Welcome to another look at some of the highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. This edition includes many quirky independents as well as a release or two from bigger distributors. There is plenty to choose from, so if you can’t make it out to the movies this week or need to stay indoors for a few days, be sure to check out one of these titles!
BIG NEW
RELEASES!
BOTTOM FEEDERS: A 20-year-old from rural Pennsylvania struggles to see a positive outlook for his life, especially living with his infantile father. He gets a brief break from this toxic relationship and financial woe when a childhood friend returns home for the holidays with his wealthy girlfriend. The lead sees it as an opportunity and involves himself in their relationship, hoping it will help him escape his troubles.
This is an independent feature that was released on the internet and recently got picked up for distribution on disc. No reviewers have officially reviewed the title yet, so there isn’t any word on its quality. But those who support indie movie making may want to give it a shot.
The cast includes Will Ehren, Jenny Zwigard, Graham Poore, and Jonny Nichols.
THE FIRST OMEN: Most horror fans are familiar with the 1976 classic The Omen, which is about an American diplomat who, after his wife has a stillborn baby, is helped by the hospital chaplain to adopt a baby. Alas, this youngster turns out to be the Antichrist. This is a prequel to the original film. The story involves a woman who travels to Italy to join a convent. While there, she uncovers a conspiracy to bring about the birth of an evil incarnate. One can already guess how that will play out.
Despite the tale’s finale being pretty obvious, critics didn’t mind this chiller. A small number described it as a cliched horror picture playing on nostalgia and doing little to match the original. But the majority called the picture well-acted, atmospheric and scary, also making some fine points critiquing organized religion (although one could argue that the original was subtly doing this as well).
Nell Tiger Free, Ralph Ineson, Sonia Braga, Tawfeek Barhorn, Charles Dance and Bill Nighy headline the film.
I SAW THE TV GLOW: A teenager living in the suburbs feels dissatisfied and unhappy with his existence. A friend introduces him to a late-night T.V. show about supernatural phenomena beneath his city. He becomes obsessed with the show, only to learn that it has suddenly been canceled. The pair go on a trek to find out what happened and, as he delves further, it begins to seem as though the lead may be losing his mind.
The press gave this independent creeper high marks. About one-fifth did complain that it kept them at a distance and came across as ponderous and pretentious. Still, most stated that the film was moody, stylish and moving, effectively delivering on its themes of gender identity. For the time being, this Blu-ray will only be available for purchase on distributor A24’s website.
The cast includes Justice Smith, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Ian Foreman, Helena Howard, Lindsey Jordan, Danielle Deadwyler and Fred Durst.
STING: Have a deep-seated fear of spiders? Then this Australian film may send shivers up your spine. The plot is actually set in a New York apartment building and features a blended family struggling to get along. When their 12-year-old girl finds a strange spider (of possibly extra-terrestrial origin), she decides to secretly raise it in her room. The creature soon grows to an enormous size and begins devouring tenants.
Overall response to this independent feature was upbeat. There was a group of critics who complained that the movie wasn’t funny, scary or disturbing enough for their tastes. However, the consensus was that this was a fun and entertaining little B-movie that pays homage to 50s creature features, delivering chuckles and chills in equal measure.
Ryan Corr, Alyla Browne, Jermaine Fowler and Noni Hazlehurst.
WILLIAM SHATNER: YOU CAN CALL ME BILL: The long and storied career of 93-year-old entertainer William Shatner is examined in this documentary. From his early life in Montreal, Canada, through his roles on The Twilight Zone and the Star Trek series and films, to his curious singing career and work as a science-fiction author, the actor talks about his experiences and reveals details about his remarkable life.
Most write-ups for the picture had nice things to say about it. There were a few who complained that the performer rambled and wasn’t really giving us deep insight into his life. Regardless, the majority were impressed by the subject, along with his frank thoughts on his work and career. They noted just how charismatic he is and thought that any fan of Shatner would enjoy the film.
WITH LOVE AND A MAJOR ORGAN: This surreal independent drama is set in a world where human hearts are made of various objects. Apparently, it’s a universe where the only course of action is to keep feelings suppressed. One day, a lonely woman quietly in love decides to rip her heart out for the object of her desire. When he runs away with the organ, she must find him quickly and get it back.
This independent film from Canada was well-received by the press. A small number of write-ups found the world presented to them hard to buy into and lost interest in the plight of the lead. However, most described the movie as very sweet and completely original. They thought the cast were excellent and that the message about love and compassion was most welcome.
It features Anna Maguire, Hamza Haq, Veena Sood, Donna Benedicto and Arghavan Jenati.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Below is a list of some kid-friendly releases coming your way.
Mobile Cop Jiban The Complete Series (1989-1990) (Discotek Media) Blu-ray
Ultraman Taiga Series and Movie (Mill Creek) Blu-ray
ON THE TUBE!
And all of the week’s TV-related efforts can be found here.
The Arrested Development Documentary Project (ETR Media) Blu-ray
D.I. Ray Season 2 (PBS) DVD
Great Performances: Now Hear This Season 5 (PBS) DVD
Mobile Cop Jiban The Complete Series (1989-1990) (Discotek Media) Blu-ray
Nature: Grizzly 399: Queen of the Tetons (PBS) DVD
Sherlock Holmes (surviving episodes of the 1968 BBC series with Peter Cushing) (Severin Films) Blu-ray
So Help Me Todd The Final Season (CBS) DVD
Supernatural The Complete Series (Warner Bros.) Blu-ray
Ted Lasso: The Richmond Way The Complete Series (Warner Bros.) Blu-ray
Ultraman Taiga Series and Movie (Mill Creek) Blu-ray
VISIT: WWW.CINEMASTANCE.COM
By Glenn Kay
For the Sun
