The latest update detailing new Blu-ray and DVD highlights is a jammed-packed edition with plenty of remarkable releases both new and old. It looks like there’s something for just about everyone coming your way. So, since you likely can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
Big New Releases!
Archive – Set roughly 20 years in the future, this science-fiction effort follows a scientist on the verge of creating a human-equivalent android. As he prepares for the final step, he attempts to keep co-workers from discovering his ulterior motives for the humanoid…. to make a perfect replica of his late wife. Reviews were actually pretty decent for this independent effort and it grossed reasonable figures at drive-ins during the pandemic. A small group didn’t think the movie dealt with its themes in an interesting manner and had issues with the second half of the film, which they claimed resorted to clichés. Still, the majority were impressed with the cinematography and thought the flick presented an interesting twist on coping with loss. It stars Theo James, Stacy Martin, Rhona Mitra and Tobey Jones. The movie is premiering exclusively on DVD, so those interested in a Blu-ray will have to wait a while longer to pick one up.
Beyond the Visible: Hilma af Klint – For years, many art historians claimed that the first abstract painter was Vassily Kandinsky, whose work debuted in 1910. This documentary details the incredible discovery of an earlier work in the genre by Hilma af Klint dating back to 1906. Recently, this artist has been receiving recognition and attracting new audiences. The filmmakers set out to tell her life story, detailing the unusual subject matter present in her art and determining why her pioneering work was initially ignored and forgotten. Every member of the press who managed to receive a screener of this picture greatly enjoyed it. They thought that Hilma af Klint was a fascinating figure and that the movie worked as an exceptional introduction to the incredible images that she created over the course of her life.
The Deeper You Dig – A mother and daughter team up to con the public as psychics providing bogus tarot card readings. Their performances hide the truth… that the pair can actually communicate with the dead. When one of the team is murdered and the killer hides the body, the remaining family member decides to use her talents to find the body and get revenge. In the meantime, the spirit of deceased also haunts the murderer. This independent horror picture also received solid notices. One or two commented that while it was a nice try, the end results didn’t produce enough chills. Still, everyone else complimented the film as one of the best DIY genre flicks in recent memory and possessed plenty of strange and haunting elements. It’s being released only on DVD for the time being. The cast includes Toby Poser, John Adams and Zelda Adams.
Hamtramck, USA – Here’s another documentary for non-fiction film enthusiasts. This title details the lives and residents of a small Midwestern community, focusing in specifically on a public arts event and mayoral election. It examines the multicultural make-up of the town, noting the fact that the majority of residents are actually Muslims. Critics were very impressed with the movie and wrote very favorably about it. In fact, so far there have been no dissenting voices. They all commented that the film’s honest, fly-on-the-wall approach to capturing these people was enlightening and insightful, as well as being a movie that would cause some viewers to confront their own preconceived notions about those from a different background.
The High Note – Set against the backdrop of the LA music scene, this drama follows a famous music superstar and her overworked personal assistant. While the artist begins to wonder if she is in a creative rut, her young helper strives to break into the industry as a producer. When the assistant meets a talented local and decides to help him start his career, the choice ends up pulling her in two different directions. Write-ups were generally good for this picture. About a third of them commented that while the cast was good, the movie didn’t go enough into the nitty-gritty of the business and felt a bit routine. Yet the overall consensus was that this was a solid, escapist summer movie with charismatic stars and performances. It stars Dakota Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Ice Cube, Zoe Chao, Eddie Izzard, June Diane Raphael and Bill Pullman. To read this site’s review of the movie, click here.
How to Build a Girl – Set in the 1990s, this British comedy follows a bright but impetuous 16-year-old who wants to breaks free from her lower middle-class background. She writes a review and wins an internship at a magazine devoted to the rock music scene. In order to fit in with the staff, the youngster creates a new persona and sets out to make a name for herself in the industry. Her harsh reviews eventually cause friction between her coworkers, as well as incense interview subjects. Feedback was upbeat on this comedy. There was a contingent (myself included) who felt like the characters were self-involved and that the comedic scenarios and motivations were over-the-top and difficult to believe. Still, more called the movie charming and enjoyed the lead performance. Beanie Feldstein, Alfie Allen, Paddy Considine and Emma Thompson headline the feature. To read a review of the movie, click here.
The Infiltrators – This unique picture is part documentary and part narrative feature with reenactments based on interview footage. It follows two members of the National Immigrant Youth Alliance, a group focused on bringing unjust deportations that have occurred over the past few years to light. After the pair plan a reverse prison break in order to show on the abhorrent actions being taken by government forces, things go south and the protesters find themselves in over their head. Response towards the film was very positive. A few didn’t care for the mixing of interviews and reenactments and thought the story would have been more powerful without the creative additions. However, the majority thought that despite the unusual storytelling this was still a very powerful, enlightening and motivating feature. Mohammad Abdollahi, Maynor Alvarado and Roman Arabia headline the feature.
Inside the Rain – A college student with a long list of ailments including ADHD, OCD, BPD and Bipolar Disorder gets into a situation at school when a misunderstanding on campus results in numerous requests for expulsion. To prove his innocence, he decides that he must recreate the altercation on video and sets out to tell his version of what happened, going to unusual sources to raise funds and a cast for the production. Critics were upbeat about this independent romantic-comedy/drama. There was a small group who couldn’t suspend disbelief and thought the movie lacked authenticity. However, most thought it had a good message and said that the tonal shifts seemed appropriate for the character, finding the feature more realistic because of its eccentricities. It features Aaron Fisher, Ellen Toland, Rosie Perez and Eric Roberts.
Lucky Grandma – This tale begins with a hard-nosed, 80-year-old, chain-smoking grandmother deciding to throw caution to the wind and a new start in her life after the passing of her spouse. Her family are not excited about the idea but appear ill-equipped to stop the family matriarch. She decides to go on a gambling spree, losing everything and drawing the attention of mobsters who want to be paid. When she asks a rival outfit for help, the senior ends up in the middle of gang war. The press raved about this dark comedy. It only received one or two negative notices that complained about the story being overstuffed. Everyone else thought the lead performance was compelling and that the movie was a blast that took the unusual step of telling a story from the point-of-view of a grandma. It stars Tsai Chin, Hsiao-Yuan Ha, Michael Tow and Yan Xi.
Max Reload and the Nether Blasters – A video store clerk in a small town spends most of his time playing old video games from the 80s. When he discovers a ColecoVision cartridge of a lost game, he decides to play it. Unfortunately for him, it’s possessed and suddenly monstrous characters are released all over town. The protagonist must save the locals and fight the villains off before they take over the town, and then the world. Word on this ode to old video games was positive overall. A few did comment that the movie was geared specifically towards those familiar with 80s entertainment and wasn’t very accessible if you weren’t already familiar with the subject matter. Still, the consensus was the movie provided low-budget fun that delivered a few low-brow yuks and clever references. The cast includes Tom Plumley, Hassie Harrison, Kevin Smith, Lin Shaye, Martin Kove, Greg Grunberg and Wil Wheaton.
Mickey and the Bear – A teenage girl trying to find her way in life must contend with her bullying veteran father in this indie drama. According to the synopsis, he has her routine and duties planned out for her, not allowing the girl to follow her own interests. As a result, the lead must navigate the difficult waters and find common ground with her pop in order to make a new start. This picture is being released exclusively on DVD for the time being. It received plenty of praise over the past year and won some awards at various film festivals. Write-ups stated that this was a low-key drama that took its time to develop. However, they noted that the characters were very well drawn and that by the climax the movie would made an emotional impact on viewers. It features Camila Morrone, James Badge Dale and Calvin Demba.
Rook. – This little comedic crime caper follows two siblings. An older brother suggests to his sister that they attempt to pull off a gold heist in the backwoods that could be worth half a million dollars. Stress results when the sibling agrees and must try to keep her cop boyfriend from learning about the secret operation. Not only does the plan go badly, but the robbers draw the attention of the gold-mining yokels they’re stealing from. These figures want the goods back and are willing to do anything to get them. This independently-produced feature is premiering on disc and as of right now there are no reviews available for it. Those interested will, like the film’s protagonists, have to go in knowing very little about what they are about to endure. Zack Rush, Sarah Johanna Jewell and Bobby Lee Black.
Sonja: The White Swan – Skater Sonja Henie is the subject of this Norwegian biopic. Considered the inventor of modern figure skating, winning multiple Olympic gold medals and turning heads everywhere, the plot follows the performer as she moves to Hollywood and tries to make a name for herself on the big screen. Her first efforts are massive box office successes around the world, but her career starts stalling and scandal follows when she drunkenly takes to the ice for a performance in Rio de Janeiro. The general reception towards this drama was positive. A small contingent of the press found the main character conceited and difficult to root for. But far more appreciated the darkly drawn character arc and found the story fascinating as the protagonist rises, and then literally falls in front of the public. It stars Ine Marie Wilmann, Valene Kane, Eldar Skar, Pal Sverre Hagen, Hugh O’Conor and Aiden McArdle.
Valley of the Gods – This English-language Polish arthouse features three storylines that eventually converge as it progresses. A synopsis states that one plot involves a middle-class writer, the second an eccentric trillionaire, and the third a struggling Navaho community. It seems that the author sets out to write a book on the obscenely wealthy businessman, who is trying to earn more riches by mining for uranium on sacred land. The picture got a release in Europe and was nominated for an award or two, but couldn’t garner much attention from distributors in this part of the world. It is now debuting on disc in North America. Apparently, it’s beautifully shot but slow-moving, cool and emotionally detached. The cast includes Josh Hartnett, Jaime Ray Newman, John Malkovich, John Rhys-Davies, Berenice Marlohe and Kier Dellea
The Wretched – Set in the 1980s, this chiller involves a teenage boy struggling to deal with his parent’s impending divorce. Things get even more complicated when he discovers that his neighbor is a 1000-year-old-witch hiding beneath the skin of local woman. The kid must stop the monster before she wipes all of them out. Believe it or not, this little horror film was the number one film at the US box office for six weeks between May and mid-June, cleaning up at drive-ins around the country. Critics generally enjoyed what they saw too. Admittedly, about a quarter of them complained that the flick was clichéd, inconsistent in tone and flubbed the climax. Yet the majority disagreed, saying that while the movie followed a routine plot, it was atmospheric, delivered plenty of jolts with considerable skill and reminded them of 80s horrror pictures. John-Paul Howard, Piper Curda, Jamison Jones and Azie Tesfai headline the film.
Blasts from the Past!
There are a great many older films getting the high definition upgrade this week. MVD get the ball rolling with a Bolo Yeung Double Feature Blu-ray containing the action flicks Bloodfight (1989) and Ironheart (1992). Both of these pictures star Yeung (who was the bad guy in the Jean-Claude Van Damme flick, Bloodsport). In Bloodfight, he plays a nasty martial arts champion who kills those who compete against him. An older trainer who loses a student to the maniac participates in a tournament to seek vengeance for his student. In the second flick, a heroic cop is tasked with taking down and presumably beating up some drug dealers. To do so, he must defeat a particularly threatening henchman played by Yeung. The disc comes with trailers and a collectable mini-poster. If you’re a fan of over-the-top martial arts B-movies from the late 80s and early 90s, this may be worth checking out.
Mikey (1992) is a horror picture starring Brian Bonsall (from later seasons of the 80s TV sitcom, Family Ties) as a psychopathic child. As events progress, the neighborhood slowly realize that tragic accidents (with hammers, bats, hairdryers, boomboxes, or just about any household item you can think of) keep occurring to anyone who rubs the boy the wrong way. Watching the trailer below is a warning sign to all adults to keep household tools This Blu-ray includes a feature-length documentary on the production, a lengthy discussion about the movie with the director, a trailer and a collectable mini-poster.
Additionally, you can pick up a Collector’s Edition Blu-ray of the British sci-fi horror flick, Split Second (1992), starring Rutger Hauer. He plays a cop living in a futuristic, flooded-out London. When a monster rises from the sewers and starts killing random people, the lead must hunt down the responsible party and face off against it. The movie has been newly scanned, restored and color-graded in 4K. It comes with a film historian audio commentary, about two hours of interviews with the producers, cast members, the score composer, the line producer, the creature effects designer and the cinematographer. You’ll also get all of the archived promo material for the film, featuring more interviews with the entire cast and the effects team. This disc also includes a Japanese cut of the film in full frame that’s about 5 minutes longer than the theatrical version. You can also watch the added scenes from the Japanese version on their own. Additionally, you’ll get TV ads, home video promos, a trailer and a collectible mini-poster featuring the original VHS artwork. Overall, it sounds like MVD are delivering a lot of fun stuff that will please genre and B-movie fans.
Shout! Factory also have an impressive Blu-ray on the way with the Collector’s Edition of the Hammer horror picture, Phantom of the Opera (1962). This retelling of the famous story is set in a London opera house… otherwise, all of the same kind of thrills and chills occur. The disc includes a new 2K scan of the film from the inter-positive in two aspect ratios. It also comes with two film historian audio commentaries giving background information about the production. And there is a Hammer special on the producer and his work with the production company. Additionally, you’ll receive interviews with the make-up effects artist, as well as film experts who share more insight about the picture. The disc also arrives with an older making-of special and the lengthier, TV version of the film. A trailer and still gallery are included as well.
Kino also have plenty of stuff coming your way. Cry Freedom (1987) is an Oscar-nominated drama about Stephen Biko. It stars Denzel Washington as Biko and Kevin Kline as a journalist attempting to help the famous figure expose the horrors of apartheid to the world. The movie was nominated for three Academy Awards. The Blu-ray for this title includes a film historian commentary and also includes a trailer.
If you’re looking for a rom-com, Date with an Angel (1987) follows a groom who isn’t sure about tying the knot with his spoiled bride. When an angel with broken wings crashes into his swimming pool, the protagonist must determine whether he’s making the right life choices. This Blu-ray features a commentary with writer/director Tom McLoughlin (One Dark Night, Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives), a making-of, sound bits and a trailer.
The distributor is making a Special Edition Blu-ray available of the French cult thriller, Diva (1981). It’s about an opera-loving mailman who records a famous and reclusive artist in performance on stage. He soon finds himself the target of hitmen because of something that he taped. This title comes with a film critic commentary, a scene-specific track with director Jean-Jacques Beineix (Betty Blue), an introduction to the movie, roughly ten interviews with various members of the cast and crew, several more individual discussions with Beineix and, of course, a trailer.
The Quest (1986) aka Frog Dreaming (believe it or not) is an Australian family-friendly monster movie starring Henry Thomas from E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. In the film, a youngster sets out to find a legendary creature called the Donkegin. I missed this flick during its original run and have always wanted to check it out. It’s been out-of-print for decades and is now finally being made available on Blu-ray with a 4K restoration. The release comes with a commentary from director Brian Trenchard-Smith (The Man from Hong Kong, Dead End Drive-In), a look back at the movie with the filmmaker and star Thomas, more interviews with the co-stars, the alternate US opening of the feature and an Australian trailer.
Fans of drama will be thrilled to see a Special Edition Blu-ray of Tender Mercies (1983), which won its star, Robert Duvall, an Academy Award for Best Actor. The movie is about an alcoholic drifter who returns to town and befriends a lonely widow. As it turns out, he was once a famous singer returning home and ends up being forced into dealing with his troubled past. This disc includes a film critic commentary, a documentary on the production and other bonuses.
As far as B-movies go, there are plenty of new high definition options as well. Mena have a Blu-ray/DVD combo of Brutal Massacre: A Comedy (2007), which follows a documentary crew recording the making-of a horror film director’s comeback flick. It stars David Naughton, Ken Foree, Gunnar Hansen, Ellen Sandweiss and other horror movie vets. The disc includes deleted scenes, featurettes, galleries and a director commentary.
Scorpion are delivering a Blu-ray of the well-received rom-com, A Different Story (1978), with Perry King and Meg Foster. The release includes a new 2018 master of the uncut R-rated version of the feature along with trailers. Mondo Macabro are presenting the Japanese genre flick Gemini (1999) in high definition. This film is from cult moviemaker Shinya Tsukamoto (Tetsuo: The Iron Man). The image is from a new master of the feature struck from the original camera negative. It comes with a making-of that was directed by Takashi Miike, featurettes, make-up demonstrations, footage from its premiere in Venice as well as other extras. And the cop on drugs thriller Ozone (1995) is arriving on Blu-ray courtesy of Tempe Digital. The movie was shot on Super-VHS-C and the image has been restored and cleaned-up for its release on disc. It also comes with multiple commentaries, publicity materials and extras.
Criterion have a massive box set arriving with The Complete Films of Agnès Varda (1955 – 2019). This release contains 39 titles from the filmmaker that’ll keep fans busy for days… maybe even weeks. Varda is known for being one of the founding members and “grandmother” of the French New Wave film movement. Her pictures frequently dealt with feminist issues and often included a unique sense of humor (although the director also dabbled in experimental cinema). Documentary fans might also know her from her appearance in the 2017 documentary Faces Places, which was completed shortly before she passed away. There’s literally too many films and extras to go into right here, but it’s incredibly extensive collection that contains some incredible works. Those with an interest or appreciation for her features would be well advised to pick this set up if they can.
Families in need of some entertainment can also seek out the feature-film version of Casper (1995) from Universal. Best Buy are releasing the picture as a Blu-ray Steelbook Exclusive, which means that the disc and its contents come in sturdy metallic packaging. It’s about a family who inherit a haunted mansion and befriend the titular character. As mentioned, if you’re interested in the disc, you’ll have to order it through Best Buy.
Mill Creek are putting out a DVD called The British Invasion. It’s a 5 Documentary Collection of features from the 60s and 70s made about bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Who. Naturally, all will feature rare footage of the performers and the release may be of interest to music enthusiasts.
Finally, Warner Archive are accepting orders for made-to-order Blu-rays of Elvis: That’s the Way It Is (1970). This is a documentary about the performer featuring concert footage from a lengthy stint in Las Vegas, along with clips of the Elvis Presley backstage rehearsing with the band and interacting with crowds. You’ll get two different cuts of the movie, including the 108-minute theatrical version and shorter, 95-minnute edition that was re-released 20 years ago. I think I want that shirt pictured… Anyway, it’ll be nice for fans to finally see the full version in high quality.
If Elvis concerts aren’t your thing, they are also making the romantic comedy Michael (1996) available in high definition. It stars John Travolta as an eccentric who claims to be an angel and follows a group of reporters (including Andie MacDowell and John Hurt) investigating his claim.
You Know, For Kids!
Here are some titles that may appeal to youngsters.
Are You Afraid of the Dark? (Nickelodeon 2019 Limited Series Event)
Arthur: The Ultimate Friendship Collection (PBS Kids)
Casper (1995) Best Buy Steelbook Exclusive
Final Space: Seasons 1 & 2 (Warner Archive)
On the Tube!
And these are all of the TV-themed releases coming your way, including plenty of re-releases of older show sets.
All Summer Long (Hallmark TV-moive)
American Experience: The Vote (PBS)
American Masters: Mae West: Dirty Blonde (PBS)
Are You Afraid of the Dark? (Nickelodeon 2019 Limited Series Event)
Arthur: The Ultimate Friendship Collection (PBS Kids)
Asian Americans (PBS)
Belgravia (UK dramatic Mini-series)
Blacklist: Season 7
Broad City: The Complete Series
Donal MacIntyre: Unsolved: Season 1, Volume 1
Dynasty: The Complete Series
Eureka: The Complete Series
Final Space: Seasons 1 & 2 (Warner Archive)
Gold Digger: Season 1
The Good Wife: The Complete Series
JAG: The Complete Series
The Love Boat: Seasons 1 – 3
Mork & Mindy: The Complete Series
NCIS: New Orleans: Season 6
Neo Ultra Q (2013 Japanese TV Mini-series)
NOVA: Eagle Power (PBS)
Playing for Keeps: Season 1
Rawhide: The Complete Series
Tales from the Darkside: The Complete Series