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 March 29th, 2022! This week’s home video selection includes The Long Walk, The Apartment in 4K UHD, and more. Check out our picks below.
Pick of the Week
What is it? An old man sees ghosts, travels through time, and makes a tragic mistake.
Why see it? Mattie Do’s third feature film builds on an already impressive career to deliver a tale guaranteed to haunt your thoughts long after viewing. Genre elements mash together with simplicity and awe as we’re introduced to an old scavenger with a ghostly companion. She’s able to move him through time, and after visiting his much younger self he makes a choice out of compassion that leads to a changed future. This is a gorgeously constructed film, beautiful to the senses and affecting for both the heart and mind, and each piece that falls into place does so with dizzying skill and artful precision. It’s a slow burn, but it’s never dull and instead holds your attention tight all the way to a terrific, thought-provoking conclusion. Yellow Veil’s new disc features solid extras including commentary tracks with Do and fan Robert Cargill. Highly recommended.
[Extras: Introduction, commentaries, deleted scenes]
The Best
What is it? A man succumbs to peer pressure at work.
Why see it? Billy Wilder was an all-timer, and one of his most memorable bangers is the Best Picture-winning The Apartment. Jack lemmon stars as an unassuming office worker whose bosses begin taking advantage of by borrowing the key to his apartment in order to bring girls. It quickly gets out of hand and is further complicated when he falls for a coworker (Shirley MacLaine) who’s already the side piece of the big boss. Romance, drama, comedy, and morality all intertwine with strong performances, sharp writing/direction, and more. Kino’s new 4K release is another solid UHD remaster/upgrade from the label with a pair of engaging, informative commentaries too.
[Extras: Commentaries, documentary, featurette]
What is it? A
Why see it? There’s an entire sub-genre of slow-burn thrillers centered on everyday people forced by circumstance into a life and death world previously unknown to them. More specifically, the films are about a “good” person” who makes a choice — out of anger, greed, foolishness — that sets in motion a bloody chain of events requiring actions and reactions well beyond their wheelhouse. Two of the best in recent years are Blue Ruin (2013) and Bad Day for the Cut (2017), but in addition to being tales fueled by vengeance they’re also ones about men. Director/co-writer Matthew Pope‘s feature debut goes counter to both as it focuses instead on a woman simply struggling to do right by her family, but as a tension-filled and devastating look at the inevitability of consequence it absolutely belongs in the same conversation. All that plus a terrific Will Patton performance? Hell yes.
[Extras: Commentaries, featurette, interviews]
What is it? Two brothers come to blows with tragic consequences.
Why see it? Lino Brocka’s melodramatic slowburn was the first Filipino film to play the Cannes Film Festival, but it would stand out even without that notable achievement. A riff on the biblical tale, the film looks at a family’s destruction led by a chaos-hungry matriarch and two brothers whose values and loyalties set them on a path towards tragedy. No one escapes unscathed here with men and women paying a price at every turn. Less action than drama, when the violence hits it hits hard. Performances are strong throughout, and you can’t help but feel the heat and betrayal seeping through the screen. The new disc features a solid picture, but the resources for a proper restoration were apparently unavailable.
[Extras: 2K restoration, featurette, interview, booklet]
What is it? A coming of age tale about sex, kind of?
Why see it? Tyler Taormina’s look at turning the corner into adulthood is a terrifically atmospheric slow burn that pulls you into a day in the lives of teens on that journey. It’s the big day, but rather than dive headfirst into sex the film explores that turning point with metaphor, allusion, and a shared sense of dread. It’s beautifully shot, warmly acted, and an engagingly offbeat feature with moments that will leave you laughing while others leave you melancholic for simpler times.
[Extras: Director’s cut, commentary, deleted scenes, featurette]
What is it? A family crumbles.
Why see it? Robert Redford’s directorial debut is an emotional powerhouse as a family deals with loss, grief, and more. Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, and Timothy Hutton are the family, and they’re joined by Judd Hirsch, Elizabeth McGovern, and others in telling an engrossing drama. It’s pretty gut-wrenching at times, and Hutton’s Best Supporting Actor win is as well-deserved as they come. He’s the emotional lynchpin here, but it’s Sutherland and Moore whose fragile grip on their own behavior and reactions finds the tightest purchase. Fantastic film.
[Extras: New transfer, interviews]
What is it? A madman and his sociopathic grandson roam the universe.
Why see it? This absolute mad blast of an animated “sitcom” continues to deliver big laughs, absolute absurdities, and some surprising moments of real heart and devastating emotion. It’s often a loud, fast-moving journey filled with carnage, violence, and weirdness, and fans wouldn’t have it any other way. There’s a sincere method to its madness, and there’s an endearing heart to its family structure even if that very family is torn apart on occasion in brutally entertaining ways. This release collects all five seasons, but just know there’s more to come.
[Extras: Poster, commentaries, deleted scenes, featurettes]
What is it? A reporter crosses one too many lines.
Why see it? Journalists aren’t typically the bad guys in the movies, whether now or back in the 50s, but this solid little noir knows that everyone’s capable of villainy at the right price. A photographer gets in with a mob boss and uses his position to generate heat between criminals and the molls in his life. He’s a bad man, but his run won’t last forever as justice and karma have a way of catching the unsuspected. There’s nothing flashy here, no shocking turns, but it’s just a solid slice of film noir drama.
[Extras: New 2K master, commentary]
What is it? A movie star helps an ingenue, but soon the tides turn.
Why see it? Everyone’s seen at least one of the four film versions of this story, and each has their defenders. The strength of all four takes, though, remains the same. An established star, here an actor, takes a fresh face under his wing and watches as she takes flight even as his own star fades. It remains a beautiful tale about an affecting relationship, and this original version retains all the emotional power of later ones. Warner’s new restoration is also a thing of beauty.
[Extras: New restoration, radio broadcasts, cartoon, shorts]
What is it? Two teenage girls find social media stardom through murder.
Why see it? As a fan of this gem since its release in 2017, I’m stoked to see it get a worthy Blu-ray release packed full of extras. The film sees terrific lead performances by Alexandra Shipp and Brianna Hildebrand as two disaffected teens hoping to make a social splash through some fun murder set-pieces. Great gore gags, a funny script, and a smart take on social media make for an entertaining ride, and supporting turns by Craig Robinson and Kevin Durand are icing on the cake. Pick this one up, people, as it’s a terrific time and stays great on rewatches.
[Extras: Interviews, featurettes, commentary]
What is it? A semi-biographical tale about the famed storytellers.
Why see it? Henry Levin’s epic biopic is a mixed bag as a feature, but Warner Archive’s new Blu-ray is a must-own for film lovers who appreciate the craft and presentation. The film is a bit dry at times with the standard interactions involving the brothers feeling underwhelming in the face of their stories, but once those stories intrude it’s a world of wonder. Originally presented in “Cinerama” style — basically an inwardly curved feel making it seem as if viewers are almost in the middle of the picture — this release offers a restored version of that format. We also get a standard letterboxed disc, and both look stunning in their vibrant colors and sharp picture. Be sure to check out the featurette exploring the screen format.
[Extras: New restoration, interviews, featurettes]
The Rest
The American Scream
What is it? A family vacation in a small town becomes a nightmare trip.
Why see it? This late 80s oddball teases some wildly creative ideas and beats, but the film never makes anything of them. Narrative and tone are a mess as comedy and murder clash and characters witness homicides only to then act as if nothing’s wrong. It’s a shame as what works works well with a fun sense of humor and some playfully creepy atmosphere early on. A tighter grip on the story would have done wonders here, but as it stands the film works only as a curiosity.
[Extras: New 4K scan, introduction, commentary, podcast]
Backwoods Marcy
What is it? A man is abducted by a backwoods loon.
Why see it? As noted on Saturn Core’s packaging, Backwoods Marcy is a rarity in the SOV (shot on video) market in that it was directed by a woman. Dawn Murphy also stars in the lead role, a change up she landed on after playing the victim far too many times. Here she’s the villain, and while the resulting picture suffers from some of the SOV horror market’s frequent traits — rough acting, rough visuals, rough editing, etc — there’s the reliably inherent charm of a production brought together through a shared love of the genre. The release also includes a second feature complete with extras and is another strong package for SOV fans.
[Extras: Commentary, interview, featurette, VHS cut, bonus film An Ex-Hooker’s Christmas Carol also with commentary, interview, bloopers]
Bilitis
What is it? A teenager comes of age.
Why see it? David Hamilton’s work — soft-focus nudes of young women/teens, and a handful of films — was controversial upon release and throughout his long life, but it’s especially mine-laden these days. He was accused of rape and killed himself a short time later. If you can get past all of that, though, Bilitis is an engaging enough tale with a strong lead performance by Patricia D’Arbanville. (She’s playing a teen but was twenty-five at the time of filming.) Viewer mileage will vary regarding the copious nudity, but there’s no real denying that the photography and score are beautiful. The bigger highlight here is a commentary by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson that offers interesting details on the production and talents involved.
[Extras: 4K restoration, interview, commentary]
Dagmar’s Hot Pants Inc. [Code Red]
What is it? A call girl retires and goes out with a bang.
Why see it? This 70s effort is an odd one for multiple reasons. It’s marketed as a sex comedy, but it plays more like a day in the life of a very nice woman. That approach to sex workers — Dagmar’s kind, smart, a little bit sassy — seems uncommon for the time and makes for a surprisingly lightweight and fun enough time. The comedy is never laugh out loud, and the sex is softcore shenanigans more focused on nudity than knocking boots, but following her around on her last day as a call girl reveals an unexpected simplicity and humanity. Some dark themes rear their head, but the movie itself never feels all that dark.
[Extras: New 2K master]
The Devil Strikes at Midnight
What is it? A murder in Nazi Germany is investigated.
Why see it? Robert Siodmak escaped Germany to make movies in America, but he returned after the war to deliver a scathing commentary on his homeland’s recent past. A vicious murder sees a guilty party released and an innocent man tried for the crime, and one German officer tries standing up to the injustice. It’s an engrossing tale with strong performances and a damning finale. The film was nominated for an Oscar in 1958 and lost to Italy’s Night of Cabiria.
[Extras: Commentary]
Edgar G. Ulmer Sci-Fi Collection [KL Studio Classics]
What is it? A triple feature with The Man from Planet X, Beyond the Time Barrier, and The Amazing Transparent Man.
Why see it? Filmmaker Edgar G. Ulmer had a solid enough career in genre cinema, and this set collecting three of his features will make fans happy. The first film finds a lot of value in its atmospheric setting and delivers some memorable images along the way as an alien with devious plans explores the moors. Beyond the Time Barrier takes a more sci-fi bent as a pilot lands in the future, and the result is some minor fun. The last of the three touches on espionage and other more grounded shenanigans even if its lead is invisible.
[Extras: Commentaries]
Hypnosis
What is it? A teenager believes he was hypnotized into committing murder.
Why see it? Russian cinema is an admitted blind spot for me as I’ve seen very few of the nation’s numerous releases. This recent drama suggests it’s an issue I should amend as it delivers a compelling story about a teenager’s coming of age. Misha sleepwalks at night, and while hypnosis therapy seems to help he begins to suspect a more malicious motive beneath it all. The film can’t quite deliver on its third act, but the cinematography, direction, and performances show promise.
[Extras: None]
I Do Not Care If We Go Down in History As Barbarians
What is it? An attempt to stage a historical reenactment is met with unexpected results.
Why see it? Radu Jude’s feature takes a methodical approach to its satire, and the result is a journey that engages just well enough to a memorable end. A theater director’s attempt to stage a recreation of a massacre upsets authorities who’d prefer Romania’s troubled past not be dredged up, and the film finds dry comedy in the absurdities that follow. The end is suitably depressing.
[Extras: Introduction, short film, booklet]
Magnum P.I. – The Complete Series
What is it? A private eye solves crimes in Hawaii.
Why see it? CBS’ recent reboot has its fans, but the original series is where it’s at as Tom Selleck and friends bring the goods throughout the bulk of the show’s run. It’s a fun series with strong humor and personality across its ensemble, and forays into action typically entertain. Some of the best episodes, though see the character entering some more serious storylines. Keep an eye out for the two-parter that pits Magnum against an old Russian enemy and another that sees him stranded in the ocean without a boat. It’s a pretty fantastic show, and the only real downside to this complete series set is the absence of the crossover episodes with other CBS shows at the time including Murder She Wrote and Simon & Simon. We get the Magnum episodes but are missing the ones from the other series.
[Extras: Interviews, featurettes, commentaries, episodes of The Rockford Files starring Tom Selleck]
Marry Me
What is it? A nobody marries a somebody.
Why see it? It’s abundantly clear that the filmmakers watched Notting Hill, loved the concept, and thought “what if just start with these two getting married?” The problem is we know where they’re going to end — it’s a romantic comedy after all — so this “fresh” starting point just serves to delay the inevitable in a new way. The bigger problem, though, is that the generic script gets zero lift from the two leads, Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson. Chemistry is absent, and the laughs are in equally short supply. It’ll do in a pinch, but maybe just skip it and watch Notting Hill instead.
[Extras: Deleted scenes, gag reel, featurettes, commentary]
Red Spirit Lake / We Await
What is it? A double feature from shot-on-video cult director Charles Pinion.
Why see it? Charles Pinion’s films are for a relatively small subset of film lovers and genre fans, and two of his more memorable releases are brought together for this double feature. Most succinctly described as riffs on The Old Dark House and Texas Chain Saw Massacre, the two films here are aggressively acted and executed tales that fill the screen with violence, gore, sex, and perversity in equal pursuit of both entertainment and shock value. The results will vary for viewers, but there is something charmingly disturbing about the films that makes for an interesting watch (although I don’t recommend watching them back to back…)
[Extras: New restorations, commentaries, interviews, featurettes, short films, deleted scenes, music video, booklet]
Screams of a Winter Night [Code Red]
What is it? Friends gather for a weekend camping trip and share scary tales.
Why see it? Ah, the horror anthology. There aren’t enough of them, and too many aren’t good, but sometimes a gem slips through. This is not that time. This collection of variations on the somewhat familiar drags between and during tales of terror, and the issue only grows in the extended cut. Code Red’s new Blu does look fantastic, though, as the director’s cut gets a noticeable remaster, and the inclusion of the theatrical version is a nice addition for fans.
[Extras: 2K scan of director’s cut, theatrical cut, interview]
Sing 2 [4K UHD]
What is it? A sequel to Sing!
Why see it? Universal’s animated films tend to make good money while never earning the respect garnered to certain other houses (Disney, Pixar, etc). The Sing movies, both the original and this sequel, deserve some of that praise, though, as they deliver big entertainment while also understanding the emotional assignment. Yes it’s silly at times as animals put on a music show, but the characters find the heart and soul inherent in emotional journeys of self discovery, self worth, and reaching for what makes you happy.
[Extras: Mini movies, outtakes, sing alongs, featurettes]
Two Films by Aaron Katz
What is it? Quiet City and Dance Party, USA collected together.
Why see it? Aaron Katz’s films tell different stories, but both films share common themes and interests. Quiet City follows the Before Sunrise premise as two strangers come together and spend a full day walking, talking, and bonding. It’s romantic without being flowery and feels real in its intimacy. Dance Party, USA sees two wanderers come together as well, but the teens find a different journey as their conversation takes a more struggling turn. Both films are chatty, low-key watches and recommended for fans of indie character pieces.
[Extras: Interviews, booklet]
Two Lottery Tickets / A Month in Thailand
What is it? Two films from Paul Negoescu.
Why see it? Two Lottery Tickets follows a group of friends whose winning lottery ticket is stolen which leads to hijinks, drama, and misunderstandings. A Month in Thailand follows a young man whose life and relationship leave him wondering about choices both past and future. Both films highlight a Romanian filmmaker’s sensibilities and offer a glimpse into the country’s burgeoning film community.
[Extras: Commentaries, short films, introductions, booklet]
Also out this week:
House on the Edge of the Park [Severin Films], The Last Waltz [Criterion Collection], Love Jones [Criterion Collection], Pursuit, The Requin