It’s time for the latest look at highlights arriving on Blu-ray and DVD. There are all kinds of interesting flicks, both new and old that, are coming your way on disc. So, since you more than likely can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
Big New Releases!
Attraction 2: Invasion – In case you happen to be wondering if there was actually ever was a movie called Attraction, it was released back in 2017. The film was a Russian production about a crashed alien spaceship in Moscow and it explored how the citizens react to these new extraterrestrial arrivals. This sequel is set 3 years later and picks up with the arrival of another otherworldly craft. The protagonist from the first movie and other characters must determine if the visitor’s intentions are good. This foreign-language flick is debuting on disc in this part of the world, so there are currently no write-ups available. Online sources indicate that the feature will make little sense if you haven’t seen the original film and also complain that it’s overly talky, stiff and doesn’t provide any thrills until the final act. The cast includes Irina Starshenbaum, Alexander Petrov, Yuriy Borisov and Oleg Menshikov.
Capone – Real-life gangster Alfonse Capone has been the subject of many a film over the years. This biopic follows the figure towards the end of his criminal career and suffering from dementia. Veering back and forth between the past and present, Capone remembers events and persons in his life as he attempts to locate a large hidden stash of cash while keeping government agents at bay. Critics weren’t particularly impressed by this feature. A grouping of them did enjoy the central performance and appreciated the bizarre, unhinged antics put on display. However, more suggested that despite a couple of wild moments, the film was a complete misfire that didn’t have much to say and largely wasted its onscreen talent. It stars Tom Hardy, Kyle MacLachlan, Linda Cardellini, Jack Lowden and Matt Dillon.
Marriage Story – Back in December, Netflix premiered this drama from Noah Baumbach (The Squid and the Whale, Frances Ha, While We’re Young), chronicling the unraveling of a relationship between a husband and wife and watching how the family manages to adapt afterward. It’s now arriving on disc via Criterion for those who don’t have the streaming service, or would like a high-quality hard copy of the feature. The film was nominated for several Academy Awards including Best Picture (it ultimately won one in the Best Supporting Actress category) and the press adored it. There was a tiny contingent who couldn’t get onto the story’s wavelength and couldn’t relate to the characters. Still, the overwhelming majority thought the film was moving, authentic and featured incredible performances. The cast includes Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Laura Dern, Alan Alda, Ray Liotta and Julie Haggerty.
Our Bodies Our Doctors – This small, indie documentary appears to have popped up on disc without much notice. It’s about a group of female physicians working at various health clinics for women in the states of Washington, Oregon and Oklahoma. Viewers witness their daily trials and how they take care of patients in need of abortions. It also details the other health-related issues impacting those being treated. There aren’t any detailed reviews in the press and this feature appears to be debuting on disc. However, it has played at numerous film festivals over the past year and received very positive reaction. It won Best Documentary at the Portland International Film Festival a Women in Cinema award in Seattle.
Re: Born – A former government assassin decides to stop taking lives and retires in this Japanese action picture. After spending time working as a shopkeeper, his past catches up to him after his nasty old commander arrives on the scene looking for revenge. In order to leave his dark history behind, the protagonist must fight off the advances of dozens of killers out to eliminate him. This flick was released a couple of years ago on the other side of the world, but is only now making its way to North America. It has been described as a Japanese John Wick and those who have managed to check it out have been largely upbeat about the title. They called it an entertaining martial arts flick with great choreography and an extended climax certain to wow audiences. It features Tak Sakaguchi, Hitomi Hasebe and Masaya Kato.
Recording in Progress – Here’s a documentary that may be of interest to music enthusiasts. This feature takes a look at recording studios and how they are managed and operated. It deals with current music technology and how all the elements are used to create the tunes that we hear around us. The movie also looks into recent trends in the industry and new ways in which music is being consumed by the public. According to press releases, it boasts interviews with a few name record producers and musicians too, including the likes of Steve Albini, Richard Fortus, Steve Lillywhite, Vance Powell and Kristeen Young. The film appears to be making its debut on disc, but should be of interest to anyone curious about how a music studio is run.
Resistance – This historical drama is set during World War II. It is based on a true story and follows an aspiring Jewish performer who tries to bring laughter to the faces of children during the bloody conflict. He eventually joins the French Resistance effort, attempting to sneak Jewish kids out of the country before they are rounded up by authorities. Of course, these efforts put the young man and those around him in danger. Reaction was generally split towards this effort. About half thought that the real story was remarkable but said the material was presented in a formulaic and drab manner. Just as many suggested that the movie was a flawed but important tribute to a unique figure’s humanitarian accomplishments. Jesse Eisenberg, Ed Harris, Clemence Posey and Mattias Schweighofer headline the film. To read this site’s review of the picture, click here.
The Room – A young couple yearning for a simpler and healthier life leave the city and take up residence in a creaky old house in Maryland. While investigating the home’s basement, they discover a hidden room that has the power to make anything that they wish for materialize. The pair take full advantage of the gift, only to soon realize that there is a price to be paid for their selfish requests. This independent horror film debuted on Shudder and is now arriving on disc. Reviewers generally liked what they saw. A few critiqued the feature for not making the most of the concept and relying on easy scares and jolts. Still, the consensus was that this was a moody and effective horror flick that delivers enough chills to earn it a recommendation. The leads are played by Olga Kurylenko and Kevin Janssens.
Samurai Marathon 1855 – Also known simply as Samurai Marathon, this action/adventure effort is inspired by a real competition that is still held annually in Japan. This adaptation takes viewers back to its origins during the feudal era when American imperialists were arriving and causing concern among citizens. One regal figure, feeling that his samurai are lazy and ineffectual, demands that they take part in a punishing and deadly marathon to prove their worth to their master and country. The foreign-language feature earned a positive reception. A small group called the end results mixed and didn’t think it had much beyond the novelty of the concept. Thankfully, a large group thought the story was fascinating and that this was exciting picture about honor and duty that ended on a high note. Takeru Satoh, Nana Komatsu and Mirai Moriyama play the leads.
Scoob! – Famous but easily frightened crime-solving canine Scooby-Doo returns in this family-friendly, animated outing. In this update, the dog and his pals Shaggy, Fred, Daphne and Velma investigate claims of a sinister figure attempting to raise the ghost dog Cerberus and bring chaos to the world. As the gang try to uncover the responsible party and stop them, Scooby-Doo discovers that he may play an epic an important role in history. The press was divided as to the movie’s merits. Almost half said that the picture was colorful, bright, offered something a bit different from the TV-show and would impress kids. Others complained that the movie was well-animated but too busy, with a clumsy script and little about the story that was memorable. The voice cast includes Will Forte, Mark Wahlberg, Jason Isaacs, Gina Rodriguez, Zac Efron, Amanda Seyfried, Ken Jeong, Tracy Morgan and Simon Cowell.
Survive the Night – A pair of men seek immediate medical assistance after a robbery gone wrong leaves one of them mortally wounded. They stalk a doctor and take his family hostage, demanding treatment so that they can make an escape. What the criminals don’t realize is that the physician has an estranged, tough-as-nails retired cop for a father, who sets out to assist his relatives in eliminating the threat. Critics ended up panning this little thriller. One or two thought that while predictable, the cast and filmmakers provided aimable-enough entertainment that would distract viewers. However, all the rest stated that the movie was clunky and poorly paced, offering no new twists or exciting moments for its viewers. It stars Bruce Willis, Chad Michael Murray, Shea Buckner, Tyler Jon Olson and Lydia Hull.
The Whistlers – This dark crime comedy from Romania follows the exploits of a Bucharest police officer, frustrated with his meager life and small wages. He decides to take part in a heist with a mysterious woman who may be looking to set him up and take the money for herself. In order to pull off their elaborate scheme, the two decide to learn a secret language and communication method involving whistling. Reviewers were largely amused by the feature and gave it a lot of compliments. While one or two described it as being a bit too exaggerated and filled with an overabundance of plot twists, a much greater percentage called it a fun and thrilling effort that might actually be about more than it initially lets on. As of right now, this foreign-language film is being released on DVD only. Hopefully, a Blu-ray will follow. It features Vlad Ivanov, Catrinel Marlon and Lodica Lazar.
You Don’t Nomi – Remember the 1995 box office bomb, Showgirls? If you don’t, be advised that more and more people have become big fans of this notorious film over the past 25 years. It was an over-the-top flop about a young woman starting her career in Vegas as a dancer, taking down anyone who gets in way until she reaches her dream of becoming a showgirl. This documentary follows the enormous cult that has grown around the flick and its eccentric, exaggerated ways. You’ll find background information about the movie, get interview footage with the cast and crew, as well as meet its fans. Naturally, these enthusiasts propose a new analysis about what the film represents to them. Write-ups were generally positive. A few said you’d probably be better off just watching the bizarre movie that inspired this doc, but others called it a fun effort that may make one consider reevaluating the original film.
Blasts from the Past!
It’s another busy edition filled with older films getting updated high definition transfers. Arrow Video are delivering a Blu-ray of the US/India co-production, Bloodstone (1988), a low-budget action/adventure picture likely capitalizing on the success of the Indiana Jones series. The story is about a couple honeymooning in India who cone into possession of an enormous ruby. The wife is kidnapped by a criminal mastermind who wants the gem for himself. The husband (who by chance appears to know martial arts) and, curiously enough, his cabbie (an ex-stunt driver) set out to save the couple and retrieve the valuable jewel. This film boasts the English-language debut of Indian star Rajinikanth as the skilled auto expert. Besides the high definition presentation, you’ll get a film historian commentary track, an interview with the producer, a video essay on co-star Rajinikanth, an image gallery and the original screenplay. Sounds like it might be a bit of fun and, at the very least, feature some gorgeous locations.
The Arrow Academy line is also releasing a Special Edition of the award-winning French comedy, Life Is a Long Quiet River (1988). It’s considered by many to be one of, if not the best satires of its era, depicting two families from different backgrounds who discover that their children were accidentally mixed up at birth 12-years-earlier. Besides the slick presentation, the Blu-ray includes new, updated subtitles, archival interviews with director Étienne Chatiliez, actor André Wilms, co-writer/co-producer Florence Quentin and producer Charles Gassot.
Paramount have been busy over the past couple of months releasing titles in their “Paramount Presents” line. This time out, they’re giving a 4K restoration to the hit comedy and disaster movie parody, Airplane! (1980). It’s a 40th Anniversary Edition disc that new featurettes including a filmmaker focus talk writers/directors Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker, a Q&A recorded recently at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood and an isolated score, along with a previously recorded audio commentary featuring the three men. Hopefully this release will inspire the studio to give the same treatment to the hysterical comedy Top Secret! (1984), which is also from the same filmmakers and still has never been released on Blu-ray in North America.
The drama, Ghost (1990), is another title arriving from “Paramount Presents”. Believe it or not, this box office smash about the spirit trying to reconnect with his dead wife and save her from a killer was made by wild and wacky Airplane! co-creator, Jerry Zucker. You’ll get the commentary and extras from the original DVD release, plus a new filmmaker focus discussion about the feature the Zucker.
Kino are putting out a big assortment of old adventure films on Blu-ray. You can purchase Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (1944), Against All Flags (1952), Arabian Nights (1942), Buccaneer’s Girl (1950), Son of Ali Baba (1952) and The World in His Arms (1952). Each of these releases contain a new film critic or historian commentary as well as a trailer for the feature.
They are also delivering three powerful, award-winning films by Hungarian director István Szabó. The Blu-rays in question include Colonel Redi (1985), Confidence (1980) and Mephisto (1981). All three titles have been given 4K restorations created by the Hungarian Film Institute. They also contain extra features on the making-of the movies. There’s also a critic commentary present on the first title from the list.
Criterion have a new Blu-ray of the Iranian/French co-production and Palme d’Or winner, Taste of Cherry (1997). It’s about a truck driver planning on committing suicide who must find an assistant willing to bury him after he carries out the deed. The movie has been given a 4K digital restoration and includes a 39-minute sketch version that was presumably made in order to secure feature financing. You’ll also get an interview with an Iranian cinema scholar, a rare 1997 interview with the writer/director, trailer and new subtitle translation.
Universal have come up with a few interesting titles as well. First off, they’ve got a new 4K edition of the classic Spartacus (1960) from director Stanley Kubrick. One assumes that beyond the improved picture quality, the extras from previous editions will also be included. They’re also rereleasing some older, out-of-print catalog efforts, including The Danish Girl (2015), Dragonheart 3: The Sorcerer’s Curse (2015), In the Name of the Father (1993), Larry Crowne (2011) and The Zookeeper’s Wife (2017).
Genre film distributors Scorpion also have a Blu-ray release. This week it’s Torment (1986), a thriller about a serial killer who appears to have gotten away with a string of murders. When his family gets together for a dinner, the lead becomes enraged at his soon-to-be son-in-law. The psychopath soon plots to get rid of him, causing plenty of complications and potentially revealing his psychosis. Special features include a brand new 2K master of the picture, an interview with the film’s composer and trailers.
Finally, Warner Archive are packing four of their made to order discs together. They’re calling it the Horror/Thrillers 4-Film Collection and it includes a great little mix of genre titles. You’ll get Body Snatchers (1993), The Hunger (1983), Innocent Blood (1992) and Wolfen (1981). It’s a good set and this writer has actually found all of these movies enjoyable.
While not as powerful as the original or 70s remake, Body Snatchers from Abel Ferrara (Bad Lieutenant) has plenty of strong elements, a couple of incredibly creepy scenes and a great supporting performance by Meg Tilly. The Hunger from director Tony Scott (Top Gun, True Romance) is really stylish and includes some early and memorable performances from Susan Sarandon and David Bowie.
Innocent Blood is an underrated comedy/horror picture about mobsters who come into contact with a vampire – one of the crooks end up surviving an attack, becoming bloodsucker and using their newfound abilities to gain in the criminal underworld. It’s from writer/director John Landis (An American Werewolf in London) and features plenty of laughs, chills and some amazing cameos from famous filmmakers. Robert Loggia is great in it and delivers a couple of excellent monologues as the evil mob boss.
Additionally, Wolfen is a slick and interesting thriller that features a couple of memorable attack scenes and likable characters played by Albert Finney and Gregory Hines. These movies may not all be classics, but these are very solid films and titles that horror fans will likely enjoy.
You Know, For Kids!
Here are some recent titles that may appeal to kids.
The Forest Man: The True Story of Jadav Payeng
Scoob!
On the Tube!
These are the week’s TV-themed releases.
American Experience: George W. Bush (PBS)
American Experience: Mr. Tornado (PBS)
Castle Rock: Season 2
Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 10
Jett: Season 1
Masterpiece Mystery: Grantchester: Season 5
Northern Exposure: The Complete Series
Sailing into Love (Hallmark TV-movie)