After a quiet edition, once again, a large number of major titles are arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. There are family features, action pictures, critical hits and notable independent releases all coming your way. It’s a guarantee that something listed below will strike your fancy. 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!
APOCALYPSE DEATH PARTY – Also known as Staycation, this low-budget, independent comedy/horror picture was inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic and introduces a similar global outbreak scenario. It cuts between several different stories. One features a journalist interviewing a virologist about the outbreak, another follows college students dealing with social distancing and changes in their academic routine, and there’s a couple separated between continents trying to maintain their relationship online. This picture made the rounds on the indie festival circuit where it won some awards. There aren’t many reviews from big outlets, but online critics appeared to like the flick. They thought that it was a solid, indie film that, after a slow start, did a good job of engrossing viewers, unsettling them and even satirizing what occurred only a few years ago. For now, this is a DVD-only release. Olivia d’Abo, Kelli Maroney. Laurene Landon and Sean Kenney headline the film.
THE BAD GUYS 2 – This sequel to the 2022 animated family film (based on a series of kid’s books) catches up with its leads, a group of criminal animals who turn good. After the events in the first story, the gang find that the public still doesn’t trust them. They have trouble finding work and, to build up some good will, try to help the police catch a new villainous mastermind. They are framed for a crime they didn’t commit and must prove their innocence. The press rated this effort highly. In fact, the number of recommendations was identical to the number for the first title. A small group found the plot and gags repetitive and became tired of the picture. Yet the vast majority thought it was fun for the whole family. They complimented the movie for having strongly developed characters, witty dialogue and exciting action. The film will be available in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack, a standalone Blu-ray or standalone DVD, as well as a The Bad Guys 2-Movie Collection DVD pack. The voice cast includes Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Awkwafina, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, Zazie Beetz, Danielle Brooks, Natasha Lyonne, Maria Bakalova and Richard Ayoade.
DANGEROUS ANIMALS – Vacationers to the Gold Coast in Australia encounter an unusual figure in this horror film. A boat captain takes customers out into the Pacific for encounters with sharks, lowering them into the depths in a shark cage. That’s already dangerous, but it is soon revealed that the guide happens to be a serial killer. When two visitors are captured, they undergo incredible horrors as they attempt to escape the sailor. This picture is a co-production between Australia and the US, and notices were very strong. A few didn’t think that the story did enough with its concept, describing the situations and jolts as repetitive. Everyone else complimented the performances (particularly the lead villain) and enjoyed the numerous plot twists, stating that this was one of the better genre films involving sharks they had seen in some time. The movie is available as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook (the Blu-ray-only edition doesn’t appear to be available just yet). It stars Hassie Harrison, Jai Courtney, Josh Heuston and Ella Newton.
F1® THE MOVIE – After vanishing from the circuit 30 years early, an ex-Formula One® racer is contacted by a former teammate who is now a struggling team owner. Their rookie driver is failing to meet expectations and the lead is asked to join the team and help them win. The protagonist’s unconventional techniques raise eyebrows and tension within the group, but eventually they begin earning points, giving them a chance for survival in the league. Critics were complimentary about the sports film. A small contingent suggested the story was unnecessarily padded out and believed that, with the exception of race sequences, the picture was bland and predictable. Regardless, most did write that the driving was thrilling and gorgeously shot, and commented that the charismatic cast added enough spice to the personal struggles to make the film engaging. It can be purchased as a 4K Ultra HD only disc, as well as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo Steelbook, and a Blu-ray only release. The cast includes Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem and Kerry Condon. Read a full review of the movie here.
THE GARDENER – Anyone looking for a dose of comedy with their action fix may appreciate this French production. A sinister Prime Minister uses a secret crew to wipe out any threats to his position. When the head of the government decrees that one of his senior officers needs to be eliminated, the targeted man races home to protect his wife and kids. When villains arrive, the mysterious family gardener jumps into action, leveling the attackers. Reaction towards this picture from North American reviewers was split, with it earning slightly more pans than praises. Some stated that the movie was entertainingly ridiculous, mixing political intrigue with moments of bombastic action that delivered plenty of chuckles. However, the same number and one or two more didn’t think that the concept was well executed. They felt that it needed to focus more on the title character than the official being hunted. It features Jean-Claude Van Damme (as “The Gardener”), Michaël Youn, Danielle Renault, Elie Semoun and Kaaris.
HONEY DON’T – The latest solo effort from Ethan Coen (of the Oscar-winning Coen Brothers filmmaking team) is this neo-noir/comedy/thriller about a private investigator named Honey. When a potential client dies unexpectedly in a car wreck, the protagonist looks into the death while working on another case. As clues begin to come in, the protagonist discovers a criminal enterprise and cult that have ties to prominent figures from a local church. The lead must take down the group before they cause more tragedy. Response was slightly more negative than positive. Those who appreciated the movie thought the performances were great and described it as a fun and unique B-movie with effective, modern plot updates. Sadly, slightly more had trouble with the complicated story, stated that the jokes didn’t land, and felt annoyed that its creators seemed to be looking down on the audience. The movie stars Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Evans, Lera Abova, Jacnier, Gabby Beans and Billy Eichner.
I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER – In the late 1990s, the success of Scream resulted in a number of copycat pictures involving mysterious killers slaying teens. This is a legacy sequel of one of those titles. Set in the modern day, it follows five students who accidentally run down a fisherman with their car. They hide the body and pledge never to reveal what happened. But the following year, the group find themselves being slain by a figure wearing the very same clothing. The press was not hooked by what they witnessed. About one-third found this chapter as entertaining as previous ones, featuring plenty of suspects and some welcome cameos. Unfortunately, most called this effect a flavorless cash-in that was completely unnecessary and didn’t take the story in any new directions. For those interested, it is available as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook or a standalone Blu-ray. It features Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Jonah Hauer0King, Tyriq Withers, along with Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt.
THE LAST RODEO – When a former bull riding champion learns that his grandson has a brain tumor, he and the family discover that their benefits and insurance will not cover the surgery. He decides to compete once again to earn the money. In the process, the lead must finally confront his checkered past It also is revealed that the last time he rode a bull, he was inebriated and broke his neck, essentially ending his career. This faith-based film received generally upbeat write-ups. Nearly one-third of reviewers were left cold. They suggested that, while well-intentioned, the movie was poorly written and obvious in its attempt to manipulate viewers on an emotional level. But the majority admitted that the picture would appeal to its target demographic with an inspiring message, and benefitted from a strong and likable cast. Neal McDonough, Mykelti Williamson, Sarah Jones, Graham Harvey and Christopher McDonald headline the film.
NOBODY 2 – This is a sequel to the 2021 action/dark comedy about a family man who attempts to give up his life as an assassin, but ends up in the middle of a war with the mob. Overworked after returning to his previous career, the lead decides to take his family on a holiday to the vacation town he enjoyed as a child. Almost immediately after arriving, he gets into a confrontation and learns that a criminal gang runs the area with an iron fist. Exaggerated violence soon erupts. Most reviewers enjoyed this follow-up. A small group claimed that the film simply copied the original’s plot and delivered more of the same with diminishing results. Still, the consensus was that the protagonist’s need to protect his family was relatable, and that picture delivered memorable villains and impressively gnarly action sequences. The cast includes Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, Christopher Lloyd, John Ortiz, RZA, Sharon Stone, Colin Hanks, Gage Munroe and Colin Salmon. 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook, 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray, Blu-ray only, Nobody 2-Movie Collection 4K Ultra HD only. Read a full-length review of the picture right here.
SHOSHANA – This UK drama from Michael Winterbottom (Code 46, The Killer Inside Me, The Trip TV/film series) is based on a true story. It’s set in the 1930s and 40s in Palestine when the area was under British governance. An English police deputy stationed in Tel Aviv becomes romantically involved with the daughter of the co-founder of the Zionist labor movement. The lead comes in contact with a few opposing factions within the community, including a violent, militant group called Irgun. A rising movement to eject the British results in arrests and violence between the lead and the Irgun offshoot, leading to tragedy. Most critics appreciated this feature. A small number critiqued the film’s central relationship as uninteresting, wanted more time with the title character, and found the plot complicated. However, most wrote that despite the romance feeling out of place, the movie was engrossing, handling the messy history of the region in great depth and with success. For now, this is a DVD-only release. It stars Douglas Booth, Irina Starshenbaum and Harry Melling.
TRICK AND TREATS – Horror movie enthusiasts looking for a new Halloween-themed feature can try this independent chiller a try. A group of college students on their way to a party have car trouble and are taken hostage by bikers. They end up being taken to a bar, where they encounter a supernatural threat (that apparently has something to do with the Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater nursery rhyme) that begins wiping them all out. Those surviving the initial attacks must find a way to survive the onslaught. This little feature was recently picked up for distribution, but it hasn’t been screened for reviewers yet. So, those interested in the film will have to go in without any knowledge of what they’re going to get. The cast includes Gary Busey, Jude Roche, Loren Ledesma, Gregory Blair, Bishop Ali Stevens and the voice of Malcolm McDowell.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
There are some great older features arriving this week as well. Arrow Video’s 4K Ultra HD “Limited Edition” of the creepy Japanese chiller Dark Water (2002) sold out when it was released last year. If you didn’t manage to pick it up, now you can purchase a 4K Ultra HD “Special Edition” of the film with most, if not all, of the same bonus features.
Those who enjoy movies based on comic books can buy Spawn (1997) as a 4K Ultra HD “Limited Edition” or a Blu-ray “Limited Edition” from the very same distributor. The story follows a government agent with a dark past. When he is killed, he goes to Hell, but makes a deal to return to the human world as a “Hellspawn”. He attempts to use his newfound powers for good, sending vicious crooks to the underworld.
I’ll be honest and say that the movie didn’t do much for me when it came out, but it has a following that will be pleased with this release. The original 35mm camera negative has been restored in 4K and presented in Dolby Vision. Both the director’s cut and the theatrical version are included. Additionally, you will get a new film critic commentary, an archival commentary recorded in 1998 featuring the director, as well as the comic creator Todd McFarlane. There are several new interviews with stars like Michael Jai White, Melinda Clarke and D.B. Sweeney, and various crew members. You’ll also get archival featurettes for the movie, a preview of Spawn: The Animated Movie (which ended up being a TV series), a trailer, screen to storyboard comparisons, and concept art and sketches by McFarlane.
A little while ago, Criterion put out a fantastic Blu-ray of Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992), and now they have upgraded the image quality with a new 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray edition. This prequel to the iconic television series Twin Peaks shows life in the quirky town just before the murder of Laura Palmer. The 4K restoration included on the disc was approved by director David Lynch, and the accompanying Blu-ray includes “The Missing Pieces” (90 minutes of footage cut from the final release), as well as an interview by Lynch of cast members Sheryl Lee, Ray Wise and Grace Zabriskie. A discussion with composer Angelo Badalamenti and a trailer is also listed as extras, and the booklet contains excerpts on the movie from the 1997 book Lynch on Lynch.
Halloween is coming, and it’s also the 50years since The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) opened at cinemas. Disney/Buena Vista now own the rights to the picture and are celebrating the classic horror/musical with a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook. For its debut on the format, the image has been given a “meticulous” 4K restoration (as well as a newly mixed Dolby Atmos audio track) and is also presented in Dolby Vision. Over the years, there have been many versions of the title with tons of bonuses, and several of those archival features have made their way onto this release. There is a karaoke version included, a vintage callback track, a trivia track, a commentary with Richard O’Brien and Patricia Quinn, a deleted song, deleted and alternate scenes, a music video, footage from the 35th anniversary celebration, marketing materials and much, much more.
Lionsgate is releasing a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo of Hustlers (2019) featuring Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu and Julia Stiles. It follows a group of strippers who decide to turn the tables on their clients. Besides an upgraded picture, the discs come with a director commentary track. Unlike many recent titles from the studio that can only be purchased through their website, this feature is available at most retailers.
It’s a very busy edition for Shout Factory. The Mario Bava classic Black Sunday (1960) is arriving in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray “Collector’s Edition”. It involves a woman who returns 200 years after being executed for witchcraft taking revenge on the descendant of one of her killers. The preferred international version of film has been given a 4K restoration from the original camera negative. Four film historian commentary tracks are featured on the discs, as well as promo materials, including a Trailers from Hell discussion on the movie with filmmaker Larry Cohen.
Child’s Play (1988) is receiving a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Amazon exclusive Steelbook through the retailer. This movie about a doll possessed by a killer resulted in a franchise that is still going strong today. The latest edition contains a 4K scan of the original camera negative presented in Dolby Vision, archival commentaries with the director, cast members, the producer and the screenwriter, and a select scene commentary from Chucky himself. There are also a ton of bonuses – so many that a third Blu-ray disc is included to contain all the featurettes, cast and crew interviews, advertising materials and more.
The Jim Henson/Frank Oz cult flick The Dark Crystal (1982) is being rereleased as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook. This fantasy film involving puppetry is set on a faraway planet and follows two youngsters attempting to find the title gem in order to stop an evil ruler. The movie was released last year as a “Limited Edition Collector’s Set” which came in a box with a replica of the film’s crystal. That version is now hard to come by. This latest release includes a new Steelbook case, the same features, and a lower price point (you won’t get the gem, though).
End of Days (1999) is a thriller with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gabriel Byrne about a security guard trying to protect a 20-year-old from being impregnated by Satan (which will cause an apocalypse). Shout Factory is delivering a 25th anniversary 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray edition of the movie, as well as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Shout website-exclusive edition. The regular anniversary set arrives with a 4K scan of the original camera negative approved by director/cinematographer Peter Hyams (Capricorn One, Outland, Running Scared, Stay Tuned, Timecop, Sudden Death, The Relic) and presented in Dolby Vision. You’ll also get a director commentary, interviews with the filmmaker and crew members, as well as vintage featurettes and a trailer. The website version adds two exclusive posters and a slipcover to the mix.
Readers who enjoy Japanese anime may want to check out The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006), which is available as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook and a standalone Blu-ray. It’s about a girl who accidentally finds that she can travel in time. She decides to use her powers to change minor inconveniences, only to find that these acts cause drastic changes to the world around her. The film has been restored in 4K for this release and features a director commentary, a storyboard commentary, and teasers and trailers.
And if you were excited about The Dark Crystal release a few paragraphs ago, a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Walmart exclusive Steelbook of Jim Henson’s Labyrinth (1986) will probably be right up your alley as well. A young Jennifer Connelly plays a teen who is less than thrilled by the arrival of a new baby/half-brother to the household. She wishes for him to be taken away and, sure enough, a goblin king (played by David Bowie) snatches the infant. The girl is forced to travel to a fantasy world and find the baby, encountering all sorts of wild creatures along the way. This title is a lot of fun (the screenplay was written by Monty Python’s Terry Jones) and should entertain most families. The specs on this title are the same as in previous versions from the distributor, only now presented in a Steelbook.
Sony Pictures is celebrating the 30th anniversary of The Quick and the Dead (1995) from Sam Raimi (the original Evil Dead and Spider-Man movie series) with a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook package. Pictured above and to the right, Sharon Stone stars in this western as a woman looking for revenge on a nasty outlaw-turned-mayor. He holds a quick draw contest that she enters, competing against all sorts of eccentric characters. The movie is an absolute blast, with creative angles and memorable moments. It features Gene Hackman, a fresh-faced Russell Crowe, and a very young Leonardo DiCaprio, along with Lance Henricksen, Tobin Bell, Roberts Blossom, Keith David, Woody Strode and Gary Sinise. This is the same disc the studio previously released (which is excellent, with a sharp and dynamic picture) that also comes with deleted scenes and a trailer.
Speaking of westerns, the studio is also putting out a 40th anniversary 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook of Silverado (1985) from writer/director Lawrence Kasdan (Body Heat, The Big Chill, The Accidental Tourist, and the underrated comedy I Love You to Death). The plot involves a group of misfits who come together to stop a villainous presence in a small frontier town. It stars Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Rosanna Arquette, John Cleese, Kevin Costner (in a very early role), Brian Dennehy, Danny Glover and Jeff Goldblum. The set boasts a new 4K scan of the original 35mm negative presented in Dolby Vision that early sources suggest is incredible. As for extras, you’ll get an archival interview with Costner from over a decade ago talking about all he learned on set, a retrospective 2009 making-of, and a trailer.
And, finally, Warner Bros. is delivering a 4K Ultra HD only edition of the horror film Lights Out (2016). Besides the upgraded picture presented in Dolby Vision, this disc is believed to contain deleted scenes.
The martial arts fantasy Mortal Kombat (2021) is being released as a 4K Ultra HD only Steelbook from the studio. This edition should be identical to the 4K version that arrived shortly after the movie’s theatrical release, only in the new packaging.
And although it technically isn’t a movie, but a set of animated network specials, they’re so iconic that one can’t help but mention the Peanuts: Ultimate TV Specials Collection 75th Anniversary Blu-ray that is available for purchase. The release contains the Christmas, Halloween, Easter, Thanksgiving and 36 other programs that aired and enchanted young viewers between 1965 and 2011.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Below is a list of titles that should appeal to kids.
The Bad Guys 2 (Universal Studios) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray, Blu-ray only, DVD only, 2-Movie Collection DVD pack
The Dark Crystal (1982) (Shout Factory) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook
Labyrinth (1986) (Shout Factory) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Walmart exclusive Steelbook
Peanuts: Ultimate TV Specials Collection (75th Anniversary) (Warner Bros.) Blu-ray
Playmobil: The Movie (2019 film) (Lionsgate) DVD
Uglydolls Singalong Edition (2019 film) (Lionsgate) DVD
Ultraman Arc: The Complete Series and Movie (Mill Creek Entertainment) Blu-ray
ON THE TUBE!
All of the week’s TV-themed releases can be found here.
Atomic People (PBS) DVD
George & Mandy’s First Marriage: Season 1 (Warner Bros.) DVD
Hallmark Countdown to Christmas 9-Movie Collection – Sugarplummed, A Carol for Two, Christmas with the Singhs, Christmas on Call, Happy Howlidays, The 5-Year Christmas Party, Scouting for Christmas, Confessions of a Christmas Letter, Leah’s Perfect Gift (Hallmark) DVD
Hallmark Hunks 9-Movie Collection – It Was Always You, Always Amore, A Picture of Her, Taking a Shot at Love, A Valentine’s Match, Notes of Autumn, The Perfect Pairing, All Summer Long, Marry Go Round with Four 2.5″ x 3.5″ Collectible Trading Cards (Hallmark) DVD
John Adams (2008 mini-series) (Warner Bros.) Blu-ray
The Newsroom: The Complete Series (HBO) Blu-ray
Peanuts: Ultimate TV Specials Collection (75th Anniversary) (Warner Bros.) Blu-ray
Return to Paradise: Season 1 (BBC) DVD
Ultraman Arc: The Complete Series and Movie (Mill Creek Entertainment) Blu-ray
The Walking Dead: Dead City: Season 2 (RLJ Entertainment) Blu-ray
The Whitest Kids U’ Know: The Complete Series (Shout Factory) DVD