Welcome to another look at highlights arriving on Blu-ray and DVD. The holidays are fast approaching, but the titles keep on coming. This week, you’ll find many notable studio pictures and independents in a wide variety of genres. So, if you can’t or shouldn’t be heading out to the movies just yet, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
BIG NEW RELEAES!
AMERICAN SICARIO – A successful American-born drug lord sets his sights on taking over the Mexican trade and begins making moves to become an underworld leader across the border. Unfortunately, he runs into trouble when a shipment goes wrong. He immediately falls into the crosshairs of many other groups, including deadly cartels and the DEA, as well as Mexican authorities. This independent action/thriller is debuting on disc and on streaming platforms this week, so currently there are no reviews available for the movie. While it may be enjoyable, all interested parties should exercise caution before making any blind buys. At least it features a familiar face in Danny Trejo. The rest of the cast includes Philippe A. Haddad, Maurice Compte, Maya Stojan and Jaylen Moore.
THE CARD COUNTER – A former serviceman with a taste for gambling decides to reform an angry and vulnerable young man seeking revenge on a mutual enemy. Instead of helping him target the figure, the lead sees this as an opportunity for redemption. He instead focuses his new friend’s efforts on various card games. Together, they enter the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, but as the tournament progresses the lead has more and more trouble keeping his protégé focused. Overall, critics gave this drama high marks. A small contingent found the pace slow and the film itself too low-key for their liking. In the end, they didn’t think it added up to much. However, the majority wrote that the performances were excellent and that the movie delivered palpable mood and intrigue that would keep viewers invested throughout. It stars Oscar Isaac, Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan and Willem Dafoe.
DANGEROUS – This independent thriller follows an ex-con and reformed sociopath trying to keep himself out of trouble. That all changes when brother dies under mysterious circumstances. The main character’s psychiatrist tries to encouraging him not to get involved, but the man feels compelled to find out why his sibling was attacked. Eventually, he discovers that a group of heavily armed thugs are after something that was hidden by his deceased family member. Response towards this title wasn’t particularly encouraging. A small group did like the performers and thought the picture offered more twists than other movies of its budget. Still, most complained that the script wasn’t up to snuff and that the movie itself would evaporate from memory moments after the credits rolled. Scott Eastwood, Mel Gibson, Tyrese Gibson, Kevin Durand and Famke Janssen headline the picture.
THE END OF THE STORM – Those who enjoy watching English Premier League soccer may be curious about this documentary. It charts the rise and success of Liverpool football club over the past few years, including their Champions League victory and Premier League title win. The filmmakers specifically detail the 2019/20 season through the eyes of coach Jurgen Klopp and players like Jordan Henderson, Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino (no doubt you’ll also see Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and many others making appearances). The press was generally upbeat about this feature. One or two thought it felt more like a commercial than an actual documentary. All others stated that it was an entertaining tribute to the team and noted that coach Klopp was particularly informative and charismatic.
FORCE TO FEAR – A group of college kids decide to throw a party for themselves at an abandoned school. After arriving, they stumble upon a pair of kidnappers/vigilantes who are in the middle of torturing a drug dealer. Naturally, this puts the surprised youths in great danger as they attempt to get out of the building without being killed. This independent action thriller played at a few genre film festivals over the past year and is now arriving on disc. Currently, there aren’t a lot of reviews available for the picture, but it did earn some accolades from those screenings and a few online notices have popped up over the past couple of weeks. They appear to be positive, stating the movie is fun tribute to low-budget genre flicks from the 1980s. The cast includes Sable Griedel, Chad Bruns and April Yanko.
LANGUAGE LESSONS – This independent movie follows the recent trend of telling its story through online conversations using computers and phones. But rather than being a horror film, it instead combines elements of drama and comedy. This film’s plot follows a protagonist whose husband presents him with a gift of online Spanish lessons. The man’s first conversation with his new teacher goes awkwardly and soon after a personal tragedy strikes. The lead ends up forming a complicated and unique relationship with his instructor over the course of the following sessions. Reaction was extremely positive towards the film. One or two didn’t buy into the concept and suggested that the dramatic elements felt forced. Everyone else complimented the charming cast and called the story unique, involving them in the tale from beginning to end. It stars Mark Duplass, Natalie Morales and Desean Terry.
THE LAST DUEL – Set during the Hundred Years War and based on a true story, this feature is set in France and details the country’s last sanctioned duel. Apparently, it occurred between a knight named Jean de Carroughes and nobleman Jacques Le Gris. When Carroughes’ wife accuses Le Gris of rape, unexpected tensions and conflicts arise between all three parties. The film tells the identical story from the viewpoint of the three central characters, revealing unexpected details as events progress. The press gave the feature high marks. A small group didn’t like the story structure and a few even complained that the female perspective should have been presented first. However, the vast majority wrote that the movie used the novel storytelling technique to its advantage, skillfully detailing the treatment of women centuries ago and the savagery of the era. Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodie Comer, Harriet Walter, Ben Affleck and Marton Csokas headline the feature.
THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES – This animated family film from Netflix is getting a Blu-ray release from Sony Pictures. The plot involves a creative outsider about to start film school. She gets an unexpected shock when her family announces they are driving her cross-country to her university. Things get even more complicated on the road after all of the world’s tech devices begin to revolt against humanity. Critics adored this feature. A handful didn’t find the movie particularly funny and called it overlong. All others stated that it was one of the best animated films of the year, deftly mixing outrageous humor with heartfelt messages about the importance of family. The voice cast includes Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Michael Rianda, Eric André, Olivia Colman, Fred Armisen, Beck Bennett, Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, Charlyne Yi and Conan O’Brien. This disc is being referred to as a “Katie Mitchell Special Edition” with numerous extras.
SOUTH OF HEAVEN – A man convicted of armed robbery is paroled after 12 years behind bars. Knowing that his girlfriend is now dying of cancer, he vows to stay with her and make the last year of her life memorable. Unfortunately, his parole officer has other ideas, demanding the lead take on a “side-job” that soon makes him a target of a local crime boss. The lead struggles to break free from these unwanted commitments and return to his girlfriend. Reaction was muted towards this drama and reviews were split. Nearly half of write-ups said there was chemistry between the protagonists and that the movie offered viewer a wild ride. However, slightly more said that the screenplay couldn’t successfully juggle the wild tonal shifts and called the story implausible. It features Jason Sudeikis, Evangeline Lilly, Mike Colter, Shea Whigham and Michael Paré.
VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE – This Spider-man spin-off and sequel to the 2018 hit follows journalist Eddie Brock, a man who possesses an alien symbiote that can turn him into the superhero Venom. While interviewing a psychotic killer on death row, the protagonist is bitten by the maniac. The villain ingests a small part of the symbiote which also gives him superhuman powers. Brock and his symbiote must square off against this new menace. Reaction was slightly more positive than negative towards this follow-up. A sizable number thought it felt rushed and was too over-the-top, noting that it was more overwhelming than entertaining. However, a few more critics thought it was fun to watch and appreciated the attempt to make a simple, humor-filled, fast-paced and outrageous superhero flick. It stars Tom Hardy, Woody Harrelson, Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris and Reid Scott.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
As if there weren’t enough new releases to go around, there are also plenty of older titles receiving high-definition upgrades. For those with the appropriate set-up, Arrow Video are upgrading and rereleasing the great cult flick Donnie Darko (2001) as an 4K Ultra HD exclusive. It presents both the original and director’s cut of the film, presumably with the very same extras that are available on the regular Blu-ray. The distributor is also rereleasing the original film adaptation of Dune (1984) as a Special Edition 4K + Blu-ray set and as a single Blu-ray. One assumes that the previous editions must have sold out in order to justify this version.
They are also putting out Ludwig (1973) on Blu-ray. Pictured above and to the left, it’s an Oscar-nominated Italian epic about the over-the-top and lavish lifestyle of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. The movie has been restored in 2K and you can watch it either in a full-length theatrical cut or spread across five individual segments (each detailing a specific period in the subject’s life). You’ll get a new interview with the star of the movie, an hour-long documentary about the movie’s director, a discussion with the screenwriter and a half-hour portrait detailing the career of the female lead, Silvana Mangano.
If you’re looking for something lighter, you can also pick up a Special Edition Blu-ray of the comedy, My Stepmother is An Alien (1988). Alyson Hannigan plays the daughter of a widowed astrophysicist (Dan Aykroyd) worried after her dad falls for attractive woman (Kim Basinger). The two end up marrying quickly and the youngster soon suspects that her eccentric new stepmom is an alien trying to study the human species. Presumably, comic mayhem ensues.
I don’t remember this title being exceptional, but the cast is impressive and also includes Jon Lovitz, Seth Green and Juliette Lewis. The movie has been given a 2K restoration and comes with a film historian commentary, an interview with director Richard Benjamin (My Favorite Year, The Money Pit, Mermaids), a trailer and an image gallery.
Earlier in the year, Arrow also released a Blu-ray box set called Years of Lead (1973 – 1976), containing five Italian crime thrillers. They are now putting out a “Standard Edition” without the fancy packaging for those still interested in picking it up.
MVD Visual are getting into the holiday spirit with their release of Jack Frost (1997) on Blu-ray. It’s a low-budget horror/comedy flick about a killer snowman wreaking havoc over the holidays in a small town. This edition includes a 2K restoration of the film, a new audio commentary with fans/authorities on the flick, an interview with the actor who played the evil snowman and an introduction to the movie and commentary with the director. You’ll also get discussions with cast members and the cinematographer, as well as publicity materials.
They also have a Blu-ray of the sequel, Jack Frost 2: Revenge of the Mutant Killer Snowman (2000). This Blu-ray comes with almost the same extras, as well as a music video spoof and more behind-the-scenes featurettes. So, that means that you can now own this entire series and decide for yourself which film you like best.
Where the Red Fern Grows (2003) is a family feature and adaption of the children’s book. It’s a coming-of-age story about a boy and his two hunting dogs. Ned Beatty, Kris Kristofferson and Mac Davis co-star. This Blu-ray comes with a couple of featurettes about the movie, as well as a trailer.
John Candy, Eugene Levy and Joe Flaherty first made their mark starring in the cult comedy sketch show, SCTV. After the series wrapped up, one of their earliest feature-film starring roles was in the comedy Going Berserk (1983). The story involved a man who gets involved with a cult that wants to murder the man’s future father-in-law. Notices suggest that it wasn’t a great movie, but that it did have a few amusing moments that showed how much promise the talented cast had. Shout! Factory is debuting the movie on Blu-ray so that interested parties can finally catch up with it. The release comes with publicity materials for the movie.
Kino also have some notable Blu-rays coming your way. Bedtime Story (1964) is a dark comedy about competing conmen starring Marlon Brando, David Niven and Shirley Jones. It was eventually remade on two occasions under the title Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. The movie has been given a 2K restoration and includes a film historian commentary, a teaser and two trailers. The Brass Bottle (1964) is another comedy starring Tony Randall and Barbara Eden about a man who finds a genie in a bottle. This flick inspired the hit 60s TV series, I Dream of Jeannie. It comes with a movie expert commentary and a trailer.
The Four Seasons (1981) is a drama/comedy with Alan Alda and Carol Burnett about a pair of 40-something couples whose lives are turned upside down when fissures appear in their relationships. Special features on the Blu-ray include an entertainment journalist commentary, radio spots and a trailer. Those looking for more Alan Alda pictures can also pick up a political drama called The Seduction of Joe Tynan (1979), which also stars Meryl Streep. This Blu-ray includes a critic commentary and a trailer.
Those wanting to add to their 3D film collection may be excited about a Blu-ray of the Hong Kong-made picture, Revenge of the Shogun Women 3D (1977). It’s about a bunch of women who are brutally attacked and end up in a convent. While there, they learn kung fu and then head out for revenge. The movie has been newly restored and the disc presents the movie in 2D, as well as an anaglyph (red and blue) and polarized (clear glass) 3D edition. There are also three 3D shorts included with the movie.
You can also pick up Film Noir: The Dark Side of Cinema V Blu-ray box set. It contains Because of You (1952), The Midnight Story (1956) and Outside the Law (1957). All of the films contain critic commentaries and trailers.
Criterion are presenting the Gordon Parks’ drama, The Learning Tree (1969). It’s set in small-town Kansas during the 1920s and depicts the life and trials of a black teenager. The movie was extremely well received and, 20 years after its release, was preserved and honored by the National Film Registry. Among numerous extras, this Blu-ray includes a 2K digital restoration of the feature, new documentaries and commentaries on the making of the movie and its influence on viewers. Additionally, it has a documentary on Parks and several short films by the figure premiering for the first time on home video.
They are also upgrading their previous edition of the award-winning Michael Powell/Emeric Pressburger musical drama, The Red Shoes (1948). This classic is being released as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray combo pack, each providing a new and improved picture. The discs also come with the multitude of bonuses that were previously released on the older edition.
If you’re looking for martial arts titles, you can try Disciples of Shaolin (1975) from the Shaw Brothers. 88 Films is presenting this Blu-ray and the story features plenty of action and set pieces that will impress. The Hong Kong production has been remastered for this release and includes multiple commentaries with Asian cinema experts, as a as interviews with some of the cast, a trailer and a reversable sleeve with newly created movie artwork.
Cult Epics have a Blu-ray box called the Sylvia Krystal 1970s Collection. The actress featured was most famous for her role in Emmanuelle (1974), but also appeared in several other titles which are contained in this set. You’ll get Julia (1974), Playing with Fire (1975), Mysteries (1978) and Pastorale 1943 (1978). All of the movies have received 2K restorations and come with film critic commentaries, new and vintage interviews with cast and crew, alongside plenty of publicity materials.
Code Red have some 1980s genre flicks coming your way. The Dead Pit (1989) is a horror picture about a mad doctor and zombies rising from the basement of a psychiatric institute. The movie has been given a 2K scan for Blu-ray and includes an audio commentary from director Brett Leonard (The Lawnmower Man, Virtuosity) and on-camera discussion with the cast. On a completely different note, the distributor also has a Blu-ray of the Jack Lemmon drama Mass Appeal (1984). In this picture, the star plays a priest struggling to deal with superiors in the church. This disc includes a trailer.
Butch Camp (1996) is a campy, not-very-PC independent comedy about a boot camp for gay men who want to learn how to be macho. Dark Force are now presenting it on Blu-ray with an HD master from the only surviving 35mm print of the film. The disc includes an interview from the set with one of the film’s stars, a 2021 discussion with the director, a music video and a trailer.
Full Moon Features are releasing a Blu-ray of the action picture Crash (1977). This film is about a car that becomes demonically possessed by a woman who comes into contact with an occult object. The car causes spectacular wrecks wherever it goes. Jose Ferrer and John Carradine are featured in the cast. The distributor is presenting the movie newly remastered and uncut. The Blu-ray also comes with a commentary featuring director Charles Band, a vintage trailer, rare clips of co-star Carradine, a documentary on the movie and plenty of trailers. They also have Put Your Devil into My Hell (1973), which is an Italian sex-comedy. This Blu-ray comes with numerous extra trailers for obscure European genre films.
Looking for more? Western movie enthusiasts can now purchase a Blu-ray of Posse (1993) courtesy of Sandpiper Pictures. Melvin Van Peebles is the main character, searching for revenge on the man who lynched his father. He leads a gang of mostly black infantrymen who also fight over possession of a cache of gold. The cast includes Stephen Baldwin, Big Daddy Kane, Blair Underwood, Woody Strode, Pam Grier, Billy Zane, Tone Loc, Isaac Hayes and many other familiar faces. A cast photo is posted just below this paragraph.
Severin have the Nasty Habits: The Nunspoitation Collection Blu-ray box set, which contains “four uncut/uncensored Nunsploitation classics” that were made in Italy. You’ll get Christiana Devil Nun (1972), Story of a Cloistered Nun (1973), Images in a Convent (1979) and The True Story of the Nun of Monza (1980). All of the titles come with special features including video essays, film historian commentaries, interviews and more.
With a new Marvel superhero flick involving popular comic-book hero Spider-Man hitting theaters soon, Sony have decided to rerelease the original Spider-Man Trilogy (2002 – 2007) on Blu-ray. This series stared Tobey Maguire as the title character.
Finally, the Warner Archive direct-to-disc Blu-ray program have the Robert Taylor and Elizabeth Taylor version of Ivanhoe (1952). It’s about a knight fighting to return King Richard to the throne. This well-received epic was nominated for three Oscars and can be purchased through Amazon.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Here are a couple of titles that may appeal to children (or the young at heart).
The Mitchells Vs. The Machines (Katie Mitchell Special Edition) Sony Blu-ray
Where the Red Fern Grows (2003) MVD Blu-ray
ON THE TUBE!
This week is a slow one for TV shows, but there is one Japanese animated series that is arriving on shelves.
Robotech – Part 3: The New Generation (1985 – 1988) FUNimation (Blu-ray)