Welcome to another look at highlights arriving on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. It’s an extremely busy edition, with several notable releases and plenty of older titles coming your way. 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 titles a try!
BIG NEW RELEASES!
ASTRAKAN: In this foreign-language drama from France, a young orphan is adopted by a foster family. Drama follows as he struggles to fit in at his new home. After beginning to feel a sense of belonging and happiness, he goes through coming-of-age trials and also discovers an unexpected and hidden secret about his new parents.
The press adored this feature and every reviewer who saw the picture recommended it. They commented that while some might find the storytelling difficult to digest, the movie was unlike any tale they had seen about a youngster becoming an adult. They praised the performances and the authenticity of the story and believed that it also lacked any melodrama or sentimentalism.
The cast includes Mirko Giannini, Jehnny Beth, Bastien Bouillon, Theo Costa-Marini and Paul Blain.
BLUE BEETLE: This DC superhero feature begins with a recent college graduate crossing paths with an ancient relic containing a strange alien scarab. The young man becomes its symbiotic host and is given incredible powers as a result. Specifically, a suit of armor that can help him fly and protect him from threats. Of course, when others find out about the scarab, his life is put at risk and he must fight them to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.
This effort earned more positive reactions than negative ones. About one-quarter of critics thought that while well-intentioned, the final product was cliched and didn’t compare to better films in its genre. Still, the majority appreciated the film’s Latino voice and cast and called it a sincere feature with plenty of action and fun moments.
It stars Xolo Maridueña, Bruna Marquezine, Becky G, Damián Alcázar and George Lopez. The movie is available in a variety of formats, including a 4K Ultra HD edition, a regular Blu-ray and a different packaging from retailers like Wlal-Mart, Target and Best Buy.
A CHRISTMAS STORY CHRISTMAS: The original 1983 holiday classic A Christmas Story has had a couple of poorly received sequels over the years (including It Runs in the Family aka My Summer Story in 1994 and 2012’s A Christmas Story 2), but this follow-up boasts the return of star Peter Billingsley. Now an adult with a family of his own, the lead character must navigate the busy season and help his family enjoy the season.
Reaction was generally positive toward this HBO Max film. A small number did complain that the humor was hit-and-miss and that, while watchable, the film wouldn’t resonate like the first title. However, the consensus was enough of the picture worked to reel them into the story and that it delivered a sweet nostalgia trip and reviewers loved that a a few more familiar faces made appearances.
Besides Billingsley, the movie also features Julie Haggerty, Erinn Hayes, Ian Petrella, Zach Ward, Scotty Schwartz and R.D. Robb. For the time being, this is a DVD only release.
THE GOOD MOTHER: After learning that her estranged son has been murdered under suspicious circumstances, a grief-stricken journalist decides to investigate the death. She forms an unlikely bond with his pregnant girlfriend and the two find themselves in their hometown’s underbelly, encountering drug-dealers, hoods and other criminals as they try to find the responsible party.
Reaction was weak toward this crime thriller. A small number suggested that while the plot itself was routine, the strong performances and deeply damaged characters were interesting and kept them engaged. Still, most called it a missed opportunity, saying the screenplay had difficulty juggling dramatic themes involving grief and guilt with thriller elements in a cohesive and effective manner.
Hilary Swank, Olivia Cooke, Jack Reynor, Norm Lewis, Dilone and Hopper Penn headline the film.
JUSTICE LEAGUE X RWBY: SUPER HEROES & HUNTSMEN, PART TWO: Obviously, this animated DC effort is a sequel to an effort that was released earlier in the year. It involved superheroes like Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and The Flash finding themselves in an alternate world where they have all become teenagers. In this follow-up, they find their way back home to discover that the villainous Grimm have taken over the Earth during their absence. They must fight again to save the day.
Few have seen this effort, but a couple of positive online reviews have appeared. These pieces state that the movie is an exciting and entertaining finale to the story that will have fans hooked from beginning to end. The title is available separately on disc in either 4K Ultra HD or on Blu-ray.
The voice cast includes Ozioma Akagha, Laura Bailey, Troy Baker and Jamie Chung.
KING OF KILLERS: This picture was scheduled to be released two weeks ago, but was delayed at the last minute and is arriving this week.
The tale involves a former hitman who is offered a $10 million dollar contract to eliminate the world’s greatest assassin. Despite not having the same reputation, he figures he can get the job done and travels to Tokyo to meet his client. After arriving, it becomes clear that many others in his line of work have also been invited. A battle ensues between all parties.
This independent action picture was panned by reviewers. One lone voice asserted that the action scenes were good and that the movie would satisfy those wanted B-movie thrills. Everyone else called it complete nonsense with little to no plot. They even disliked the action scenes, referring to them as flatly edited.
The cast includes Frank Grillo, Alain Moussi, Stephen Dorff, Marie Avgeropoulos and Kevin Grevioux.
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE: The latest chapter in this long-running action series (based upon the T.V. show of the same name) follows heroic Ethan Hunt and his team take on their deadliest threat. A seemingly unstoppable new weapon involving artificial intelligence has the ability to shut down entire governments and knows everything about any individual attempting to stop it. A race begins between the leads and many familiar faces to gain control of the technology first.
Notices were almost uniformly positive toward this sequel. A handful found this chapter gimmicky and didn’t find the sinister technology overtly threatening. However, everyone else wrote that the hair-raising stunts, elaborate action sequence and zippy pacing were top-notch and that the film itself was the perfect example of a summer blockbuster.
Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff and Henry Czerny headline the movie. The film can be purchased in a 4K Ultra HD edition, and a separate Blu-ray version
MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3: The newest follow-up in this comedy series begins with the large Greek family dealing with the passing of the family patriarch. When the lead and her brother are given the diary of their late father and are asked to deliver it to childhood friends in his hometown, they set out to fulfill his final wish. The extended family set out for a family reunion in Greece, but encounter plenty of setbacks in their mission.
Critics weren’t overly taken by this picture. One-third of reviewers thought that, despite its flaws, it was kind-hearted and delivered enough laughs to earn a recommendation. However, most called it a series of recycled gags from earlier films that didn’t have the same impact and found the story hokey and ineffective.
It stars Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Louis Mandylor, Elena Kampouris, Gia Carides, Joey Fatone, Lainie Kazan and Andrea Martin.
NANNY: This horror film from Amazon Pictures received a limited release and has been available to stream on Prime since last December, but it is only now arriving on Blu-ray (through Criterion). The plot follows a Senegalese immigrant who arrives in New York and tries to find a job with the intention of earning enough cash to help her son and cousin join her in America. She takes a position as a nanny to a wealthy family. The protagonist forms a close bond with the daughter as the two discover that they both have unusual gifts that include strange visions.
Critics greatly admired the film. A small number thought it was a better domestic drama than a horror picture that was so ambiguous that it disappointed them. Still, everyone else was taken in by the characters and performances, calling the film a unique, eerie and effective examination of the issues immigrants face while trying to make a new start in a faraway land.
The cast includes Anna Diop, Michelle Monaghan, Sinqua Walls and Morgan Spector.
OUT OF TIME: THE MATERIAL ISSUE STORY: If you listened to alternative rock in the early 1990s, you may have heard the Chicago-based band “Material Issue,” who scored college radio hits with “Valerie Loves Me,” “Diane” and “What Girls Want.” They were a very good live band as well (as this reviewer can attest to, having seen them live). Despite their initial success, lead singer and songwriter Jim Ellison committed suicide in 1996. This documentary tells the story of the band’s formation and early success, as well as the unexpected tragedy that followed.
The movie includes interviews with the two remaining band members, those who knew and worked with the group, as well as the first interviews of Ellison’s family since his passing. This title played at festivals during the pandemic, but there aren’t many reviews of it available at present. However, it would seem that anyone familiar with Material Issue or 90s music would likely appreciate the film.
RETRIBUTION: A financier living in Berlin, Germany gets a horrible shock one day while driving his children to school. A sinister figure has placed a bomb under his car, threatening to detonate it unless the lead completes a series of elaborate tasks. With the lives of his kids in the balance, the protagonist races through the city and completes his odd tasks while trying to figure out how to get the upper hand.
The press was not taken by this action/thriller. A handful said that the movie’s star still had plenty of onscreen charisma in order to sustain tension and drama and keep viewers interested. Unfortunately, the majority stated that the entire film seemed as if it was on cruise-control. Nothing about it thrilled or excited them and they called it one of the star’s weaker efforts.
Liam Neeson, Noma Dumezweni, Matthew Modine, Lilu Aspell, Jack Champion and Embeth Davidtz headline the picture.
REWIND & PLAY: American jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Monk is the subject of this documentary. In particular, a trip to Paris in 1969, in which the musician agreed to a legendary interview for television. Monk was treated horribly by his interviewer and during the discussion things got heated between the two, particularly he attempted to explain some of the stereotypes that had been thrust upon him. This picture contains the talk as well as archived rushes and behind-the-scenes footage of the man on-set, talking and playing his music.
The French non-fiction film earned raves from reviewers. All of them noted that while it didn’t offer a lot of new details about the performer, it featured incredible, previously unseen and lengthy footage of the man dealing with an awful situation, as well as playing marvelously amidst all of the chaos.
SIRENS: If you are a fan of music-based documentaries, this is certainly your week. This picture chronicles the rise of the band “Slave to Sirens,” an all-female thrash/death metal band from Lebanon. The band were formed in 2015 and the filmmakers capture many of the issues the members face getting acceptance in their home country and its political regime. It also captures the tumultuous and complicated relationship between the two founding members.
This effort received high marks from reviewers. A lone voice wrote that the movie didn’t do a good job in detailing the history of the band and focused too much on the rivalry between the two frontwomen. All others commented that it didn’t matter whether or not you enjoyed heavy metal, as the unusual story being told was completely compelling, enlightening, and even uplifting as it examines the band members and their quest to be accepted.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST!
There’s plenty of great older titles to catch up with as well.
Arrow Video is presenting the powerful feature Witness (1985), which will be available as a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD release or as a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray. The picture from director Peter Weir (Gallipoli, The Year of Living Dangerously, The Mosquito Coast, Dead Poets Society, The Truman Show) opens with a young Amish boy witnessing a murder. Harrison Ford plays a Philadelphia detective assigned to the case. When the killers make an attempt on his life and wound him, the lead takes cover in the boy’s Amish community. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards (Ford himself earned a Best Actor nod) and ultimately won for Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing.
Whether you purchase the 4K Ultra HD edition or the Blu-ray, this picture has been given a major upgrade and comes with a new film historian commentary, visual essay on the film’s performances, and a new talk with cinematographer John Seale (The Hitcher, Rain Man, The English Patient, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Mad Max: Fury Road). Additionally, both come with all previously released bonuses, including a lengthy archival making-of documentary, EPK featurettes, a deleted scene, a vintage 1985 TV interview with Ford, trailer, image gallery, a 60-page booklet with essays on the movie, special packaging that includes a fold-out double-sided poster with newly commissioned and original artwork for the film.
The Hard Part Begins (1973) is a well-regarded Canadian drama about a country singer whose life begins to fall apart while he’s on the road. Canadian International Pictures/Vinegar Syndrome is putting out a “50th Anniversary Special Edition” Blu-ray of the film. The movie has been given a 4K restoration from the original 16mm reversal film stock and comes with a Paul Lynch (Prom Night) director commentary, a Canadian film expert commentary, several new interviews with Lynch, a visual essay on Lynch’s early career, a talk with cast member David Daniels, an examination of the career of actor Donnelly Rhodes, an 1989 interview with Rhodes, talks with the editor and associate producer, not to mention an alternate ending, an afterword to the film and a booklet.
If you’re looking for something family friendly or are an anime fan, you can try a Blu-ray of the Japanese animated effort The Wonderful World of Puss ‘n Boots (1969) from Discotek Media. This movie predates the Dreamworks Puss ‘n Boots features by decades. The story involves the famous cat going on the run after saving the life of a mouse. This disc includes a remastered picture, as well as an English dub and the original Japanese audio track (with English subtitles.
Dark Force Entertainment is presenting the Honk Kong film Limbo (2021) in a 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray set. This picture was nominated for many awards a few years ago in its homeland and is noted for its impressive black and white cinematography. It follows a temperamental rookie detective pursuing a serial killer who makes a mistake that causes himself even more trouble.
Kino is revisiting the 1980s this week. You can pick up Blu-rays of the Cannon Pictures films American Ninja (1985) and American Ninja 2: The Confrontation (1987) on Blu-ray. Michael Dudikoff plays a U.S. military man who learns Ninjutsu and uses his newfound martial arts abilities to battle evil forces. Both titles include two commentary tracks with the director, a lengthy making-of, a trailer and a slipcase for the disc.
The Challenge (1982) is receiving a “Special Edition” Blu-ray. This underrated effort from director John Frankenheimer (The Manchurian Candidate, The Train, Seconds, French Connection II, Black Sunday, Ronin) and co-writer John Sayles (The Howling, Eight Men Out, Lone Star) features Scott Glenn as an American boxer who visits Japan and finds himself over-his-head after getting involved in a bloody feud over the ownership an ancient samurai sword. The action scenes are very tense and exciting, the locations are striking and the movie makes a lasting impression. This disc comes with a film historian commentary, trailer, reversible art and a slipcase.
Enter the Dragon (1981) is also receiving a “Special Edition” Blu-ray. Franco Nero stars as a westerner who learns how to be a Ninja and uses these methods to take down an oil baron. Shô Kosugi also appears. Extras include a film expert commentary, trailer and slipcase.
International outfit Powerhouse/Indicator is making several “Standard Edition” Blu-rays of Mexican titles available for purchase in North America. All include the original Mexican version with English subtitles and an English dub. The Black Pit of Dr. M (1959) involves two mad scientists whose work involves proving the existence of an afterlife. This title arrives with a film historian commentary, a feature on production company Alameda Films, a segment detailing the career of the film’s director and publicity materials.
The Brainiac (1962) is a fun Mexican chiller about a sinister figure burned at the stake who vows to return from the dead and take vengeance against his killer’s descendants. Sure enough, he appears 300 years later in a monstrous form to make good on his promise by eating the brains of his enemies. It’s silly stuff, but a great deal of fun to watch. It includes a film historian commentary, a featurette on the director, along with stills and a trailer.
The Curse of the Crying Woman (1963) is a period chiller about a couple fearfully staying in a mansion where several brutal murders occurred. Is the murderer a ghost, a witch or something even worse? Bonuses on this disc include a movie academic commentary, featurettes on the cast and crew and publicity materials.
And you can also pick up a Blu-ray of The Witch’s Mirror (1962), which is considered among the best Mexican horror pictures of its era. It’s about a witch who seeks revenge on the husband of her adopted daughter after a tragic murder. The lead uses every supernatural means at her disposal. Extras are very similar to the other discs arriving this week.
Ronin Flix is releasing a Blu-ray of the independent teenage serial killer flick The Lost (2006). The young murderer gets a taste of his own medicine when he befriends a new girl in town who enjoys the dark arts. This disc contains a 2K remaster from a 4K scan of the original negative. It comes with a director commentary, new interviews with the cast, audition tapes, outtakes, a storyboard sequence and a short by the filmmaker.
There’s Nothing Out There (1991) follows a horror movie fan who begins to believe that a real monster is in his neighborhood. Will his genre knowledge allow him to survive and stop the creature? This two-disc Blu-ray set comes with a filmmaker commentary track and movie critic commentary, never-before-seen storyboards for the original opening, tons of cast and crew interviews, two archived commentary tracks with cast and crew, behind-the-scenes and audition footage and much more. The second disc is a new collection of 10 short films made by the director in the 1980s with introductions, a blooper reel and behind-the-scenes footage.
Samuel Goldwyn Films is presenting a couple of classic musicals on Blu-ray. Oklahoma! (1955) is receiving a “Platinum Edition.” The specs haven’t been listed yet, but one would hope for some extras on the disc. Additionally, a 65th anniversary South Pacific (1958) Blu-ray is arriving. Again, one expects that it will carry over a few bonuses from earlier editions, but you might want to wait until more information appears.
Day of the Panther (1988) and Strike of the Panther (1988) are receiving a double-feature Blu-ray from Umbrella Entertainment. These are Australian direct-to-video action B-movies from co-writer/director Brian Trenchard Smith (The Man from Hong Kong, Stunt Rock, BMX Bandits, Dead End Drive-In, Drive Hard) about a martial artist taking down various bad guys. Edward Stazak plays the lead in both titles. The movies have been scanned in 2K for this release.
Universal Pictures is presenting The Alfred Hitchcock Classics Collection Vol. 3 containing 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray discs of the thrillers Rope (1948), The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956), Torn Curtain (1966), Topaz (1969) and Frenzy (1972). In addition to picture upgrades the sets contain all previously released bonus material. And if only one or two titles in this set pique your interest, they can also be purchased individually.
To coincide with the new movie arriving on Blu-ray, the studio is also presenting the My Big Fat Greek Wedding: 3-Film Collection on Blu-ray. This set contains the 2002 original, 2016 follow-up and recent 2023 effort all together in one package.
Stealing Christmas (2003) a TV-movie that originally aired on USA/ABC Family networks is also appearing on Blu-ray. It stars Tony Danza, Lea Thompson and Betty White.
The Universal Essentials Collection is also adding a couple of titles, all with significant picture upgrades. The classic comedy Animal House (1978) is celebrating its 45th anniversary with this 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray package. The original disc bonuses were wonderful and this set includes them all with the new, sharper image quality.
The same goes for the Best Picture winner, Schindler’s List (1993). It’s getting a 30th anniversary 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray release with similar features.
And if you enjoyed the recent trilogy of Jurassic World titles, Jurassic World: The Ultimate Collection is a box set containing the 2015, 2018 and 2022 films on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray. This is a Best Buy Exclusive Steelbook that can only be purchased through the retailer.
Vinegar Syndrome is a phenomenal retailer of low-budget genre pictures. Every Blu-ray disc they release comes loaded with the highest possible picture quality, along with loads of extras. This week, you can purchase a double feature of Amber Aroused (1985) and Slip into Silk (1985) from the distributor.
The Curse of the Screaming Dead (1982) aka Curse of the Cannibal Confederates is also getting the Blu-ray treatment (it also contains the 1981 title Night of Horror). Also arriving on Blu-ray is Evil Judgment (1984). And The Films of Enrique Gomez Vadillo is a set containing three Mexican horror titles, Savage Summer (1980), Johnny Chicano (1981) and Death on the Beach (1991).
Fugue (2018), which was an exclusive on the Vinegar Syndrome website, is now being made available at all retailers. And the Hong Kong chiller Ghost Nursing (1982) is being put out on Blu-ray as well.
Finally, Warner Archive is delivering several made-to-order Blu-ray discs. This week, they include the Joan Crawford effort Dance, Fools, Dance (1931), the Elvis Presley musical Double Trouble (1967), In Love and War (1996) with Chris O’Donnell and Sandra Bullock, as well as the drama Mad City (1997) with Dustin Hoffman and John Travolta. The discs all include new 4K picture restorations and trailers.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
It may only be the beginning of November, but distributors are desperate to remind you that Christmas is just around the corner. The week’s kid-friendly titles can be found below.
3-Movie Holiday Collection: Beethoven's Christmas Adventure, It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie, Prancer Returns (Universal) DVD
The Complete Rankin/Bass Christmas Collection (18 Holiday Specials made between 1964 -1985) (Universal) Blu-ray
Frosty the Snowman Holiday Double Feature (Rankin/Bass) (Universal) DVD
Santa Claus Holiday Double Feature (Rankin/Bass) (Universal) DVD
Tom & Jerry Holiday 3-Pack (Studio Distribution Services) DVD
Trolls Holiday and Trolls Holiday in Harmony (Dreamworks) DVD
The Wonderful World of Puss ‘n Boots (1969 animated feature) (Discotek Media) Blu-ray
ON THE TUBE!
Here is a list of all the TV-themed releases arriving at stores.
A Christmas Story Christmas (HBO MAX) DVD
The Complete Rankin/Bass Christmas Collection (18 Holiday Specials made between 1964 – 1985) (Universal) Blu-ray
Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas (Warner Bros.) DVD
Frosty the Snowman Holiday Double Feature (Rankin/Bass) (Universal) DVD
Nancy Drew The Complete Series (2019 – 2023 series) (CBS/Paramount) DVD
Santa Claus Holiday Double Feature (Rankin/Bass) (Universal) DVD
Slopes Game Room: Sega the Complete History Vol. 1 (ETR Media) Blu-ray
Stealing Christmas (2003 USA/ABC Family TV-movie) (Universal) Blu-ray
Tom & Jerry Holiday 3-Pack (Studio Distribution Services) DVD
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