(2024) Inspired by the hit 1980s TV series. He's a stuntman, and like everyone in the stunt community, he gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows and dropped from the highest of heights, all for our entertainment. And now, fresh off an almost career-ending accident, this working-class hero has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life while still doing his day job. What could possibly go right?Vitals: Director: David Leitch. Stars: Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hannah Waddingham, Teresa Palmer, Stephanie Hsu, Winston Duke.
CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 126 min., Action Thriller, North American box office gross: $90.9 million, worldwide $172.5 million, Universal.Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Code, 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Combo + Digital Code, VOD, Digital. Extras: Theatrical cut and Extended cut of the film with 20 minutes of additional footage featuring more action, more laughs and more stunts; gag reel; alternate takes; "Stunts on Stunts: Breaking Down the Action": five breathtaking breakdowns; "Making a Meta Masterpiece" behind the scenes in Australia; "How to Break a World Record"; "Nightclub Mayhem"; "The Art of Doubling"; "Making Metalstorm": 'The Fall Guy's' film within the film; "Falling for The Fall Guy With Bob Reese"; feature commentary with director/producer David Leitch and producer Kelly McCormick.
Read more here.
The Strangers - Chapter 1
(2024) After their car breaks down in an eerie small town, a young couple (Madelaine Petsch and Froy Gutierrez) are forced to spend the night in a remote cabin. Panic ensues as they are terrorized by three masked strangers who strike with no mercy and seemingly no motive. Vitals: Director: Renny Harlin. Stars: Madelaine Petsch, Froy Gutierrez.
CC, MPAA rating: R, 91 min., Action Thriller, Theatrical release date: May 17, 2024, North American box office gross: $35.202 million, worldwide $42.932 million, Lionsgate.Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Code, 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Combo + Digital Code, VOD, Digital.
Read more here.
Back to Black
(2024) The extraordinary story of Amy Winehouse’s (Marisa Abela) early rise to fame from her early days in Camden through the making of her groundbreaking album, "Back To Black", that catapulted Winehouse to global fame. Told through Amy’s eyes and inspired by her deeply personal lyrics, the film explores and embraces the many layers of the iconic artist and the tumultuous love story at the center of one of the most legendary albums of all time. A celebration of the most iconic - and much missed - homegrown star of the 21st century. Painting a vivid, vibrant picture of the Camden streets she called home and capturing the struggles of global fame, the film honors Amy's artistry, wit, and honesty, as well as trying to understand her demons. An unflinching look at the modern celebrity machine and a powerful tribute to a once-in-a-generation talent.
Vitals: Director: Sam Taylor-Johnson. Stars: Marisa Abela, Jack O’Connell, Eddie Marsan, Lesley Manville.
CC, MPAA rating: R, 122 min., BioDrama, North American box office gross: $6.157 million, worldwide $50.496 million, Universal.Formats: DVD, Blu-ray + Digital Code, VOD, Digital. Extras: "Transforming Into an Icon"; "Music as the Heartbeat"; feature commentary with director Sam Taylor-Johnson.
Read more here.
Top Disc Releases Next Week
•The First Omen •I Saw the TV Glow •The Nico Mastorakis Collection [Limited Edition] •Red LIne 7000 (1965) •Sting (2024 -- Australia)
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire: The Spengler family returns to where it all started – the iconic New York City firehouse – to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who’ve developed a top-secret research lab. But when the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age. (Digital, VOD only: May 7; DVD, Blu-ray release: June 25; Netflix July 22)
July 23
Bad Boys: Ride or Die: When their late police captain gets linked to drug cartels, wisecracking Miami cops Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett embark on a dangerous mission to clear his name. (Digital sales, VOD only)
July 26
Knox Goes Away: Michael Keaton delivers a stunning performance in this unpredictable thriller following a hit man attempting to make amends before his recently discovered dementia takes over. (Digital sales: May 21; VOD, Blu-ray release: May 28; Max July 26)
July 29
Challengers: Tashi, a former tennis prodigy turned coach, turned her husband into a champion. But to overcome a losing streak, he needs to face his ex-best friend and Tashi's ex-boyfriend. (DVD, Blu-ray release: July 9; MGM+ July 29)
July 30
The Abandon: A wounded soldier awakens in a strange cube that tests his physical and mental limits as he attempts to find a way to escape against a ticking clock. (Digital sales, VOD only)
The Bohemian: Looking for work as a violinist, Josef Myslivecek, the most celebrated Czech composer of the 18th century, comes into the orbit of a rich young woman, who introduces him to a hedonistic existence free from religious intolerance. (Digital sales, VOD only)
Catching Fire: The Story of Anita Pallenberg: This intimate documentary reveals the story of a fierce rock 'n' roller, actress, rock muse and mother who rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. (Digital sales, VOD only)
Daddio: A woman taking a cab ride from JFK engages in a conversation with the taxi driver about the important relationships in their lives. (Digital sales, VOD only)
Ghostlight: When a construction worker unexpectedly joins a local theater's production of "Romeo and Juliet," the drama onstage starts to mirror his own life. (Digital sales, VOD; AMC+ August 30)
A Quiet Place: Day One: A prequel detailing the origin of the creatures in "A Quiet Place": A young woman named Sam finds herself trapped in New York City during the early stages of an invasion by alien creatures with ultra-sensitive hearing. (Digital sales, VOD only)
August 1
The Beast: In the near future where emotions have become a threat, Gabrielle finally decides to purify her DNA in a machine that will immerse her in her previous lives and rid her of any strong feelings. (Criterion Channel)
(2023 -- Germany) Director Wim Wenders has created a hypnotic portrait of Anselm Kiefer, one of the most innovative and important painters and sculptors of our time. Shot in 6K resolution, and presented theatrically and on Blu-ray in 3D, the film presents an immersive cinematic experience of the German artist’s work, which explores the overawing beauty of human existence, landscape, and myth while confronting the horrors of his country’s history and seeking to undo the postwar silence in which both artist and director came of age. Through archival footage, biographical scenes, and direct access to his subject at work, Wenders traces the arc of Kiefer’s career, provoking an engagement with creativity through the senses, the intellect, and the spirit. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray. (Janus Contemporaries).
Arcadian
(2024) Nicolas Cage, Jaeden Martell, Maxwell Jenkins, Sadie Soverall, Samantha Coughlan. In a near future, normal life on Earth has been decimated. Paul and his two sons, Thomas and Joseph, have been living a half-life – tranquility by day and torment by night. Every night, after the sun sets, they face the unrelenting attacks of a mysterious and violent evil. One day, when Thomas doesn't return home before sundown, Paul must leave the safety of their fortified farm to find him. A nightmarish battle ensues that forces the family to execute a desperate plan to survive. When Paul is nearly killed, the boys come up with a plan for survival, using everything their father taught them to keep him alive.
Formats: DVD, Blu-ray, VOD, Digital. Extras: Visual effects behind the scenes, interviews with cast and crew. (RLJ). Read more here
Back to Black
(2024) Marisa Abela, Jack O’Connell, Eddie Marsan, Lesley Manville. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time.
Formats: DVD, Blu-ray + Digital Code, VOD, Digital. Extras: "Transforming Into an Icon"; "Music as the Heartbeat"; feature commentary with director Sam Taylor-Johnson. (Universal).
The Crippled Masters
(1979 -- Hong Kong) An unusual Kung Fu film from the grindhouse era, it was originally released internationally in Mandarin in 1979 as "Tian cán dì que," later released in the U.S. in 1982. Known for its inventive fight scenes, the film led to two sequels. Directed by Chi Lo aka Joe Law, the film tells the story of two martial arts artists, one who has lost both arms and the other who has lost both legs, as they seek revenge against the villainous master who disabled them. Portrayed by Sung-Chuan Shen aka Jackie Conn and Chao-Ming Kang aka Frankie Shum -- who in real-life are martial arts artists with disabilities -- they endure rigorous training, forming a deep bond as they rely on resourcefulness and determination to master their unique fighting styles ... and to avoid challenges from other martial artists and the master’s henchman. Also starring Li Chung Keng, Chen Mu Chuan and Ho Chiu. Newly restored from original 35mm archival elements.
Formats: DVD, Blu-ray. Extras: New documentary, from Ballyhoo Motion Pictures: "Kings of Kung Fu: Releasing the Legends," narrated by author/researcher Chris Poggiali; original raw scan of the film; before/after examples of restoration; liner notes provided by disability advocate Lawrence Carter-Long; commentary by Will Sloan and Justin Decloux of The Important Cinema Club; a compilation of Kung Fu trailersfrom Something Weird Video; a recut of the original theatrical trailer from restored elements; an original raw theatrical trailer; and a Mandarin-language track. (Film Masters).
The Double Crossers
(1976 -- Hong Kong) Following his late father’s murder, police officer Detective Lung (Shin Il-ryong) discovers that both of his parents were involved in a smuggling ring – and that his father was killed by its leader, a violent criminal now living in Hong Kong under the name Wang (Chao Hsiung). Determined to avenge his father’s death, Lung resigns from the police force to take matters into his own hands. Teaming up with a smuggler who was once a close friend and partner-in-crime to his parents, Chang (Chen Sing), Lung heads for Hong Kong and sets about drawing Wang into a trap. Also features the legendary Sammo Hung. On Blu-ray in its worldwide debut from a brand new 2K restoration, with an initial print run of 2000 copies. Includes the original Hong Kong theatrical cut and the international export cut. Formats: Blu-ray. Extras: Brand new audio commentary on the Hong Kong theatrical version by East Asian film expert Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival); brand new audio commentary on the export version by action cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema; reversible sleeve featuring original poster artwork; trailer; limited edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by James Oliver. (Eureka Entertainment/MVD Entertainment).
The Fall Guy Extended Cut
(2024) Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hannah Waddingham, Teresa Palmer, Stephanie Hsu, Winston Duke. Ryan Gosling stars as Colt Seavers, a battle-scarred stuntman who is drafted back into service after a near-career ending accident when Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson, the star of a mega-budget studio movie—being directed by Colt’s ex, Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt) goes missing. Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Code, 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Combo + Digital Code, VOD, Digital. Extras: Theatrical cut and Extended cut of the film with 20 minutes of additional footage featuring more action, more laughs and more stunts; gag reel; alternate takes; "Stunts on Stunts: Breaking Down the Action": five breathtaking breakdowns; "Making a Meta Masterpiece" behind the scenes in Australia; "How to Break a World Record"; "Nightclub Mayhem"; "The Art of Doubling"; "Making Metalstorm": 'The Fall Guy's' film within the film; "Falling for The Fall Guy With Bob Reese"; feature commentary with director/producer David Leitch and producer Kelly McCormick.
(Universal). Read more here.
Farewell My Concubine
(1993 -- China) A breathtakingly intimate romance unfolds against a sweeping backdrop of social upheaval in renowned director Chen Kaige’s sumptuous saga of passion, fate, and the transcendent possibilities of art. Spanning 50 years of 20-century Chinese history, "Farewell My Concubine" follows aspiring actors Dieyi (a heartbreaking Leslie Cheung) and Xiaolou (Zhang Fengyi) as they emerge from a childhood of brutal training to become Beijing-opera stars, with life mirroring art as Dieyi’s unrequited love for Xiaolou and the country’s changing political tides engulf them in their own personal tragedies of jealousy and betrayal. The first Chinese film to win the Palme d’Or is epic filmmaking of the highest order -- visually and emotionally ravishing from frame to exquisite frame.
Formats: 4K UHD + Blu-ray, Blu-ray, with New 4K digital restoration of the original director’s cut, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack. Extras:Read more here. (The Criterion Collection).
Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part Three
(2024) Based on DC’s iconic comic book limited series "Crisis on Infinite Earths" by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, the DC Super Heroes from across the multiverse join in the action-packed conclusion of the three-part DC animated film "Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths." The film brings to a close the thrilling trilogy that marks the end to the Tomorrowverse story arc. Now fully revealed as the ultimate threat to existence, the ANTI-MONITOR wages an unrelenting attack on the surviving Earths that struggle for survival in a pocket universe. One-by-one, these worlds and all their inhabitants are vaporized. On the planets that remain, even time itself is shattered and heroes from the past join the Justice League and their rag-tag allies against the epitome of evil. But as they make their last stand, will the sacrifice of the superheroes be enough to save us all?
Formats: Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD Steelbook, VOD, Digital. Extras: "A Multiverse of Inspiration"; "Jon and John: Stewart and Constantine." (Warner).
The Linguini Incident
(1992) David Bowie, Rosanna Arquette, Marlee Matlin, Buck Henry, Eszter Balint, Andre Gregory, Viveca Lindfors, James Avery, Maura Tierney. A romantic caper about a perennially underpaid waitress named Lucy (Arquette) and Monte (Bowie), a mysterious, charming (and very in debt) bartender. Lucy is seriously in need of cash and Monte needs to marry someone, anyone, by the end of the week ... or else. Together they join forces — along with Lucy’s lingerie designing best friend, Viv (Balint) — to rob their terminally hip New York City restaurant and solve their financial woes. However these three are far from master criminals and they soon learn that in robberies, as in love, things never go as planned. High Definition (1080p) presentation of the director’s cut in 1.78:1 (struck from a brand new 4K transfer from film interpositive). Original theatrical version (SD, 98:00). Formats: DVD, Blu-ray. Extras: Introduction by director Richard Shepard; commentary with Shepard, actors Rosanna Arquette and Eszter Balint, co-producer Sarah Jackson and co-screenwriter Tamar Brott, moderated by “Cereal at Midnight’s” Heath Holland; commentary by Shepard; “The Making of The Linguini Incident” full length documentary; photo gallery with commentary by Shepard; 2024 theatrical trailer; original theatrical trailer; reversible artwork; booklet with essays from film historian Graham Rinaldi and director Richard Shepard. (First Pressing Only); limited edition slipcover (First Pressing Only). (MVD Marquee Collection).
Risky Business
(1983) A sly piece of pop subversion, this irresistible satire of Reagan-era materialism features Tom Cruise in his star-is-born breakthrough as a Chicago suburban prepster whose college-bound life spirals out of control when his parents go out of town for the week and an enterprising call girl (Rebecca De Mornay) invites him to walk on the wild side. While Cruise boogying in his briefs yielded one of the most iconic pop-cultural moments of the 1980s, it is the film’s unexpected mix of tender romance (enhanced by a moody synth score by Tangerine Dream) and sharp-witted capitalist critique that remains fresh and daring.
Formats: 4K UHD + Blu-ray, Blu-ray, with new 4K digital restorations of the director’s cut and the original theatrical release, supervised and approved by director Paul Brickman and producer Jon Avnet, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks.
One 4K UHD disc of the film presented in Dolby Vision HDR and one Blu-ray with the film and special features. Extras:Read more here. (The Criterion Collection).
The Strangers - Chapter 1
(2024) Madelaine Petsch, Froy Gutierrez. After their car breaks down in an eerie small town, a young couple (Petsch and Gutierrez) are forced to spend the night in a remote cabin. Panic ensues as they are terrorized by three masked strangers who strike with no mercy and seemingly no motive Formats: DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Code, 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Combo + Digital Code, VOD, Digital. (Lionsgate). Read more here.
DVD
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