Welcome to another look at highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. Last week was remarkably busy. That means this edition is quieter. Still, there are some interesting new arrivals and plenty of notable older features receiving impressive releases. 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!
BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER! – This documentary is exactly what it sounds like… a film devoted to chronicling the best festive features ever made. Stars, critics, writers, directors and authors (several of whom are involved with titles on the list) run down some of their favorites and why certain pictures resonate with audiences. By the time all is said and done, viewers get all the details on approximately 50 yuletide favorites. As of right now, there aren’t any reviews available for this title, but one imagines that anyone thinking of checking something out this December might be curious to see what makes the cut on this list (wonder if Gremlins is included… and would be surprised to see a few of my favorites, like Comfort and Joy, The Ice Harvest and The Ref get chosen). Interview subjects include Jon Berg, Jeremiah S. Chechik (director of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation), Denise Crosby, Terry Farrell, Kurt Fuller, Mitch Glazer (co-writer of Scrooged), Biran Levant (director of Jingle All the Way), Steven E. de Souza (writer of Die Hard), Ilya Salkind (producer of Santa Claus: The Movie) and many more.
HIDDEN FACE – An orchestra conductor falls for his cellist and the two announce that they are engaged. But not long after, she vanishes, leaving only a cryptic video behind. Time passes and a replacement joins the orchestra. The conductor begins to develop feelings for the replacement, who soon returns his affections. But the pair realize they might be judged by others for the relationship and try to keep their romance a secret. As this occurs, more details about the missing musician come to light. This South Korean mystery/thriller hasn’t been seen by many North American critics. Still, those who did catch the movie and write it up were positive about it. They wrote that the cast was charismatic and that this was a slick, well-produced picture that would keep thriller enthusiasts on edge. The cast includes Song Seung-heon, Cho Yeo-jeong and Park Ji-hyun.
THE LAST RONIN – While the title of the feature might make one believe this is a Japanese period story, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. This movie is actually a Russian, post-apocalyptic action picture. After nuclear war has ravaged the planet, very little from the old world still works. The only source of value and currency become weapons and ammunition. A lone survivor with sword-fighting skills wanders through the wasteland, until he meets a young woman in desperate need for help. Very few people have seen this picture and there are currently no reviews available for it. A few online writer-ups from other parts of the world have appeared, and opinions are all over the place. Some commented that the movie looked impressive and the action was good, while others complained that it was bland, stiff and predictable. Yuri Kolokolnikov, Diana Enakaeva and Bekarys Akhmetov headline the picture.
SO UNREAL – This is a busy week for documentaries about movies. In this example, pictures with a cyberspace theme made between 1981 and 2001 are examined. The filmmaker goes through titles like eXisTenz, The Matrix, TRON, Tetsuo: The Iron Man, and TRON (and hopefully Electric Dreams, Ghost in the Machine, Johnny Mnemonic, The Lawnmower Man and others) to explore the public’s fears and anxieties about technology at the time. Viewers will see some prescient ideas in these movies, along with ideas that didn’t make as strong an impact. Notices for this effort were generally good. A lone voice or two thought the film reminded them of a student thesis. They didn’t really buy into many of the arguments it was making. But the majority liked it. They admitted that the presentation was a bit dry, but thought it would appeal to those who enjoyed the genre. And others believed the movie did offer interesting arguments and ideas that would engage and entertain. The film is narrated by Debbie Harry.
TULSA TERRORS – Want even more documentaries about movies? You can complete a trifecta this week with this effort. It goes into the direct-to-video movie boom that began in the late 1980s into the 1990s. For some time, independent filmmakers used video equipment to create movies and a great many got major VHS distribution deals. This film tells the story and also goes into specifics about a pair of tenacious Oklahomans who may have been responsible for getting the ball rolling with Blood Cult, a 1985 horror film that was a big seller at the time of release. As it turns out, VCI Entertainment-founder Bill Blair was one of the figures who made the movie. He and filmmaker Christopher Lewis tell how things exploded and what the film’s success led to. There aren’t any reviews for this title just yet, but it sounds like a fascinating story that will be of interest to fans of micro-budget moviemaking.
VULCANIZADORA – Two friends trudge out into the Michigan wilderness in this unusual drama/dark comedy with genre film elements. They joke around and talk about their lives, while making reference to fulfilling a pact. The journey goes awry and the two have to deal with the consequences, as well as how to move forward once locals know the truth of what they’re up to. There’s not a whole lot known about the plot of this independent effort, but members of the press who saw it spoke highly of it. In fact, the film played at numerous festivals, winning awards at both Tribeca and Fantasia. A lone voice liked the cast but was let down by where the story ultimately went. All others called the movie completely unique and that it went to unusual and challenging places. They were impressed by the cast and thought the story’s existential elements would stay with viewers. It stars Joshua Burge, Joel Potrykus and Solo Potrykus.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
If you’d like to give an older title a try, you have plenty to choose from as well. Radiance Films is releasing The Betrayal (1966) a Japanese samurai picture about an honorable swordsman who is asked by his master to take the blame for a murder he didn’t commit, until figures above him can sort out a solution and return him to a position of honor. He ends up being sent away and, now a ronin, the lead discovers that no one above him has any intention of clearing his name. Instead, they all end up trying to murder him before he causes trouble.
This picture has earned a following over the years and is now arriving as a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray, containing a high-definition film transfer presented by Kadokawa. There is a scene select audio commentary from a film critic, a visual essay comparing this version of the story to an earlier, silent production, and a visual essay on themes in the films of director Tokuzo Tanaka (The Snow Woman, Shinobi 4). The disc comes with a booklet and a reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned art for the feature. You can read a full review of the disc by clicking on this link!
Los Golfos (1960) aka The Delinquents is a Spanish drama about a group of kids struggling to survive in Madrid. They turn to petty crime to try and earn a living for themselves and eventually plot an elaborate heist. The picture made waves during its initial release and was nominated for the Palm d’Or at Cannes. For this “Limited Edition” Blu-ray, Filmoteca Espanola is presenting a 4K picture restoration from the original camera negative. There is an introduction to the film by a critic, an interview with another movie expert about the title’s importance and influence on Spanish cinema, 13 minutes of scenes censored by dictator Francisco Franco’s film office (the cut presented on the disc restores almost all cuts), and two early shorts from the director. It all comes with a booklet and a reversible sleeve with original and new art for the film. LOOK FOR A FULL DISC REVIEW ON THIS SITE VERY SOON.
Arrow Video is putting out a Blu-ray of the American independent folk horror film Hellbender (2021). The plot involves a teen with an immunity disorder who begins to believe that her protective parents might actually be lying about her condition. The film has been given a high-definition transfer and comes with a filmmaker commentary, a video essay on the movie, a featurette on the visual effects, behind-the-scenes footage, a short film, four music videos and a trailer. This release also comes with a booklet with writing on the title, as well as new and original cover artwork.
The comedy Big Helium Dog (1999) is arriving from Big Choice Video as a Collector’s Edition Blu-ray. This independent effort was a sketch comedy movie featuring a cast of familiar faces, including Kevin Smith, Michael Ian Black and Jay Changrasekhar. The original camera negative was restored for this new high -definition release and it comes with two filmmaker commentary tracks, and intro from the writer/director and Kevin Smith, a Q&A with the filmmakers, associate producer and cast members, cast auditions, a behind-the-scenes photo gallery, trailers and a slipcover.
Hotel Rwanda (2004) is a very well-regarded title with Don Cheadle that was a multiple Oscar nominee. The story involved a hotel manager who took in more than one thousand Tutsi refugees in the country. This feature is arriving from Capelight Pictures as a Blu-ray Mediabook and a standalone Blu-ray. Previous editions of the film contained bonus features, so one hopes that this edition will carry over some of them.
Criterion is delivering the Lizzie Borden film Born in Flames (1983) on Blu-ray. The story is set in the US after a peaceful revolution puts the extreme right into power. Minorities, liberals, gay rights organizations and feminists are put through the ringer by the government. For this release, the movie has been given a 2K restoration by the Anthology Film Archives (with funding from the Golden Globe Foundation and Film Foundation), supervised and approved by the director. Borden provides an intro to the feature, and is part of a cast and crew commentary track. The disc also includes Regrouping (1976), a feature documentary from Borden about a New York City women’s group.
This Is Spinal Tap (1984) is arriving in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set as well as a standalone Blu-ray. This classic mockumentary tells the story of a hard rock band promoting and touring their latest album. We see all the absurd hardships they go through as they reach for glory. The movie is hilarious and serves as one of the best of its kind, thanks to the work of writer/director Rob Reiner (who also appears in the film as the documentarian) and cast members Christopher Guest, Michael McKeon, Harry Shearer, Tony Hendra, Bruno Kirby, Ed Begley Jr., Fran Drescher, Patrick Macnee, Dana Carvey, Billy Crystal, Howard Hesseman, Paul Shaffer, Archie Hahn, Angelica Huston and Fred Willard.
The film has been given a 4K restoration supervised and approved by Reiner and presented in Dolby Vision (apparently it looks incredible). There are three audio commentaries: one with actors Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer; one with Reiner, producer Karen Murphy, and editors Robert Leighton and Kent Beyda; and one with band members Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins, and Derek Smalls. A recently recorded conversation between Reiner and actor Patton Oswalt is included, as well as outtakes, alternate takes and abandoned subplots (some of which are very funny). The 20-minute video Spinal Tap: The Final Tour (1981), which was shot to help gain funding for the feature, is also included, as well as trailers (including the legendary “cheese” teaser), promotional spots, media appearances, music videos, and commercials.
You can also pick up a Blu-ray of Dakota (1974) from Cult Epics. It’s a Dutch feature about a pilot who gets involved with contraband in order to keep his plane operating. The movie was big in its homeland and was shot by Jan de Bont (who would go on to direct Speed and Twister). The film has been given a 2K restoration for this release and arrives with the film historian commentary, a press flight, footage from Cannes, a photo gallery and trailers. A slipcase is included with the disc, and the jacket has a reversible sleeve with the original Dutch poster art.
Deaf Crocodile Films is notable for releasing notable Eastern European titles. This week sees the release of several discs. The first is a “Standard Edition” Aleksandr Ptushkov Fantastika Box, containing Blu-rays of the Russian fantasy films The Sword & the Dragon (1956) aka Ilya Muromets, The Day the Earth Froze (1959) aka Sampo, The Tale of Tsar Saltan (1967) and Ruslan and Ludmila (1972). You’ll get restorations of all four films, movie historian commentary tracks, an hour-long interview with visual effects artist and authority Robert Skotak on the movie’s special effects, a film historian essay, a video essay on the movies, and a restoration trailer. Printed articles on the movie are included in the box too. And, if you’d prefer to just own any title separately, individual copies will be available.
Additionally, the distributor is presenting The Devil’s Bride (1974) on Blu-ray. This is a Lithuanian musical about a devil who is kicked out of heaven and tries to cause chaos on Earth. Apparently, it’s quite surreal and visually striking. The Lithuanian Film Center has restored the picture for its first-ever Blu-ray release, which comes with an interview featuring the daughter of the director. A Lithuanian film critic also talks about the movie, and there is a visual essay on the picture.
The Pied Piper (1986) is a Czech take on the legendary folk tale that is arriving on Blu-ray with other shorts by Jiri Barta (who directed the feature film). The specs boast a new restoration of the film, and a rare short from the director, as well as a behind-the-scenes documentary on the movie, a new interview with Barta, a film expert commentary track, a booklet and essay, and new artwork for the disc case.
Flaming Brothers (1987) marks an early starring role for Chow Yun-Fat, and Eureka Entertainment is delivering the title as a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray. It follows the lead and his pal as they rise through the ranks of the Hong Kong criminal underworld. Eventually, they are forced to turn on each other. The movie has been given a 2K restoration and comes with an Asian cinema expert commentary, an archival interview with the director, a piece on the film locations, and a trailer. You’ll also get a slipcard with new art for the film and a booklet with writing on the title.
It’s a busy week for Kino Lorber too. Angry Harvest (1985) is an early effort from Polish filmmaker Agnieska Holland (the 1993 version of The Secret Garden, Washington Square, Green Border) about a Jewish family hiding from Nazis in Silesia during World War II. It comes with a film critic commentary.
Mädchen in Uniform (1958) is a West German/French effort about a student in a Prussian boarding school who falls for her female teacher. It arrives on Blu-ray with a movie expert commentary.
The crime thriller Night of the Juggler (1980) is being released in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack and in a Blu-ray-only package. James Brolin plays an ex-cop turned truck driver visiting his daughter in New York City. When she gets kidnapped, he races in pursuit through some dark corners of the city. The cult film has been given a 4K restoration from the original camera negative, all presented in Dolby Vision (early word is that the transfer is stunning). Extras include a film expert commentary, an interview with star Brolin and a discussion with co-star Julie Carmen. There is also a featurette on director Sidney J. Furie, who shot the first third of the movie, before a cast member injury put the production on hold and forced the filmmaker to leave the production. A trailer and a reversible cover for the disc is included.
The Peter Sellers comedy The Wrong Arm of the Law (1963) is appearing on Blu-ray as well. The star plays a thief whose robbery plans keep going awry. He has to pick out a traitor in his crew. This disc contains a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative, a film expert commentary track, an interview with the screenwriter and a trailer.
Lionsgate Limited is a special line of titles that are only available through the Lionsgate website. This week sees the appearance of a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray “Limited” exclusive Steelbook of the vampire picture Daybreakers (2009). After most of the population have been turned into bloodsuckers, the lack of human plasma becomes a major issue for the population. A scientist tries to engineer a blood substitute and ends up joining a group of rebel vampires fighting the establishment. The movie is being presented in 4K with Dolby Vision and comes with new featurettes on the production, a gag reel, an archival making-of, a short from the directors, an audio commentary with the filmmakers and the creature designer, and publicity materials.
The early Billy Murray effort Meatballs (1979) is also receiving a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray “Limited” exclusive Steelbook. Yep, a few gags in this picture probably don’t play as well today, but if you grew up with this Canadian comedy (like I did) from Ivan Reitman (Stripes, Ghostbusters, Twins, Evolution), you adore it. Amidst all the goofy gags, it tells the tale of an awkward, lonely kid attending a summer camp in Ontario, Canada, finding a friend in one of the camp counselors. The kid and other attendees ends up in the middle of a bitter competition with a nearby camp populated by obnoxious, wealthy kids.
The release promises a 4K restoration of the film presented in Dolby Vision, a new stereo mix for the movie, new featurettes on the production about Reitman, including one with his son and filmmaker Jason Reitman (Juno, Up in the Air, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Saturday Night). The original 1979 casting sessions are listed as an extra, along with an archival commentary with Reitman and the writer-producer, a making-of, and a trailer. Once again, if you want either of these releases, head on over to the Lionsgate Limited website.
Shout Factory is rereleasing Halloween (1978) and Halloween II (1981) as 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Amazon exclusive Steelbooks. The contents of these releases will be the same as previous 4K editions, only in new packaging.
Here’s another picture from my childhood that I actually have a soft spot for. The British fantasy adventure film Krull (1983) is coming from Sony Pictures as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook. This effort was an unusual combination of Star Wars and Excalibur. A sinister force from space invades a planet, wipes out most of a kingdom and kidnaps the queen. A young prince is rescued and teams with a group of thieves and fighters to try and save their world. The hero’s costume is pretty silly, but the cast features plenty of future stars (Alun Armstrong, Liam Neeson, Robbie Coltrane), the visuals are impressive and the score by James Horner (who would later score titles like Aliens, Field of Dreams, Braveheart, Titanic, and Avatar) is excellent. Call me crazy, but I also believe director Peter Yates (Bullitt, Murphy’s War, The Deep) is also subtly working in a World War II-feel to the proceedings, with the group nobly fighting and sacrificing themselves against enemy forces. This also helps the film make an impression.
The studio is also releasing a Blu-ray of This is My Father (1998) a drama with Aidan Quinn and James Caan about a Chicago schoolteacher who finds a picture of his mother with a mystery man from Ireland and travels across the Atlantic Ocean to find out more about their relationship.
Universal Pictures is presenting a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray edition of the effective Russell Crowe/Renee Zellweger boxing drama, Cinderella Man (2005). Based on the true story of the Baer-Braddock fight, this 20th anniversary edition contains over three hours of bonus material, including discussions with director Ron Howard and star Crowe about recreating the main character in the story. They also watch the original fight and give their thoughts on it. There are three archival commentary tracks (one with Howard, one with co-writer Akiva Goldsman, and another with co-writer Cliff Hollingsworth). Deleted scenes are included, alongside numerous featurettes on the production.
Earlier in May, the well-reviewed drama My Dead Friend Zoe (2025) was given a DVD-only release. This week, it’s arriving on Blu-ray from Universal. Sonequa Martin-Green stars as an Afghanistan war veteran who returns home, but can’t stop conversing with her best friend who died on the battlefield. It also stars Ed Harris and Morgan Freeman. The disc contains deleted scenes and a featurette on the story that inspired the movie.
And if you were chilled by the Jame McAvoy horror remake Speak No Evil (2024), you can now pick up a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo of the title. In addition to the picture upgrade, this edition contains a writer/director commentary and featurettes on the production.
Finally, VCI is releasing the Mexican feature Santo vs. Infernal Men (1961) on Blu-ray, which sees the masked wrestling hero squaring off against some sinister bandits.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Below is a title that might appeal to children.
Ernest & Celestine: Winter Tales (Dreamscape Media) DVD
ON THE TUBE!
Here is a list of the week’s TV-related titles.
Brokenwood Mysteries: Series 11 (Acorn) DVD
The Buster Keaton Show (1949 series) (Liberation Hall) Blu-ray
Fire Country: Season 3 (CBS) DVD
Hallmark 6-Movie Collection: Falling Together, Falling for You, Notes of Autumn, Sweet Autumn, Pumpkin Everything, Under the Autumn Moon (Hallmark) DVD
The John Wayne Gacy Murders: Life and Death in Chicago (TV mini-series) (MVD Visual) Blu-ray
M*A*S*H* – The Comedy That Changed Television (TV-documentary about TV-series) (Crew Neck Productions) Blu-ray
Masterpiece Mystery! Unforgotten: Season 6 (PBS) DVD
Professor T: Season 4 (PBS) DVD