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‘Spring Night Summer Night’ on Blu-ray May 5, 2020!

Spring Night Summer Night Blu-ray Unearthed from relative obscurity and never before seen by most audiences, the original edit of director J.L. Anderson’s first feature film—the gorgeous and spellbinding Spring Night Summer Night (1967)—is coming soon to Blu-ray in a stunningly restored edition, courtesy of Flicker Alley and Nicolas Winding Refn/byNWR. Italian Neorealism meets the coal-mining country of southeast Ohio in this little-seen wonder of 1960s, American independent cinema. Director J.L. Anderson, a film professor at the University of Ohio, utilized non-professional actors, on-location photography, a shoestring budget, and a passionate knowledge of international film to create what Richard Brody of The New Yorker calls a tense, myth-drenched drama of liberation and retribution.  Continue reading ‘‘Spring Night Summer Night’ on Blu-ray May 5, 2020!’

‘Zu Warriors from the Magic Mountain’ [Eureka Classics] on Blu-ray April 20, 2020!

Zu Warriors Magic Mountain Blu-rayOne of the most important cinematic achievements in Hong Kong cinema, Tsui Hark’s Zu Warriors from the Magic Mountain birthed the modern-day special effects industry in Hong Kong, and influenced filmmakers around the world, including John Carpenter (who credited the film as the inspiration for Big Trouble in Little China).  Featuring an all-star cast led by Yuen Biao (Wheels on Meals, Project A) as young soldier Dik Ming-kei, currently caught in a war between two rival armies during Tang Dynasty. Taking sanctuary in a cave within the ominous Zu Mountain, he becomes entangled in a battle with supernatural forces beyond his comprehension. Featuring breath-taking art design, stunning cinematography, and ground-breaking special effects, Eureka Classics is extremely proud to present Zu Warriors from the Magic Mountain from a brand new 2K restoration making its worldwide debut on Blu-ray. Continue reading ‘‘Zu Warriors from the Magic Mountain’ [Eureka Classics] on Blu-ray April 20, 2020!’

The Invisible Man Should Be Seen! (Movie Review)

The genre of stalker/slasher/monster tale gets a much-needed upgrade in writer/director Leigh Wannell’s new take on one of Universal Pictures original boogeymen: the Invisible Man. Elisabeth Moss is back in another terrific Blumhouse-produced pic that is quite smart, timely, and scary AF. As the gothic castles of old have evolved into the gigantic, ultra-modern homes of Northern Cali’s tech geniuses, the use of space is stunning and unnerving. That the film over-performed last weekend ($29 million on a $7 million budget) is excellent news for any horror fan as this is the type of quality film that works like gangbusters in a packed theater. The Invisible Man is here and demands to be seen!

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Frankenstein: The True Story (Blu-ray Review)

On March 24th, Scream Factory will be releasing the 2-part television mini-series, Frankenstein: The True Story from director Jack Smight. I’ll admit that this is a complete blind spot in my horror knowledge as I’m not even sure I remember this thing existing. I’ve obviously not seen it before. And I’m surprised as much as I’m fond of Jane Seymour and it also stars my favorite Doctor, Tom Baker. But, “new to me” is always a very exciting thing nowadays having experience and studied so much in the way of film and television. While I may scratch my head at how I missed this, I also have glee that I get to experience it. And I get to experience it with a brand new 2K restoration in presentation to go with a new Jane Seymour (Among others) interview. She has to be the queen on the vampires, by the way. As mentioned, this one comes out in just a couple weeks in what is a pretty busy month for big titles for Scream Factory. You can pre-order using the paid Amazon Associates link below.
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Ip Man 4: The Finale on 4K UHD Blu-ray April 21, 2020!

Ip Man Finale 4K UHD Blu-rayMartial arts superstar Donnie Yen (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) reprises his greatest role as the legendary Wing Chun master for Director Wilson Yip (Ip Man franchise) in the grand finale of the revolutionary saga when IP MAN 4: THE FINALE hits Digital April 7 and DVD, Blu-ray Combo and 4K Ultra Blu-ray Combo Pack April 21 from Well Go USA Entertainment. Fans anxious to get the film early can purchase it as part of the IP MAN COMPLETE COLLECTION, available exclusively on Digital April 7.  In this final chapter, Ip Man (Yen) travels to San Francisco following the death of his wife, in order to ease tensions between the local kung fu masters and his star student, Bruce Lee, while searching for a better future for his son.  Also returning for the final installment of the franchise are Scott Adkins (Wolf Warrior, Doctor Strange) and Kwok-Kwan Chan (Kung Fu League) as Bruce Lee.  Bonus features include an English language dub and a “Making-of” featurette. Continue reading ‘Ip Man 4: The Finale on 4K UHD Blu-ray April 21, 2020!’

Dive Deeper With Kristen Stewart in UNDERWATER – On Blu-ray April 14th!

Kristen Stewart gives a powerful performance in this action-packed sci-fi thriller. The crew of the Kepler undersea mining rig knew there would be hardships on their current mission, but nothing prepared them for the terrors they’re about to face. The heart-stopping adventure begins when a devastating earthquake damages the rig, including its communication devices and escape vehicle. Although quick-thinking mechanical engineer Norah Price (Stewart) manages to temporarily stave off imminent disaster, the need to evacuate escalates quickly. Their only hope is to walk across the ocean floor to an abandoned vessel, in hopes that its communication equipment still works. As if their journey isn’t treacherous enough, they begin to sense that they’re not alone in the murky ocean depths. Also starring Vincent Cassel, Jessica Henwick, John Gallagher Jr., Mamoudou Athie and T.J. Miller, Underwater is a chilling, suspenseful adventure that’s filled with nonstop action from start to finish. Continue reading ‘Dive Deeper With Kristen Stewart in UNDERWATER – On Blu-ray April 14th!’

John Carpenter’s Christine (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)

Christine 4K UHD Blu-rayJohn Carpenter brings Stephen King’s best-selling novel to life in this chilling thriller. She was born in Detroit … on an automobile assembly line. But she is no ordinary automobile. Deep within her chassis lives an unholy presence. She is CHRISTINE – a red and white 1958 Plymouth Fury whose unique standard equipment includes an evil, indestructible vengeance that will destroy anyone in her way. She seduces 17-year-old Arnie Cunningham (Keith Gordon), who becomes consumed with passion for her sleek, rounded, chrome-laden body. She demands his complete and unquestioned devotion and when outsiders seek to interfere, they become the victims of Christine’s horrifying wrath. Continue reading ‘John Carpenter’s Christine (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’

A Quiet Place – Mondo X Steelbook (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)

A Quiet Place Mondo X Steelbook (4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review)I have been living in Austin, TX now for over seven years and I have yet to attend the infamous SXSW film/music festival.  Is that wrong of me?  I just don’t want to contend with all the mad traffic that event brings to the area, which in my opinion can’t appropriately accommodate an event of this size anyway.  However, I mention this event only because that’s where A Quiet Place first premiered two years ago.  A month later it opened theatrically wide to rave reviews from critics, moviegoers and even Hollywood actors themselves praising the film for its smart moves and breathtaking scares.  I remember one famous actor even said he saw it three times and was on the radio encouraging all moviegoers to go see it.  Needless to say I was pumped to see this one theatrically.  I mean how could all these people be wrong about it, right?  So without further ado let’s talk some A Quiet Place down below.  What say you?  It’s getting a Mondo X Steelbook release on the 4K UltraHD Blu-ray format on March 10th and surprise…surprise…a sequel on the 19th!
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Honey and Blue Make Their Musical Mark

February is a cold, cold month here on the north coast. Most people are hunkered down somewhere indoors, save for your skiers and other winter sport aficionados. It is certainly a little out of the norm to see any kind of outdoor gatherings, let alone a festival. Wait, festival? Here? In Cleveland? Uh, yeah. The Brite Winter Festival entered its 11th consecutive year and is dotted with various food trucks, ice carving demos, and of course the highlight of the event, the music.

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Cold War – The Criterion Collection (Blu-ray Review)

In considering how to adequately express my admiration for director Pawel Pawlikowski’s Cold War, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the nature of epics. From a general sense of the term, classifying this Polish romantic drama as an epic would disregard some of the typical elements of this categorization. Cold War is half the length of a standard epic, with a budget that would hardly cover the catering for Middle Earth. However, the span of time covered in this film and the sweeping nature of the romantic bond shared between the two lead characters feel like more than enough reason to place this film in that realm. There’s also the backdrop of the Cold War in Europe, which is never removed from the narrative. Regardless, even if one wants to justify calling Cold War a piece of science fiction, it doesn’t take away from just how stunning a feature this is. Now The Criterion Collection has put out a terrific release for one of my favorite films from 2018.

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Jay and Silent Bob Reboot (Blu-ray Review)

I consider myself a fan of Kevin Smith. He made a couple of films in the 90s that I consider some of my favorites and has since spent time delivering his unique voice in a variety of ways, including more features, podcasts, and in public forums. With Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, the prospect of watching Smith once again utilize two of his most popular characters in a story that’s both nostalgic and a commentary on today’s culture (Hollywood and otherwise) seemed like a fun way for the writer/director to stretch a bit with ideas relevant today blended with the fun of the old. Alas, for all the good faith found in the cast Smith has assembled, I can’t say I found much to latch onto.

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The Ten Commandments (2020 Digibook Blu-ray Review)

Cecil B. DaMille was a visionary. Without him, we wouldn’t know anything about grand scale filmmaking.  The movies he made were iconic for not just the look, but also the great lengths taken to make the films he made. The Ten Commandments was obviously a film property that DeMille was ever passionate about.  First in 1923, DeMille made an ambitious silent version of The Ten Commandments that now acts like a blueprint for the longer, grander 1956 version.  The material was familiar, but using the newer technology, widescreen lenses and a much larger scale, what became was a religious epic masterpiece still unrivaled 64 years later.

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Own Just Mercy on Blu-ray and DVD April 14th and on Digital March 24th!

Based on the true story of a hero, “Just Mercy” arrives on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital. The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton (“The Glass Castle,” “Short Term 12”), from a screenplay he co-wrote, based on Bryan Stevenson’s bestselling memoir.

Michael B. Jordan (“Creed,” “Black Panther”) and Oscar winners Jamie Foxx (“Ray,” “Baby Driver,” “Django: Unchained”) and Brie Larson (“Room,” “Short Term 12,” “Captain Marvel”) star in “Just Mercy,” an inspiring drama that brings one of the most important stories of our time to the big screen.

Continue reading ‘Own Just Mercy on Blu-ray and DVD April 14th and on Digital March 24th!’

Oh Buck ‘The Call of The Wild’ (Movie Review)

The Call of the Wild Movie ReviewHowl there everybody! If you guys couldn’t tell I went to see the screening for The Call of the Wild (2020) last week. My anticipation for this movie was through the roof! I am actually being somewhat sincere about this. The preview for The Call of the Wild (2020), if I’m not mistaken, came on before the screening of Dolittle (2020) back in January. This was a rare occasion. The good friend of mine I went to see Dolittle (2020) with can attest to this. After viewing the trailer for The Call of the Wild (2020) my friend and I had concluded that this “live action” film was made almost entirely of CG. Now this is not a terrible thing. Most films will have a considerable amount of CG put into them whether it be for vast and lavish landscapes or even to the tiniest grain of sand. However, my main concern was “will this film feel somewhat convincing?” Well I’m here to tell you guys all about it. Let’s embark! Continue reading ‘Oh Buck ‘The Call of The Wild’ (Movie Review)’

Dark Waters (Blu-ray Review)

For the people of Parkersville, West Virginia have long suffered in their small town.  A big company, DuPont, is a huge part of their small town.  DuPont helps keep the town up, funds parks and recreation for the town, and lets the residents know of the safe levels of chemicals in their drinking water.  What they don’t let people know is that they’re of course living the corporate greed dream and only saying the bare minimum.  Dark Waters chronicles Robert Bilott (Mark Ruffalo) on his extremely long journey to bring justice to the people of Parkersville.  Read more on Todd Haynes’ newest drama below, and click the (paid) Amazon link below to get your copy via preorder!

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‘Kwaidan’ [Eureka! Masters of Cinema] on Blu-ray April 27, 2020!

Kwaidan Masters Cinema Blu-ray April 27 2020Winner of the Special Jury Prize at Cannes, Kwaidan features four nightmarish tales adapted from Lafcadio Hearn’s classic Japanese ghost stories about mortals caught up in forces beyond their comprehension when the supernatural world intervenes in their lives: “The Black Hair”, “The Woman of the Snow”, “Hoichi the Earless”, and “In a Cup of Tea”.  Breathtakingly photographed entirely on hand-painted sets, the film is an abstract wash of luminescent colours from another world. The Masters of Cinema Series is proud to present the complete 183-minute original Japanese cut of Masaki Kobayashi s masterpiece on Blu-ray for the first time in the UK. Continue reading ‘‘Kwaidan’ [Eureka! Masters of Cinema] on Blu-ray April 27, 2020!’

When We Were Kings – The Criterion Collection (Blu-ray Review)

I was elated when The Criterion Collection announced When We Were Kings as an upcoming entry, complete with a brand-new restoration and extras to go with it. It is one of my favorite documentaries, as it does a great job tracking a meaningful event in sports history. The film puts some of what made Muhammad Ali the man that he was on display and adds in plenty of interviews from those who knew him and had thoughts on his legacy. There’s a lot to take in, and even with so many documentaries that have since covered the legendary heavyweight champion, this 87-minute documentary is both incredibly entertaining and full of insight.

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21 Bridges (Blu-ray Review)

Chadwick Boseman makes an attempt to break from the chains of T’Challah in 21 Bridges. This action-thriller sets up a very interesting plot point with semi-mixed results.  Read more about this cinematic page-turner also starring Sienna Miller, JK Simmons and Taylor Kitsch below, and click the Amazon (paid) link below to get yourself a copy!

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