Welcome to another update with highlights of all the new releases arriving on Blu-ray and DVD. It’s another remarkably busy edition filled with Hollywood hits and independent fare in a wide variety of genres. So if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
Big New Releases!
7 Days to Vegas – This independent comedy is reportedly based on a true story. It follows some crazy gamblers living in Hollywood and an outrageous bet. One figure takes on a challenge to walk all the way from Los Angeles to Las Vegas in a mere seven days. Wearing a suit, he does his best to venture through the desert and beat all those who wagered against him. So far, this film has played a few film festivals and received a limited release. As such, there are only a couple of reviews out there. They called it an entertaining comedy that may appeal to those who enjoy taking risks. It features Vincent Van Patten, Ross McCaul, Paul Walter Hauser, Eileen Davidson, James Van Patten, Willie Garson, Don Stark, Chad Lowe and Jennifer Tilly.
7 Deadly Sins – A group of college students enjoying Spring Break get in over their heads when they accidentally summon a demon while joking around at a house. The creature, named Charlie, decides to play a series of dangerous games with the youths. One by one, the youths find themselves locked in and falling prey to the evil spirit, forcing the desperate group to try and find a way to survive the terrifying ordeal. This little indie horror romp is known as Charlie Charlie in some circles and is making its debut on disc. That means that little is known about the picture and curious parties will just have to take a chance on it. The cast includes Tori Vild, Eric Roberts, Tom Sizemore, Noel Gugliemi, Glenn Plummer and Ana Walzak.
Anna – The latest from director Luc Besson (La Femme Nikita, Leon, The Fifth Element, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets) follows a beautiful but suicidal young woman who joins the KGB and trains to be an assassin. After being sent to Paris to complete a mission, the protagonist learns that she will never be free from the organization and becomes a double agent. Critics were a bit let down by this action picture. A small group did describe it as a visually striking effort with some impressive action and plenty of enjoyably over-the-top twists and turns. However, more complained that this picture just wasn’t up to the director’s usual standards and repeated tropes that the filmmaker had himself created decades ago. It stars Sasha Luss, Luke Evans, Cillian Murphy, Helen Mirren and Alexander Petrov.
Awake – A man wakes up with amnesia after crashing his truck into a ravine and has no idea what happened or who he is. Shortly thereafter police arrive and claim that he is a serial killer. A woman who believes that the protagonist is innocent of the crimes helps him escape and the two decide to find out who he really is. This thriller did not receive high marks from the press. A few wrote that while it offered nothing new, the movie was an agreeable throwback to suspense pictures of the early 90s. Unfortunately, the majority complained that the story became more and more absurd and illogical as it progressed and failed to generate any thrills. Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Francesca Eastwood, Malik Yoba and William Forsythe headline the feature.
Child’s Play – It has been more than 30 years since the original psychotic Chucky doll flick hit cinema screens. This remake reimagines the character and updates him for a new generation. In it, a young boy receives a hi-tech doll named Chucky as a gift from his mother. Chucky quickly becomes self-aware, attacking the boy’s enemies before turning on the family. Despite being yet another remake of an existing property, notices were reasonable for the horror pic. A contingent did think that while watchable, the updates didn’t add much to the experience or make the picture memorable. However, the general consensus was that this picture provided enough shocks, laughs and action to entertain, as well as adding a hint of commentary about the dangers of artificial intelligence. It features Aubrey Plaza, Mark Hamill (as the voice of Chucky), Gabriel Bateman, Tim Matheson and Brian Tyree Henry.
Diamantino – This Portuguese comedy/fantasy involves a world-famous soccer star whose career falls apart after a scandal. Searching for new focus in his life, his witnesses a group of refugees trying to cross the Mediterranean and decides to help one in their efforts. Unfortunately for the slow-witted player, this new arrival may actually be part of an elaborate police sting operation to investigate his personal finances. Reviews for the picture were positive overall. A small percentage thought that the satire didn’t hit the mark and that the picture would have benefitted from a sharper and edgier script. Still, many stated that it had likable characters with good chemistry and the performances helped pull the picture through its obvious commentary. Carloto Cotta, Cleo Tavaras and Anabela Moreira play the lead roles.
The Field – A hobbyist photographer and his wife decide to save their marriage by buying an abandoned farmhouse and fixing it up. However, strange figures begin appearing in the husband’s pictures. Not long after, ghostly forms appear and start threatening the couple. After one of the owners disappears, the other discovers that their new home holds some sort of strange portal to a secret world. This low-budget independent title is debuting on disc and so there are no write-ups available for it. As such, those who take an interest in the picture will have to enter the vortex all alone. At least it features a notable cast which includes Tim Higgins, Veronica Cartwright, Barry Bostwick, Mark Metcalf and Kara Mulrooney.
The First King: Birth of an Empire – Also known as Romulus & Remus: The First King and Il Primo Re, this Italian/Belgian foreign-language production is a drama based on Roman mythology. It’s about twin brothers who live together in peace and work as shepherds. When one becomes convinced that he is meant for greater things, he attempts to rise to a more powerful position within the community. Conflict and violence ultimately follow between the two men. This title received a theatrical release in Italy and played various film festivals in Europe. However, no one in North American appears to have seen it yet (or written about it). Online reviews are decent, stating that it looks good and feels like an authentic take on the legend. Alessandro Borghi, Alessio Lapice and Fabrizio Rongione headline the feature.
Inside Man: Most Wanted – Curiously enough, this direct-to-disc picture is intended to be a sequel (at least in name) to the 2006 Spike Lee crime thriller, Inside Man. Don’t expect to see Lee or any of the original cast members participating in this follow-up. Instead, it tells a similar story about a hostage situation. Specifically, a negotiator and federal agent must team up to try and rescue dozens of tourists during a lengthy siege of the U.S. Federal Reserve. Naturally, the movie is debuting on disc and no one has seen it. However, readers shouldn’t expect much as it appears to have been made quickly and on-the-cheap. The cast includes Roxanne McKee, Rhea Seehorn, Tanya van Graan, Aml Ameen and Jessica Sutton.
Madness in the Method – Those familiar with Jay and Silent Bob movies and TV appearances may find this independent comedy to be of interest. The story features Jay aka Jason Mewes riffing on himself. Frustrated by the lack of respect given to him by Hollywood, the actor decides to study method acting in order to impress producers and land a few gigs. Unfortunately, his efforts result in a psychological snap as Jay descends into madness. Critics didn’t respond favorably to the end result. A few did think it was a bold experiment that featured some interesting satire on the entertainment industry. Still, far more thought called the picture self-indulgent, found the uses of humor ineffective, and thought fans would be better off waiting for the next official Jay and Silent Bob feature. It also stars Kevin Smith, Gina Carano, Jaime Camil, Vinnie Jones, Danny Trejo, Tero Hatcher and Stan Lee.
Pavarotti – World famous opera singer Luciano Pavarotti is the subject of this documentary from Ron Howard. It presents an overview of the man and his music. Press releases state that the figure, “… gave his life to the music and a voice to the world. This cinematic event features history-making performances and intimate interviews, including never-before-seen footage.” In general, the press enjoyed catching up with the legend. A few did critique the movie for worshipping the figure, paying little attention to his demanding nature and providing little insight into the real man or his inner thoughts. Still, others credit it with serving as a great into to the vocalist and presenting great opera footage that would thrill enthusiasts.
A Score to Settle – In recent years, actor Nicolas Cage has taken on crazy parts in wild independent pictures (and some, like Mandy, have even been well-received by reviewers). The latest follows a convicted criminal released from prison after nearly 20 years. Dying from a terminal illness, he immediately sets out to make amends with family members and take bloody revenge on all of his criminal partners who left him to rot in jail. Critics weren’t as thrilled by this revenge picture as some of his others. While a small number thought it was entertaining and appreciated the star’s intense performance, the majority complained that the screenplay was generic and didn’t make the most of its lead’s willingness to try and do… just about anything. The cast includes Benjamin Bratt, Noah Le Gros and Mohamed Karim.
Shaft – The latest sequel featuring the classic character incorporates three generations of the private detective. When the youngest member of the family, a cyber security expert with a degree from MIT, decides to find out who killed his best friend, he’s forced to team up with his dad in order to find the responsible party. And of course, when the pair need backup, they recruit the original John Shaft to help them take down the bad guys. Sadly, notices for the fifth film in the series were not anywhere near as strong as the previous entries. About one third enjoyed seeing all of the performers share the screen and were amused by the proceedings. However, the end result was generally described as bland and lacking in spirit and energy. It stars Samuel L. Jackson, Jessie T. Usher, Richard Roundtree, Regina Hall, Alexandra Shipp, Matt Lauria and Method Man. To read this site’s review of the film, click here.
Skin – This heavy drama involves a former white supremacist who decides to cut ties with his gang and make a fresh start. Unfortunately, his ex-pals aren’t ready to let him walk away, and FBI agents try to recruit the lead to act as an informant on them. He agrees, hoping to make amends for crimes of the past and justify having the tattooed symbols covering his body removed. Reaction was upbeat towards this picture. About a quarter of reviews thought the story was a bit superficial and needed to deal with some of the issues raised in a more effective manner. Still, most were impressed by the lead performance and thought it offered plenty of memorably disturbing and effective moments. It features Jamie Bell, Danielle Macdonald, Daniel Henshaw, Bill Camp, Vera Farmiga and Mary Stuart Masterson.
The Tracker – Here’s another little low-budget action picture that is premiering on disc. The story involves a man whose wife and daughter were kidnapped in Italy and then accidentally killed during the hostage negotiation process. Some 15 years later, he returns to the region after learning that the case has been reopened by a local detective. When the protagonist arrives and finds the investigator dead, he decides to reopen old wounds and solve the crime himself. There’s very little official word about this picture thus far and online reviews are far from complimentary, so one would be best to approach this release with caution. Dolph Lundgren plays the lead and Cosimo Fusco and Marta Gastini are featured in supporting roles.
Yesterday – The music of The Beatles is the inspiration for this romantic comedy about an aspiring musician who gets hit by a bus. When he wakes up, he finds out that he is the only person who remembers The Beatles. The performer attempts to jumpstart his career by rerecording their music, but begins to feel guilty about lifting the tunes and finds his personal life complicated by sudden fame. The overall consensus was positive for this effort, although it did have some detractors. Those who didn’t care for it thought the story was messy and felt it could have done more to include The Beatles themselves. However, a greater number of critics thought the leads were very likable, appreciated the plot veering in unexpected directions and appreciated the emotional moments late in the movie. It stars Himesh Patel, Lily James, Ed Sheeran and Kate McKinnon. To read a full review of the picture, click here.
Blasts from the Past!
This is one of the busiest weeks ever for older titles receiving Blu-ray upgrades. If you like classics, then Arrow Academy has you covered with The Major and the Minor (1942). This title marked the Hollywood debut of famed filmmaker Billy Wilder (Double Indemnity, Some Like It Hot, The Apartment and many others). Ginger Rogers plays a woman with no money who desperately wants to get home, so she dresses up a child in order to buy a train ticket at half-fare. Once onboard, the lead ends up meeting a military figure and is forced to continue the charade through various scenarios. The movie has been given a high definition transfer from the original film elements and comes with a film scholar commentary, a film critic video appreciation and analysis, an archival interview with co-star Ray Milland, a rare radio adaptation of the movie with Rogers and Milland and publicity materials. It’s a very impressive release. If you’d like to read more about it, just click here.
Recently, Arrow Video released an extras packed box set of the Hellraiser series. These films are set around a strange puzzle box that, when solved, opens a doorway to Hell. This is the movie that introduced viewers to the iconic Pinhead character and his monstrous pals. Now those who couldn’t afford the set, or didn’t want every film the collection, can now pick up the titles individually. The Special Edition Blu-ray of the original Hellraiser (1987) arrives with the same new 2K restoration approved by the director of photography, two audio commentaries (one with writer/director Clive Barker and his star, the other with the filmmaker on his own), the “definitive” making-of documentary about the film that includes interviews with most of the cast and crew, a separate discussion with one of the co-stars, a featurette on a score for the movie that wasn’t completed, and just about every vintage piece of publicity associated with the title.
You can also pick up a Special Edition Blu-ray of Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988). This follow-up has also been given a 2K restoration approved by the cinematographer and includes multiple audio commentaries featuring the director and star, a brand new “definitive” documentary on the production, more interviews, a look at the legendary excised Surgeon scene, and a ton of trailers, featurettes, unseen storyboards and other vintage extras. These sound like great discs for horror aficionados.
And the distributor has a Special Edition of the eccentric genre picture, In the Aftermath (1988). This post-apocalyptic feature repurposes some footage from a couple of animated Japanese films alongside newly created material to tell an all-new story about an angel descending to the Earth and trying to help the planet’s survivors. This disc features a new 2K restoration of the film, an interview with the producer as well as the star and other extras.
Olive have a fantastic line of discs called the Olive Signature Collection. Their latest title is the Roger Corman cult classic, A Bucket of Blood (1959). This landmark horror/comedy follows a nebbish busboy at a beatnik café who becomes a celebrity after creating a series of amazing sculptures. Unfortunately, he harbors a deep secret about his eerie art pieces. The Blu-ray is loaded with extras, including an informative audio commentary, an interview with producer/director Roger Corman, another with star Dick Miller, excepts from the screenplay that didn’t make it into the feature, an original prologue shot for the movie’s German release and loads of other bonuses. You can read all about this impressive release right here.
Kino have several noteworthy Blu-ray releases arriving as well. They include a new 4K restoration of the film-noir, The Bigamist (1953). It includes a film historian audio commentary. You can also pick up the French romance, Un Coeur en Hiver aka A Heart in Winter (1992), which comes with the same kind of audio features. The Hitch-Hiker (1953) follows a couple on vacation who are tormented by a psychopath. It is considered the only film-noir ever to be directed by a woman and is said to be very effective. This title has been given a brand new 35mm restoration by the Library of Congress.
And there’s more. Nelly and Monsieur Arnaud (1995) is a well-regarded French drama involving the friendship between recently divorced woman and an elderly salesman. This Blu-ray comes with a film historian audio commentary, a booklet essay on the title and a trailer. Never Fear (1945) aka The Young Lovers is the second feature from the director of The Hitch-Hiker and is a drama about a dancer struggling with polio. The movie has been given a 2K restoration and includes a film historian audio commentary and trailers. Not Wanted (1949) tells the story of a young woman who gets pregnant out-of-wedlock and loses her child, only to find herself kidnapping another infant. Once again, the movie includes a film expert audio track. Kino are also releasing a Blu-ray of The War at Home (1996), a drama about a military vet struggling to adapt to life at home. It stars Emilio Estevez, Martin Sheen and Kathy Bates.
Criterion have a couple of excellent titles as well. Charlie Chaplin fans will now be able to enjoy one of his most popular titles on Blu-ray. Pictured above, The Circus (1928) features some of the comedian’s most memorable gags and the disc has plenty of extras to boot. Besides a new 4K digital restoration of the 1969 version of the film (which features an original score composed by the star/writer/director himself), it arrives with a commentary from a Chaplin biographer, an interview with Chaplin from 1969 and one with his son, a program of the visual effects, a 2003 documentary on the film, an audio interview with a Chaplin musical associate, unused scenes with a score, newly discovered outtakes, audio excerpts from the recording session of the film’s opening song, and loads more.
The next Blu-ray from the distributor is a personal favorite. Local Hero (1983) is a sweet, low-key comedy about a man who works for a Texas oil magnate. He’s sent to the Scottish Highlands to carefully stifle resistance and facilitate the purchase of an entire village, all so that the company can build an oil refinery on site. As it turns out, most of the very quirky townsfolk are secretly eager to sell. But as the visitor spends more time among them, he begins to harbor doubts about his company’s plans. This charming, BAFTA award-winning picture is finally debuting on Blu-ray with a 2K digital restoration, a 2018 commentary with director Bill Forsyth (Gregory’s Girl, Comfort and Joy), as well as a new conversation with the filmmaker, a 1985 documentary about the film’s cinematographer, a feature about the production of the film, a making-of program featuring interviews with the cast and crew, an 1983 interview with Forsyth, a trailer, and an essay on the picture. I’m looking forward to catching up with this picture.
Shout! Factory are delivering several new releases as well. The first is Fear No Evil (1981), a low-budget horror picture about a high school student who discovers that he’s Lucifer. Naturally, this poses a problem for, well, the entire world. The movie has been given a new 4K scan from the original film elements and includes an audio commentary with the film’s star, as well as interviews with the action and special effects artist. It also comes with publicity materials. They also have the British thriller Fright (1971) about a babysitter who has the worst night of her life working a job at a creepy old mansion.
Shout! are also putting out the Best Picture winning classic, Going My Way (1944), starring Bing Crosby. The movie is perhaps most famous for its original hit song, “Swinging on a Star”. This 75th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray presents the movie alongside a collection of vintage shorts featuring Crosby, a new pop culture historian commentary, a radio adaptation of the film, photo galleries and a re-release trailwe. They also have a blu-ray of the Robert Redford film, The Great Waldo Pepper (1975). Directed by George Roy Hill (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, Slap Shot), it’s about a WWI pilot who moves to Hollywood, driven to continue attempting dangerous aerial maneuvers in the sky. The release includes a still gallery and trailer.
Horror enthusiasts will be thrilled to see Vampires (1998) aka John Carpenter’s Vampires receiving the Collector’s Edition treatment. This picture follows a foul-mouthed mercenary/vampire killer who squares off against (and verbally insults) a powerful bloodsucker striving to make his kind resistant to daylight. Bonus features include a new documentary that has interviews with Carpenter, producer Sandy King and the cinematographer, recently captured interviews with actors James Woods, Thomas Ian Griffith and special effect artist Greg Nicotero. You’ll also get a previously released audio commentary with Carpenter, an isolated score track, a vintage making-of featurette and a ton of publicity materials.
Sony are also putting out some interesting Blu-ray titles. They include the Civil War western, Count Three and Pray (1955). Fans of the comedic baseball-themed Major League movie series might know that for the longest time, only the original film has been available on Blu-ray. Now, the studios are making the two sequels available, so you can complete your collection with Major League II (1994) and Major League: Back to the Minors (1998).
Remember roller-skating? Perhaps the most interesting and rarest picture from Sony is Skatetown U.S.A. (1979). This is one of those cheesy flicks that was made at the height of the roller-skating and disco era. It involves the participants of a “roller disco competition“ and the relationships and rivalries formed during the event. The movie has never been released on DVD or Blu-ray and features a crazy cast that includes Patrick Swayze, Scott Baio, Flip Wilson, Ron Palillo, Maureen McCormick, Ruth Buzzi and Billy Barty. It sounds insane and I’m looking forward to finally checking it out.
If horror is your thing, Severin have several Blu-rays that may be to your liking. There’s a Limited Edition double feature set of the Italian Jaws rip-off, Killer Crocodile (1989) and Killer Crocodile II (1990). The movie is set on a tropical island and involves a community being terrorized and eaten up by an enormous reptile. Both movies are uncut and have been remastered in 2K. They also come with a small selection of bonus interviews. If you’re only partial to one movie in the series, then you can pick up either title separately.
Vinegar Syndrome have several low-budget slasher titles on Blu-ray. Beyond Evil (1980), Bloody Sect (1982), Mountaintop Motel Massacre (1986), Pledge Night (1990) and The Vineyard (1989) are this week’s featured releases. I can’t speak for all of them, but The Vineyard is a ridiculous zombie movie directed by and starring James Hong that should provide B-movie fans with some chuckles. These titles are hard to find on Amazon, so you might have to head to the company website to read more about the discs and/or pick them up.
The Cohen Media Group are releasing the Merchant-Ivory production Quartet (1981) on Blu-ray. It arrives with several extras including multiple conversations with James Ivory and trailers.
Warner Archive are upgrading the amusingly over-the-top Action Jackson (1988) as a made-to-order Blu-ray. Previously, this title was only available in this part of the world as a pan-and-scan DVD with a grainy picture. Now, it has been given an upgrade and is finally being made available in widescreen. Carl Weathers stars as a cop tasked with taking down a sinister automobile tycoon. I haven’t seen it in some time, but if memory serves the movie actually features the lead character somersaulting over a vehicle attempting to run him down. Craig T. Nelson chews plenty of scenery as the murderous villain. Vanity and a young Sharon Stone play the film’s love interests.
Additionally, the studio is putting out a Blu-ray the Bette Davis film-noir, The Letter (1940). And they also including The Set-Up (1949), another film-noir about a boxer paid to take a dive during a big match.
Paramount are offering a new 20th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray of the visually spectacular and hihgly entertaining Sleepy Hollow (1999). There isn’t any word as to whether the picture has been upgraded or if the movie has merely been repackaged, so one should read up of the disc before committing to the purchase.
Finally, Disney are going all out with their Signature Collection release of the animated classic, Sleeping Beauty (1959). This elaborate edition includes the movie on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital formats along with a list of extras too lengthy to mention here.
You Know, For Kids!
Here are some releases that kids (and the young at heart) may appreciate. If you grew up with the Voltron cartoon, this is a particularly good week.
Sleeping Beauty (1959) Signature Collection
Spirit Riding Free: Seasons 5 – 8
Voltron: Defender of the Universe: The Complete Original Series
Voltron: Defender of the Universe: Loin Force Series
Voltron: Defender of the Universe: Vehicle Force Series
On the Tube!
These are this edition’s TV-themed releases.
8 Days: To the Moon and Back (PBS)
Billions: Season 4
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: Season 4
Good Witch: Season 5
Holocaust (1978 TV mini-series with Meryl Streep)
Madam Secretary: Season 5
Pitching In: Series 1
A Place to Call Home: Series 5
A Place to Call Home: Series 6
Spirit Riding Free: Seasons 5 – 8
The Stand (1994 Stephen King TV mini-series)
Voltron: Defender of the Universe: The Complete Original Series
Voltron: Defender of the Universe: Loin Force Series
Voltron: Defender of the Universe: Vehicle Force Series