Archive Page 71
April 8th, 2021 by Brandon Peters
The Doctor X debut on Blu-ray from Warner Archive Collection kills two birds with one stone in many regards. One, it brings more 1930s non-Universal horror to Blu-ray in prestigious fashion. Two, it continues Warner Archive’s roll out of the filmography of the great Michael Curtiz. They’ve also added some fresh new bonus materials to this release a la The Curse of Frankenstein. Curtiz isn’t synonymous with horror, but he did put out three significant titles during the 1930s and now two of them are on Blu-ray from Warner Archive (The other is The Mystery of the Wax Museum, a fantastic release). You can also watch the film in its rarely seen color form and the black and white version, which technically are two completely different productions as they are different takes during the shoot. It’ll be available on April 20th. You can find a paid Amazon Associates pre-order link to use following the review if you’d like to help the site just a hair.
Continue reading ‘Doctor X (Blu-ray Review)’
April 7th, 2021 by Blu-ray Brian
Spawning one of the most successful horror franchises in history, James Wan’s directorial debut returns to terrify audiences once again when SAW arrives on 4K Ultra HD™ Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray™ and Digital) May 11 from Lionsgate. Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Kiss the Girls), Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon franchise, Jumanji: The Next Level, The Color Purple), Monica Potter (The Last House on the Left, Along Came a Spider, TV’s “Wisdom of the Crowd”), Leigh Whannell (Insidious franchise, Cooties), and Tobin Bell (Mississippi Burning, The Firm, Manson Family Vacation) star in a film that Jordan Crucchiola (Vulture.com) says “…holds a deserving place in horror-film history.” Experience four times the resolution of full HD with the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, bringing entertainment to life through ultra-vivid picture quality. When compared to a standard picture, Dolby Vision can deliver spectacular colors never before seen on a screen, highlights that are up to 40 times brighter, and blacks that are 10 times darker. Available for the very first time in this absolutely stunning format, the SAW 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack will include audio commentaries, featurettes, and more. Continue reading ‘The Original SAW Gets a 4K UltraHD Blu-ray Release May 11th!’
April 6th, 2021 by Aaron Neuwirth
Golden Globe® winner for Best Motion Picture – Foreign Language Film, winner of the Grand Jury Prize and U.S. Dramatic Audience Award at its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, and winner of two Critics Choice Awards, with nominations for six Academy Awards®, including for Best Picture, as well as three SAG Awards®, Minari arrives on DVD and Blu-ray™ (plus Digital) May 18 from Lionsgate. A tender and sweeping story about what roots us, Minari follows a Korean-American family that moves to an Arkansas farm in search of their own American Dream.
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Continue reading ‘6-Time Academy Award Nominee Minari Arrives on Blu-ray 5/18’
April 5th, 2021 by Brandon Peters
Wonder Woman 1984 had the unfortunate fate of constantly pushing back its release date. Even prior to a few pandemic related moves, the film had already shuffled a couple of times. After so much moving and shaking, enough had been enough and Warner Bros made the bold move of releasing it in theaters and on HBO MAX parallel to one another on Christmas Day. A move that kick started their notion to release all theatrical films on HBO MAX for 1 month for 2021. And, sigh of relief, it has been given a 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray home video release. Hitting stores last week on March 30, it was complete with a nice slew of bonus features and a Dolby Atmos track. A nice follow to the HBO MAX release of Zack Snyder’s Justice League to keep the DC movie hype train going. You can order it now, and you do have the option to use the paid Amazon Associates link following the review if you so choose to do.
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Continue reading ‘Wonder Woman 1984 (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
April 2nd, 2021 by Aaron Neuwirth
It’s a shame I’m not more well-versed in the films of Mike Leigh. I’ve seen many of them, but not all. And yet, each time I catch up with one of his films, I continue to believe he’s one of the best modern dramatists who continually delivers well-written, terrifically made original films. Now I’ve caught up with Secrets & Lies for the film time, and it’s another standout. This new Criterion Collection release delivers a fantastic presentation of the film, complete with new interviews and more. It’s a good thing, too, as the Oscar-nominated film is easily another 90s standout.
– Continue reading ‘Secrets & Lies – The Criterion Collection (Blu-ray Review)’
April 1st, 2021 by Brandon Peters
I don’t know what’s up with Pixar and Disney lately, but their films have been of the straight to Disney+ fashion in handling releases with the global pandemic. That started with Soul which debuted on the streaming platform at no extra charge like previous releases had done (Luca will go straight to Disney+ later this year). The film was originally supposed to be released last summer only to be bumped and then dumped (Sorry, I wanted a rhyme). It received plenty of worthy acclaim and was a nice gesture to have to watch for free on the Christmas holiday. Wonderfully, though, it has arrived on 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray, keeping physical media as a continued viable option. Soul was released on March 23rd, featuring plenty of solid extras as well as a native 4K image (Sometimes for some reason these get downres’d to a 2K digital intermediate). You can own it and see all the goodness by using the paid Amazon Associates link that follows the review at the bottom of this page.
Continue reading ‘Soul (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
April 1st, 2021 by Brandon Peters
A nice surprise from the continued quality output from Sony, was their restoration and release of the cult classic science fiction film Gattaca. Its not hitting a celebratory milestone until next year (Released in 1997, it’ll celebrate 25 years in 2022). The Andrew Niccol film has long been popular on home video since the days of VHS, so its no surprise it will continue to make format jumps with a 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray released. Unfortunately, no new bonus materials are being included but the old ones are being ported over. Gattaca has been given a new restoration as well as an Atmos audio mix for this release. In its first iteration, the film will be put into collectible steelbook packaging with some rather groovy orange art. Released on March 23, you can order the film to upgrade your previous disc and add to your collection by using the trusty paid Amazon Associates link at the bottom of this page following the review.
Continue reading ‘Gattaca – Steelbook (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
April 1st, 2021 by Gerard Iribe
Set against a Hong Kong that never sleeps, a stolen police gun triggers a suspenseful chain of events. Tracking down his missing gun before dawn, Sergeant Lo first has his car vandalized and is then beaten up. Suddenly he finds himself edged between two gangs on the brink of a bloodbath, whilst at the same time staving off investigations by both Vice Squad and Homicide Units embroiled in their own turf war. His only lifeline is a maverick Police Tactical Unit squad who have one night to help him find his gun. An atmospheric noir thriller from director Johnnie To, The Masters of Cinema Series is proud to present PTU in its UK debut on Blu-ray June 21, 2021! Continue reading ‘‘PTU’ on Blu-ray June 21, 2021!’
March 31st, 2021 by Gerard Iribe
Throughout film history, Hollywood has produced a number of sweeping epics and generation-defining movies. However, one film – Cecil B. DeMille’s The Ten Commandments – has stood the test of time. Universally recognized among critics as a cinematic masterpiece, this unforgettable motion picture has also been recognized by The American Film Institute as one of the “Top Ten” epics of all time. From its Academy Award-winning director* and revolutionary Oscar-winning special effects** to its memorable music score and all-star cast, The Ten Commandments presents the story of Moses in all of its stunning glory. Starring Charlton Heston, Yul Brynner, Anne Baxter and a “who’s who” of legendary screen talent, the film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture of 1956***. The Ten Commandments 4K UHD Blu-ray is available now! Continue reading ‘The Ten Commandments (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
March 31st, 2021 by Gerard Iribe
Reuniting the star and director of Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari, The Hands of Orlac [Orlac’s Hände] is a deliciously twisted thriller that blends grand guignol thrills with the visual and performance styles of German Expressionism.vBased on a novel by medical-horror novelist Maurice Renard, it charts the mental disintegration of a concert pianist (Conrad Veidt) whose hands are amputated after a train crash, and replaced with the hands of an executed murderer. When Orlac’s father is murdered by the dead man’s hands, Orlac begins a steady descent towards madness. The Masters of Cinema Series is proud to present The Hands of Orlac for the first time on home video in the UK in a special Blu-ray edition. The Hands of Orlac is released on Blu-ray in the UK June 14, 2021! Continue reading ‘‘The Hands of Orlac’ on Blu-ray June 14, 2021!’
March 30th, 2021 by Gerard Iribe
The magical kingdom of Lucis is home to the sacred Crystal, and the menacing empire of Niflheim is determined to steal it. King Regis of Lucis (Sean Bean) commands an elite force of soldiers called the Kingsglaive. Wielding their king’s magic, Nyx (Aaron Paul) and his fellow soldiers fight to protect Lucis. As the overwhelming military might of the empire bears down, King Regis is faced with an impossible ultimatum – to marry his son, Prince Noctis to Princess Lunafreya of Tenebrae (Lena Headey), captive of Niflheim, and surrender his lands to the empire’s rule. Although the king concedes, it becomes clear that the empire will stop at nothing to achieve their devious goals, with only the Kingsglaive standing between them and world domination. Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV is now available on 4K UHD Blu-ray! Continue reading ‘Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
March 29th, 2021 by Aaron Neuwirth
I don’t exactly keep a list of films I need to have on Blu-ray (let alone 4K), but Albert Brooks’ wonderful afterlife romantic-comedy-fantasy film, Defending Your Life, is one I’ve been waiting for a long time to have. Now, not unlike the way the Criterion Collection finally delivered my long-sought-after Ghost Dog Blu-ray, I know have Defending Your Life available in a seemingly definitive home release, and it does not disappoint. Featuring a new 4K digital restoration and a nice collection of extras, one of my favorite movies has been given fine treatment in its after-theatrical life.
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Continue reading ‘Defending Your Life – The Criterion Collection (Blu-ray Review)’
March 29th, 2021 by Jason Coleman
What a difference 24hrs. makes! The cinematic curtain has closed on a recent online fest that focused on a genre that has gotten a bit of a bad rap over the years – found footage. The Unnamed Footage Festival, which started on March 26th, 2021 and ran a full 24hrs. long, highlighted not only found footage but also faux-documentaries, screenlife film and POV cinema all in an attempt to entertain and fundraise helping local movie theaters. And for those who came, saw and witnessed UFF 2021 it was exactly as promised – a chaotic mix of everything first person including features, shorts, some Q&A material and block intros with goofball host Vernon Herman Salinger. (Think William Castle meets SCTV!)
Continue reading ‘Unnamed Footage Festival 2021 – Encapsulated Movie Reviews’
March 28th, 2021 by Aaron Neuwirth
It’s been a bumpy road for major releases, but Legendary Pictures’ MonsterVerse has a battle for the ages coming this Spring with Godzilla vs. Kong. After delivering my rankings for the Heisei Era and the Millennium Era, along with some fun facts and a beginner’s guide to the famed kaiju series, I took a bit of a break from huge Godzilla posts. However, it’s finally time to explore my ranking of the original period of Toho’s Godzilla films, the Showa Era, which ran from the 50s into the 70s, featuring a hefty 15 films. So, get ready for my ranking, fun trivia, and more.
– Continue reading ‘Godzilla Ranking: The Showa Era (1954-1975)’
March 26th, 2021 by Brandon Peters
On May 11, 2021, Scream Factory proudly presents King Kong (1976) on Blu-ray for the first time in North America. The sweeping 70s remake of the classic tale comes home in a 2-disc definitive collector’s edition set including both the theatrical cut with a new restored theatrical stereo track and an extended TV broadcast cut with a new 2k scan of the additional TV footage from the internegative. The release also comes packed with bonus features including new audio commentary with film historian Ray Morton (author of KING KONG – THE HISTORY OF A MOVIE ICON) and several new interviews with cast and crew. Fans who order from shoutfactory.com will also receive an exclusive poster featuring brand-new artwork, while supplies last.
. Continue reading ‘KING KONG (1976) Debuts On US Collector’s Edition Blu-ray May 11th!’
March 24th, 2021 by Jason Coleman
Having recently witnessed the glorious opening slow-motion spectacle of Zack Snyder’s Justice League, complete with full man of steel angst and long-reaching death howl, it inspired me and reminded me just how powerful an effective opening scene can be. Sometimes as the only saving grace of a flawed flick and sometimes an appetizer of tasty things to come, a good first scene impression is always welcome in the world of movie magic. So I’m taking some time out to pay a little tribute to some of MY favorite first scenes that have long lingered with me even after the flick finished unspooling. Take heed – these may not be the best film openings of all time (hence no Jaws, The Dark Knight, or 2001: A Space Odyssey here!), but these are the ones that personally made me excited both then and now. So run hot, choose life, drive fast, feel melancholy, check the calendar, get arrested, prepare for 100% Alabama ass-kicking, get into a knockdown brawl, grab some hot jewels, and gain some serious deep reflection – here are my own…TOP TEN MEMORABLE MOVIE OPENINGS!
Continue reading ‘Jason Coleman’s Top Ten Memorable Movie Openings’
March 24th, 2021 by Aaron Neuwirth
Academy Award-nominated dramatic thriller Judas and the Black Messiah arrives on Premium Video on Demand (PVOD) on April 2, and Blu-ray and DVD on May 4. The film is directed by Shaka King, marking his studio feature film directorial debut, and stars Oscar nominee Daniel Kaluuya as Fred Hampton and Oscar nominee LaKeith Stanfield as William O’Neal. The film also stars Dominique Fishback, Jesse Plemons, Ashton Sanders, and Martin Sheen. Judas and the Black Messiah features the Academy Award-nominated song “Fight For You”, sung by H.E.R. Read on to learn more about this upcoming release.
– Continue reading ‘Six-Time Oscar Nominee Judas and the Black Messiah Coming To Blu-ray 5/4’
March 23rd, 2021 by Adam Toroni-Byrne
Monster Hunter quietly appeared in homes just before the new year. With the pandemic seemingly never ending, viewers got a little escape into a not-so-distant future with a fun and escapist fantasy action film. Does the film stand up to others in its field. Do Paul W.S. Anderson and his wife and muse Milla Jovavich deliver the goods? Or are we just watching “Resident Evil: Monsters too!” Find out more in our super late coverage below and grab your copy using the paid link at the end!
Continue reading ‘Monster Hunter (4K Blu-ray Review)’
