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 February 1st, 2022!
This week’s home video selection includes The Spine of Night in 4K, some new Ghostbusters, some older classics, and more. Check out our picks below.
Pick of the Week
The Spine of Night [4K UHD]
What is it? A bad man is challenged by many.
Why see it? This animated feature is the work of just a handful of people, and while the voice talent is recognizable the filmmakers themselves deserve the credit. This is no big studio affair, but the animation has its own earthy charms lending it a Heavy metal-like vibe (minus some rock songs which would have been awesome here). Richard E. Grant, Lucy Lawless, Patton Oswalt, Betty Gabriel, and Joe Manganiello lend their voices to an epic tale of magic, science-fiction, adventure, and the evils of greed. The story is maybe a little convoluted, but the visuals, gore-heavy action, and grand feel of it all are more than enough in telling a grand epic of a tale that crosses time and space. It’s a highly engrossing and appealing ride.
[Extras: Featurette, short films]
The Best
F/X & FX2 [KL Studio Classics]
What is it? A special effects man from Hollywood helps catch real-life bad guys.
Why see it? Bryan Brown is great fun in the first film as the fx expert who’s framed by rogue agents for murder, but his skills and the help of Brian Dennehy’s no-nonsense detective, and it remains a good time as the film plays around with visual effects in entertaining ways. The sequel doesn’t work quite as well with the fx whiz being tasked with helping catch a serial killer only to be double-crossed (again!) by a bad cop. The follow-up isn’t nearly as witty and creative and stumbles a bit in the process, but it’s still nice seeing Brown and Dennehy together again.
[Extras: Interview, featurettes]
Ghostbusters: Afterlife [4K UHD]
What is it? Kids find evidence that the Ghostbusters, and ghosts, are real.
Why see it? Is Jason Reitman’s follow-up to a franchise that his dad created loaded with fan service? Absolutely. Is the cg return of a certain cast member in poor taste? Quite possibly. But the damn thing works more often than not thanks in large part to Mckenna Grace and Logan Kim as the two kids keeping the plot moving. The teens and adults less memorable but fine, the effects-work is quite good, and there’s real heart to the family beats. Honest, the finale works to be pretty darn sweet despite itself.
[Extras: Featurettes, deleted scene]
Invasion of the Body Snatchers [KL Studio Classics]
What is it? Some body snatchers invade, and they’re not the good kind.
Why see it? Philip Kaufman’s take on Jack Finney’s story is as good a slice of sci-fi/horror you’ll find anywhere, and even on rewatches it remains a stellar film. Donald Sutherland, Jeff Goldblum, Brooke Adams, Veronica Cartwright, and Leonard Nimoy star, and the film’s blend of horror beats and expertly crafted paranoia is perfection. While the original feature adaptation touches on the Cold War fears of the 50s, Kaufman’s is more critical of our increasingly insular society, our fear of the other, and our disinterest in helping those around us. Creepy visuals, fun performances, and a killer ending seal the deal. This new restoration is sharp — although if you’re 4K compatible, Kino has also released the film to UHD — and a worthy upgrade for fans.
[Extras: New 4K restoration, commentaries, interviews, featurettes]
Wayne’s World [steelbook]
What is it? Still the best of the SNL films.
Why see it? It’s been thirty years since Wayne’s World hit theaters, and Saturday Night Live still hasn’t beat it on the theatrical front. Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, and friends created a fast-moving, playful, and endlessly quotable comedy here about friendship, success, and pop culture. This new anniversary edition doesn’t bring anything new to the table, but if you don’t already own a copy of the film it’s a solid pickup. Director Penelope Spheeris’ commentary is also a recommended listen.
[Extras: Commentary, interviews]
The Rest
Monsieur Beaucaire [KL Studio Classics]
What is it? Bob Hope in King Louis XV’s court!
Why see it? Bob Hope is one of those performers whose onscreen persona either works for you or doesn’t. He plays clueless, cowardly goofballs who always get the girl, and his films through the 40s in particular take good advantage of his comedic skills. Here Hope gets to have fun in period costumes alongside Joan Caulfield, and enough laughs land to make for a good time.
[Extras: New 2K master]
Superhost
What is it? An AirBnB weekend turns into a nightmare.
Why see it? While this premise usually pans out with ghosts or unwelcome guests, this time it’s the host herself who’s causing all the problems. 2015’s 13 Cameras takes a similar approach with a far darker and more menacing tone, but if a somewhat comedic approach is your thing then this might be a better option for you. Gracie Gillam is a highlight as the maniacal host who’s more than a little psychotic, and she dials her performance up to eleven delivering some fun beats as she turns the screws on her guests. And as an added bonus, Barbara Crampton pops up in a supporting role too!
[Extras: Commentary, featurettes, bloopers]
Where There’s Life [KL Studio Classics]
What is it? Bob Hope inherits a fortune!
Why see it? As with the French farce above, this late 40s comedy drops a hapless Bob Hope into a silly situation and lets him work his way through it with wit, laughs, and a little bit of romance. This is no simple inheritance, of course, as it involves a foreign kingdom, spies, and attempted assassinations, but Hope remains the cowardly hero stumbling his way through the dark until the very end. As is usually the case with Hope’s films, there are laughs to be found here.
[Extras: None]
Also out this week:
Clifford the Big Red Dog, The Great Moment [KL Studio Classics], Slumber Party Massacre [Scream Factory]
Related Topics: Home Video
