rick Moranis, Martha Plimpton, Keaun Reeves, Dianne Weist, Mary Steenburgen, Jason Robards and a young Joaquin Phoenix (credited as Leaf Phoenix) are just some of the cast members in this picture from Ron Howard (Splash, Willow, Apollo 13, Ransom, A Beautiful Mind, Cinderella Man, The Da Vinci Code). The new 4K restoration of the film was approved by Howard. It’s presented in Dolby Vision and arrives with various featurettes on the production and a trailer.
Vinegar Syndrome has been mentioned many times already. Several new titles from the distributor are also arriving this week. New exclusives include the independent mystery Anything That Moves (2025). Check their website for details. The Italian giallo Escape from Death (1989) is getting various 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray releases through the website (including one with an alternate slipcover). This one features a 4K restoration from the original camera negative, a historian commentary, and tons of interviews with crew and movie experts. Right now, your best bet in picking it up is to go directly to the Vinegar Syndrome website.
Eurocrime Rarities Volume 1 is exactly what it sounds like, a Blu-ray set containing the obscure crime pictures Destruction Force (1977), The Iron Commissioner (1978) and The Day of the Cobra (1980). This one is available everywhere.
One major title is the kid-friendly Explorers (1985) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Vinegar Syndrome exclusive available only on their website. This fantasy from Joe Dante (Gremlins, Innerspace, The ‘Burbs, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Matinee, Small Soldiers). Eithan Hawke, River Phoenix and Jason Presson are children who make contact with aliens and decide to build their own spaceship in order to visit them in space. While it wasn’t a success at the box office, the movie made its mark on youngsters when it arrived on VHS and is now a beloved 80s feature.
You’ll get a 4K restoration from the original camera negative, presented in Dolby Vision, of both the theatrical and home video editions (Dante considers the theatrical version his official cut). There is a film historian commentary, new 77-minute documentary on the movie, featuring cast and crew interviews, another making-of documentary from 2021, 30-plus minutes of deleted scenes with Dante commentary, the original EPK, a student film by writer Eric Luke, publicity materials, a 40-page book with writing on the movie, reversible sleeve artwork and more.
You can also pick up a “Standard Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray of Faces of Death (1978). I can’t imagine 4K really helping in the case of this flick, but you can now see it in the best possible picture. It comes with tons of bonuses and is now available everywhere.
Mutant (1984) is a goofy horror movie with Wings Hauser about a toxic spill turning small town residents into blood-ravenous monsters. It’s getting a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray release which can be found on the Vinegar Syndrome website. Specs promise a 4K restoration of the film presented in Dolby Vision, an archival track with the director, the producer and the star, a new movie expert commentary, an interview with the widow of Wings Hauser, a discussion with a writer about his father’s coverage of the film, archival cast interview and a trailer.
The creepy Ewan McGregor picture Nightwatch (1997) is arriving as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Vinegar Syndrome website exclusive. It’s a remake of the famous Dutch thriller about a mortuary night attendant who comes face to face on the job with a serial killer. This release contains a 4K restoration from the camera negative. It’s presented in Dolby Vision and comes with a screenwriter commentary, a talk with co-writer/director Ole Bornedal (he also made the Dutch original). Other crew interviews are featured, along with a video essay, behind-the-scenes footage, a still gallery, and a trailer. You’ll also get a 40-page book with essays and a reversible sleeve.
Tenebres Francaises is a Blu-ray collection of genre films from France. This set includes From Ear to Ear (1970), The Sensuous Assassin (1970), The Secret (1974) and Golden Night (1977) and is available at most retailers.
Visual Vengeance is releasing a Blu-ray of the shot-on-video horror/comedy Fungicide (2002). It’s from the makers of Suburban Sasquatch and involves a mad scientist who creates an army of killer mushrooms. The disc promises a director-approved SD master from original tape elements, multiple commentaries with the director and the co-producer, as well as tracks with movie historians. Additionally, there is a Rifftrax version of the film available on the release, alternate opening credits, a deleted scene, outtakes, an image gallery, tons of trailers, a reversible sleeve featuring original home video art, a folded mini-poster, a VHS sticker set, a slipcase, and a seed packet!
Finally, Warner Archive is putting out made-to-order Blu-rays of The 5-Man Army (1969), 7 Faces of Dr. Lao (1964), Follow Me Quietly (1949), It’s a Wise Child (1931) and The Late Show (1977). You can also pick up the Monogram Matinee Volume 3 Blu-ray containing Under Arizona Skies (1946) and Range Justice (1949), along with a Blu-ray of Possessed (1931).
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Kid-friendly entertainment can be found listed below.
Explorers (1985) (Vinegar Syndrome exclusive) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo
Harry and the Hendersons (1987) (Kino Lorber) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo
He-Man & She-Ra: The Ultimate Collection (Universal Studios) DVD
ON THE TUBE!
And you can read about this week’s TV-themed titles here.
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: A Lesson in Murder (Hallmark) DVD
Hallmark 2-Movie Collection: Catch of the Day, Groundswell (Hallmark) DVD
He-Man & She-Ra: The Ultimate Collection (Universal Studios) DVD
