Welcome to another look at highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD. This is another excellent edition, with plenty of selections in a wide variety of genres. 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!
ANYTHING THAT MOVES – This eccentric independent thriller involves a young man in Chicago who works as a food delivery person and sex worker. When news hits that a serial killer is terrorizing the city, the lead notes strange connections between himself and some of the victims. As he investigates further, he realizes that he might also have been involved with the maniac. So far, response towards the picture has been largely positive. A small number did complain that the film was stylish but narratively empty, and that they had difficulty getting involved in the lead and his plight. Still, the majority suggested that this was an interesting homage to 1970s cinema, with interesting story elements and some shocking moments that made a lasting impression. The film stars Hal Baum, Jade Perry, Jiana Nicole, Paul Gordon and Ginger Lynn.
DESERT WARRIOR – This mythic period story involves a princess who escapes a vicious emperor by traveling into the Arabian desert. With the henchmen of the nasty ruler in pursuit, she encounters an incredible warrior who vows to both protect her and train her to be battle-ready. While on the run, the pair manage to travel the lands and find other leaders who are being threatened by the villain. They all join forces and make a stand against the sinister empire, hoping to free all their lands from tyranny. Critics were not kind to this action/adventure film. About one-quarter of reviewers did state the cast were likable and that the final product was a fun if old-fashioned epic that would bring a smile to the faces of viewers. Unfortunately, most commented that this was a bland and forgettable tale with little about it to admire. They also noted that it borrowed heavily from classics like Lawrence of Arabia, without coming close to matching that picture’s scale or thrills. The cast includes Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Sami Bouajila, Sharlto Copley and Ben Kingsley.
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 – It has been some 20 years since the original comedy The Devil Wears Prada. This follow-up sees protagonist and ex-employee of Runway magazine Andrea Sachs now working at a respected New York newspaper. When the publication goes under, the lead learns that Runway isn’t in any better shape. So, she agrees to take a job there and help improve the magazine’s brand and image. Of course, the protagonist reunites with familiar faces and fearsome foes as she attempts to save them. This picture fared well at the box office and notices were upbeat for the sequel. About one-fifth did note that the movie wasn’t really necessary, rehashing what had come before and defanging most of the characters. But the general consensus was that, while flawed, this was an entertaining follow-up, reuniting an incredible cast and providing some fun updates on the characters and how they’ve changed over the years. The movie is available as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo or a Blu-ray-only release. It features Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Justin Theroux, Kenneth Branagh and Stanley Tucci. Read a full review of the film here.
IN THE GREY – A team of covert operatives are the leads in this thriller. The group are hired by the wealthy in order to retrieve massive fortunes. When a military despot takes more than a billion from a client, the group aren’t scared, but instead excited by the opportunity to steal it back. They plot how to reclaim the funds using any possible method at their disposal. Will one of their schemes work, or will they be killed by the antagonist during the operation? The latest feature from Guy Ritchie (Snatch, Sherlock Holmes, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Covenant, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare) split the press. Half suggested it was too quickly paced, losing story nuances and character quirks, and leaving the end product surprisingly lifeless. The same number believed that the cast were fantastic and that, after an admittedly convoluted start, the picture really came together during its second half, delivering thrills and laughs along the way. Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, Eiza González, Carlos Bardem, Michael Vu, Fisher Steven and Rosamund Pike headline the film.
IS GOD IS – Based on a 2018 award-winning play, this tale follows two sisters who were left disfigured from a fire started by their abusive father. Many years later, the pair go to visit their dying mother, who says that she will rest in peace if they fulfill her wish to get revenge and murder him. Indeed, the two head out to locate and execute their dad. This feature wasn’t screened for the press when it was released at theaters, but critics who did manage to get out and see it were impressed. One or two suggested that while the film was memorably violent and disturbing, it didn’t have any more insight about issues like abuse than any other movie of its ilk. Yet, everyone else was wowed by the picture, saying that the performances were engrossing, the story elements jarring and shocking, the message meaningful, and the overall effect mesmerizing. It stars Kara Young, Mallori Johnson, Vivica A. Fox, Sterling K. Brown and Janelle Monáe.
MORTAL KOMBAT II – This sequel to the 2021 video-game adaptation reboot involves a small group of warriors. They discover they have been selected to represent all of humanity in a martial arts tournament involving fights to the death against supernatural fighters. One new recruit, an action/film star, is stunned that he has even been asked to compete in the first place. The group must band together and fight an enemy that will cheat in every manner possible to take control of the world. This movie earned more positive reviews than negative ones. Slightly more than one-third of critics thought that the story was simple, the acting uneven and that the narrative gave them little reason to care about any of the characters. Still, the majority thought that it delivered bloody action that would impress fans of the game, and also believed that most would be pleased that this follow-up followed the story/tournament plotline closely. You can pick up this movie as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo or a standalone Blu-ray. The cast includes Karl Urban, Adeline Rudolph, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson and Ludi Lin. Read a detailed review of the movie by clicking this link.
PRESSURE – Those who appreciate World War II movies will take an interest in this biopic. With Nazi forces on the brink of taking the free world and the fate of the world hanging in the balance, allied forces plot the biggest seaborne attack in history. They plan an assault on the beaches of occupied France, calling the siege D-Day. But shockingly enough, the weather doesn’t appear to be cooperating. A meteorologist attempts to convince important military figures around that the planned operation will be on the same day as a massive storm and result in failure. This picture was well-regarded by reviewers. A small number found the film stagey in its execution and didn’t believe that this was what people should have remembered about the event. But all others were deeply impressed. Many stated that they were very surprised that they didn’t know about this crucial element about D-Day. They also complimented the performances and thought it was an astounding tale that delivered more insight and understanding of how everything came together for the invasion. The picture is available as a “Collector’s Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray, or as a standalone Blu-ray. It features Andrew Scott, Brendan Fraser and James Stagg. Read this site’s review of the picture here.
THE SERPENT’S SKIN – This independent genre picture follows a trans woman who moves out of her conservative hometown in order to make a new start in life. After leaving, the protagonist also learns that she may have supernatural gifts. She meets and quickly builds a connection with a tattoo artist who also shares the same abilities. But strange and disturbing events begin occurring around them, and they begin to realize that one of their tattoos might be possessed and wreaking havoc in their community. Most reviewers rated the film highly. There was a small contingent who noted that the message was important, but the writing was weak and the performances uneven. Still, the majority called the picture unique, saying it was one of the filmmaker’s best, with a great sense of atmosphere and compelling narrative. Alexandra McVicker, Avalon Fast and Jordan Dulieu headline the feature.
TORNADO – No, this isn’t a disaster picture, but a British period action/drama taking place in Scotland during the late 1700s. A Japanese woman on the run from bandits takes refuge at a circus run by an old family friend. While taking refuge, viewers learn about her history and the fact that the gang have murdered her father. She prepares for their arrival, readying a plan to enact revenge and wipe them all out. The picture earned good, if not exceptional, reviews. About one-third of write-ups complained that the minimalist storytelling left little to latch on to, and that everything fell flat as a result. But most critics thought that this was a well-performed and stylish neo-western, that made some interesting points while also delivering some thrills. This title is available as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo. It stars Kôki, Nathan Malone, Tim Roth and Rory McCann.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST
Looking for something older? This week, Arrow Video is presenting the science-fiction title Soylent Green (1973) as a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD, and a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray. This picture is set in an overpopulated world where a cop uncovers a shocking secret about a food product being fed to millions. It stars Charlton Heston and Edward G. Robinson. The original 35mm negative has been given a new restoration and is presented in Dolby Vision. Additionally, this release includes a new film historian commentary, an archival audio track with the director and a co-star, a promo featurette, a tribute to Edward G. Robinson (this was his final role), a 97-minute audio interview with Heston, a 77-minute audio interview with the director, a trailer, image galleries, and an insert booklet with new writing on the film. Read a full review of this release here.
The Robert Duvall crime film The Outfit (1973) is also arriving as a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray. The star plays an ex-con looking for revenge on the criminal underworld. The film has been newly restored for this release from the original camera negative. There is also a film historian commentary, a featurette on author who penned the source novel, a movie expert appreciation of the movie, another look at the book series the feature is based on, an archival discussion with Walter Hill about this title’s director, John Flynn (Rolling Thunder, Lock Up), a trailer, image galleries, a booklet, and a reversible sleeve with original and newly commissioned art for the picture.
Arrow is also offering “Standard Edition” 4K reissues of the films In the Mouth of Madness (1994) and Ms. 45 (1981).
Radiance Films is presenting The Double (1971) on Blu-ray. It’s an Italian giallo about a man who is shot, and then spends the remainder of the movie trying to figure out who is responsible and why they did it to him. The film has been restored in 4K from the original camera negative for this release. It comes with a film historian commentary, interviews with the director and a co-star, a critical analysis of the movie, and a stills gallery. A FULL REVIEW OF THIS DISC WILL APPEAR ON THE SITE SOON.
Ping Pong (2002) is a Japanese title arriving on Blu-ray from 88 Films. The plot follows two close friends who end up going pro and have to face off against one another. This disc also contains a stills gallery and a trailer.
AGFA is presenting Voices of Desire (1972) on Blu-ray. It also contains the bonus film Fly Now, Pay Later (1969). Both are New York-based supernatural erotic horror hybrids. The picture has been preserved from a 35mm print, and extras include a movie critic commentary on the second film, shorts, a trailer reel, a photo gallery and a booklet with essays on the movies.
Alliance Entertainment is giving the Blake Edwards comedy Micki & Maude (1984) a Blu-ray release in their nifty VHS packaging. This effort stars Dudley Moore as a man who falls for two women and accidentally ends up a bigamist (who both end up expecting). Naturally, this leads to various complications. It would never be made today, but you can now take a look back at the film on Blu-ray.
The Judd Nelson thriller Relentless (1989) is also arriving on Blu-ray from the distributor in its original VHS packaging
A “Standard Edition” Blu-ray of Ninja Zombie (1992) is now available everywhere courtesy of Bleeding Skull. It was once a Vinegar Syndrome exclusive.
Canadian International Pictures is putting out a Blu-ray set called The Other French New Wave Volume 2. It contains the Quebec productions Between Sweet and Salt Water (1967) featuring Denys Arcand (as a cast member), Where Are You? (1969), as well as the 1964, 30-minute shorts Geneviève with Geneviève Bujold and Fabienne sans son Jules (1964). The specs for this set boast 2K restorations from 35mm interpositives, critic commentary on the first movie, an interview with a movie authority on the second title, a 2018 tribute to Bujold, trailers, a booklet with essays on the movies, and reversible cover artwork.
The Boys in the Band (1970) is earning a “Standard Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo from Cinematographe. It seems the contents of this release are the same as the “Special Edition”, only without the elaborate packaging. The same is true of the “Standard Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo for Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean (1982).
A “Standard Edition” Blu-ray of the chiller Drive Back (2024) from Dark Star Pictures can now be purchased. Factory25 is presenting a 20th anniversary Blu-ray of the music documentary The Gits (2005). Extended live performances and deleted scenes appear on this disc. And a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray of the drama Diane (2018) with Mary Kay Place is coming from The Film Desk
The Austrian/German western The Dark Valley (2014) is arriving as a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray from Film Movement, featuring a making-of and deleted scenes. The same distributor is releasing a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray of the Japanese sci-fi/drama Happyend (2024). This one contains a director commentary, deleted scenes, a visit with the film’s composer and a booklet.
Howard Hughes in Hollywood is arriving on Blu-ray from Flicker Alley. You’ll get Two Arabian Nights (1927) and The Racket (1928), two early pictures produced by Hughes. According to press notes, both films include new bonus features and are available for the first time on home video in any format.
Icarus Films is presenting a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray of the French title, A Game for Six Lovers (1960). The disc also contains a short film with the same lead actress.
Undine (2020) is an interesting German water spirit romance/tragedy. IFC Films is delivering a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray of the movie with a film expert commentary. And Kani is delivering the Japanese feature A New Love in Tokyo (1994) as a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray. Fans of Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi can also purchase a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray of Crimson Gold (2003) via the Kimstim label.
It’s an interesting week for Kino Lorber. If you enjoy movies by Wes Craven (The Hills Have Eyes, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream) you can purchase his chiller Deadly Blessing (1981) as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo or a standalone Blu-ray. This isn’t his best title by a long shot, but it does feature Sharon Stone and Ernest Borgnine in this story of a woman being terrorized by a nearby religious community. The original camera negative has been given a 4K restoration for this release, which is presented in Dolby Vision. There is a new film historian commentary, an archival Craven commentary, cast and crew interviews and tons of promotional materials.
They are also putting out the science-fiction/comedy Hyperspace (1984) as a Blu-ray/Blu-ray 3D and Anaglyph 3D Blu-ray package. I thought I had seen most of the 3D titles from this era, but this effort completely flew under my radar. It stars Alan Marx, Chris Elliott, Paula Poundstone and Lord Buckethead. The release features a new 4K restoration, and extras include a 75-minute making-of, an isolated music track with the score and composer commentary, a 1983 horror/comedy short called The Fright Before Christmas, a vintage pre-show, and trailers.
The Elvis Presley musical King Creole (1958) is one of his best features, and it’s now getting a 4K Ultra HD release. For this version, Paramount has provided a new 4K restoration of the original camera negative, presented in Dolby Vision. There is a film historian commentary, a special with critic Leonard Maltin discussing the movie, a trailer, a reversible cover and a slipcase on early copies of the film.
And the British thriller Walk a Tightrope (1963) is arriving on Blu-ray. Paramount Pictures has delivered a 4K scan of the 35mm original camera negative for this transfer. This disc also promises a film expert commentary.
Here’s a big release… Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair (2006) can now be picked up as a Lionsgate Limited “Collector’s Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray exclusively through their website, or a “Standard” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray (though retailers like Amazon). This is a reedit of Quentin Tarantino’s two Kill Bill films as a single unrated feature (running four-hours-and-thirteen-minutes), with unseen footage. The movie is presented in Dolby Vision, a new program extending the Kill Bill universe, a 40-page behind-the-scenes booklet curated by Tarantino, a 70mm still featuring artwork from the film, double-sized character cards, two posters from the theatrical screenings.
If you appreciate the work of Jean-Claude Van Damme, you can now own a Lionheart (1990) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack from MVD Rewind Collection. The star plays a soldier who ends up taking part in an underground fighting league to help his brother’s family after they experience a tragedy. Apparently, the image is a 4K, 16-bit restoration from the original camera negative of the extended “A.W.O.L. Cut”. Bonuses include a director commentary. The accompanying Blu-ray disc also includes the theatrical version. You’ll get a 48-minute making-of retrospective featuring cast and crew, interviews, archival discussions with the cast and crew, promo materials, and a mini-poster. The box contains reversible cover art.
The French COVID-19 comedy/drama Suspended Time (2024) is arriving on Blu-ray from Music Box Selects. This disc contains a director interview, image gallery, trailer and more.
Paramount Pictures is putting out the World War II horror film Overlord (2018) as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook. The studio is also making a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook available of the animated comedy, South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999). The discs for these two titles will be identical to previous versions, only in new packaging.
The Italian crime film, The Cop in Blue Jeans (1976), featuring Jack Palance, is arriving on Blu-ray. RaroVideo U.S. is delivering the picture with original English and Italian audio tracks, as well as film expert audio commentary.
Dead Hunt (2007) is a low-budget, made-in-Baltimore chiller about a group of genre film critics being hunted by a killer. Saturn’s Core Audio & Video is now delivering a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray of the picture in typical packaging.
Severin Films is an exceptional source for pressings of old genre pictures with exceptional transfers and extras. This week, you can pick up a “Standard Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo (as well as a standalone Blu-ray) of A Bay of Blood (1971) an early Italian slasher that directly influenced Friday the 13th. This edition should be the same as earlier versions, only in simpler packaging.
Disco Italiana is a Blu-ray (and soundtrack CD) set that contains a series of Italian pictures inspired by the success of Saturday Night Fever. You’ll get American Fever (1978), Great Rock (1979) and John Travolto: The Face with Two Left Feet (1979). I’ve never seen these knock-offs but can’t wait to check them out. All three titles contain 4K restorations of the original camera negatives. You’ll also get film historian commentaries, featurettes on disco pictures, trailers and more. Looks like a lot of cheesy fun.
On a completely different note, Threads (1984) is a harrowing tale of the effects of nuclear war on a community. This important, difficult-to-watch British TV-movie is arriving from the distributor as a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo. The credits on this release show a 4K restoration from the original 16mm A/B rolls, presented in Dolby Vision., a commentary with director Mick Jackson (L.A. Story, The Bodyguard, Volcano), a commentary with co-star Karen Meagher, cast and crew interviews, a talk about the picture with a film writer, a feature—length documentary on the production, the trailer for the US release, and more.
Shout Factory is releasing a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo of the excellent Jake Gyllenhaal/Michael Peña cop feature, End of Watch (2012). You’ll get a 4K image presentation in Dolby Vision, two director commentaries, deleted scenes and featurettes.
The Stephen Chow Collection features some early efforts from the Hong Kong actor/director prior to him reaching North American audiences with titles like Kung-Fu Hustle and Shaolin Soccer. Much like Jackie Chan, Chow was a major star in Hong Kong and China for more than a decade before we discovered him in this part of the world. This set contains Look Out, Officer! (1990), Justice, My Foot! (1992), The Mad Monk (1993) and Out of the Dark (1995). All of the movies contain film historian commentaries, as well as promo materials. A feature documentary on Chow is also included.
Shudder is releasing Lucky (2020) as a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray. Like the previous version, this release contains a director commentary and interview.
A Year in the Field (2023) is exactly what it sounds like. A documentary with a stationary camera chronicling one year in an English field. You can now see it from Spectacular Optical in a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray.
The Australian dark comedy Suburban Mayhem (2006), about rampaging teens, is arriving on Blu-ray from Umbrella Entertainment. It stars Emily Barclay and Mia Wasikowska. The disc promises a commentary featuring the director, the producer and the screenwriter, cast and crew interviews, featurettes, deleted scenes, a blooper reel, a mockumentary, a feature on the soundtrack and a trailer.
Universal Studios is giving the classic Rock Hudson/Doris Day comedy Pillow Talk (1959) a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray release. The 4K picture features Dolby Vision and HDR10 image quality, featurettes on the production, a movie historian commentary, specials celebrating the film and 100 years of Universal Studios, and promo materials.
Vinegar Syndrome is releasing a ton of titles this week, many of which are already available on their official website. You really can’t go wrong with anything this company puts out in terms of image quality and bonus features, so if you’re interested in any of these, just look them up to find out more. The Arrival from the Darkness (1921) with St. Wenceslas (1930) Blu-ray is in conjunction with Deaf Crocodile and is a Vinegar Syndrome site exclusive, as is the Cat City Collection.
The underrated Joe Dante title Explorers (1985) is finally getting a “Standard Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray that will be available everywhere. The Films of Hirayasu Sato: Volume 4, containing Save the Last Dance for Me (1986), Survey Map of Paradise Lost (1988) and Soft Skin (1998) is also widely available. The same goes for the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray of Human Lanterns (1982), and the wild and crazy Lamberto Bava 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray of Macabre (1980).
Speaking of wild and crazy, there isn’t much nuttier than the Tobe Hooper take on the Stephen King short The Mangler (1995), about an enormous demonic washing machine. It is also available as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo. The 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray of the thriller Nightwatch (1997) is now readily available, as is the Blu-ray of French thriller, Without Apparent Motive (1971).
Visual Vengeance is presenting a “Collector’s Edition” Blu-ray of the Hong Kong martial arts/horror flick, Nine Demons (1984). The disc contains a new 2K transfer of the original film elements, a martial arts movie historian commentary, video essays on the feature and its director Cheng Che, as well as cast and crew interviews, promo materials, vintage trailers, O-card packaging, and more.
And you can pick up a “Collector’s Edition” Blu-ray of the low-budget, shot-on-video, Scream Dream (1989). It’s about a witch who moonlights in a heavy metal band. When she’s fired by the group, she seeks revenge on them. The distributor claims this is one of the “most insane heavy metal horror movies of all time”. The feature is presented from an SD master version from the original tape elements. Bonuses include a director commentary, a video essay on the feature, cast and crew interviews, a behind-the-scenes image gallery, a Q&A with the filmmaker, trailers, a reversible disc sleeve, a folded mini-poster, VHS stickers, an O-card, and, appropriately enough, a guitar pick.
Warner Archive is making Blu-rays available of several hard-to-find catalog titles. You can now purchase copies of Bonnie Scotland (1935), Captain Horatio Hornblower (1951), Colt .45 (1950), Crime Wave (1953), The Keyhole (1933) and Lilly Turner (1933).
Wild Eye Releasing is presenting the Japanese genre film Violator (2018) as a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray. Presumably, it will have all the same bonuses as the previously released version, only in standard packaging.
And finally, Yellow Veil Pictures has a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray set called Three by Wojciech J. Has, containing the Polish films How to Be Loved (1963), The Saragossa Manuscript (1965) and The Hourglass Sanatorium (1973).
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Unfortunately, it’s a slow week for kid-friendly titles. Hopefully the next edition will offer more options.
ON THE TUBE!
Below is a list of the week’s TV-themed titles, including multiple editions of a major Netflix series.
I Love Lucy: The Complete Series (75th Anniversary) (Paramount Pictures) Blu-ray
The Paper: Season 1 (Universal Studios) Blu-ray
Stranger Things: The Complete Series (Arrow) “Deluxe Edition” 4K Ultra HD, “Standard Edition” 4K Ultra HD, “Deluxe Edition” Blu-ray, “Standard Edition” Blu-ray
