Welcome to another look at highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. This edition is a busy one, with plenty of independent efforts and a couple of major studio releases arriving on disc. 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 BAY – While visiting Thailand for a wedding, two friends meet another guest who invites them on a trip to a shark sanctuary. They sail out and begin feeding a group of hungry tiger sharks. Unfortunately, the sharp-toothed fish become aggressive, attacking their boat. Stuck in the water with no help coming, the group must endure and find a way to safety. This independent horror/thriller received a limited release a couple of months ago and is now arriving as a standalone DVD. Only a handful of online critics saw the movie, and it didn’t seem like they were impressed. While a few were taken by the Thai locations, all thought the script was ridiculous and the characters undeveloped and irritating. They also noted that the majority of the story featured the protagonists, well, just sitting around. It stars Francesca Eastwood, Alexander Wraith and Dani Oliveros.
BLADES OF THE GUARDIANS: WIND RISES IN THE DESERT – This period martial arts epic is a co-production between China and Hong Kong. The story involves a bounty hunter who is tired of working for the country’s emperor and leaves with his nephew. The pair take a job protecting another man on a long journey. Before long, they discover that their fare is wanted by the emperor and his government and has a large price on his head. They find themselves being pursued and attacked on all sides. The press rated this feature highly. A small number complained that the story was convoluted and the dialogue scenes clunky. Still, the vast majority were wowed by the action set pieces and thought the movie was a fun throwback to classic wuxia pictures. This film is available as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack. The cast includes Jet Li, Tony Ka Fai Leung, Jing Wu, Junjui Wen, CiSha and Jin Zhang.
ELIJAH PEEL – For those who appreciate faith-based films, this title tells the story of a massively popular rock star who has become dependent on drugs and alcohol. While touring, he suffers a heart attack and ends up in the hospital. Stuck there while he recovers, the artist meets and befriends a young girl with cancer. She questions his life choices and suggests he follow a new, religious path. This picture has only been seen by a handful of reviewers, and response has been mixed. Most have noted that the cast are very capable in their roles, but that the script is predictable, and little more a series of lengthy theological conversations between the two leads. They comment that it ultimately comes across as heavy-handed. This is a DVD-only release. It features Robert Malcolm Cumming, Evelyn Grace Kite, Kevin Sorbo, April Billingsley and Princess Elmore.
HUMAN HIBACHI 3: THE LAST SUPPER – In case you missed the first two chapters in this independent, American found-footage horror series from Troma Entertainment, the first Human Hibachi in 2019 chronicled the owners of a Japanese-owned restaurant serving human delicacies to wealthy customers. In this sequel, a religious leader and his cult decide to visit the establishment and take part in their own “last supper” that involves some nasty entrees. Only a handful of online reviewers have written notices on this picture. They state that it certainly isn’t for everyone, but that it delivers exactly what you’d expect from a low-budget Troma production. A few suggested the religious satire helped make the feature a little stronger than the first follow-up. Lloyd Kaufman, Debbie Rochon, Robert Todd Kennedy, Tara Beavers, Xander Goldman and Dan Gregory headline the movie.
I HATE MYSELF AND WANT TO DIE – This dark independent comedy follows a depressed young man who has decided to end his own life. Unfortunately, he finds his task more difficult than anticipated, when he discovers his initial plan, involving carbon monoxide from his car, isn’t feasible because of the vehicle’s updated safety standards. He comes up with alternative ideas, but finds himself being interrupted in his pursuits by family members and other responsibilities. This picture played the festival circuit back in 2024 and is now arriving on streaming service and as a DVD-only release. There aren’t any reviews from major outlets, but those who did see the movies at various screenings were upbeat. They stated that the main character was charming and someone whom the audience would root for. These reviewers also felt that the comedic situations worked well and that the title was sweet and affecting. It stars Mike Castle, Ali Gallo, Andre Hyland Leonara Pitts, Wyatt Hinz and Meredith Salenger.
IRON MAIDEN: BURNING AMBITION – Heavy metal music enthusiasts will likely want to check out this documentary about the famous band. Celebrating their 50th anniversary, the members look bad at their careers. They describe playing little clubs in London, then getting signed to a record label. You’ll find out about personnel changes, the ups and downs through decades of making music, and see footage from elaborate stage shows. Fans also share their appreciation of the band and their music. Most critics liked the picture. There were a couple who claimed that there weren’t any big revelations, and that the picture was solely for the band’s fans. Still, most thought that anyone who enjoyed metal would get a kick out of it, and learn more about how this group managed to keep going after fifty years. The film is available as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray “Premium Edition” Steelbook, and a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook. Naturally, the doc includes interviews with past and present members Bruce Dickinson, Janick Gers, Steve Harris, Nicko McBrain, Dave Murphy, Adrian Smith, Blaze Bayley, Paul DiAnno, as well as fans Tom Morello, Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich and more.
JACKASS: BEST AND LAST – The fifth and reportedly final feature in the long-running television and movie series sees the original members of the crew (along with those who have joined the fray over the years), reminiscing about the various stunts they’ve pulled over the years. They also reenact some of their most outrageous past efforts to see if they can still perform them, while a few try out new, bizarre and dangerous stunts. This comedy was well-received by the press. A small number commented that this follow-up rehashed too much older material and that it was probably for the best that the series has come to a close. Still, the consensus was that this picture would remind viewers of how unique their comedy was, calling the picture an appropriately entertaining and even bittersweet finale. The cast includes Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, Chris Pontius, Jason “Wee Man” Acuna, Preston Lacy, Dave England, “Danger Ehren” McGhehey, Sean “Poopies” McInerney and more.
JOHN LILLY AND THE EARTH COINCIDENCE CONTROL OFFICE – John C. Lilly was an eccentric physician, psychoanalyst, inventor and counterculture figure noted for his experiments involving human consciousness. He developed the isolation tank, and attempted to communicate with dolphins and whales. His work inspired the movies The Day of the Dolphin (1973) and Alerted States (1980). This documentary uses interview footage of the figure and attempts to go over some of his work and what he was trying to accomplish. The picture earned more positive reviews than negative ones. Roughly one-third of those who saw the movie believed that it did nothing to clear up some of their issues with the figure and/or convince them that Lilly wasn’t just a kook. Yet the majority were fascinated in trying to figure out his unknowable motivations and rationale of a very odd experimenter.
LATE FAME – This independent drama features an aging, New York-based ex-poet now working at a post office. One day, a young woman appears and tells him that his work has inspired her and attracted a following. Flattered, he visits a large group of twentysomething admirers who do little but praise him and the themes in his work. Despite the initial boost to his ego, the lead begins to question the authenticity of the group and what they really stand for. Response to the movie was very upbeat. One or two voices didn’t think the film made the most of its concept, and that it was light and lacked bite or drama. All others were deeply impressed by the lead performance, and noted the movie smartly dealt with all of the conflicting feelings that an artist would experience after being adored for his craft at a completely different era of his life. It features Willem Dafoe, Greta Lee, Edmund Donovan, Tony Torn and Jake Lacy.
MOANA – The latest Disney live-action adaptation of an animated film is this take on the hugely popular 2016 effort about a young princess living on the Pacific island of Motunui. Her parents want her to lead their people, but the youngster would rather explore the seas. She ultimately sails away and meets a shape-shifting demigod named Maui. The two square off against a supernatural force threatening her island. Alas, reaction from the press and audiences was muted at best. One-third of reviewers did admit that the picture was an almost shot-by-shot recreation of the original, but were impressed with the visuals and still captivated by the story. However, most found this adaptation lacking in freshness and urgency, leading to forgettable results. They also stated that, since the 2016 film was so recent, there wasn’t any reason not to watch the original movie instead. Those who are interested can pick up a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo Steelbook of the film, as well as a Blu-ray and DVD combo. Dwayne Johnson, Catherine Laga’aia, Rena Owen, John Tui, Frankie Adams and Jemaine Clement. Read a full review of the movie right here.
PETER ASHER: EVERYWHERE MAN – While the name might not initially ring a bell, Peter Asher was an early 1960s pop star who was part of the duo Peter and Gordon. The two were perhaps most famous for “A World Without Love”. Asher also shared a connection with Paul McCartney (who was dating his sister), worked with the Beatles member, and later became the head of artistic development at Apple Records. He was also a record producer responsible for several classic albums. This documentary tells his life story. Those who worked with him share their experiences and how much they adore Asher. Reviewers also admired this doc. One critic called the film an ordinary doc made strictly for admirers of its subject. But everyone else was thrilled to learn more about this figure. They noted the remarkable archival footage, and loved hearing about a man who made a huge impact on the music industry and its artists, yet still remains little known to the general public. Interview subjects include Asher, Jane Asher, Steve Martin, Eric Idle, Lyle Lovett, Paul McCartney, Twiggy, James Taylor, Carole King, Linda Ronstadt, Natalie Merchant, Rufus Wainwright, ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic and more.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
Looking for something older to watch? There are numerous options. Arrow Video released The Addiction (1995) some time ago, and are now putting out a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray “Standard Edition”. The disc contents will be the same, only in simpler packaging.
Welcome II the Terrordome (1995) is arriving on Blu-ray from Criterion. It’s a British dystopian science-fiction narrative set in a world where the black population has been segregated. When a boy is murdered in the district by outside oppressors, anger and violence boil over. This well-regarded picture arrives on disc with a 2K picture restoration supervised by the cinematographer. A commentary with director Ngozi Onwurah and others is listed as a bonus, along with an interview with Onwurah. You’ll also get three shorts from the filmmaker with an introduction, and an essay on the production.
Disney/Buena Vista is presenting The Chronicles of Narnia 3-Movie Collection on Blu-ray. It features The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005), The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010). These pictures have all been released before, but not all in one package.
Convoy (1978) is being rereleased by Kino Lorber on Blu-ray with a new, 4K picture restoration. This film is a very loose adaptation of the song and follows a group of truckers who band together against corruption. It isn’t a great movie, but does include some incredible driving stunts. Sam Peckinpah directed it, and the movie features an all-star cast of Kris Kristofferson, Ernest Borgnine, Alia MacGraw, Seymour Cassel and Burt Young. For this release, the original 35mm camera negative was given a 4K scan. It also comes with a new film expert commentary, an archival track with Peckinpah, and a third with a Peckinpah scholar. Additionally, there is a 70-minute documentary on the production, a video essay on the feature, illustrated deleted scenes (they ran out of cash before they could finish shooting everything they wanted), multiple featurettes on the title, a massive collection of posters, lobby cards and stills for the movie, as well as trailers, TV and radio spots.
Paramount Pictures is delivering Halloween H20: Twenty Years Later (1998) as a 4K Ultra HD release. Jamie Lee Curtis returned to the franchise for this chapter, playing a mother and schoolteacher living under an assumed identity. When killer Michael Myers returns, she sets out to finish him once and for all. Shout Factory did put this title out as a 4K “Collector’s Edition” several years ago. It’s now out-of- print, so this bonus-free version has arrived on shelves from Paramount.
Pet Sematary (1989) is also receiving a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook presentation. This Stephen King adaptation has been out before. The contents here are presumably the same as in the previous edition, only in fancy packaging.
Shout Factory is releasing a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray box set called the Aces Go Places Collection. These are a series of Hong Kong action/comedies featuring wild stunt work and action. You’ll get Aces Go Places (1982), Aces Go Places II (1983), Aces Go Places III (1984), Aces Go Places IV (1986) and Aces Go Places V: The Terracotta Hit (1989). Also known as the Mad Mission series, all of the movies have been given 4K scans from the original camera negatives and are presented in Dolby Vision. Additionally, there are film historian commentary tracks on every movie, as well as international cuts of a couple of the titles, some crew interviews, and publicity materials.
The creepy ventriloquist flick Magic (1978) may be arriving as a 4K Ultra HD “Limited Edition” Steelbook. Curiously enough, some sites list it as coming out later in December, but just in case it does arrive this week, here are the details. Anthony Hopkins plays a performer whose puppet begins terrorizing him after he finds a new love (played by Ann-Margret). The film has been given a 4K restoration from the original camera negative and arrives with two movie expert commentaries, a radio interview with Hopkins, Ann-Margret make-up tests, a trailer, TV spots and radio spots.
Universal Studios is presenting the phenomenal horror/comedy An American Werewolf in London (1981) as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo. The title was previously put out by Arrow in an incredible, extras-filled set. This edition likely contains the same transfer, and also has a few, but not all, of the extras from the last 4K release.
After arriving a few weeks ago, the Steven Spielberg science-fiction film Disclosure Day (2026) is getting a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray “Limited Edition” Steelbook release. The contents will be exactly the same as in the last version, only in alternative packaging.
And, the studio is giving the big-budget monster-movie mash-up Hugh Jackman flick Van Helsing (2004) a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook. The title came out on 4K Ultra HD nine years ago but is now appearing again in Steelbook form. Like the previous edition, this one contains two hours of extras. There are also two commentary tracks. One with director Stephen Sommers (Deep Rising, The Mummy) and another with co-star Richard Roxburgh, Shuler Hensley and Will Kemp.
It’s a busy edition for Warner Bros., so I’ll start with their most notable release of the week. The fantastic horror/comedy/musical Little Shop of Horrors (1986) is arriving as a 4K Ultra HD “Limited Edition” Steelbook, as well as a standard 4K Ultra HD. Based on the original 1961 Roger Corman flick and the later stage musical, this tale follows a nebbish flower shop employee who pines for a coworker. When a strange and interesting plant appears before him, it draws attention and success, but the lead soon learns that the growing species is actually from space and plots to take over the world.
This picture stars Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Vincent Gardenia, Steve Martin, James Belushi, John Candy, Christopher Guest, Bill Murray, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold and Michelle Weeks and is a winner from start to finish, with great tunes and hilarious moments. Both the theatrical version and the very, very different director’s cut (which features a much darker but dazzling ten-minute finale that test audiences rejected) have been given 4K restorations and are presented in Dolby Vision. Additionally, there is a new featurette on the movie’s 40th anniversary and its enduring legacy, a new special on the make-up effects of the man-eating plant. You’ll also find an archival commentary track from director Frank Oz (The Dark Crystal, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Bowfinger, Death at a Funeral) as well as outtakes and deleted scenes.
Warner Bros. is also putting out the 80’s Horror 5-Film Collection “Steelbook Library Case”. This is an Amazon exclusive which promises 4K Ultra HD and Blu-rays of The Shining (1980), Poltergeist (1982), A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), the newest version of Little Shop of Horrors (1986) and The Lost Boys (1987). The disc contents are all the same as in previous releases, just all placed together in special packaging.
You can also pick up the Harry Potter 8-Film Collection, which contains all the movies produced between 2001 and 2011 on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray, also packaged as an Amazon exclusive “Steelbook Library Case”.
Finally, Well Go USA is releasing Operation Mekong (2016) on Blu-ray. The plot involves two narcotics officers investigating the murder of one of their own on the Mekong River. The disc also lists a making-of and a trailer as bonus features.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Below is a list of titles that might appeal to children.
The Chronicles of Narnia 3-Movie Collection – The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005), The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008), The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010) (Disney) Blu-ray
Harry Potter 8-Film Collection (Disney) 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Amazon exclusive “Steelbook Library Case”
Moana (2026) (Disney) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook, Blu-ray and DVD
ON THE TUBE!
And below you’ll find all of the week’s TV-related titles.
Chicago Fire: Season 14 (Universal Studios) DVD
Chicago P.D.: Season 13 (Universal Studios) DVD
Chicago Med: Season 11 (Universal Studios) DVD
The Madison: Season 1 (Paramount Pictures) Blu-ray
Masterpiece Mystery!: Marble Hall Murders (PBS) DVD
Masterpiece Mystery!: The Marlow Murder Club: Season 3 (PBS) DVD
