Welcome to another look at some of the highlights coming your way on Blu-ray and DVD. It’s another curious week that doesn’t feature many big Hollywood picks, but this edition is full of curious little efforts, as well as high definition upgrades of classic titles. So, since you likely can’t or shouldn’t go out to the movies, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
Big New Releases!
Babysplitters – Juggling family and a career is no easy task these days. This comedy details two couples who have mixed feelings about becoming parents. They end up deciding that the best option for them is to share an infant between them. Initially, the unusual plan seems to work as they divide their time and efforts equally. However, complications arise and the situation soon begins to spiral completely out of control. Overall, the press generally liked this independent feature. Those who didn’t care for it stated that the flick started well but that it was overlong and that the problems and characters eventually wore out their welcome. Still, more called the movie a raunchy and sweet ride, noting that it had some humorous observations on modern parenting. It stars Danny Pudi, Emily C. Chang, Maiara Walsh and Eddie Alfano.
Babyteeth – A terminally ill teenager with nothing to lose in life chooses to start dating a smalltime drug dealer. While her own attitude improves dramatically, the protagonist’s impulsive and extreme actions upset her family. Still, she continues to do as she pleases and without realizing it makes everyone around her question several of their own life choices. While the synopsis sounds somber, this picture is actually a comedy/drama from Australia that not only received strong notices, but also won plenty of awards at film festivals. A handful of write-ups complained that the movie didn’t speak to them and found the characters annoyingly quirky. However, the vast majority commented that the feature was well-performed and ably addressed the contradictory feelings many would have in such a situation. The cast includes Eliza Scanlen, Toby Wallace, Emily Barclay, Essie Davis and Ben Mendelsohn.
Beckman – This faith-based action picture involves an ex-contract killer who gives up the business in order to become a reverend at a Los Angele-area church. When a cult leader kidnaps his daughter, the pastor starts cutting a violent path through the city to find her. According to the plot synopsis, the only thing that can stop the bloody vengeance is his newfound faith. This almost sounds like a tongue-in-cheek parody, but it arrives from the same production company behind titles like God’s Not Dead and Samson. It hasn’t been screened for critics, so as of yet there are no reviews for the picture. Curious parties will just have to take a chance on the movie. It features David A.R. White, William Baldwin, Burt Young, Jeff Fahey and Brighton Sharbino. For the time being, the movie is only being made available on DVD.
The Dead Ones – High-school violence is the subject of this indie horror effort. The plot follows four misfit students who are assigned to clean up their own school after hours for something mysterious that they all took part in. After they begin, a macabre gang arrive in the hallways dressed in masks. Eventually, more information about all the characters begins to the come to light. At present, there isn’t a great deal of information available for this feature. There aren’t even any reviews from horror journalists. However, there are a couple of online write-ups from viewers and smaller outlets that describe the movie as a genre picture that attempts to play psychological games on viewers. If you’re interested, the cast includes Sarah Rose Harper, Brandon Thane Wilson and Katie Foster.
Don’t Read This on a Plane – Here’s another little independent movie that is making its debut on disc. According to the official plot synopsis, it’s about a novelist whose first two books received great reviews but were commercial failures. When her third book is released, detailing an amusing and risqué chronicle of a woman’s dalliances with a hundred women, the author hopes it will bring success. However, after checking into the first hotel of her 3-week European book tour, she learns that her publisher has gone bankrupt. Penniless and stranded, she decides to hitchhike and continue the tour while attempting to project an image of success. Once again there are no reviews, although it did win an award at a Los Angeles film festival earlier in the year (just before things began shutting down). Sophie Desmarais and Victor von Schirach headline the picture.
A Feral World – This science-fiction flick is yet another tiny production that has found a distributor and is premiering today on streaming outlets (like Itunes) as well as and disc. Set after an apocalypse, the story involves a grieving woman trying to locate her daughter in the vast, empty wasteland. She finds an orphaned boy and the two eventually locate a tyrannical ruler who may be responsible for the family member’s disappearance. The movie played at a few film festivals, where it picked up some prizes. A note from the filmmaker on IMDB states that the picture was made in Denver, Colorado with a young crew of film students and local professions. If you feel like supporting some youngsters making a little indie picture, give it a try. The cast includes Caleb Liban, Danielle Prall and Timothy McCracken.
Iceland is Best – No matter where a young person might grow up, there is always a strong desire to leave home and explore the world. This indie comedy/drama is a UK production that follows a 17-year-old Icelandic girl who decides that she’d like to permanently move to California and try to start a new life there. Unfortunately for her, just about everyone she knows isn’t happy about the idea and will do anything to convince her not to leave. Once again, this feature is making its debut on disc and as a result there aren’t any write-ups for it at this time. So, like the main character, viewers will have to take this journey without knowing exactly where it will lead them. It stars Judd Nelson, Kristín Audur Sophusdóttir, Tom Prior, Tom Maden, Atli Oskar Fjalarsson and Stefán Hallur Stefánsson.
Most Wanted – Based on a true story, this crime thriller is about an ex-heroin junkie who is arrested for a drug deal gone wrong. Even worse, the man finds himself being thrown into a rough Thai prison and given a 100-year sentence. News of his conviction reaches a newspaper reporter, who discovers that all is not as it seems and that shady cops may have falsely framed the convict and used him as their fall guy. Reaction towards the picture was decent. Some did take a few shots at the lead performance and suggest the movie didn’t measure up to classics like Midnight Express. However, two thirds of critics thought it was a fascinating thriller, saying that while there were numerous plot threads to keep straight, it did work on the whole and would keep viewers engaged throughout. It stars Josh Hartnett, Stephen McHattie, Jim Gaffigan, J.C. MacKenzie, Antoine Olivier Pilon and Don McKellar.
Nail in the Coffin: The Fall & Rise of Vampiro – While the title of this movie might suggest something along the lines of an independent horror movie, this is actually a documentary about a pro wrestler who used to perform in the WCW. It is described as a candid look at the man known to fans as Vampiro, detailing his career as well as the hardships and demons he faced in his life after retiring from the ring and his public persona. This flick also features enlightening interviews from many of the subject’s wrestling contemporaries. The press has been extremely positive about the movie. In fact, there currently aren’t any negative reviews. All of the write-ups state that this is one of the best documentaries about the sport, saying that while the subject of the film lived an unusual life, his story was relatable and even powerful.
Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs – This animated effort comes from South Korea. The story involves a group of princes who make fun of the wrong lady. They are cursed to transform into the title green characters whenever others look at them. The group discover that to break the spell, they need to earn a kiss from a special red-shoed princess. Reaction was mixed towards this family flick. Some thought it was cute and ultimately had a nice message. Slightly more complained that it didn’t compare to bigger studio fare. They said that the themes were clumsily delivered and that it took too long to make its point. It appears as though the movie has been dubbed for North American audiences, although right now there isn’t any information about whether the original language track and subtitles are included. The English-language voice cast includes Chloe Grace Moretz, Sam Clafin, Gina Gershon, Patrick Warburton and Jim Rash.
The Secret: Dare to Dream – Inspired by a 2006 bestselling self-help book on a positive-thinking philosophy that promises to help readers attain everything in life they desire, this fictional drama involves a widow struggling to raise her kids and make ends meet. After a storm hits town, a mysterious stranger appears who begins to teach her about the aforementioned “secret” (the cynical part of me wonders if the big plan involves writing an expensive book guaranteeing wealth and riches to those who purchase it). Anyway, in a few short days, her world and attitude change. This drama was not well-received by critics. A few of them thought the performances were good and that it was an entertaining enough tale if you didn’t take it seriously. Others said it reminded them of a low-tier Nicholas Sparks adaptation, saying the movie was shallow and did little to inspire viewers. It features Katie Holmes, Josh Lucas, Celia Weston and Jerry O’Connell.
Blasts from the Past!
This may be the busiest week ever for catalog titles receiving high definition upgrades, so let’s get the ball rolling. Shout! Factory are giving Vincent Price fans a treat with a new Blu-ray release of The Masque of the Red Death (1964). This edition includes the theatrical version along with an extended cut of the feature. You’ll get an introduction explaining how all of this came about, a film historian commentary track on the longer version, as well as the previously available cut of the movie with a filmmaker track, interview with producer/director Roger Corman and publicity materials.
As a result, the distributor has decided to reissue an up-to-date Blu-ray ray box set of The Vincent Price Collection. This special “Revised” edition includes the new release, The Fall of the House of Usher (1960), along with The Pit and the Pendulum (1961), The Haunted Palace (1963), The Masque of the Red Death (1964), Witchfinder General (1968) and a revised reissue of The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971). This box includes some of Price’s best horror films and is an excellent opportunity to own them all in one place.
Additionally, Shout! are putting out the The Wind Rises (2013), the recent Hayao Miyazaki animated film from Japan. This Blu-ray edition includes both the original language version with English subtitles and the English dub, a documentary on Miyazaki, storyboards, a press conference, a featurette on recording the voices, as well as trailers and TV spots.
Kino a Blu-ray of the all-star comedy, The Art of Love (1965). Directed by Norman Jewison (In the Heat of the Night, Fiddler on the Roof, Moonstruck), it’s about an artist who tries to fake his own suicide to help sell his paintings. The cast includes James Garner, Dick Van Dyke, Elke Summer and Angie Dickinson. The disc is from a new 2K master and you’ll get a film historian commentary and trailer. They also have the Roddy McDowall comedy Lord Love a Duck (1966). This feature has also been given the 2K treatment and comes with a trailer. James Cagney fans can also purchase Never Steal Anything Small (1959), a picture starring the actor that is a musical satire of unions and teams him with Shirley Jones (from The Partridge Family). This one also includes a film expert track.
Zeiram 2 (1994) is a popular action/sci-fi/comedy from Japan about intergalactic bounty hunters. Media Blasters are delivering a new Blu-ray of the title that also includes a making-of and other bonuses.
Sony also has a great many releases of note. The Bitter Tea of General Yen (1933) from Frank Capra (It’s a Wonderful Life) is about two missionaries tying the knot in Shanghai during the Chinese Civil War. The studio is also rereleasing a Double Feature package of the hit comedies, Ghostbusters (1984) and Ghostbusters II (1989) at a discounted price.
For this writer, the highlight of Sony’s output this week might be the comedy, I Love You to Death (1990). Directed by Lawrence Kasdan (Body Heat, The Big Chill, The Accidental Tourist) this hilariously funny comedy is loosely based on the true story. It follows a scorned woman who enlists her mother and various close acquaintances to help her murder her philandering husband. The all-star cast includes Kevin Kline, Tracey Ullman, Joan Plowright, River Phoenix, William Hurt, Keanu Reeves, Miriam Margolyes and other familiar faces. This movie has never been released before on Blu-ray and it’ll be great to see this hidden gem with improved picture and sound quality.
And if you’re a fan of arthouse auteur Michelangelo Antonioni (Red Desert, Blow-Up, Zabriskie Point), you can now pick up a Blu-ray of The Passenger (1975), the filmmaker’s collaboration with Jack Nicholson. Additionally, Sony are releasing the more recent Oscar-winning drama Whiplash (2014) in 4K.
Okay, folks, this section is going to take a while to get through. Paramount have a large vault of titles, and they’re re-releasing a great many films this week on Blu-ray at discounted rates. It also appears as though the studio has acquired the rights to the Miramax catalog and are putting out a great many of those features in high definition as well. Bluntly speaking, there’s too many releases here to go into specific detail, but here is a listing of all that you’ll now be able to pick up on disc at a reasonable price… Adventureland (2009), The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl (2005), Bad Santa: Unrated Version and Director’s Cut (2003), Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001), The Brothers Grimm (2005), Chicago (2002), Children of the Corn Series: 4-Movie Collection (1995 – 1999) (which includes movies 3 – 6 in the series), Cop Land (1997), The Crow, (1994), Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996), a Dracula 2000 (2000) and Dracula II: Ascension (2003) Double Feature, Ella Enchanted (2004) and a Double Feature Blu-ray of the Jason Bateman comedies Extract (2009) and The Switch (2010) (each will also be available separately).
Additionally, they’re releasing The Faculty (1998), Finding Neverland (2004), From Dusk Till Dawn (1996), Gangs of New York (2002), Good Will Hunting (1997), a Halloween 3-Movie Collection that includes The Curse of Michael Meyers (1995), H2O (1998) Halloween: Resurrection (2002), a Hellraiser Series 4-Movie Collection with Hellraiser: Bloodline (1996), Hellraiser: Inferno (2000), Hellraiser: Hellseeker (2002) and Hellraiser: Hellworld (2005). You can also purchase Hero (2002), Jackie Brown (1997), the Kevin Smith 3-Moive Collection containing Clerks (1994), Chasing Amy (1997) and Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back (2001), as well as the Kill Bill 2-Movie Collection (2003 – 2004) and Mimic 3-Movie Collection that includes Mimic: The Director’s Cut (1997), Mimic 2 (2001) and Mimic 3: Sentinel (2003).
Still looking for more? Paramount also has No Country for Old Men (2007), The Others (2001) The Prophecy: The Complete Collection (1995 – 2005) containing all 5 films in the series, Pulp Fiction (1994), a Triple Feature set of Scary Movie (2000), Scary Movie 2 (2001) and Scary Movie 3.5 (2003), the Triple Feature Scream Collection containing Scream (1996), Scream 2 (1997) and Scream 3 (2011). And you can now purchase Serendipity (2001), Shall We Dance (2004), She’s All That (1999), Sin City (2005) with the theatrical and Recut, Extended, Unrated version, a Triple Feature Blu-ray of Spy Kids (2001), Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams (2002) and Spy Kids 3: Game Over (2003), as well as the comedy, Swingers (1996).
That’s already ridiculous, but in addition to those Blu-rays, they are also releasing a Nicolas Cage DVD 3-Movie Collection containing Face/Off (1997), Next (2007) and Snake Eyes (2008), an impressive DVD set called Iconic Movies of the 80s and 90s 20-Movie Collection (which actually looks pretty nice and has many of the most famous Paramount features from the era), and a Nickelodeon Movies Family Adventure 3-Movie Collection DVD with Dora the Explorer (2019), Monster Trucks (2016) and Wonder Park (2019). If you can’t find something here, then you probably just don’t like movies.
Clearly Paramount have given LionsGate some ideas, as they are making a couple of Blu-rays sets of their own available to the public. They include the Gerard Butler: 5-Film Collection, featuring Angel Has Fallen (2019), Gods of Egypt (2016), Hunter Killer (2018), Law Abiding Citizen (2009) and The Vanishing (2018). The distributor also has a Double Feature Blu-ray release containing the hit flicks Now You See Me (2013) and Now You See Me 2 (2016).
Just to mix things up, Criterion are entering the fray this week with Christ Stopped at Eboli (1979), the award-winning Italian anti-fascist drama. The movie has received a 2K digital restoration and comes with new English subtitles, a 1978 documentary on Italian political cinema, an excerpt of a 1974 special featuring the director, another talk with the filmmaker from 2014 and other remarkable extras.
The Inner Sanctum Mysteries were a series of hugely popular programs on the radio back in the 40s that were based on a run of pulpy novels about a detective solving various murders. The series also ending up being adapted into a series of movies. This week, Mill Creek are putting out the Inner Sanctum Mysteries Blu-ray. Those who pick it up will be able to check out Calling Dr. Death (1943), Weird Woman (1944), Dead Man’s Eyes (1944), The Frozen Ghost (1945), Strange Confession (1945) and, the best title of the bunch… Pillow of Death (1945)! According to press releases, in addition to the updated picture quality the set also includes commentary tracks and other entertaining bonuses. Looks like great fun.
Film Movement would like it known that they have a new Blu-ray of I Am a Dancer (1972), an award-winning documentary about renowned ballet dancer Rudolph Nureyev with excepts from his performances. The disc includes featurettes on the figure and a 16-page booklet on the movie.
Unobstructed View are releasing a Blu-ray of the family flick Spooky House (2002), a movie with an impressive cast. Apparently, it is about a magician who uses his special skills to help an orphan use illusion to deal with some bullies. I have absolutely no previous knowledge of the movie having ever existed. Maybe that’s part of the “magic” or perhaps it somehow just happened to have slipped under my radar. It stars Ben Kingsley, Mercedes Ruehl and Simon Baker.
Warner Brothers are releasing a Blu-ray box set called the Stanley Kubrick 3-Film Collection 4K. As you may have already guessed, it features new 4K transfers of three of the filmmaker’s titles. The trio include 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), The Shining (1980) and Full Metal Jacket (1987). If you’re only interested in individual titles, Full Metal Jacket (1987) will be available separately and one assumes that the others will also follow suit in the near future.
Finally, Warner Archive are presenting That’s Entertainment: The Complete Collection as a made-to-order Blu-ray set. This trilogy of films is a montage of famous clips from the studio’s greatest musicals, featuring some incredibly elaborate dance numbers. You’ll get That’s Entertainment! (1974), That’s Entertainment, Part II (1976) and That’s Entertainment III (1994).
You Know, For Kids!
Here are the latest options for youngsters.
The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl Blu-ray (2005)
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Explore the Outdoors (PBS Kids)
Nickelodeon Movies Family Adventure 3-Movie Collection DVD – Dora the Explorer (2019), Monster Trucks (2016), Wonder Park (2019)
Nick Jr: Fantastic Fall! (Nickelodeon)
Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs
Spooky House Bu-ray (2002)
Spy Kids Triple Feature Blu-ray (2001 – 2003)
On the Tube!
And here are the week’s TV-themed releases.
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: Season 5
The Good Fight: Season 4
Legends of Tomorrow: Season 5
Lucy Worsley’s 12 Days of Tudor Christmas (PBS)
Man With a Plan: Season 3
Nick Jr: Fantastic Fall! (Nickelodeon)
Rick & Morty: Season 4
Royal Pains: The Complete Series
Sanctuary: Season 1