Welcome back to another look at all the highlights arriving on Blu-ray and DVD. It’s a remarkably busy week with all kinds of features in just about every genre imaginable. 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!
Bad Therapy – A couple experiencing a rough patch in their marriage decide to seek out a well-respected counsellor who has a great track record helping friends and acquaintances. Unfortunately, their issues encourage the darkest impulses in their new therapist. The expert asks to see them separately and begins pitting the two against each other, leading to escalating conflict and slowly unraveling the marriage. This comedy wasn’t well received by the press. One or two were entertained by the performances just enough to give it a pass. However, the vast majority complained that the movie fell flat and resorting to obvious and uninspired gags. It stars Alicia Silverstone, Rob Corddry, Michaela Watkins, Anna Pniowsky, Haley Joel Osment and David Paymer.
Deadly Crush – In order to spark her creativity, a struggling painter decides to rent a cabin in the remote wilderness…. which is always a bad idea in a horror movie. While one might expect psychotic yokels to be knocking on her door, in truth the protagonist initially finds the place to her liking. However, a ghost soon enters the picture. After an unexpected romantic escapade with the spirit, the protagonist soon realizes that it may be using her to return to the physical world. This little horror flick has played at a film festival or two (it won the Best Feature awards at the Pittsburgh Independent Film Festival), but appears to be making its debut on disc. As such, interested genre fans will just have to go in cold and hope for the best. The cast includes William Sadler, Courtney Gains and Jenna Willis.
Impractical Jokers: The Movie – Based around the reality TV-series about a group of friends who pull elaborate pranks on camera to the shock and amusement of others, this feature adds a fictional element to their routine. It begins with a 1994 escapade at a Paul Abdul concert that ends up ruining the show. After a new series of competitive tasks, the person responsible ends up encountering Abdul, who attempts to deliver some payback. Critics weren’t taken with this big-screen version of the show. A small percentage said that the performers were likable, stating that even if some of the elements didn’t work, the leads still delivered a laugh or two. Unfortunately, most noted that the movie wasn’t as well-plotted or effective as the TV-series and that the concept didn’t play out as well as a feature film. Joe Gatto, James Murray, Brian Quinn, Sal Vulcano, Paula Abdul, Jaden Smith and Joey Fatone headline the flick.
Kill Mode – After a lethal and contagious virus spreads around the world, a powerful pharmaceutical company claims to have developed a treatment. When they decide to charge an exorbitant price for it, the world falls into poverty and chaos. Convinced that the drug company created the virus to take control of the world, a rebel force decides to find their own cure, fight back and take down the big corporation. This English-language sci-fi flick from the Netherlands hasn’t been seen by many in this part of the world. There are a couple of online postings complaining the camerawork is incredibly shaky and frantic, so those who want to give it a chance should expect a constantly moving camera. If features Dave Mantel, Julia Batelaan, Yasmin Blake and Cyriel Guds.
LEGO DC: Shazam! – Magic and Monsters – In addition to the many LEGO based movies that have appeared on the big screen, several have been produced exclusively for the disc market. This film focuses on the character of Shazam. When he’s offered the opportunity to join Batman, Wonder Woman and other superheroes in the Justice League, he’s initially reluctant to accept. But when the villainous Monster Society puts the heroes and city in peril, Shazam decides to save the day. This one is premiering on disc and so there are only a couple of reviews that have popped up online. They state that while it isn’t as impressive as the theatrical efforts, this flick is still a lot of fun, filled with goofy humor and pop culture references that should entertain families who enjoy LEGO-themed entertainment. The voice cast includes Sean Astin, Dee Bradley Baker, Troy Baker, Zach Callison and Tom Kenny.
Lieutenant Jangles – This indie comedy from Australia is set in the 1980s and follows a hard-nosed cop in the criminal cesspool of Brisbane (that’s according to the plot synopsis… I’m sure it’s a fine and lovely city). After his partner is killed by thugs, the lieutenant heads out for revenge. He shoots and blows up anything standing in his way, leaving wreckage behind as he “saves” the metropolis from an underworld boss. There aren’t many in this part of the world who have seen this picture, but it fared very well at several genre film festivals over the past couple of years. Apparently, it’s amusingly over-the-top, with an enjoyably crude and rude hero. They also suggested that those who enjoy 80s action flicks like Cobra and Commando would get a kick out seeing those movies parodied. It stars Matt Dickie, Justin Gerardin and Graham K. Furness.
My Father, the Spy – Filmmaker Ieva Lesinska-Geibere shares her unusual experiences and examines her family history in this documentary. In 1978, she was a young Soviet student living a normal life in Latvia. After traveling to visit her dad at NATO in New York City, she was forced to completely uproot and leave everything and everyone behind, including her mother. It seems that the woman’s father was part of an elaborate and secretive spy operation. Decades later, she returns home to Eastern Europe, trying to determine exactly what happened and what her parent had been planning was all along. This non-fiction feature is also making its premiere on disc in this part of the world. That means there are currently no reviews available. However, the picture has played at film festivals where it earned some award nominations.
Narrowsburg – Here’s another documentary that proves truth may truly be stranger than fiction. This story takes place in a small New York town. Many years ago, a French film producer approached locals, claiming that their home could be made into a film festival site akin to Sundance. She introduced them to a financier, her mafioso-turned-actor husband, and the pair quickly charmed and convinced locals that this plan would work. Naturally, things quickly spiral downward as more information about the pair is revealed. The feature earned plenty of positive write-ups. These pieces describe the movie as fascinating and funny look at con artists scamming a little town, suggesting that the story was so wild that it could eventually be turned into an excellent fictional narrative as well.
The Quarry – Based on the novel by Damon Galgut, this tale involves a minister with a mysterious past who arrives to take over a church in a small Texas town. After moving in, his behavior arouses some suspicion, but the figure still manages to charm enough locals to build a small congregation. However, as time passes more of the new arrival’s secrets are exposed, leading to gruesome discoveries. Response towards this effort was mixed-negative. A percentage thought that it was an effective slow-burn of a movie with good performances and plenty of mood and atmosphere. Still, the general consensus was that while competent, the end results were unmemorable and that there wasn’t enough going on in the story that was new or compelling. The cast includes Shea Whigham, Michael Shannon and Catalina Sandino Moreno.
Saint Frances – A struggling woman in her 30s with no prospects finally lucks out after meeting a nice guy and getting a position nannying for a six-year-old. However, the child she’s tasked with looking after proves to be more stubborn and difficult than expected. Despite their differences, a bond forms between the two as they deal with their new arrangement and confide in each other about their personal issues. Critics raved about this independent comedy/drama. There were a few who thought the movie was a bit jumbled and uneven. Still, just about everyone complimented the piece and suggested that it was far more than just a typical odd-couple flick. They enthused that it was sweet, charming, featured great performances and made plenty of interesting observations about its characters. It stars Kelly O’Sullivan, Ramona Edith-Williams and Jim True-Frost.
Shoot to Marry – Here’s yet another documentary vying for your attention. This one follows a heartbroken young filmmaker sharing his personal story and searching for thoughts and impressions about love and relationships from a variety of women. Realizing that the project actually is introducing the man to all kinds of interesting ladies, it becomes something of a comedy about the movie-maker trying to find his soulmate while making the feature. Overall, the press was positive about what they saw. There was a contingent who thought that while funny, it was a bit uncomfortable to watch the interviewer essentially screening various potential girlfriends. Still, most thought that the man making the movie was funny and heartfelt, and that he did appear to learn a thing or two about bettering himself by the close.
Sniper: Assassin’s End – Way back in 1993, Tom Berenger starred in an action flick called Sniper about a marine helping rid the various countries of corrupt generals and drug lords. It was a minor success that has since spawned a direct-to-disc franchise featuring the actor, as well as Chad Michael Collins as the character’s son (who joined the series about halfway through and has the same skills as his father). Remarkably, this title marks the eighth instalment in the series. This time out, the two men find themselves set up for the murder of a foreign dignitary. They are pursued by various organizations who all want them dead. The two must fight off attacks from the CIA, Russian thugs and a Yakuza-trained assassin. This feature is premiering on disc, so as of right now no one has seen it yet. It also features Sayaka Akimoto, Ryan Robbins and Lochlyn Munro.
A Soldier’s Revenge – Set after the close of the Civil War, this western follows a soldier-turned-bounty-hunter struggling from PTSD during his time on the battlefield. Now drinking heavily when he isn’t hunting down fugitives, the man is asked by two children to help locate their mother. The lead is forced to sober up and follow her trail. It leads to an old enemy responsible for past troubles during the protagonist’s day in service. Can the protagonist clean himself up and right past wrongs? More than likely, one assumes. This feature is debuting on disc. As readers will know, that means that there aren’t any write-ups available to tell us exactly what to expect from this title. The cast includes Neal Bledsoe, Rob Mayes, AnnaLynne McCord, Michael Bowden, Jake Busey, James Russo and Val Kilmer.
Three Christs – According to press releases, this feature is based on a true story. Specifically, a 1964 psychiatric case study of three patients who believed themselves to be Jesus Christ. A doctor arrives at a medical institute and tries to stop the use of electroshock therapy on patients. Instead, he begins talking to them. As sessions progress, the lead tries to bring all three delusional men together in the hopes of having them confront their delusions and have a breakthrough. The movie was shot back in 2016 and had a little bit of a struggle finding a distributor. Reaction was mixed from the press. Almost half enjoyed seeing the impressive cast chew the scenery during their bizarre sessions. However, slightly more found the whole thing unconvincing, forced and preachy. It stars Richard Gere, Peter Dinklage, Walton Goggins, Bradford Whitman and Julianna Marguiles.
What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael – Film critic Pauline Kael is the subject of this documentary. The feature gives viewers background information on the influential writer for the New Yorker. It informs viewers about her early career, her time working at the New Yorker in the 1970s and 80s, and her influence on movie fans and filmmakers. Apparently, it includes never-before-seen archival material with the subject as well as 35 new interviews with celebrities, co-workers and friends on her remarkable life and career. Notices for the feature were strong. A handful of reviewers thought it could have used more analysis of her writing and didn’t think the subject herself would have been impressed with the flick. Still, far more called the feature an inspirational homage to an incredible talent that inspires one to revisit her work. Alec Baldwin, Francis Ford Coppola, John Boorman, Quentin Tarantino, Sarah Jessica Parker, Paul Schrader, Ridley Scott and Woody Allen are featured.
Young Ahmed – This co-production from France and Belgium comes from the directors behind the Oscar-nominated Two Days, One Night. It tells the story of an impressionable, 13-year-old student who begins to feel put on the fringes and embraces an extremist interpretation of the Quran. He starts berating his mother and sister, fights with his spiritual leader at a local mosque and then comes up with a plan to murder his teacher. The press liked this feature, although they weren’t overwhelmed by it. A large number wrote that it wasn’t as powerful as other features from the filmmakers, thought the lead was underdeveloped and noted that certain story elements were difficult to buy into. Still, a larger percentage called the film a thoughtful character piece work and admired its attempts to get into the head of the lead. Idir Ben Addi, Olivier Bonnaud and Myriem Akheddiou headline the feature.
Blasts from the Past!
It’s a remarkably busy week for new Blu-rays of older titles as well. Shout! Factory have a Blu-ray of the slasher The Hills Run Red (2009). The movie is about a group of students hoping to find lost footage from a troubled horror film shoot. Once they get out to the middle of nowhere, they are stalked by a psychotic killer in a baby doll mask. This Blu-ray arrives with a ridiculous number of extras. You’ll get an archived commentary with the director and screenwriter, in addition to a making-of short. However, this new edition also includes two bonus commentaries. One features the filmmaker and directors Joe Lynch and Adam Green, the other with a “F This Movie” podcast hosts. You’ll get new interviews with the director and the writer, as well as the executive producer, producer, composer, production designer, about five of the cast members (including William Sadler), a never before seen set tour, pages from the production scrapbook, a proof-of-concept trailer used to secure investors, a trailer and more.
They also have a new box set, the Universal Horror Collection: Volume 5. This edition contains more classic genre films like The Monster and the Girl (1941), Captive Wild Woman (1943), Jungle Woman (1944) and Jungle Captive (1945). Many of these movies feature mad apes, crazy scientists and reanimated wild animals. Almost all of the flicks have been given 2K scans and come with film historian commentaries and publicity materials.
Kino are delivering plenty of notable Blu-rays as well, all starring Vanessa Redgrave. Isadora (1968) is a biopic in which the actress playing dancer Isadora Duncan. The film tells her life story, including the many scandals the famous figure was involved in. This disc includes a movie historian commentary and trailer.
Speaking of films based on real people, they are also releasing the Oscar-nominated Mary, Queen of Scots (1971) with Redgrave and Glenda Jackson. It delves into the very tumultuous relationship between the title character and the Queen Elizabeth I. Those who purchase the Blu-ray can listen to a film historian commentary and an isolated music only track that includes discussion about the score between music cues. It also comes with a trailer.
And Morgan: A Suitable Case for Treatment (1966), aka Morgan! is also arriving on disc. This is a cult comedy features David Warner as a gorilla-obsessed artist with anarchist tendencies who kidnaps his ex-wife (Redgrave) and plots to blow up his own mother. Sounds like a busy guy. This Blu-ray also comes with a commentary from an entertainment journalist detailing and analyzing elements of the movie.
Criterion are delving back into early cinema for their latest release. The Cameraman (1928) is considered by many experts to be Buster Keaton’s final masterpiece. It’s a slapstick comedy about a newspaper cameraperson who will do anything (including endangering his own life), to get a scoop and impress his employers and a female co-worker. The Blu-ray promises a new 4K digital restoration of the feature, a new score recorded in 2020 and composed by Timothy Brock and a commentary track from a silent film expert. You’ll also get a 2K restoration of Keaton’s follow-up up feature, Spite Marriage (1929), with a 2004 film historian commentary. There are also two documentaries included about Keaton, as well as a 1979 documentary about the camera and early cinema, all restored in 4K. Additionally, the disc comes with a new interview with a Buster Keaton authority. Sounds like an incredible Blu-ray!
World cinema fans can also pick up a double feature Blu-ray of the Claude Sautet award-winning French dramas César and Rosalie (1970) and The Things of Life (1972), courtesy of Film Movement. Apparently, there is a documentary included on the making-of the first title as well as featurette on the second movie.
On a different note, Dark Force Entertainment are always great for some B-movie thrills. This week, they have three new Blu-ray releases. The first is the shocking and disturbing Chaos (2005), a sort-of modern-day reimagining of the 1972 release, The Last House on the Left. The disc includes interviews with the producer, director and producer commentary. It also come with a trailer.
Those who like their monster-movies lighter and in the “so-bad-it’s-good” category may want to pick up The Giant Spider Invasion (1975). The title pretty much sums up what you’re going to get as giant arachnids attack a rural Wisconsin town and eat every human and animal they come across. The Blu-ray has an interview with the director, one of the cast members and a music video.
Primal Scream (1987) is a low-budget science-fiction effort about a group of miners attempting to find an alien element that has been buried in the ground via a passing spaceship. Various members of the company start getting murdered as they dig and when the item is discovered, it’s quickly determined that it can disintegrate all matter. This Blu-ray comes with a making-of featurette, a director and crew commentary track, and a promo reel for investors dating from 1981.
Scorpion is another great distributor specializing in cult and genre titles. This week, they’re releasing a Special Edition Blu-ray of The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea (1976). It’s a thriller about a lonely woman who falls for a mysterious sailor. Her child is none too pleased about the new love affair, leading to conflict between all the parties. It stars Sarah Miles and Kris Kristofferson and was nominated for two Golden Globes. Those who pick up the disc will receive a new 2019 HD scan of the film from the original camera negative, new interviews with Miles, the writer/director and numerous members of the cast and crew. It also comes with some trailers.
Mill Creek have a double feature arriving of two new adaptations of an iconic Japanese monster-battling superhero… Ultraman. Frankly, I know nothing about these particular flicks, but based on the titles they sound pretty darn incredible and feature a high number of exclamation marks. The first is Ultraman Ginga S the Movie: Showdown! Ultra 10 Warriors!! (2015) and sequel is called Ultraman X the Movie: Here It Comes! Our Ultraman (2016). In case you happen to be interested in this craziness, the release is currently a Wal-Mart exclusive.
Sony have decided to give several classic titles 4K upgrades and release them all as part of a box set. It’s called Columbia Classics Volume 1 and includes several famous titles from the studio spanning their entire history. The features included in the introductory edition are Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Dr. Strangelove, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964), Gandhi (1982), A League of Their Own (1992) and Jerry Maguire (1996). They’re all excellent films and they presumably arrive with the same extras and sparkling new image quality, looking better than ever before. Just a quick note to readers. Apparently, there may be a manufacturing issue with the extras on Lawrence of Arabia (apparently a disc is missing), but the studio has promised to resolve the problem if anyone finds the material missing from their set.
Paramount are also giving several catalog titles spiffy new releases too with a series of Steelbooks. The first is 25th Anniversary Steelbook edition of Best Picture winner Braveheart (1995), which includes three discs (one of which in 4K Ultra HD. For slasher fans, you can pick up a similarly weighty 40th Anniversary Limited Edition of the horror classic, Friday the 13th (1980). Besides the poster art on a metallic cover, it includes a Blu-ray of the uncut version of the film. The release comes packed with extras, as well as a digital copy of the feature. Do you like movies about gladiators? Well, you can now purchase a special Steelbook of Gladiator (2000) which gives you two cuts of the film in 4K and provides loads of extras. It’s actually the 20th anniversary of this title, but they seem to have forgotten to mention that fact on the cover of this release… or at least in the publicity shots.
A month or so back, Paramount also introduced a line Paramount Presents Blu-rays, which feature elaborate fold-out box art and, perhaps most importantly, new 4K restorations of great vault titles. This week, the popular John Hughes production Pretty in Pink (1986) is headed your way. It’s about a teen from the wrong side of the tracks who ends up falling for a student from a wealthy family. Can their burgeoning relationship survive his snooty friends and the class divide? Besides the sharper image quality on display, you’ll also get a featurette on the original ending which was axed for the one that appears in the final film. It’s really fascinating to watch, but the re-shot ending that played in theaters is actually much better and makes far more sense than how they were originally going to wrap things up. There’s a new interview with the movie’s director and you can also listen to an isolated score track featuring all of the great music from the flick.
Finally, Warner Archive are putting out a Blu-ray of the musical comedy, Romance on the High Seas (1948). This one’s about romantic misunderstandings and mix-ups on a cruise ship. It stars Jack Carson and Doris Day and was nominated for a couple of Academy Awards for its score and original songs.
You Know, For Kids!
Here are some titles that may appeal to kids looking for something new to watch.
LEGO DC: Shazam! – Magic and Monsters
Ultraman X Movie/Ultraman Ginga S Movie (2016) Mill Creek
On the Tube!
As far as TV-themed releases go, this week you can revisit or catch up with the award-winning gangster series The Sopranos and try to figure out for yourself exactly what happened in the end.
The Sopranos: The Complete Series