It’s time for a look at some of the latest Blu-rays and DVD arriving at retailers. Some weeks are busy and others are quieter, but this edition is jam-packed with new material, including studio blockbusters and notable independent efforts. So, if you can’t or shouldn’t be heading out to the movies just yet, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
BIG NEW RELEASES!
BOYS FROM COUNTY HELL – Using author Bram Stoker as inspiration, this Irish horror/comedy follows a construction crew who are repaving a road in the town where the novel “Dracula” was penned. While digging, they accidentally unearth a female vampire who may have been the inspiration for the classic tale. The workers and townspeople try to survive the night as the bloodsucker attacks and makes more of her kind. Response towards this feature was generally positive. A small group complained that the movie didn’t make the most of its concept and that the attempts at humor fell flat. However, the majority commented that they liked the characters and couldn’t help but chuckle at some of the events being depicted. The cast includes Jack Rowan, Nigel O’Neill, Louisa Harland and Michael Hough.
CRUELLA – The Disney 1961 animated classic 101 Dalmatians gets a live-action prequel detailing the life story of villainess Cruella de Vil. As a young woman, de Vil is forced to endure a tragedy before growing up and making a start in the fashion industry. The lead attracts the attention and tutelage of a famous designer, but the relationship turns sour as the two butt heads. Critics generally enjoyed this reimagining, but with some reservations. About one quarter of reviews suggested that the movie looked good, but felt overlong and was a bit too cute and sweet for a tale about the origin of a famous villain. However, most stated that they were able to overlook the film’s narrative flaws and found cast and visuals a delight to behold. It stars Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry, Paul Walter Hauser, Emily Beecham, Mark Strong, Kirby Howell-Baptiste and Jamie Demetriou. Many versions of the title will be available on disc, including a 4K version, regular Blu-ray, elaborate Steelbook packaging and a double feature release that also includes the original animated film. If you want to read a full review of the movie, click here.
A DARK FOE – An FBI agent lives with guilt and remorse for over a decade after his sister is abducted and mother murdered by a serial killer. Suffering from nyctophobia (an irrational fear of the dark), the lead finds evidence suggesting that the psychopath has returned. The officer attempts to overcome his phobia and catch the maniac before more lives are lost. This independent thriller received decent marks from the press. A number thought that it had difficulty balancing its psychological themes with suspense elements and didn’t gel cohesively. Still, the majority explained that while flawed, the story presented a fascinating character study while some chilling moments. For the time being, this title is only being released on DVD. The cast includes Oscar Cardenas, Kenzie Dalton, Selma Blair, Graham Greene, Bill Bellamy and Glenn Morshower.
THE EVIL NEXT DOOR – Looking for more creepy entertainment? This Swedish chiller follows a new family who move into a duplex. When the husband heads off for work, the wife and child begin to witness strange and supernatural occurrences. They also learn that the attached home next to them has been abandoned for years. Could the source of their problems be from something existing on the other side of the wall? Reviewers didn’t seem to care and generally disliked the picture. Some stated that while the story was predictable, the filmmakers did a decent job at generating atmosphere and thought it was reasonably successful in sending chills down the spine. However, the consensus was that the flick was an ineffective knock-off of ghost stories like The Conjuring and didn’t make a lasting impression. It features Jakob Fahlstedt, Janna Granström, Dilan Gwyn and Sander Falk.
F9: THE FAST SAGA – The other big blockbuster his week is this latest Fast and Furious sequel. It begins with protagonist Dominic Toretto living off the grid with his wife and young son. That is, until he learns of a new threat to the world. After being told the villain is a close family member whom he has never spoken of before, Dom, his spouse and the rest of the team head out to stop the threat. This follow-up earned more positive notices than negative ones, but wasn’t quite as well received as recent titles in the franchise. A large number of write-ups thought it pushed its outrageous plot twists and over-the-top action just a bit too far this time. Still, more thought that the cast were charismatic enough for the movie to overcome its plot holes and stated that it delivered plenty of fun. You can pick up the film on regular Blu-ray, as well as in 4K HD. There’s also a Steelbook edition arriving at stores for those who collect them. It stars Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Nathalie Emmanuel, Charlize Theron and John Cena. To read this site’s review of the picture, click here.
GAIA – This South African feature involves a park ranger doing rounds deep in a primordial forest. She unexpectedly encounters a man and his son in a remote cabin who live off the grid and have devised their own religion. The pair warn of strange monsters that are about to emerge from the wild and wipe out humanity. Disbelieving at first, her feelings change when the cabin is attacked by these horrifying creatures. Critics were disturbed by what they saw and gave the movie some praise. A small portion described the film as being style-over-substance and thought that the story was difficult to follow. Still, the majority found it scary. They complimented the make-up effects and thought it also offered plenty of food for thought. The movie is arriving on shelves as a DVD exclusive. Monique Rockman, Carel Nel, Alex van Dyk and Anthony Oseyemi headline the feature.
GOD OF WAR II – Also known as Legend of Lv Bu in its homeland, this period fable follows a remarkable warrior who was trained as a child under a ruthless sorceress but has no memory of these experiences. Now serving as a general under a feared warlord, his past begins to resurface after a long-lost love suddenly appears at his door. Suddenly realizing that he has been committing horrible acts for terrible people, the lead must figure out how to escape from the warlord’s influence and fight back against the ruler. According to some sources, this feature originally aired as a TV-movie in China. There are currently no reviews available for the picture in this part of the world, so interested parties will have to simply take a chance on it and hope for the best. The cast includes Charles Lin, Yuxi Liu and David Wu.
HAUNT – A young woman who is dealing with an abusive ex-boyfriend and a traumatic past decides to go out and enjoy Halloween with her closest friend. The pair meet a couple of guys and decide to visit an attraction billed as an “extreme” haunted house. In the end, the site turns out to be far scarier than advertised. All of the attendees see their own worst fears come to life and find themselves being picked off one by one. The press didn’t mind what they saw and thought genre fans would appreciate this title. Some complained that it felt like a patchwork of other recent horror franchises and didn’t stand out on its own merits. Still, the majority complimented the film as being tense and described the screenplay (penned by the writers of A Quiet Place) as being above average. It features Katie Stevens, Will Brittain, Lauryn Alisa McClain, Andrew Caldwell and Shazi Raja.
I CARRY YOU WITH ME – Based on a true story, this drama details an aspiring chef and a teacher from Mexico who fall in love. The two men decide that their best chance for a happy life together may be in the United States. Hoping to secure citizenship and then get his partner across the border, viewers witness several years pass as the chef’s long and difficult journey progresses. Critics responded very positively to this story. There were only a tiny number of negative responses who called the film well-intentioned but blunt and obvious in its delivery. Everyone else thought the performers were exceptional and the message was inspiring. They were also intrigued by how the movie attempted to meld different film styles to different parts of the story. Armando Espitia, Christian Vazquez, Michelle Rodríguez and Ángeles Cruz headline the feature.
LADY OF THE MANOR – This comedy involves a struggling woman who spends most of her time delivering drugs for her boyfriend and wondering what to do with her life. After the relationship sours, the desperate lead finds a quick job working as a tour guide at a nearby historic site. She is shocked to encounter a female ghost haunting the property who died in 1875. The two become fast friends, sharing their troubles and trying to help each other deal with their unique personal problems. This feature is making its debut on disc and so there aren’t any write-ups for it yet. However, a few online reviews have appeared from bloggers who may have managed to get a sneak peek. They called it a funny little flick with entertaining performances. The movie does have an intriguing concept and an excellent cast that includes Melanie Lynskey, Judy Greer, Justin Long, Luis Guzman, Ryan Phillippe and Patrick Duffy.
LAST CALL – A successful real estate developer is called back home to attend the funeral of a family member. He runs into old acquaintances who are less-than-hospitable, delivering verbal jabs at his fancy job and lifestyle. Things get even more heated when a business opportunity arises in town that could result in the tearing down of an iconic local bar. The lead must decide whether to redevelop his old neighborhood or try to preserve it. This comedy was not well liked by reviewers. In fact, at this time of writing there still hasn’t been a positive review. All articles asserted that the characters weren’t very well written or likable, also noting that the attempts at humor fell flat. At present, a Blu-ray release hasn’t been scheduled and the feature will only be available on DVD. It stars Jeremy Piven, Taryn Manning, Zach McGowan, Jack McGee, Bruce Dern, Jamie Kennedy, Cathy Moriarty and Cheri Oteri.
THE POWER – Set in 1974, this tale follows a trainee nurse at a London hospital. When a planned blackout occurs, she is left onsite to care for the empty facility. The nurse wanders the halls, only to discover a terrifying and potentially supernatural secret hidden within the building. Streaming service Shudder picked up the distribution rights for this independent horror film from the UK. The outlet is now releasing an exclusive DVD of the film for those who want to own a hard copy. Reaction towards the movie was quite positive. A small handful of reviewers were disappointed and complained that there simply weren’t enough scares elicited from the material. However, far more asserted that it was a simmering and effective feminist horror flick with a memorable climax. The cast includes Rose Williams, Amy Beth Hayes and Diveen Henry.
SIBYL – A psychotherapist feeling unfulfilled with work decides to quit her profession and become an author. It isn’t long before she suffers from writer’s block and doesn’t know what to do with herself. When a friend who works as an actress calls to complain about having an affair with a co-star behind the back of her director husband, the protagonist sees the situation as inspiration for her work and gets into the middle of the awkward situation. This French/Belgian foreign-language drama/comedy received mixed reviews in North America. Almost half said the lead wasn’t very relatable and the film came across as surprisingly dry and bland. Slightly more thought that the performances were great and that there were some clever observations about relationships among the story’s more predictable elements. This is a DVD-only release that stars Virginie Efira, Adèle Exarchopoulos and Gaspard Ulliel.
THE VIGIL – After the passing of an elderly woman in a Brooklyn Hasidic community, a young man is assigned against his will to serve as an overnight watchman/guardian for the deceased. He arrives at the home, only to experience odd and eerie phenomena. The lead begins to learn that he possesses strange, supernatural gifts and discovers a malevolent force in the home whom he must do battle with. Response was very positive towards this independent chiller. A handful of critics thought that while the setting was unique, the story only presented familiar and ineffective ghost story tropes. However, the majority were very impressed by what was accomplished on such a small budget and called it a claustrophobic and scary feature. The cast includes Dave Davis, Fred Melamed, Menashe Lustig and Malky Goldman.
VIOLATION – This genre film details a woman going through a bitter and ugly separation. She returns home to recover and spend time with family members. However, something occurs during her stay that leads the main character to develop extreme feelings of betrayal and anger. She decides to act out and take revenge on her relatives and friends. Unfortunately, there are unexpectedly horrific consequences to her actions and she begins to suffer a psychological breakdown. The press gave this independent feature high marks. A portion of write-ups suggested that while it was well-intentioned, the final results disappointed and that some story elements were at odds and provided no resolution. Still, the consensus was that the film had a potent, angry energy that made it compelling viewing. It features Madeleine Sims-Fewer, Anna Maguire and Jesse LaVercombe.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
It’s another excellent week for upgrades of studio catalog titles. Arrow Video are releasing a 2-disc “Special Edition” Blu-ray of Immoral Tales (1973), an anthology dealing with themes of sexuality. This controversial film was made by Walerian Borowczyk and individual episodes take place over various time periods. This release comes with two different versions of the feature (one of which features an extra segment). It also arrives with an introduction from a Borowczyk historian, as well as a collection of interviews with the movie’s production manager and cinematographer. There’s also an archived discussion with the filmmaker on the themes in his movies, a visual essay on the picture and a trailer.
The distributor also has a “Special Edition” of the Japanese feature, The Snake Girl and the Silver-Haired Witch (1968). It’s a well-regarded chiller about a troubled family who move into a home and have visions of a serpentine figure. It is making its debut on Blu-ray for the first time outside of its homeland. The disc includes a movie expert commentary describing the themes and giving background information on the production. It also comes with an interview with a manga and folklore scholar, along with publicity materials. NOTE: THIS TITLE’S RELEASE DATE HAS BEEN PUSHED BACK TO OCTOBER.
Shout! Factory are presenting Steelbooks of some notable Japanese animated films from Studio Ghibli. From Up on Poppy Hill (2011) is a well-regarded coming-of-age tale, while Porco Rosso (1992) from Oscar-winner Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away) is about a flying ace-turned-bounty-hunter whose face has been transformed into that of a pig. Both of these discs come with the same bonuses featured in previous releases, but the packaging is new and improved.
Kino also have plenty of new discs on offer. Bird on a Wire (1990) is a hit comedy starring Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn about a man under witness protection who is recognized by an old flame. With his cover blown, the two find themselves on the run from gangsters. The Blu-ray presents the feature with a new 2K master, a director commentary and a trailer.
Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid (1982) is an underrated little period comedy starring Steve Martin as a detective investigating a mysterious disappearance. The movie is shot in black and white and uses pre-existing clips from about 17 classic film noirs and crime pictures, allowing the star to interact with and have conversations with the likes of Humphrey Bogart and James Cagney. The results are quite amusing. This Blu-ray comes with a film historian commentary, multiple radio spots, TV commercials as well as a pair of fun trailers.
Looking for some action? Golden Needles (1974) features Joe Don Baker and Jim Kelly as desperate individuals hunting down a mystical Chinese statue that may restore the youth of its possessor. The picture has been given a new 2K master and arrives with a movie expert commentary and loads of publicity materials. The David Janssen western Macho Callahan (1970) arrives on Blu-ray with a 4K restoration. This release includes a commentary from with western authority and filmmaker Alex Cox (Repo Man).
If thrillers are more to your liking, you can pick up Masquerade (1988) on Blu-ray. This picture stars Meg Tilly as a woman who falls for the wrong man (in this case, a figure played by Rob Lowe). The movie’s director provides a commentary on this disc and it also comes with a trailer. Skullduggery (1970) is a bizarre adventure film/courtroom drama with Burt Reynolds. It’s about an explorer who finds man’s ancestors living in the wilds of New Guinea. When a researcher is murdered, a Neanderthal is put on trial for the crime and the lead must aid the defense. The Blu-ray delivers a 2K transfer of the film, along with a film historian commentary and trailer.
Lionsgate’s Vestron Video line have another new and notable Blu-ray. It’s a “Director’s Cut” of the horror picture, Dementia 13 (1963), an effective little whodunit. The murder/mystery is set at an Irish estate and the picture marks the directorial debut of Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, Apocalypse Now, The Outsiders, Bram Stoker’s Dracula and many more). It’s a stylish little movie and this disc marks the first time it is being presented as Coppola originally intended. The movie has received a 4K restoration and arrives with an introduction and feature commentary with the famous filmmaker. Extras also include a prologue that was shot as a test for the film.
Criterion are presenting a couple of critically acclaimed dramas on Blu-ray. The first release is the coming-of-age romance, Love & Basketball (2000), about a pair of aspiring young players juggling their desires to be professional athletes with a blooming love affair. Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan star in the feature. The disc features a 4K restoration of the film, a commentary recorded in 2000 with the director and Lathan, a new making-of documentary, an editing featurette, a conversation on the movie’s impact, audition tape excerpts, short films by the director and a trailer.
Throw Down (2004) is a drama set in the neon-drenched nightclubs and gambling dens of Hong Kong. It follows the lives of three desperate individuals who become friends and try to help each other survive in this dangerous world. The film has received a 4K digital restoration and contains new interviews with the screenwriter, the composer, in addition to a making-of documentary from 2004 and a trailer.
If you want a kid’s film with a decidedly psychedelic streak, then you can pick up Pufinstuf (1970) on Blu-ray courtesy of Code Red. It’s a feature film spin-off from the similarly trippy TV show, H.R. Pufnstuf, from Sid and Marty Krofft (The Bugaloos, Land of the Lost, Sigmund and the Sea Monster). The story follows a boy with a magical flute who ends up on a fantastic island, meeting the unique title character and squaring off against an evil witch. The disc comes with a trailer.
Severin are presenting The Dungeon of Andy Milligan (1965 – 1984) Blu-ray set, which contains 15 horror/exploitation B-movies (and there are multiple cuts on two of them 17 cuts) made by the filmmaker. As you might have guessed, there are too many flicks to list here, but those interested should note that most of the titles are appearing with new restorations and that the package also comes with numerous extras including commentaries and behind-the-scenes footage.
ClassicFlix are presenting International Lady (1941) on Blu-ray through their Silver Series line. It is an espionage thriller set in the UK during the height of World War II. No word at present whether or not the disc includes any bonus features.
This is also a busy week for the big studios. The very entertaining thriller Breakdown (1997) is officially premiering on Blu-ray through the “Paramount Presents” line. For those unfamiliar with the film, a husband and wife are traveling through the desert when their car breaks down. A seemingly helpful truckdriver states that he can give the man’s wife a ride to the nearest diner to call for help. She leaves with the teamster and is kidnapped, forcing her spouse to hunt down the villainous driver. Kurt Russell and Kathleen Quinlan star, and J.T. Walsh plays the kidnapper.
Besides the elaborate packaging associated with this line, the disc comes with a 4K remaster of the film supervised by director Jonathan Mostow (U-571, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines). It contains a recently recorded commentary with Russell and Mostow, in addition to featurettes on the director, co-star Quinlan and producer Martha de Laurentiis. There’s also an alternate opening that wasn’t used in the final film – it’s presented with a commentary from the director describing why the bit was eliminated. The disc also comes with a trailer.
Paramount are also releasing some notable catalog titles. They have the basketball-themed drama Blue Chips (1994) with Nick Nolte. The studio is also debuting The Crocodile Dundee Trilogy Blu-ray set. The original Crocodile Dundee (1986) featured Paul Hogan as an Aussie from the outback trying to make his way in New York. The flick was a smash hit worldwide and spawned two sequels. Crocodile Dundee II (1988) and Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (2001). They are all included in this impressive set.
And the studio is presenting three more sports-themed titles on Blu-ray. You can pick up the baseball comedy/drama Hardball (2001) in high definition. This title features Keanu Reeves, Diane Lane and a very young Michael B. Jordan. You can also pick up the Adam Sandler prison-set remake of The Longest Yard (2005) and the college football comedy, Necessary Roughness (1991), with Scott Bakula and Sinbad.
This week, Disney are slated to release an “Ultimate Collector’s Edition” 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray/Digital copy of Unbreakable (2000), from writer/director M. Night Shyamalan. It was the filmmaker’s follow-up to The Sixth Sense and this feature still stands as one of his best titles.
Discount Blu-ray distributor Mill Creek Entertainment are digging into the studio vaults to rerelease some interesting movies. They have the well-regarded biopic drama, Frost/Nixon (2008) and are putting out a “Double-Feature” Blu-ray containing the Brad Pitt drama, Meet Joe Black (1998) and the romantic-comedy Wimbledon (2004), starting Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany.
Warner Bros. have decided to give one of acclaimed moviemaker Stanley Kubrick’s titles a new upgrade. A Clockwork Orange (1971) is arriving this week as a 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray/Digital copy. It comes with an even sharper picture along with extras from previous editions, including a commentary track with lead actor Malcolm McDowell.
The made-to-order Warner Archive line also has a trio of new Blu-rays that can be purchased through Amazon. The Naked Spur (1953) with James Stewart and Janet Leigh was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Writing and critic Leonard Maltin called it, “One of the best westerns ever made.” They also are releasing Straight Time (1978), which features Dustin Hoffman playing a burglar on the run from authorities.
Finally, The Window (1949) is a great little thriller about a young boy living with his family in a downtown apartment. While playing on the fire escape, he witnesses his neighbors cleaning up a violent murder. The boy tries to tell his family and local authorities about what he saw. Unfortunately, they don’t believe him. After his parents are forced to leave town the following night, the child becomes the target of the killer and must use his wits to survive.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
There are a number of great options in kid’s entertainment this week. The Studio Ghibli “Steelbook” titles from Japan may skew slightly older, but they’ve been listed here too for those curious about them.
Baby Shark’s Big Show! (Nick Jr.) 8 Episodes, 4 Shorts
Cruella
From Up on Poppy Hill (2011) Shout! Steelbook
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero: The Complete First Series
Nancy Drew: Season 2
Paw Partol: Pups Save the Kitten Catastrophe Crew (Nickelodeon)
Peppa Pig: Season 1
Porco Rosso (1992) Steelbook
Pufinstuf (1970) Code Red
Sonic Boom: Season 2, Volume 2
The Wiggles: Halloween Party
ON THE TUBE!
And here are all of the TV-themed releases headed your way.
Baby Shark’s Big Show! (Nick Jr.) 8 Episodes, 4 Shorts
Batwoman: Season 2
Blacklist: Season 8
Doctor Who: Sylvester McCoy: Season 1
The Equalizer: Season 1
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero: The Complete First Series
I Dream of Jeannie: The Complete Series
Nancy Drew: Season 2
Peppa Pig: Season 1
Resident Alien: Season 1
Sonic Boom: Season 2, Volume 2
Star Trek: Enterprise: The Complete Series (2001 – 2005)
When Calls the Heart: Year 8 Collection