Welcome to another look at highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. This edition features a wide variety of releases, including prestige pictures, genre films and many others. 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!
CRIME 101 – An expert jewel thief in Los Angeles has a perfect record of evading detection. But during his latest heist, he’s grazed by a bullet from an unknown shooter. The lead changes the partners he works with while trying to find out what happened. He also starts a potentially ill-advised relationship with a woman he meets during a fender bender. In the meantime, detectives begin to pick up his trail. This thriller earned mostly positive reviews from the press. A small number referred to the feature as a well-produced but predictable effort that didn’t offer anything new to the genre. But everyone else wrote that the performances were excellent and the story solid, resulting in one of the better heist movies in recent years. The feature is available as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo or a standalone Blu-ray. It stars Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Berry Keoghan, Peter Banifaz, Babak Tafti, Payman Maadi, Halle Berry, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Tate Donovan.
IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT – This recent Academy Award nominee for Best International Film and Best Original Screenplay follows an Iranian mechanic who is shocked to encounter a government figure who tortured him years earlier. He decides to follow the figure, and ends up confronting and kidnapping the customer. The stranger denies everything being accused of him. Confused, the mechanic rounds up fellow ex-prisoners to see if they recognize the man, and decide what to do with him. This picture has received almost universal praise. Two critics panned the movie (one actually appears to be furious that the screener provided to him didn’t work properly), but all others were deeply impressed. They commented that the movie was powerful, possessing an unexpected sense of dark humor as the events progressed. They also called the film a memorable and important statement about fascism. Criterion is releasing this film as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray, and a Blu-ray-only release. It features Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari and Ebrahim Azizi.
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN – This musical take on the 1976 Manuel Puig novel (that was first adapted as a 1985 drama that won William Hurt an Academy Award for Best Actor) involves an Argentinian trans woman who is arrested and placed in prison. She ends up in the same cell as a political prisoner with ties to revolutionaries. The pair begin talking and ultimately form a bond as they await their release, or a darker fate. Naturally, this telling also features musical numbers. While this take on the story wasn’t quite as well received as the previous film, it still impressed the majority of reviewers. One-quarter did comment that the picture was more interested in the music than the story, and the lack of character development left them uninvolved in the plight of the characters. However, the majority felt that the music was fantastic, the film was filled with ideas, and that this was a compelling and effective adaptation. The film is being released as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo. The cast includes Diego Luna, Tonatiuh and Jennifer Lopez.
KRAKEN – Set in Norway, this foreign-language genre picture begins with a marine biologist visiting a small town on a fjord to conduct her research. She is taken aback after learning that two teens recently died a horrible death in the water. Soon afterwards, even more locals disappear. It isn’t long before the protagonist discovers that a giant, ancient and very hungry kraken has risen from the depths. The biologist must team with authorities and use all her skills to stop the creature. Response was reasonably upbeat for this monster movie. Almost one-third did find that the picture ran out of energy quickly and felt like a routine B-movie that lacked jolts or laughs. But the consensus was that the film was above-average for this type of effort, offering plenty of tense moments, a memorable creature, and good production value that would impress horror fans. For now, this is a DVD-only title. Sara Khorami, Mikkel Bratt Siset and Jenny Evensen headline the feature.
THE MASTERMIND – Based on a true story, this period picture tells the tale of a financially-strapped family man in Massachusetts. He decides that, in order to save his family from poverty, he needs to make some fast cash. The protagonist decides on stealing valuable art from a local museum. After enlisting others to help him, they take on the challenging mission. Unfortunately, the plan goes sideways and the desperate lead must frantically evade authorities and hide the stolen goods. The latest effort from writer/director Kelly Reichardt (Meek’s Cutoff, Certain Women, First Cow) earned excellent notices. A few did find the pacing slow and the tone icy, also suggesting that the messages being conveyed weren’t effectively delivered. But all others found the lead performer completely engrossing (even though he wasn’t the nicest character) and the feature an interesting and atmospheric look into the crime and its larger effects on the surrounding community. The movie stars Josh O’Connor, Alana Haim, Sterling Thompson, Jasper Thompson, Hope Davis, Bill Camp, Gaby Hoffman and Amanda Plummer.
NIGHT PATROL – Not to be confused with the 1984 comedy starring The Unknown Comic (a film I vaguely remember watching on cable as a kid, but no one else seems to recall), this is an independent horror picture about a pair of LAPD cops. One is asked to join an elite task force, the other isn’t sure what to make of it. Soon, the uninvited detective hears from victims in inner-city neighborhoods that they are being targeted by this group. The officer must stand against the sinister task force before they commit more horrible acts. This picture split the press, with only a few more recommending it than panning it. Those who disliked the movie called it derivative, overstuffed and stated that it couldn’t settle on a proper tone, jamming incongruous elements together. The rest did note that the film was tasteless in spots, but that it was a wild, exaggerated and surreal ride that would appeal to cult movie enthusiasts. The cast includes Jermaine Fowler, Justin Long, Freddie Gibbs, RJ Cyler, YG, Flying Lotus and Dermot Mulroney.
RISE OF THE CONQUEROR – Made in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and also released under the title Tamerlane: Rise of the Last Conqueror, this English-language international film sets out to tell the story of the 14th century leader Timur. After the fall of the Mongol empire, the figure is betrayed by his closest allies. So, he sets out to fight back, uniting various fractured kingdoms and creating a new domain. The lead brings together new associates to help him earn victory, including noted warriors from different regions and a Scottish mercenary. This historical epic has only been seen by a few critics, and reaction was mixed. One called the picture impressively mounted, but formulaic and predictable. And another thought the battles were well-mounted and enjoyed seeing the strategy being the battles, but wished that character development had been deeper. It features Christian Mortensen, Mahesh Jadu, Yulduz Rajabova and Joshua Jo.
THEY WILL KILL YOU – A young woman spends ten years in prison for shooting her abusive father before being released. She then takes a job as a maid at a strange building in NYC. On her first night, the woman learns the residents are wealthy and have eccentric interests. The protagonist is then attacked by masked figures, but successfully wipes them out, surprising the building’s occupants. Viewers learn that the lead has a deeper motivation for being at the complex, and learn that she is ready to fight to the death to accomplish her goal. This horror/action film earned a slightly more upbeat reaction than a negative one. One-third of the press complained that the story wasn’t clever, and that the endless fight scenes grew so tiresome they couldn’t wait for it all to end. But slightly more called the film a wild, crazy and bloody ride that would entertain genre fans with its creative cinematography and over-the-top conflicts. You can pick it up either as a 4K Ultra HD only disc or a standalone Blu-ray. Zazie Beets, Myha’la, Paterson Joseph, Tom Felton, Heather Graham and Patricia Arquette headline the film.
UNEXPECTED FAMILY – A young man from a small town leaves in order to make a new start in Wuhan, China. Not long after arriving, he crosses paths with an aging ex-weightlifting coach who is now suffering from dementia. The ill man believes the new arrival to be his son. The main character attempts to be nice and humor the elderly figure, learning along the way that many in the neighborhood have similar associations with the man. In fact, the unusual relationships seem to work and inspire all in their lives. This Cantonese-language feature boasts a major action star in a dramatic role, and so far, reviewers in North America have given the film upbeat notices. While most suggest that the film is far from subtle in its messaging, it is effective and that its leading man gives a career best performance. The film stars Jackie Chan, Ping Li, Binlong Pan and Yuchang Peng.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
Speaking of Hong Kong action hero Jackie Chan, Arrow Video is presenting a major release honoring the performer. Jackie Chan’s Breakout Hits! is a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD box set (an Arrow Video exclusive “Limited Edition” Blu-ray is also available through their website) chronicling the actor’s rise to fame in the west. You’ll get the features Drunken Master II (1994), Rumble in the Bronx (1995), Thunderbolt (1995), Police Story 4: First Strike (1996) aka First Strike, Mr. Nice Guy (1997), and Who Am I? (1998). Notes state that all of the titles have received 4K restorations from the original negatives (this including extended versions of several features), and are all presented in Dolby Vision. Each also has bonuses like film expert commentaries, numerous interviews with cast and crew members, a Breakout! featurette on each title with interviews, production information, and explanations on how it fits into Chan’s career, publicity materials and more. Additionally, it comes packaged with a 160-page book containing interviews with Chan and writing on the features, twenty-four lobby card reproductions, and a reversible poster with vintage poster artwork. Read a complete and detailed review of the set right here!
Looking for more action? Arrow Video is also putting out the Mortal Kombat Kollection, which contains Mortal Kombat (1995) and Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997). You can purchase this “Limited Edition” set on either 4K Ultra HD or on Blu-ray. Both movies have been given 4K restorations from the original camera negatives that were supervised by their directors and are presented in Dolby Vision. The first movie has new commentary tracks with director Paul W.S. Anderson (Event Horizon, Soldier, Resident Evil) and another with a comic book expert/film authority. Cast and crew interviews as also featured, along with behind-the-scenes featurettes, on-set interviews and promo materials. The second film also includes a commentary with director John R. Leonetti (Annabelle), another with the same comic book expert, cast and crew interviews including a new talk with a stunt performer, a trailer and an image gallery. It comes with a booklet containing writing on the films, reversible sleeves with new and original artwork, and two double-sided fold-out posters with the images.
The disturbing Australian classic Wake in Fright (1971) is also being released as a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD title, as well as a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray. This feature tells the tale of a schoolteacher in the outback hoping to return to Sydney to visit his significant other. While staying overnight in a small town until the next train out, he ends up in the company of brash, drunken locals who make his stay a nightmarish experience. The film reputation has grown over the years, and now it is considered an Aussie classic. It stars Gary Bond and Donald Pleasence.
The film has been given a 4K restoration from the original camera negative. You’ll also get audio commentaries from the film’s Canadian director, Ted Kotcheff (The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, Fun with Dick and Jane, North Dallas Forty, Spilt Image, First Blood), as well as a second track from an expert on the movie. There is a featurette returning viewers to the locations in the movie, interviews with the cinematographer, the sound editors, the score composer, Kotcheff himself, a cast member, an appreciation of co-star Pleasence’s performance, and a discussion on the movie from Aussie director Philippe Mora and a film buff. There are alternate scenes included, a 2009 TV report on the rediscovery and restoration of the movie (the original negative was actually lost for some time), a TV report on the production from 1971, numerous promotional materials and much more. There is also a booklet with writing on the movie and a reversible sleeve featuring original and new artwork for the title. Read a detailed review of the release right here.
If you enjoy Hong Kong action, 88 Films is presenting Magnificent Bodyguards (1978) as a “Deluxe Edition” Blu-ray 3D, as well as a 2D Blu-ray, and an anaglyph 3D Blu-ray (that’s the kind that requires red and blue glasses – one pair is included in the case). The film has been given a new 2K transfer for this edition. Bonuses include a film historian commentary, talks with movie experts on the film, and trailers. The disc comes in a case with a lenticular cover and a booklet with notes on the movie and a map.
The Chinese crime-drama Cock and Bull (2016) is arriving on Blu-ray from Bayview Entertainment.
It’s a busy week for distributor Blue Underground. Their big title is an MVD Entertainment Group exclusive (available only through their website) of the Ralph Bakshi/Fran Frazetta adult-animated fantasy Fire and Ice (1983) which comes with a 4K Ultra HD disc, a Blu-ray and the score on CD. Specs include a 4K 16-bit picture restoration from the original camera negative presented in Dolby Vision. There are new featurettes on illustrator Frank Frazetta, poster and still galleries, a commentary with Bakshi, a making-of, promotional materials and more.
The Lift (1983) is a Dutch thriller about a killer elevator that is actually much better than you might expect. So much so that director Dick Maas (Amsterdamned, Saint) was hired to shoot a North American remake of the film called Down (2001) aka The Shaft with Naomi Watts and James Marshall. A Blu-ray of the original was released nearly ten years ago, and is now being repressed for those who want to catch up with it.
You can also pick up a repressing Blu-ray of the Lucio Fulci flick, Zombie (1979), which features a 4K picture restoration.
The James Ivory period drama Maurice (1987) is now available as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo from Cohen Media Group. It stars Hugh Grant and James Wilby. They play two gay men struggling with the life expectations placed upon them by British society. Besides the 4K image upgrade, you’ll receive a film critic commentary, deleted scenes and alternate takes with Ivory commentary, discussions about the film with Ivory, featurettes, a trailer, and a 2017 rerelease trailer.
Criterion is releasing the Blu-ray set, Eclipse Series 6: Carlos Saura’s Flamenco Trilogy, which contains the Spanish titles Blood Wedding (1981), Carmen (1983) and El Amor Brujo (1986). The set contains film critic essays on the movies.
Discotek Media is delivering a Blu-ray of Hana Yori Dango: Final (2008), which is a rom-com based on a hit television series, based on a manga comic. The distributor is also putting out Blu-rays of the manga adaptation NANA (2005) and NANA 2 (2006),
Not to be confused with the 1993 cult movie from Joe Dante, the Canadian meta-slasher Matinee (1989) is arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber. It involves a series of murders that occur at a cinema during a film festival. The disc contains a film historian commentary, and a trailer.
A few paragraphs ago, I wrote about the Fire and Ice (1983) set from Blue Underground that is available only through MVD Entertainment Group. The company is also releasing a “Collector’s Edition” Blu-ray of Troll (1986) as a Rewind Collection title exclusively via the MVD website. It’s a B-movie about a magical troll causing trouble in an apartment complex. The film isn’t great, but it does have an incredible cast that includes Julie Louis-Dreyfuss, Shelley Hack, Michael Moriarty, Gary Sandy, Brad Hall and Sonny Bono. This edition includes a making-of that includes interviews with the crew, as well as promo materials, reversible cover artwork, a mini-poster, and a slipcover on the first pressing.
If you missed out on it the first time around, Paramount Pictures is presenting a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray “Limited Edition” Steelbook reprint of The Hunt for Red October (1990). This discs and case for this excellent thriller with Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Sam Neill, James Earl Jones and many more are identical to the earlier version.
You can now pick up the monster movie remake King Kong (1976) as a 50th anniversary edition 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray from the studio. This title was released as a Steelbook a couple of years back, so one assumes this is the same set of discs in an updated package. It should include both the theatrical and extended TV-version of the film, along with a trailer.
A reprint of the recent “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook for Super 8 (2011) is also reappearing at various retailers.
Severin Films is releasing several titles this week, including a “Standard Edition” of Adam and Eve (1983).
You can also pick up the documentary, Children of the Wicker Man (2024), on Blu-ray. Family members connected to the director of the horror classic The Wicker Man (1973) relay their memories and stories about the troubled production and difficulties that still resulted in a legendary film. The disc contains multiple interviews with the picture’s co-directors, a making-of featurette and a trailer.
A short-lived MTV sketch comedy show is getting the Blu-ray treatment. Idiot Box: Season 1 (1991) featured the likes of Alex Winter, Lee Arenberg, Ricki Lake, Tom Stern, John Hawkes, Flea, and Gwar parodying and satirizing issues of the day. In addition to all seven episodes, there are recent interviews with Winter, Stern, Arenberg, Hawkes, crew members, newly discovered outtakes, a filmed precursor to what would become the 1993 movie Freaked, and TV spots.
Sangster Directs Hammer is a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set containing the genre pictures The Horror of Frankenstein (1970), Lust for a Vampire (1971) and Fear in the Night (1972). Jimmy Sangster was a writer at the studio, who received a chance to start directing pictures for them in the early 1970s. Apparently, it resulted in three very unique shockers from the company. All of the titles have been given 4K restorations and are presented in Dolby Vision. Additionally, there are numerous commentaries, archival cast and crew interviews, critical appraisals of the features, promo materials and much more.
The Worlds of Lucile Hadžihalilović is a Blu-ray collection of titles from the French filmmaker, whose work has been described as resembling surreal and radical fairy tales. The set contains the films Innocence (2004), Evolution (2015), Earwig (2021) and The Ice Tower (2025). In addition to these pictures, you’ll get introductions from the director, as well as numerous shorts, interviews with the moviemaker and crew members, and trailers.
Shout Factory is releasing a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Amazon exclusive Steelbook of Child’s Play (1988), which marked horror icon Chucky’s first onscreen appearance. All of the specs on this title are the same as previous versions, only in new packaging.
The Deathstalker Triple Feature is a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray box containing the fantasy pictures Deathstalker (1983) and Deathstalker II (1987), along with the recent, well-received remake Deathstalker (2025). You will get 4K restorations of interpositives of the first two movies in the series presented in Dolby Vision, and as well as a 4K master of the 2025 remake interpositive in Dolby Vision. Beyond the upgraded picture quality, expect filmmaker commentaries on the first two movies, along the director of the remake providing a track on the originals. He also is part of a crew commentary on the 2025 feature. There are also interviews and featurettes on the remake, as well as an image gallery and trailers for all the films.
The Money Pit (1986) was a big comedy hit back in the day about a couple’s flailing efforts to keep their newly purchased dream home from falling apart. Tom Hanks and Shelley Long starred in the film, which over the years has continued to build a following. Now, Shout Factory is presenting a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack of the feature that contains a 4K restoration of the film from the original negative presented in Dolby Vision. A making-of is also on the set, along with a trailer.
Finally, the Warner Archive is making new maid-to-discs of several catalog titles available for purchase. You can now own Come Live with Me (1941), as well as the animated kid’s television series Dastardly and Muttley in their Flying Machines: The Complete Series (1969-1970). There is also Last Summer (1969), Letty Lynton (1932), Night and Day (1946) and the kinky thriller Pretty Maids All in a Row (1971), all arriving on Blu-ray. Rose-Marie (1936), Start the Revolution Without Me (1970), Strange Cargo (1940) and Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo (1944) are also available on the format.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Below is your best bet for kid-friendly entertainment this week.
Dastardly and Muttley in their Flying Machines: The Complete Series (1969-1970 animated series) (Warner Archive) Blu-ray
ON THE TUBE!
And all of this edition’s TV-themed releases are listed below.
Covert Affairs: The Complete Series (Universal Studios) Blu-ray
Dastardly and Muttley in their Flying Machines: The Complete Series (1969-1970 animated series) (Warner Archive) Blu-ray
Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal: Season 3 (Warner Bros.) Blu-ray
The Idiot Box: Season 1 (1991) (Severin Films) Blu-ray
