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Blu-ray/DVD Roundup for Nov. 4, 2022

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Welcome to another edition of highlights arriving on Blu-ray and DVD. There are fewer discs coming your way, but there is a major release arriving that is sure to appeal to the masses. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies this week or need to stay indoors, be sure to give at least one of these titles a try!

 

BIG NEW RELEASES!

HONK FOR JESUS. SAVE YOUR SOUL.:  This satirical comedy deals with a husband-and-wife team who run a Southern Baptist megachurch. When a scandal shuts down their house of worship and the congregation disappears, the pair scheme to find new ways to draw in followers. They use outrageous methods to try and draw in new members in an attempt to make a comeback from near oblivion.

Critics generally liked this effort. About one-quarter of reviewers complained that the screenplay wasn’t as razor-sharp as it needed to be and the overall effect was underwhelming. Regardless, the consensus was that the two leads were exceptionally funny and that the story expertly took down organized religion and some of its hypocritical elements.

The movie stars Regina Hall, Sterling K. Brown, Austin Crute, Conphidance, Devere Rogers and Nicole Beharie.

 

TOP GUN: MAVERICK: The big release of the week is this blockbuster sequel to “Top Gun,” which was a massive hit back in 1986. Some 35 years after the original, Maverick is still flying, pushing boundaries and irritating superiors as a test pilot. After getting himself in trouble once again, he is asked to coach a new group of young recruits for a dangerous mission in a far-off country. He agrees, but finds it a challenge when one of the newbies turns out to be the son of his best friend who died in the original film.

Critics generally were impressed by this follow-up. A very small number suggested that it felt like the very same movie as the original and pandered to fans instead of updating the concept and themes. Everyone else loved the aerial photography, appreciated seeing the lead character again and called it summer fun that would appeal to most viewers.

It stars Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, John Hamm, Glen Powell, Ed Harris and Val Kilmer.

 

BLASTS FROM THE PAST!

Looking for a classic instead? Well, I wouldn’t think that the new Cinedigm Blu-ray set “Sharknado! The Complete Collection” qualities, but it does present all six of the intentionally cheesy made-for-cable Sharknado! titles in one package. As you might already imagine, the story pits a group of protagonists against a tornado containing hungry sharks.

These flicks were made between 2013 and 2018 and should appeal to those who enjoy that kind of stuff. One imagines that any extras included on original releases will also be available in this edition.

Action movie enthusiasts may be happy to see that Paramount is releasing a 35th Anniversary Edition of “The Running Man” (1987) with Arnold Schwarzenegger as a man forced to compete in a deadly game show. But they may also be disappointed to learn that this is a 4K Ultra HD-only edition that doesn’t have a Blu-ray, but does include the movie with the best possible picture quality.

Amazon is releasing an Exclusive 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Gift Set of Universal’s “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial” (1982). In addition to the film on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray all previously released bonuses, there is 45-minutes of new material here. You will also get a lunch box, thermos, booklet and certificate of authenticity stating that you have the swankiest, most elaborate box set of this release ever created.

 

YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!

Here are some titles that may appeal to children.

“The Classic Christmas Specials Collection: Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” (Universal) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray

VISIT: WWW.CINEMASTANCE.COM

By Glenn Kay
For the Sun