{"id":30011,"date":"2024-11-12T01:51:36","date_gmt":"2024-11-12T09:51:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/?p=30011"},"modified":"2024-11-12T01:51:36","modified_gmt":"2024-11-12T09:51:36","slug":"4k-ultra-hd-blu-ray-dvd-roundup-for-november-12th-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cinemastance.com\/?p=30011","title":{"rendered":"4K Ultra HD\/Blu-ray\/DVD Roundup for November 12th, 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Welcome to another look at some of the highlights arriving\non 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. This edition is a bit slower than the previous\none, but there is a notable independent and a few curious titles arriving for\nadventurous viewers. So, if you can\u2019t make it out to the movies this week or\nneed to stay indoors for a few days, be sure to give one of these titles a try!<\/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=\"https:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DVD-Apex-Predators-2-Spawning-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30012\" width=\"253\" height=\"153\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">APEX PREDATORS 2: THE SPAWNING \u2013 If you\u2019re familiar with\nWild Eye Releasing (the company behind the <em>Ouija Shark<\/em> series, <em>Cocaine\nShark<\/em>, the <em>Shark Exorcist<\/em> series, <em>Sharkula<\/em>, <em>Jurassic Shark<\/em>\nand, well, you get the idea), their latest direct-to-disc and streaming title\nis a sequel to a 2021 effort from the studio. A volleyball tournament taking\nplace in Long Beach, California takes a disturbing turn when players and\nvisitors start appearing on the beach torn to pieces. As it turns out, flying\nsharks are the problem and it will take a legendary hunter to take down the\nman-eating predators and send them back to the ocean. This one hasn\u2019t been\nscreened for the press yet, so expect something similar to other titles from\nthe studio (although one difference is that it does have a familiar name in the\ncast). The picture stars Vernon Wells, Christopher Showerman, Jennifer Nangle\nand Traci Burr.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DVD-Beaten-to-Death-eye-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30013\" width=\"280\" height=\"164\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BEATEN TO DEATH \u2013 This independent Australian horror picture\nhas been available to stream for a year, but is now arriving on disc. The story\ninvolves a man and his wife who are desperate for cash. They decide to take\npart in a deal with a drug supplier. When things go south, the man is pursued\nand tortured to a near death state. Apparently, he survives and wanders off\ntrying to find some kind of help. Reviews were all over the place for the\ntitle. More genre critics liked the movie than disliked it, but audiences have\ngenerally hated the picture. Over one-third of critics said that the film\u2019s\nonly goal was to shock by showing a character being brutally maimed for 90\nminutes. They noted it was otherwise pointless. But more horror websites called\nit an effective, extreme horror movie that set out to turn their stomachs and\nsucceeded. It features David Tracy, Thomas Roach and Benny Blake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DVD-Between-the-Temples-01-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30014\" width=\"268\" height=\"171\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BETWEEN THE TEMPLES \u2013 A cantor (a man who sings songs of\nfaith and leads prayer in a synagogue) has a crisis of faith in front of\ncongregants. After getting into some trouble shortly thereafter in a bar, he\nencounters his grade school music teacher. They talk and go their separate\nways, but soon reunite when she starts attending his Bat Mitzvah class. The two\nattempt to help each other go through major life changes. This independent\ncomedy was well-received. A small number complained that the movie was put together\nhaphazardly and that its quirkiness didn\u2019t come off as amusing. However, the\nmajority enjoyed the performances and were amused by the eccentric characters.\nThey found the final product to be a funny story of friendship between two\nmembers of different generations. For the time-being, this is a DVD-only\nrelease. Jason Schwartzman, Carol Kane, Dolly De Leon, Caroline Aaron and\nRobert Smigel headline the feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DVD-Christmas-Letter-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30016\" width=\"301\" height=\"182\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">THE CHRISTMAS LETTER \u2013 An average family man working as a\ncopywriter becomes frustrated by a wealthy friend\u2019s series of annual holiday\nletters that seemingly boast about the good times he and his relatives are\nhaving. After losing his job, the lead decides to splurge and take his family\non a globe-trotting vacation. Unfortunately, things don\u2019t go as planned as they\nmake their way to various travel destinations. This picture has not been\nscreened for the press and appears to be debuting as a DVD-only release (it may\nalso be available to stream in the near future, but an official date isn\u2019t\navailable). The movie does feature famous names on the advertising, but\notherwise little is known about it. It features Angus Benfield, Regina\nSchneider, with appearances from Chevy Chase, Brian Doyle-Murray, Randy Quaid\nand Brian Posehn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DVD-Dance-First-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30017\" width=\"242\" height=\"158\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DANCE FIRST \u2013 Irish novelist Samuel Beckett is the subject\nof this biopic drama. The film tells the story of his life and experiences as a\nParisian bon vivant, a resistance fighter, and a Nobel Prize-winning\nplaywright. It also examines his philandering ways and personal failures, as\nwell as his later life as a recluse. This multinational production was shot in\nblack and white and features familiar faces in the cast, but didn\u2019t land with\nreviewers. Less than half called the picture a beautifully shot effort that\nshowed intriguing aspects of the man\u2019s life and benefited from some great\nperformances. Alas, the majority stated that the movie handled the figure\u2019s\ncomplexities in an overly simple manner and called the feature uneven and drab.\nThe film stars Gabriel Byrne, Aiden Gillen, Fionn O\u2019Shea and Sandrine Bonnaire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DVD-Holiday-Twist-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30018\" width=\"293\" height=\"193\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">HOLIDAY TWIST \u2013 This holiday picture is an independent\nproduction that received a limited release last year and then appeared on\nstreaming services. It is now receiving a DVD-only release. It follows the\nhigh-powered, overworked and not particularly friendly CEO of a delivery\nservice. While dealing with a series of package thefts, she takes part in an\nembarrassing interview and finds her life falling apart afterward. An angel\nappears unexpectedly to guide her back onto the right track. The feature wasn\u2019t\nseen by many and the few who did review it were less-than-kind. They suggested\nthat while its heart was in the right place, the movie was poorly written and\nfailed to deliver any holiday magic. The cast includes Kelly Stables, Neal\nMcDonough, Sean Astin, James Maslow and Emily Tosta.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DVD-Hounds-of-War-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30019\" width=\"262\" height=\"158\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">HOUNDS OF WAR \u2013 A mercenary and other soldiers are hired by\nan old associate to take down the most powerful warlord in Libya. They are told\nwhere to go, but immediately find themselves in a trap. All are killed except\nfor the central protagonist, who manages to escape. Seeking revenge for the\nset-up, he comes up with a plan and takes action as his employers set out to\nfinish him off. This is a DVD-only release and it has been panned by the few\nonline critics who have seen it. They suggest that while there are some good\nperformers in the movie, this is a perfunctory, direct-to-disc action film that\ndoesn\u2019t do anything original or interesting with its concept. They found it\ndull and predictable. It features Frank Grillo, Robert Patrick, Rhona Mitra,\nLeeshon Alexander, Urs Rechn and Matthew Marsh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DVD-Merchant-Ivory-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30020\" width=\"297\" height=\"184\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MERCHANT IVORY: THE DOCUMENTARY \u2013 Also known simply as <em>Merchant\nIvory<\/em>, this documentary follows the partnership of noted\nproducers\/filmmakers Ismail Merchant and James Ivory. The two met and initially\nformed a production company to make English-language films in India for the\ninternational market. After achieving success, they began making movies in the\nUK and America, becoming famous in the process. They enjoyed great success with\nperiod dramas like <em>A Room with a View<\/em>, <em>Howard\u2019s End, Remains of the\nDay<\/em> and many others. The doc tells their story, which is told from the\npoint-of-view of Ivory (Merchant passed away in 2005). Critics responded very\nfavorably to what they saw. One or two called it a series of clips from their\nfeatures and little more, but all others stated that it was a sweet and\ninteresting look into their unique partnership and the life of Ivory (who\nfinally won his first-ever Oscar at the age of 89 for writing the recent drama,\n<em>Call Me by Your Name<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DVD-Silent-Bite-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30021\" width=\"250\" height=\"157\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SILENT BITE \u2013 This low-budget literal and figurative chiller\nfrom Canada follows a group of bank robbers who have just pulled a heist on\nChristmas Eve. With a snowstorm approaching, they search for a place to take\nshelter from the cold. The group book a room at a motel and try to lie low,\nonly to discover that something much deadlier that they are is present at the\nlocation. Almost no one has seen this independent effort. After searching\nonline, one review appeared suggesting that the movie is stylish and reasonably\neffective, with some great snow-covered locations and a few interesting plot\ntwists. However, there are no other write-ups available yet, so one may want to\nwait for more notices to come before purchasing. Camille Blott, Dan Molson,\nKelly Schwartz and Louisa Capulet headline the film.<\/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=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DVD-Elvira-Mistress-of-Dark-4K-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30022\" width=\"312\" height=\"187\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is plenty to choose from as far as older features go. Arrow Video is delivering a 4K Ultra HD only edition of the PG-13 horror\/comedy <em>Elvira: Mistress of the Dark<\/em> (1988). When the lead arrives in a small conservative town, the staunch elders are not happy. Kids in the area are and help her to endure various attempts from officials to get her out. Extras on this include three archival commentary tracks (that appeared on the previous Blu-ray edition), as well as a director\u2019s intro and publicity materials. There is a feature length documentary on the film and Elvira character that has been \u201cnewly revised\u201d from the previous version. A featurette on the \u201cPot Monster\u201d from the previous Arrow release is also included and is also \u201cnewly revised\u201d, meaning that there may be a little more being offered in this edition. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/blasts-from-the-past-4k-ultra-hd-review-elvira-mistress-of-the-dark-1988\/\">Read a full review of the release here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DVD-Invasion-body-snatchers-kidman-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30023\" width=\"282\" height=\"157\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The Invasion<\/em> (2007) is the fourth official adaptation of the famous <em>Invasion of the Body Snatchers<\/em> story. This retelling focuses on a satellite that crashes to Earth with an alien virus that turns everyone it infects into a mindless follower. A psychiatrist and her friend discover the truth about the invasion and attempt to protect themselves and family members. This effort starred Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Jeremy Northam and Jeffrey Wright. I recall this title being the weakest in the series, but it does have a few story elements that some say make it more relevant today than during its original release. The movie is available for purchase as either a \u201cLimited Edition\u201d 4K Ultra HD or as a \u201cLimited Edition\u201d Blu-ray. Bonuses include a film historian commentary, two visual essays on the movie and its themes, an archival featurette about the science used in the film, behind-the-scenes EPK (electronic press kit) materials, as well as a trailer and image gallery. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/blasts-from-the-past-4k-ultra-hd-review-the-invasion-2007\/\">Read a full review of the disc by clicking this link!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">88 Films is presenting some Hong Kong titles on Blu-ray. <em>Facets\nof Love<\/em> (1973) is a period costume drama about a 19<sup>th<\/sup> century\nbrothel. Apparently, Jackie Chan makes a brief appearance in the film. <em>Kid\nfrom Kwangtung<\/em> (1982) is a Shaw Brothers action\/comedy about two bickering\nmartial artists who must team up to stop an evil master with supernatural\npowers. <em>The Kung Fu Instructor<\/em> (1979) is a well-regarded action picture\nabout a trained kung fu master who finds himself in between two gangs warring\nfor control of a small town. It\u2019s obviously heavily inspired by <em>Yojimbo<\/em>,\nthe Kurosawa classic. There don\u2019t appear to be many extras on these discs, but\nat least they can finally be owned on Blu-ray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Le Beau Mec<\/em> (1979) is arriving on Blu-ray from\nAltered Innocence. It\u2019s a French fantasy biopic about the secret life of the\ncountry\u2019s first gay porn superstar.&nbsp; The film has been newly restored in\n4K from the original 16mm elements and arrives with a film historian\nfeaturette, a movie expert commentary track, a commentary with filmmaker\/fan\nVera Drew (<em>The People\u2019s Joker<\/em>), publicity materials, a 12-page booklet\nwith essays and a trailer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Japanese drama <em>2\/Duo <\/em>(1997) is arriving on\nBlu-ray from Arbelos Films. It\u2019s a character study about a boutique woman and\nher unemployed boyfriend attempting to decide they want to get married. The\ndisc includes a trailer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DVD-Scarface-1932-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30025\" width=\"342\" height=\"228\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Roseland<\/em> (1977) is a Merchant Ivory Production\ninvolving three interlocking stories set in New York City. Cohen Media Group is\nreleasing a Blu-ray of the film with a new picture restoration, conversations\nwith Ivory, as well as a trailer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Criterion is upgrading a couple of their notable titles. <em>Scarface<\/em>\n(1932) will be available as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set or a standalone\nBlu-ray. This classic features Paul Muni as the notable gangster climbing his\nway up through the world as a mobster, only to let his impulses ruin him (it\nwas later remade in 1983 with Al Pacino). Besides a 4K picture restoration,\nyou\u2019ll get extras like an alternate ending from the censored version of the\nmovie, a conversation about the film with author Megan Abbott and actor Bill\nHader, a film scholar interview on the innovative use of sound and editing and\nan essay on the feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Akira Kurosawa classic <em>Seven Samurai<\/em> (1954) is\nalso getting the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray treatment. If you haven\u2019t seen it yet,\nthe period effort follows a town that buys a group to help protect them from\ninvading bandits (it was later remade several times in the US as <em>The\nMagnificent Seven<\/em>). In addition to a new picture restoration, it comes with\ntwo film scholar commentaries, a making-of documentary film, a two-hour\nconversation with Kurosawa, a featurette on the samurai traditions used in the\nstory, trailers, a gallery of rare posters, behind-the-scenes photos and\nproduction stills, as well as essays on the movie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Film Masters \u201cSpecial Edition\u201d of the Roger\nCorman-produced drive-in feature <em>Night of the Blood Beast<\/em> (1958) is\narriving on Blu-ray. When an American spaceship crashes to the group, the dead\nastronaut is used as an alien incubator. As a bonus, <em>Attack of the Giant\nLeeches<\/em> (1958) is also included. Both films have film historian commentary\ntracks, a booklet with writing on the productions, trailers, comparison videos\nshowing the restoration of both titles, an 8mm version of the first film, and a\nnew documentary on the movies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DVD-Heavenly-Bodies-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30027\" width=\"295\" height=\"202\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Heavenly Bodies<\/em> (1984) is arriving on Blu-ray from\nFun City Editions. It\u2019s a, well, Canadian knock-off of <em>Flashdance<\/em> about\nan aerobics studio that is forced to compete in a \u201cDance Marathon\u201d in order to\navoid closure. This one could only have been made in the 80s. This release\nincludes the complete original soundtrack (apparently, previous video editions\nswapped some tracks out), an interview with star Cynthia Dale, a film expert\ncommentary, essays on the picture (included in the first pressing booklet only)\nand promo materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Paradise<\/em> (1982) is, well, Canadian knock-off of <em>The\nBlue Lagoon<\/em> and involves two teens whose families are killed by bandits.\nThey are chased across the desert, before finding a safe place in an oasis. It\nstars Willie Aames and Phoebe Cates. It comes with a film historian commentary\nand a ton of promotional material. First pressings contain a booklet with\nessays on the movie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kino is presenting several titles this week. The Gregory\nPeck\/Sophia Loren romantic thriller <em>Arabesque <\/em>(1966) is getting a 4K\nUltra HD and Blu-ray combo release. The original camera negative was scanned\nfor this release, which features a film historian commentary. A featurette on\nthe Henry Mancini music is also included, along with three trailers, 5 TV spots\nand a poster gallery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DVD-Circus-of-Horrors-trapeze-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30028\" width=\"334\" height=\"184\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Circus of Horrors<\/em> (1960) is an effective chiller set\nafter World War II. The story follows a mad plastic surgeon on the run who\ntakes patients and uses them in a circus he is using as a cover. The movie is\narriving in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray pack and on Blu-ray only. The 4K image\nrestoration is from the original camera negative and it comes with a film\nhistorian commentary and advertising materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Maniac<\/em> (1934) <em>Forbidden Fruit: The Golden Age of\nCinema Vol. 17<\/em> is also appearing on Blu-ray. This is regarded by some as\none of the \u201cworst films ever made\u201d and involves a madman who kills a scientist\nand uses his victim\u2019s lab in order to conduct nasty experiments. Extras include\na film historian commentary, an audio interview with the makers of the movie,\ntrue crime shorts made by the director, the original trailer and a 2024\nre-release preview as well as trailers for more notorious titles from the\nfilmmaker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DVD-One-Two-Three-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30029\" width=\"278\" height=\"172\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A \u201cSpecial Edition\u201d Blu-ray of Billy Wilder\u2019s <em>One, Two,\nThree<\/em> (1961) features James Cagney as a Coca-Cola employee in West Berlin,\nGermany, who is tasked with stopping his boss\u2019s daughter from marrying a\ncommunist. This disc features a film historian commentary, two interviews with\nWilder (who also directed <em>Double Indemnity, Sunset Boulevard, Ace in the\nHole, Some Like It Hot <\/em>and <em>The Apartment<\/em>) and a trailer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Triumph of the Spirit<\/em> (1989) features Willem Dafoe\nand Edward James Olmos and tells the story of a Greek Olympic boxer who was\ntaken by Nazi forces to Auschwitz. He was permitted to live as long as, for the\namusement of his captors, he fought in the ring and won. The disc has a film\ncritic commentary and trailer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kit Parker Films is releasing <em>Charlie Chase at Hal Roach:\nThe Late Silents<\/em> (1927) on Blu-ray. It contains 15 silent comedies that\nwere hugely popular upon their release and considered some of the best works of\nthe era. Most have never been seen since their original release. Special\nfeatures include three bonus shorts and a photo gallery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also pick up a Blu-ray and DVD combo pack of the\nclassic <em>A Christmas Carol<\/em> (1951) featuring Alastair Sim. The picture has\nbeen digitally restored from a high-definition master from the 35mm negative\nand fine grain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DVD-Gladiator-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30030\" width=\"328\" height=\"208\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just in time for the release of the sequel next week,\nParamount Pictures is delivering a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook of the\nOscar-winning film<em>, Gladiator<\/em> (2000). It looks like a rerelease of the\n2020 Steelbook which contains two cuts of the film with commentaries and all\nbonuses from the earlier edition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Planes, Trains &amp; Automobiles<\/em> (1987) is being put\nout in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Amazon exclusive Steelbook. This Steve\nMartin\/John Candy comedy classic involves two strangers forced to help each\nother get home in time for Thanksgiving. Again, this is likely identical\nimage-wise to the 2022 release of the movie, only in new packaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie<\/em> (2004) is receiving a\n4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack. It was previously released in Steelbook\npackaging in July, but this is a normal version in a regular box. The discs\nthemselves are completely identical<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those who enjoy Italian crime pictures can now purchase <em>The\nBoss<\/em> (1973) with Henry Silva on Blu-ray from Raro Video. This disc contains\na 4K image restoration from the original camera negative, a film historian\ncommentary, an archival documentary on the roots of the mafia, and trailers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DVD-City-of-the-Dead-cellar-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30031\" width=\"306\" height=\"175\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you read this site, then you\u2019re already aware that Severin Films is a phenomenal distributor who gives smaller and sometimes obscure genre films incredible treatment as they transfer them to disc with tons of bonuses. This week sees the release of the box set <em>All the Haunts Be Ours: A Compendium of Folk Horror Volume 2<\/em>, which contains 24 international horror films made over the last 70 years or so, with over 55 hours of extras. You\u2019ll receive stellar versions of <em>To Fire You Come at Last, Psychomania<\/em> aka <em>The Death Wheelers<\/em>, <em>The Enchanted, Who Fears the Devil, The White Reindeer, Edge of the Knife, Born of Fire, Io Island, Scales, Bakeneko: A Vengeful Spirit, Nang Nak, Sundelbolong, Suzzanna: The Queen of Black Magic, Beauty and the Beast. The Ninth Heart, Demon, November, Litan, Blood Tea and Red String, Nazareno Cruz and the Wolf, Akelarre, From the Old Earth, The City of the Dead<\/em> and <em>The Rites of May<\/em>. There\u2019s too much here to go into, but I can vouch for the enjoyable crazy <em>Psychomania<\/em> (1973) and <em>The City of the Dead<\/em> (1960) with Christopher Lee (pictured to the left). And I\u2019m sure most of the others are winners too. A bonus CD is also included<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shout! Factory is presenting a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray\n\u201cCollector\u2019s Edition\u201d combo of the Oliver Stone Vietnam war film and Ron Kovic\nbiopic, <em>Born on the Fourth of July<\/em> (1989). The set contains a 4K\nrestoration from the original camera-negative, supervised and approved by\ndirector Stone, as well as a film historian commentary track and an archive\ncommentary from Stone. It also includes new interviews with Stone, the make-up\neffects artist and an associate producer on the title. Press materials can also\nbe found on the release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DVD-Erotic-Ghost-Story-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30035\" width=\"316\" height=\"193\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Golden Harvest Volume 1: Supernatural Shockers<\/em> is a\nBlu-ray box set contains the steamy Hong Hong features <em>Sex and Zen<\/em>\n(1991), <em>Erotic Ghost Story<\/em> (1990), <em>Erotic Ghost Story II<\/em> (1991), <em>Erotic\nGhost Story III<\/em> (1992), <em>Doctor Vampire<\/em> (1990) and <em>Robotrix<\/em>\n(1991). A few of the titles feature multiple cuts. And there are tons of new\nmovie expert commentaries, cast and crew interviews and promo materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And, the distributor is re-releasing the family animated\ntitle <em>The Last Unicorn<\/em> (1982) \u201cLimited Edition\u201d 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray\nSteelbook. Contents are exactly the same as the previous edition from a few\nmonths back, only in new packaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The unrated, gory post-apocalyptic animated film <em>Infinite\nSanta<\/em> (2013) is arriving on Blu-ray from Synapse Films. In this tale, Santa\nhas become a warrior in the wasteland, fighting mutants to rescue Mrs. Claus.\nThis director\u2019s cut of the film contains a creator commentary, the complete\n13-part original web series, cast and crew featurettes, promo trailers and\nmusic videos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cinemastance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/DVD-Sugarland-Express-car-fixed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30033\" width=\"333\" height=\"207\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Universal is giving <em>The Sugarland Express<\/em> (1974) a 4K\nUltra HD and Blu-ray combo release. This is the first official movie from\nacclaimed director Steven Spielberg (it was a follow-up to the TV-movie <em>Duel<\/em>)\nand features Goldie Hawn and William Atherton. Hawn plays a mom who breaks her\nhusband out of prison and attempts to save her son from adoption. Besides the\nimproved picture quality, it comes with a bonus feature called <em>From Vault to\nScreen: The Art of Restoring Universal Cinematic Legacy<\/em>, which one assumes\nfocuses on the picture transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, Warner Archive is presenting <em>The Complete Thin\nMan Collection<\/em> on Blu-ray. The six-disc set includes the William\nPowell\/Myrna Loy mystery\/comedy features <em>The Thin Man<\/em> (1934), <em>After\nthe Thin Man<\/em> (1936), <em>Another Thin Man<\/em> (1939), <em>Shadow of the Thin\nMan<\/em> (1941), <em>The Thin Man Goes Home<\/em> (1944) and <em>Song of the Thin\nMan<\/em> (1947).<\/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\">All of this edition\u2019s kid-friendly titles can be found\nbelow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The Last Unicorn<\/em> (1982) (Shout! Factory) \u201cLimited\nEdition\u201d 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>PBS KIDS: Barnyard Buddies DVD<\/em> (PBS Kids) DVD<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie<\/em> (2004) (Paramount\nPictures) \u201cStandard\u201d 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray<\/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 the week\u2019s TV-themed titles are listed here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Criminal Minds: Evolution<\/em>: Season 17 (CBS) DVD<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The King of Queens<\/em>: The Complete Series (Mill Creek\nEntertainment) Blu-ray<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>PBS KIDS: Barnyard Buddies<\/em> DVD (PBS Kids) DVD<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Sea Change: The Gulf of Maine \u2013 A NOVA Special\nPresentation<\/em> (PBS) DVD<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Star Trek: Prodigy<\/em> \u2013 Season 2 (Paramount) Blu-ray<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles<\/em>: Season 1\n(Paramount) Blu-ray<\/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=\"Elvira Mistress of the Dark Original Trailer (James Signorelli, 1988)\" width=\"1290\" height=\"726\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/AZdrAqH78l8?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=\"The Invasion - Original Theatrical Trailer\" width=\"1290\" height=\"726\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-TrCrxKimoY?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=\"Heavenly Bodies (1984) Official Trailer\" width=\"1290\" height=\"726\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RQYhLpo-DtU?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=\"AFS PRESENTS: THE SUGARLAND EXPRESS\" width=\"1290\" height=\"726\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dXaOWO_f8Nw?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 to another look at some of the highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. This edition is a bit slower than the previous one, but there is a notable independent and a few curious titles arriving for adventurous viewers. So, if you can\u2019t make it out to the movies this week or [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":30015,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-30011","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\/30011","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=30011"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cinemastance.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30011\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cinemastance.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=30011"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cinemastance.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=30011"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cinemastance.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=30011"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}