Phantoms [4K UHD, Scream Factory]
What is it? An historic evil rises from the earth.
Why see it? Dean Koontz’s Phantoms was the very first of his novels I ever learn, and it stays a favourite of mine. This adaptation from the 90s ought to have been one thing particular, however as a substitute the Weinsteins made one poor determination after the subsequent leading to some critical miscasting, a weak director, and a few horrible modifying decisions. All of that mentioned, I’m nonetheless a sucker for its charms. Two sisters arrive in a small Colorado city solely to find it empty. Well, empty of life, as our bodies and limbs are strewn about. It appears some form of prehistoric creature, one chargeable for different mass disappearances in historical past, has returned. Elements of The Mist and The Blob aren’t onerous to identify, however the movie finds its personal footing with some strong sensible results, that oddball forged, and a dedication to the very cool setup. It’s a enjoyable time, typically deliberately, different occasions not, and whereas it’s removed from an incredible film, it’s nonetheless one price looking ahead to style followers (or followers of the 90s). It’s not a movie I ever anticipated to see get the 4K UHD therapy, however the people at Scream Factory felt in any other case and have delivered a notable improve right here.
[Extras: New 4K scan, interviews]
The Best
Brokeback Mountain [4K UHD, KL Studio Classics]
What is it? Two males discover love in an surprising place.
Why see it? Ang Lee’s romantic drama is a gorgeous movie with a forged, together with Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Williams, and Anne Hathaway working on the high of their recreation. It received, or was nominated for, quite a few Oscars from the appearing and directing to the script and cinematography. The indisputable fact that it’s additionally a homosexual romance about two cowboys who uncover a love they weren’t anticipating is in the end the bonus right here, as terrific filmmakers convey a love story to the display the likes of which don’t sometimes get this sort of high tier manufacturing. Kino’s new 4K launch highlights the pure great thing about the panorama whereas additionally capturing the emotional craving, affection, and longing on the faces of males who know they’ll’t have what they know they need.
[Extras: New 4K scan, commentary, making of, interviews, featurettes]
Captain Phillips [4K UHD, steelbook]
What is it? A container ship is focused by Somali pirates.
Why see it? Paul Greengrass brings his matter-of-fact movie fashion to the true story of a ship attacked by pirates off the coast of Africa. Tom Hanks is on the helm on-screen, and the movie is a riveting, thrilling, emotionally charged have a look at a harmful assault and the financial impulses that led to it. This is a superb movie, however the lasting affect comes from Hanks’ efficiency all through the movie culminating in one of many rawest, most wrenching sequences an actor has delivered. The hazard has handed, the drama is over, however shock and stress are unforgiving and omnipresent even after the risk has handed. It’s extremely affecting. This new 4K UHD brings the siege to sharp and charming life. Watch out for that steelbook cowl, although, as it’s extremely simple to scratch!
[Extras: Commentary, featurette]
Columbo: The Return 1989-2003 [KL Studio Classics]
What is it? The ultimate twenty-four episodes of Lt. Columbo’s thriller reign.
Why see it? The 70s have been an incredible decade for enjoyable tv reveals with extremely charismatic leads — Columbo, Rockford Files, others in all probability — and Columbo maintained that high quality when it returned within the late 80s. New visitor stars, new mysteries, the identical ol’ Peter Falk delivering magic because the grizzled however sensible Lt. Columbo. This return was stretched throughout the years from 1989 to 2003, twenty-four eps throughout fourteen years, and the enjoyment in watching Falk’s Columbo work together with characters stays as powerfully entertaining as ever. The banter, the cocky killers, the sensible detective work, it’s all right here, and it’s nonetheless an absolute blast. Kino brings all of it residence on Blu with newly remastered episodes from NBC common, and whereas this launch is devoid of extras, it’s a worthy pickup for followers.
[Extras: New 4K remaster]
Invasion of the Body Snatchers [4K UHD, KL Studio Classics]
What is it? The first function adaptation of Jack Finney’s traditional novel.
Why see it? Finney’s story has been tailored quite a few occasions for the massive display — 4 occasions eventually depend, though I could also be lacking one — and whereas the 70s model stays triumphant, this primary stab at it’s nonetheless a winner. Kevin McCarthy takes the lead right here because the voice of motive throughout a refined alien assault, however what do you do when nobody listens to your well-informed ravings? Don Siegel directs, and there’s actual pressure and darkish marvel heading into the third act. Kino’s new 4K captures the black and white images with crispness and shadows hiding the interstellar evils.
[Extras: New 4K scans, commentaries, interview, featurettes]
The Last Stop in Yuma County
What is it? A gaggle of strangers discover themselves caught up in alternative and hazard.
Why see it? This is a nifty little thriller that gives up a enjoyable premise, an eclectic ensemble, and an growing darkness. Jim Cummings is a touring salesman hurting for gross sales, and circumstance has left him hanging out at a smalltown diner when two males contemporary from a theft drop by for a similar motive — the city’s solely fuel station is ready on a supply of fuel. Bad decisions, poor decisions, fortunate breaks, dangerous strikes, and good ol’ likelihood all come into play as all the things goes from staid to worse. It’s only a low-key good time that turns imply in a heartbeat, and we’re fortunate to have it.
[Extras: Commentary, making of]
The Rest
Paternity [KL Studio Classics]
What is it? An avowed bachelor seems to be for a surrogate to hold his baby.
Why see it? Burt Reynolds spent the 70s and 80s bouncing between comedies and difficult man roles, typically even mixing the 2, and he discovered success and failure on either side. This 1981 comedy didn’t precisely set the box-office ablaze, however Reynolds is in his component as a cocky dude, susceptible to wise-cracks and playfulness, who falls in love with the good Beverly D’Angelo. Add in supporting turns by Paul Dooley, Norman Fell, Lauren Hutton, and extra, and it’s an entertaining sufficient time.
[Extras: New 4K scan, commentary]
When Eight Bells Toll [KL Studio Classics]
What is it? An Alistair MacLean adaptation.
Why see it? My favourite adaptation of an Alistair MacLean novel stays 1972’s Fear Is the Key, and that is the movie that got here one yr prior. This can also be nearer to the form of tales most related to the creator, like The Guns of Navarone or Where Eagles Dare. Here it’s Anthony Hopkins as a spy tasked with figuring out and stopping these chargeable for thousands and thousands in gold theft, and whereas some have in contrast this to a James Bond journey, I’d argue it not often feels even shut to 1. This is extra tough and prepared, fast to the punch and throw however devoid of the personalities, locales, and gadgetry that sometimes make up a Bond. It’s nonetheless a mildly good time, although, due to Hopkins and the final sense that somebody new is ready to be punched on their ass simply across the nook.
[Extras: Commentary]
Also out this week:
Black God White Devil [Criterion], Monk – Season Eight, Perfect Days [Criterion], Rocky: Ultimate Knockout Collection [4K UHD], Yvonne’s Perfume
