{"id":26674,"date":"2023-07-12T00:29:43","date_gmt":"2023-07-12T07:29:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/?p=26674"},"modified":"2023-07-12T00:29:43","modified_gmt":"2023-07-12T07:29:43","slug":"blu-ray-dvd-roundup-for-july-11th-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cinemastance.com\/?p=26674","title":{"rendered":"Blu-ray\/DVD Roundup for July 11th, 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Welcome once again to this overview of Blu-ray and DVD\nhighlights coming your way. Some weeks are quiet, while others are jam-packed.\nThis edition certainly falls into the latter category. There are a number of\nmajor releases and just as many independent features coming your way. So, if\nyou can\u2019t make it out to the movies this week or need to stay indoors for a\nlittle while, be sure to check out one of these titles!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>BIG NEW RELEASES!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DVD-All-Man-International-Male-Story-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26676\" width=\"275\" height=\"154\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ALL MAN: THE INTERNATIONAL MALE STORY \u2013 <em>International\nMale<\/em> was a popular mail-order clothing company that started in the\nmid-1970s, offering customers the chance to order items through a catalog.\nDuring its heyday, the products offered were trendsetting and the business\namassed a huge following. This documentary tells the story of Gene Burkard, the\nman who came up with and started the brand. Apparently, he was a closeted\nMidwesterner who decided to come out and began a new and successful life in San\nDiego. Critics were very upbeat about this movie. One review stated that the\nfilm was blandly formatted and could have told its subject\u2019s life story in a\nmore interesting manner. But everyone else thought it was packed with a lot of\ninteresting information and effectively chronicled a remarkable success story.\nThey noted that viewers would walk away with a new appreciation for the fashion\nbusiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DVD-Are-You-There-God-Its-Me-Margaret-02-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26677\" width=\"307\" height=\"178\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT\u2019S ME, MARGARET \u2013 This adaptation of\nthe 1970 Judy Blume middle-school book follows an 11-year-old who moves with\nher family from New York City to New Jersey. She finds the transition awkward,\nbut becomes distracted by a year-long assignment given by a teacher in her\nclass involving her family history. After confirming that one of her parents is\nChristian and the other is Jewish, the youngster ends up having to figure out\nher own religious identity. The press adored this feature. One or two were\nirritated that the lead character came across in a more perfect light than she\ndid in the original book. However, all others thought the movie featured\nwell-rounded characters and was sensitive, honest, clever and impressively put\ntogether. These reviewers recommended the movie to both youngsters and adults.\nIt stars Rachel McAdams, Abby Ryder Fortson, Elle Graham, Benny Safdie, Kathy\nBates and Amari Alexis Price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DVD-Beau-Is-Afraid-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26678\" width=\"308\" height=\"174\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BEAU IS AFRAID \u2013 The latest from writer\/director Ari Aster (<em>Hereditary,\nMidsommar<\/em>) involves a man suffering from anxiety issues who learns that his\nmother has unexpectedly passed away. He heads back to his old neighborhood,\nwhich brings up more panic attacks and other psychological issues. As the lead\ntries to deal with them, it becomes clear that the family matriarch may have\nbeen a sinister woman who caused her son\u2019s deep-rooted problems. Reaction\nwasn\u2019t as exceptional for this film as it was for the filmmaker\u2019s past two\nprojects, but the majority did give it a recommendation. About one-third of\nwrite-ups commented that the movie was an overlong, ponderous and ultimately\nunsatisfying thriller with a weak resolution. But the rest complimented the\nperformances and called the picture an intriguing and unpredictable black\ncomedy that was hard to forget. The cast includes Joaquin Phoenix, Nathan Lane,\nAmy Ryan, Parker Posey, Latti LuPone and Stephen Henderson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DVD-Beneath-the-Old-Dark-House-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26679\" width=\"311\" height=\"199\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BENEATH THE OLD DARK HOUSE \u2013 Those who enjoy low-budget\ngenre films may want to give this effort a look. It\u2019s an anthology film about a\ncreepy individual called \u201cCoffintooth,\u201d who welcomes you to his underground\nabode in order to share three disturbing tales of the supernatural (it appears\nas though one of them may involve a killer doll). At present, no one has seen\nthis picture and it looks to be debuting on disc. So, interested parties will\nhave to go into the film cold and simply hope that the featured tales send\nshivers down their spine. It features real \u201cScream Queen\u201d Brinke Stevens, as\nwell as Christy Johnson, Kaylee Williams, Kalia Spargo, David S. Witt and Jared\nMichael Miller.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DVD-Book-Club-the-Next-Chapter-fixed-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26681\" width=\"308\" height=\"177\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BOOK CLUB: THE NEXT CHAPTER \u2013 This sequel to the 2018 hit comedy <em>Book Club<\/em> finds its familiar female protagonists reuniting after a couple of years apart due to the pandemic. When one of the group members announces that they are about to be married, they decide to take a lavish trip to Italy and celebrate. Of course, the group soon gets into a series of misadventures that threaten to not only derail the vacation, but the nuptials too. The original movie split reviewers and this follow-up received a slightly lesser reaction. Close to half thought that the cast were fun to watch, the locations were pretty and that it would appeal to its target demographic. Slightly more thought the movie wasted the talents of those involved with a dull and poorly written script that contained no surprises. Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, Mary Steenburgen, Andy Garcia, Don Johnson, Craig T. Nelson, Giancarlo Giannini and Hugh Quarshie headline the picture. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/book-club-the-next-chapter-offers-a-few-chuckles-but-isnt-a-page-turner\/\">Read a full review of the movie by clicking on this link.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DVD-Close-to-Vermeer-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26682\" width=\"310\" height=\"183\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CLOSE TO VERMEER \u2013 Recently, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam\nopened an exhibit containing the largest collection of Johannes Vermeer\npaintings ever assembled. This show featuring the Dutch artist was a massive\nsuccess, selling out and receiving universal praise from the press and\nattendees. In this title, documentarians go behind the scenes to show how the\nexhibition was put together and all the hard work that went into it, as well as\ndelivering a shocking revelation that one of the works included might be a\nforgery. Write-ups were all positive for this feature. Everyone commented that\nit presented an incredible look at what goes on behind-the-scenes and all that\nis involved in putting together a program for a museum. They all believed it\nwould also make viewers really appreciate the work being displayed. For the\ntime being, this is a DVD-only release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DVD-Cocaine-Shark-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26683\" width=\"310\" height=\"174\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">COCAINE SHARK \u2013 If you enjoy micro-budget horror movies,\nthen you\u2019re likely aware that they are a great many featuring killer sharks.\nThis effort is another title that follows the recent trend. According to the\nplot synopsis, the story follows the creation of a new and highly addictive\nstimulant called HT25 that causes monstrous side effects. When some of the\nillicit drugs end up on the streets, a hero must go undercover to try and stop\nthe carnage. This title has already been available on streaming services for a\ncouple of months as is now being given a DVD-only release. Notices have been\nhard to come by, but the ones that have appeared online aren\u2019t very strong.\nThey made note of the fact that there wasn\u2019t actually a cocaine-addled shark in\nthe movie and found the whole thing clumsily put-together. It stars Ryan\nDalton, Samantha Coolidge, Titus Himmelberger and Natalie Himmelberger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DVD-Corsage-film-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26684\" width=\"306\" height=\"181\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CORSAGE \u2013 This fictional biopic is set in 1877 and details a\nyear in the life of Empress Elizabeth of Austria. The real figure was idolized\nfor her beauty and fashion sense. This story begins with the woman reaching the\nage of 40 and tiring of going through the motions as a royal figure in Vienna.\nAfter visiting England, she becomes newly inspired and rebels, attempting to\nbreak with tradition and start new trends. This European production was well\nreceived by members of the press. A tiny contingent thought it was a bit slow\nand didn\u2019t like the frequent anachronisms on display. Still, the vast majority\nwere charmed by the lead performance and called the film a compelling and sharp\nmovie with beautiful photography and a powerful finale. The cast includes Vicky\nKrieps, Florian Teichtmeister, Colin Morgan and Finnegan Oldfield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DVD-Day-Zero-guns-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26685\" width=\"274\" height=\"163\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DAY ZERO \u2013 An elite soldier-turned-criminal serves a lengthy\nsentence in prison, hoping to be reunited with his family after serving his\nterm. He soon discovers that society has broken down after the release of a\nvirus that causes victims to turn into zombies. The lead decides to break free,\nfight through the hordes of monsters and try to find his family. This\nforeign-language horror\/action picture was produced in the Philippines. At\npresent, very few North American reviewers have seen this low-budget\nindependent film, but there have been a few articles posted online. These\npieces suggest that while the story is fairly predictable and there are some\nslow sections, the movie offers some solid action set-pieces and should\nentertain genre movie enthusiasts. It features Brandon Vera, Pepe Herrera and\nMary Jean Lastimosa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DVD-Knights-of-the-Zodiac-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26686\" width=\"326\" height=\"187\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">KNIGHTS OF THE ZODIAC -Based on the popular anime series\nthat was produced in the 1980s, early 2000s (as well as a new show very\nrecently), this live-action movie condenses the plot into a single feature.\nIt\u2019s about a teen from the streets with fighting skills who is focused on\nfinding his missing sister. After discovering remarkable hidden powers, he is\nthrust into a world of saints and fearsome creatures. The youngster has to\nquickly adapt to survive while he continues on his quest. This is a\nco-production between the US, Japan and Hungary. It was met with a fair amount\nof derision by the press. About one-quarters of reviews complimented the\nvisuals and thought it effectively shortened the story while delivering\nthrills. However, most weren\u2019t engaged in the story or characters, stating that\nit was a beautiful but dramatically flat adaptation. Mackenyu, Famke Janssen,\nMadison Iseman, Diego Tinoco, Mark Decascos and Nick Stahl headline the film.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DVD-Novelists-Film-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26687\" width=\"303\" height=\"191\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">THE NOVELIST\u2019S FILM \u2013 This drama from Korea involves a\nwriter who has lost confidence in her own work. Disenchanted and downcast, she\ndecides to visit some friends in the film world. After meeting with a director\nwho tried to adapt one of her novels, as well as a popular actress suffering\nfrom a similar sense of dissatisfaction, the lead cones to the conclusion that\nshe needs to make her own movie. She casts the performer from the meeting and\nsets out on a new creative journey. Response towards this foreign-language\ntitle has been excellent and every notice written about the film has been\npositive. All stated that while the movie is very low-key, it is remarkably\ninteresting and offers a lot of insight and humor about artists and the\ndifficulties they face in their careers. The feature stars Lee Hye-young, Kim\nMin-hee, Seo Young-hwa and Park Mi-so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DVD-Pacifiction-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26688\" width=\"304\" height=\"185\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PACIFICTION \u2013 Those who enjoy French films may appreciate\nthis mystery tale. Set on the French Polynesian island of Tahiti, it follows a\nsly government official who excels at charming and making deals. When rumors\nfloat among locals that a French nuclear submarine has appeared and will be testing\nweapons in the area, the protagonist is asked by bosses to calm and convince\nthem that nothing sinister is going on. Reviews were very strong for this\nFrench-language picture. A small number who disliked it thought it was\nslow-moving and a bit pretentious in its presentation. Regardless, the\nconsensus was that the picture was hard to forget, and anchored by a remarkable\nlead performance. They suggested it was impossible to get a read on the main\ncharacter and his motivations, which made the film unnerving. The cast includes\nBenoit Magimal, Pahoa Mahagafanau, Marc Susimi, Matahi Pambrun and Alexandre\nMello.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DVD-Scream-VI-window-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26689\" width=\"288\" height=\"185\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SCREAM VI \u2013 The latest chapter in the long-running horror\nfranchise finds the survivors from the previous installment making a new start\nin busy New York City. Of course, it isn\u2019t long before another Ghostface killer\nappears and begins targeting them. The leads try to find help and then set out\nto learn who is responsible before they are all wiped out. Critics were more\npositive towards this follow-up than negative. About one-quarter of reviews\nnoted that the series was becoming cliched and that it was all starting to feel\nlike the kind of film that the original was satirizing. Still, the majority\nwrote that the movie was funny and filled with entertaining in-jokes, as well\nas a few memorable murder sequences. It features Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega,\nCourtney Cox, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Hayden Panettiere, Henry\nCzerny and Dermot Mulroney. The flick is being released on various formats, including\n4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray, so make sure you\u2019re getting the right version for your\nsystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DVD-Shin-Ultraman-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26690\" width=\"316\" height=\"166\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SHIN ULTRAMAN \u2013 When Japan finds itself being overrun with\ngiant monsters (or kaiju), the human population forms a task force to help\nfight the threat. One of their members is an unusual figure who looks like a\nman, but may, in fact, be something else entirely. When the giant silver figure\nknown as Ultraman unexpectedly appears and helps stop an attack, a villainous\nalien shows up to try and discredit him. As it turns out, the oddball team\nmember may be the heroic Ultraman, who quietly reverted to the form of a team\nmember killed years earlier during a monster battle. This is the 37<sup>th<\/sup>\nfilm in the Japanese <em>Ultraman<\/em> franchise and is a reboot that received\nraves from critics. Only one person disliked it, stating that they weren\u2019t\nfamiliar with the character and found everything confusing. All others thought\nit was a wonderful update, packed with great action, excitement and a sense of\nhumor. It was even nominated for Best Picture in its home country. Takumi\nSaitoh and Masami Nagasawa headline the feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DVD-Sisu-still-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26691\" width=\"295\" height=\"200\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SISU \u2013 This war movie and genre film tells the story of\nsolitary prospector in northern Finland at the close of World War II. When Nazi\nforces fleeing the country arrive, they invade his mine and steal his gold.\nNaturally, the protagonist becomes determined to hunt them down. Using skills\ndeveloped as an ex-commando, he squares off against the unit seeking\nretribution. This UK\/Finnish co-production was very well received by the press.\nA small contingent thought it was overly violent and repetitive, tiring them\nout. Still, the vast majority were wowed by what they witnessed. They wrote\nthat the movie would be a grindhouse classic, delivering top-notch thrills and\na few chuckles as its protagonist wiped out sinister Nazis in increasingly\ncreative ways. This picture is available in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray package,\nas well as a standalone Blu-ray. It stars Jorma Tommila, Aksel Hennie, Jack\nDoolan and Mimosa Willamo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DVD-Spoonful-of-Sugar-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26692\" width=\"310\" height=\"186\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SPOONFUL OF SUGAR \u2013 A college student decides to spend a\nsemester as a nanny for a secretive young family, taking care of their child\nwho suffers from severe allergies. It isn\u2019t long before the babysitter is revealed\nto be psychologically disturbed. She immediately sets out to break the family\napart, attempting to seduce the father and giving the youth LSD to promote some\nbizarre visions. This chiller premiered on Shudder and earned split notices.\nAlmost half stated that the movie was over-the-top and silly, lacking engaging\ncharacters or an important message. However, slightly more enjoyed the\nperformances and described it as an interesting if not entirely successful\npsychological thriller. For the time being, this is a DVD-only release. The\ncast includes Morgan Saylor, Myko Olivier, Danilo Crovetti, Keith Powell and\nLaura Coover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DVD-Subspecies-V-Blood-Rise-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26693\" width=\"329\" height=\"184\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SUBSPECIES V: BLOOD RISE &#8211; The original <em>Subspecies<\/em>\nwas a 1991 direct-to-VHS vampire flick from Full Moon Productions. Some 32\nyears later, a fifth title in the franchise has arrived. This chapter\nreintroduces a familiar character who is half-vampire and half-demon. After\nbeing trained by mystic monks to protect the church, the main character is\nasked to visit his homeland and recover an ancient relic. He learns more about\nhis personal history in the process and soon realizes that he may be working\nfor the wrong side. There aren\u2019t many write-ups available for the film yet, but\nthose that have appeared are upbeat. While admitting that the film is no\nclassic, they suggest that if you like the series, this is one the better\nentries. They noted it had a solid lead performance and included nice\nphotography. The film features Anders Hove, Denice Duff, Kevin Spirtas and\nStasa Nikolic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DVD-To-Catch-a-Killer-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26694\" width=\"324\" height=\"182\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">TO CATCH A KILLER &#8211; An anti-social Baltimore cop with an\naddiction problem is called in to help look into a crime scene involving a\nmarksman. The shootings continue and when the FBI\u2019s chief investigator arrives\nto take over the case, he\u2019s impressed with the lead\u2019s insights and asks for her\nassistance. She tries to tap into her own issues to help identify and stop the\nkiller. This effort split the press almost right down the middle. Half wrote\nthat the film was an effective and atmospheric procedural thriller that benefited\nfrom the work of its two excellent leads. But the same number complained that\nthe movie didn\u2019t make the most of its intriguing premise. They believed it\nprovided a slick but surface-level thriller that wouldn\u2019t be remembered.\nShailene Woodley, Ben Mendelsohn, Jovan Adepo, Ralph Ineson and Richard Zeman\nheadline the picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>BLASTS FROM THE PAST!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DVD-After-Hours-1985-poster-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26695\" width=\"214\" height=\"244\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You will also find some remarkable older titles getting high-definition upgrades as well. Criterion is presenting a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set (or a stand-alone Blu-ray) of the dark comedy <em>After Hours<\/em> (1985). This is a personal favorite that has only been available on DVD until this week. The story involves a mild-mannered and lonely Manhattan word processor who meets a woman and sets up a date with her in Soho. He heads out and everything immediately goes wrong. The unlucky protagonist loses his money, discovers the lady has serious issues, gets mistaken for a burglar and meets literally nothing but bizarre and potentially dangerous people everywhere he goes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The movie was directed by Martin Scorsese (<em>Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, The Departed, The Wolf of Wall Street, The Irishman<\/em>) and features Griffin Dunne, Rosanna Arquette, Linda Fiorentino, John Heard, Teri Garr, Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, Will Patton and Catherine O\u2019Hara. For this reviewer, it is one of the filmmaker\u2019s most underrated titles. The movie is fast-paced, wild and twisty with some big laughs as well as some wonderfully energetic camera moves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DVD-After-Hours-1985-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26697\" width=\"319\" height=\"215\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For its 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray debut, Criterion is\npresenting the film with a new interview with Scorsese, a 2004 commentary\nfeaturing the director, star Dunne, producer Amy Robinson, director of\nphotography Michael Ballhaus and editor Thelma Schoonmaker. This track features\na few additional comments recorded this year. There is also a making-of\ndocumentary, a new program on the look of the movie, deleted scenes, a trailer,\nand an essay about the title from a film critic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The distributor is also presenting <em>The Watermelon Woman<\/em>\n(1996) on Blu-ray. It\u2019s a well-regarded title from Cheryl Dunye about the black\nlesbian identity that was considered groundbreaking in its day. The plot\ninvolves a video store clerk who seeks out a black film star from the 1930s,\nwho shares her own life story. In the process, the movie deals with how race\nand sexuality are presented on screen. The film is receiving a 2K digital\nrestoration supervised by Dunye, as well as an interview with the movie-maker.\nIt also features conversations about the movie with the director and film scholars,\nin addition to six shorts made by Dunye and an essay on the picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Full Moon Features is delivering the independent horror\npicture <em>Netherworld <\/em>(1992) on Blu-ray. It\u2019s about a man who discovers\nsupernatural beasts at his father\u2019s mansion. The disc is presenting the movie\nuncut for the first time and arrives with numerous featurettes and trailers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fun City would like readers to know that the indie comedy <em>Party\nGirl <\/em>(1995) with Parker Posey is now available on Blu-ray from all\nretailers. This was originally a Vinegar Syndrome exclusive. It\u2019s about a\nfree-spirited young woman in need of cash after being arrested for throwing an\nillegal party. In order to pay the debt, she\u2019s forced to work as a librarian.\nExtras include a film expert commentary, a lengthy interview with star Posey, a\ndiscussion with the producer\/co-writer, a talk with the man who wrote the\nscore, publicity materials, and a booklet with an essay and production photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DVD-Invaders-from-Mars-1953-aliens-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26698\" width=\"345\" height=\"221\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Invaders from Mars<\/em> (1953) is a science-fiction classic and Ignite Films is giving the title a big upgrade with a 4K Ultra HD release (you can also pick up a standard Blu-ray with the new transfer). The plot involves a young boy who sees a spaceship crash in his backyard and sets out to stop aliens from impersonating the human population. Apparently, the image quality on this release is incredible. Bonuses include a discussion with the granddaughter of the director, an interview with the star of the picture and a featurette with filmmakers like Joe Dante and John Landis discussing the influence the movie had on them. You\u2019ll also get a featurette on the restoration work, an introduction to the film from the TCM festival, a deleted scene added to prints in foreign territories, the European ending and tons of publicity materials. Looks like a lot of fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kino is releasing the Blu-ray box set <em>Film Noir: The Dark\nSide of Cinema XV<\/em>, which contains <em>Man Afraid<\/em> (1957), <em>The Girl in\nthe Kremlin<\/em> (1957) and <em>The Tattered Dress<\/em> (1957). All the movies\narrive with new 2K masters, as well as film historian commentaries, trailers\nand TV spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, the distributor is offering the Fritz Lang film\nnoir <em>Human Desire<\/em> (1954) on Blu-ray. It stars Glenn Ford as a war vet\nwho has an affair with a co-worker\u2019s wife, who also may be responsible for the\ndeath of her husband. Actress Emily Mortimer offers her thoughts on the movie\nand it also comes with a trailer and a \u201climited edition\u201d slipcase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DVD-Which-Way-is-Up-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26699\" width=\"375\" height=\"217\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those who enjoy The Three Stooges may be interested in <em>Stooge-O-Rama:\nThe Men Behind the Mayhem \u2013 and Even More Mayhem<\/em>, a Blu-ray from Kit Parker\nFilms. It contains a lengthy 1994 documentary about the film performers with\nsome newly added details. The disc also includes a lost theatrical featurette\nand some rare short subjects with the cast, in addition to more than 11 hours\nof media appearances that have never been released.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mill Creek Entertainment is presenting a pair of double-feature Blu-rays this week. The first is the <em>Richard Pryor Double Feature<\/em>, which includes the union labor comedy <em>Which Way Is Up?<\/em> (1977) that is pictured above, as well as the period baseball film <em>The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars &amp; Motor Kings<\/em> (1976). The latter title co-stars Billy Dee Williams, James Earl Jones, Otis Day, Ted Ross and Ken Foree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also pick up the horror flicks <em>White Noise<\/em>\n(2005) and <em>White Noise 2<\/em> (2007) together in one package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the release of the new <em>Mission: Impossible<\/em> film\nthis week, Paramount is continuing to put out more titles in special 4K Ultra\nHD and Blu-ray sets. You can now pick up <em>Mission: Impossible \u2013 Rogue Nation<\/em>\n(2015) and <em>Mission: Impossible \u2013 Fallout <\/em>(2018) with the best possible\npicture quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/DVD-Burning-quad-poster-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26700\" width=\"266\" height=\"189\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speaking of high-quality upgrades, Shout! is delivering a 4K\nUltra HD and Blu-ray set of the slasher flick <em>The Burning<\/em> (1981). In\nthis title, a summer camp caretaker decides to take revenge on some young\nattendees because of a disfigurement he suffered on the job years earlier.\nBesides the new transfer from the original camera negative, it also comes with\nall previously released bonuses, including multiple commentary tracks, cast and\ncrew interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and publicity material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you like over-the-top action, you can now pick up <em>McBain<\/em>\n(1991) on Blu-ray courtesy of Synapse. Christopher Walken stars as a war\nveteran who decides to help a revolutionary\u2019s sister overthrow a dictator. The\ncast includes Maria Conchita Alonso, Michael Ironside and Steve James. It\u2019s all\npretty silly, but does deliver some fun and an enjoyable performance from\nWalken as the troupe leader. The disc includes the original sound mix as well\nas a new 5.1 surround track. There\u2019s also an audio commentary with director\nJames Glickenhaus (<em>The Exterminator, The Soldier, Shakedown<\/em>) and a\ntrailer included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">VIC is presenting a couple of Blu-rays as well. <em>Johanna\nEnlists<\/em> (1918) is a silent film with Mary Pickford about a woman who falls\nfor an army sergeant. The movie is newly restored and presented on both Blu-ray\nand DVD in this release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And finally, Undercrank Productions is releasing a\ndouble-feature Blu-ray called <em>Tom Mix: Sky High<\/em> (1922)\/<em>The Big\nDiamond Robbery<\/em> (1929). Each of these silent westerns appears with a 2K\nrestoration and a new organ score.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This week, the 1980s animated series is being rereleased at\na discounted rate.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Denver The Last Dinosaur<\/em>: Complete Series (VCI) DVD<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>ON THE TUBE!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And you can find all of the TV-related titles listed below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>American Experience: Casa Susanna<\/em> (PBS) DVD<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Before We Die<\/em>: Season 2 (PBS) DVD<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Denver The Last Dinosaur<\/em>: Complete Series (VCI) DVD<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Doctor Who: Jon Pertwee<\/em>: Complete Season 3 (BBC)\nBlu-ray<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Endeavour<\/em>: Season 9 Masterpiece Mystery! (PBS) DVD<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Hallmark Hall of Fame 3-Movie Collection: Christmas with\nHolly, Silver Bells, One Christmas Eve <\/em>(Hallmark Channel) DVD<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>NOVA: Facing the Climate Challenge<\/em> (PBS) DVD<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Ridley<\/em>: Season 1 (PBS) DVD<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Walker<\/em>: Season 3 (CBS\/Allied Vaughn) DVD<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"After Hours | Original Trailer | Coolidge Corner Theatre\" width=\"1290\" height=\"726\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/O8WyPK8FACs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Invaders From Mars (1953) Restoration Trailer | High-Def Digest\" width=\"1290\" height=\"726\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8de77xPJLvc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars &amp; Motor Kings (1976) Trailer\" width=\"1290\" height=\"968\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/l879UYN33gc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"McBain (1991) - Trailer\" width=\"1290\" height=\"968\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EO9tFlATKuk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome once again to this overview of Blu-ray and DVD highlights coming your way. Some weeks are quiet, while others are jam-packed. This edition certainly falls into the latter category. There are a number of major releases and just as many independent features coming your way. So, if you can\u2019t make it out to the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":26675,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-26674","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dvdblu-ray-reviews"],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":8}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cinemastance.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26674","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cinemastance.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cinemastance.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cinemastance.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cinemastance.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=26674"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cinemastance.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26674\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cinemastance.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=26674"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cinemastance.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=26674"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cinemastance.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=26674"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}