Welcome to another look at highlights arriving on Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD and DVD. It’s another busy week with big Hollywood movies in a variety of genres, as well as some intriguing independent features. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies or need to stay indoors for a few days, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
BIG NEW RELEASES!
DRAGON BALL SUPER: SUPER HERO – Dragon Ball is a popular Japanese manga series that, since its inception in the 1980s, has inspired a media franchise including multiple TV shows and films. The latest animated feature involves a group of villains forming a new version of the sinister Red Ribbon Army, led by two androids. The heroic protagonists from the previous installment must reform to fight off the threat. This effort earned positive reviews from the press. All of them admitted that a lot of story details would be hard to follow for new viewers. In fact, they advised watching old episodes of the TV series first. A few continued that the character development and repetitive story left a lot to be desired. However, most stated that those familiar with the franchise would appreciate the characters and the striking, stylish amination.
THE EIGHT MOUNTAINS – This foreign-language feature from Italy follows two young boys from different backgrounds who spend their summers together in the Italian Alps. After many years apart, they cross paths again briefly as teenagers. They don’t speak, but end up being reunited in their 30s at a cottage. Once together, they catch up and talk about the different directions their lives have taken. A tragic incident afterward causes more reflection about their lives and unique relationship. This picture won numerous honors at film festivals and was well-regarded by critics. A small number complained that the pacing was too slow to truly engage them in the story. Everyone else called the movie an affecting and bittersweet drama about a long-standing friendship, highlighted by wonderful performances. They also wrote that the cinematography was spectacular. It stars Alessandro Borghi, Luca Marinelli and Filippo Timi.
EXPEND4BLES – In the fourth chapter of this action series, returning members of the mercenary squad are sent out to stop a mysterious terrorist from stealing nuclear weapons. The group soon find themselves in over their heads, losing their leader in the process. Desperate for revenge, the surviving members take in new recruits and set out to even the score. Reviewers responded poorly to this sequel. A few enjoyed the action sequences and called it a fitting close to the franchise. However, the general consensus was that the film failed to deliver pulse-pounding thrills. They called it silly and suggested that it wasted its cast on a cliched story that had no surprises. Multiple editions of this title are available, including 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo, a Blu-ray standalone, as well as exclusives from Best Buy and Amazon. It features Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Megan Fox, Dolph Lundgren, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Randy Couture and Andy Garcia.
GODLAND – Those looking for international fare can check out this drama from Denmark. It is set in the 19th century and follows a priest who travels to a remote part of Iceland to build a parish. But the longer he spends in the unforgiving environment, the more he strays from his goals. After struggling to communicate with locals, he becomes isolated and moody, leading to angry outbursts and violent confrontations. Write-ups were excellent for this grim drama. A tiny contingent had trouble figuring out what the point of the movie was and found the main character difficult to relate to. Everyone else called it a somber, chilling and visually spectacular effort. They also were taken in by the unpredictable story and the lead’s internal struggles with his religious mission. The cast includes Elliott Crosset Hove and Ingvar Eggert Sigurdsson.
THE JOURNEY: A MUSICAL SPECIAL FROM ANDREA BOCELLI – Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli is one of the biggest names in opera, operatic pop and classical music. This feature-length special follows the performer and his wife as they travel on horseback along the ancient Italian road, Via Francigena. They talk about their relationship and what inspires them. Additionally, they are joined by other musicians and singers who perform with the singer. This film was a Fathom Special event earlier in the year and is now being released on disc. It hasn’t been seen by many, but those who did watch the film enjoyed it. They stated that the music was impressive and that the narrative and music was inspirational and soothing. Katherine Jenkins, Clara Barbier Serrano, 2Cellos, 40 Fingers and many other artists appear in the film.
MISTER ORGAN – This documentary follows a journalist and filmmaker who attempts to tell the story of an unknown figure causing havoc in his neighborhood. Apparently, the individual spent years wheel-clamping cars parked in front of an antique store. The movie follows the three-year-long investigation into the figure. It results in the culprit being identified and (according to the press synopsis) a trail of multiple court cases, inflated claims of royal bloodlines, ruined lives, and at least one stolen boat. Response was overwhelmingly positive towards this non-fiction feature. A couple of reviewers did comment that they wanted to see a deeper investigation into the subject and his psyche. All others thought it was a fascinating and ultimately grim character study of a very strange and unsettlingly dangerous individual.
OPPENHEIMER – The newest picture from writer/director Christopher Nolan (Memento, The Prestige, The Dark Knight, Inception, Dunkirk, Tenet) is a biopic of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his work on the Manhattan Project. Viewers witness his unusual personal relationships, his work over several years developing and designing the atomic bomb, and a tense series of private and public hearings that followed later in his life. This box-office smash was very well-regarded by the press. A small number did write that the film was difficult to follow and found its subject hard to relate to. But the vast majority called it a compelling portrait of a brilliant but complicated and at times unpleasant man who changed the course of history. They also praised the performances and unique storytelling methods used in the film. Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, Rami Malek, Florence Pugh, Benny Safdie, Josh Hartnett, Kenneth Branagh, Casey Affleck, Dane DeHann, Alden Ehrenreich, Matthew Modine, Gary Oldman and Tom Conti headline the film. Read a full review of the movie here.
SAW X – The latest film in this horror series is a prequel set between the events of Saw and Saw II that unveils more about the killer known as Jigsaw. After learning that he has contracted cancer, he travels to Mexico to take part in a risky experimental medical procedure. When the man realizes that it is all a scam targeting the vulnerable, he decides to design a series of diabolical traps and torment those involved. Response from genre critics was quite upbeat. A percentage did state that this chapter added little to what has already been presented, repeated many of the same gags and commented that the film’s attempt to portray the maniacal villain as a victim was odd. Still, the majority claimed that it was an appropriately gross and nasty move that would please horror fans with its focus on the central antagonist. Some even suggested it was the best sequel in the series. It stars Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Synnove Macody Lund and Steven Brand.
TORI AND LOKITA – This Belgian-French foreign-language effort tells the story of two young African immigrants who pose as brother and sister in order to gain passage into Belgium. The teenage girl is forced to take jobs for the criminal underworld in order to earn money for her younger friend and obtain a proper work visa. When she is sent to work at a cannabis plantation and the young boy is left completely alone, both do whatever they can to be reunited. The press generally appreciated this drama. A few voices stated that it was a well-intentioned but rough watch that was made even more lengthy and unpleasant by the story’s predictable narrative. Yet the general consensus was that the picture was well-acted, tense and focused on portraying a realistic and disturbing portrait of those forced to make difficult decisions in order to survive. It features Pablo Schils, Joely Mbundu, Alban Ukaj and Tijmen Govaerts.
THE UNKNOWN COUNTRY – This picture was scheduled for release last month but was delayed at the very last minute. After a devastating loss, a Minnesota woman is invited to attend her cousin’s wedding in South Dakota. She drives for several hours and tries to reconnect with her Oglala Sioux family members. The protagonist decides to retrace a surreal journey that her grandmother took decades earlier and find the exact locale captured in an old family photo. Along the way, she meets everyday people (some of whom are real and not part of the fictional narrative) and hears their stories. Critics spoke very highly of this feature. A tiny number called it unfocused and didn’t like the combination of fictional elements and documentary-like moments. However, all others were impressed. They complimented the star and called the movie an artistic, moving portrait of a specific region and its people that makes a powerful and lasting impression. The film features Lily Gladstone, Raymond Lee and Richard Ray Whitman.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
There is plenty to choose from in regards to older features. Criterion is releasing the French feature La Cérémonie (1995) on Blu-ray. It stars Isabelle Huppert and Jacqueline Bisset. The story involves a shy maid who is encouraged by friends to rebel against her wealthy employers. This film has been given a 4K restoration and arrives with a scene select director commentary, an introduction from filmmaker Bong Joon Ho (Parasite), a making of, archival cast and crew interviews, a program from the Criterion Channel about offscreen sound, a trailer and an essay on crime fiction.
Mean Streets (1973) is the first title from legendary director Martin Scorsese (Raging Bull, Goodfellas, The Departed, Casino, The Irishman, Killers of the Flower Moon) that follows a small-time hood and his dangerously volatile best friend. Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro play the lead roles. The film is arriving in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo or as a standalone Blu-ray. Besides the spiffy new picture restoration, extras include a conversation about the film with Scorsese recorded in 2011, a scene-select director commentary, a visual essay on the movie, an interview with the director of photography, an excerpt from a 2008 documentary featuring Scorsese and the film’s co-writer, a promotional video featuring the director walking around the story’s Little Italy locations, as well as a trailer.
A Special Edition Blu-ray of The Scarlet Letter (1934) is arriving courtesy of Film Masters. Based on the classic by Nathaniel Hawthorne, this tale follows a woman who bears a child out of wedlock and suffers public humiliation as a result. The disc contains a 4K restoration of the film from its original 35mm archival elements, a movie professor commentary track, a featurette on the author, an original production detailing Salem and the story narrated by John Carradine, and an interview with a producer about the title.
The Eurocine Collection: Vol. 1 is a Blu-ray box set containing six low-budget genre and action pictures from Europe (mostly France) that were released in North America by Full Moon Features. You’ll get Panther Squad (1984), Angel of Death (1987), Mania Killer (1987), Night of the Eagles (1989), Countdown to Esmeralda Bay (1990) and Downtown Heat (1994). The films arrive fully remastered with numerous bonuses and a postcard set.
Kino is presenting Babes in Toyland (1986) on Blu-ray. This holiday themed TV-movie stars a young Drew Barrymore and Keanu Reeves. Barrymore plays a girl who is sent through a portal into a world of living toys and must save the kingdom from a villainous force. The film can be viewed in the old 1.33:1 TV aspect ratio or in 1.78:1 widescreen. It also comes with a trailer.
The World War II drama, Stalag 17 (1953), is arriving in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo or as a standalone Blu-ray. William Holden won an Academy Award for his role as a P.O.W. who must uncover a spy in his camp. This film has been given a 4K restoration from the original camera negative and comes with two new movie expert commentary tracks, a third audio option with two cast members and the co-playwright of the source material, plus featurettes and a trailer.
Burt Reynolds movie enthusiasts can purchase White Lightning (1973) and its sequel Gator (1976) on Blu-ray. In the first title, the actor plays a Louisiana moonshine seller who, in exchange for his freedom, agrees to help the police take down a similar operation. This film is notable for an extended car chase at the close featuring some incredible driving stunts. In the follow up, the protagonist is pulled into another operation, this time to take down a corrupt politician. The White Lightning “Special Edition” comes with a film critic commentary, a documentary featurette on the production, a trailer, a limited slipcase and reversible cover art. And the Gator “Special Edition” includes a movie expert commentary, a documentary featurette on the production, publicity materials and a nifty slipcase.
Navy Seals (1990) is a Charlie Sheen/Michael Biehn action picture arriving on Blu-ray from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Metrograph Pictures is releasing the French drama/comedy Four Adventures of Reinette and Mirabelle (1987) on Blu-ray. It features two women from different backgrounds who cross paths in Paris and get into a series of adventures. It comes with a writer commentary and a trailer.
The Criminal Acts of Tod Slaughter: Eight Blood-and-Thunder Entertainments is a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray box set from Powerhouse/Indicator. It contains eight titles from the filmmaker, including Maria Marten, or The Murder in the Red Barn (1935), The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1936), The Crimes of Stephen Hawke (1936), It’s Never Too Late to Mend (1937), The Ticket of Leave Man (1937), Sexton Blake and The Hooded Terror (1938), The Face at the Window (1939) and Crimes at the Dark House (1940). The set comes with 2K restorations of the titles, as well as film historian commentaries, interviews with experts and the great-niece of Slaughter, short films by the moviemaker, publicity materials and much more. It also includes a 120-page book on Slaughter.
Shout! Factory is presenting The Police Academy Collection box set on Blu-ray. It contains all of the films in the comedy franchise, including Police Academy (1984), Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment (1985), Police Academy 3: Back in Training (1986), Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol (1987), Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach (1988), Police Academy 6: City Under Siege (1989) and Police Academy: Mission to Moscow (1994). All the titles have received 2K restorations. Extras include new interviews with producer Paul Maslansky, writers Neal Israel and Pat Proft, actors Lance Kinsey and G.W. Bailey, composer Robert Folk, assistant director Roger Joseph Pugliese, and directors Alan Myerson and Peter Bonerz. You’ll also get an archived commentary track on the first film with stars Steve Guttenberg, Micheal Winslow, Leslie Easterbrook, director Hugh Wilson and producer Maslansky. For some reason that escapes this reviewer, there is also a film historian commentary on the fourth title. It also comes with archival featurettes, additional scenes and trailers.
Sony is releasing Resident Evil: The Complete Collection in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set. It contains higher quality transfers of all six movies made between 2002 and 2017, as well as two cuts of one of the films. Bonuses should be the same as in previous editions of the films. It all comes in a Steelbook case with new art.
Universal Pictures is delivering a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray upgrade of the popular British holiday comedy, Love Actually (2003). This very effective all-star effort is adored by many and offers a sharper picture and all special features from earlier editions.
The popular Harrison Ford feature film remake of the television series The Fugitive (1993) is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a 4K Ultra HD release from Warner Bros. (a Blu-ray will not be included). If you enjoy Steelbook packaging, you can pick up a 4K Ultra HD Best Buy Exclusive Steelbook of the title.
And finally, Well Go USA is presenting a 4K Ultra HD Train to Busan (2016) and Train to Busan Presents: Peninsula (2019) 2-Movie Collection, so that all the pulse-pounding zombie mayhem of these South Korean titles can be enjoyed with crystal clarity.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Unfortunately, this edition is a quiet one for kid’s entertainment.
ON THE TUBE!
All of the week’s TV-themed releases can be found below.
Doctor Who: New Who (Collector’s Set 20 Seasons, 1 Movie made between 2005-2022) (BBC) Blu-ray
The Expanse: The Complete Series (Universal) Blu-ray
The Expanse: Season 1 (Universal) Blu-ray
The Expanse: Season 2 (Universal) Blu-ray
The Expanse: Season 3 (Universal) Blu-ray
The Expanse: Season 4 (Universal) Blu-ray
The Expanse: Season 5 (Universal) Blu-ray
The Expanse: Season 6 (Universal) Blu-ray
Farscape: The Complete Series (Shout! Factory) Blu-ray
The Last Bridesmaid (Hallmark) DVD
Spy in the Ocean (BBC) DVD
The White Lotus: Season 2 (HBO) DVD