Welcome to another look at highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. This edition is jam-packed with notable new releases and upgrades of classic titles. Any reader will certainly find something of interest below. 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!
THE ALTO KNIGHTS – Based on a true story, this crime biopic is set in 1950s New York and follows the exploits of mob boss Frank Costello and his subordinate, Vito Genovese. When Genovese plots to assassinate Costello, the aging leader of the organization decides to retire and turn his gang over to the ambitious underling. But the paranoid Genovese believes his employer is playing a trick, and brutal violence ultimately erupts. More members of the press were negative about this picture than positive. Almost half were impressed by the lead actor’s dual performances as both Costello and Genovese, and thought it was an effective gangster movie with impressive cinematography. Alas, slightly more found the double-role concept gimmicky and the storytelling derivative, stating that you’d be better off watching earlier, stronger pictures with the film’s star. The cast includes Robert De Niro, Debra Messing, Cosmo Jarvis and Kathrine Narducci.
BEING MARIA – Here’s a biopic that tells the story of actress Maria Schnieder and her experiences working on Last Tango in Paris, an early 1970s erotic drama from famed director Bernardo Bertolucci. It begins with the 19-year-old woman landing a leading role in the movie opposite superstar Marlon Brando. The shoot begins well, but takes a turn while shooting a very explicit sex scene. When the film is released, it generates huge controversy and scrutiny, and the young performer struggles to deal with the attention. This French feature earned slightly more recommendations than pans. Close to half complained that while the film was earnest, it lacked depth and nuance, losing its momentum and focus as it progressed. Slightly more thought the story was important and that the cast were compelling enough to keep them watching. It stars Anamaria Vartolomei, Céleste Brunnquell, Giuseppe Maggio, Yvan Attal and Matt Dillon.
BOTTOMS – This independent comedy (produced by Elizabeth Banks) involves two lesbian high school seniors. The pair accidentally get into an altercation with a senior football player and are suddenly branded as violent delinquents. Hoping to lose their virginity before graduation, the protagonists use the rumors to start a fight club, all in the hopes of hooking up with cheerleaders and popular female students. This picture was released to positive notices on streaming platforms in late 2023, and now is arriving on disc. A small number of critics commented that while the movie was attempting to celebrate feminism, it seemed to present contradictory messages and missed the mark with many jokes. However, everyone else called the film hilariously silly and subversive. They were also pleased to see a LGBTQ comedy with politically incorrect, gross-out humor. Rachel Sennott, Ayo Edebiri, Ruby Cruz, Havana Rose Liu, Kaia Gerber and Nicholas Galitzine.
THE COLORS WITHIN – A lonely high school student with Synesthesia sees her fellow students and others in her life exuding various colors. After being impressed by the vibrant hues of another female student, she follows the individual, hoping to be friends with her. They eventually meet outside of class and form a secret band with another male outcast. The three compose music and try to help each other deal with family conflict. This Japanese animated feature has garnered a number of good reviews. A handful of reviewers found the story slow-moving and didn’t think there was enough drama to maintain their interest. But the majority found the movie to be a low-key and sweet coming-of-age tale with a number of catchy tunes. This Blu-ray contains both an English-language and Japanese-language version (with English subtitles).
THE DAY THE EARTH BLEW UP: A LOONEY TUNES MOVIE – Using 1950s science-fiction B-movies as inspiration, this feature-length animated title from Looney Tunes finds Daffy Duck and Porky Pig trying to run a successful farm. Facing eviction after a home inspection goes horribly wrong, the pair learn that a UFO has crashed nearby. Even worse, an alien substance from the ship has made its way into a local gum factory. Everyone who chews the gum turns into a zombie, and the protagonists are forced to save the planet. This picture was completed by Warner Bros. back in 2023, but corporate restructuring resulted in it being shelved. Another distributor picked up the theatrical and disc release rights. Write-ups were upbeat for this title. A small contingent couldn’t help but compare the film to the classic cartoons and found this effort lacking the same classic zip and energy. Still, all others were very amused, stating that this was a well-produced and charming feature with plenty of sharp jokes and references that would keep viewers in stitches. The voice cast includes Eric Bauza, Candi Milo and Peter MacNico.
MAGAZINE DREAMS – Here is another film that has suffered distribution woes. The plot follows a psychologically disturbed grocery store employee who becomes obsessed with bodybuilding. Determined to compete professionally, he begins abusing steroids. It isn’t long before the drugs begin to cause many side-effects, including periods of depression and rage. The lead’s mental state spirals and he begins acting out violently. This picture was initially picked up for distribution by Fox Searchlight, and was considered a 2023 awards contender. This was until the film’s star became embroiled in a scandal. A new distributor has finally picked up the picture and is putting it out as a DVD-only release. The majority of reviewers who saw the film rated it highly. About one-fifth of them stated that the lead character was difficult to relate to and that it was tough to endure his downward journey. However, the majority were impressed with the lead performance and called the film an incredible, and painful to watch, character study of mental illness. The film stars Jonahtan Majors, Haley Bennett, Taylour Paige and Mike O’Hearn.
OCTOBER 8 – This documentary is concerned with the rise of anti-Semitism after the events of October 7th, 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel. The filmmaker goes to college campuses and notes voices and opinions on the street and in social media, interviewing various individuals and getting their feedback on the conflict. More critics liked the movie than disliked it, but there were a range of opinions. Almost one-third stated that the film did have a few reasonable arguments, but warned that it also promoted debunked and baseless conspiracy theories. They felt that it was attempting to spread panic on the part of viewers. Most of those who gave the feature a pass did admit that some of its tangents were ineffective, but still called the movie relevant, at the very least providing a picture of current tensions in the world.
THE PROSECUTOR – Based on an actual 2016 drug trafficking case, this Hong Kong crime picture involves a police officer who becomes disillusioned with his job. He decides to become a lawyer instead. Years later as a public prosecutor, the lead takes on a trial involving drug smuggling. After looking into details involving the crime, he believes that the accused is taking the fall for the real villain, who happens to be a high-profile figure in his line of work. The picture stars and was directed by Donnie Yen, and it was well-received by the press. One or two didn’t think the mix of action and courtroom drama worked well, calling it poorly paced with an inconsistent tone. But the consensus was that while the plot was predictable, the lead was as charismatic as ever and that the fight scenes were well-choreographed and exciting. The movie is available either on 4K Ultra HD or Blu-ray. Besides Yen, it features Julian Cheung, Francis Ng, MC Cheung Tin-fu and Kent Cheng.
QUEER – A gay American expat living in Mexico City spends his free time in bars with other expats. He meets a young GI from the US and the two become friendly, eventually developing a close relationship. The protagonist reveals many personal details, including his drug addiction. However, his lover keeps him at a distance. They eventually go on a trip together to the jungle and try to define their complicated connection. This drama, based on a novella by William S. Burroughs, received more positive write-ups than negative ones. Those who disliked the film stated that the performances were excellent, but that the story was muddled and the situations presented lacked emotional truth. Still, three-quarters were impressed with the movie’s level of intimacy and thought it was a bold and trippy look into loneliness and heartbreak. Daniel Craig, Drew Starkey, Jason Schwartzman, Lesley Manville and Henrique Zaga headline the picture.
RULE BREAKERS – In Taliban-run Afghanistan, a woman decides to learn as much as she can about computers and writing code. Despite receiving threats for her aspirations, she accomplishes her goal and then decides to take things a step further. The lead recruits a large group of girls and women, helping teach them everything she knows. Inspired, the entire group ends up entering an international robotics competition, making waves and impressing all in attendance. This film is based on a true story and most critics enjoyed it. A small contingent stated that the storytelling was bland, generic, and even a bit jingoistic, suggesting that while it was based on truth, it failed to deliver believable drama. Yet most wrote that the film was well-intentioned, featured a strong cast and kept viewers engrossed. They believed it would likely inspire and impress those who give it a chance. It features Nikohl Boosheri, Ali Fazal and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
STEPPENWOLF – Set in Kazakhstan, this Russian-language thriller follows a desperate mother searching for her missing son during a brutal civil war. When she learns her child has been taken by organ-traffickers, she hires an ex-detective to do whatever he has to help her accomplish her goal. The employee ruthlessly captures and tortures suspects until they find they find those responsible for the kidnapping. The press gave this effort good marks. Those who disliked the film called it unpleasant in the extreme, commenting that the filmmaker went to any length to shock and disturb viewers. Still, most admired what they saw, calling the movie visually striking. They appreciated it as a very violent neo-western with a grim but darkly amusing tone that also delivered some social commentary along the way. The cast includes Berik Aytzhanov and Anna Starchenko.
WILLIAM TELL – This English-language, multi-national European co-production is set in 1307 and tells the story of the mythic title character (apparently, there is no evidence that a real William Tell actually existed). This Swiss figure finds his country in danger when Austrian forces invade and begin causing havoc. Tell decides to rise up against the heavily-armed enemy and leads his own group of soldiers to fight back. The final results split reviewers, although slightly more recommended the film than suggested passing on it. Nearly half described the picture as over-the-top and silly, with an overly serious tone that made the drama seem ridiculous. The same number and a few more were forgiving, stating that the movie was a throwback to old-school epics and that it did deliver impressive battle scenes that would entertain. Claes Bang, Tobias Jowett, Connor Swindels, Ellie Bamber, Jonah Hauer-King, Emily Beecham, Rafe Spall and Ben Kingsley heading the film.
THE WOMAN IN THE YARD – A widow and her family try to adjust to life on a country farm at the beginning of this horror film. But it turns out to be a tough transition, especially when a woman cloaked in black appears out of the blue in their yard. The protagonist confronts the figure, only to realize that the mysterious individual may be of supernatural origin. She attempts to protect her family as the foe threatens them, moving closer and closer to their door. Alas, write-ups were not particularly positive for the title. Almost half complimented the atmosphere and noted that the film was simple but effective in introducing its threat and delivering some jolts. Regardless, the majority suggested that the premise wasn’t enough to sustain a feature movie and that the end result felt slow and padded out, closer to a TV-movie than a cinematic feature. It stars Danielle Deadwyler, Okwu Okpokwasili, Peyton Jackson and Estella Kahiha.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
The edition also contains numerous older features receiving high-definition upgrades, so let’s get through them as efficiently as possible. 88 Films is releasing a Blu-ray of Gate of Flesh (1988) aka Carmen 1945 aka Nikutai no Mon, a crime drama from Japan. Set just after the end of World War II when the country was under US occupation, a group of women are forced to resort to prostitution to survive and endure corruption. This is the film’s first release outside of Japan and it comes with a film historian introduction, a movie expert commentary, an interview with a Toei tattoo artist, promo materials, a booklet and original and newly commissioned box art.
The Sword and the Claw (1975) aka Kiliç Aslanis a wild and over-the-top action picture from Turkey that AGFA released on Blu-ray many years ago. After a boy is orphaned by a nasty king, is raised by lions, and returns to take revenge as an adult while brandishing metallic claw gloves. The original disc release went out-of-print, but is now being reissued for those who missed it the first time around. This edition includes all the same features, plus the bonus South Korean martial arts title The Brawl Busters (1978).
Cinematograph is presenting the Oscar-nominated sports drama Bang the Drum Slowly (1973) in a “Standard Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack. It stars Michael Moriarty and Robert De Niro as two baseball players whose relationship changes when one contracts a terminal illness. The 4K picture restoration was taken from the original camera negative and the set includes a director commentary, a film historian commentary, a video interview with the filmmaker and a video essay on the movie.
The distributor is also putting out a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray of Child’s Play (1972), which is a well-regarded suspense picture from Sydney Lumet (12 Angry Men, Fail Safe, Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon, Network). Set at an all-boys school, an old student arrives on campus as a new teacher and gets in the middle of a feud between two of his old instructors, eventually discovering horrible things have been occurring there for years. It stars Beau Bridges, Robert Preston and James Mason. The disc boasts a 2K image restoration from the original camera negative, a film historian commentary, a documentary short on Lumet, another documentary chronicling the first half of the filmmaker’s career, a 42-minute interview with Lumet and Charlie Rose, and a discussion with the production designer.
Criterion is making Killer of Sheep (1978) available as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo (a standalone Blu-ray is also available). This is an independent feature from writer/director Charles Burnett (To Sleep with Anger, The Annihilation of Fish) set in Los Angeles about the everyday struggles of a Watts-area slaughterhouse worker. The 4K restoration of the film was approved by the director, and the disc comes with a Burnett commentary, new interviews with the moviemaker and star Henry Gayle Sanders. You’ll also get an appreciation of the movie by Barry Jenkins (Moonlight), two short films by Burnett, a 2019 documentary on Burnett, a 2007 cast reunion and a trailer. There is also an essay on the title included in the set.
If adventure movies are to your liking, you can now pick up The Three Musketeers (1973) and The Four Musketeers (1974) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set or as a Blu-ray only release. This is a two-part adaptation of the famous Alexandre Dumas story from Richard Lester (A Hard Day’s Night, Help!, Juggernaut, Superman II, Superman III). It boasts a star-studded cast that includes Michael York, Oliver Reed, Frank Finlay, Richard Chamberlain, Raquel Welch, Faye Dunaway, Geraldine Chaplin, and Charlton Heston. The press notes that the features have been given 4K restorations and that the release arrives with a documentary on the films, a 2002 two-part documentary featuring interviews with cast and crew, a making of The Three Musketeers” with behind-the-scenes footage and a trailer.
Cult Epics is making the European drama One People (1976) aka Wan Pipel available for purchase on Blu-ray. It follows a Surinam studying in Amsterdam who runs afoul of his conservative community back home. For its Blu-ray debut, you will get a 2K image restoration, a film historian commentary, a 2020 introduction to the movie from the director, a 1976 making-of, a recent interview with the female lead, a bonus short, a photo gallery, trailers, a double-sided sleeve with original poster art and new art for the film.
What We Left Unfinished (2019) is an interesting documentary receiving a Blu-ray release from Dekanalog. It tells the story of five unfinished narrative features made in Afghanistan between 1978 and 1991 that were shut down by the government after the completion of principal photography. Viewers learn of the dangers the moviemakers experienced trying to complete and release their work. This disc includes a director introduction, an extended talk with one of the subjects, a Q&A with the filmmaker, a discussion with the composer, a short film, and trailers.
Lupin the 3rd: The Live-Action Movie (2014) is exactly that, a live-action adaptation of the famous Japanese manga series. Discotek Media is presenting the Blu-ray.
If you’re curious about the new release Being Maria, you can also pick-up the actual Last Tango in Paris (1972) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray “Standard Edition” combo pack from Disturbpix. It stars Malon Brando and Maria Schneider and details a passionate affair between two strangers. The set promises a 4K Ultra HD restoration in Dolby Vision, an interview with the editor, an archival interview with director Bernardo Bertolucci (The Conformist, The Last Emperor), two interviews with collaborators of the filmmaker, and a featurette on the film’s locations.
Terror in the Fog: Wallace Krimi at CCC is a Blu-ray set containing West German crime films adapted from British writer Edgar Wallace. Specifically, titles in this release include The Curse of the Yellow Snake (1963), The Strangler at Blackmoor Castle (1963), The Mad Executioners (1963), The Phantom of Soho (1964), The Monster of London City (1964) and The Racetrack Murders (1964). With the exception of The Phantom of Soho (which is in standard definition), all films have been given 2K restorations. A 60-page book on the films, introductions to the films, movie historian commentaries, a visual essay on these title’s influence on genre pictures, and other interviews are all listed as bonus features on the release.
The documentary Louder Than You Think (2023) is arriving on Blu-ray from Factory 25. It details the career of Pavement drummer Gary Young and comes with deleted scenes, a behind-the-scenes featurette and a 32-page booklet.
Artie Shaw: Time is All You’ve Got (1985) is a documentary arriving on Blu-ray from Film Movement. It tells the story of the title figure, a famous bandleader and clarinetist from the 1930s and 1940s. The film has been restored in 4K for this release and comes with a director commentary.
The distributor is also putting out the German period drama The Marquise of O (1976) on Blu-ray. The film stars Bruno Ganz and the disc includes essays on the film by critics, and archival interviews with the lead actor, as well as the film’s director.
Playground (2021) is an award-winning Belgian drama about a girl who witnesses her brother being bullied at school and ends up struggling with how to proceed when her sibling begs her not to get involved. The picture was shortlisted for Best International Film at the Academy Awards (it didn’t end up receiving a nomination). This Blu-ray contains a bonus short and an essay on the movie.
Icarus Films is presenting a double-feature Blu-ray containing The Human Pyramid (1961) and The Punishment (1962). These two French features are cinema vérité documentaries about youngsters trying to find their place in Paris.
The French/American co-production Love Crime (2010) is appearing on Blu-ray from IFC Films. This effort stars Ludivine Sagnier and Kristin Scott Thomas and follows an increasingly unusual and antagonistic relationship between an executive and her protégé. The disc features a film critic commentary track, an essay on the feature, and a booklet with more writing on the movie.
It’s another busy week for Kino-Lorber. One option is the Blu-ray box set Audie Murphy Collection IV which contains The Kid from Texas (195), The Cimarron Kid (1952) and Drums Across the River (1954). These three westerns contain movie expert commentary tracks and trailers.
I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead (2003) is a revenge film from Mike Hodges (Get Carter, The Terminal Man, Flash Gordon, Black Rainbow, Croupier) about an ex-gangster investigating the death of his brother. The cast includes Clive Owen, Malcolm McDowell and Charlotte Rampling. It’s arriving on Blu-ray with a new 4K master from the original camera negative, a director commentary, deleted scenes with optional director commentary, a featurette with Hodges and a trailer.
If you appreciate comedies from the Farrelly Brothers (There’s Something About Mary, Dumb and Dumber), Kingpin (1996) is an outrageous feature from the pair that is now arriving in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack. The plot deals with an Amish bowler and his one-armed manager trying to win a professional championship. It stars Woody Harrelson, Randy Quaid, Billy Murray, Vanessa Angel and Chris Elliott. Specs on the disc include a 4K restoration of the theatrical cut from the original negative, a 4K restoration of the extended cut, a film historian commentary, a Farrelly Brothers commentary on the extended version, a featurette on the movie and a trailer.
The Magnificent Seven Deadly Sins (1971) is a British satire arriving from Kino on Blu-ray. This disc includes an interview with a cast member, a discussion with the cinematographer, and a trailer.
Here’s a real blast from the past. The adventure comedy Nate and Hayes (1983) aka Savage Island is debuting this week on Blu-ray. If you grew up in the early 1980s, this Paramount Pictures release was a box office flop, but ended up being something of a VHS staple. It seemed like everybody rented it regularly, my family included, 1984. Then, it appeared to once again fall into obscurity. I know that I watched it a number of times, but haven’t seen it since and can’t remember how effective it was.
Set in the South Pacific (and produced in New Zealand), the movie follows a pirate and a missionary pursuing the same woman. They eventually join forces to free her from a kidnapper. The film starred Tommy Lee Jones, Michael O’Keefe and Jenny Seagrove. It was also co-written by John Hughes (The Breakfast Club, Home Alone, Uncle Buck). A new HD master of the title has been taken from a 4K scan of the original camera negative and the disc features two film historian commentaries.
The sequel Wayne’s World 2 (1993) is also arriving in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack. In this follow-up to the 1992 comedy smash, Wayne and Garth try to organize a rock festival. The movie has been given a 4K restoration from the original camera negative and is presented in Dolby Vision. It comes with a director commentary, a featurette on the production, TV spots and a trailer.
A director’s cut of the independent film A Better Place (1997) is being released on Blu-ray from MVD Visual. Kevin Smith served as an executive producer on this title about a teenage outcast turning violent. The disc presents a 2K Restoration of a 3K scan of the OCN & first generation print elements, presented in its director-intended 1.50:1 aspect ratio. It comes with an intro from the writer/director, an archival commentary with the filmmaker and cast, a 2001 version of the film in standard definition, an old intro from Smith, a “goof” commentary, deleted scenes, outtakes and bloopers, and a trailer.
Bone Sickness (2004) is a shot-on-video independent zombie movie that is appearing on Blu-ray from Saturn’s Core Audio & Video. It comes with new and archival commentaries, a different cut of the film, new and old featurettes on the production, behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the filmmaker, outtakes and much, much more.
Severin always puts out quality products packed to the gills with bonuses and this week is no exception. Entertaining Mr. Sloane (1970) is a dark comedy about a disturbing love triangle and murder in a British home. The film has been scanned in 2K from the original camera negative and comes with more than four hours of new and archival special features. This includes a film historian commentary, archival interview and much, much more.
Hell of the Living Dead (1980) is a nutty Italian zombie picture from Bruno Mattei (Rats: Night of Terror, Cruel Jaws) and Claudio Fragasso (Troll 2) about a chemical leak that unleashes hordes of zombies in New Guinea. It’s not a good movie, but will deliver a few laughs for horror fans in the right frame of mind. The film can be purchased either on 4K Ultra HD or separately on Blu-ray. Besides a 4K restoration of the movie from the original camera negative, it comes with a ton of cast and crew interviews, as well as a tour of locations used in the movie, an interview with a soundtrack contributor, and a trailer.
House of Psychotic Women Rarities Collection Volume 2 is a Blu-ray set containing international genre films featuring, as expected, maniacal female killers. You’ll get The Savage Eye (1960), The Glass Ceiling (1971), Morgiana (1972) and Butterfly Kiss (1995). All the titles have been given either 2K or 4K restorations from the original camera negatives and the set boasts more than 11 hours of extras, including intros, cast and crew interviews, video essays and publicity materials.
The French chiller In My Skin (2002) is being released in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack and as a standalone Blu-ray. This one is a particularly graphic effort involving a woman who suffers a disfiguring accident and gets into a sadistic/masochistic relationship with her new partner. The 4K master from the original camera negative presents the film clearer than ever before. It comes with a filmmaker commentary, a movie critic commentary, a podcast about the feature, trailers, featurettes and shorts.
If you’re looking for more Italian horror, Rats: Night of Terror (1984) can now be purchased as a 4K Ultra HD “Standard Edition” or as a Blu-ray. This effort from Bruno Mattei (co-directed by an uncredited Claudio Fragasso) is set after an apocalypse and involves survivors fighting hordes of hungry rats. It’s most famous for its memorably ridiculous close. The film has been scanned in 4K from the original camera negative for the first time ever. It also comes with a making-of documentary featuring interviews with the cast and crew. And you’ll get individual discussions with cast and crew members, a retrospective making-of, a trailer, and a music video.
Hooah! Al Pacino fans can now pick up a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray edition of Scent of a Woman (1992) from Shout Factory. Pacino won an Academy Award playing a blind, retired Army Lt. Col man who teaches a prep school student how to live his life over a Thanksgiving holiday. This “Collector’s Edition” contains a 4K restoration of the film from the original camera negative approved by director Martin Brest (Beverly Hills Cop, Midnight Run). Brest also appears in a new retrospective interview. Additionally, there is a recently recorded conversation with the film’s co-editor.
A 4K Ultra-HD and Blu-ray combo pack of Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004) is also available for purchase. Set in the 1930s, this is a science-fiction action/adventure picture about a reporter trying to stop a plot to destroy the world. It is noted for being shot almost entirely on a soundstage with CGI backdrops added in. The picture stars Gweneth Paltrow, Jude Law, Giovanni Ribisi and Angelina Jolie. I don’t remember the movie working particularly well, but it has developed a cult following and is now arriving on disc with all kinds of bells and whistles. Perhaps I need to give it another shot. Those who pick it up will find a 4K transfer of the original camera negative, as well as an audio commentary with the director and crew, a producer commentary, making-of featurettes, the original six-minute short, deleted scenes, a gag reel, trailers and more.
Shudder is rereleasing a couple of titles from their streaming service available on Blu-ray. The first is the zombie film Blood Quantum (2019), which arrives with a new film historian commentary, short and promo material. The second is for a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray of the South African psychological chiller, Good Madam (2021). It comes with a filmmaker commentary, cast and crew interviews, a trailer and more.
Sony Pictures is giving the Oscar-nominated science-fiction drama Starman (1984) a standalone 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook release (it was previously available as part of the Columbia Classics box set). Jeff Bridges and Karen Allen star in this story of an alien who takes on the appearance of a widower’s husband. She attempts to help him avoid capture and find his way home. Apparently, the image quality is vastly improved from previous editions and it comes with loads of extras that can be found on the accompanying Blu-ray. You’ll receive a commentary with star Bridges and director John Carpenter (Halloween, The Thing, Big Trouble in Little China), more than 20 deleted scenes, cast and crew retrospective interviews, behind-the-scenes time lapses, a making-of featurette, a music video, a stills gallery and a trailer.
This has been a big week for Vinegar Syndrome. If you haven’t been to their website for their Halfway to Black Friday Sale, you should check it out, as they announced 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combos of some big titles with tons of bonus features. These are currently exclusives that can only be found on their official site. You can now order The Dark Half (1993), Dirty Work (1998), The Golden Child (1986), Jade (1995) and Let’s Scare Jessica to Death (1971) through the retailer.
Additionally, the slasher Murderock (1984) from Lucio Fulci (Zombie, The Beyond) is available from Vinegar Syndrome in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set at most retailers. This effort involves a killer targeting young students at a dance academy. The movie has been newly restored and scanned in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative and is presented in Dolby Vision. A film historian commentary is included, as well as a ton of cast and crew interviews, an audio discussion with Fulci, a video trailer, a 40-page book with essays on the title, and reversible sleeve artwork.
The Nesting (1981) is also available as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo. It follows a New York-based writer who rents an isolated country mansion in order to work on her latest book project. Unfortunately, she begins seeing disturbing apparitions that may hold clues to solving a tragedy that occurred decades earlier. The 4K scan is from the original camera negative and is presented in Dolby Vision. A film expert commentary is included, along with cast and crew interviews, an audio talk with the co-writer, a featurette including outtakes, promotional material, an alternate jump scare, cuts and trims, as well as unused dallies, and reversible sleeve artwork on the packaging.
Finally, Warner Archive is making Blu-rays available of the Morgan Freeman film Lean on Me (1989), as well as Mystery Street (1950), Rhapsody in Blue (1945), Three Comrades (1938) and the Oscar-winning Marion Cotillard film La Vie en Rose (2007). The latter title is a biopic about French singer Édith Piaf.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Looking for something kid-friendly? Your best bet is below.
The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie (Ketchup) Blu-ray
ON THE TUBE!
You can find a list of this week’s TV-related releases here.
Foyle’s War: The Complete Series (Acorn Media) DVD
Marie Antoinette: Season 2 (PBS) DVD
Masterpiece: Miss Austen (PBS) DVD
Outlander: Season 7 (Sony Pictures) “Collector’s Edition“ Blu-ray or Standard Blu-ray
UnderDeveloped: Season 1 (2022 TV-mockumentary) (ETR Media) Blu-ray
Yellowstone: Season 5 – Part 2 (Paramount) Blu-ray