Hello and welcome to another look at highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. After a couple of busy editions, things are definitely slower this time out. However, there is a big international picture and plenty of interesting independent efforts for your consideration. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies this week or need to stay indoors for a few days, be sure to check one of these titles out.
BIG NEW RELEASES!
ALTERED PERCEPTIONS – In a post-apocalyptic world, a significant portion of the population begins suffering from mental illness. Specifically, they claim to be receiving advice and a warning about the future from a mysterious figure. Scientists investigate and attempt to determine if they are simply hallucinations or a message from an intergalactic prophet. This independent science-fiction/thriller garnered a mixed reception from critics (although there were slightly more upbeat notices than pans). Those who disliked it suggested that the story was overly complicated to the point that it lacked any sort of credibility as a drama. Slightly more admired its ambition and wrote that it raised some interesting points about the treatment of psychological issues in the country. It stars Oran Stainbrook, Sally Kirkland, Eric Roberts, Matt Fling, Lance Guest and Lynn Lowry.
BAD CGI GATOR – This offering from low-budget genre film producers Full Moon follows six college students who decide to celebrate spring break by renting a cabin in the swamplands of Georgia (already a questionable decision). Little do they know that a hungry gator resides in the waters. When the group decide to throw their laptops into the swamp, it somehow changes the reptile into a CGI monster that can fly and even change its size. The group do what they can to survive its attacks. This movie has been around on streaming sites for a few months and is now coming out on disc. The only reviews for the film that have appeared are from bloggers. Reactions have been mixed. They all state that the movie makes good on its title and a few reported that it delivers entertainingly campy laughs. But just as many and a few more thought the concept was overly padded out (even at less than one hour in length), the characters weren’t well written, and that it all became tiring. It features Michael Bonini, Maddie Lane and Ben VanderMey.
HEAVY – A young couple gets involved in the high-end drug trade in this crime picture. After some initial success, the pair begin living their dreams. However, their wild ways soon catch up with them. And when the lead decides to help out an old friend, the two are eventually hunted by the police and threatening figures. This picture was made in 2019 and received a limited theatrical and streaming release in early 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet it was only recently announced on disc as a DVD-only title. There haven’t been many notices written on the picture and those that have appeared aren’t complimentary. The only major review that can be found online suggests that the characters are not relatable and that the entire enterprise feels clumsy and ineffective. The cast includes Daniel Zovatto, Sophie Turner, Darrell Britt-Gibson and Matias Varela.
KIM’S VIDEO – A documentary crew decides to chronicle the history and closure of the title location, a Manhattan video rental outlet. Those who frequented the store claim it carried every title under the sun, including rarities you couldn’t find anywhere else. When home computers were introduced, the owner announced that he was sending his store’s entire collection to Sicily to be digitized, but the tapes disappeared. The director sets out to find the movie collection and return it to the US. The press gave this documentary more positive reviews than negative ones. Nearly one-third noted that while the story was interesting, the film was a mess, going on tangents and often focusing on unimportant elements. However, the majority called the movie sloppy but still entertaining, suggesting the story was incredible and that there was enough wild and fascinating material to earn it a recommendation.
A MOST ATROCIOUS THING – In this independent horror/comedy, two pals and their three stoner friends decide to celebrate graduation with a trip to a remote cabin. They plan to hunt, drink and do drugs. But unfortunately, they quickly discover something is wrong with the meat. After shooting and eating some tainted venison, one of the group turns into a flesh-eating zombie. This creates panic as the others try to escape from their friend. This effort was made for next-to-nothing and premiered on streaming sites a few weeks ago. It has only received a few write-ups from film bloggers who specialize in these types of pictures. Most described the picture as modestly successful. While they noted budgetary issues and repetitive jokes, they did think it featured a game cast who interacted well and managed to sell some amusingly gross gags. Ben Oliphint and Dylan Devol headline the picture.
SHE IS CONANN – Unofficially inspired by the popular Robert E. Howard character Conan the Barbarian, this fantasy picture from Belgium/France/Luxembourg recasts the barbarian as a revenge-seeking female warrior who loses her memory. A dark figure appears and presents segments detailing six lives, loves and deaths of the figure across different eras in time. The picture is from Bertrand Mandico, who is known more in his homeland of France for experimental features than he is abroad. Reception towards this international effort from the press was positive overall. A small number thought it was all style and no substance, never quite connecting with its audience or creating memorable characters. Still, the majority were bowled over by the imagery and called it a bizarre but original and compelling effort that would warp minds while giving them plenty to think about. It features Elina Löwensohn and Christa Théret.
THE TASTE OF THINGS – The biggest release of the week is this foreign-language title from France that was the country’s official selection for Best International Picture (it didn’t end up making the final five) at the Academy Awards. It is a period film about the relationship between a female cook and a gourmet who have worked together for 20 years. They know each other better than anyone else in their lives and he wants to marry her, but isn’t entirely certain of her feelings about him. This film earned accolades from many film critic groups and landed nominations and awards from them. One or two called the picture too ornate and artificial. Everyone else thought it was a beautifully mannered and gorgeously shot period romance that would make anyone hungry for more. For the time being, this is a DVD-only release. It stars Juliette Binoche, Benoit Magimel and Emmanuel Salinger.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
Looking for something a little older? Arrow Video is delivering a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray of the crime picture Night Falls on Manhattan (1996). Directed by Sidney Lumet (12 Angry Men, Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon, Network), it stars Andy Garcia as a newly elected district attorney trying to stamp out crime and police corruption in New York. The job becomes considerably more complicated when he realizes that family members may be involved in some of this illegal activity. Richard Dreyfuss, Lena Olin, Ian Holm, James Gandolfini, Shiek Mahmud-Bey and Colm Feore also appear in the title. The disc includes an archived commentary track from the director and another with star Garcia, co-star Ron Liebman and the film’s producers, as well as an hour-long documentary from 2002 on Lumet, on-set cast and crew interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and publicity materials. The packaging features new and original artwork for the title and a booklet with new writing on the movie from a film historian. Read a full review of the release by clicking this link.
Criterion is putting out the double feature A Story of Floating Weeds (1934) / Floating Weeds (1959): Two Films by Yasujiro Ozu on Blu-ray. Japanese filmmaker Ozu created the original silent film and then remade it 25 years later. The plot follows an aging actor who returns to his small-town home and reunites with a former lover and their son. Naturally, this causes conflict between himself and his current partner. The first picture has been given a high-definition digital master, while the redo is taken from a 4K digital master. Both come with film historian commentary tracks (Roger Ebert delivers the archival commentary on the second picture), as well as a trailer and essays on the movies.
If B-movie horror is more to your liking, you can pick up a Blu-ray of the direct-to-video effort Shadowzone (1990) from Full Moon Features. It follows sleep scientists who find a dimensional portal in our resting brains that accidentally releases a monstrous being. Louise Fletcher and James Hong appear in the movie. Trailers are included in this release.
Seeing Red: 3 French Vigilante Thrillers from Fun City is a Blu-ray set delivering exactly what it promises. Shot Pattern (1982), Street of the Damned (1984) aka Barbarous Street and Black List (1984) are the titles in this package. There are film historian commentaries on each film, as well as archival interviews with the cast and directors, promotional materials and a booklet with essays on these pictures.
If you grew up in the 1980s, then the Chevy Chase picture Fletch (1985) was probably one of your favorite comedies. Kino is now presenting the movie as a “Special Edition” Blu-ray. Chase stars as a sharp-witted investigative reporter doing a story on drug trafficking in Los Angeles. He is unexpectedly approached by a wealthy stranger who asks that Fletch murder him for a big payday. Curious, he follows this strange offer that takes him to some unusual and humorous places.
Based on one of a series of popular novels by Gregory Mcdonald, this sharp-witted comedy is among Chase’s best work. Kino is now presenting a Blu-ray of the title with a 2K picture restoration from an interpositive. It comes with a new entertainment journalist commentary track, a 2007 special with cast and crew remembering the film, a 2007 featurette with the make-up team (as well as cast and crew) discussing disguises used in the picture. There is also a favorite moments reel, a 1985 interview with star Chase, 4 TV spots and a newly mastered trailer for the title.
Fletch Lives (1989) is also appearing as a “Special Edition” on Blu-ray. After Fletch inherits a Louisiana plantation from his aunt, he arrives to survey the property and ends up investigating the murder of his real estate agent. This follow-up isn’t quite as strong, but does deliver a few laughs as well. This disc also presents a new 2K picture restoration from an interpositive, an entertainment journalist commentary, several making-of featurettes and lots of publicity materials.
One of the greatest western ever made is also getting an upgrade. High Noon (1951) is appearing in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack and as a Blu-ray only release. The famous picture stars Gary Cooper as a retired marshal who has defended his town from criminals for years. When a killer is released from prison and vows to ride into town and murder the lawman, he discovers that none will stand up and help defend him (other than his new wife, played by Grace Kelly). Besides the 4K picture restoration, the disc comes with two film historian commentaries. You’ll also get a special on the use of a ticking clock in the story, a featurette on director Stanley Kramer, the blacklist history of the picture (due to its leftist streak), a production history, a making-of, publicity materials and more.
And Kino is presenting Secret Beyond the Door (1947) on Blu-ray with a 4K restoration. The story is about a new bride who becomes concerned about her life after marrying a widower. When she arrives at her new husband’s house, she discovers that he collects replicas of famous murder sites and has designed rooms inspired by these slayings. Fritz Lang (Metropolis, M) directed this picture and the “Special Edition” disc contains a 4K picture restoration and a film historian commentary.
Francis Ford Coppola has been getting a lot of press lately for Megalopolis, his eagerly awaited, self-financed epic that will hopefully be in cinemas by the end of the year. While we wait for its release, you can catch up with the visually spectacular One from the Heart (1982). Lionsgate is presenting a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray edition of the romantic musical (with songs by Tom Waits) about a Las Vegas couple who break up, find dream mates, and then consider getting back together.
The 4K disc contains as a “Reprise Version” approved by Coppola, containing six-minutes of new footage that was thought to be lost forever and has now been added to the negative. This release comes with a Coppola commentary, new featurettes on the look of the film, the cast, the choreography, a restoration comparison and a discussion with director and fan of the movie Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge!, Elvis). The Blu-ray features the 1982 cut with some previously released extras (from earlier editions).
Postal (2007) is being given a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack from Massacre Video. This dark comedy from Uwe Boll (The House of the Dead, Bloodrayne) is based on the video game of the same name. The film has been given a 4K restoration from the original camera negative and comes a director commentary, a fan commentary, deleted scenes, a gag reel, behind-the-scenes footage, making-of features and trailers.
Mill Creek Entertainment is releasing a Director Spotlight: Sydney Pollack Blu-ray which contains the films Castle (1969) and Bobby Deerfield (1977). The distributor never offers much in the way of extras, but the price point is always very low.
Mondo Macarbo put out a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray edition of the Paul Naschy flick Doctor Jekyll and the Werewolf (1972) a few months back. It is now appearing in a Blu-ray only edition containing that disc and all of its bonuses.
It’s a busy edition for MVD Visual. The cult Star Wars parody short Hardware Wars (1978) is arriving on Blu-ray. This effort plays like a lengthy trailer for the science-fiction classic, but one featuring ordinary home tools like vacuums, drills and toasters instead of elaborate lightsabers and special effects. The amusing little film effectively pokes fun at the science-fiction classic. This disc contains both a new 2K scan of a 16mm reversal release print and a 2012 master of the short. It comes with a director commentary (that is apparently played as a joke). There’s also a “director’s cut” which is made up of outtakes from the production, a 1978 interview with the director, another short featuring the characters in the North Pole, a prequel featurette, a parody short from the filmmaker called Porklips Now (which lampoons Apocalypse Now), a reworking of Plan 9 from Outer Space with puppets, and more.
Joysticks (1983) is a teen sex-comedy about the owners, employees and patrons of a video game arcade who are fighting to save it from being closed down. The movie includes many references to classic games of the era and this Blu-ray comes with a director commentary, a fan commentary, an interview with the filmmaker, a short that inspired the movie and trailers for this title and other releases from the distributor. And you’ll get a reversible sleeve, slipcover and folded mini-poster.
MVD is also putting out a Blu-ray of the Canadian action/thriller Sabotage (1996) from Tibor Takacs (The Gate and I, Madman). It follows a former special services agent playing a deadly game with several federal agencies. The impressive cast includes Mark Dacascos, Tony Todd, John Neville, Carrie-Anne Moss and Graham Greene. Extras include new interviews with Dacascos, Todd, as well as a Dacascos trailer reel, double-sided artwork, a collectible mini-poster, and a limited slipcover.
Paramount is presenting multiple versions of the Brandon Lee film, The Crow (1994). There is a 4K Ultra HD or 4K Ultra HD Steelbook being made available, as well as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook that will be a Walmart exclusive. The movie is an adaptation of a comic book about a man who returns from the grave to seek revenge for his own murder and that of his fiancée. Besides the tragedy surrounding star Brandon Lee (he was killed in an on-set accident during production), the movie is famous for its powerful visuals and soundtrack. Early reports suggest the picture upgrade is stunning. The release includes a director commentary track from Alex Proyas (Dark City, Knowing) and a producer and screenwriter commentary. You’ll also get a new three-part feature on the production design, a look at Sideshow Collectible figurines inspired by the movie, a behind-the-scenes featurette, a profile on the comic book creator, extended scenes, a deleted footage montage and a trailer.
Severin is making The Spider Labyrinth (1988) available as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo or a standalone Blu-ray. It’s an Italian horror picture about a killer stalking his victims in Budapest, Hungary. Besides the picture upgrade, it comes with a historian commentary, interviews with the director, screenwriter, cinematographer, effects artist, a cast member, a trailer and more.
The Addams Family 1 & 2 Double Feature “Collector’s Edition” is arriving as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo from Shout! Factory. It contains the animated films about the unique family that were made between 2019 and 2021. Besides the 4K transfers from the original master for both films, it contains numerous extras like deleted and extended scenes, music videos and much more.
Finally, Warner Archive is delivering made-to-order Blu-rays of several catalog titles. They include the western Devil’s Doorway (1950), The Mask of Fu Manchu (1932) with Christopher Lee, as well as the early Francis Ford Coppola drama The Rain People (1969) with James Caan and Shirley Knight.
Additionally, the studio is putting out a Blu-ray double-feature with the animated efforts Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998) and Scooby-Doo: Return to Zombie Island (2019) together in one package.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Titles that may appeal to tykes can be found below.
The Addams Family 1 & 2 Double Feature (Shout! Factory) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo
PBS KIDS: 15 Sibling Stories (PBS Kids) DVD
Rubble & Crew: Construction Crew to the Rescue! (Paramount) DVD
Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998) / Return to Zombie Island (2019) (Warner Archive) Blu-ray
ON THE TUBE!
The week’s TV-themed releases are listed below.
Monk: Season 6 (Kino) Blu-ray
NOVA: Building the Eiffel Tower (PBS) DVD