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December 7

Amityville Uprising

(2021) Kelly Lynn Reiter, Mike Ferguson, Micah Fitzgerald, Scott C. Roe, Tank Jones, Alysha Young. A chemical blast at a military base sets off a supernatural disaster. As Sgt. Dash tries to keep the peace at the local police station, the explosion unleashes a toxic acid rain that dissolves the flesh of anyone trapped in it. Even worse, it causes the dead to rise again and attack the living. Can Dash and fellow officer Nina Rossi figure out who is friend and foe, fend off the attacks, and defend their colleagues until the savage cataclysm subsides? Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital. (Lionsgate). Read more here

Angels With Dirty Faces BLU-RAY DEBUT

(1938) The acclaimed Warner Bros. gangster classic which paired off-screen pals James Cagney and Pat O’Brien for the sixth time. Cagney’s Rocky Sullivan is a charismatic ghetto tough whose underworld rise makes him a hero to a gang of slum punks. O’Brien is Father Connolly, the boyhood chum-turned-priest who vows to end Rocky’s influence. Other top talents join them including Humphrey Bogart as a scheming lawyer, Ann Sheridan (in her first major leading-lady role) as Rocky’s hard-edged girlfriend and the Dead End Kids as worshipful street urchins, all ably directed by the great Michael Curtiz. The 1938 New York Film Critics Best Actor Award came Cagney’s way, as well as one of the film’s three Oscar nominations. Extras: "Warner Night at the Movies": introduction by Leonard Maltin, "Boy Meets Girl" theatrical trailer, newsreel, WB Technicolor musical short "Out Where the Stars Begin", classic Warner Bros. cartoon "Pork & Daffy"; feature commentary by Dana Polan; making-of featurette “Whaddya Hear?, Whaddya Say?”; Lux Radio Theater broadcast (5/22/39) with Cagney and O’Brien; original theatrical trailer. (Warner Archive).

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Broadcast Signal Intrusion

(2021) Harry Shum Jr., Chris Sullivan, Kelley Mack. While logging tapes of decades-old TV broadcasts, video archivist James (Shum Jr.) discovers a surreal and disturbing clip that James believes is the product of a mysterious broadcast signal hacking. His discovery takes a sinister turn when he tracks down similar broadcast intrusions that send him on an obsessive mission. Now James must confront two very real possibilities: that the videos may be clues to a crime beyond all comprehension; and that whoever was behind them may be very aware that James is coming uncomfortably close to the truth. Inspired by actual broadcast interruptions that occurred in Chicago in the late 1980s, and remain unsolved to this day. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray. (Dark Sky Films).

Copshop

(2021) Screaming through the Nevada desert in a bullet-ridden Crown Vic, wily con artist Teddy Murretto (Frank Grillo) hatches a desperate plan to hide out from lethal hitman Bob Viddick (Gerard Butler): He sucker-punches rookie officer Valerie Young (Alexis Louder) to get himself arrested and locked up in a small-town police station. But jail can’t protect Murretto for long. Viddick schemes his own way into detention, biding his time in a nearby cell until he can complete his mission. When the arrival of a competing assassin (Toby Huss) ignites all-out mayhem, mounting threats force Viddick to get creative if he wants to finish the job and escape the explosive situation. Vitals: Director: Joe Carnahan. Stars: Gerard Butler, Frank Grillo, Alexis Louder. 2021, CC, MPAA rating: R, 107 min., Crime Action, North American box office gross: $5.213 million, worldwide $6.657 million, Universal. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Code, VOD, Digital. Read more here

Creepshow Season 2

(2021) It’s still the most fun you’ll ever have being scared! Following "Creepshow Season 1’s" Saturn Award 2021 win for Best DVD/BD Television Release comes the second season of "Creepshow," the anthology series based on the 1982 horror comedy classic. A comic book comes to life in nine chilling tales told across five episodes. Explore terrors ranging from murder, creatures, monsters and delusions to the supernatural and unexplainable with C. Thomas Howell, Keith David, Breckin Meyer, Molly Ringwald, Justin Long, Kiefer Sutherland and more. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray. Extras: "A Creepshow Animated Special," "A Creepshow Holiday Special," WonderCon@Home 2021 Interview with Greg Nicotero, photo galleries, comic art booklet, exclusive never-before-seen behind-the-scenes featurettes, behind-the-scenes raw footage. (RLJE Films).

Cry Macho

(2021) Based on the book, "Cry Macho" stars Clint Eastwood as a one-time rodeo star and washed-up horse breeder who, in 1978, takes a job from an ex-boss to bring the man's young son home and away from his alcoholic mom. Crossing rural Mexico on their way back to Texas, the unlikely pair faces an unexpectedly challenging journey, during which the world-weary horseman may find his own sense of redemption through teaching the boy what it means to be a good man. Vitals: Director: Clint Eastwood. Stars: Clint Eastwood, Eduardo Minett, Natalia Traven, Dwight Yoakam. 2021, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 104 min., Western Drama, US box office gross: $10.242 million, worldwide $11.642 million, Warner. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray + Digital Code, 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Combo + Digital Code, VOD, Digital. Extras: "Back In The Saddle: The Making Of Cry Macho." Blu-ray adds "The Mustangs." Read more here

Dear Evan Hansen

(2021) Ben Platt steps back into Evan Hansen’s shoes one last time with an incredible final performance in the film adaptation of the remarkable generation-defining Tony and Grammy Award-winning Broadway musical that broke records at the Music Box Theatre. The film follows Evan Hansen, a high school senior with Social Anxiety disorder and his journey of self-discovery and acceptance following the suicide of a fellow classmate. Vitals: Director: Stephen Chbosky. Stars: Ben Platt, Kaitlyn Dever, Amandla Stenberg, Nik Dodani, Colton Ryan, Danny Pino, Julianne Moore, Amy Adams. 2021, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 137 min., Musical Drama, North American box office gross: $14.987 million, worldwide $15.791 million, Universal. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Code, VOD, Digital. Extras: "Songs to Be Seen" behind-the-scenes featurette on the film's songs; "Looking Through the Lens: The Making of Dear Evan Hansen"; "Stars In Our Eyes" cast and crew featurette. Blu-ray adds "Sincerely, Ben Platt" featurette. Read more here

Ema

(2019 -- Chile) Mariana Di Girólamo, Gael García Bernal, Santiago Cabrera. A psychologically acute exhumation of Latin American life featuring an unforgettable heroine who is determined to move freely through the world as she electrifies everyone and everything around her after she deals with the aftermath of an adoption that goes awry as their household falls apart. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray. (Music Box Films).

Harold and Maude

(1971) Director: Hal Ashby; Ruth Gordon, Bud Cort, Vivian Pickles, Cyril Cusack. An amazing cult classic. Young, rich, and obsessed with death, Harold finds himself changed forever when he meets lively septuagenarian Maude at a funeral. Originally released on December 20, 1971, the film celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and has been beautifully restored and remastered for this Limited-Edition release. For the restoration, the original negative was scanned in 4K and careful color correction and cleanup were undertaken to pay homage to director of photography John Alonzo’s memorable work and honor the look of the film. In addition, the incredible soundtrack was completely remixed using recently discovered tracks to add clarity and depth. Formats: Blu-ray. Extras: Commentary with Larry Karaszewski and Cameron Crowe, Yusuf/Cat Stevens on "Harold and Maude," theatrical trailers. (Paramount Presents).

The Jesus Music

(2021) With stirring songs of faith, love, and hope, the Jesus Music movement rose from America’s 1960s counterculture to become a worldwide phenomenon. This fascinating documentary reveals Jesus Music’s uplifting, untold story — from its humble beginnings at the Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California, through its transformation into the multi million-dollar industry of Christian Contemporary music. Featuring intimate interviews with the genre’s biggest stars — including Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, TobyMac, and Kirk Franklin — this love letter to CCM fans reveals the trials and triumphs of the artists who have devoted their lives to sharing their faith through the universal power of music. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray, VOD, Digital. (Lionsgate). Read more here

Krampus: The Naughty Cut

(2015) Adam Scott, Toni Collette, Allison Tolman, David Koechner. When his dysfunctional family clashes over the holidays, young Max is disillusioned and turns his back on Christmas. Little does he know that this lack of festive spirit has unleashed the wrath of Krampus -- a demonic force of ancient evil intent on punishing non-believers. All hell breaks loose as beloved holiday icons take on a monstrous life of their own, laying siege to the fractured family's home and forcing them to fight for each other if they hope to survive. Supervised by director Michael Dougherty, this two-disc set includes both 4k UHD and Blu-ray editions and marks the first time “The Naughty Cut” of the film has been available. Formats: 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Combo. Extras: Audio commentary with director/co-writer Michael Dougherty and co-writers Todd Casey and Zach Shields; "Krampus Comes Alive!" five-part featurette on the making of the film; cast and crew interviews; deleted/extended scenes; gag reel; alternate ending; theatrical trailers; photo galleries. (Scream Factory).

Last Shoot Out

(2021) Bruce Dern, Cam Gigandet, Michael Welch. After newlywed Jocelyn learns that her husband Jody had her father murdered, she flees from the Callahan ranch in fear. She's rescued by gunman Billy Tyson, who safeguards her at a remote outpost as he staves off Jody's attempts to reclaim his bride. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray, VOD, Digital. (Lionsgate). Read more here

The Long Goodbye (Special Edition)

(1973) Elliott Gould gives one of his best performances as a quirky, mischievous Philip Marlowe in this fascinating and original send-up of Raymond Chandler’s classic detective story from maverick filmmaker Robert Altman. Co-starring Nina van Pallandt, Sterling Hayden, Mark Rydell and Henry Gibson with a screenplay by Leigh Brackett ("The Big Sleep," "The Empire Strikes Back"), "The Long Goodbye" is a gloriously inspired subversion of the film noir genre with the “sun-baked Sodom” of 1970s Hollywood as its backdrop. Private eye Philip Marlowe (Gould) faces the most bizarre case of his life, when a friend’s apparent suicide turns into a double murder involving a sexy blonde, a disturbed gangster and a suitcase full of drug money. But as Marlowe stumbles toward the truth, he soon finds himself lost in a maze of sex and deceit -— only to discover that in L.A., if love is dangerous ... friendship is murder. Brand mew 4K master. Formats: Blu-ray. Extras: | New audio commentary by film historian Tim Lucas, "Rip Van Marlowe" featurette with Robert Altman and Elliott Gould, "Vilmos Zsigmond Flashes The Long Goodbye" featurette, "David Thompson on Robert Altman" featurette, "Tom Williams on Raymond Chandler" featurette, trailers. (Kino Lorber Studio Classics).

The Monkey King: Reborn

(2021 -- China) All-new anime action-adventure fantasy with an English language dub. After short-tempered trickster Monkey King is insulted while visiting a temple with his master Tang Monk, he destroys a magical tree and accidentally releases the ancient King of Demons, who kidnaps Tang Monk as revenge for his long imprisonment. Now, Monkey King and his fellow disciples must rescue their master within three days, before the Demon King regains his full power and unleashes his armies to destroy the earth. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray, VOD, Digital. (Well Go USA).

My Life Is Murder, Season 2

(2021) Three-disc set with 10 episodes. Ex-cop Alexa Crowe (Lucy Lawless) returns to her New Zealand hometown and finds herself investigating puzzling murders alongside charismatic DI Harry and partner-in-crime-solving Madison, who’s closer than ever to her mentor — literally, as she moves into Alexa’s home. But to truly make a fresh start, Alexa must deal with the family troubles she’s avoided for years. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray. (Acorn Media).

One Night In Miami

(2021) Adapted by Kemp Powers from his acclaimed play, the feature directorial debut of Academy Award–winning actor Regina King puts viewers in a room with four icons at the forefront of Black American culture as they carouse, clash, bare their souls, and grapple with their places within the sweeping change of the civil rights movement. February 25, 1964, has gone down in history as the day that the brash young boxer Muhammad Ali (then known as Cassius Clay) defeated Sonny Liston, but what happened after the fight was perhaps even more incredible: Ali, civil rights leader Malcolm X, NFL great Jim Brown, and “King of Soul” Sam Cooke all came together at a Miami motel. Electric with big ideas and activist spirit, the film -- produced by Amazon Studios -- plunges us into the midst of an intimate, ongoing conversation -- and a defining moment in American history. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray, with new 4K digital transfer, approved by director Regina King, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio on the Blu-ray. Extras: Conversation between King and filmmaker Kasi Lemmons; conversation among King, screenwriter Kemp Powers, and critic Gil Robertson; conversation between King and filmmaker Barry Jenkins from a 2021 episode of The Director’s Cut – A DGA Podcast; program featuring King and actors Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, and Leslie Odom Jr.; program on the making of the film, featuring King, Powers, director of photography Tami Reiker, editor Tariq Anwar, producer Jody Klein, costume designer Francine Jamison-Tanchuck, and set decorator Janessa Hitsman; program on the film’s sound design, featuring sound editor and mixer Andy Hay, sound mixer Paul Ledford, and music producer Nick Baxter; an essay by critic Gene Seymour. (The Criterion Collection). Read more here.

Rick and Morty: The Complete Fifth Season

(2021) Two-disc DVD set, one-disc Blu-ray with all 10 episodes, America’s favorite crazy scientist and his grandson return for their long-awaited and highly anticipated misadventures when the latest season of Adult Swim’s hit series arrives. The half-hour animated comedy series follows a sociopathic genius scientist who drags his inherently timid grandson on insanely dangerous adventures across the universe. Rick Sanchez is living with his daughter Beth's family and constantly bringing her, his son-in-law Jerry, granddaughter Summer, and grandson Morty into intergalactic escapades. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray, Digital. Extras: "Fighting Gravity: The Making of Season 5"; “Inside the Episode” for every episode from Season 5; "B-Story Generator Vol. 1" in which co-creator Dan Harmon and writer Rob Schrab reach into their box of random ideas to conjure up hilarious side stories; "B-Story Generator Vol. 2"; "Backgrounds" with the show's artists; "Animation and Compositing"; "Coloring Rick and Morty"; "Directing 'Mortyplicity'" inside look at the evolution of this ambitious and action-packed episode; "Directing 'Rickmurai Jack'" behind the scenes; "Season 5 Hype." (Warner).

Ron’s Gone Wrong

(2021) The story of Barney, a socially awkward middle-schooler and Ron, his new walking, talking, digitally-connected device, which is supposed to be his "Best Friend out of the Box." Ron's hilarious malfunctions, set against the backdrop of the social media age, launch them into an action-packed journey in which boy and robot come to terms with the wonderful messiness of true friendship. Vitals: Director: Sarah Smith and Jean-Philippe Vine. Stars: Voices of Jack Dylan Grazer, Zach Galifianakis, Olivia Colman, Ed Helms, Justice Smith, Rob Delaney, Kylie Cantrall, Marcus Scribner, Ricardo Hurtado, Thomas Barbusca. 2021, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 107 min., Animated Adventure, North America box office gross: $21.420, million, worldwide $54.699 million, Fox/Disney. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Code, 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Combo + Digital Code, VOD, Digital. Extras: "A Boy and His B*Bot: When Jack Met Zach" with Zach Galifianakis and Jack Dylan Grazer, the voices behind Ron and Barney; "Making Ron Right" behind-the-scenes featurette; “Sunshine” music video performed by Liam Payne. Read more here

Shirobako the Movie

(2020 -- Japan) Four years after "Shirobako" (2014), Aoi Miyamori keeps busy dealing with the ordinary troubles in her daily work at Musashino Animation. After a morning meeting, Aoi is put in charge of a new theatrical anime project for the studio. The project has unexpected problems, and Aoi is unsure if the company can proceed with a theatrical anime with its current state of affairs. A self-reflexive love letter to the anime industry. Sequel to the television anime series of the same name, which has also been adapted as a manga series. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital. Extras: After-release promotional video, main trailer, rescreening TV Commercial, teaser, trailer, 4-page booklet with character art. (Shout! Factory). Read more here.

The Ultimate Aang and Korra Blu-ray Collection

Eighteen-disc set with the complete "The Last Airbender," which aired on Nickelodeon from February 2005 through July 2008 and the sequel series, "The Legend of Korra," which aired on Nickelodeon and Nick.com from April 2012 through December 2014. The two-series collection features new outer packaging designed with custom art of Aang and Korra in the Japanese Sumi art style, plus a brand-new bonus disc and eight collectible art cards. Included on the bonus disc are over 80 minutes of exclusive content. Experience the complete Avatar saga with Aang and Korra, from the discovery of Avatar Aang in the iceberg in to Korra's heroic journey to set things right in Republic City. Formats: Blu-ray. Extras: An hour of all-new and exclusive bonus features including an "Auditory Exploration with the Avatarverse Creators"; a conversation with Janet Varney and Dante Bosco, hosts of the "Avatar: Braving the Elements" podcast; and much more. (Nickelodeon/Paramount).

Werewolves Within

(2021) Sam Richardson, Milana Vayntrub, George Basil, Sarah Burns, Michael Chernus. After a proposed pipeline creates divisions within the small town of Beaverfield, and a snowstorm traps its residents together inside the local inn, newly arrived forest ranger Finn (Richardson) and postal worker Cecily (Vayntrub) must try to keep the peace and uncover the truth behind a mysterious creature that has begun terrorizing the community in this horror-comedy whodunit. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray. (RLJE Films).

Woke: Season 3 (Les Engagés: XAOC)

(2021 -- France) Single disc with all three episodes of the French LGBTQ series. When a Chechen refugee is attacked at his home, Hicham and Thibaut and the Lyon LGBT+ Center find themselves plunged into a case with complex ramifications that will turn their lives upside down. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital. Extras: (Breaking Glass Pictures). Read more here

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December 14

American Sicario

(2021) Danny Trejo, Philippe A. Haddad, Maurice Compte, Maya Stojan, Jaylen Moore. American gangster Erik Vasquez is scheming to become the top dog in the Mexican underworld, only to find himself making enemies out of both the powerful cartels and his own allies. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray, VOD, Digital. (Lionsgate).

The Bridge of San Luis Rey

(1958 -- TV) A friar is tried by the Inquisition for questioning God’s intentions when five die in the collapse of an Andean bridge. In early 18th century Peru (1714), an old Inca rope bridge over a gorge in the Andes collapses, plunging five travelers to their deaths. Brother Juniper, who was within minutes of being on the bridge himself, becomes obsessed with discovering how five people of differing class and circumstances came to be on the bridge at that moment. The Catholic friar wants to know if it was mere existential happenstance or part of God’s cosmic plan. After researching the lives of the victims for five years and publishing his findings in a book, he is accused of heresy by the worldly Archbishop of Lima and put on trial for his life by the Inquisition. Starring Judith Anderson (who received an Emmy nomination for her role) and Theodore Bikel, Hume Cronyn, Rita Gam, Viveca Lindfors, and Kurt Kaznar, the film originally aired as part of Dupont Show Of the Month which was watched by 47% of the available audience. Formats: DVD, Digital. (David Susskind Archive/MVD Entertainment Group) Read more here.

The Card Counter

(2021) The film, written and directed by Paul Schrader, follows William Tell (Oscar Isaac), a gambler and former serviceman who sets out to reform a young man seeking revenge on a mutual enemy from their past. Tell just wants to play cards. His spartan existence on the casino trail is shattered when he is approached by Cirk, a vulnerable and angry young man seeking help to execute his plan for revenge on a retired military major. Tell sees a chance at redemption through his relationship with Cirk. Gaining backing from mysterious gambling financier La Linda, Tell takes Cirk with him on the road, going from casino to casino until the unlikely trio set their sights on winning the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. But keeping Cirk on the straight-and-narrow proves impossible, dragging Tell back into the darkness of his past. Vitals: Director: Paul Schrader. Stars: Oscar Isaac, Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan, Willem Dafoe. 2021, CC, MPAA rating: R, 111 min., Drama, US box office gross: $$2.657 million, worldwide $3.476,605 million, Universal. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray, VOD, Digital. Extras: "A High-Stakes World" featurette, trailer. Read more here

Cartoon Saloon’s Irish Folklore Trilogy

Magic, fantasy and Celtic mythology come to life in Cartoon Saloon’s celebrated "Irish Folklore Trilogy," featuring three Academy Award-nominated modern animated classics. The studio’s first film, "The Secret of Kells" (2009), is a beautifully rendered tale of a master illuminator and his young apprentice; the breathtakingly gorgeous "Song of the Sea" (2014) is the adventure of a mythical seal-child and her brother on a quest to save the spirit world; "Wolfwalkers" (2020) follows a young huntress and her friendship with a free-spirited wolf-girl. The deluxe four-disc set is presented in beautiful and environmentally friendly packaging that reflects each film’s loving depiction of the natural world, and the art includes an original illustration by Cartoon Saloon. Also included is an illuminating 2,000 word essay by film critic Andy Crump about the lauded animation studio Cartoon Saloon, the origins and creation of these incredible films, and their role in the world of animation and the world at large. Formats: Blu-ray. Extras: Commentaries, featurettes, bonus disc with animatics, more. (GKIDS/Shout! Factory).

Damnation

(1988 -- Hungary) Miklos Szekely, Vali Kerekes, Hedi Temessy, Gyula Pauer, Gyorgy Cserhalm. A mid-career masterwork by legendary Hungarian art house auteur Bela Tarr and the first of his internationally acclaimed trilogy of films written in collaboration with author Laszlo Krasznahorkai, "Damnation (Karhozat)" chronicles the doomed affair between Bar Titanik regular Karrer (Szekely) and the cabaret singer (Kerekes) he pines for while scheming to displace her brutish husband (Cserhalmi). A poignant Communism allegory that solidified Tarr’s unique aesthetic, "Damnation" is photographed in an exquisitely black & white palette underscored by the mesmerizing long takes that would come to be his trademark. New 4K restoration from the original 35mm camera negative. Formats: Blu-ray. Extras: New video interview with Bela Tarr, new video interview with Miklos Szekely, new video interview with Mihaly Vig, archival newsreels from the Oroszlány and Dorog coal mines, U.S. theatrical trailer, new essay by Jay Kuehner. (Arbelos Films).

Disciples of Shaolin

(1975 -- Hong Kong) Another Kung Fu vehicle from the infamous Shaw Brothers Studio delivers a typically power-packed Hong Kong tale of enemy gangs and super cool fight scenes. When shaolin disciple Kuan Fung Yi (Sheng Fu) takes a job at a textile factory he soon becomes embroiled in a bitter and violent clash with the rival Manchu clan who run a neighbouring mill. As well delivering some impressive martial arts set pieces, "Disciples of Shaolin" also provides a political punch, underlining the abuse of workers and the corruption of cruel bosses. Formats: Blu-ray. Extras: Audio commentary by critic and author Samm Deighan, audio commentary by Mike Leeder and Arne Venema, interview with Shaw Bros actor and director Jamie Luk, theatrical trailer, slipcase, booklet and poster. (88 Films).

The Fabulous Dorseys

(1947) Real-life jazz giants Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey portray themselves in this rollicking, musical biography, following Tommy and Jimmy from their upbringing in Pennsylvania to their great successes in the music business. Director Alfred E. Green ("The Jolson Story") uses the film as a showcase for the tunes that charmed a generation, including “I'm Getting Sentimental Over You” and “Tangerine.” Janet Blair ("My Sister Eileen") appears with the Dorseys, while jazz buffs will enjoy cameos by Paul Whiteman, Helen O'Connell and other stars of the day. The film's undeniable highlight is a jam session featuring the Dorseys and piano legend Art Tatum. 4K transfer from archival film elements. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray. Extras: Commentary track by author Jennifer Churchill; "The Fabulous Forties: Big Bands on Screen," a new documentary from Ballyhoo Motion Pictures; "The Dorseys in Film," an original insert essay by author Don Stradley. (Cinedigm/The Film Detective).

Ivanhoe BLU-RAY DEBUT

(1952) M-G-M spared no expense and brought their top talent to film this opulent Technicolor epic to England to film this boxoffice smash that starred not one, but two Taylors. Related only as studio royalty, long-time leading man Robert Taylor played opposite the incomparable Elizabeth Taylor in this action-packed adaptation of Sir Walter Scott’s legendary novel. 1194. King Richard the Lion Hearted is being held for ransom by the King of Austria, and his evil brother, John, conspires to take the throne. But while Robin of Locksley fights as Robin Hood, another man, Ivanhoe (Taylor), risks everything for his king -- and for the honor of Rebecca (Taylor), the woman he loves. Gallantry and costumed pageantry combine in this crowd-pleasing nominee for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Underscored by the unforgettable music of Miklos Rosza. Extras: Theatrical trailer. (Warner Archive).

The Last Duel

(2021) The historical epic is a cinematic and thought-provoking drama set in the midst of the Hundred Years War that explores the ubiquitous power of men, the frailty of justice and the strength and courage of one woman willing to stand alone in the service of truth. Based on actual events, the film unravels long-held assumptions about France’s last sanctioned duel, between Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris, two friends turned bitter rivals. Carrouges is a respected knight known for his bravery and skill on the battlefield. Le Gris is a Norman squire whose intelligence and eloquence make him one of the most admired nobles in court. When Carrouges’ wife, Marguerite, is viciously assaulted by Le Gris, a charge he denies, she refuses to stay silent, stepping forward to accuse her attacker, an act of bravery and defiance that puts her life in jeopardy. The ensuing trial by combat, a grueling duel to the death, places the fate of all three in God’s hands. Based on Eric Jager’s book "The Last Duel: A True Story of Crime, Scandal, and Trial by Combat in Medieval France." Vitals: Director: Ridley Scott. Stars: Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodie Comer, Ben Affleck, Harriet Walter, Alex Lawther, Marton Csokas. 2021, CC, MPAA rating: R, 153 min., Historical Drama, US box office gross: $10.853 million, worldwide $30.204 million, Fox/Disney. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray + Digital Code, 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Combo + Digital Code, VOD, Digital. Extras: "The Making of The Last Duel." Read more here

The Learning Tree

(1968) With this tender and clear-eyed coming-of-age odyssey, the renowned photographer-turned-filmmaker Gordon Parks not only became the first Black American director to make a Hollywood studio film, he also served as writer, producer, and composer, resulting in a deeply personal artistic achievement. Based on Parks’s own semi-autobiographical novel, "The Learning Tree" follows the journey of Newt Winger (Kyle Johnson), a teenage descendant of Exodusters growing up in rural Kansas in the 1920s, as he experiences the bittersweet flowering of first love, finds his relationship with a close friend tested, and navigates the injustices embedded within a racist legal and educational system. Exquisitely capturing the bucolic splendor of its heartland setting, this landmark film tempers nostalgia with an incisive understanding of the harsh realities, hard-won lessons, and often wrenching moral choices that shape the road to self-determination of the young Black man at its center. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray, with new 2K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray. Extras: New documentary on the making of the film, featuring artist and critic Ina Diane Archer, curator Rhea L. Combs, and filmmakers Ernest R. Dickerson and Nelson George; new conversation, moderated by film scholar Michael B. Gillespie, between artist Hank Willis Thomas and art historian Deborah Willis about the influence of director Gordon Parks; "My Father: Gordon Parks" (1969), a documentary made on the set of "The Learning Tree," narrated by Gordon Parks Jr., and featuring interviews with Gordon Parks Sr. and members of the cast and crew; "Diary of a Harlem Family" and "The World of Piri Thomas," two 1968 films on which Parks played creative roles, with a new introduction by Combs' "Unstoppable" (2005), a documentary featuring producer Warrington Hudlin in conversation with Parks and filmmakers Ossie Davis and Melvin Van Peebles; trailer; “How It Feels to Be Black,” a 1963 Life magazine photo-essay by Parks, and an excerpt from the director’s 2005 book "A Hungry Heart: A Memoir." (The Criterion Collection). Read more here.

Memory House

(2020 -- Brazil) Antônio Pitanga, Ana Flavia Cavalcanti, Sam Louwyck. In this audacious debut feature, Joao Paulo Miranda Maria conjures a surreal image of the racial and social rifts in modern day Brazil. Cristovam, an Indigenous Black man from the rural North, moves to an industrialized Southern town populated by the descendants of Austrian ex-pats to work in a milk factory. Immediately confronted with their virulent racism, he becomes more and more estranged from the white world. Upon discovering an abandoned house filled with objects reminding him of his origins, Cristovam begins a spiritual and physical metamorphosis. With dreamlike images steeped in traditional Brazilian folklore, the film is a study of what happens to an oppressed minority as decades of abuse chip away at his humanity and a timely commentary on integration and colonialism. Formats: DVD, Digital. Extras: Commentary with director João Paulo Miranda Maria, short film "The Girl Who Danced With the Devil," directed by Joao Paulo Miranda Maria. (Film Movement).

Mill of the Stone Women [Limited Edition}

(1960 -- Italy) Before "Black Sabbath," before "I Vampiri," director Giorgio Ferroni introduced audiences to period horror Italian-style with this chilling 1960 shocker - a classic tale of terror redolent with the atmosphere of vintage Hammer Horror. Young art student Hans von Arnam (Pierre Brice) arrives by barge at an old mill to write a monograph about its celebrated sculptures of women in the throes of death and torture, maintained and curated by the mill's owner, the hermetic Professor Wahl (Herbert Böhme). But when Hans encounters the professor's beautiful and mysterious daughter Elfi (Scilla Gabel), his own fate becomes inexorably bound up with hers, and with the shocking secret that lies at the heart of the so-called Mill of the Stone Women. The first Italian horror film to be shot in color, "Mill of the Stone Women" prefigured a raft of other spaghetti nightmares, including the work of maestros Mario Bava and Dario Argento. New 2K restoration from the original negative by Arrow Films. 1080p Blu-ray presentations of four different versions of the film: the original 96-minute Italian and English export versions, the 90-minute French version and the 95-minute US version. Limited edition packaging with reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Adam Rabalais. Formats: Blu-ray. Extras: Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Roberto Curti, an in-depth comparison of the different versions by Brad Stevens, and a selection of contemporary reviews; fold-out double-sided poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Adam Rabalais; six double-sided, postcard-sized lobby card reproduction artcards; new audio commentary by Tim Lucas, author of "Mario Bava: All the Colors of the Dark"; "Mill of the Stone Women & The Gothic Body," a new visual essay on the trope of the wax/statue woman in Gothic horror by author and critic Kat Ellinger; "Turned to Stone," a newly edited featurette containing archival interviews with actress Liana Orfei and film historian Fabio Melelli; "A Little Chat with Dr. Mabuse," an archival interview with actor Wolfgang Preiss; rare opening titles from the UK release, re-titled “Drops of Blood”; German opening titles; US and German theatrical trailers; image galleries. (Arrow Video/MVD Entertainment). Read more here.

The Mitchells vs. The Machines

(2021) Voices of Danny McBride, Abbi Jacobson, Maya Rudolph, Mike Rianda, Eric Andre, Olivia Colman. An old school father and his plugged-in, filmmaker daughter struggle to relate as their family embarks on a road trip to her new college. Their drive is interrupted by a machine apocalypse that threatens to tear these unlikely heroes apart unless they can find a way to join forces and save humanity. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray, VOD, Digital. Extras: "Katie’s Cabinet of Forgotten Wonders" behind-the-scenes featurette; "The Mitchells vs. The Machines: Or How a Group of Passionate Weirdos Made a Big Animated Movie"; "How to Make Sock Puppets"; "How to Make Katie Face Cupcakes." Blu-ray adds "Dog Cop 7: The Final Chapter"; "Katie’s Extended Cinematic Bonanza Cut!"; bonus scenes; commentary. (Sony). Read more here

Mosley

(2021) Voices of Rhys Darby, Lucy Lawless, Temuera Morrison, John Rhys-Davies. Discovering he belongs to a heroic tribe of two-legged giants, Mosley is determined to prove he is more than just a farm animal and jets off on an epic journey to join them in this fun-filled animated adventure. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital. (Paramount). Read more here

My Stepmother Is an Alien

(1988) Dan Aykroyd, Kim Basinger and Jon Lovitz star in a fish-out-of-water comedy with a sci-fi twist that questions whether a romance between two star-crossed lovers who are literally worlds apart can ever work. When widowed astronomer Steve Mills (Aykroyd) inadvertently causes a gravitational disruption in deep space, a race of hyper-advanced alien lifeforms sends one of their own to investigate, disguised in the alluring human form of Celeste (Basinger). Tasked with seducing the lovelorn Steve in a bid to gain access to his scientific research, Celeste finds herself falling for the man she's been sent to swindle. But they've not counted on Steve's young daughter Jessie (Alyson Hannigan), who's none too thrilled by the prospect of a new mother - especially not one from another planet. Funny and touching in equal measure, "My Stepmother is an Alien" is an offbeat and at times surprisingly risqué comedy that confirms the adage that what unites us is far greater than what divides us ... even if what divides us happens to be an entire galaxy. Brand new 2K restoration from the original camera negative. Formats: Blu-ray. Extras: New audio commentary by critic Bryan Reesman; "Cosmetic Encounters: Directing My Stepmother is An Alien," a new interview with director Richard Benjamin; original trailer; Image gallery; reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Colin Murdoch; FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Amanda Reyes. (Arrow Video/MVD Entertainment). Read more here.

Pond Life

(2018) Tom Varey, Esme Creed-Miles, Angus Imrie. It’s the summer of 1994 in a world of broken families, cassette tapes, and a down-trodden economy, and life is simple but harsh for the local kids of one quiet town. Picked on, ignored, and trying to figure out how to survive, the local teens are looking for anything to change their life. When a rumor stirs about the legend of a giant carp in the nearby ponds, Trevor, 17, decides to lead a rag-tag brigade of friends on a fishing expedition to land the big one. Formats: DVD, VOD. (Indican Pictures). Read more here

Premutos

(1997 -- Germany) André Stryi, Christopher Stacey, Ella Wellmann. Premutos is the first of the fallen Angels, even before Lucifer. His goal is to rule the living and the dead, and his son must pave the way for him to return. When a young man begins to suffer from visionary flashbacks - of the past lives he lived, he finds a case containing an old book that was hidden by a Warlock in 1943. When the young man touches the book, he mutates into a monster and awakens an army of zombies, ready to bring back the fallen angel, Premutos. Extended director's cut. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray. Extras: "Making of Premutos," trailers, photo gallery, "(Director) Olaf Ittenbach: The Early Years" (Blu-ray only), CD Soundtrack of the movie score (Blu-ray only). (Unearthed Films).

South of Heaven

(2021) Jason Sudeikis, Evangeline Lilly, Mike Colter, Shea Whigham. Convicted felon Jimmy (Sudeikis) gets early parole after serving 12 years for armed robbery. Upon his release he vows to give his girlfriend Annie (Lilly), who is dying of cancer, the best last year of her life. But things are never that simple, and when he is given a “side job” from his parole officer (Whigham), it sets off a series of events that leaves Jimmy in the crosshairs of a local crime boss (Colter). Now, he must stop at nothing to save Annie and fight for whatever time they have left. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray. Extras: "Meet the Cast" featurette, "The Making of South of Heaven." (RLJE Films).

Venom: Let There Be Carnage

(2021) Tom Hardy returns to the big screen as the lethal protector Venom, one of MARVEL’s greatest and most complex characters. One year after the events of the previous movie, Eddie Brock is struggling to adjust to a shared life with his symbiote Venom. He manages by moonlighting as a vigilante with enhanced abilities while also trying to revive his career as an investigative journalist. One day, he interviews the infamous serial killer Cletus Kasady, not realizing that the killer is going to become obsessed with him. Another unexpected twist: The killer is also host to a symbiote named Carnage, and like his name suggests, he doesn’t care about collateral damage when he has an obsession in mind.Vitals: Director: Andy Serkis. Stars: Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris, Reid Scott, Stephen Graham, Woody Harrelson. 2021, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 97 min., Action-Adventure, US box office gross: $191.632 million, worldwide $397.032 million, Sony. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital, 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Combo + Digital, VOD, Digital. Extras: "Let There Be ... Action" behind-the-scenes featurette. Blu-ray adds Outtakes and bloopers; deleted scenes; "Eddie & Venom: The Odd Couple" featurette; "Sick and Twisted Cletus Kasady" featurette; "Concept to Carnage" featurette. Read more here

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December 21

Blue Bayou

(2021) Justin Chon, Alicia Vikander, Linh Dan Pham, Sydney Kowalske, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Mark O'Brien, Emory Cohen. An official selection of the 2021 Cannes Film Festival from award-winning writer/director Justin Chon, this is the moving and timely story of a uniquely American family fighting for their future. Antonio LeBlanc (Chon), a Korean adoptee raised in a small town in the Louisiana bayou, is married to the love of his life Kathy (Vikander) and step-dad to their beloved daughter Jessie. Struggling to make a better life for his family, he must confront the ghosts of his past when he discovers that he could be deported from the only country he has ever called home. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray + Digital Code, VOD, Digital. (Universal).

Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train

(2021 -- Japan) Tanjiro Kamado, joined with Inosuke Hashibira, a boy raised by boars who wears a boar's head, and Zenitsu Agatsuma, a scared boy who reveals his true power when he sleeps, board the Infinity Train on a new mission with the Flame Pillar, Kyojuro Rengoku, to defeat a demon who has been tormenting the people and killing the demon slayers who oppose it. Vitals: Director: Haruo Sotozaki. Stars: Voices of Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kitô, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Hiro Shimono. 2021, CC, MPAA rating: R, 117 min., Animated Fantasy Adventure, US box office gross: $47.700 million, worldwide $452.974, million, Universal. Formats: Blu-ray, VOD, Digital.

Fortress

(2021) Jesse Metcalfe, Bruce Willis, Chad Michael Murray, Kelly Greyson, Ser'darius Blain, Michael Sirow, Shannen Doherty. In this action cyber-thriller, Robert (Willis), a retired CIA agent, lives at a secret resort in the woods. One day his estranged son drives to the camp for a visit - but he's followed by Robert's old nemesis, Balzary (Murray). As the site is besieged by Balzary's attack squad, father and son retreat to a high-tech bunker. But are its steel walls and advanced weapons powerful enough to match Balzary's bloodthirsty plans for revenge? Formats: DVD, Blu-ray. (Lionsgate).

Giallo Essentials [Yellow Edition]

Arrow Video continues its exploration of Italian cult cinema with this second volume of Giallo Essentials, bringing together three more suspense-filled exemplars of the genre! In Massimo Dallamano's "What Have They Done to Your Daughters?" (1972), hot-headed Inspector Silvestri (Claudio Cassinelli) and rookie Assistant District Attorney Vittoria Stori (Giovanna Ralli) investigate the apparent suicide of a teenage girl, leading them to a sordid prostitution ring whose abusers occupy the highest echelons of Italian society. Sergio Martino's "Torso" (1973) helped lay the groundwork for the American slasher movie: when a ruthless killer begins to target the female university students of Perugia, Jane (Suzy Kendall) and her friends flee for the peace of the countryside, only to discover that the threat isn't far behind. Finally, Andrea Bianchi's "Strip Nude for Your Killer" (1975) delivers depravity in droves as ambitious photographer Magda (Edwige Fenech) and her on-off boyfriend, love rat Carlo (Nino Castelnuovo), team up to solve the spate of highly sexualized murders that are rocking a prestigious Milanese fashion house. Featuring grisly murders, amateur sleuths and motorcycle-riding maniacs, these iconic gialli are restored in 2K from their original negatives and are presented alongside a raft of juicy extras. Formats: Blu-ray. Extras: Commentaries, video essays, interviews, outtakes, alternate scenes, trailers, image galleries, more. (Arrow Video/MVD Entertainment). Read more here.

Hell Hath No Fury

(2019) Nina Bergman, Daniel Bernhardt, Louis Mandylor, Timothy V. Murphy, Dominiquie Vandenberg. The story of one woman who single-handedly takes on the might of the German war machine, the French resistance, and a band of US infantrymen. Branded a traitor by her countrymen, French national Marie DuJardin is rescued by American soldiers on one condition: to survive, she must lead them to a cache of gold—before the Nazis return to claim it for themselves. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray, VOD, Digital. (Well Go USA). Read more here

The Many Saints of Newark

(2021) Prequel to the groundbreaking, award-winning HBO drama series "The Sopranos." Young Anthony Soprano is growing up in one of the most tumultuous eras in Newark's history, becoming a man just as rival gangsters begin to rise up and challenge the all-powerful DiMeo crime family's hold over the increasingly race-torn city. Caught up in the changing times is the uncle he idolizes, Dickie Moltisanti, who struggles to manage both his professional and personal responsibilities — and whose influence over his nephew will help make the impressionable teenager into the all-powerful mob boss we'll later come to know: Tony Soprano. Vitals: Director: Alan Taylor. Stars: Jon Bernthal, Michael Gandolfini, Vera Farmiga, Billy Magnussen, Alessandro Nivola, Ray Liotta, Leslie Odom Jr. 2021, CC, MPAA rating: R, 120 min., Crime Drama, US box office gross: $8.218 million, worldwide $11.618 million, Warner. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray + Digital, 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Combo + Digital, VOD, Digital. Extras: Deleted scenes. Blu-ray adds "Making of Newark," "Sopranos Family Honor." Read more here

No Time to Die

(2021) Daniel Craig returns as Ian Fleming’s James Bond for the fifth and last time. Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica. His peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology. Vitals: Director: Cary Joji Fukunaga. Stars: Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, Léa Seydoux, Lashana Lynch, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Jeffrey Wright, Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes. 2021, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 160 min., Action, North American box office gross: $150.755 million, worldwide $708.744 million, MGM/Universal. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Code, 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Combo + Digital Code, VOD, Digital. Extras: "Anatomy of a Scene: Matera"; "Keeping It Real: The Action of No Time to Die" behind-the-scenes featurette; "A Global Journey" location featurette; "Designing Bond" costume featurette; "Being James Bond" Daniel Craig featurette (4K only). Read more here

Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness - Season One

(2021) Single disc with all four episodes. Years after the horrors of Raccoon City, Leon and Claire find themselves consumed by a dark conspiracy when a viral attack ravages the White House. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray. (Sony).

ROH

(2021 -- Malaysia) Farah Ahmad, Mhia Farhana, Harith Haziq, Nam Ron, Junainah M. Lojong, Putri Syahadah Nurqaseh. Cut off from civilization, a single mother puts her children on high alert when they bring home a strange young girl caked in clay. She tells of spirits and spirit hunters and after spending the night she delivers an ominous prophecy: the family will all soon die. As strangers begin to show up on her doorstep, and terrible events crop up around them, she quickly finds another reason to fear the forest. This eerily atmospheric folk horror tale marks the stunning directorial debut of seasoned visual effects artist, Emir Ezwan. Formats: DVD, Digital. Extras: "The Making of ROH" featurette. (Film Movement). Read more here

Saint Narcisse

(2021) The latest from Bruce LaBruce, Canada’s reigning “King of Kink," follows Dominic, a young man with a fetish ... for himself. Nothing turns him on more than his reflection, with much of his time spent taking Polaroid selfies. When his loving grandmother dies, he discovers a deep family secret: his lesbian mother didn’t die in childbirth and he has a twin brother, Daniel, raised in a remote monastery by a depraved priest, held captive against his will. The power of destiny brings together the two beautiful, identical brothers, who, after being reunited with their mother Beatrice, are soon embroiled in a blasphemous web of sex, revenge and redemption. Set in the early 1970s and the afterglow of sexual liberation, the film is a love letter to the psychosexual thrillers of that era. Formats: DVD, Digital. Extras: Commentary by director Bruce LaBruce, deleted scenes. (Film Movement).

The Sherlock Holmes Vault Collection

Four-disc set with four restored classic mysteries: "The Fatal Hour" (1931), "The Triumph of Sherlock Holmes" (1935), "Silver Blaze" (1937), starring Arthur Wontner, and "A Study in Scarlet" (1933), starring Reginald Owen. A Limited-Edition Collector’s Box Set comes complete with exclusive Sherlock Holmes collector’s items, including a 13-month Sherlockian calendar, featuring special anniversary dates and fun facts about the history of Sherlock Holmes; a collector’s edition Sherlock Holmes magnet; a Sherlock Holmes notebook for jotting down clues; a one-year subscription to The Film Detective app; and a Sherlock Holmes tote bag. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray. Extras: Newly restored Sherlockian shorts, including "Slick Sleuths" (1926), "Sherlock Holmes Baffled" (1900), "A Black Sherlock Holmes" (1918), "Sure Luck Holmes" (1928), "Cousins of Sherlocko" (1913), "The Copper Beeches" (1912) and “The Case of the Blind Man's Bluff" (1954); a Sherlock Holmes bonus TV-episode starring Ronald Howard; "Elementary Cinema: The First Cinematic Adventures of Sherlock Holmes," an original documentary by Ballyhoo Motion Pictures; "Sherlock Holmes and the Blue Carbuncle," a radio broadcast recreation from Redfield Arts Audio; introductions with filmmaker and film historian Samuel M. Sherman; audio commentary from author Jennifer Churchill, author and film historian Jason A. Ney, writers-producers Phoef Sutton and Mark Jordan Legan; and authors/screenwriters, Peter Atkins and David Breckman; original film posters replicated as postcards; and booklet inserts with original essays from author Don Stradley and author-screenwriter C. Courtney Joyner. (Cinedigm/The Film Detective).

The Vampire Lovers Collector’s Edition

(1970) Ingrid Pitt, Madeline Smith, Peter Cushing. Hammer classic about a diabolical female vampire who ravages the young girls and other townsfolk of a peaceful hamlet in 18th century Europe in revenge for the killing of her fellow vampires years earlier. A rousing hunt for the vampires ensues as a group of men follow her bloody trail of terror through the countryside. New 4K scan from the original camera negative. Formats: Blu-ray. Extras: New audio commentary with film historian-author Dr. Steve Haberman and film historian-filmmaker Constantine Nasr; new "The Rapture of Cruelty: Carmilla In Classic Cinema" audio essay read by actress Madeline Smith; new "To Love A Vampire" introduction by Smith; new "Carnal Crimson" featurette; new "Fangs For the Memories" featurette; audio commentary with director Roy Ward Baker, actress Ingrid Pitt, and screenwriter Tudor Gates; audio commentary with film historians Marcus Hearn and Jonathan Rigby; "Feminine Fantastique – Resurrecting The Vampire Lovers"; "New Blood: Hammer Enters The 70s" featurette; "Madeline Smith: Vampire Lover"; deleted shot of the opening beheading; theatrical trailer; radio spots; photo galleries – movie stills, behind-the-scenes stills, posters, and lobby cards. (Scream Factory).

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December 28

Calling for Love

(2020 -- Canada) Karissa Lee Staples, Tajh Bellow, Marisa Brown. Podcast host Samantha has an aversion to romance but is assigned to host a show that reunites lost loves. Samantha falls for charming Jake, who calls in with a problem she is determined to solve. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital. (Filmrise).

Castle Falls

(2021) Dolph Lundgren, Scott Adkins, Melanie Jeffcoat, Kevin Wayne, Jim E. Chandler. After decades of neglect, Castle Heights Hospital, this symbol of the city’s segregated past has been packed with dynamite and is ready to be demolished. No one knows that a gang leader, now in prison, hid the 3 million dollars in cash he stole from his rivals inside the abandoned building. Now, three desperate parties want the money – a blue collared ex-fighter (Adkins) who finds it while working as part of the demolition crew, a prison guard (Lundgren) willing to do anything to pay for his daughter’s cancer treatment and a ruthless gang who claim to be the rightful owners. The demolition charges are set, everyone clears out and the Castle is set to fall in 90 minutes. The clock is ticking. Who will find the cash and: will they get out alive?Formats: DVD, Blu-ray, VOD, Digital. (Universal).

The French Dispatch

(2021) All-star cast brings to life a collection of stories from the final issue of an American magazine published in the fictional 20th-century French city of Ennui-sur-Blasé. An homage to literary journalism, French culture and classic cinema. Vitals: Director: Wes Anderson. Stars: Benicio Del Toro, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Léa Seydoux, Frances McDormand, Timothée Chalamet, Lyna Khoudri, Jeffrey Wright, Mathieu Amalric, Stephen Park, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Christoph Waltz, Edward Norton, Jason Schwartzman, Anjelica Huston. 2021, CC, MPAA rating: R, 108 min., Comedy, US box office gross: $9.353 million, worldwide $20.611 million, Fox/Disney. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray, VOD, Digital. Read more here

The Gardener

(2021) Gary Daniels, Robert Bronzi, Nicola Wright, Jake Watkins, and Sarah T. Cohen. The quiet of the English countryside is shattered one brutal night in this home-invasion thriller. A troubled wealthy family gathers in a quaint manor home for the holidays, never suspecting that bloodthirsty, sadistic Volker (Daniels) and his crew linger at the gates, ready to attack, rob, and maim them at nightfall. But they didn’t count on the estate’s quiet gardener, Peter Juhasz (Bronzi), who must return to the savage ways he learned as a soldier to save the family. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital. Extras: Commentary with producers/directors Scott Jeffrey & Rebecca J. Matthews and actors Nicola Wright, Jake Watkins, and Sarah T. Cohen; commentary with co-writer/executive producer Jeff Miller and actor Robert Bronzi; "Making The Gardener"; deleted scene; bloopers; trailer. (Lionsgate). Read more here

Mayday

(2021) Grace Van Patten, Mia Goth, Havana Rose Liu, Soko, Théodore Pellerin, Juliette Lewis. Ana finds herself transported to a dreamlike and dangerous coastline. Once there, she joins a female army engaged in a never-ending war where the women lure men to their deaths with radio signals, like 20th century sirens. Though Ana finds strength in this exhilarating world, she comes to realize she is not the killer they want her to be. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray, VOD. (Magnolia Home Entertainment). Read more here

Shawscope Volume One: Limited Edition Box

This inaugural collection by Arrow Video presents 12 jewels from the Shaw crown, all released within the 1970s, kicking off in 1972 with Korean director Jeong Chang-hwa's "King Boxer," the film that established kung fu cinema as an international box office powerhouse when it hit Stateside cinemas under the title "Five Fingers of Death." From there we see Chang Cheh (arguably Shaw's most prolific director) helm the blood-soaked brutality of "The Boxer From Shantung" and two self-produced films in his Shaolin Cycle series, "Five Shaolin Masters" and its prequel "Shaolin Temple," before taking a detour into Ho Meng Hua's King Kong-inspired "Mighty Peking Man," one of the most insane giant monster films ever made. Chang's action choreographer Lau Kar-leung then becomes a director in his own right, propelling his adoptive brother Gordon Liu to stardom in "Challenge of the Masters" and "Executioners from Shaolin." Not to be outdone, Chang introduces some of Shaw's most famous faces to the screen, including Alexander Fu Sheng fighting on the streets of San Francisco in "Chinatown Kid" and, of course, the mighty Venom Mob in "The Five Venoms" and "Crippled Avengers." Finally, Lau and Liu successfully meld high kicks with humor in two of their masterworks, "Heroes of the East" and "Dirty Ho," both co-starring fan favorite Hsiao Hou. From kickass kung fu killers to crazy kaiju knockoffs to culture clash comedies, this carefully curated and gorgeously presented selection of all-time Shaw Brothers classics merely represents the tip of the iceberg of the studio's rich output, making it both an ideal starting point for newcomers and a treat for hardcore fans alike. Formats: Blu-ray. Extras: Hours of bonus features including new commentaries and critic appreciations on selected films, new and archive interviews with cast and crew, alternate credit sequences, trailer and image galleries for each film, more; 60 page book featuring new writing by David Desser, Simon Abrams and Terrence J. Brady, with cast and crew info for each film plus trivia and soundtrack info; new artwork for each film by artists including Matthew Griffin, Chris Malbon, Jacob Phillips, Ilan Sheady, Tony Stella, Darren Wheeling and Jolyon Yates. (Arrow Video/MVD Entertainment). Read more here.

A Wedding to Remember

(2021) Cristina Rosato, Greyston Holy, Rebecca Olson. On the opposite sides of a development project, Olivia and Brian are shocked to find themselves as the maid of honor and best man at the same wedding. But they now have to put their contentious feelings aside to save their best friends' wedding. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital. (Filmrise).

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All listings are based on information from the home video studios. Some release dates may change and titles may come out after a specified date (with no announcement from the studio). Additionally, some titles may be released with little or no advance announcement. And since all DVDs are priced at sell-through and are available for substantial discounts at both online and brick-and-mortar stores, we only list suggested retail prices for some special editions, box sets and collections.

All DVDs are screened on a reference system consisting of a Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player w/SACD & DVD-Audio, a Rotel RSX-972 Surround Sound Receiver, and Phase Technology 1.1 (front), 33.1 (center), and 50 (rear) speakers and Power 10 subwoofer.

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December 2, 2021
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