Welcome to another look at some of the highlights arriving on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD, as well as DVD. This is an incredibly busy week, with so many titles that a few micro-budgeted movies had to be cut from this article. Still, there’s something for everyone, including documentary, drama and biopics, to genre flicks and science-fiction. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies this week or need to stay indoors for a little while, be sure to give one of these features a try!
BIG NEW RELEASES!
BAD THINGS: A group of friends decide to take a vacation at a remote mountain resort. Since this is a horror movie, this kind of trip can only be a bad one. Friction arises between group members and, if that isn’t enough, spirits of past guests begin terrorizing them. It isn’t long before the ghosts and the friends begin attacking one another.
This picture debuted on the Shudder screening site and is now arriving as a DVD-only release. Reaction from the press was split. Almost half stated that the screenplay attempted to juggle too many elements and suffered from pacing issues as well as a weak finale. However, slightly more admired the film’s attempts to alternate between traditional shocks and psychological horror, suggesting that enough of it worked to earn the movie a pass.
It features Gayle Rankin, Hari Nef, Annabelle Dexter Jones, Rad Pereira, Jared Abrahamson and Molly Ringwald.
THE CREATOR: An ex-special forces member with a missing wife is the lead in this science-fiction epic. The grieving protagonist is asked by his old bosses to come out of retirement, catch and eliminate an architect of an advanced form of artificial intelligence, known as The Creator. It is believed that this newly created being is a deadly weapon that can end humanity. After locating the AI, the lead discovers that his target has the appearance of a sweet child.
More critics liked this feature than disliked it. About one-third complained that the story was corny, borrowed from other sci-fi efforts and failed to engage them emotionally. Still, the majority thought it was visually striking and the script had a lot of fascinating and well-developed ideas.
The cast includes John David Washington, Gemma Chan, Ken Watanabe, Sturgill Simpson, Madeleine Yuna Voyles and Allison Janney.
THE DIRTY SOUTH: A bartender in the south discovers that her debt-ridden father hasn’t been paying the mortgage on the family watering hole. When a nasty businessman announces that he intends to buy the place at an auction, the lead realizes that she must take extreme measures to save the bar. Teaming with a local thief, the pair decide to pull an elaborate heist and earn some cash.
There currently aren’t many reviews for this feature and the ones that have appeared are divided. One reviewer liked the work of the cast and thought the performances made up for the predictability of the story. The other commented that despite the film’s desire to be stylish and gritty, the writing was clumsy and the film didn’t generate much excitement.
Willa Holland, Shane West, Dermot Mulroney, Laura Cayouette and Wayne Pare headline the film.
DUMB MONEY: Based on the true story of the GameStop stock market shenanigans from a couple of years back, this biopic explains how one man inspired a nation of amateur traders to invest in the troubled company. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, video blogger Keith Gill recommends Gamestop as an undervalued stock and plunks his entire fortune into it. His ideas gain momentum, resulting in difficulties for billionaire investors and analysts.
The consensus was that the movie was effective. A small number suggested that the movie felt sluggish and needed to delve more deeply into the real implications of what occurred from all sides. Everyone else was impressed with the cast, thought it told an interesting underdog story and was even inspirational.
It stars Paul Dano, Shailene Woodley, Pete Davidson, Vincent D’Onofrio, America Ferrera, Nick Offerman, Anthony Ramos, Sebastian Stan and Seth Rogen.
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S: Based on the popular computer game and set in the year 2000, this tale follows a troubled man who takes a position as a security guard at the now-abandoned title location. On his first night, the lead brings his little sister with him. The pair soon discover the horrifying history of the location and must fight evil animatronic creations.
This feature was a huge box office hit over Halloween, but didn’t impress critics. About one-third of them thought that it took the story a while to get going, the movie did deliver a few chills as well as some amusing nods to the source material. Still, most called it a missed opportunity that jumbled tones and failed to scare or amuse in any memorable manner.
Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, Kat Conner Sterling, Mary Stuart Masterson and Matthew Lillard headline the film.
GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S PINOCCHIO: Last year, Netflix premiered this film, first releasing it at theaters and then making it available to stream on their site. The movie is a new adaptation of the classic novel about an Italian villager who creates a marionette and wishes for it to come to life. When the figure does, it leads to complications as the puppet tries to survive in a complicated and, at times, vicious world.
The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and earned a great deal of praise. Admittedly, a lone voice or two couldn’t get on the film’s wavelength and didn’t like the alterations to the original source material. However, all others found the film dark but life-affirming and rewarding. They wrote that the animation was beautifully executed and that the finale was moving and emotionally resonant.
The voice cast includes Gregory Mann, Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Tilda Swinton, Cate Blanchett, Finn Wolfhard, Christoph Waltz, John Turturro and Ron Perlman. The title is being released by Criterion and is available as a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set or as a standalone Blu-ray.
MERCY ROAD: In this Australian thriller, a frantic father searching for his missing daughter commits a violent act against a suspect. He goes on the run from authorities and begins receiving threatening calls from an unknown figure who taunts him and claims to know where he is hiding. After being given disturbing instructions by the voice on the phone, the lead is forced to follow them in the hopes of learning his daughter’s location.
This effort split reviewers right down the middle. Half claimed that the movie was gimmicky, full of plot holes and ran out of gas long before it reached its destination. But just as many were taken by the performances and described the final product as eccentric, twisty and completely original in its execution.
It features Luke Bracey, Toby Jones, Susie Porter and Huw Higginson.
NEVER TOO LATE FOR LOVE: A retired professor with money problems decides to move back to his small hometown and take up residence at his inherited family estate. He quickly befriends a hobo, a retired chef and a young handyman and the foursome end up staying together on the property. The lead also falls for a local woman. The shy prof is encouraged by his oddball compatriots to try and woo her.
This foreign-language rom-com from Italy hasn’t been seen by many in this part of the world. Still, those who have managed to view it have been upbeat. They write that while the romance plot may be overly familiar, the cast are so good that the film is very enjoyable.
For the time being, this is a DVD-only release. Gianni Di Gergorio, Simone Colombari and Agnese Nano headline the picture.
Reaction was more positive than negative toward this effort. One-third of reviewers thought the running time was far too long and the jokes started to wear thin about halfway through. Still, most called the movie fun and thought that it delivered enough laughs to keep them engaged.
For now, this is a DVD-only title. Besides White, it also stars Anika Noni Rose, Erica Ash, Byron Morris, Barry Bostwick and Randy Couture.
PASSAGES: A seemingly happy relationship between a gay film director and his long standing partner is altered at a party celebrating the end of a film shoot. The filmmaker meets a young woman and begins a passionate affair with her. The three attempt to work out what should happen between them all, but their problems draw the attention of friends, co-workers and family members who all have strong opinions.
Reaction was very positive toward this drama. A small contingent found the fictional moviemaker completely unlikable and didn’t think the film explored its relationships in enough depth. However, all others thought the movie was powerful, beautifully acted and presented flawed and believable characters that one might meet in real life.
It features Franz Rogowski, Ben Whishaw and Adele Exarchopoulos.
PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE: The hugely popular animated children’s series gets a second title featuring the heroic pooches. When a meteorite crashes to the ground in Adventure City, the PAW Patrol are sent to clean the mess. They discover gems in the rock and find themselves gaining new superhero abilities based on their various skill sets. Unfortunately, sinister forces become interested in gaining these incredible powers for themselves.
Reaction toward this effort was generally upbeat. Slightly more than one-quarter of reviewers did think that the superhero angle was dull and uninteresting and suggested the movie felt like a commercial for the show and toy line. Still, the majority complimented the animation on display as well as the message being delivered. They believed that young fans of the show would adore the flick.
The voice cast includes Kristen Bell, James Marsden, Mckenna Grace, Taraji P. Henson, Marsai Martin, Christian Convery, Ron Pardo, Lil Rel Howery, Kim Kardashian West, Chris Rock and Serena Williams.
RADICAL WOLFE: This documentary tells the story of late journalist/author Tom Wolfe. Viewers see his beginnings at the Washington Post and discover how the writer recognized and told stories about overlooked subcultures and communities, trying to bridge cultural and class divides. It also goes into his written work that includes books like The Right Stuff and The Bonfire of the Vanities. The film features interviews with those who knew him personally, including co-workers and family members.
Response was good for this non-fiction film, although not exemplary. A significant number did comment that the movie lacked subtlety and thought its subject would have criticized the awe-inspired tone of the movie. Still, most thought it was a zippy and informative documentary that served as a great introduction to an important voice. For the time being, this is a DVD-only release.
SATANIC HISPANICS: Set in El Paso, Texas, this independent horror anthology begins with police raiding a house and finding it full of deceased Latino men. They discover one survivor, who says that magical forces were responsible for the slayings. He spins elaborate tales about Latin American legends involving mythical creatures, demons and the undead. The officers don’t believe him, but as the story progresses some begin to wonder if they may also be in danger.
Response was positive toward this feature. One or two voices thought the approach to each story was too different in tone and so hit-and-miss that they didn’t fit together as a whole. Still, everyone else found themselves taken in by the various legends, enjoyed the effects and thought a few of the segments were remarkably entertaining.
Efren Ramirez, Greg Grunberg, Sonya Eddy, Lombardo Boyar, Mark Stege and Alejandro Brugués headline the feature.
SHOWDOWN AT THE GRAND: A small town movie theater owner is pressured by corporate developers with shady interests to sell his business to them. He refuses and sets up a special fundraising screening at the cinema with an aging action film hero. When the bad guys decide to take extreme measures to push the proud owner out, the protagonist and movie hero decide to fight back. In the process, they find themselves in the middle of a modern-day 80s action picture.
It looks like critics had a great time with this effort. As of right now, every critic who has seen the movie has admired it. They all noted that while budget limitations did hamper some of the action, the lead actors were fantastic to watch and the picture offered a wonderful and amusing tribute to wild movies of the past.
It features Terrence Howard, Dolph Lundgren, Amanda Righetti, John Savage and Piper Curda.
STORY AVE: This independent feature follows a young teenage artist from the South Bronx whose brother is killed. Feeling grief and anger over what occurred, he heads on the streets and joins a graffiti gang. Not long after, he is told by a gang leader to rob a man in order to earn respect in their outfit. The lead targets a transit authority conductor. Surprisingly, the victim invites him out to dinner and a friendship grows between them over the course of the evening, potentially changing the youth's path.
The press gave this drama high marks. One reviewer found it all a bit predictable, nor did the person think it was memorable. All others were impressed by the cast and thought it was an engaging and inspiring effort.
The movie stars Asante Black, Luis Guzman, Melvin Gregg, Alex R. Hibbert and Cassandra Freeman.
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM: The famous comic book and television heroes get a reboot in this animated feature film. Bored of living in the sewers and being bossed around by their overprotective guardian, the title characters decide to venture out on their own to fight crooks. They come into contact with a group of criminal mutants and wonder if they might just fit in more on the wrong side of the law.
Generally, reviewers really admired this effort. A small number scrutinized the film for having a predictable story, generic characters and failing to take cinematic advantage of the turtles' unique abilities. Still, most were impressed by the visuals, enjoyed the energy of the piece and thought it would be a fun nostalgia trip for long-standing fans of the characters.
Multiple editions of this title are available, including 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray, a standalone Blu-ray and more. Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Nicolas Cantu, Brady Noon, Ayo Edebiri, Hannibal Buress, Rose Byrne, John Cena, Jackie Chan, Ice Cube, Natasia Demetriou, Giancarlo Esposito, Post Malone, Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd provide voices for the movie.
WALK UP: In this foreign-language feature from South Korea, a film director goes on an errand with his daughter, an aspiring interior designer. They visit an apartment complex owned by an old friend who works in design. Upon their arrival, the two are given a tour of the property and go up floor by floor. They look at a basement office, a restaurant and cooking studio on the first floors, residences on the next level and an artist’s penthouse studio. When the director is called away, he returns to find himself inside at a different time in history, witnessing an alternate version of the very same building.
Critics appreciated this arthouse drama. One found the minimalist style difficult to contend with and wasn't pulled in by the story. The others found the movie to be an interesting and insightful look at different lives that can be experienced in the very same location.
It features Kwan Hae-hyo, Lee Hye-young and Park Mi-so.
WEIRD: THE AL YANKOVIC STORY: Enjoy biopics that are, well, not actually biopics? This story of parody musical artist “Weird” Al Yankovic is just that. We witness the artist record his first successful single in a bathroom (which is accurate) and then follow him on a wild and crazy journey that features the artist’s great hits, as well as family tragedies, torrid romances with celebrities like Madonna, an encounter with drug dealer Pablo Escobar, and an assassination plot.
This picture premiered on The Roku Channel and is now debuting in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set or as a standalone Blu-ray. Notices were very good for this comedy. A small number didn’t like the movie’s eccentric tangents nor found them funny. However, the vast majority called the picture a consistently outrageous and funny spoof on musical biopics with great performances and catchy tunes.
The cast includes Daniel Radcliffe, Evan Rachel Wood, Rainn Wilson, Julianne Nicholson, Thomas Lennon, Toby Huss, as well as appearances by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jonah Ray, Will Forte, Patton Oswalt, Michael McKeon, Demitri Martin, Conan O’Brien, Emo Philips, Jack Black, Josh Groban, Seth Green and more.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
Looking for something a little older? There’s no shortage of options here either.
Arrow Video is presenting a Blu-ray of the period cult film The Day of the Locust (1975). Based on a controversial novel by Nathanael West and set during the late 1930s, it’s a dark tale of a group of aspiring but damaged individuals trying to make their mark in Hollywood. As their lives become grimmer and more hopeless, things spiral out of control, leading to a violent riot in the streets during a movie premiere. The picture stars Donald Sutherland, Karen Black, William Atherton and many more. It’s a powerful film that contains plenty of unforgettable images and sequences.
This effort from director John Schlesinger (Midnight Cowboy, Marathon Man) wasn’t a big hit with audiences or critics during its original release, but it has gained a larger and larger following over the years. For its North American “Limited Edition” Blu-ray debut, it also comes with an oral history audio commentary featuring interviews with the assistant director, a new appreciation of the picture with a film critic, a featurette on the costumes in the film, a visual essay on the movie, radio spots and an image gallery.
Those who remember the recent box set Enter the Video Store will know that it contained the Empire Pictures productions of The Dungeonmaster (1984), Dolls (1987), Cellar Dweller (1988), Arena (1989) and Robot Jox (1989). The “Limited Edition” with a fancy box sold out in a flash, but a “Standard Edition” Blu-ray with all the films and extras is now available.
Arrow is also releasing the Blu-ray box set Savage Guns: 4 Classic Westerns, which contains the four spaghetti westerns I Want Him Dead (1968), El Puro (1969), Wrath of the Wind (1970), The Four of the Apocalypse (1975). The set contains 2K restorations of all movies from their original camera negatives. It also comes with two different versions of El Puro and Wrath of the Wind, film historian audio commentaries on every title, cast and crew interviews, publicity materials and much, much more.
You can also pick up Shaw Brothers Presents: The Basher Box on Blu-ray, which contains the martial arts pictures King Boxer (1972), The Boxer from Shantung (1972) and Chinatown Kid (1977). The 3-disc “Special Edition” presents 2K restorations of the films, as well as film historian commentaries, movie critic appreciations, cast and crew interviews, a three-part documentary on the Shaw Brothers and other bonuses. Two different cuts of the latter title are included.
Music Box Films is presenting a Blu-ray double-feature of OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies (2006) and OSS 117: Lost in Rio (2009). These titles were effective comedic updates of a popular French series of James Bond knock-off titles. In each film, the lead spy goes on secret missions to various exotic locales and gets into hijinks along the way. Director Michel Hazanavicius and star Jean Dujardin made a great pairing in the series and the two later won Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor Academy Awards for their collaboration on the black-and-white silent picture The Artist (2011) shortly thereafter.
88 Films is putting out the Hong Kong features Long Arm of the Law: Parts I & II (1984 and 1987) in a double-feature “Special Edition” Blu-ray. Admired for their unusually realistic action scenes, these cop vs. criminal pictures have been given 2K restorations, commentaries by a Hong Kong film expert, interviews with the director and a co-star, as well as new artwork for the features and a reversible sleeve for the collection.
Life is Cheap… But Toilet Paper is Expensive (1989) is another Hong Kong title, this time arriving on Blu-ray from Arbelos. It’s about a courier who gets into trouble while trying to deliver a briefcase to a mob boss. The disc comes with a new 4K restoration of the final cut approved by co-director Wayne Wang (Smoke, Blue in the Face). Extras include an interview with Wang, another with Wang and the co-writer/co-director, the original chase sequence, a U.S. trailer and an essay on the movie.
Criterion is presenting The Red Balloon and Other Stories: Five Films by Albert Lamorisse on Blu-ray. It contains the classic French short films Bim, The Little Donkey (1951), White Mane (1953), The Red Balloon (1956), Stowaway in the Sky (1960) and Circus Angel (1965). The titles are given 2K and 4K restorations. Besides the French versions of the films, there’s an English-language edition of the first title, as well as a 2008 documentary on The Red Balloon, French TV-interviews with the director recorded in 1957 and 1959, English narrations for two shorts and an English-dubbed edition of the last film.
If you’re a fan of the South Korean picture Oldboy (2003), Decal is delivering a “Deluxe Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray of the film, all to celebrate its 20th anniversary. For those unfamiliar with the title, it involves a businessman who is locked up in a mysterious prison and becomes more violent as he contemplates revenge. This set comes with a 68-page book, newspaper, gift cards, three audio commentary tracks and a ton of other bonuses.
Film Masters is digging into drive-in fare and will present the Roger Corman production of The Terror (1963) on Blu-ray. It’s a period horror feature with Boris Karloff and Jack Nicholson. This disc comes with a new restoration, the bonus Corman horror/comedy The Little Shop of Horrors (1960), critic commentaries on both titles, a featurette on Filmgroup, a featurette on The Terror, liner notes, trailers and other extras.
The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (1974) is a well-regarded Canadian drama based on the book by Mordecai Richler. It stars Richard Dreyfuss as a young Jewish man in 1940s Montreal trying to make his way in the world any way he can. In his case, it involves some lying involving a get-rich-quick scheme. Fun City Editions is delivering a Blu-ray of the title with a movie expert commentary, a booklet with a new essay on the title and a “limited edition” slipcover.
Kino is having a busy week. You can pick up a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray of the memorable John Woo action flick Face/Off (1997) that features Nicholas Cage and John Travolta as a criminal and cop who change faces and switch identities. The discs include all the various previously released extras (a director commentary, deleted scenes, a making-of and other featurettes) plus a new film historian commentary track,
The well-respected Taiwanese feature Goodbye, Dragon Inn (2003) is arriving on Blu-ray. It tells the story of a cinema that is about to close its doors. This disc contains a film critic commentary, an introduction to the movie, a 2019 short film from the director and a re-release trailer.
If you appreciate the work of classic horror stars Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing and John Carradine, you can see them all together at a creepy Welsh manor in the suspense picture, House of the Long Shadows (1983). This “Special Edition” Blu-ray contains a director commentary and an interview, as well as a movie historian audio commentary and trailers.
The Man Who Wasn’t There (1983) is a Steve Guttenberg comedy/thriller about a man who becomes invisible. The movie was made during the height of early 80s 3D craze and bombed at the box office. Kino is giving it new life by releasing a Blu-ray of the film that has a newly restored 3D version for upgraded TVs, as well as a 2D edition, and the BD3D polarized and anaglyphic (red/cyan) 3D editions (one pair of glasses are also provided). It also comes with a movie expert commentary, as well as a trailer (in 2D and 3D).
You can also purchase a Blu-ray of the British science-fiction classic The Quatermass Experiment (1955). This “Special Edition” contains a new film historian commentary, as well as a discussion on the film with film director John Carpenter (Halloween), multiple featurettes on the project, a director commentary and other bonuses.
One of the most underrated buddy action/comedies of the 1980s was Running Scared (1986), starring Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines. The pair play sharp-witted Chicago cops who want to retire, only to get in the middle of a big case involving a violent drug cartel. This “Special Edition” of the film includes a slipcover and features a commentary with director Peter Hyams (Capricorn One, Outland, The Star Chamber, Sudden Death), outtakes, a making-of, electronic press kit scenes and a trailer. It’s a fun movie that action fans will enjoy.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Here is an option of two for the kids.
PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie (Paramount) Blu-ray
The Red Balloon and Other Stories: Five Films by Albert Lamorisse (Criterion) Blu-ray
Shaun the Sheep The Complete Series (Shout! Factory) Blu-ray
ON THE TUBE!
TV-related releases can be found listed below.
American Experience: The War on Disco (PBS) DVD
The Mandalorian Season 1 (Disney) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Collector’s Edition Steelbook or Blu-ray Steelbook or Disney Movie Club Exclusive Blu-ray and DVD Steelbook
The Mandalorian Season 2 (Disney) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Collector’s Edition Steelbook or Blu-ray Steelbook or Disney Movie Club Exclusive Blu-ray and DVD Steelbook
Shaun the Sheep The Complete Series (Shout! Factory) Blu-ray
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