Happy Halloween! As you might have guessed, the spooky season and final week of the month always means a ton of new 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. This edition is full of new titles, as well as classic movies (many of them horror) getting upgrades. Whatever you like, you’re sure to find something noteworthy below. 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!
AMERICANA – Described as a modern-day western/crime picture set in South Dakota, this tale involves a wealthy man who takes possession of a valuable Lakota Ghost shirt. When a local war veteran and a waitress/aspiring singer hear how much a black-market antiques dealer is willing to pay for the item, they decide to steal it in order to earn some fast cash. Although they do successfully snatch the shirt, things spiral out of control as they encounter others who will do anything to obtain it. Critics were a little more positive than negative about this feature. One-third complained that there were too many characters in the story who were all so quirky that none of it was believable. They also stated that it felt like a lesser knock-off of a Coen Brothers film. The rest found the movie entertaining, and liked the two leads, stating their relationship was sweet and carried the movie through a few rough patches. It stars Sydney Sweeney, Paul Walter Hauser, Zahn McClarmon, Eric Dane, Simon Rex and Halsey.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER – In this faith-based festive comedy, a small town is excited for its upcoming 75th anniversary Christmas pageant. A mother excitedly volunteers to direct the production, only to experience complications after six of the most badly-behaved kids in their congregation demand to be involved in the production. The community wants the youths out of the show, but the protagonist decides to find a way to involve them and make the program work. The press found this effort to be significantly better than most faith-based pictures. A small number thought that while pleasant, the film still felt slight and phony, claiming it wouldn’t make a lasting impression. But the majority wrote that the cast were convincing, many of the jokes worked, and described the movie as an engaging, heart-warming holiday film. The cast includes Judy Greer, Pete Holmes, Molly Belle Wright and Lauren Graham.
CHRONICLES OF A WANDERING SAINT – A religious woman living in Argentina is obsessed with sainthood and dreams of being one herself. She decides to stage a miracle in order to get the attention of the church and earn herself the honor. Unfortunately, after setting the elaborate plan up, she ends up perishing. The woman then returns as a spirit and must reexamine her own life and come to some conclusions about why she might be in purgatory. This Spanish-language Argentinian comedy has received nothing but raves from those who reviewed it. Many said it reminded them of the work of Jim Jarmusch (Mystery Train, Dead Man, Only Lovers Left Alive). They noted that its low-key, deadpan tone was hilarious and that the story also had plenty to say about the often strange and surreal ways that humans define not only faith, but the meaning in their own lives. Monica Villa and Horacio Marasi headline the film.
COMMANDO NINJA 2: INVASION AMERICA – The 2018 title Commando Ninja was an independently-produced (via crowdfunding) micro-budgeted French comedy poking fun at American action films of the 1980s. It garnered a following, and now a sequel has arrived. The hero from the first picture is a highway patrolman and war vet with psychological issues. This time out, he discovers that Russian and Vietcong forces have been hiding in America for decades and are now intent on starting World War III. He decides to prevent them from doing so in the most outrageous and over-the-top manner possible Apparently, the story also features dinosaurs and zombies. Very few people on this side of the world have seen the movie. A few notices that have appeared suggest that the film has a few funny gags, but that at nearly 150 minutes, it’s way too shaggy to sustain itself for the entire running time. The movie features Eric Carlesi, Philippe Allier, Stephane Asensio and Lux Scandal.
FAMILIAR TOUCH – An elderly woman must deal with major life changes in this independent drama. After being diagnosed with dementia, she must transition from living in her own house to being cared for in an assisted living center. The lead has to deal with new people, including others in the facility and her caregivers while also struggling with her condition. The picture won awards during its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, and almost every reviewer who saw the movie admired it. One or two found the picture downbeat and didn’t think that it did much to present caregivers or patients in a positive light. Everyone else called the film moving, powerful and beautifully acted, accurately and sensitively depicting events that many of us will either experience with a loved one or go through ourselves. It stars Kathleen Chalfant, Carolyn Michaelle Smith, Andy McQueen and H. Jon Benjamin.
JIMMY AND STIGGS – Also known as Eli Roth Presents: Jimmy and Stiggs, this low-budget horror picture was reportedly shot independently over four years on 16mm film. It impressed filmmaker Eli Roth enough to attach his name to it, and the release will be available in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack exclusively through the Vinegar Syndrome website. An out-of-work filmmaker goes on a drug and booze-filled bender. He wakes up believing that he was abducted by aliens the night before. Anticipating their return, the man gets himself armed and prepares to fight back. More critics were amused by what they saw than were disgusted by it. Slightly more than one-third commented that there wasn’t enough of a story here to justify a feature and that it was just repetitive scenes of shouting and bloodshed. Still, the majority claimed the picture would definitely appeal to the midnight cult film crowd with its creatively over-the-top and chaotic imagery. They felt like they had just been on a memorably wild and gory acid trip. It features Joe Begos and Matt Mercer.
PSYCHO THERAPY: THE SHALLOW TALE OF A SERIAL KILLER WHO DECIDED TO WRITE ABOUT A SERIAL KILLER – For four years, a writer toils away on his latest novel about a serial killer. His efforts don’t seem to be going anywhere, to the point where his wife threatens to leave him. One day, he meets a man who claims to be a retired serial killer. The odd figure promises to teach the lead everything he knows about murdering people. This killer gets close to the family, eventually acting as an impromptu marriage counselor. But could the unexpected helper have other plans for the writer and his wife? This independent dark comedy was generally well-received. A small number claimed that after a good start, the story lost momentum, eventually fizzling out. But all others noted that the performances were great and that the laughs came very easily. They thought it was an ambitious effort that also effectively satirized marriages. The cast includes Steve Buscemi, John Magaro, Britt Lower and Sydney Cole Alexander.
RELAY – This thriller involves a man who mediates deals between whistleblowers and the companies they are exposing. In order to facilitate a resolution between factions safely, he uses a relay phone service for the deaf in which an operator helps communicate and work out arrangements. One day, a new client contacts him, stating that the research institute she worked for is covering up harmful side effects of their genetically modified food product. He gets in contact with the corporation, who aggressively set out to catch and eliminate the mediator and client. The pair end up in even deeper trouble when they develop a personal connection. The movie was generally well-received. About one-fifth of reviewers couldn’t relate to the behavior of the characters and disliked the story’s twists. However, everyone else called it a clever, riveting thriller with great performances, and plenty of clever surprises that would keep viewers on the edges of their seats. It features Riz Ahmed, Lily James, Sam Worthington, Willa Fitzgerald and Victor Garber. Read a full review of this movie right here.
RENT FREE – This picture was released a couple of months ago on DVD, but is now arriving on Blu-ray. Two best friends living in Austin, Texas hit rock bottom. With no money, girlfriends or future prospects, the young pals concoct a scheme that will help them spend an entire year living “rent free” until they can get back on their feet. This scam involves manipulating family, friends and strangers. It starts off effectively, but the pair eventually see that the plan may have negative side effects. This independent comedy fared well at film festivals and earned a lot of praise from those who saw it. They stated that the coming-of-age story was witty, had believable characters, and delivered unpredictable twists. Additionally, they were impressed by its sweetness and message. This title is only available on DVD for the time being. Jacob Roberts, David Treviño, Molly Edelman and Zeke Goodman headline the film.
SAMURAI FURY – Released as Muromachi Outsiders in its homeland, this Japanese historical action epic takes place in 15th century Kyoto. When awful conditions, including a famine and plague, make existence almost unlivable, a rebel fighter contacts other warriors who have been left by their leaders. They band together to right the country’s shogunate warlords and restore justice to the country. This picture appears to have been a notable release in its homeland, where it was shown on IMAX screens. Only a handful of notices have appeared in this part of the world, but they have been decent. A few commented that it was visually impressive, but that there wasn’t much nuance to the film and that it would have benefitted from stronger characters. Slightly more called it an impressive spectacle that delivered big action scenes that would appeal to the masses. This title can be purchased in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set or as a standalone Blu-ray. The cast includes YasushiAmi, Yuya Endo and Hannya.
SMURFS – The popular blue comic-book characters return in this live-action reboot of the franchise. The story begins with Papa Smurf hiding one of four magic books that, together, can destroy all goodness from the world. Naturally, villainous sorcerers Gargamel and his brother Razamel want it for themselves. When a new arrival in Smurf Village unearths the volume and draws the attention of the antagonists, all the Smurfs travel around the world to find the other books and protect them. The press disliked the latest feature from this franchise. A limited number like the colorful imagery and the constant barrage of jokes, noting that most families would enjoy the picture. Alas, most critiqued the film for having little to do with its source material, and delivering a hyper-active but unengaging story with bland jokes. The movie can be purchased on Blu-ray or on DVD. The cast includes Rihanna, James Corden, John Goodman, Nick Offerman, JP Karliak, Dan Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Jimmy Kimmel, Octavia Spencer, Nick Kroll, Alex Winter and Kurt Russell.
THE TOXIC AVENGER UNRATED – This remake of the 1984 cult film follows a lowly janitor at a pharmaceutical company. Providing for his stepson becomes difficult when the boy’s mom passes away from a long bout with cancer. The worker also discovers he has a brain disease and treatment for it won’t be covered by his employers. Things appear to become disastrous after he is mistaken for a whistleblower and thrown into a vat of toxic waste. But, instead of dying, the janitor mutates into a toxic superhero and literally tears apart sinister figures at the company. Reviewers were generally amused by this reimagining. A small number were not impressed, calling the gross-out humor blunt and tiresome. But most did think this picture was an effective tribute to the original and did its best to deliver icky gore and yuks (on a slightly larger budget) to a new generation. You can pick this title up in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook, a regular 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo, as well as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray of both the 2025 movie and 1984 original. It stars Peter Dinklage, Jacob Tremblay, Taylour Page, Kevin Bacon, Elija Wood, Julia Davis and Kevin Bacon.
TROUBLE MAN – An ex-cop turned private detective is hired by a record executive to find a missing R&B star whose latest album is about to be released. His search for the woman leads to her boyfriend, who has ties to gang activity. The two are at odds, but have to help each other out when they discover a deeper conspiracy involving the record label and several groups of criminals. This independent, low-budget action film hasn’t been seen by many reviewers yet and the online reaction to the film is all over the place. Some suggest that the actors are quite good and the film is a great deal of fun to watch, while just as many state that the smaller budget hurt the production and that the second half falls off the rails with lackluster CGI and ridiculous plot twists. For now, this is a DVD-only release. The cast includes Michael Jai White, Cliff ‘Method Man’ Smith, Alani ‘La La’ Anthony, Mike Epps and Orlando Jones.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
Looking for something older? You have a lot of options, particularly if you like genre pictures. In the Mouth of Madness (1994) is arriving as a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD from Arrow Video. This effort from John Carpenter (Halloween, The Fog, The Thing, Prince of Darkness, They Live and many more) involves an insurance investigator hunting for a missing author whose books are believed to make readers crazy. It’s another memorable film from the director and this edition pulls out all the stops.
The feature has been given a new 4K restoration from the original camera negative, presented in Dolby Vision. It comes with two archival commentary tracks with the director (accompanied on one with producer Sandy King, and cinematographer Gary B. Kibbe on the other), and a new film historian commentary. There are new interviews with Sandy King, co-star Jurgen Prochnow, co-star Julie Carmen and make-up effects man Greg Nicotero. Additionally, there is a new featurette in which three critics discuss the picture’s themes (and the director’s too), as well as a new video essay on the movie. Additionally, you will get a visit to the film’s locations, a vintage making-of, and plenty of promo materials. Read a full disc review right here.
Ms. 45 (1981) is also arriving as a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD and separately as a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray. This tale from Abel Ferrara (Driller Killer, King of New York, Bad Lieutenant, Body Snatchers: The Invasion Continues) a seamstress (Zoe Tamerils) who is raped and ends up going on a murderous rampage, randomly killing men with a gun. The 35mm camera negative has been scanned in 4K and is presented in Dolby Vision for this releasee. It also comes with a recently recorded film historian commentary, new featurettes from two critics, archival interviews with Ferrara, the score composer, and the creative consultant. Two shorts with the star of the film are included, as well as a trailer and an image gallery. It comes with a 60-oage with writing on the movie, and a double-sided fold-out poster with original and newly commissioned art for the feature.
Additionally, Arrow is presenting Trick ‘r Treat (2007) as a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD Steelbook. The contents are the same as in previous versions from Arrow, this release is just in different packaging.
The Island (1985) is an unusual survival horror picture from Hong Kong. Eureka Entertainment is debuting the movie for the first time in North America on Blu-ray. It follows a Hong Kong high school teacher and students visiting a remote island off the mainland. They begin being pestered by locals, who eventually turn violent. It’s a unique picture in the style of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, The Hills Have Eyes and other horror films of the era, but through a Hong Kong lens. For this Blu-ray, the picture has been given a 2K remaster and arrives with two film expert commentary tracks, a 2023 discussion with the director about the feature, and a trailer. It comes in a slipcase with a booklet containing essays on the movie. Read all about the release by clicking on this link.
Although it was scheduled for release a couple of weeks ago, Malpertuis (1971) from Radiance Films experienced a slight delay. Here’s a refresher on the title. It is a Belgian/French/West German production about a sailor who returns home. He ends up on the estate of his wealthy uncle, who has gathered the family together for a strange and surreal will reading. This arthouse horror picture has built a sizable cult following and is now being released on Blu-ray for the first time ever. You’ll get a director-approved 4K image restoration, a commentary with the filmmaker and the assistant director, a new interview with the director, a 2005 documentary on the making of the feature, a featurette on the casting of Orson Welles, with outtakes of the performer, a special on co-star Susan Hampshire, an archival interview with the director and co-star Michel Bouquet, an archival talk with author Jean Ray aka John Flanders (who wrote the book the movie is based on). The director also revisits the locations from the film and presents a short he made from the previous decade. Additionally, the Cannes version of the picture, which is 25 minutes shorter, is presented here as well. This is a “Limited Edition” of 3000 copies. Here is a link to a full Blu-ray review of the title.
Angst by August is a Blu-ray set from Altered Innocence containing the Danish coming-of-age pictures Zappa (1983) and Twist and Shout (1984). They’re considered authentic and nuanced movies about young people of the era. The release promises stunning new transfers, a new interview with director Bille August (Pelle the Conqueror) and a video essay on the films.
The drama Cold Journey (1972) from Canadian International Pictures arrived on Blu-ray as a Vinegar Syndrome exclusive a few weeks ago, but is now being made available at most retailers.
Cinematographe is another company that usually puts their titles out as Vinegar Syndrome exclusives first, before giving them a wider release. This week, a “Standard Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray of the exceptional comedy A New Leaf (1971) is arriving, as is a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray of the Robert De Niro/Sean Penn comedy/remake, We’re No Angels (1989).
Criterion is putting out Deep Crimson (1996) as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set, as well as a Blu-ray-only title. It’s an award-winning Mexican true crime drama about a man who preys upon women. He ends up being controlled by one of his intended targets. You’ll get a 4K restoration of the director’s cut of the picture supervised and approved by the director. The set also contains new interviews with the filmmaker and the edit, a crew panel discussion on the movie, and a trailer.
Guillermo del Toro’s recent, Oscar-nominated Nightmare Alley (2021) is getting the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray treatment as well. Pictured above and to the left, this period tale follows a roustabout in a sideshow who gets in over his head when his mentalist act begins attracting wealthy and powerful clients. You’ll get 4K restorations from the original camera negative in Dolby Vision of the 150-minute theatrical cut, as well as a 159-minute extended, black-and-white director’s cut. Additionally, a new director commentary is present on the longer version, along with a new documentary on the film’s performances, costume and art direction, as well as score. There is also a conversation with del Toro and actor/producer Bradley Cooper, a discussion between del Toro and the co-screenwriter, as well as trailers.
Disney/Buena Vista acquired Fox some time ago and have begun releasing some notable titles on disc. This week, the fantastic Tim Burton fantasy Edward Scissorhands (1990) is arriving as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook. Johnny Depp plays the title character, who is a figure built from parts in a scientist’s lab. When his creator passes away, he is taken in by a suburban family and struggles to adapt to his new environment. Besides a new “4K restoration” of the film in Dolby Vision that should be a major image upgrade, you’ll get an archival commentary from Burton, another from composer Danny Elfman, an EPK from the film’s release and numerous trailers.
I Am Not a Witch (2017), an award-winning film from Zambia, is arriving on Blu-ray from Film Movement. It’s about a girl who is falsely accused of witchcraft and then exploited by those around her. The disc contains a commentary with the director, the associate producer and star, an interview with the filmmaker, a short from the director and a booklet with an essay on the movie.
Sea Fog (2014) is a South Korean movie based on a true story about a group of illegal immigrants from China who were lost while making their way across the sea to the country. The Blu-ray comes with cast and crew interviews, a making-of featurette, trailers and a booklet with essays on the story.
The Third Wife (2018) is a period drama from Vietnam about a woman who is supposed to marry a wealthy landowner, but is more interested in another. The Blu-ray contains a director commentary, an alternate silent version of the movie, a New York Asian Film Festival interview with the moviemaker and a short from the director, along with a booklet containing writing about the feature.
One of the bleakest pictures I can recall seeing over the past few years is the Czech period war-drama The Painted Bird (2019), and it is getting a Blu-ray from IFC Films. The picture uses an interSlavic language and features a cast that includes Stellan Skarsgård, Harvey Keitel, Barry Pepper, Udo Kier and Julian Sands and it depicts the horrors of war through the eyes of a child. Along with the movie, you’ll get a feature-length documentary on the production, a film historian commentary, a new interview with the director, a video essay on the movie, a booklet with essays on the film.
Fire Will Come (2019) is a drama set in northwestern Spain about a convicted arsonist who is accused of starting a major fire burning through a small village. Kimstim is handling the Blu-ray release of this title, and extras include a Q&A with the director and the cinematographer Ed Lachman (True Stories, The Virgin Suicides, Far from Heaven, Wonderstruck) and a trailer.
Kino Lorber is making several titles and sets available as well. A few weeks back, all the Airport movies arrived in 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray sets. Airport: The Complete 4-Film Collection is a collection containing all four disaster titles exclusively on 4K Ultra HD.
The Cat and the Canary (1927) is arriving in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set and a standalone Blu-ray. This silent classic involves a woman who inherits a huge estate, but in order to collect it, must prove she is sane. Over the course of the evening, other family members attempt to drive her mad. The discs contain a 3K SDR restoration of the film, two film historian commentaries and special music score. The Blu-ray also promises a short by the director and a trailer.
Dan Curtis is familiar to horror fans for his various horror-themed works that aired on television, including Trilogy of Terror and the Night Stalker series. Dan Cutis’ Classic Monsters is a Blu-ray containing the TV-movies The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1968), Frankenstein (1974) and Dracula (1974). The last of which featured Jack Palance as the title vampire. This set contains introductions to the titles by a Curtis authority, commentaries on all the titles, interviews with cast, crew and historians, as well as TV promos. It all arrives with newly commissioned cover art and a slipcover.
They also have a Blu-ray of the TV-movie anthology Dead of Night (1977), which, as a bonus, also comes with the earlier haunted house TV pilot, Dead of Night: A Darkness at Blaisedon (1969). This disc contains a Curtis authority intro, a movie expert commentary, score highlights, deleted scenes, and an extended opening sequence. The cover art is new here as well and the disc also has a slipcover.
One of my very favorite so-bad-it’s-great movies is Death Wish 3 (1985) and it’s being released on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray (thank you, Kino!). The first film in the series was dark and disturbing, while the second was simply ugly and hard-to-watch. In this follow-up, Charles Bronson returns as his famous vigilante. When he decides to visit an old war buddy, his pal is almost immediately murdered by a gang of punks. The protagonist sets out to help seniors and put-upon citizens in the community fight back, mostly by gunning down these villains himself in the most cartoonish manner possible. It’s important when you watch the movie to observe what New York looks like before he arrives, and the state of the city after he has “saved” it from those evil gangs. The movie is absurd and ridiculous in every imaginable way, and still makes me laugh out loud every time I watch it. Specs say the film is newly restored in 4K and presented in Dolby Vision. It comes with two film critic commentary tracks, an interview with a cast member, an alternate ending, and a trailer.
Dust Devil (1992) is a big arthouse/horror cult film from South African filmmaker Richard Stanley (Hardware, The Color Out of Space). It is now arriving in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set and as a standalone Blu-ray. It follows a woman traveling across Africa who is pursued by a shape-shifting demon. The release contains a 4K restoration of both the director’s cut and the theatrical version of the film presented in Dolby Vision. Additionally, there is a film maker commentary on the longer version, a 2006 interview with Stanley, original storyboards, polaroids, and trailers. It comes with reversible art and a slipcase.
The Best Picture Oscar-nominee and war film For Whom the Bell Tolls (1943) starring Gary Cooper and Ingrid Bergman is arriving on a “Special Edition” Blu-ray with a 4K picture restoration. Special features include the roadshow edition of the movie, a film historian commentary and a trailer.
Lionsgate is delivering 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Amazon exclusive Steelbooks of the horror sequels Saw II (2005), Saw III (2006) and Saw IV (2007).
You can also pick up the collage film Fraud (2016) on Blu-ray from Memory. The director behind this picture reedited hundreds of hours of uploaded YouTube videos of a family shopping to create a fictional narrative about obsessive consumerism. Apparently, it caused a stir at its premiere, with conflict breaking out between the audience members. You can now pick up a Blu-ray of the title to see what it’s all about. The filmmaker, Dean Fleisher Camp, would go on to make Marcel the Shell with Shoes On and the recent live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch. Bonuses include a director Q&A, a talk with the subjects used in the movie, deleted scenes and an “Anatomy of a Scene” feature.
Weeds (1987) is arriving on Blu-ray from MVD Visual. Nick Nolte stars in this tale about a prison inmate who writes a play that gets the attention of reporters. The movie has been restored in 2K for this release, and arrives with a director interview, an original trailer and a photo gallery.
It is a busy week for Shout Factory. The Mike Nichols war satire Catch-22 (1970) is arriving as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack. Alan Arkin stars in this tale of a World War II bombardier and his compatriots who try to escape the insanity of war. This set contains a 4K picture restoration from the original camera negative, a film critic commentary, an archival director commentary and a trailer.
A Chinese Ghost Story Trilogy is also arriving on Blu-ray from the distributor. It contains the three Hong Kong supernatural action/comedy pictures made between 1987 and 1991. All of the titles were given 4K scans from the original camera negative for this set. You’ll also get film historian commentaries on the trio of pictures, a feature-length documentary on the first title, an interview with an expert about each film, as well as tons of publicity materials.
The horror film Hush (2016) is arriving as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray “Limited Edition” Steelbook. It follows a deaf-mute writer being pursued by a killer. The 4K restoration of two cuts of the movie was supervised and approved by director Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep, The Life of Chuck) and they are presented in Dolby Vision. There are filmmaker commentaries on both versions of the movie, cast and crew interviews, and more.
Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) is arriving once again as an 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Amazon exclusive Steelbook. It’s essentially the same as the previous edition from the distributor, only in new packaging.
Shudder is putting out a Blu-ray of Sorry About the Demon (2022), a chiller that has been on their streaming site for a couple of years. The plot involves a man who is dumped and then learns that his new place is haunted by an evil spirit. It arrives with a commentary track featuring the writer/director and star, deleted scenes, a behind-the-scenes gallery and a trailer.
Terror Vision is a website that offers exclusive titles filled with extras. Just in time for Halloween, they are putting out the ‘Gator Bait Collection, a “Deluxe Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set containing Gator Bait (1973) and Gator Bait 2 (1988).
Hide and Go Shriek (1988) is arriving as a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray, as is Patchwork (2015), which is not just a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray title, but one that also comes with a CD. And the horror/comedy Student Bodies (1981) is also getting a 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and CD package. All titles will feature vastly improved picture quality and tons of bonus material.
Japanese monster movies fans will be thrilled that Shin Godzilla (2016) is arriving from Toho this week in various forms. There is a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook, a 4K Ultra HD only release, a “Godzilla Store” exclusive, “Deluxe Collector’s Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray, and a standalone Blu-ray. This Japanese effort details the efforts of a government task force trying to stop the famous rampaging creature.
You can also pick up a number of Vinegar Syndrome releases. There are a great many new ones and I’ve never heard of a title from this distributor not impressing, so you’re pretty safe with whatever strikes your fancy. I’ll list most of these and you can look up bonuses if you’re so inclined.
The Last Winter (2006) and Wendigo (2001) are two titles from the first Larry Fessenden set that are now available separately. Both contain a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray disc of the movie with numerous features.
The Resurrected (1991) is an H.P. Lovecraft adaptation from the late, great Dan O’Bannon (The Return of the Living Dead) that is arriving in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray package. The wife of a chemical engineer hires a private investigator to find out what her husband has been up to. Because this is a horror picture, it leads to the reveal of disturbing experiments resulting in grotesque creatures. Chris Sarandon stars in the picture. The set contains a 4K restoration of the original camera negative presented in Dolby Vision, a commentary track with producers and the special effects artist, recently recorded interviews with Sarandon, as well as other cast members and critics. There are also archival interviews with cast and crew, deleted and extended scenes, promo materials and a “Chainsaw Awards Speech”.
You can also pick up a Blu-ray of the Michael York crime picture The Strange Affair (1968), about a police constable that gets himself into a sex scandal that is set up by crooks. It comes with a film historian commentary, a making-of, thoughts from star York on the movie, an interview with another cast member and a trailer.
For some time, Wild Eye Entertainment has been putting out independent and homemade genre titles. Now, they’ve teamed up with Vinegar Syndrome for a VS “website exclusive” with a “Special Limited Edition” of the wonderfully titled The Disco Exorcist (2011). It follows a disco dancer who romances and dumps a voodoo priestess. Bad idea! She soon returns for revenge. This effort arrives on Blu-ray with a new and archival director commentary, deleted scene, image gallery, and trailer. This version has a spot gloss slipcover and is limited to 2000 units.
The Films of Hisayasu Satō: Volume #1 is another Vinegar Syndrome exclusive Blu-ray set containing the Japanese “Pink” films Lustmord (1987), Love Letter in the Sand (1988)and Re-Wind (1988).
The Eric Robers/Susan Sarandon crime/drama King of the Gypsies (1978) is arriving in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set on the Vinegar Syndrome website. The disc was made with Cinematographe and will be full of bonus features. Another picture only available via their site includes Men from the Gutter (1983) on Blu-ray.
Warner Archive is making made-to-order Blu-rays available for The Mad Miss Manton (1938), Manhattan Melodrama (1934), The Master of Ballantrae (1953) and Out of the Fog (1941).
And finally, you can pick up a Warner Bros. “Terror Time Collector’s Edition” Blu-ray of the animated feature Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998). It comes with a new Scooby-Doo historian commentary track, a promo trailer and a booklet with an essay on the film and its importance in the franchise.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Below are a couple of kid-friendly titles. I should note that the Scooby-Doo movie listed here is more intense than most (the story involves real zombies) and may frighten younger children.
Mega Man: The Complete Series (1994-1995 Japanese animated series) (Discotek Media) Blu-ray
Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998) (Warner Bros.) “Terror Time Collector’s Edition” Blu-ray
Smurfs (2025) (Paramount) Blu-ray or DVD
ON THE TUBE!
Below is a list of the week’s TV-related releases.
Arcane: Season 2 (Shout Factory) Blu-ray, Blu-ray Steelbook, 4K Ultra HD only Steelbook
The Baker’s Son (Hallmark) DVD
Beyond the Blackboard (Hallmark Hall of Fame) DVD
Candles on Bay Street (Hallmark Hall of Fame) DVD
Christmas at Pemberly Manor (Hallmark) DVD
The Day of the Jackal: Season 1 (Universal Studios) Blu-ray
Debbie Macomber’s Mr. Miracle (Hallmark) DVD
Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (Hallmark) DVD
Fashionably Yours (Hallmark) DVD
Follow Me to Daisy Hills (Hallmark) DVD
Hallmark 2-Movie Collection: Anything for Love and A Dash of Love (Hallmark) DVD
Hallmark 2-Movie Collection: A Dickens of a Holiday! and Boyfriends of Christmas Past (Hallmark) DVD
Hallmark 2-Movie Collection: In the Key of Love and A Valentine’s Match (Hallmark) DVD
Hallmark 2-Movie Collection: A Little Daytime Drama and Love, For Real (Hallmark) DVD
Hallmark 2-Movie Collection: Winter Love Story and A Winter Princess (Hallmark) DVD
Hallmark 6-Movie Collection: The Santa Class, Holiday Crashers, Twas the Date Before Christmas, A ’90s Christmas, Holiday Mismatch, Trivia at St. Nick’s (Hallmark) DVD
Hearts Down Under (Hallmark) DVD
Holiday Countdown to Christmas 9-Movie Collection: Never Been Chris’d, A Nashville Christmas Carol, A Timeless Christmas, Chateau Christmas, Christmas by Starlight, The Holiday Stocking, The Christmas House, We Wish You a Married Christmas, Mystery on Mistletoe Lane (Hallmark) DVD
Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story and On the 12th Date of Christmas (Hallmark) DVD
Holly & Ivy (Hallmark) DVD
Kamen Rider Amazon (1974-1975 Japanese live-action series) (Discotek Media) Blu-ray
Lacey Chabert 6-Movie Christmas Collection 2: Haul Out the Holly, Christmas at Castle Hart, A Merry Scottish Christmas, Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up, Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas, Christmas Waltz (Hallmark) DVD
Masterpiece: The Gold: Season 1 (PBS) DVD
Mega Man: The Complete Series (1994-1995 Japanese animated series) (Discotek Media) Blu-ray
Sacred Planet with Gulnaz Khan (PBS) DVD
St. Denis Medical: Season 1 (Universal Studios) Blu-ray
Three Wiser Men and a Boy, Magic in Mistletoe (Hallmark) DVD