Welcome back to another look at highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. Looks like the discs are arriving fast and furious this time out, with several major releases, and a helping of impressive independent efforts. 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!
28 YEARS LATER – It has been 18 years since the previous entry in this horror series, but the original director and writer are back for the start of a new sequel trilogy involving infected, zombie-like monsters running rampant. As the story begins, decades have passed since the initial outbreak and the British mainland has been completely quarantined from the rest of the world. A youngster living in a community of uninfected Brits goes through a coming-of-age ritual. His father takes him to search for supplies in dangerous territory. During their excursion, they are cut off from their home and discover new changes in the monsters. Reaction to the film was generally upbeat. A small number thought that the movie was tonally uneven and were disappointed that it only served to set more movies. However, the majority believed it was a solid entry that delivered thrills and interesting new treatments of themes like family conflict and, to an extent, Brexit. The movie is available as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set, a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook, and a standalone Blu-ray. It stars Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes and Alfie Williams. Read a review of the picture right here.
40 ACRES – After an apocalypse, a family of Canadian farmers isolate themselves within a protective barrier and work their land. Years pass quietly, until the matriarch receives word that forces outside the walls have fallen and invaders are closing. This approaching group, who may be cannibals, plan on taking their land. The family must band together to protect themselves. Reviews were very strong for this Canadian thriller. A very small contingent complained that besides the central performance, the story was routine, resulting in a predictable and slow exercise. However, everyone else was very impressed, stating that the film was brilliantly acted and tense, delivering several disturbing moments during its running time. They also noted that there was an interesting allegory about conflicts and relationships between parents and kids. Danielle Deadwyler, Kataem O’Connor, Michael Greyeyes and Milcania Diaz-Rojas headline the film.
AZTEC BATMAN: CLASH OF EMPIRES – DC continues their run of animated superhero movies with this tale. It reimagines the famous masked crimefighter and places him in the 14th century Aztec empire. A young boy’s parents are murdered by Spanish conquistadors and the child finds refuge in the city of Tenochtitlan. He begins training in a temple and by adulthood stands ready to protect his community from enemy forces. Over the course of the story, he encounters other fighters like Jaguar Woman. Critics haven’t had the opportunity to see this feature yet. As of right now, there are only a couple of online reviews available for this Spanish-language animated title. At least the write-ups seem positive, commenting that the feature is an interesting spin on the character that also delivers a bit of history and Mexican culture. It can be purchased as a 4K Ultra HD exclusive or a Blu-ray only release. The voice cast includes Omar Chaparro, Horacio Garcia Rojas, Jorge R. Gutiérrez and José Carlos Illanes.
THE DEMON DETECTIVE – This independent horror film is set in a world where possession is common enough for a man to start an exorcist-for-hire business. The title character is hired to investigate multiple calls in a “hot bed” area of demonology. It soon becomes clear that the otherworldly presence responsible may have ties to his own dark past. The lead must fight his greatest enemy ever in order to survive. Unfortunately, at present there are no write-ups of the picture at all. The distribution rights were picked up and the release is heading straight to disc without any previews and curious parties will have to square off against sinister forces without any idea of what they will be in for. But the movie does have some familiar names in the cast. It features Dustin Gulledge, Eugene Young, Dani Scott, Matt Rasku, Tom Virtue, Adrienne Barbeau, Vivica A. Fox and Doug Jones.
FLOW – Last year’s Academy Award-winner for Best Animated Feature is arriving this week on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray (as well as a Blu-ray disc) on the Criterion label. The Latvian/Belgian/French feature tells the story of a cat who survives a devastating flood. The animal travels and finds a safe haven on a boat populated with other animals, including a dog. Together, they must help each other journey over a treacherous landscape to find themselves a new home. As one might expect, the movie received a lot of raves. One or two voices didn’t think the animation was up to snuff, nor did they find themselves being gripped by the onscreen drama. But the majority were wowed by the picture. They stated that the movie was original and creatively designed. The group were also taken in by the animals and their budding friendship, rooting for them as they faced challenge after challenge.
GHOST KILLER – Blending action/horror and comedy, this unique effort from Japan follows a college student who discovers the body of an expert hit man. She quickly finds herself being possessed by the figure, even conversing with his spirit. After some bickering, the lead agrees to help the deceased finish his mission and take revenge on those who killed him. She suddenly develops remarkable fighting skills. The body count rises and the line between the two individuals begins to blur. The press was generally taken by this Japanese effort. A small contingent liked the fight scenes but found the supernatural plot so silly that they couldn’t take the picture seriously. However, all others called it a fun joyride and were impressed by the kinetic, high-energy action scenes. The film can be purchased in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo or as a Blu-ray only release. It stars Akari Takaishi, Masanori Mimoto and Mario Kuroba.
GUNS UP – A New Jersey mob debt collector wants out of the business in order to open a restaurant with his wife and spend time with the kids (who don’t know about his real job). He agrees to take one last job from his employer, which goes wrong. It turns out his employers have no intention of letting him leave alive. So, the enforcer and his wife (who turns out to be a surprisingly proficient killer), try to wipe out all obstacles in their way. This action comedy earned more positive reviews than negative ones. About one-third wrote that the picture had difficulty juggling laughs with brutal violence and didn’t offer any new takes or sharp twists on gangster cliches. Yet the consensus was that the entertaining cast and heartfelt story made up for the story deficiencies. They felt that action fans would get a kick out of the characters and shoot-em-up sequences. For the time being, this is a DVD-only release. The cast includes Kevin James, Christina Ricci, Luis Guzman, Francis Cronin, Kelly Landry, Rob Gough and Melissa Leo.
THE HOME – After getting in trouble with the law, a twentysomething is assigned to do community service at a retirement home. The new arrival is told to stay off the fourth floor and keep away from the elderly residents there. He begins to suspect the caregivers of horrific activities, but because of his past, has trouble getting others to believe him. As the lead uncovers more secrets, both he and the residents find their lives in danger. This chiller didn’t earn much praise from the press. About one-third suggested that while there were some clunky transitions from laughs to scares, there was a lot about the movie that was interesting. They enjoyed the lead performance and thought the picture ended strongly. Alas, most didn’t think that the screenplay worked or provided enough character development, calling the finished film exhausting and cruel. This new title can be picked up as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo through the Lionsgate Limited website or in a Blu-ray and DVD pack through regular retailers. It features Pete Davidson, John Glover, Mugga, Adam Cantor and Bruce Altman.
THE JESTER FROM TRANSYLVANIA – A struggling screenwriter, desperate to sell his first script, jumps at the opportunity to meet an important producer throwing a party at a remote lodge in Transylvania. On his way there, the lead meets a stranded motorist, who disappears as soon as they show up at the location. The protagonist has trouble impressing the group, and the hitchhiker reappears, but the oddball cannot be seen by anyone else. The strange figure tells the writer that the hosts have something horrible in mind for him. This English-language, Romanian chiller hasn’t been seen by many in this part of the world. It appears that the movie was actually produced a few years ago and is only now arriving on disc. You might want to wait for some reviews before committing to this one. Emmet J Scanlan, Jordan Prentice, Michael Ironside, Penny Downie, Thamara Barth and Franco Nero headline the film.
M3GAN 2.0 – This sequel to the 2022 hit horror film about an AI robotic creation who goes on a murderous rampage picks up two years after the previous entry. The technology for the dangerous creation has been stolen by the government and is being used to create a military-grade war robot. The inventors of M3GAN decide to revive their creation with upgraded AI and fight back. This follow-up received mixed notices from reviewers and didn’t do well at the box office. Almost half complained that the movie eliminated horror elements and went overboard on campiness, failing to excite viewers or even make them laugh. Slightly more believed the film would appeal to fans of the original. They noted that it twisted the concept in a new way like Terminator 2 and delivered enough oddball humor to earn it a pass. The movie can be purchased in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray pack, a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook, a Blu-ray only package, and in a 4K Ultra HD only M3GAN 2-Movie Collection. The cast includes Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Amie Donald, Jenna Davis, Brian Jordan Alvarez, Jen Van Epps, Ivanna Sakhno, Aristotle Athari, Jemaine Clement, Timm Sharp and James Gaylyn.
OH, HI – A young woman connects with a man and thinks she may have found her ideal partner. They go away for a romantic weekend together at a rental property, it all goes well, at least, initially. Then, the lead opens up to her new guy about future plans, and he bluntly responds that he isn’t interested in a serious relationship. Confused and angry, she grabs a pair of handcuffs, secures him to the bed, and tries to convince him that they’re perfect for each other. When her friends drop by, things get more complicated. This dark independent comedy received slightly more recommendations than pans. More than one-third of reviewers suggested many of the situations presented strained believability and that there also wasn’t enough material here to warrant an entire feature. But slightly more enjoyed the performances and thought the movie effectively showed how painful and surreal modern dating can be. For now, this is a DVD-only title. Molly Godron, Logan Lerman, Geraldine Viswanathan, John Reynolds and David Cross headline the film.
SUPERMAN – The newest reboot of the iconic DC superhero has the famous figure having difficulty navigating the modern world. He and reporter girlfriend Lois Lane are at odds, and many view him as more of a threat than a champion of truth and justice. Industrialist Lex Luthor and his team decide to frame Superman and turn the world against him, while plotting to take control of the world. The film did very well at the box office and the press generally liked it. There was a small group who found the movie overstuffed and choppy, the characters underdeveloped, and the plot full of holes and inconsistencies. But many more liked this redo, calling it action packed. They also appreciated its emphasis on the impact of social media and suggested that the new lead actor made an excellent impression as the superhero. You can pick up the title on 4K Ultra HD only, as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook, or a standalone Blu-ray. It stars David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Bradley Cooper, Angela Sarafyan, Michael Rooker, Frank Grillo, Nathan Fillion and Isabela Merced. Read this site’s take on the movie here.
SWIMMING HOME – A wealthy married couple seem to be splitting apart and retreat with their offspring for a stay at their holiday villa. Soon afterward, they find a naked woman floating in their pool. They take her in and learn that the woman collects and consumes poisonous plants. The teenage daughter of the husband and wife is charmed by the strange newcomer, who decides, in her own way, to help the family with their imploding relationship. This independent multinational arthouse drama did not wow reviewers. About one-third called the movie an interesting slow-burn that dissected relationships and incorporated unique elements in order to tell a curiously eccentric story. Unfortunately, most found the picture pompous, slow, and, for all its bluster, suggested that it failed to offer any real insight on troubled marriages. The cast includes Christopher Abbott, Anastasios Alexandropoulos, Mackenzie Davis, Nadine Labaki and Freya Hannan-Mills.
UNICORNS – A mechanic and single-parent decides to go clubbing one night, and is wowed by a nightclub performer. After introducing himself, talking and getting on well with the person, the individual reveals themself as a man, shocking the patron. Later, the dancer goes to visit him at his work. The two begin talking in more detail about who they are, sharing their obstacles and home lives. They soon form a close bond and consider embarking on a relationship. This England/US/Sweden co-production earned several nominations and awards at film festivals. Critics also rated this drama highly. Approximately one-fifth of write-ups did critique it for being predictable and overly sentimental. Still, the majority stated that the picture had a lot of heart and that it won them over. They found the leads excellent and thought they were well-developed and believable characters, providing viewers with an endearing love story. It features Ben Hardy, Jason Patel and Kate Lindsey.
WATCH THE SKIES – Also released under the title UFO Sweden, this tale follows a Scandinavian teenager who is convinced that her father, who vanished many years ago, was actually abducted by aliens. She eventually finds a group of oddball UFO enthusiasts and convinces them to help her learn the truth. Their journey ultimately leads them on a wild adventure to unexpected places. Information about this Swedish science-fiction/drama suggests it was inspired by shows like Stranger Things. It received a fairly wide release across Europe in 2023 and is now appearing in North America. There was some press about the fact that the US distributor used AI to redub this movie into English (apparently, the disc also contains the original Swedish language version with English subtitles). A small number of reviewers did focus on the audio and complained the story and characters left them cold. However, the majority thought it was an entertaining throwback to the 1980s, with enough original and unique touches to make an impression. Inez Dahl Torhaug and Jesper Barkselius play the lead roles.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
If you’re looking for something older, you also have plenty of options. 88 Films is releasing a Blu-ray of The Cat (1991), a Hong Kong/Japan coproduction about a novelist who crosses paths with an odd young girl and her pet feline. After witnessing some strange events, he learns that the two are aliens from space, trying to stop another monster from possessing humans. Wild and crazy action follows as the writer tries to help the cat and the kid fight vicious otherworldly forces. The movie has been given a 2K restoration from the original camera negative. It comes with a film expert commentary, a new interview with the writer, and an image gallery. The first edition comes with a 40-page book on the movie, a premium art-card and a slipcase with new artwork for the film.
The French Jacques Audiard film The Beat That My Heart Skipped (2005) is arriving on Blu-ray from Criterion. This drama follows a crooked realtor who wants to become a concert pianist. Despite being a remake of a 1978 American movie with Harvey Keitel called Fingers, this adaptation was incredibly well-received and won awards across Europe. It arrives on Blu-ray with a director-approved, high-definition digital master, a new interview with the director, discussions with the movie’s screenwriter and the composer, footage of the cast and crew from the 2005 Berlin International Film Festival, deleted scenes with director commentary, rehearsal footage and a trailer.
Read My Lips (2001) is another award-winning title from Audiard that is appearing in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack as well as a standalone Blu-ray. It’s a thriller about an ex-con with an ability for lip reading. He goes to work for a construction company and falls for a secretary who is deaf. The two hatch a dangerous and elaborate get-rich-quick scheme. The release boasts a 4K picture restoration presented in Dolby Vision, supervised and approved by director Audiard. There is a new afterword with the filmmaker, an audio commentary with stars Vincent Cassel and Emmanuelle Devos, a making-of featuring cast and crew interviews, a discussion with the composer for the film, deleted scenes with director’s commentary and a trailer.
Disney/Buena Vista is putting out a 60th anniversary 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray edition of the classic, The Sound of Music (1965). It contains a brand new 4K picture restoration in 4K and presented in Dolby Vision. The “Sing-Along” version of the movie is also included, as well as an archival commentary with Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Charmian Carr, Dee Dee Wood and Johannes von Trapp and a second archival track with director Robert Wise (The Day the Earth Stood Still, West Side Story, The Haunting, The Andromeda Strain). Several featurettes on the production are also included in the set, as well as publicity materials.
It’s a busy week for Kino Lorber as well. While Airplane! is considered by many a comedy classic, Airplane II: The Sequel (1982) has its fair share of laughs. Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, Lloyd Bridges, Peter Graves, Sonny Bono and many others lampoon both disaster pictures and science-fiction epics. The story follows some ridiculous characters on the first commercial lunar shuttle flight. The movie’s climax boasts a memorably hilarious turn from Star Trek’s William Shatner. Now, a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray (as well as a Blu-ray only edition) is arriving on shelves. The 4K restoration was taken from the original camera negative and is presented in Dolby Vision. There are two film historian commentary (one of which with Mike White) and a trailer.
The musical/comedy The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982) with Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds is arriving as a “Special Edition” Blu-ray with a new 2K picture restoration from a 35mm interpositive. It appears with a film historian commentary, a commentary with entertainment journalists, a making-of featurette, outtakes, and a trailer.
French Without Tears (1940) is a British comedy with Ray Milland and Ellen Drew about a romance at a cramming school in France. For its Blu-ray release, the film was given a 4K restoration and comes with a film historian commentary.
And the Italian effort Il Dono (2003), a narrative about the dying city of Caulonia, is also arriving on Blu-ray. For this release, the image has been restored in 4K from the original negatives under the supervision of the director.
Shout Factory is delivering Peking Opera Blues (1986) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray package. While the title might have you thinking the film is a drama, it is actually a wild action/comedy from Tsui Hark (Zu Warriors from the Magic Mountain, Once Upon a Time in China, Twin Dragons, Knock Off) about three high-spirited young women fighting evil forces for their liberation. The original negative was restored in 4K for this release, which is presented in Dolby Vision. It comes with a film expert commentary, cast and crew interviews, a discussion with a film critic on Tsui Hark’s work, and another with a film professor about this picture being a masterpiece. A trailer is also included.
Here’s a very notable title for horror fans. Sony is presenting Tom Savini’s take on Night of the Living Dead (1990) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook. This remake of the 1968 classic from George A. Romero (who produced this effort) did not earn much praise during its original release. The film obviously had an impossible act to follow (and reportedly was not pleasant to make, with the studio interfering in the final product), but it did expertly capture the feel of the original while adding a few effective modern twists to the story. In the passing years, most genre enthusiasts have come around to the picture and it has developed a following.
For the first time ever, Savini has unearthed his original uncensored cut and is presenting it here. Both the theatrical and unrated versions have been given 4K restorations sourced from 4K masters of the film (readers should note that the longer version is only on the 4K disc and not on the accompanying Blu-ray). Savini also provided a new commentary for the original cut, and there is an archival commentary on the theatrical edition. Extras include new interviews with cast members Bill Moseley, William Butler, McKee Anderson and Heather Mazur, as well as producers John Russo and Russell Streiner, editor Tom Dubensky, and two zombie performers in the movie. Additionally, archival featurettes with Savini, actress Patricia Tallman, and the make-up effects team are included. And there is a making-of featurette, and a trailer. This release has been selling out at many retailers, so if you’re interested, you may have to search around a bit, or wait for a repressing.
Warner Bros. is delivering 4K Ultra HD-only editions of the six James Bond movies starring Sean Connery. They previously came together in a box set, but you can now purchase them individually. You can now own Dr. No (1962), From Russia with Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965), You Only Live Twice (1967) and Diamonds Are Forever (1971). All of the films’ original negatives have been newly scanned in 4K for these releases and are presented in Dolby Vision with bonuses from earlier editions. This should include archival director commentaries and making-of featurettes.
Finally, Warner Bros. is rereleasing a recent Tim Burton title as 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook. You can pick up Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) in new packaging with all the same bonus features. Additionally, a 20th anniversary 4K Ultra HD and only and 4K Ultra HD only Steelbook of the animated Burton feature Corpse Bride (2005) will be available to own. The studio is presenting a 4K restoration of the film with a new “reflection” on the feature and a look at the minds behind the movie. Several archival featurettes from earlier editions will also be available on the release.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Here are a couple of items that children, older kids, and others, may enjoy.
Care Bears: Unlock the Magic – Good Vibes Only (NCircle Entertainment) DVD
Corpse Bride (2005) 4K Ultra HD only and 4K Ultra HD only Steelbook
ON THE TUBE!
Below is a list of the week’s TV-related titles.
Care Bears: Unlock the Magic – Good Vibes Only (NCircle Entertainment) DVD
Chucky: The Complete Series (Universal Studios) Blu-ray or Blu-ray Steelbook
Fringe: The Complete Series (Warner Bros.) Blu-ray
Hallmark 2-Movie Collection: Autumn at Apple Hill, Haunted Wedding (Hallmark) DVD
La Femme Nikita: The Complete Series (1997-2001 series) (Warner Bros.) DVD
The Last of Us: Season 2 (Warner Bros.) 4K Ultra HD or Blu-ray only or 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Steelbook
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Season 26 (Universal Studios) Blu-ray
Masterpiece Mystery!: The Marlow Murder Club: Season 2 (PBS) DVD
Watson: Season 1 (CBS) DVD