*OnVideo’s week begins with “New Release” Tuesdays

This Week’s Highlighted Releases:

Sony is celebrating the 50th anniversay of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975) with a 4K UHD/Blu-ray Combo Steelbook. This comedic send-up of the grim circumstances of the Middle Ages is told through the story of King Arthur and is framed by a modern-day murder investigation. When the mythical king of the Britons leads his knights on a quest for the Holy Grail, they face a wide array of horrors, including a persistent Black Knight, a three-headed giant, a cadre of shrubbery-challenged knights, the perilous Castle Anthrax, a killer rabbit, a house of virgins, and a handful of rude Frenchmen. Stars Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin. Extras include “Near-Theatrical Version of the Film” (in HD resolution): Experience a slightly shorter version of the film, as seen on VHS!; “‘Tis But a Tribute – 50 Years of Monty Python and the Holy Grail”: Over 25 comedy luminaries share their memories of, affection for, and continued fascination with the film; audio commentary with Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones; audio commentary with John Cleese, Eric Idle and Michael Palin; 2015 Tribeca Film Festival Q&A with Terry, Terry, Mike, John and Eric; outtakes and extended scenes with introduction by Terry Jones; lost animations with introduction by Terry Gilliam; “Quest for the Holy Grail Locations” with Michael Palin and Terry Jones; “Lego Knights: The Knights of the Round Table in LEGO”; special Japanese version; “How to Use Your Coconuts (An Educational Film)”; “BBC Film Night on Location”; three songs to sing-along; photo gallery; original theatrical trailer. Read more here. … Shout! Studios Hong Kong Cinema Classics is releasing a newly remastered and restored version of the Hong Kong classic “City on Fire” (1997), directed by Ringo Lam and starring Chow Yun-Fat, Sun Yueh and Danny Lee. Ko Chow is an undercover cop torn between his duty as a police officer and his loyalty to his friends on the wrong side of the law. He wants out – and his commanding officer Inspector Lau reluctantly approves his resignation – but only after he completes one final assignment. Tasked with infiltrating a notorious gang of criminals, Chow bonds with their leader, building a relationship based on mutual trust and respect. But when a planned heist turns into a violent shootout with the law, the tension among the thieves heats up … and they begin to suspect there is an informant in their midst. Available as a 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Combo. Read more here. Film Masters is releasing a 1950s Cold War paranoia double bill “Invasion, U.S.A./Rocket Attack, U.S.A.” (1952/1960). Scanned in 4k from original 35mm elements. From the McCarthy era comes “Invasion, U.S.A.”, following a group of Americans that have gathered at a New York bar when they discover that their country is under a Soviet invasion. In what could be their last moments on earth, each return to their respective lives and reconsider what is truly important to them. Its companion feature, “Rocket Attack, U.S.A, takes place deep within enemy territory with American secret agent John Manston infiltrating enemy lines. He learns they are launching a surprise attack on the U.S.A. What follows is a race against time to warn the U.S. government. Born from an age of anti-Communist sentiment, these films serve as dramatic time capsules of the Cold War, when the Red Scare era in Hollywood was in full swing and suspected Communists were blacklisted and excluded from the industry. Extras include On DVD and Blu-ray. Extras include a documentary, “Better Dead Than Red: Hollywood vs. Communism in the 1950’s”; the short “And A Voice Shall Be Heard” that originally aired with theatrical showings of “Invasion, U.S.A.”; eight Atomic Era shorts; full color booklet.

Buzzin’ the B’s:

Inspired by true events, “Sovereign” (2025) is a tense and provocative true crime thriller about a father and his teenage son – Jerry and Joseph Kane (Nick Offerman and Jacob Tremblay) – who follow the Sovereign Citizen belief system, a deeply anti-establishment worldview rooted in distrust of government authority. As the pair travel across the country delivering self-taught legal seminars and pushing back against systems they believe have failed them, their journey brings them into conflict with Police Chief Jim Bouchart (Dennis Quaid), setting off a tragic chain of events that forces a reckoning with power, principle, and the limits of freedom. Stars Nick Offerman, Jacob Tremblay, Nancy Travis, Thomas Mann, Martha Plimpton, Dennis Quaid. On DVD, VOD, Digital, from Universal. Read more here. … For its inaugural film, Michael Bay’s studio Platinum Dunes brought together scriptwriter Scott Kosar (“The Machinist”) and director Marcus Nispel (2009’s “Friday the 13th”) for a grisly update of Tobe Hooper’s classic tale of Texan terror. The result, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” would conquer the 2003 boxoffice, introducing a new generation of genre fans to the franchise. A group of carefree young adults’ road trip through Texas is cut short when the panic-stricken hitchhiker they’ve picked up shoots herself in the back of their vehicle. Desperate to find help, our heroes are directed to the home of the local Sheriff, but little do they know they are stumbling into the lair of the Hewitts, the most violent family in all of Texas, including their chainsaw-wielding son. Described by critic Roger Ebert as “vile, ugly and brutal”, 2003’s “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” is a boundary pushing, agonizingly violent gorefest masterpiece ready to traumatize and delight horror fans anew. In 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray from Arrow Video. Read more here … After 2003’s successful remake of “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre,” Michael Bay’s Platinum Dunes would take another trip to the Lone Star State for the terrifying prequel, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning.” In the summer of 1969, brothers Eric and Dean and their girlfriends Chrissie and Bailey are having one last road trip before the boys set off to Vietnam. An altercation with a shotgun-wielding biker leads them to crash their car, only for them to be rescued by Sheriff Hoyt. But their savior isn’t as benevolent as he seems, and the gang are taken hostage and dragged to the residence of the murderous Hewitt family, among them Hoyt’s brother Thomas, a hulking brute who conceals his face behind a leather mask. Feast your eyes on this twisted and horrifying vision of the Hewitts’ origins, presented here in its original theatrical version and the extended uncut version for the first time on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. Also from Arrow Video. Read more here … In “The Unholy Trinity” (2025), starring Pierce Brosnan, Samuel L. Jackson, Brandon Lessard, Veronica Ferres, Gianni Capaldi, Q’orianka Kilcher, Tim Daly, Ethan Peck, Katrina Bowden and David Arquette, it’s the 1870s in Montana, and Henry Broadway must avenge his father’s wrongful execution by killing the man who framed him. He heads to the lawless town of Trinity, where he’s trapped between the sheriff, Gabriel Dove (Pierce Brosnan), and the enigmatic St. Christopher (Samuel L. Jackson). As secrets and danger unravel, Henry fights to survive and uncover the truth in this high-stakes action-packed western. On DVD, Blu-ray + Digital Code, VOD, Digital, from Warners. Read more here.

On the Indie Front:

A poignant portrait of Deaf African Americans and the complexities of love at both ends of the 20th century, Zeinabu irene Davis’s film “Compensation” (1999) is a groundbreaking story of inclusion and visibility. In dual performances, Michelle A. Banks and John Earl Jelks play an educated dressmaker and an illiterate migrant in 1910s Chicago, and a resilient graphic artist and an endearing librarian living in the same city eight decades later. Employing archival photography, an original score blending ragtime and African percussion, and lyrical editing, Davis deftly intertwines the two couple’s stories, in ways both tender and tragic. “Compensation” is a landmark of American independent cinema that confronts the social forces and prejudices that hinder love. On Blu-ray, DVD with new 4K digital restoration, supervised and approved by director Zeinabu irene Davis, in collaboration with the UCLA Film & Television Archive and Wimmin with a Mission Productions, and in conjunction with the Sundance Institute, with uncompressed stereo soundtrack. Read more here. From The Criterion Collection. … “Saving Face” (2004) is a queer romantic comedy set in vibrant, multicultural New York City; Alice Wu’s irresistible feature debut breathed fresh life into the genre by combining snappy dialogue and a swooning love story with a poignant narrative about a mother and daughter coming to terms with each other. Just as Wil (Michelle Krusiec), a harried young surgical resident, begins a promising romance with the flirtatious dancer Vivian (Lynn Chen), her life is turned upside down when her more traditional Chinese mother (Joan Chen)-unwed and unexpectedly pregnant-moves in with her, forcing both women to confront the generational and cultural barriers that have long troubled their relationship. Both embracing and cleverly subverting rom-com conventions, Wu delivers a bighearted ode to the Chinese American diaspora, and the liberating joy of living one’s truth. On Blu-ray, with high-definition digital master, approved by director Alice Wu, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack. Read more here. From The Criterion Collection.

Foreign Films:

In this North American Blu-ray debut of the Hong Kong Sci-Fi cult classic “The Cat” (1999), Li Tung (Lawrence Lau) is unable to sleep due to his noisy upstairs neighbors. When he goes to confront them, he encounters an old man (Siu-ming Lau), a young woman (Gloria Yip), and a mysterious black cat. The next morning, the trio vanish, leaving behind a startling surprise in a pile of newspapers for Tung to uncover. As the police investigate, Inspector Wang Chieh-Mei (Philip Kwok) and his companion Pai So (Christine Ng) invites Tung to dinner at the home of bestselling novelist Wisely (Waise Lee) and his companion Pai So (Christine Ng). Intrigued by the bizarre tale, Wisely spins a story: the woman and the cat are from outer space, here to stop an alien life form known as The Star Killer — an entity capable of possessing human bodies. But is Wisely really making up a story or recounting his adventure with the extraterrestrials? On Blu-ray from 88 Films … This latest high-octane installment based on Tsukasa Hojo’s wildly popular manga of the same name boasts the franchise’s signature blend of hard-boiled humor with gritty combat, in a stylish return to form that longtime fans and collectors won’t want to miss. Spanning 35 manga volumes and spawning hit anime series, spin-offs, and live-action adaptations, “City Hunter” remains a cultural touchstone. This new feature, “City Hunter: Angel Dust” (2023 — Japan) is both a thrilling continuation and a celebration of a legacy decades in the making. Ryo Saeba is known as City Hunter, the top “sweeper” within the underworld. Based in Shinjuku as a private detective, he and his partner Kaoru Makimura take on a variety of clients. Their latest case is provided by Angie, a filmmaker, with a simple request – to find her missing cat. Ryo is thrilled by Angie’s beautiful looks while Kaori is thrilled by the hefty reward. On Blu-ray from Shout! Studios … In “Just the Two of Us” (2023 — France), starring Virginie Efira, Melvil Poupaud, Dominique Reymond, Romane Bohringer, Virginie Ledoye, when Blanche (Efira) meets the charismatic Gregoire (Poupaud) at a party her twin sister Rose drags her to, she thinks she has found “the one.” The ties that bind them grow quickly, and a passionate affair ensues. Rose has serious reservations about Gregoire, but against her better judgment, they decide to marry and move in together. Blanche and Gregoire soon relocate far from Blanche’s family where her new life begins; having two children, working as an elementary school teacher, and learning to tiptoe around Gregoire’s unfounded burgeoning insecurities. Little by little Blanche finds herself caught in the grip of a deeply possessive and dangerous man, desperate to escape his increasingly threatening affections. “Just the Two of Us” is a closely observed domestic thriller adapted from Éric Reinhardt’s prize-winning novel “L’amour et les forêts” by Valérie Donzelli and Audrey Diwan. On DVD, VOD, Digital, from Music Box Films … In “Wolf and Dog” (2022 — Portugal), Ana was born in São Miguel, a Portuguese island im the Azores ruled by religion and traditions. In between Luis, her queer best friend who loves dresses as much as pants, and her friend Cloé from Canada, bringing with her the glowing days of youth, Ana embarks on a journey filled with new desires. Wolf and Dog is the enchanting ode to the island’s queer community where the twilight glow crosses the immense Atlantic Ocean. Against the backdrop of a working-class town where adults expect youth to conform — becoming farmers, fishermen, or mothers — the film explores the struggles of queer teenagers yearning to build their own community and redefine traditional notions of masculinity and femininity. Through a blend of gritty realism and striking visual poetry, “Wolf and Dog,” winner of the GdA Director’s Award at the Venice Film Festival, is a heartfelt and visually stunning film that transcends conventional portrayals of reality, reflecting a broader message about shifting cultural perceptions and embracing change. On DVD, VOD, Digital, from IndiePix Films.

From the Big Screen:

Lilo & Stitch

(2025) Lilo’s an independent little girl; Stitch is a mischievous creature from outer space, and when their worlds collide, it’s love – and chaos – at first sight. Stitch, an extraterrestrial entity, comes to planet Earth after he escapes his prison, where he tries to impersonate a dog. Things take a turn when Lilo adopts him from an animal shelter. Packed with action, humor and heart, this winning tale celebrates the bonds of family (‘ohana) and friendship! Live-action remake of the 2002 animated adventure. Vitals: Director: Dean Fleischer Camp. Stars: Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders, Sydney Agudong, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Magnussen, Hannah Waddingham, Courtney B. Vance. CC, MPAA rating: PG, 108 min., Family Adventure, Theatrical release date: May 23, 2025, North American box office gross: $415.7 million, worldwide $996.0 million, Streaming date: July 22, 2025, Disney. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Code, 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Combo + Digital Code Steelbook, VOD, Digital. Extras: Deleted scenes; “‘Ohana Means Family: Making Lilo & Stitch”; “Drawn to Life” featurette; “Scenes with Stitch” commentary on select scenes by Stitch; bloopers. Read more here.

Karate Kid: Legends

(2025) After a family tragedy, kung fu prodigy Li Fong is uprooted from his home in Beijing and forced to move to New York City with his mother. When a new friend needs his help, Li enters a karate competition but his skills alone aren’t enough. Li’s kung fu teacher Mr. Han enlists original Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso for help, and Li learns a new way to fight, merging their two styles into one for the ultimate martial arts showdown. Vitals: Director: Jonathan Entwistle. Stars: Jackie Chan, Ben Wang, Ralph Macchio, Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley. CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 94 min., Action, Theatrical release date: May 30, 2025, North American box office gross: $52.5 million, worldwide $104.6 million, Streaming date: July 8, Sony. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray + Digital Code, 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Combo + Digital Code, VOD, Digital. Extras: Deleted scenes; gag reel; “Honoring the Miyagi Legend”; “The Art of Action.” Read more here.

The King of Kings

(2025 — USA, South Korea) Charles Dickens tells his young son Walter the greatest story ever told, and what begins as a bedtime tale becomes a life-changing journey. Through vivid imagination, the boy walks alongside Jesus, witnessing his miracles, facing his trials, and understanding his ultimate sacrifice. Vitals: Director: Seong-Ho Jang. Stars: Voices of Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, Pierce Brosnan, Mark Hamill, Roman Griffin Davis, Forest Whitaker, Ben Kingsley, Oscar Isaac. CC, MPAA rating: PG, 103 min., Animated Family, Theatrical release date: April 11, 2025, North American box office gross: $60.3 million, worldwide $68.7 million, Streaming date: June 13, Angel. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo, VOD, Digital. Read more here.

Locked

(2025) From producer Sam Raimi comes a relentless horror-thriller where luxury becomes deadly. When Eddie (Bill Skarsgård) breaks into a luxury SUV, he steps into a deadly trap set by William (Anthony Hopkins), a self-proclaimed vigilante delivering his own brand of twisted justice. With no means of escape, Eddie must fight to survive in a ride where escape is an illusion, survival is a nightmare, and justice shifts into high gear.. Vitals: Director: David Yarovesky. Stars: Bill Skarsgard, Anthony Hopkins, Ashley Cartwright, Michael Eklund, Navid Charkhi. CC, MPAA rating: R, 95 min., Action Thriller, Theatrical release date: March 21, 2025, North American box office gross: $1.6 million, worldwide $3.8 million, Streaming date: April 22, 2025, Paramount. Formats: DVD, VOD, Digital.

Vermiglio

(2024 — Italy) In a remote Alpine village, a strict schoolteacher’s family undergoes a profound shift when a mysterious Sicilian soldier arrives fleeing the front lines of World War II. As the seasons change, the family’s three very different daughters will each find their lives transformed. Blending historically grounded realism with painterly grace, Delpero draws from her own family’s history for an at once intimate and momentous vision of a world suspended between the patriarchal past and the stirrings of a new future. Vitals: Director: Maura Delpero. Stars: Tommaso Ragno, Roberta Rovelli,Martina Scrinzi. CC, MPAA rating: NR, 119 min., Action Thriller, Theatrical release date: September 19, 2024 (Italy), December 29, 2024 (USA), North American box office gross: $.216 million, worldwide $3.9 million, Streaming date: March 4, 2025, Janus Contemporaries. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray, VOD, Digital. Read more here.

All DVDs and Blu-rays are screened on a reference system consisting of an 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.