Archive Page 81
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)’
March 21st, 2021 by Aaron Neuwirth
In the time since 2014’s Godzilla hit theaters, I’ve only come to appreciate the film more. Set against other Hollywood tentpoles in the years since, while there have been some truly wonderful highlights (Mad Max: Fury Road is the clearest example), it’s the top tier blockbuster filmmaking and unique vision that easily guides one of the oldest of franchises to the top in terms of well-staged delivery. Now the film has finally received its 4K UHD Blu-ray, just in time for the release of Legendary’s epic monster event, Godzilla vs. Kong, and this release does not fail to impress. So, once again, let them fight.
– Continue reading ‘Godzilla (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)’
March 21st, 2021 by Brandon Peters
Now nominated for many prestigious Academy Awards (including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Editing), Promising Young Woman has arrived on Blu-ray. The film has crafted lots of worthwhile praise as well as conversation in this strongly voiced film. This Blu-ray release has brought on the unfortunate conversation about crappy cover art, which I cannot argue with. The film garnered some really cool art and they went with a pretty garbage, generic image to represent this powerful film. Regardless, its getting a commentary and a couple quick featurettes to expand the experience on physical media. It arrived on March 16th and you can order it using the paid Amazon Associates link following the review.
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Continue reading ‘Promising Young Woman (Blu-ray Review)’
March 17th, 2021 by Brandon Peters
Hold on tight for a rush of pulse-pounding thrills, breathtaking stunts and unexpected romance in a film you’ll want to see again and again. Keanu Reeves stars as an L.A.P.D. SWAT team specialist who is sent to diffuse a bomb that a revenge-driven extortionist (Dennis Hopper) has planted on a city bus. But until he does, one of the passengers (Sandra Bullock) must keep the bus speeding through the streets of Los Angeles at more than 50 miles per hour – or the bomb will explode. A high-octane chase of suspense, nonstop action and surprise twists, “Speed” is a joyride sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!
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. Continue reading ‘Pop Quiz, Hotshot – Buy The 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray Of SPEED May 4th!’
March 15th, 2021 by Brandon Peters
Relive the unforgettable exploits of world-renowned, globetrotting hero Indiana Jones in spectacular 4K Ultra HD when the INDIANA JONES 4-MOVIE COLLECTION arrives in a new 4K Ultra HD set June 8, 2021 from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Paramount Home Entertainment. The cinematic classic that started it all—Raiders of the Lost Ark—celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, having first introduced audiences to the man with the hat on June 12, 1981. Forty years later, the legendary hero continues to captivate new generations of fans. Now, for the first time ever, all four films are available together in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision® and HDR-10 for ultra-vivid picture quality and state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos® audio*. Each film has been meticulously remastered from 4K scans of the original negatives with extensive visual effects work done to ensure the most pristine and highest quality image. All picture work was approved by director Steven Spielberg. Continue reading ‘INDIANA JONES 4-MOVIE COLLECTION 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray Belongs In A Muse-YOUR HOME On June 8th!’
March 15th, 2021 by Brandon Peters
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic adventure “Raya and the Last Dragon” arrives on all major digital platforms beginning April 2, and on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD beginning May 18. Consumers can enjoy never-before-seen bonus footage and deleted scenes in stunning Ultra HD quality and Dolby Audio.
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. Continue reading ‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON Arrives On 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray May 18!’
March 15th, 2021 by Aaron Neuwirth
This June, the Criterion Collection will present the complete work of a courageous filmmaker who issued an electrifying call for liberation: The Signifyin’ Works of Marlon Riggs traces the pathbreaking gay, Black artist’s creative and political evolution across films that combine documentary, performance, poetry, music, and experimental techniques. Acclaimed director Dee Rees enters the Collection with her feature debut, Pariah, a tender coming-of-age story that intimately explores the experiences of a young, queer Black woman. The Oscar-nominated 1983 documentary Streetwise and its long-awaited follow-up, Tiny: The Life of Erin Blackwell, together represent an astonishing thirty-year collaboration between Martin Bell, Mary Ellen Mark, Cheryl McCall, and their most remarkable subject. An octet of brilliant filmmakers—including Miloš Forman, Kon Ichikawa, and Mai Zetterling—present their idiosyncratic and imaginative takes on the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich in Visions of Eight, a poetic sports documentary like no other. And that’s not all: Samuel Fuller’s crackling noir classic Pickup on South Street and Masaki Kobayashi’s landmark wartime epic, The Human Condition, will both make their Blu-ray debuts.
Continue reading ‘Streetwise, Pariah, Marlon Riggs & More Coming to The Criterion Collection June 2021’
March 15th, 2021 by Brandon Peters
Shout! Select will release Explorers [Collector’s Edition], a new Blu-ray™ release of the 1985 film Explorers, starring a young River Phoenix (Stand By Me, Sneakers) and Ethan Hawke (Training Day, Reality Bites), on May 25, 2021. Bonus features include new interviews with director Joe Dante, screenwriter Eric Luke, star Ethan Hawke, and much more.
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. Continue reading ‘Own Joe Dante’s THE EXPLORERS On Shout Select Collector’s Edition Blu-ray May 21!’
March 12th, 2021 by Brandon Peters
At the end of the month, Warner Archive Collection will debut the Val Lewton produced Boris Karloff horror classic Isle Of The Dead. This was almost released by Scream Factory not too long ago, but the release wound up abandoned with no real clear explanation. Perhaps restoration was too costly, or maybe Warner Bros wanted to do it on their own. Nonetheless, here it is finally. And its had a glorious 4K restoration done to it. There are even a couple of bonus features here as well. Many are excited about this release and they likely won’t be leaving or purchasing it with any disappointment. You can pre-order it now to lock yourself in for a copy when it arrives on March 30th. There is a paid Amazon Associates link below you can use, should you want to help out the site a tad.
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Continue reading ‘Isle Of The Dead (Blu-ray Review)’
