At long last, Michael Mann's iconic crime saga comes to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray with a new sequel novel on August 9th, 2022
Al Pacino and Robert De Niro dually power the momentum and large scale of this groundbreaking film written and directed by Michael Mann. In the wake of a precision heist of an armored truck, an obsessive detective (Pacino) begins to hunt ruthless, professional thief Neil McCauley (De Niro) through the streets of Los Angeles. As the stakes escalate, their lives begin to mirror and unravel, and McCauley’s crew initiates its most dangerous and complex heist. Co-starring Val Kilmer, Tom Sizemore, Ashley Judd, Amy Brenneman, Diane Venora, Natalie Portman, and Jon Voight, Heat delivers hard-hitting action, gripping suspense, and stunning performances.
The 4K UHD Blu-ray edition does not appear to include Dolby Atmos and all of the supplements seem to be previously released features from the Blu-ray.
However, on August 9, Heat 2 -- Michael Mann's first novel -- will be published telling "an original story woven from the lives of the characters in Heat, both before and after the events depicted in the movie."
[UPDATED]
Best Buy was a little slow to the announcement but they're also offering up their own SteelBook for this release:
Order your copy now and here is the full press release:
.
LOS ANGELES, CA (June 8, 2022) – Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino and Michael Mann will reunite at this year’s Tribeca Festival for the first public premiere of the new 4K Ultra HD version of Mann’s 1995 classic, Heat.
The film’s stars, along with writer-director Michael Mann and producer Art Linson, will attend the screening on June 17 which will be followed by an on-stage conversation, moderated by journalist and filmmaker Bilge Ebiri. For more information please visit www.tribecafilm.com.
This special screening celebrates the release on August 9 of the 20th Century Studios film on 4K Ultra HD Disc for the first time. The remastered film includes previously released audio commentary with Director Michael Mann, Q&As, deleted scenes and more extras.
Also on August 9, Mann’s first novel, Heat 2, which tells an original story woven from the lives of the characters in Heat, both before and after the events depicted in the movie, will be published.
Film Synopsis
Al Pacino and Robert De Niro dually power the momentum and large scale of this groundbreaking film written and directed by Michael Mann. In the wake of a precision heist of an armored truck, an obsessive detective (Pacino) begins to hunt ruthless, professional thief Neil McCauley (De Niro) through the streets of Los Angeles. As the stakes escalate, their lives begin to mirror and unravel, and McCauley’s crew initiates its most dangerous and complex heist. Co-starring Val Kilmer, Tom Sizemore, Ashley Judd, Amy Brenneman, Diane Venora, Natalie Portman and Jon Voight, Heat delivers hard-hitting action, gripping suspense and stunning performances.
Bonus Features
4K Ultra HD
Blu-ray Disc One
Bonus Blu-ray Disc Two
Cast
Robert De Niro as Neil McCauley
Al Pacino as Lt. Vincent Hanna
Val Kilmer as Chris Shiherlis
Jon Voight as Nate
Tom Sizemore as Michael Cheritto
Diane Venora as Justine
Amy Brenneman as Eady
Ashley Judd as Charlene Shiherlis
Directed by
Michael Mann
Executive Producers
Pieter Jan Brugge
Arnon Milchan
Produced by
Michael Mann
Art Linson
Screenplay by
Michael Mann
Music by
Elliot Goldenthal
Product Specifications
Street Date
Physical: August 9
Product SKU
Physical: 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack 3 Discs (4K UHD + Blu-ray + Blu-ray Bonus Disc + Digital Code)
Feature Run Time
Approx. 170 minutes
Rating
U.S. Rated R
* For violence and language
Aspect Ratio
Physical: 2.40:1
U.S. Audio
4K Ultra HD: English 5.1 DTS-HDMA, French 5.1 DTS Digital Surround, Spanish 2.0 Dolby Digital
U.S. Subtitles
4K Ultra HD: English SDH, Spanish, French
The week after a holiday always feels like a ho-hum business as usual slow week to me, but a lot is happening with new releases and announcements, so it really is not business as usual. The Summer movie season has kicked off, Top Gun: Maverick appears to be incredible with Imax 4DV or whatever it's called being the ultimate experience. What is this 4th element, smell?
Welcome to Volume 3 Episode 3 of our weekly release guide. A look at the highlights of what's coming to disc this week, as well as a look at announcements from last week.
Before we start with domestic releases, as I mentioned last week in my mini-rant, a lot of titles are getting gift sets or other deluxe releases overseas. Zavvi is offering an Exclusive SteelBook release of The Untouchables with a Monday release, the U.S. release last week was pretty basic. It's not as elaborate as some of the overseas releases, but it does add some swag pertinent to the film.
This week there are two New Releases in the 4K disc category, an action/thriller from Paramount titled The Contractor starring Chris Pine. And no, he's not a drywall or other such contractor, check out the synopsis.
And from Universal, the norse movie titled The Northman. This one got a street date literally at the last second. Zavvi UK also has a SteelBook for this film releasing in July, if you prefer to go that route.
The rest of this category is dominated by catalog titles, but in a way they're all considered "double-dips." First a pair of SteelBook releases, Lawrence of Arabia and The Bridge on the River Kwai. When the latter came out I was not overly impressed with the cover art they went with, I am not sure what to think on the latest cover seen here either.
Each studio has their own franchise or franchises they release over and over again. In this case I'm referring to Universal and the Jason Bourne franchise. The Bourne Complete Collection this week comes as a standard edition and as a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook. As to whether this set offers anything new, I am not sure. There's been unsubstantiated claims of new transfers, but there wasn't anything wrong with the previous ones, so I doubt that claim is true.
For the month of June, this week looks to be the busiest week for blu-ray releases. Blu-ray counterparts to the 4K titles above, that would be The Contractor from Paramount, and The Northman from Universal.
Warner Archive Collection brings us a Judy Garland triple play with a drama/romance The Clock, a musical/romance titled For Me and My Gal, which also stars Gene Kelly and Ziegfeld Girl, which also stars James Stewart.
From the Warner Bros. label, Eraser: Reborn, which seems similarly based on the original Eraser movie.
Anime highlights this week include 5 Centimeters Per Second, BEM: Become Human - Movie, BTOOOM! Complete Collection, Children Who Chase Lost Voices, One Piece: Season Eleven - Voyage Eight, Only Yesterday, The Place Promised in Our Early Days and The Tale of The Princess Kaguya.
More TV on disc with La Brea: Season One from Universal.
Catalog titles from Paramount include Kinky Boots (2005), The Mexican, Pretty in Pink, She's Having a Baby, Some Kind of Wonderful and The Weather Man.
Criterion has a single release this week, a musical/romance titled The Tales of Hoffmann.
LionsGate's action release of the week is Fortress: Sniper's Eye. It is a followup to the movie Fortress, which was actually a pretty decent movie for its genre.
MVD Rewind Collection brings us The Fabulous Baker Boys, a well known movie from '89. Also an all star comedy from 1997, Highball.
Honorable Mention: Kino Lorber is releasing the next Film Noir Collection, this one is Film Noir: The Dark Side of Cinema VII, which includes the films The Boss, Chicago Confidential and The Fearmakers.
Shout Factory has announced the next batch of titles among their various labels. For Scream Factory, Child's Play, Child's Play 2 and Child's Play 3 all get 4K combo releases on August 16th. You could go all in and get the set available from Shout Factory's store which comes with a NECA figure and other swag. The Shout Factory label is offering The Bionic Woman: The Complete Series on August 30th, no doubt to go with the Six-Million Dollar Man set you would have bought in July. The Shout Select label has Red Dawn (1984) coming to 4K combo pack on August 16th. Also, blu-rays of Last Days In The Desert on August 2nd, Learning To Drive and A Walk In The Woods on August 30th. The GKIDS partner label has Belle coming to 4K Collector's Edition on August 30th. No word on region coding on this one, hopefully they got enough flak for region locking Weathering With You.
LionsGate has been busy as well. Mid-Century will be arriving on blu-ray on July 26th. For previously released films now getting a 4K upgrade in mid to late July, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, The Kid and Primal. It's becoming a theme that if we see a 4K release a few months later, it's absent a slipcover. I recently got Malignant 4K from Warner and Fatale from LionsGate, no slips.
Which titles are you buying this week? Which ones are on your wishlist, be it to buy as an impulse buy or to wait for the right price?
From revenge-riddled Vikings to memable superheroes to undead patriots to Nicolas Cage - June is a stacked month for great 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays
May was a stacked month for exciting new and catalog releases on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. When you have so many coming out all at once - with several on the same day - we're still trying to catch up with reviews! Just because May was stacked doesn't mean June is going to take it easy on our review staff or our wallets! The only relief we're getting is some titles that would have come out this month got pushed into July, but that just means July is going to be even crazier than it was. So let's jump into this exciting mess of titles and see what's coming our way. Once again, I'd like to take everyone who pre-orders their pickups through our links. They really do go a long way towards keeping our little operation up and running. Without further ado...
June 7th, 2022 - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Releases
Most months start out a bit slow and ramp-up to a crushing final week, but not this time. June comes firing strong right out of the gate with a variety of exciting new and catalog releases.
June 14th, 2022 - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Releases
Things slow down considerably this week giving collectors a little bit of a breather. This week sees only two major theatrical releases that were dramatic under-performers, one of which has become an internet meme sensation to the point the studio is now actually trying a second theatrical release ahead of its arrival on digital and physical media. As for re-releases, one fan-favorite title gets a good and proper SteelBook featuring the original poster art.
June 21st, 2022 - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Releases
After a slower week, things pick back up again for a full range of popular new, classic, and cult classic favorites.
June 28th, 2022 - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Releases
For the final week of June we have a ton of great titles hitting the shelves ranging from two new excellent catalog titles from Kino Lorber Studio Classics to the latest from the Wizarding World to a fan-favorite romantic thriller finally getting a U.S. release
And that covers it for U.S. domestic 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray domestic releases for the month of June, 2022. Perhaps not as exhausting as May, but it's going to be nice as we head into July and all the titles that are dropping in the middle of summer. Now there are a few import titles hitting this month we hope to cover, but with shipping time and customs delays those reviews may not come in right on street date. If any of titles in this list get bumped to a later date or if there are any last-second additions, we'll update this article ASAP.
Thanks again for those pre-orders!
A chase across the face of Mount Rushmore. A massive flock of vicious birds perched upon a playground jungle gym poised for attack. A frantic pursuit to the top of the Statue of Liberty. A crazed, knife-wielding maniac ripping open a shower curtain. A wheelchair-bound man with a broken leg peering into the rear windows of his tenement neighbors through a camera’s telephoto lens. A woman clutching the key to a notorious wine cellar where Nazi secrets may be hidden. An assassin escaping a rain-soaked murder scene amid a sea of jostling umbrellas. A merry-go-round kicked into high gear that spins off its axis while terrified fair-goers flee. A desperate man chasing the object of his desire up the narrow staircase of a church bell tower while battling the debilitating symptoms of vertigo. These are just a handful of iconic images crafted by the Master of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock.
Elegant and sophisticated, clever and witty, yet always accessible and relatable, Hitchcock fashioned countless thrillers over the course of a career that spanned six decades. He chronicled espionage, murder, blackmail, psychosis, obsession, political intrigue, and bizarre phenomena all while pushing the cinematic envelope with innovative sight and sound techniques that enhance his arresting style. Sensual romances, risqué innuendoes, and dark yearnings also pepper his films. Along with his trademark MacGuffins, such titillations are essential distractions that add to the fun and make his stories more human. Sexual tension complements the other myriad tensions coursing through Hitchcock’s pictures and it’s often just as delectable as the nail-biting moments that make us squirm.
Since I joined the High-Def Digest staff in 2009, I’ve reviewed 27 Hitchcock movies for the site. That’s about half of the legendary director’s feature film output. While a few Hitchcock pictures have yet to make their Blu-ray debut (Sabotage, Secret Agent, Young and Innocent, and Mr. and Mrs. Smith chief among them), we’re blessed to have the bulk of Hitchcock's cinematic canon in high definition, as well as nine movies in 4K UHD, and one title in its native 3D. Not all of them are classics, but even Hitchcock’s misfires have merits and are just as fascinating to watch, assess, and analyze as his more renowned works.
The following list, though, isn’t about Hitchcock's failures, also-rans, guilty pleasures, and undiscovered gems. It’s about the crème-de-la-crème of Hitchcock in the home video realm. Below you’ll find a few quick takes on the best looking and the best sounding Hitchcock thrillers in 1080p and 2160p. First and foremost, this is an HD and 4K UHD list. If one of your favorite Hitchcock masterworks didn't make the cut, it's not because it isn't worthy artistically; it's because another Hitchcock masterwork boasts better picture and audio quality...at least to my eyes and ears. I've only singled out five movies, but all of them define this brilliant craftsman who not only produced some of the most exciting and entertaining motion pictures of all time, but also advanced the medium’s artistry through his creatIve vision and fluency in the nuanced language of film.
Let’s sample five of this master baker’s most delicious creations that look good enough to eat…and sound great, too.
When I reviewed the first 4K UHD Alfred Hitchcock Classics Collection in 2020, I called Vertigo “the crown jewel” of the set, and it remains the most breathtaking home video presentation of a Hitchcock film to date. The movie itself isn’t bad either. Vertigo may not rank as my favorite Hitchcock film (although it’s definitely up there), but I believe it to be the director’s finest. A masterpiece of mood, mystery, and slow-burn suspense, Vertigo casts a mesmerizing spell, and its equally hypnotic HDR10 transfer faithfully renders Robert Burks’ lush, colorful VistaVision cinematography that - believe it or not - is even more gorgeous than Kim Novak herself.
As I wrote in my review, “Provocative themes, shocking twists and turns, impeccable craftsmanship, inventive imagery, finely etched performances, overarching lyricism, and tension that grows ever tauter as the narrative progresses...all those key components of Hitchcock's best works are here. Vertigo, though, ramps them up to the same dizzying heights that force retired police detective John "Scottie" Ferguson (James Stewart) to succumb to the title affliction. Like Scottie, viewers often feel a bit disoriented and imbalanced while watching Vertigo, and that's part of the film's allure, along with the obligatory icy Hitchcock Blonde (portrayed by an aloof, enigmatic, and magnetic Kim Novak), who achieves mythic status in this defining production.”
The particulars of the plot, as intriguing as they may be, really don’t matter. The disturbing underlying themes are what fuel the Vertigo narrative and Hitchcock’s stylish, often brash presentation. Beauty, at least in this film, is only skin deep, and Hitchcock takes that adage and runs with it, crafting serene, seductive, picture-perfect images that hide the deceptions and nefarious motives lurking underneath. Obsession, transformation, guilt, and burning desire swirl around this noir-ish tale of a damaged detective who falls down a rabbit hole after agreeing to tail a rich man’s mentally unbalanced wife. Hitchcock pulls out all the stops in this operatic opus that features stunning San Francisco locations, striking photographic effects, and a memorable chase up the steep steps of a claustrophobic church bell tower.
The video transfer has to be seen to be believed. Eye-popping color, seamless special effects, razor-sharp close-ups, and a glorious film-like feel are just a few of its joys, and though the DTS:X audio track won’t blow the roof off your house, it deftly honors this quiet film and Bernard Herrmann’s marvelous score. A bunch of great extras also enhance the disc, which is now available as a stand-alone release in both standard and steelbook packaging. I said it in 2020 and I’ll say it again: “Vertigo is one heady movie, and as Hitchcock spins his tangled yarn, he makes us dizzy...with delight.”
If I had to pick one Hitchcock flick that completely defines the director and reflects everything he has brought to the cinematic table over the course of his illustrious career, it would have to be North by Northwest. No contest, no discussion, a no-brainer. Other Hitchcock films may have more cachet, more notoriety, more gravitas, but this breathlessly paced, consistently thrilling concoction is hands-down the most fun.
So many memorable elements… Of course, tanned, debonair Cary Grant rushing into a desolate Indiana cornfield to evade a deadly crop-dusting plane intent on gunning him down tops the list, but the climactic chase across the treacherous face of Mount Rushmore - as preposterous as it is - ranks a close second. Then there’s the crackling sexual chemistry and titillating banter between Grant and the Hitchcock blonde du jour Eva Marie Saint, whose duplicitous portrayal drips with icy-hot allure; the suave villainy of the mellifluous James Mason; Martin Landau as a silent, hulking henchman; Bernard Herrmann’s dramatic and playful score... The list goes on and on.
As I wrote in my original review 13 years ago, “When screenwriter Ernest Lehman first began collaborating with the Master of Suspense, he aspired to create ‘the Hitchcock picture to end all Hitchcock pictures,’ and many would agree North by Northwest is just that. The quintessential chase film, a blueprint for the modern action epic, and Hitchcock's personal homage to himself, this captivating transcontinental pursuit smoothly combines suspense, thrills, comedy, romance, and intrigue, and presents them with all the elegant artistry and brash innovation that has made Hitchcock one of cinema's most esteemed and admired directors.” Though I love many Hitchcock films for many different reasons, I would definitely choose North by Northwest as my desert island Hitchcock flick.
The fine grain structure, bold colors, and enhanced clarity of VistaVision make North by Northwest a Blu-ray natural, and Warner Home Video’s splashy restoration maximizes the impact of the process’ myriad attributes. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track immerses us in all the action (the bass boom when the crop-dusting plane hits the tanker truck is thunderous), and a sizable supplemental package sweetens the deal. The beautiful 50th Anniversary digibook edition is still available (albeit with a hefty price tag), but there’s also a disc-only release that fits everyone’s budget.
The shower. The stairs. The fruit cellar. Mother. Psycho is without a doubt Hitchcock’s most famous - and frightening - film, a low-budget tour de force that flipped the thriller genre on its ear and spawned the modern slasher flick. What starts as a brooding, atmospheric portrait of a woman on the run takes a hairpin turn the moment Janet Leigh steps into the shower, turns on the water, and confronts her wigged (and wigged-out) knife-wielding assailant. Psycho shocked audiences when it premiered in 1960, and though it’s tame when compared to the gory horror fare of today, it can still scare the bejesus out of you.
Especially in 4K UHD. Though John L. Russell’s gritty, naturalistic black-and-white cinematography doesn’t scream 2160p splendor, the terrific clarity and contrast of the HDR10 transfer makes Psycho more immersive and creepy than ever before, while remaining true to the film’s modest roots. Add a dynamite DTS:X track that makes full use of all the speakers during the torrential rain scenes and heightens the impact of Bernard Herrmann’s deliciously screechy score, and you’ve got the definitive home video presentation of this Hitchcock masterwork. A few snippets of cut footage add extra appeal to this release that includes all the supplements from the 50th anniversary Blu-ray edition. Like Vertigo, Psycho is also available in both stand-alone and steelbook editions.
As I wrote in my 2020 review, “Psycho is remembered as a physically violent film, marked by brutal slayings in the shower and on the stairs, and for its climactic chamber of horrors twist. Yet those three scenes comprise less than three minutes of the picture's 109-minute running time and feature surprisingly little gore. (Hitchcock's genius lies in his ability to make us think we see more than we actually do.) Sure, they leave an indelible impression, but they can't quite overshadow the more intriguing and complex psychological studies of both Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) and Marion Crane (Leigh), whose paths coincidentally and fatefully cross one dark and stormy night. That's where the true allure of Psycho lies, and Hitchcock expertly develops those characters so we identify and empathize with them. He also sprinkles in some welcome bits of ghoulish humor to take the edge off, and frames it all with his patented visual artistry. A close-up of an eye peering through a hole in the wall, reflections representing duality and duplicity, high and low angle shots altering perspective and enhancing a sense of unease…Hitchcock delicately and seamlessly weaves them into his fabric so we're only marginally aware of his technique.”
Perkins had as much trouble shedding the skin of Norman Bates as Norman had freeing himself from his domineering mother, but that’s only because his finely etched, nuanced portrayal is so riveting. Though he would allow Norman to consume him later in his career in a series of entertaining - if misguided - sequels, Perkins could never top his original performance, which was criminally denied a Best Actor Oscar nomination. Leigh, who reportedly never took a shower again after she completed her scenes, got a well-deserved Best Supporting Actress nod for her terrific work, which stands the test of time and becomes more fascinating and dimensional each time I see the film.
Often imitated but never equaled, Psycho remains a crazy-good chiller that never loses its edge, no matter how often we revisit it. As I wrote in 2020, it’s “unique among Hitchcock films in its tone, execution, and look…[and] it's a movie to watch, enjoy, study, and scrutinize over and over again.”
I love the Hitchcock blondes, but there’s a reason the Master of Suspense cast the brunette Ingrid Bergman in three of his films over a four-year period in the late 1940s. Aside from her breathtaking beauty (always an important attribute to Hitchcock), Bergman is a great actress. I’d even go so far as to say she’s the best actress Hitchcock worked with during his long career. Grace Kelly and Tippi Hedren may be the Hitchcock poster girls, but Bergman brings heart and soul, flesh and blood, and sweat and tears to her Hitchcock heroines. In Hitch’s artificial world of action, intrigue, and murder, she’s often the one real element.
Bergman could play anything - good girl, bad girl, saint, seductress, victim, patriot - and she plays them all in Notorious, one of Hitchcock’s most fully realized, suspenseful, and elegantly crafted motion pictures. Vertigo may be Hitchcock’s most hypnotic film, Psycho may be the scariest, North by Northwest the most action-packed, but Notorious just might be the most perfect of all Hitchcock productions. Edgy, romantic, taut, sexy, substantive, and brimming with artistry and lyricism, Notorious grabs you from the first frame and holds you until that brilliant humdinger of an ending.
Cary Grant, who never looked more dashing or filed a more surly performance, portrays Devlin, a cynical government agent who enlists the services of Alicia Huberman (Bergman), the “notorious” daughter of a convicted Nazi spy, to go undercover and expose a ring of exiled Nazi conspirators in Rio de Janeiro. The plot sounds straightforward, but Ben Hecht’s literate, Oscar-nominated script focuses on the tangled relationships and myriad psychological conflicts that add complexity and spice to the story. Love vs. duty is a central theme, and issues of trust, jealousy, guilt, manipulation, and self-loathing - as well as a fascinating Oedipal relationship - fuel the film, but there’s plenty of agonizing tension, crackling sexual chemistry, and illicit deeds, too.
Hitchcock delivers one dynamite scene after another. In addition to the justifiably famous, lengthy zoom shot that begins on the second floor of a mansion and ends on an extreme close-up of Bergman’s hand fidgeting with a key, there’s the breathlessly tense wine cellar sequence, a telephone conversation that’s gotta be one of the sexiest things I’ve ever seen on screen, several disorienting camera angles, and a climax that ranks among the most memorable - and quietest - in Hitchcock history. All that plus Grant, Bergman, the Oscar-nominated supporting work of the marvelous Claude Rains (it’s such a shame Hitchcock didn’t use him in any of his other pictures), and a virtuoso turn by Madame Konstantin, the film’s Machiavellian Madame Defarge.
Criterion’s 2019 Blu-ray outclasses the previous 2012 MGM release with a beautiful 4K restoration that’s largely drawn from the original camera negative, strong audio, and a bunch of fascinating supplements. Until we get a 4K UHD edition, this is the definitive presentation of Notorious, which in 2019 I called “a stirring, absorbing, emotionally involving, and artistically satisfying film that hits all the right notes - a symphony of suspense, if you will, conducted with nuance and gusto by the genre's most accomplished maestro.” Bravo, Hitch!
There’s no denying Hitchcock made his best pictures in Hollywood, but the formative and largely admirable films he produced across the pond in his native Great Britain merit attention, too. Such exciting, engrossing, and innovative thrillers as the original The Man Who Knew Too Much (which I prefer to the bloated 1956 remake), The 39 Steps (a fantastic forerunner to such action-packed, on-the-run classics as Foreign Correspondent, Saboteur, and North by Northwest), and Sabotage all contain the patented hallmarks Hitchcock would continue to cultivate, expand upon, and refine over the ensuing four decades of his career. I’m a big fan of Hitchcock’s British period, and though I greatly appreciate and thoroughly enjoy all of the aforementioned movies, my vote for the best British Hitchcock flick goes to The Lady Vanishes.
What starts as a screwball comedy and for the first half-hour seems like the antithesis of all things Hitchcock quickly evolves into another quintessential Master of Suspense movie. The disappearance of a kindly old lady (Dame May Whitty) on a European train forms the crux of the plot, but the narrative really gets interesting when no one except the woman’s fleeting travel companion (Margaret Lockwood) believes she exists at all. Though the story has been recycled and reinvented several times, this is the original version, and it has no peer. Humorous antics, vivid characters, a love/hate relationship, claustrophobic tension, and an edge-of-your-seat shootout finale pepper and propel the tale, and though at times it feels as if Hitchcock is just throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks, nothing could be further from the truth. A master planner, the Master of Suspense meticulously mapped out almost every frame of every film he directed, and The Lady Vanishes proves once again how adept he is at molding myriad, often competing elements into a cohesive whole.
As I wrote in my 2011 review of the film, “There's no fluff or extraneous palaver gumming up the works; The Lady Vanishes is a prime example of lean, focused moviemaking. Though the film takes its time laying its groundwork and might seem initially aimless, don't doubt Hitchcock. Like the train on which most of the action takes place, it quickly picks up steam and barrels full throttle toward a thrilling climax. And along the way, there's plenty of snappy dialogue and witty repartee to sweeten the journey, much of it pointedly aimed at British society, apathy, and egotism.” There’s no love lost between Hitchcock and England here. In fact, Hitchcock seems almost eager to bite the hand that feeds him, which of course makes the movie more fun. Not surprisingly, Hitch would become a British expatriate just two years later when he bolted to Hollywood to make Rebecca for producer David O. Selznick and cement his status as one of cinema’s first bona fide auteurs.
Criterion’s video transfer may not be a stunner, but it’s by far the best home video rendering of this timeless classic. Clean and vibrant, with great clarity, excellent contrast, and a pleasing grayscale, this film-like presentation immerses us in the action, while solid audio and plenty of extras enhance the experience. So hop aboard and hang on for a turbulent and terrific rollercoaster ride. If you haven’t yet seen any of Hitchcock’s British films, The Lady Vanishes is a great introduction to a highly interesting period, and will surely whet your appetite for more.
HIGH-DEF DIGEST’S HITCHCOCK INDEX
If you’re interested in reading full reviews of dozens of Hitchcock movies, many of which come highly recommended, check out the links below, listed in chronological order by date of theatrical release with the name of the reviewer in parentheses.
The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (1927) (David Krauss)
Blackmail (1929) (David Krauss)
Murder! (1930) (David Krauss)
Rich and Strange (1931) (David Krauss)
Number Seventeen (1932) (David Krauss)
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) (David Krauss)
The 39 Steps (1935) (David Krauss)
The Lady Vanishes (1938) (David Krauss)
Rebecca (1940) (David Krauss)
Foreign Correspondent (1940) (David Krauss)
Suspicion (1941) (David Krauss)
Saboteur (1942) (M. Enois Duarte)
Shadow of a Doubt (1943) (M. Enois Duarte)
Lifeboat (1944) (David Krauss)
Spellbound (1945) (David Krauss)
Notorious (1946) (David Krauss)
The Paradine Case (1947) (David Krauss)
Rope (1948) (Aaron Peck)
Under Capricorn (1949) (David Krauss)
Stage Fright (1950) (David Krauss)
Strangers on a Train (1951) (David Krauss)
I Confess (1953) (David Krauss)
Dial M for Murder (1954) (David Krauss)
Rear Window (1954) (David Krauss)
To Catch a Thief (1955) (David Krauss)
The Trouble with Harry (1956) (Matthew Hartman)
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) (Aaron Peck)
The Wrong Man (1957) (David Krauss)
Vertigo (1958) (David Krauss)
North by Northwest (1959) (David Krauss)
Psycho (1960) (David Krauss)
The Birds (1963) (David Krauss)
Marnie (1964) (M. Enois Duarte)
Torn Curtain (1966) (Aaron Peck)
Topaz (1969) (Aaron Peck)
Frenzy (1972) (Aaron Peck)
Family Plot (1976) (M. Enois Duarte)
. Universal Studios' critically-acclaimed The Northman starring Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, and Ethan Hawke will be available on Digital on June 6, with the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and the Blu-ray arriving in stores on June 7.
From visionary director Robert Eggers comes The Northman, an action-filled epic that follows a young Viking prince on his quest to avenge his father's murder and reclaim his kingdom. Read our theatrical review here.
Both the 4K UHD and Blu-ray will feature Dolby Atmos and bonus supplements include a commentary with Robert Eggers, deleted and extended scenes, and assorted featurettes.
The Northman - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
The full press release is included below:
.
|
|
Would you consider this the last week of May or the first week of June? With Tuesday being official movie release day, the month of May goes out with a bang with the volume of titles available, so let's call it the last week of May. And of course there's the Memorial Day holiday, which solidly puts us at the end of May in case there was any doubt.
Welcome to Volume 3 Episode 2 of our weekly release guide. A look at the highlights of what's coming to disc this week, as well as a look at announcements from last week.
There are no actual 'New Releases' this week, but there are catalog titles for everyone!
Starting with Sony, a 50th anniversary release of 1776 opens the pot.
Upping the ante, Brian De Palma helms The Untouchables, available as a standard edition and as a Limited Editon SteelBook. In what I consider a disturbing trend, some of these limited edition releases are getting more inclusive editions overseas, ie: swag and other pack-in trinkets just about everywhere else in the world. Because it's the studio itself releasing them in both places, one cannot blame licensing issues. Would I be more likely to buy a specific version if it had the extra stuff in it? In most cases, ABSOLUTELY! The Untouchables gets a slightly spruced up release next week from the UK if you're considering that option.
Kino Lorber brings us A Fistful of Dollars and For a Few Dollars More, both 4K SDR encodes. These releases are the best these films have ever looked, probably even better than when they were released in 1964/1965.
A pair of releases from Scream Factory, Happy Death Day and the sequel, Happy Death Day 2U.
The next 4K Criterion release comes as Double Indemnity, David says this one is a 'Must Own' presentation, and you know what that means, you must comply! I got my ship notice kind of early so I sort of expect it before this article posts on Sunday.
We do have a single blu-ray counterpart of the above 4K titles this week, Criterion Collection offers up Double Indemnity. If you didn't get the 4K, then you must get this one!
Criterion Collection is also growing by one more title this week, a foreign drama/mystery titled Chan is Missing.
TV on disc this week starts out with The Boys: Seasons 1 & 2 Collection from Sony Entertainment.
More TV on disc comes with Lucifer: The Complete Fifth Season from Warner Archive Collection.
Anime highlights (there are a lot this week) include Astro Boy 1980 Series, Darkstalkers: The Complete OVA Collection, Double Dragon - The Complete Series, Kageki Shojo!! - The Complete Season, Kemono Jihen - The Complete Season, Lupin the 3rd Part I - Classic Adventures, Mon Colle Knights, Poupelle of Chimney Town and Super Cub - The Complete Season.
LionsGate's thriller of the week is titled The Devil You Know starring Omar Epps.
Honorable Mention: Beauty Day, which Bryan mentions is a 'Highly Recommended' release comes to blu-ray this week. Before Jackass, Canadian legend Ralph Zavadil aka Cap'n Video pioneered dangerous home-grown stunts, this is a product of his work.
The May batch of Imprint Films releases are available via Amazon on Friday, here's a run down:
Downton Abbey: A New Era already has a listing for the blu-ray and 4K editions. No ETA yet but if it follows the typical model, look for it late July or so.
The next 'Paramount Presents' title announced is Back to the Beach, a 1987 comedy/musical. This one is spine number 34 and is scheduled for an August 9th release date.
Warner has made Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore official with a June 28th release date. There will be the usual assortment of skus available, if you liked what Walmart did for The Batman with their exclusive gift set, this one will get the same treatment, both blu-ray and 4K listings. And just like The Batman, Target's exclusive for Dumbledore is again a blu-ray and not a 4K combo edition. I just wonder where the decision for that comes from.
Kino Lorber has acquired the rights to release multiple Paramount films. Their first teaser is that we will get Tropic Thunder as a 4K release. Date TBA soon. Makes me wonder what titles Paramount is focusing on, but with Kino Lorber behind a bunch, we are in for some great releases.
On the topic of Paramount, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has an official release date of August 9th. The week after that, Paramount has a few more catalog titles on blu-ray, they are Coneheads, What Women Want and What's Eating Gilbert Grape. Again, not sure what their operation book is saying here with the Kino Lorber deal and what they will or will not release. In time, Kino will tell us more.
Arrow Video will be releasing Flatliners (1990) on both blu-ray and 4K discs on August 2nd. Also on August 30th they will release Running Out Of Time Collection on blu-ray. Hard to believe there's just 3 skus for August, but it's possible.
Which titles are you buying this week? Which ones are on your wishlist, be it to buy as an impulse buy or to wait for the right price?
The newly restored 1997 tongue-in-cheek horror directed by Blue Underground's founder William Lustig and written by legend Larry Cohen will make its 4K debut shortly before Independence Day. The film stars Robert Forster, Timothy Bottoms, Bo Hopkins, P.J. Soles, and Isaac Hayes.
Master Sergeant Sam Harper (David Fralick) is tragically killed in a horrible accident in Kuwait after his helicopter is shot down by friendly fire. Sam's charred remains are shipped back to his hometown of Twin Rivers, just as the town is preparing for its annual Fourth of July celebration. While being stored at his sister's house, Sam's dead body becomes reanimated and goes on a patriotic killing spree over the course of the holiday weekend. Uncle Sam is an over-the-top, tongue-in-cheek satire about American's obsession with military dominance and the great lengths the nation will go in order to appeal to the country's youth.
This 4K edition features a recently restored presentation scanned in 4K 16-bit from the original 35mm negative in honor of the film's 25th anniversary. It will also include Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
Disc Information and Bonus Materials:
Uncle Sam - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
The SRP for this release is $49.95. Pre-order your copy now.
As mentioned last week, we have reached the end of year two for our weekly release guide, and so, this week we kick off year 3.
Don't know about you, but I feel it has gotten hot out there early this year! Heat waves in much of the country, snow in Denver, what a wild month. When outdoor activity is restricted, why not enjoy a good movie?
Welcome to Volume 3 Episode 1 of our weekly release guide. A look at the highlights of what's coming to disc this week, as well as a look at announcements from last week.
Speaking of hot, things are heating up on the release schedule. This week is the busiest week for 4K releases for the month. Let's dig in to the goodies now! Breaking the normal order of things this week, I think you will understand why I've done it.
Dare you say his name FIVE times? It's Candyman (1992) week, and counting all the individual SKUs, we have FIVE to pick from. Monday editions first, which generally (and does here) indicate imports. From the UK, Arrow Video offers their traditional Limited Edition fat-pack that offers the movie with Atmos sound, a poster, theater cards and a book.
Next, from Turbine Media in Germany, they're offering three distinct variant cover Mediabooks. We list them as Variant A, Variant B and Variant C, and each edition is a very limited quantity release. Keep in mind though that unless the specs are wrong, these do NOT include Dolby Atmos sound. Turbine has reasonable shipping rates and will get it to your door pretty quickly.
Domestically, Scream Factory has a 3-disc edition which includes a 4K disc with both cuts (Theatrical and Unrated) as well as blu-rays of each cut, and bonus features sprinkled across these discs. Unfortunately there is no all-inclusive edition among all five skus, so you will need to consider each one carefully.
The new release of the week is The Batman, with Matt Reeves at the helm and Robert Pattinson donning the batsuit. Available as a standard edition, a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook and a rather handsome Walmart Exclusive. Target this go round opted for a blu-ray exclusive (see below). Directional audio fans should be happy this one is not directed by Christopher Nolan, because if it was, you would be stuck with a 5.1 track!
Still with Warner Bros, a kind of new(ish) release, a 4K edition of the 2021 horror Malignant.
From Universal and Showtime Entertainment, Ray Donovan: The Movie. Having not been a premium channel subscriber, I am a bit in the dark on this series, so the movie is even more a mystery to me.
And the final new release of the week, a Norwegian film titled The Burning Sea. Sort of gives off a Deepwater Horizon vibe.
Doing some backpedaling here as we go to catalog titles, Scream Factory releases Lifeforce to 4K disc.
Arrow Video gives us three different editions of Wild Things, a limited edition, a SteelBook edition and Deluxe limited edition.
Getting the new release counterparts out of the way first, The Batman gets a standard edition and a Target Exclusive edition. The Burning Sea gets a blu-ray edition as well, and lastly, Ray Donovan: The Movie. Catalog title counterpart, Arrow offers a limited edition of Wild Things.
LionsGate's action/thriller entry this week is titled Agent Game. Their horror entry this week is a single letter of the alphabet, it's titled "X". Capelight Pictures is doing a 4K media book for this one in Germany, you can order direct from them HERE and HERE, depending on which cover art you prefer. I could take one for the team and buy the 4K so that a 4K will be announced for the U.S., just encourage me to do so in the comments!
Criterion Collection's title this week is Mississippi Masala, a drama/romance from '91. Maybe you've heard of the stars of this film, Sarita Choudhury and Denzel Washington.
Arrow Video has got another Shaw Brothers type release, this one is titled One Armed Boxer.
From Universal Pictures, 2022 comedy/horror Studio 666. Also a little TV on disc, The Sinner: The Complete Series.
Sony's 2022 horror Umma gets a blu-ray release this week.
Liberation Hall has two titles of interest this week, TV on disc by the name of Robocop: The Series and a Steven Seagal movie from 2009, A Dangerous Man.
Anime highlights include Black Clover: Season 4, available in a standard edition and as a limited edition, Skate-Leading Stars - The Complete Season and Somali and the Forest Spirit - Complete Collection.
Kino Lorber has a Rodgers & Hammerstein musical titled Flower Drum Song this week.
Honorable Mention: Powerhouse Video's Indicator Series title this week is The Pemini Organisation, a drama/thriller series with three films.
Criterion has revealed their August slate of Criterion Collection titles. I honestly do not know any of these titles myself, and none of them are 4K, but I am sure that they have been carefully procured and do have appeal to some of you. The titles are Buck and the Preacher, Daddy Longlegs, Faya Dayi, Frownland and Hotel du Nord.
Edge of Tomorrow will be coming on to 4K on July 5th as a standard edition and a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook. Once again Warner Bros. has snubbed the U.S. market by releasing a nicer deluxe edition overseas.
Angel Heart will be getting a 4K release from LionsGate as a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook on July 12th. When that film first came out, it got an X rating.
If availability frustrated you for each individual season, Paramount/CBS will be releasing Charmed: The Complete Series on June 14th.
Which titles are you buying this week? Which ones are on your wishlist, be it to buy as an impulse buy or to wait for the right price?
. Lionsgate's action-comedy The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent also starring The Mandalorian's Pedro Pascal will be available on Digital on June 7, while the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and the Blu-ray will be available June 21st.
In this wildly entertaining, action-packed comedy, Oscar® winner Nicolas Cage plays…Nick Cage! Creatively unfulfilled and facing financial ruin, the fictionalized version of Cage accepts a million-dollar offer to attend the birthday of a dangerous superfan (Pedro Pascal). Things take an unexpected turn when Cage is recruited by a CIA operative (Tiffany Haddish) and he must use his legendary acting skills, channeling his most iconic and beloved characters to become a real-life action hero.
Both the 4K UHD and Blu-ray will have Dolby Atmos and several bonus features including commentary, deleted scenes, and featurettes.
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray (Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook)
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray (Wal-Mart Exclusive)
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent - Blu-ray (Target Exclusive)
The full press release is included below:
.
|
Own it on Digital June 7 SANTA MONICA, CA (May 17, 2022) – Celebrate the world’s hero and prodigal movie star Nicolas Cage when The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent arrives on Digital June 7 and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray and Digital), Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital), DVD, and On Demand June 21 from Lionsgate. The adrenaline-fueled comedy stars Academy Award® winner Nicolas Cage (Best Actor, Leaving Las Vegas, 1995; National Treasure Franchise, Gone in 60 Seconds, The Rock), Pedro Pascal (“The Mandalorian,” “Narcos,” “Game of Thrones”), Sharon Horgan, Ike Barinholtz, Alessandra Mastronardi, Jacob Scipio, with Primetime Emmy® Award winner Neil Patrick Harris (Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, “Glee,” 2010; “How I Met Your Mother,” Gone Girl, Harold & Kumar franchise), and Primetime Emmy® Award and GRAMMY Award® winner Tiffany Haddish (Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series, “Saturday Night Live,” 2018; Best Comedy Album, “Black Mitzvah”; Like a Boss, Night School, Girls Trip).
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
Official Site: https://www.nickcage.movie/ |
If you look at the next paragraph, you will see that we have hit a milestone for the weekly Release Guide. Yup, the end of a second year. As I reflect, I write these articles because I want to share my passion for movies. Most of the ones I post either appeal to myself personally and/or to the mainstream audience. Hope you enjoy our weekly recap and use our links to make your purchases. By doing so helps support our operation, we really do appreciate it.
Welcome to Volume 2 Episode 52 of our weekly release guide. A look at the highlights of what's coming to disc this week, as well as a look at announcements from last week.
Mostly catalog titles this week, and some fine ones at that.
First, the new release of the week is titled Infinite, an action/sci-fi film and is brought to you by Paramount Pictures.
Staying with Paramount but moving on to catalog titles, there are a few here to talk about. Although it feels like only yesterday for the trilogy to be release on blu-ray, Beverly Hills Cop II joins the original movie to the 4K format. That means that only part 3 hasn't made the jump to 4K, and you will probably hate me for it, I thought it was a decent film on its own, but not comparing it to the first 2 films.
Also this week we get our very first 4K release from the 'Paramount Presents' label, a Western titled The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance starring John Wayne and James Stewart. In my opinion Days of Thunder should have been the first 4K disc from them as they released a blu-ray under this label the same day they released a 4K standard release of the film, and just about every release from this label has been sourced from a 4K transfer. Remember that strong sales translate to cementing in place future endeavors, so let's remember to buy this as well as other discs that interest you!
Shout! Factory has two titles to get this week, The Craft and Escape From New York. You realize that likely means you got to buy The Craft: Legacy now, right?
The next slipcover style Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook comes out this week, look for Hell or High Water from LionsGate. Keep in mind if you like to be all inclusive, the digital codes that come with these also unlock the 4K stream.
For Friday releases, a domestic music release, Goo Goo Dolls: Grounded With The Goo Goo Dolls and an import of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre from Turbine Media in a standard case.
Moving on to blu-ray, as we do every week, listing the blu-ray counterpart from above first, Infinite is the only one this week. Sounds as confusing as the phrase 'One AND Many' doesn't it?
How 'bout some TV on disc with Blood & Treasure: Season One from Paramount Entertainment? Making its blu-ray movie debut, the comedy/crime film Top Secret! makes itself available this week.
An action film from Vertical Entertainment titled A Day to Die. This one stars Bruce Willis and has surely got to be close to one of his last films he has starred in.
More TV on disc from Universal Pictures, The Last Kingdom: Season Five and The Last Kingdom: The Complete Series are available on Tuesday. The 2021 comedy/romance Licorice Pizza also comes out this week as well. The latter is one of those titles (as so many do) that has 4K digital available but not 4K disc.
From Warner Archive Collection, the 1941 version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Shout! Factory brings us a new remaster of Brian DePalma's Femme Fatale.
The next Vestron Video release via LionsGate Extreme Prejudice streets this week.
Criterion Collection's next entry is a Japanese comedy titled The Funeral and will be available Tuesday.
From Arrow Video, 1982 horror/thriller Girls Nite Out, the standard edition street Tuesday, the Exclusive "The Scaremaker" O-Card edition on Monday, available at DiabolikDVD as well as other specialty shops.
Anime highlights include Belle, available as a standard release and as a Target Exclusive SteelBook (keep in mind a deluxe 4K edition is coming this Summer), Boruto: Naruto Next Generations - Set 12 (Kara Actuation), Infinite Stratos (Season 1) - Complete Collection, NANA - Complete Collection and SSSS.DYNAZENON - The Complete Season.
Honorable mention: More Charles Bronson action from Kino Lorber, Violent, as well as the US cut of the film known as The Family, both come in the same package.
Preorder links are available for Kino Lorber's release of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind 4K and blu-ray editions, both available July 26th.
Paramount has announced a 4K SteelBook release for Event Horizon with a street date of August 9th. Not done with Paramount, let's file this one under inevitable, they will be releasing the cult classic Friday the 13th on 4K disc September 13th. That's NOT a Friday in case you were wondering, May 13th is the only Friday the 13th this year.
Overseas, StudioCanal has announced a 4K release of Red Sonja with a date of July 18th. It is probable that this release will make it to the U.S. under the Shout! Factory label, or even LionsGate. We have a link for the Zavvi Exclusive SteelBook release if you would like to check it out.
Universal Home Entertainment will be bringing the original TV series The A-Team to blu-ray on June 28th. Finally a reason to retire the DVD box set!
Which titles are you buying this week? Which ones are on your wishlist, be it to buy as an impulse buy or to wait for the right price?
