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DVD/Blu-ray Roundup for Oct. 26, 2018

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Welcome back to another look at highlights arriving on Blu-ray and DVD. There’s a really big blockbuster coming your way, as well as a few intriguing independent films. 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!

I Think We’re Alone Now – A devastating apocalypse leaves the world in tatters in this science-fiction/drama. Despite these horrifying events, the story focuses on one man who couldn’t be happier to be alone, creating his own personal utopia. Unfortunately, his existence is complicated by the unexpected arrival of another female survivor who wants to stay. Reaction was slightly more positive than negative toward this effort. Almost all wrote they liked the concept and the way the screenplay attempted to deal with issues like loneliness. However, a good chunk disliked the final third of the film, which they felt became conventional and unconvincing. Still, more appreciated early sections of the film enough for it to earn a pass from them. It features Peter Dinklage, Elle Fanning, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Paul Giamatti.

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again – This follow-up reunites the mother/daughter leads and various characters from the original film some 10 years later. One section of the story is a prequel about the mom dating three suitors. The second section of the tale focuses on the daughter as she discovers she has much more in common with her parent than she previously believed. Like the music of ABBA? If you do, that’s good news, although members of the press suggested it isn’t necessarily a prerequisite for enjoying this musical. A few said it was a cash-in on the original and wasn’t at all necessary. Yet most called it cheery, good-natured fun. It stars Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Lilly James, Andy Garcia, Dominic Cooper, Julie Walters, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard and Cher.

Sorry to Bother You – Destined to be a cult-favorite, this eccentric science-fiction satire is set in gloomy future and follows a black telemarketer who discovers the key to success at his gloomy place of employment. He quickly moves up the corporate ladder and finds himself becoming isolated from friends and co-workers. The protagonist also discovers some shocking things about the company head’s true motives and what he has planned for the future. Reviews were very strong for this feature. There were a couple of critics who couldn’t get on its wavelength and found the humor hit-and-miss. However, all the others were not only impressed by its boldness and outrageous gags, but also the deeper themes and subtext present. LaKeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Armie Hammer, Terry Crews and Stephen Yuen headline the feature.


Blasts from the Past!

It may be a relatively quiet week for new releases, but there are plenty of older titles arriving in high definition that more than make up for it. Arrow’s delivering a Blu-ray of the low-budget, independent flick, Deadbeat at Dawn (1988). This is a graphic film about a gang member who takes revenge for the death of his girlfriend in the most violent and over-the-top manner possible. This Special Edition arrives with a 2K restoration of the original film elements, a new audio commentary from writer/director/star Jim VanBebber, a retrospective documentary on the film, a 1986 behind-the-scenes documentary on the production, outtakes, four shorts and several music videos directed by the movie-maker, never before seen still and loads of other bonuses.

On a completely different bent, Arrow Academy has the U.K. arthouse film, Distant Voices, Still Lives (1988). This Blu-ray includes a 4K restoration created by the British Film Institute, a writer/director commentary with Terence Davies, an interview with the filmmaker and production designer along with some additional extras.

Shout! Factory has some incredible stuff arriving for Halloween. Creepshow (1982), written by Stephen King and directed by George A. Romero (Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead) is one of the best anthologies ever made and features five great tales of terror made in the style of an old EC horror comic. It’s an absolute blast and the film that cemented my personal interest in the genre. This Collector’s Edition includes a new 4K scan of the movie, an audio commentary with Romero and make-up effects man Tom Savini, a cinematographer audio track, another commentary with the score composer, a roundtable discussion with cast members, an interview with the costume designer, a talk with the man who created the animated segments, another bit with the sound recordist, a look at the restoration of the film, and so much more that it simply can’t all be listed here. Frankly, this is a must-own for all horror movie fans.

They also have a Collector’s Edition Blu-ray of the well-regarded comedy, Get Shorty (1995). This film involves a mobster (played by John Travolta) who pushes his way into the Hollywood scene and ends up becoming a big-time movie producer. The disc is remastered from a 2K transfer and comes with a director commentary, several featurettes on the production, a party reel, a deleted scene and promotional materials.

Shout! is also re-releasing the low-budget cult horror film, Night of the Demons (1988) as a Steelbook. Naturally, it comes with all of the same extras, the only difference being the steel case with new artwork.

I can’t recall how many times I saw Maximum Overdrive (1986) as a youth. Written and directed by Stephen King (based on his short story, Trucks) it begins with machines turning on humanity and taking control of the planet. Despite being the debut of horror-master King behind the camera, it was a remarkably dopey effort. However, it did offer plenty of amusing mayhem as a group of characters take refuge in a truck-stop diner and try to survive the onslaught. Vestron presents its Blu-ray debut as part of its Collector’s Edition series, which includes a Stephen King historian audio commentary, another track with fans Jonah Ray and Blumhouse film executive Ryan Turek, and plenty more. I’ve always loved this movie’s teaser, which featured King standing in front of the camera, pointing out of the screen and stating he was gong to “scare the Hell out of you.” He’s not wearing glasses when he does this and it seems evident he can’t really see anything as he’s gesturing, adding to the humor.

Kino has a fascinating little horror/comedy coming to Blu-ray in the form of I Bought a Vampire Motorcycle (1990). This feature is about exactly what it sounds like… a man who buys and must contend with a sinister, blood-drinking bike. The title was never officially released in North America but has become something of a minor cult item. It’s now making its debut in this part of the world. Anthony Daniels (C-3PO himself) appears in a supporting role. The Special Edition release includes a 4K restoration of the film, a documentary on the production and a couple of featurettes.

They also have a Special Edition Blu-ray of the romantic comedy, Gun Shy (2000), starring Liam Neeson and Sandra Bullock. Finally, the Kino Classic line is putting out the feature You Never Know Women (1926) in high definition.

And that’s not all. Scorpion are releasing a Blu-ray of the blaxploitation flick Lady Ice (1973). Henstooth delivers the Sam Peckinpah war flick, Cross of Iron (1977). And VCI are putting out the stylish, Italian Mario Bava thriller, Blood and Black Lace (1964) in high definition.


You Know, For Kids!

And here’s something for the kids.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Ultimate Edition Blu-ray


On the Tube!

And here are the week’s TV-themed releases.

800 Words: Season 3, Part 1

The Americans: Season 6

Art 21: Art in the Twenty-First Century (PBS)

Grimm: Season 1

Grimm: Season 2

Grimm: Season 3

Grimm: Season 4

Grimm: Season 5

Grimm: Season 6

Heroes Reborn: The Event Series

Mr. Robot: Season 2

Outlander: Season 3

By Glenn Kay
For the Sun