Streaming might be the future, but physical media is still the present. It’s also awesome, depending on the title, the label, and the release, so each week we take a look at the new Blu-rays and DVDs making their way into the world. Welcome to this week in Home Video for June 14th, 2022! This week’s home video selection includes the atmospheric horrors of Offseason, Michael Bay’s best movie in years, and more. Check out our picks below.
Pick of the Week
Offseason
What is it? A visit home to a small island becomes a nightmare in purgatory.
Why see it? Mickey Keating’s seventh feature is an atmospheric gem of a horror film despite some narrative shortcomings (or maybe because of…). A young woman (the always terrific Jocelin Donahue) headss to the island community her mother once called home, but once there her and her husband are unable to leave. The community, and even the island itself, seem intent on keeping them there, but to what end? The setup is familiar enough, but like 1973’s Messiah of Evil it succeeds largely on the atmosphere and mood it creates as unsettling imagery and oddly terrifying townspeople haunt the streets. It’s a creepy little film that succeeds even if it doesn’t stretch much.
[Extras: None]
The Best
Ambulance
What is it? Michael Bay’s most purely entertaining movie since The Rock!
Why see it? Michael Bay may make bigger bank with his CG-fueled toy movies, but his best work remains the smaller, adrenalized genre pictures he makes along the way. This terrifically entertaining romp see bank robbers hijack an ambulance and set off on a chase through the pandemic-lightened streets of Los Angeles. It’s thrilling, funny, and delivers some truly stunning camerawork thanks to some wild drone piloting that brings viewers into the action. There’s also no bloat here, something that plagues too many of Bay’s films, and I really can’t recommend it enough.
[Extras: Featurettes]
The Northman
What is it? A viking seeks revenge.
Why see it? Robert Eggers’ third film is his second best in my humble opinion — The Witch remains his all-timer — and while it’s not nearly as transgressive as some claim it delivers a dense slab of beefy, artisanal vengeance. The plot is taken from Norse legends but follows a pretty standard path as a young boy escapes his family’s slaughter only to return seeking revenge years later (after he’s packed on a few pounds) in the form of Alexander Skarsgard. It’s a beautifully shot adventure filled with history, violence, and dreams, and Skarsgard is a beast alongside Nicole Kidman, Ethan Hawke, Anya Taylor-Joy, and a terrific Claes Bang. Grab a pint of mead, prepare a hearty meal, and dig into this one.
[Extras: Deleted scenes, featurettes, commentary]
Raiders of the Lost Ark [4K UHD, steelbook]
What is it? One of the best movies ever, now in 4K UHD!
Why see it? Paramount previously released this 4K UHD in the complete trilogy box-set (which weirdly also includes a fan film involving crystal skulls), but this is the debut as a standalone release. It’s also devoid of extras. And it’s a steelbook. If all of that works for you than it’s a recommended buy for obvious reasons as the film remains a masterpiece and it absolutely shines in 4K. Nighttime scenes and those in dark caves reveal new depths, daytime sequences pop with brightness, color, and clarity, and the film almost feels brand new again.
[Extras: None]
The Rest
Curb Your Enthusiasm – The Complete Eleventh Season
What is it? Larry!
Why see it? Larry David’s Curb Your Enthusiasm premiered way back in 2000 and has delivered eleven seasons over the subsequent two decades plus. That seems about right for a cantankerous a-hole like Larry David. There’s no denying he’s an acquired taste, but if you’re on the wavelength of his uncomfortable and goofy humor then this show is a gift that keeps on giving.
[Extras: None]
Father Stu
What is it? A bad fighter becomes a good priest.
Why see it? The premise behind this true story is an inspiring one as a man finds his purpose in life just as illness begins taking life away from him. The downside is that the man is played by Mark Wahlberg, and while he’s a fun performer in comedies and passable in action movies he’s dead weight in a drama. He lacks sincerity as a performer and as a person, and that kills any home for taking the right message and themes from this film. I mean, it’s fine, but it could have been far more powerful.
[Extras: Featurette, deleted scenes]
The Horse Soldiers [KL Studio Classics]
What is it? A John Ford western.
Why see it? Look, when John Ford makes a western, you watch it. This late 50s entry sends a squad of Union soldiers into Confederate territory on a mission to destroy enemy transportation, and that squad includes John Wayne and William Holden. The film’s at its best focusing on the soldiers, but a subplot involving a Southern woman they take “prisoner” drags things down some. Still, Wayne and Holden in a Ford western? Definitely worth a watch.
[Extras: New 4K master, commentary]
Also out this week:
Ahed’s Knee, The Clock, Fatherhood, For Me and My Gal, Hostile Territory, Hotel Fear, Last of the Dogmen, Last Passenger, The Mysterious Dr. Fu Manchu, Ninja Badass, The Ravager/The Bushwhacker, Strangler vs Strangler, Vive L’Amour, Ziegfeld Girl
Related Topics: Home Video
