Welcome to another look at highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. This is another fun edition with a lot of great titles new and old in a wide variety of genres. 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!
ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT – Set in Mumbai, India, this drama tells the story of two female roommates. One works as a nurse and is estranged from her husband. This was an arranged marriage, he lives in Europe, and she hasn’t heard from him in a year. Her cohort is beginning to form a relationship with a new man. When unexpected complications arise, the pair confide in each other as they look to the future. Critics were unanimously positive about this foreign-language feature and it earned praise in many “best of the year” lists from 2024. All reviewers called it an intimate and authentic-feeling look at the lives of two Indian women that would reward those who allowed it to slowly build its characters up and put them in believable situations. They also thought the cinematography was beautiful, and the finale memorable. It stars Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam and Hridhu Haroon.
ASH – A woman living on a distant space station awakens to find all the crew around her have been viciously slaughtered. She sends word and a man arrives saying he has been sent to retrieve her. She is initially relieved, but can’t help but wonder if he might actually be the killer simply acting like a rescuer. Additionally, he begins to distrust her as well, as she appears to be the only survivor of a brutal attack. As time passes, the truth is eventually revealed. Response was more positive than negative towards his independent science-fiction thriller. Almost one-third of write-ups did comment that the dialogue wasn’t sharply written and the end result was derivative, lacking consistent intrigue or tension. However, the majority thought the film contained a lot of fascinating ideas, had a memorable cast, and provided enough jolts and excitement to please genre fans. The cast includes Eiza González, Aaron Paul and Iko Uwais.
FIGHT OR FLIGHT – An exiled American agent is told by superiors that, in spite of his recent behavior, he can get his old life back if he helps with a covert operation. An important mark and unknown hacker/terrorist will be boarding a flight from Bangkok to San Francisco. The lead is tasked with identifying and arresting the figure, but quickly discovers the airplane is filled with assassins and criminal figures who all want the same individual. All sorts of fights occur in the not-so-friendly skies. The press was upbeat about this over-the-top action/comedy. About one-quarter of reviewers thought that after an interesting set-up, things became repetitive and the repeated beatings stopped amusing them. But most stated that this film’s simple goal was to entertain with exaggerated battles between quirky figures in incredibly enclosed spaces, and the movie succeeded at delivering the promised wild and entertaining set pieces. It features Josh Hartnett, Charithra Chandran, Katee Sackhoff, Julian Kostov and Marko Zaror.
FINAL DESTINATION: BLOODLINES – The sixth chapter in this famous horror franchise arrives some 14 years after the previous installment. A young woman has a harrowing dream about her estranged grandmother surviving the collapse of a large tower with an observation deck. When she asks family members about it, they refuse to talk. However, when relatives around her begin to die in unexpected ways, the protagonist starts to suspect that her elderly granny and those who followed may all be in trouble as dark forces catch up and try to eliminate their bloodline. Notices were very good for this horror film. A small number of critics complained that the film ran out of momentum well before the end, resorted to familiar genre tropes and gave few characters to care about. But everyone else thought that this sequel was one of the best entries in the franchise, delivering memorably graphic executions and doses of humor in equal measure, rechanging the franchise. The film will be available in multiple formats, including a 4K Ultra HD disc, a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook, a Blu-ray only release, and a “6-Film Collection” Blu-ray set. Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, Rya Kihlstedt, Richard Harmon, Owen Patrick Joyner, April Telek and Tony Todd headline the film. Read a full review of the movie here.
THE JURASSIC GAMES: EXTINCTION – In the future, the world is addicted to watching nationally broadcast virtual realities in which competitors fight dinosaurs. But if they are killed online, they die in real life. After a group of new players are enlisted to compete in the latest round of battles, they learn that one figure has inserted themselves into the show as a virus, hoping to take down the government responsible for the program. The lead square off with dinos, while also helping the mysterious freedom fighter. This low-budget independent feature hasn’t been seen by many members of the press yet, and the few online reviews that have appeared aren’t very strong. They suggest that the lack of production funds hinders the final product and note that the film is choppily put together and poorly paced. It stars Katie Burgess, Todd Terry, Ryan Francis, Todd Jenkins, Cory Phillips and Adam Hampton.
THE TROUBLE WITH JESSICA – A London couple suffering through a financial crisis decides to throw a dinner party and invite another couple. The friends arrive, along with an unexpected guest who leaves the room and commits suicide. Shocked and horrified by the discovery, all involved realize that this death could seriously hamper their future plans. They awkwardly conspire to cover it up so that they won’t be involved in any police investigation. But of course, things do not go according to plan. This British comedy earned more positive reviews than negative ones. A sizable number did suggest that the film played it too safe and that the end result wasn’t as shocking or hilarious as hoped for. Still, the majority did think the cast were charismatic, the various plot twists and turns were surprising, and that the end result was a sharp and winning dark comedy. For the time being, this is a DVD-only release. The cast includes Rufus Sewell, Shirley Henderson, Alan Tudyk, Indira Varma and Olivia Williams.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
It’s a great week for older titles as well. Arrow Video is releasing the very 1980s action film Cobra (1986) exclusively on 4K Ultra HD. This film stars Sylvester Stallone as a cop who doesn’t play by any rules but his own. While protecting a murder witness, he seeks to completely wipe out a cult of axe-wielding maniacs based in Los Angeles… and then, well, he pretty much does it. The movie is incredibly silly and over time has built up a sizable cult following.
This “Limited Edition” release boasts a 4K scan of the original camera negative. The release contains an archived commentary from the director, as well as two new commentary tracks from film historians. You’ll also get a TV version of the film with extra material not in the theatrical cut. Additionally, there is a visual essay about cop movies of the era, another on 80s action cinema, as well as new and archival interviews with cast and crew. There is also an archival making-of, trailers, and an image gallery. Of course, a booklet with writing on the film is also included, as well as a reversible sleeve with new and original art for the film, as well as a double-sided fold-out poster. Read a detailed disc review right here.
The Stuff (1985) is a satirical horror film about an addictive ice-cream-like product making waves in America. When a corporate spy is hired to find out the secret recipe, he gets much more than he bargained for and teams up with a marketing director and a plucky kid to try and stop the threat. It’s a fun and entertaining low-budget effort from writer/director Larry Cohen (It’s Alive, God Told Me To, Q – The Winged Serpent) that is arriving as a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD that has been scanned from the original negative and given the Dolby Vision treatment.
Bonuses include an archival commentary with the filmmaker. A film historian commentary, a nearly hour-long making-of retrospective, newly edited discussions with the director and the producer recorded in 2017, a documentary on midtown Manhattan and the indie movies made there during this period, as well as tons of promo materials. Even more exciting is the accompanying Blu-ray that contains the never-before-seen pre-release version that features 30 minutes of additional footage, and a different score. Some think it’s a better version of the film. The set comes with a booklet as well, and a reversible sleeve with new and original art for the title. Read a complete review of the 4K edition with the extended Blu-ray bonus cut right here.
The distributor is also putting out the 2-movie “Limited Edition” Blu-ray set, The Nightwatch Collection, which contains the original Danish chiller Nightwatch (1994) and its recent sequel Nightwatch: Demons Are Forever (2023). The first film is an exceptional thriller about a morgue night watchman being terrorized by a serial killer, while the sequel follows the daughter of the first film’s protagonist going through a similar ordeal. Besides the high-definition presentations, you’ll get a writer/director commentary on the first title, a new interview the cinematographer, a video essay on the two films by an export in Nordic Noir movies, a making-of documentary, trailers, two other new video essays on the way the titles deal with the horrors of adulthood and public and private personas. A double-sided fold-out poster with new and original art for both films is provided, as well as a reversible sleeve and a booklet are also included.
If action films are more to your taste, you can also grab a Blu-ray of the Hong Kong kung-fu title, Warriors Two (1978). Sammo Hung directs and co-stars in this film about students who have to defend their town against a gang of killers. The disc delivers 2K restorations of the original elements of both the original Hong Kong cut and the shorter export edition, as well as multiple dialogue tracks, two film historian commentaries, an archival documentary on the title, an old interview with a co-star, original trailers, a double-sided fold-out poster with new and original artwork for the film, and a booklet.
The Japanese cult film The Beast to Die (1970) is arriving as a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray from Radiance Films. This film stars the legendary Yûsaku Matsuda as a war veteran who gives in to his darkest impulses and rampages through the night. For the Blu-ray, the feature was transferred to 4K by the Kadokawa Corporation. Bonuses include a recent interview with the director, as well as the screenwriter, and a film historian. You can now read a detailed review of the disc by clicking on this link.
Rosa la Rose, Fille Publique (1986) is a French film about a prostitute who falls in love with a working man and attempts to get out of the sex trade, only to meet with resistance from her pimp. This “Limited Edition” Blu-ray promises a 2K picture restoration approved by the director, as well as an introduction from a man who knew the filmmaker personally. Additionally, the disc contains archival interviews with the director and cast members.
You can read a detailed review of the release right here.
If you’re looking for more Hong Kong cinema, Destination: Violent Riders (1975) is being made available on Blu-ray by 88 Films. It’s about a motorcycle mechanic who falls for a gang leader’s woman and must decide how he can save her from a tragic fate. This effort contains a film expert commentary, a new visual essay on the movie, a stills gallery, and a trailer, not to mention original and newly commissioned art for the movie and an illustrated booklet.
If you enjoyed the romantic thriller Original Sin (2001) with Antonio Banderas and Angelina Jolie, you can now pick up a Blu-ray of the film from Capelight Pictures.
Criterion is presenting Carnal Knowledge (1971) as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo and a standalone Blu-ray. Jack Nicholson, Candace Bergen, Ann-Margret, Rita Moreno, Carol Kane and Art Garfunkel star in this well-regarded drama about two men having to come to terms with their chauvinistic treatment of women in the 1950s through the social upheaval of the 1960s. The film has been given a 4K restoration in Dolby Vision, and comes with a commentary from filmmaker/fan Neil LaBute (In the Company of Men, Nurse Betty), a program with a biographer of director Mike Nichols, an interview with a film editing historian, a Q&A with the screenwriter, and a radio spot and trailer.
You Can Count on Me (2000) is also appearing as both a 4k Ultra HD and Blu-ray set and a Blu-ray only release. This title features Laura Linney and Mark Ruffalo as an adult brother and sister dealing with the unexpected reappearance of a younger sibling. For this release, the film has been given a new 4K restoration supervised and approved by the director and presented in Dolby Vision. There is also a commentary track with the filmmaker, new interviews with Linney, Ruffalo and co-star Matthew Broderick, a trailer, and an essay on the film.
Eureka Entertainment is delivering The Tattooed Dragon (1973) on Blu-ray. Jimmy Wang appears in this Hong Kong production about a man trying to protect his village from evil forces. The disc contains a 2K picture restoration, two film historian commentaries, a new discussion about the movie with a martial arts cinema expert, and a booklet with writing on the film. The disc contains a slipcase as well with new artwork for the title.
Kino Lorber is delivering the Italian cult film Danger: Diabolik (1968) as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo, as well as Blu-ray only release. It’s a stylish film in the James Bond mold (with some more unusual flourishes) about a charismatic master thief who lives in an elaborate lair. He faces off against a criminal empire and detectives on a major heist. The movie stars John Phillip Law and Marisa Mell. For this release, the film has been given a new 4K restoration from the original camera negative and is presented in Dolby Vision. There is a commentary from star Law and a film historian track, as well as a newly discovered outro to the film. Additionally, it comes with a 2005 featurette on the movie, the Beastie Boys video Body Movin (which includes footage from the title) with a commentary from band member Adam Yauch. Tons of publicity materials can also be found on this release.
The Bernardo Bertolucci (The Conformist, The Last Emperor) period drama Little Buddha (1993) starring Keanu Reeves is appearing as both a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo and a standalone Blu-ray. It tells the story of how Buddhism was founded. You’ll get a 4K restoration of the full international version of the feature in Dolby Vision (approved by director of photography Vittorio Storaro). Extras listed include a film critic commentary, an archival interview with Bertolucci, an archival making-of documentary, an interview with the producer and a trailer.
You can also pick up a triple-feature Blu-ray containing the American nudie-comedies Mr. Peters’ Pets (1962), Everybody Loves It (1963) and 50,000 B.C. Before Clothing (1964). An exploitation film expert commentary track is featured on the first title, along with a trailer for the third title and a booklet containing essays on these movies.
Northern Lights (1978) is a very well-regarded independent film set in 1915 about a young couple in North Dakota who get involved in a political struggle between farmers and the banks. The black and white film was originally shot on 16mm, but is noted for its remarkable cinematography. This release delivers a 4K digital restoration of the movie in collaboration with its directors and comes with a filmmaker commentary and a rerelease trailer.
Horror fans can pick up the slasher Silent Scream (1979) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set or as a Blu-ray only release. Pictured to the right, it follows a series of murders at a seaside estate housing a group of college students. Most consider it above-average for this type of film. The disc contains a 4K restoration from the original camera negative, along with a commentary with writers Jim and Ken Wheat (who were later involved in the Pitch Black/Riddick franchise) along with the film’s star. Apparently, the movie was heavily overhauled by the pair after its original shoot, so they’ll likely go over all the changes they made to improve the final product. There is also a commentary with co-star Barbara Steele, a featurette about the 30th anniversary of the movie, the original script featurette, a look back at the title with the Wheat brothers, an interview with the star, an audio discussion with the film’s director, a theatrical trailer, a TV spot, radio commercials and more.
Small Soldiers (1998) was a summer movie from noted director Joe Danet (The Howling, Gremlins, Innerspace, The Burbs, Matinee) that unfortunately wasn’t properly advertised during its original run and didn’t gross as much as it should have at the box office. But like many other movies from the filmmaker, it’s an excellent live-action adventure with subversive story elements that is now arriving as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook courtesy of Paramount Pictures.
The plot involves a toy manufacturer who installs military technology into an action figure line. These figures wreak havoc on a suburban neighborhood. Only a group of monster toys can stop the military force from destroying the neighborhood. The film stars Kirsten Dunst, David Cross, Jay Mohr, Denis Leary, Kevin Dunn, Ann Magnuson, Wendy Schaal, Phil Hartman, Archie Hall, Robert Picardo and Dick Miller. The voice cast includes Tommy Lee Jones, Frank Langella, Ernest Borgnine, Jim Brown, Bruce Dern, George Kennedy, Clint Walker, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer.
Quite a fantastic list of names and quite a underrated move. In addition to the picture upgrade, it comes with a behind-the-scenes look at the making-of the movie, as well as bloopers and outtakes.
Shout Factory is giving The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023) another go-round with a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Amazon exclusive Steelbook. The content of the set should be the same as the previous 4K edition from the distributor, but the packaging will be upgraded for the release.
The hilarious comedy Strangers with Candy (2006) is also arriving as a “Collector’s Edition” Blu-ray. Amy Sedaris and Stephen Colbert star in this comedy about a 47-year-old ex-con who decides to go to high school, to greatly amusing results. This feature has been given a new 4K transfer from a 35mm interpositive for this release, along with a commentary track featuring Sedaris, Colbert and co-star Paul Dinello. Deleted scenes are included, along with a music video and trailer.
And Universal Studios is presenting the animated family film Madagascar (2005) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray pack. One expects bonuses to be the same on this rerelease of the title as it was for previous versions.
Additionally, the distributor is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Serenity (2005) with a new 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray “Limited Edition” Steelbook. Again, previous editions have included many of these extras, but those listed in this edition are a Josh Whedon intro to the film, a director commentary track, deleted scenes, extended scenes, outtakes, as well as tons of featurettes on the production.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Below is a list of titles that kids (and in the case of the second feature, older kids) may enjoy
Madagascar (2005) (Universal Studios) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo
Small Soldiers (1998) (Paramount Pictures) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook
ON THE TUBE!
All TV-released releases can be found here.
Bewitched: The Complete Series (Mill Creek Entertainment) Blu-ray
Knight Rider: The Complete Series (original 1980s show) (Universal) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray
Walking with Dinosaurs (2025 TV mini-series) (BBC) Blu-ray