Hello and welcome to another look at highlights arriving on Blu-ray and DVD. Once again, its a busy week containing a huge blockbuster as well as some intriguing independent fare. So, since you more than likely can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
Big New Releases!
The Captain – The disaster film genre has been around almost as long as cinema itself and this foreign-language effort from China continues the trend. It is based on an actual incident that occurred in May 2018 on a Sichuan Airlines flight over Tibet. According to reports, the windshield of the plane cracked while in midair, sucking the captain halfway out of the cockpit while many onboard passed out due to low cabin pressure. The movie was an enormous hit overseas and received reasonable notices over here as well. A small group of reviewers suggested that the film took too long to get where it was going and felt like a corny update of 70s disaster flicks like the Airport series. However, most found the film to be an appealing throwback and thought the story itself was quite remarkable. It stars Hanyu Zhang, Hao Ou, Jiang Du and Quan Yuan.
Carrion – This independent horror picture is another one of those little pictures that appears to be making its big debut on disc and through streaming platforms. There is little more than a studio synopsis available for the picture to detail the story. A young woman shows up on her cousin’s doorstep in Northern California after spending 10 years at a mysterious Russian facility. Apparently, the relative’s family are more than a little disturbed by the lead’s arrival and it is soon revealed that her mother was murdered on at the home many years ago. All of the residents begin to suspect that their lives are in danger. There are currently no write-ups for the film and those who are interested will just have to take a chance on it. The cast includes Jenya Chaplin, Chloe Caro and Oliver Caspersen.
Coda – An elderly, world-renowned pianist takes an extended break from the performing world after suffering crippling bouts of stage fright. Sad and frustrated, he is less-than-enthused to be introduced to a music critic. As the two become friends, the journalist reveals that she once wanted to become a pianist and attempts to inspire the man to overcome his fears and return to the stage. This drama garnered mixed reviews from the press. A small percentage thought that the soundtrack was beautiful and that the performances were solid, with plenty of entertaining barbs being traded between the two leads. Still, more criticized the story as being predictable and didn’t quite buy into the central relationship. It features Patrick Steward, Katie Holmes, Giancarlo Esposito and Christoph Gaugler.
The Current War: Director’s Cut – This biopic about the battle between electricity titans Nicolai Tesla and Thomas Edison. Specifically, it details their scientific experiments and heated attempts to outdo one another, all to determine whether alternating current or direct current would power the world. This title boasted great talent in front of and behind the camera, but was one of the first features to get pulled from theaters in late 2017 after the president of distributor The Weinstein Company was charged with sexual abuse. The filmmakers (who had nothing to do with the scandal) reworked the picture over the next couple of years while trying to secure a wider release. Slightly more critics enjoyed the director’s cut than disliked it. A group complained that the story didn’t offer up enough new info about the figures, but the consensus was that the feature was well-acted and capably told. It stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Nicholas Hoult, Michael Shannon, Katherine Waterston and Tom Holland.
Hoax – A group of campers in the Colorado wilderness are brutally killed, and markings on their bodies suggest the perpetrator may have been an angry Sasquatch. An investigative team of cryptozoologists and scientists head out to see if they can determine what happened. They soon become targets themselves of whatever might be responsible. There aren’t many reviews for this low-budget independent horror picture. One positive piece that has popped up online suggested that it was an amusing little B-movie that attempted to provide a twist or two between moments of carnage. Curious parties will have to venture out into the wild with little background information. This film is also currently available on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime. The cast includes Andrienne Barbeau, Ben Bowder, Brian Thompson, Shoshana Bush and Cheryl Texiera.
It Started as a Joke – The Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival is the subject of this documentary, which traces the beginning and final show of this popular Brooklyn event. Apparently, the celebration was described as a sincere-and-ironic series of performances that made fun of the trappings of mainstream festival programming. The documentary details the work of the founder and his goals in creating the event. It also details the various celebrities who took part in and preformed at the shows. The press enjoyed the feature. They called the movie a great tribute and Mirman himself a sweet and likable guy who used humor in inventive ways to entertain. The film features interview footage with Michael Ian Black, Kirsten Schaal, Wyatt Cenac, Ira Glass, John Hodgman, Kumail Nanjiani, Reggie Watts, Bobcat Goldthwait and many others.
Mystify: Michael Hutchence – Musician Michael Hutchence was the lead singer of the Australian band INXS, who had a string of hit singles in the 80s and 90s, including songs like “What You Need”, “Need You Tonight”, “Never Tear Us Apart”, and “Suicide Blonde”. Sadly, Hutchence died suddenly under tragic circumstances at the age of 37. This documentary uses archival home movies to detail his life and reveals several pieces of information about the figure that the public didn’t know. One example is a car accident in 1992 that involved a serious blow to the head which reported plagued him over his remaining days. Critics unanimously recommended the film. They suggested that much of the footage on display was enlightening and wisely focused on the figure’s sadness rather than the more salacious aspects of his life.
Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker –The latest and supposedly final (for the time being) film in the Star Wars series picks up with the evil Sith mastermind behind the sinister First Order revealing himself and unveiling his master plan. Naturally, the remaining members of the Resistance must fight a final battle that will determine the fate of the universe. Notices were muted and split down the middle for the finale (actually, it was the worst reviewed of all titles in the franchise). Those who enjoyed the movie stated that while the story was flawed, it was visually impressive and an appropriately grand finale. Almost as many didn’t think it had much of importance to say, had serious logic issues and generally felt underwhelming. It stars Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Domhall Gleeson, Richard E. Grant and Lupita Nyong’o. To read this site’s review, click here.
Streetlight Harmonies – Doo-Wop is the subject of this music-centered documentary. For those unfamiliar with the term, it was a genre of rhythm and blues that gained prominence in the 1940s and ultimately inspired bands like The Miracles, The Coasters, The Inkspots and The Platters. Using restored archival footage and all-new interviews, the movie details the history of the movement and the songs that were created, as well as identifying their historic significance and influence on modern artists. There haven’t been a great many reviews just yet for this non-fiction feature, but the ones that have appeared have been positive. They called it a zippy and informative film that examines the genre right up to the present day. It also features interviews with musicians and producers like Terry Ellis, Lamont Dozier, Brian Wilson, Al Jardine, Lance Bass and Jay and the Americans.
VFW – A group of war veterans get together at their local VFW to have a drink and catch up. Their reunion is suddenly interrupted by the arrival of a panicked and innocent teenager being hunted by a menacing drug dealer. When the deranged antagonist and his army arrive at the legion hall, the men inside decide to protect the new arrival by standing up and fighting back against the threat. This action/horror hybrid earned positive word of mouth at film festivals and impressed reviewers. A very small contingent wrote that certain darker shots made it hard to figure out what was happening and said that the movie was more of a homage to an earlier cinematic era than something new. However, the generally consensus was upbeat, saying that this was a punchy little exploitation picture with a great cast that hit all the right notes. It features Stephen Lang, William Sadler, Fred Williamson, Martin Kove, David Patrick Kelly and George Wendt.
Blasts from the Past!
There are plenty of classic flicks that are also hitting high definition this week. Arrow Video are releasing a Blu-ray box set called the Ringu Collection (1998 – 2000). It contains Ringu (1998), Ringu 2 (1999), the prequel Ringu 0 (2000), as well as the original sequel, George Iida’s Spiral (1998), which ended up becoming its own movie with a different focus. For those unfamiliar with the first flick, it’s about a cursed videotape that will kill anyone who watches the contents, but refuses to pass it on and show it to someone else within a single week. A journalist investigates the disturbing deaths related to the tape and gets herself into all sorts of trouble as she uncovers its supernatural origins, leading to plenty of panic as the story progresses. The movie was remade in the US as The Ring (2002), but most still believe that the creepy original film is the best in the long line of features and updates.
In this set, the first feature has been given 4K restoration from the camera negative that has been approved by the director. There are commentaries on most of the films, as well as a series of new interviews from critics and filmmakers on the titles. There are multiple discussions with authors and critics on the cast, crew and the J-horror phenomenon, as well as analysis of the movies themselves. You’ll also get behind the scenes clips, deleted scenes from Ringo 0 and an enormous collection of promotional materials. Sounds like a lot of creepy fun.
Shout! Factory are delivering some chills in the form of the Snoop Dogg horror picture, Bones (2001). The rapper plays an inner-city protector whose spirit is raised after a group of teens renovate his old home and turn it into a nightclub. He decides to take revenge on all those who wronged him and ended his life. The movie arrives with a new 4K scan from the negative, contains an interview with director Ernest Dickerson (Juice, Surviving the Game). There are also interviews with the screenwriter, cinematographer, and make-up effects artists. The Blu-ray also includes an audio track with the star and director, featurettes on the production, deleted scenes with optional commentary, a music video, and plenty of trailers.
You can also pick up Munster, Go Home! (1966) on Blu-ray. This feature-length spin-off of the TV series got a theatrical release back in the day and follows the Munster family as they travel to England after family patriarch Herman inherits an old mansion and estate. There are plenty of extras on this disc. Actor Bruce Patrick and musician Rob Zombie provide a commentary on the feature (the movie inspired Zombie’s hit single, “Dragula”), and it also comes with cast radio interviews and spots, a theatrical trailer and extensive still galleries. The disc also includes a made-for-TV Munsters movie called The Munsters’ Revenge (1981), newly scanned in 2K. Pictures from that production are also includes as a bonus.
Kino have new titles arriving on Blu-ray as well, all of which are romantic comedies. Bluebeard’s 8th Wife (1938) is a well-regarded film set on the French Riviera starring Claudette Colbert and Gary Cooper. They are also putting out The Flame of New Orleans (1941) with Marlene Dietrich. Both of these movies arrive with film historian audio commentaries and theatrical trailers. The third release, Indiscretion of an American Wife (1953), is getting the Special Edition treatment. This Oscar-nominated title from writer/director Vittorio De Sica (Bicycle Thieves, Umberto D.) is about a housewife visiting Italy who starts an affair with a local, but ends up having some difficulty breaking it off. Jennifer Jones and Montgomery Clift headline the film. The disc includes a 4K restoration of the US cut and a 2K transfer of the longer, original version, a featurette on Rome in autumn and a trailer.
Vinegar Syndrome have some cheesy B-movie thrills to deliver. In fact, they are putting all three films in the Angel series out on Blu-ray. Angel (1984) is about a high school student who moonlights as a call girl. She’s forced into protecting her friends after they are all targeted by a deranged serial killer. The Blu-ray boasts a 4K restoration, interviews with the co-writer/director, the other co-write, the film’s star, the composer, deleted scenes and trailers for all three films.
Avenging Angel (1985) is the follow-up in which the young lead quits her sideline job and begins attending UCLA classes. However, after the cop who helped her quit is assassinated, she decides to go undercover, team up with old friends and take their revenge. This title has been newly scanned and restored in 2K from its 35mm inter-positive for Blu-ray and features interviews with the cast and creators. And if you want to complete the trilogy, Angel III: The Final Chapter (1988) involves the lead, now a freelance photographer, putting a stop to a sex trafficking operation. It has similar bonuses to the previous titles in the series. And you can also pick up the LA-set serial killer flick Hollywood Horror House (1970). This Blu-ray comes newly scanned and restored in 4K from the 35mm camera negative and comes with a historical commentary track.
Totally switching gears, Criterion also have a pair of prestige Blu-ray releases hitting store shelves. The first is the drama The Prince of Tides (1991), about a New York psychiatrist who falls for a client with a tragic past. This film was nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture. The disc contains a new 4K digital restoration supervised by star, producer and director Barbara Streisand and updated commentary for the film with her. You’ll also get an interview with Streisand conducted by director Robert Rodriguez, along with audition and rehearsal footage, deleted scenes and alternate takes, costume and make-up tests, alternate end credits with a vocal performance by Streisand, behind-the-scenes footage, a gag reel and many other bonuses.
They’re also presenting the classic musical Show Boat (1936) in high definition. Perhaps most famous for the song, “Ol’ Man River”, this title follows the life of a performer on a floating playhouse and the trials and tribulations that span an entire lifetime. Directed by James Whale (Frankenstein, The Invisible Man), this Blu-ray features a restored 4K digital transfer of the film, a 1989 commentary from a American-musical historian, an interview with a biographer of the director, an Academy Award-winning short paying tribute to co-star Paul Robeson, four performances with the sound prologue of the 1929 version of the story, and two radio adaptations (one of which was produced by Orson Welles).
Film Movement have the box set, Their Finest Hour: 5 British WWII Classics (1942 – 1958). It features five classic war films in high definition. The titles include Went the Day Well?, The Colditz Story, The Dam Busters, Dunkirk and Ice Cold in Alex. Many of these pictures won BAFTAs (the British equivalent of the Oscars) and are considered essential war movies.
The Film Detective has a 40th Anniversary Blu-ray of Fist of Fear, Touch of Death (1980), a pseudo-documentary about Bruce Lee featuring a reporter who interviews other fighters about the martial arts legend. Apparently, it is quite clear that everything about the movie has been doctored (it also includes footage from older Lee movies that are re-dubbed), with Adolph Caesar and Fred Williamson stepping in to add a bit of manufactured drama to the proceedings. Still, the movie has something of a cult following and the new disc contains new interviews with actors Willaimson and Ron Van Clief, producer Terry Levene, director Matthew Mallinson, and scriptwriter Ron Harvey. You’ll also get along with a collector’s booklet featuring authentic published stills and release cards from the original premiere.
Finally, since Star Wars: Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker is arriving on disc, Disney has decided to make all nine films in the series available in 4K on Blu-ray. That means that if you’d like the highest quality versions of the classics (and some of the other pictures in the series), you can now do so.
You Know, For Kids!
Here is a selection of releases that may provide some entertainment for younger family members.
Good Night, Gorilla… and More Great Sleepytime Stories (Schoolasitc)
LEGO Jurassic World: Legend of Isla Nublar
Munster, Go Home! (1966)
SpongeBob SquarePants: Season 11
Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) (All Previous Star Wars flicks also being made available on 4K Blu-ray)
The Wonderful Adventures of Nils Holgersson (1980 – 1981 Austrian/Japanese Animated Series)
On the Tube!
And you’ll find some TV-themed releases below as well!
LEGO Jurassic World: Legend of Isla Nublar
Midsomer Murders: Series 21
Mr. Robot: The Complete Series
Mr. Robot: Season 4
The Wonderful Adventures of Nils Holgersson (1980 – 1981 Austrian/Japanese Animated Series)