Welcome to the latest look at highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray DVD. The previous update was jam-packed, and as a result this one isn’t as busy. However, there is a notable theatrical release, a few independents, and plenty of classics being upgraded. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
BIG NEW RELEASES!
BARRON’S COVE – When his son is found dead, a distraught father is interviewed by police. During the interview, the officers mention two boys who were seen with the youngster that may have had something to do with his death. Furious, the dad kidnaps one of the youths, takes the kid to a remote location, and begins to grill him for answers. As the police conduct a manhunt, a local politician tries to manipulate events to his personal advantage. This independent thriller earned slightly more positive notices than negative ones. Almost half thought the movie wasted an excellent concept and only delivered a formulaic and over-the-top melodrama. The same number and a few more called the movie compelling, finding the characters well-developed and the performances strong. This is a DVD-only release. Garrett Hedlund, Hamish Linklater, Brittany Snow, Stephen Lang, Tramell Tillman and Christian Convery headline the film.
FRIENDSHIP – A socially awkward executive and suburban husband is encouraged by his wife to introduce himself to a new neighbor. He’s immediately taken by the figure, a charming TV weatherman with a wild streak. The lead pursues a friendship with disturbing intensity. His actions eventually turn everyone against him, and the man’s attempts to repair the damage result in even more uncomfortable and extreme behavior. This dark comedy was well-received by the press. A small number had trouble relating to the protagonist and were not entertained by the story’s cringe-inducing interactions. Everyone else was impressed with the work of the cast. They called the feature unsettling enough to both keep them engaged and wondering how far things would go. Additionally, they commented that the screenplay effectively poked fun at our obsession with being liked by others. This film stars Tim Robinson, Paul Rudd, Kate Mara, Jack Dylan Grazer and Meredith Garretson. Read a full review of the movie here.
MEETING WITH POL POT – This foreign-language international production is partially based on true events. It is set in 1978 and follows three French journalists who are invited by the Khmer Rouge to visit Cambodia and interview leader Pol Pot. When they arrive, the area looks ideal, but the longer they spend there, the more they see the government as a brutal regime committing large scale genocide against its people. The journalists begin to fear for their lives. Response from critics was very good, and the country of Cambodia entered it for consideration as Best International Film at last year’s Academy Awards (it didn’t end up making the final nominees). One or two noted that the director is primarily known for his documentary work, and that this narrative take wasn’t as powerful. Still, the majority called the film effective and an honest depiction of an extremist regime and their horrific acts. They also wrote that it incorporated real footage in a powerful manner. For the time being, this is a DVD-only release. The cast includes Irène Jacob, Grégoire Colin, Cyril Gueï and Bun-Hok Lim.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH – A young man suffering from psychological disorders believes that he has witnessed a kidnapping. He reports the events to police, but they don’t believe him. The frustrated individual returns home and remembers that his ill-tempered neighbor used to be an officer. After asking for assistance, the cranky figure, who is actually a retired security guard, reluctantly agrees and the two attempt to solve the mystery. Response to the final product was more positive than negative. Almost one-third of reviewers complained that, while well-intentioned, the film did not present mental illness in a believable or sensitive way, using it as a plot device for a run-of-the-mill crime story. Still, more stated that they appreciated the sharp dialogue and interplay between the two protagonists, calling the film low-key but intriguing. For now, this is a DVD-only release. It features Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Jack Quaid, Malin Akerman, Jonathan Fuller and Cecile Cubilo.
RENT FREE – Two best friends living in Austin, Texas hit rock bottom. With no money, girlfriends or any future prospects, the young pals work together and concoct a scheme that will help them spend an entire year living “rent free” until they can get back on their feet. This scam involves manipulating family, friends and strangers. It starts off effectively, but the pair eventually come to see that the plan may have negative side effects. This independent comedy fared very well at film festivals and earned a lot of praise from those who saw it. They stated that the coming-of story was witty, had believable characters, and delivered some unpredictable twists. Additionally, they were impressed by its sweetness and overall message. This title is only available on DVD for the time being. Jacob Roberts, David Treviño, Molly Edelman and Zeke Goodman headline the film.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
If you’re looking to watch something a bit older, you’ll find some great options. Criterion is presenting The Burmese Harp (1956) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray pack, along with a standalone Blu-ray. This is a Japanese film set at the close of World War II. After the country surrenders to the British in Burma, a Japanese soldier is sent to tell a trapped battalion to give themselves up. Unfortunately, the unit refuses to comply and the lead must concoct an elaborate plan to make them obey. It involves disguising himself as a Buddhist monk. The movie is noted for its stunning cinematography and unique approach to dealing with the end of the war. This film has been given a 4K digital restoration, interviews with director Kon Ichikawa and actor Rentaro Mikuni, as well as a trailer and an essay on the feature.
Fires on the Plain (1959) is another title from the same director that is arriving as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo and a Blu-ray only release. This effort is set during World War II and follows a Japanese private lost in the Philippines, suffering from tuberculosis and descending into psychological and physical horrors while he tries to find assistance. The film has been given a new 4K digital restoration for this release and arrives with an introduction from a Japanese film scholar, a program featuring interviews with director Kon Ichikawa and actor Mickey Curtis, as well as an essay on the title.
Film Masters is releasing a Blu-ray of the drama, Class of ’74 (1972). This tale follows four young college students trying to cram in as much life experience as they can during their studies. They all get involved in various romantic relationships and share their experiences with each other as they navigate their futures. This “Limited Edition” arrives with a film historian commentary and liner notes.
IFC Films enjoyed a great deal of success recently with the horror film, Late Night with the Devil (2023). Set in the 1970s, it’s about a talk show host who must deal with a guest who may be possessed. The feature is now coming out as a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook. Besides bonuses from previous editions, the release comes with a Night Owl’s logo air freshener, an autographed photo of Jack Delory, and a “Conversations with the Devil” bookmark.
Kino Lorber is presenting the Sam Peckinpah film Convoy (1978) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set. Kris Kristofferson plays a trucker who leads others on a mission to take down a nasty sheriff who has wronged another driver. It’s a bonkers movie, but does include some very dangerous-looking truck-related stunts and driving scenes. Ali MacGraw, Ernest Borgnine and Burt Young also appear in the movie. The release boasts a 4K restoration from the original camera negative presented in Dolby Vision, a new film critic commentary, an archival commentary with Sam Peckinpah historians, and a second track with a scholar about the director. There is also a 74-minute documentary about the movie that was made in 2013, video essays, three lost scenes, several featurettes on the production, a ton of promotional materials like hundreds of stills and trailers, radio spots and a TV commercial.
Paramount Pictures is putting out a title that will be noteworthy to anyone who grew up in the 1980s. The movie is Better Off Dead (1985) and it is arriving in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook. This comedy stars a teenage John Cusack as a high schooler whose girlfriend breaks up with him and begins dating a jock. The lead contemplates various ways of killing himself, only for his plans to go consistently wrong. It’s a unique comedy with plenty of over-the-top and outrageous humor. Much of the film works better than you might expect. One of the most entertaining running gags involves the local paperboy, a threatening kid who is determined to collect $2 dollars from the lead’s family. There aren’t any notes on this release as far as bonuses go, but at least you can now pick the film up again with improved picture quality.
You can also purchase a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo of the classic, Sunset Boulevard (1950). The incomparable Billy Wilder (Double Indemnity, Ace in the Hole, Sabrina, Witness for the Prosecution, Some Like It Hot, The Apartment) directed this picture about a cash-strapped screenwriter who is contacted by a silent Hollywood film star. He goes to her mansion and accepts a job as a script doctor on what she believes will be her comeback film. The protagonist endures all kinds of strangeness and even danger in the process. The film stars William Holden and Gloria Swanson and was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and won for Best Screenplay, Art Direction and Score. This 75th anniversary release marks the film’s 4K Ultra HD debut. It has been newly restored from the best possible elements (the best-looking dupe negative in existence, as the original negative has been permanently lost). In addition to a generally sharper image, jump cuts from the previous restoration have been repaired and the sound has been significantly cleaned up.
Shout Factory is delivering the Shaw Brothers Classics: Volume 7 Blu-ray box set. It includes The Imperial Tomb Raiders (1973), The Shadow Boxer (1974), Legend of the Bat (1978), The Spiritual Boxer (1975), Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre (1978), Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre 2 (1978), Shaolin Handlock (1978), Swordsman and Enchantress (1978), The Proud Twins (1979), A Deadly Secret (1980) and Heroes Shed No Tears (1984). The set states that you’ll also get new film historian commentaries on all the titles, as well as interviews, and promotional materials for the features.
Those who enjoy Japanese animated films can now pick up Wolf Children (2012) as an Amazon exclusive 4K Ultra HD Amazon Steelbook (a regular Blu-ray is also available for purchase). It follows a woman who falls in love and has children with a wolf man. In addition to the film presented in the highest possible quality, you’ll also get a making-of featurette and trailers.
Finally, the online retailer Terror Vision is making a pair of low-budget genre films available on Blu-ray exclusively through their website. You can purchase The Devil’s Sword (1984) and The Children of Violent Rome (1976). Check them out to find more information on extras.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Not much for little tykes this week, but the next edition should offer something new for youngsters.
ON THE TUBE!
Below is a list of the latest TV-related releases.
1923: Season 2 (Paramount Pictures) Blu-ray
Hallmark 6-Movie Collection: The Magic of Lemon Drops, Love Strikes Twice, My Dreams of You, Timeless Love, An American in Austen, The Birthday Wish (Hallmark) DVD
Mayberry Man – The Series: Season 1 (BMG) DVD