It’s time once again to take a look at highlights coming your way on Blu-ray and DVD. There are several notable releases in this edition as well as interesting older titles as well. 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!
Chimera Strain – A scientist obsessed with creating utopia and preserving the life of his offspring takes overly extreme measures when he cryogenically freezes his kids… while they are still breathing. As his research continues, the lead finds that incorporating regenerative jellyfish genetic material into human DNA could keep them alive eternally, but his work ends up attracting the attention of a sinister figure. This independent science-fiction/drama garnered more positive write-ups than negative ones. Those who didn’t like it suggested that the film had pacing/editing issues and that the characters weren’t relatable. However, slightly more thought it was an interesting take on the Frankenstein story. The cast includes Henry Ian Cusick, Kathleen Quinlan and Jenna Harrison.
Glass – The latest from M. Night Shyamalan follows the leads from two of the filmmaker’s previous successes (Unbreakable and Split). Three men with abnormal abilities are locked in an asylum by a mysterious psychiatrist, who tries to convince the trio that they do not possess superhuman powers. Eventually, they attempt to break free and prove their abilities to the world. This follow-up didn’t impress as many critics as previous chapters in the series did. A small percentage complimented the performances and wrote that the film’s events were interestingly dark and unpredictable. However, most wanted the movie to abandon its somber tone, and complained that it didn’t provide the required action and thrills. It stars Bruce Willis, James McAvoy, Samuel L. Jackson, Sarah Paulson and Anya Taylor-Joy. To read this site’s review, click here.
The Kid Who Would Be King – This modern day, live-action, family fantasy take on the King Arthur legend involves an outcast who finds the magical Excalibur sword while on a construction site. He and his friends suddenly find themselves thrust into the middle of an adventure when they discover that the powerful sorceress Morgana has returned to life and plans to rule the world. While the movie wasn’t a big hit at the box office, the press were very taken with it. A tiny group did assert that the movie outstayed its welcome. Still, the overwhelming majority called it an energetic and witty family tale with some great action and plenty of laughs. Louis Ashbourne Serkis, Patrick Stewart, Rebecca Ferguson and Dean Chaumou headline the feature. To read a full-length review of the flick, click here.
Master of Dark Shadows – The Dark Shadows TV-series, which ran from 1966 until 1971, was the first of its kind. Following a governess who arrives at the Collins family estate, the show featured tropes from soap operas, but merged these elements with horror staples and ended up creating a cult sensation. Barnabas Collins, a clan member with a vampire curse, eventually moved to the forefront as the program’s most iconic character. Using rare behind-the-scenes footage from the production, this documentary charts the show’s beginnings with creator Dan Curtis and how to was brought to the television screen. Various actors from the series, and even a few celebrity fans, comment on the show’s importance. As of right now, there aren’t any reviews available, but enthusiasts will probably enjoy checking it out. The doc is narrated by Ian McShane.
Replicas – After his entire family die in a traffic accident, a synthetic biologist decides to do everything he can to reverse the tragedy. Thank goodness he works in the private lab of a company that specializes in the creation of clones! The protagonist decides to transfer the consciousness of his late wife and children into replicas. Unfortunately, he discovers that there are complications to the process, adding more pain and suffering to an already horrible situation. Reaction towards this feature was very poor. One or two thought it had an interesting concept and were fascinated to see it play out, but almost everyone else thought the screenplay was a mess and the dialogue terrible, leaving its talented cast little to work with. It stars Keanu Reeves, Alice Eve, Thomas Middleditch and John Ortiz.
The Sex Trip – A shallow womanizer promoting a book about how to pick-up ladies gets more than he bargained for when he encounters a random stranger on the street. After behaving poorly toward the lady, she curses him and he wakes up the following day to see that he has been transformed into a woman. He then experiences first-hand what it’s like to be treated by those who follow his word. As of this moment, this body-swapping B-movie has received very few write-ups or reviews. The ones that have appeared are very poor, stating that the gags are familiar and forced, and that the movie simply doesn’t work. The cast includes Jade Ramsey, Louis Mandylor and Marc Crumpton.
Stray – This crime thriller involves an orphaned teenager who hires a detective to help solve the murder of her mother. As the investigation continues, they become friends and discover that supernatural forces may be responsible for the killing. Naturally, this puts the youth and her helper at great risk as more bizarreness is uncovered. This little independent effort has earned mixed notices, although it did garner slightly more recommendations than pans. Those who didn’t care for it noted that while well-made, the story didn’t build up much suspense and ultimately left them cold. Slightly more wrote that despite its flaws, the solid performances made it an engrossing effort. It features Karen Fukuhara, Christine Woods and Miyavi.
Blasts from the Past!
There are also a lot of interesting older titles making their high definition debuts. The spaghetti western Keoma (1976) is arriving on Blu-ray courtesy of Arrow Video. This one stars Franco Nero as a gunslinger out to rescue a plague-ridden town from a nasty gang. The movie has been given a 2K restoration from the original 35mm camera negative, newly translated English subtitles, a feature commentary with spaghetti western experts, new interviews with star Nero, as well as the director, the writer, the editor, and several of the cast members. It also comes with an introduction from filmmaker and western enthusiast Alex Cox (Repo Man, Sid & Nancy, Straight to Hell), a video appreciation and publicity materials.
Shout! Factory have several releases too. Grave of the Vampire (1972) is a horror picture featuring a newborn who is revealed to be a bloodsucker. The Blu-ray release includes two new film historian commentaries, deleted scenes, a trailer and an image gallery.
They also have a Blu-ray of the over-the-top monster movie, The Manitou (1978). This ridiculous movie is about a woman plagued by a villainous fetus; she also becomes possessed by an ancient Native American demon. If memory serves, it’s a really bad flick but will provide plenty of laughs for B-movie fans in the right frame of mind. The movie has been given a new 4K scan from the original film elements and a restored stereo soundtrack. It also comes with a movie historian audio commentary, an interview with the executive producer, the author of the book on which the film is based, as well as trailers and TV spots.
And the distributor are releasing Superstition (1982), a horror flick about an alcoholic minister and his family coming under attack from what a witch who happened to drown in the area centuries ago. The original film elements have been given a new 2K scan, and the Blu-ray has extras like an interview with the director, another with the lead actor, and publicity materials too.
If you like action movies, then Mill Creek Entertainment have some interesting features coming your way. The first Blu-ray is a “Double Feature” of Black Gunn (1972) with the great Jim Brown, and The Take (1974), which stars Billy Dee Williams. They’re both about African-American heroes laying down the law and taking on the mob. Sounds like a fun release for 70s action fans.
The same distributor is giving a Blu-ray upgrade to a couple of their best-selling DVD titles. Hard Ticket to Hawaii (1987) comes from Andy Sedaris and is an ultra-cheesy, low-budget B-movie action flick featuring gun-toting heroes, explosions and buxom women with big 80s hairdos facing off against villainous foes. This Blu-ray presents the movie in widescreen for the very first time, using an all-new 4K transfer. Although the specifics of the disc aren’t listed, it is said to be filled to the brim with bonuses.
And they’re also putting out the equally campy Malibu Express (1985), which is essentially the same kind of movie from the identical production company and filmmaker. Expect a new 4K transfer, loads of bonuses and an intro from Sidaris himself.
Kino have some flicks making their high definition debuts as well. They include Becky Sharp (1935), a romance flick that has been given as 4K restoration from the original nitrate negative. It comes with a film historian audio commentary and a trailer. Bend of the River (1952) is a Jimmy Stewart western about pioneers on the Oregon trail. This release also features a movie expert commentary and theatrical trailer.
They also have a Blu-ray of the more recent Highway Patrolman (1991). This cult title comes from the director Alex Cox (Repo Man, Sid & Nancy, etc.). The movie has been given a new 4K transfer and comes with commentary from Cox, legnthy featurettes on the production, and a short film from the director. Sounds like it could be an interesting one to catch up with.
Burt Reynolds fans will be happy to see Smokey and the Bandit II (1980) and, to a lesser extend, Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 (1983), which are coming to Blu-ray from Universal. These sequels are not nearly as well thought of as the original (and the third only features a cameo from Reynolds), but they still have a large fan base. This writer hasn’t been able to determine if there will be any extras featured, but at least those who like the series can now purchase all of the films in high definition.
Criterion have a Blu-ray of the well-regarded Czech wartime drama, Diamonds of the Night (1964). It’s tells the story of two Jewish boys trying to escape from a train hurtling them towards a concentration camp. The movie has been given a new 4K digital restoration and comes with a 2009 interview with the director Jan Nemec, Nemec’s student thesis film, a documentary on the figure and other extras.
And finally, Scorpion are releasing Brief Encounter (1974) on Blu-ray. This is a remake of the 1945 classic about two married people who meet on a train, fall for each other and discuss whether or not to begin an affair. The remake stars Sophia Lauren and Richard Burton.
You Know, For Kids!
Here are some releases that may appeal to youngsters.
Justice League vs. The Fatal Five (DC animated)
WordWorld: Fun and Games! (PBS Kids)
On the Tube!
And these are the week’s TV-themed releases.
American Experience: Sealab (PBS)
American Master: Jospeh Pulitzer – Voice of the People (PBS)
The Big C: The Complete Series
The Heart Guy: Series 1
The Heart Guy: Series 2
NOVA: Kilauea: Hawaii on Fire (PBS)
Steven Universe: Season 2 (Giftset)
The Toys That Made Us: Seasons 1 & 2 (Netflix series – DVD only)
Victoria: Season 3 (PBS)