With the Easter weekend, this week is what you can call a slow week for new releases. What started out as a religious holiday has evolved into a commercial to sell stuff, candy, stuffed animals, egg hunts, gift baskets and other 'fun' events. I always look forward to a traditional 'boiled dinner' myself and Reese' peanut butter eggs. Admit it, Christmas has turned into decorating the house, a tree and gift giving.
Welcome to Volume 2 Episode 48 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.
If you don't mind importing, Arrow Video releases Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer on Monday. No word at this time if this well ever get a U.S. release.
There are zero new releases this week. But there's a few catalog releases to ponder.
From LionsGate, the 2011 film The Cabin in the Woods gets a spiffy slipcover edition SteelBook at Best Buy. A side note is that these editions also include a digital code that unlocks the 4K stream. Maybe when we entered our codes years ago LionsGate wasn't offering the 4K stream, and unlike some of the others, they did not automatically upgrade you.
From Sony Pictures, a SteelBook release that includes Heavy Metal / Heavy Metal 2000. Keep in mind that Heavy Metal 2000 is an HD blu-ray, not a 4K, but that's OK. Most of us will be buying this for the original movie any way!
And last but not least, Kino Lorber gives us In the Heat of the Night in 4K. This thriller stars the late Sidney Poitier and set new boundaries when it was filmed. Be aware that this film is in 4K but the color grading is SDR, but this is still no doubt the best this film has ever looked!
Blu-ray releases-
There are no blu-ray counterparts of the abovementioned titles. So let's get right down to what is worth checking out.
From Universal Pictures, 2021 drama/musical/romance Cyrano. And in what I think is a first, Gravitas Ventures has partnered with Universal to release The King's Daughter, which is listed as an adventure/family film.
From Criterion Collection, two titles this week. First a comedy/musical titled The Girl Can't Help It. And second, a drama from Italy titled Miracle in Milan.
It probably feels like 'forever' since the last Jackass movie, but hey, Paramount has you covered with Jackass Forever.
Arrow Video brings us Rogue Cops and Racketeers: Two Crime Thrillers from Enzo G. Castellari.
A thriller from Vertical Entertainment titled The Desperate Hour starring Naomi Watts arrives this week.
Obligatory appearance from LionsGate this week delivers The Exorcism of God, a recent horror/thriller and The Humans, a drama from 2021.
Anime highlights include Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki - The Complete Season, Gekidol - The Complete Season, The God of High School - Season 1, LBX Girls - The Complete Season, Needless: Complete Collection, Only Yesterday [SteelBook], The Tale of The Princess Kaguya [SteelBook] and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Season Two Part 01.
From Scream Factory comes the 1962 adventure/horror Night Creatures starring Peter Cushing. If you love the new cover art, you will have to settle for the standard release (with slipcover) as the direct copy from Scream! Factory's shop that comes with a poster is sold out!
Honorable Mention: Kino Lorber has a couple of W.C. Fields titles this week. They are Man on the Flying Trapeze, You Can't Cheat an Honest Man and You're Telling Me!.
As mentioned last week, The Batman is coming in May, May 24th to be exact. Looks like the Walmart Exclusive is the one that I am most excited for so far.
Turning Red is also coming on May 3rd, it too has the usual assortment of retailer exclusives as well. Don't even ask, just like all other Disney releases, Dolby Vision is NOT on the disc, and it is doubtful they will use a BD100 disc (if needed). Hope Disney is reading this, your 4K customer base would really like to give your releases an A+ but these two business decisions are what holds you back.
Paramount is adding more catalog titles for June/July. In addition to First Wives Club as a Paramount Presents release, titles thus far include Rough Cut, Boomerang, The Hunted and Harlem Nights. No doubt more will be added as the days go by. One more piece of Paramount news, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is getting a new 4K SteelBook. These new steels thus far are, in my opinion, what they should have released in the first place. I'm not a fan of the cover art of the Best Buy exclusive set but still begrudgingly bought it.
88 Films will be releasing Dragons Forever on blu-ray and 4K disc. The action film stars Jackie Chan. Also on regular blu-ray, Flying Guillotine 2 and Martial Club.
Kino Lorber will be releasing a new 4K disc for The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974). If you have never seen original version, it is a well made movie.
In case you missed the news, a lot of titles previously released by Twilight Time have been getting releases by a company named Sandpiper Films. On the docket so far and in the near future are Eye of the Needle, Salvador, Tom Sawyer (1973), Under Fire, Nicholas Nickleby, Posse, American Pimp, Hawaii, The Cutting Edge: Chasing the Dream, Bound For Glory, Baby Boom, Salsa, The Man in the Moon and It's My Party.
Universal has a couple of TV shows coming to disc, Hacks: Season One, La Brea: Season One and The Sinner: The Complete Series. The TV series Ray Donovan gets a movie on 4K disc and blu-ray on May 24th.
Mill Creek is releasing SeaQuest DSV The Complete Series on July 19th(ish). Previously you had to import this show, the one from Koch Media in Germany is a nice looking set but is likely region locked.
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 biggest film of 2022 (so far) and one of the best comic book movies ever made, The Batman comes home to Digital April 18th and 4K UHD and Blu-ray Disc May 24th, 2022
Just this morning we posted on social about how The Batman was now available for pre-order from Best Buy due to hit store shelves May 24th. Now Warner Bros. makes it official. Premier digital retailers like iTunes and Vudu should see The Batman arrive for purchase on April 18th - the same day it arrives on HBO Max. As usual, Disc Collectors will have to sit tight a few more weeks until May 24th to get their hands on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray copies. The cool thing is you'll have some options with some exciting store exclusives for picking this one up! Personally, after three visits to IMAX, I'm just glad to see this coming home sooner rather than later!
Now here's where things get interesting. Walmart is showing a listing for a pretty snazzy deluxe Gift Set option with three discs. All artwork we've seen for other editions and the official press release indicate a 2-Disc release and nothing in Walmart's listing tells us what is on that third disc yet. We've made inquiries so hopefully, we'll find out soon what is on that third disc that's clearly labeled "bonus features"
There is also a listing for a Target Exclusive Blu-ray - but it looks like the standard artwork and there's nothing to indicate what the exclusive is. When we find out we'll create a listing and add that to this roster of releases.
Right now we don't quite have full specs for the 4K Ultra HD - we know that it will have Atmos Audio (as will the Blu-ray) but we have not heard back yet about HDR grade so count on base HDR10 for now. As soon as we know more we'll update our listings and this article. Until then, you can check out Warner Bros. full press release below.
"A mesmerizing mind-bender that grabs you hard and never lets go.”
Peter Travers, ABC News
The Batman
COMES HOME FROM
WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Premium Digital Ownership
debuts early on April 18
Stream on HBO Max on April 18
4K, Blu-ray and DVD arrive on May 24
Burbank, CA, April 11 – Unmask the truth behind Gotham City’s vigilante detective and his alter ego, reclusive billionaire Bruce Wayne, when “The Batman” arrives for Premium Digital Ownership at home on April 18. The film is directed by Matt Reeves from a screenplay by Reeves and Peter Craig, based on characters created by DC, and stars Robert Pattinson (“Tenet,” “The Lighthouse”). The film will also be available to stream on HBO Max on April 18 and will be available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD beginning on May 24.
The film also stars Zoë Kravitz (TV’s “Big Little Lies,” “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of
Grindelwald”), Paul Dano (“Love & Mercy,” “12 Years a Slave”), Jeffrey Wright (“No Time to Die,” TV’s “Westworld”), John Turturro (the “Transformers” films, “The Plot Against America”); Peter Sarsgaard (“The Magnificent Seven,” “Interrogation”), Jayme Lawson (“Farewell Amor”), Andy Serkis (the “Planet of the Apes” films, “Black Panther”) and Colin Farrell (“The Gentlemen,” “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”). The film was produced by Dylan Clark and Reeves, with Michael E. Uslan, Walter Hamada, Chantal Nong Vo and Simon Emanuel executive producing.
“The Batman” can be enjoyed at home with Filmmaker Mode TM. Developed by studios, TV manufacturers and some of Hollywood’s leading directors, Filmmaker Mode disables all post processing (e.g. motion smoothing), preserves the correct aspect ratios, colors and frame rates, and enables your TV to display the film precisely as it was intended by the filmmaker. Filmmaker Mode is available on televisions from select manufacturers.
“The Batman” will also be available on Movies Anywhere. Using the free Movies Anywhere app and website, consumers can access all their eligible movies by connecting their Movies Anywhere account with their participating digital retailer accounts.
SYNOPSIS
More than a year of stalking the streets as the Batman (Robert Pattinson), striking fear
into the hearts of criminals, has led Bruce Wayne deep into the shadows of Gotham City. With
only a few trusted allies—Alfred (Andy Serkis), Lt. James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright)—amongst the city’s corrupt network of officials and high-profile figures, the lone vigilante has established himself as the sole embodiment of vengeance amongst his fellow citizens.
When a killer targets Gotham’s elite with a series of sadistic machinations, a trail of cryptic
clues sends the World’s Greatest Detective on an investigation into the underworld, where he
encounters such characters as Selina Kyle (Zoë Kravitz), Oz, aka The Penguin (Colin Farrell),
Carmine Falcone (John Turturro), and Edward Nashton/aka The Riddler (Paul Dano). As the
evidence begins to lead closer to home and the scale of the perpetrator’s plans becomes clear,
Batman must forge new relationships, unmask the culprit, and bring justice to the abuse of power
and corruption that has long plagued Gotham City.
DIGITAL, 4K, BLU-RAY & DVD ELEMENTS
“The Batman” Premium Digital Ownership contains the following special features:
“The Batman” 4K UHD combo pack and Blu-ray contain the following special features:
“The Batman” DVD contains the following special feature:
ABOUT MOVIES ANYWHERE
Your Movies, Together at Last.TM MOVIES ANYWHERE lets you enjoy your favorite purchased or redeemed digital movies combined in one simplified, personal collection. MOVIES ANYWHERE brings together movies from Sony Pictures Entertainment, Universal Pictures (including DreamWorks and Illumination Entertainment), The Walt Disney Studios (including Disney, Pixar, Twentieth Century Studios, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm), and Warner Bros. Entertainment. MOVIES ANYWHERE offers a library of over 7,900 digital movies, including new releases, and old favorites, and the user experience will continue to grow as more content providers, digital retailers and platforms are added. Using the MOVIES ANYWHERE app and website, consumers can connect their MOVIES ANYWHERE account with participating digital retailers and enjoy their favorite digital movies across multiple devices and platforms. Participating digital retailers include Apple TV, Prime Video, Vudu, Xfinity, Google Play/YouTube, Microsoft Movies & TV, FandangoNOW, Verizon Fios TV and DIRECTV. Consumers may also redeem digital codes found in eligible Blu-ray Discs™ and DVDs from participating studios: just look for the MOVIES ANYWHERE logo, redeem the code, then instantly enjoy your movie.
ABOUT DIGITAL
*Digital movies or TV episodes allow fans to watch a digital version of their movie or TV show anywhere, on their favorite devices. Digital movies or TV episodes are included with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs. With digital, consumers are able to instantly stream and download movies and TV shows to TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones through retail services. For more information on compatible devices and services go to wb.com/digitalmoviefaq. Consult a digital retailer for details and requirements and for a list of digital-compatible devices.
BASICS
PRODUCT
4K UHD Combo Pack
Blu-ray
DVD
Digital Ownership: April 18, 2022
PVOD: April 18, 2022
4K, Blu-ray and DVD Street Date: May 24, 2022
DVD Languages: Canadian French, English, Latin Spanish
BD Languages: Brazilian Portuguese, Canadian French, English, Latin Spanish
4K Languages: Canadian French, English, German, Italian, Latin Spanish
DVD Subtitles: Canadian French, English SDH, Latin Spanish, Parisian French
BD Subtitles: Brazilian Portugese, Canadian French, English SDH, Latin Spanish, Parisian French
4K Subtitles: Swedish, Latin Spanish, Norwegian, Italian, German, Parisian French, Canadian French, Finnish, Danish, English SDH ,
Running Time: 175 minutes
Rating: Rated PG-13 by the MPA for strong violent and disturbing content, drug
content, strong language, and some suggestive material
DVD: DLBY/DGTL
Blu-ray: ATMOS TrueHD
4K: ATMOS TrueHD
THE CREDITS
About “The Batman”
The film is directed by Matt Reeves from a screenplay by Reeves and Peter Craig, based on characters created by DC, produced by Dylan Clark and Reeves, with Michael E. Uslan, Walter Hamada, Chantal Nong Vo and Simon Emanuel executive producing.
The ensemble stars Robert Pattinson (“Tenet,” “The Lighthouse”), alongside Zoë Kravitz (TV’s “Big Little Lies,” “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald”), Paul Dano (“Love & Mercy,” “12 Years a Slave”), Jeffrey Wright (“No Time to Die,” TV’s “Westworld”), John Turturro (the “Transformers” films, “The Plot Against America”); Peter Sarsgaard (“The Magnificent Seven,” “Interrogation”), Jayme Lawson (“Farewell Amor”), Andy Serkis (the “Planet of the Apes” films, “Black Panther”) and Colin Farrell (“The Gentlemen,” “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”).
Warner Bros. Pictures Presents a 6th & Idaho/Dylan Clark Productions Production, a Matt
Reeves Film, “The Batman.”
.
The latest addition to the Pixar library Turning Red from Director Domee Shi and starring the voices of Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, Ava Morse, Hyein Park, and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan arrives on Digital on April 26. The Blu-ray and 4K UHD Blu-ray will be available in stores on May 3. Check out our theatrical review here..
In Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red, confident, dorky 13-year-old Mei must balance being a dutiful daughter with the chaos of adolescence. Her slightly overbearing mom is never far from her daughter. And, as if changes to Mei’s interests, relationships and body aren’t enough, whenever she gets too excited, she “poofs” into a giant red panda!
The 4K UHD Blu-ray edition does not seem to include Dolby Atmos, however The Digital UHD appears to. Bonus features include an audio commentary, several featurettes, and deleted scenes. There will also be an exclusive SteelBook edition available only at Best Buy.
Turning Red - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Turning Red - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray (Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook)
Pre-order links should be available shortly and the full press release is included below:
“A BREEZY-SMART COMING-OF-AGE CHARMER”
– Leah Greenblatt, Entertainment Weekly
Activate Red Panda Mode When Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red Bursts onto Digital April 26 and 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD May 3
LOS ANGELES, CA (April 11, 2022) – Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red debuts on all major digital platforms April 26 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on May 3, just in time for Mother’s Day. Pixar fans can transport back to the early aughts and experience all the warm and fuzzy red panda Mei-hem with never-before-seen bonus material including seven deleted scenes, three featurettes and audio commentary with Director Domee Shi. Turning Red is also streaming on Disney+.
Film Synopsis
In Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red, confident, dorky 13-year-old Mei must balance being a dutiful daughter with the chaos of adolescence. Her slightly overbearing mom is never far from her daughter. And, as if changes to Mei’s interests, relationships and body aren’t enough, whenever she gets too excited, she “poofs” into a giant red panda!
Bonus Features*
*bonus features vary by product and retailer
Cast
Rosalie Chiang as Meilin Lee
Sandra Oh as Ming Lee
Ava Morse as Miriam
Hyein Park as Abby
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Priya
Orion Lee as Jin Lee
Tristan Allerick Chen as Tyler Nguyen-Baker
Directed by
Domee Shi
Produced by
Lindsey Collins, p.g.a.
Executive Producers
Dan Scanlon
Pete Docter
Story by
Julia Cho
Domee Shi
Sarah Streicher
Screenplay by
Julia Cho
Domee Shi
Original Songs by
Billie Eilish
and Finneas O’Connell
Music by
Ludwig Göransson
Product Specifications
Street Date
Digital: April 26
Physical: May 3
Product SKUs
Digital: 4K UHD, HD, SD
Physical: 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Code), Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + Digital Code) & DVD
Feature Run Time
Approx. 100 minutes
Rating
U.S. Rated PG
Bonus material not rated
Aspect Ratio
Digital: 1.85:1
Physical: 1.85:1
U.S. Audio
4K Ultra HD: English 5.1 Dolby Digital, English 2.0 Dolby Digital, English 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus, Spanish 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus, English 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos, English AD 2.0 Dolby Digital
Blu-ray: English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, English 5.1 DTS-HDHR, English 2.0 Dolby Digital, English AD 2.0 Dolby Digital
DVD: English 5.1 Dolby, Spanish 5.1 Dolby, English 2.0 Dolby, English AD 2.0 Dolby
Digital: English Dolby Atmos (UHD only, some platforms), English 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, English Descriptive Audio 2.0 Dolby Digital (some platforms)
U.S. Subtitles
4K Ultra HD: English SDH, Spanish
Blu-ray: English SDH, Spanish
DVD: English SDH, Spanish
Digital: English SDH, French, Spanish (some platforms)
I begin this week's disc article with another piece of sad news to physical media collectors. Barnes & Noble appears to be removing the physical media area from their stores. Although many of us waited until there was an actual sale, such as the Criterion or Arrow Video ones, it's still troubling to see that area go. The fact they have survived this long as a book store is something in itself, but as far as the footprint, what can they possibly do with that area in the future? If your local store is making changes, post a comment below.
Welcome to Volume 2 Episode 47 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.
This week's new release is all about Spider-Man: No Way Home. The plethora of skus available includes the Standard Edition, the forever SOLD OUT Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook, the Target Exclusive Fan Art Edition and the Walmart Exclusive Artwork release. As far as cover arts, I feel that the Walmart edition wins me over, hands down.
On to catalog releases, Arrow Video offers a 4K release for Robocop. Actualy, two options, the 2-Disc Limited Edition and the single-disc Limited Edition SteelBook. Surprised to not see a Deluxe SteelBook which includes the best of both editions.I did get my dreaded "Delivery estimate update" for my Robocop order from Amazon, which is odd because I know reviewers got copies a week or two ago and folks online got their copies early from other merchants.
As mentioned two weeks ago, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein was only delayed for Amazon, Best Buy, etc but available from the direct dealers like Grindhouse and Diabolik on time. Just a heads up that there is no slipcover on this one.
On to blu-ray releases, and just like we do every week, the blu-ray counterparts out of the way first. Spider-Man: No Way Home gets a release, as well as a 3-movie release of Homecoming / Far From Home / No Way Home. Robocop has had multiple releases over the years, so there's nothing new this week, but Mary Shelley's Frankenstein gets a blu-ray counterpart.
Paramount has a few catalog and Miramax reissues worthy of mentioning. Titles include 45 Years, Jersey Girl, The Shipping News and Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman.
Warner Archive has a pair of Kevin Costner releases, American Flyers and Fandango.
From A24, a Joaquin Phoenix drama titled C'mon C'mon.
More TV on disc this week from Universal, Chucky: Season One.
Criterion Collection's release this week is a biopic of man that became dictator, William Walker. The film is titled Walker for short.
Anime highlights include Drifting Dragons - Season 1, Food Wars! The Fifth Plate - Complete Collection, KING's RAID: Successors of the Will - Part 2, Knights of Sidonia: Love Woven in the Stars, One Piece - Collection 29 and Street Sharks.
LionsGate's entry this week is an action/horror/thriller titled WarHunt.
Honorable Mention: Kino Lorber brings us Dr. Phibes Double Feature starring Vincent Price. Not done there, also a monster movie titled Tentacles with some well known talent on screen and snazzy cover arts (3)!
Severin Films has added a 4K to the mix for the movie Out of the Blue (1980). Available 5/31 direct and 7/26 via Amazon.
GKids will be releasing several titles via Shout Factory in June, they include Panda! Go Panda!, Only Yesterday, The Tale of The Princess Kaguya, 5 Centimeters Per Second, Children Who Chase Lost Voices and Fire In The Sky.
Disney's Turning Red looks to be getting a release in May. Official announcement and exact date coming soon. Thus far it will be available as a standard blu-ray, standard 4K and a Best Buy Exclusive 4K SteelBook. No doubt a Target art edition will be added, and who knows, possibly a Walmart exclusive as well.
The same can be told for The Batman as well, May release, standard blu-ray, standard 4K and a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook.
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?
After an ambitious May slate, Scream Factory isn't slowing down in June with their 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Offerings. Neil Marshall's horror/action flick Dog Soldiers, Cat People, and Tobe Hooper's horror gem The Funhouse are all making the transition to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray this June. Scream Factory quietly slipped them up onto their Scream Factory shop before announcing them on social media - and you can pre-order right now! So to that point, we know these discs are coming, we know bonus features, but we don't yet have the final word on HDR grading or audio specs - but if past is prologue then expect Dolby Vision and likely an Atmos audio mix for a couple of these. As we learn more we'll update our listings and this article!
A group of soldiers dispatched to the Scottish Highlands on special training maneuvers face their biggest fears after they run into Captain Ryan – the only survivor of a Special Ops team that was literally torn to pieces. Ryan refuses to disclose his mission even though whoever attacked his men might be hungry for seconds. Help arrives in the form of a local woman who shelters them in a deserted farmhouse deep in the forest ... but when they realize that they are surrounded by a pack of blood-lusting werewolves, it's apparent their nightmare has just begun!
From Neil Marshall, the director of The Descent, Doomsday, Centurion and episodes of Game Of Thrones, comes this terrifying thriller starring Kevin McKidd (Rome, Trainspotting), Sean Pertwee (Gotham, Event Horizon), Emma Cleasby (Doomsday) and Liam Cunningham (Game Of Thrones).
DISC ONE (4K UHD):
DISC TWO (BLU-RAY):
Director Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Lifeforce) pays affectionate tribute to various classic horror movies in this tale of two teenage couples who spend the night in a sleazy carnival funhouse.
On her first date with Buzz (Cooper Huckabee, True Blood), Amy (Elizabeth Berridge, Amadeus) disobeys her father and goes to the carnival with Richie (Miles Chapin, Hair) and Liz (Largo Woodruff, The Ladies Club) ... but their first date may end up as their last. After witnessing a murder, the four terrified teens are trapped in the maze of the Funhouse and stalked by a real monster: a horribly deformed killer who lurks among the freakish exhibits to butcher them one by one! Also starring Sylvia Miles (Midnight Cowboy) and Kevin Conway (Invincible) in three roles, The Funhouse features special makeup designs by the ingenious Rick Baker (An American Werewolf In London, Ed Wood).
A remake of the 1942 Jacques Tourneur horror/noir classic, Cat People stars Nastassja Kinski as Irena, a beautiful young woman who discovers love for the first time only to find that the experience brings tragic consequences. The tremendous passion of this woman's first romantic love is so strong, however, it bypasses the chaos around her – including the extraordinary demands of her brother (Malcolm McDowell, A Clockwork Orange) – as it pushes her on to her own bizarre destiny. Directed by Paul Schrader (Hardcore, American Gigolo, Affliction), this erotic fantasy about the passion and terror surrounding this first love also stars John Heard (Awakenings), Annette O'Toole (48 Hrs.), Ruby Dee (Do The Right Thing) and Lynn Lowry (Shivers).
And that's all we know for now. As I said at the outset, this is breaking news and full details haven't come from Scream Factory, but we expect that to change soon. It's Scream Factory so you can expect some custom artwork probably and a ton of new and archival bonus features. As we get those details we'll update our listings and this article.
How did the first quarter treat you and your wallet? I feel as though even the indie houses like Vinegar Syndrome, Arrow Video and Kino Lorber have been releasing a lot of great 4K titles as well as even some worthy blu-rays.
Welcome to Volume 2 Episode 46 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.
This category is dominated by New Releases this week.
First from 20th Century Studios/Disney, murder-mystery Death on the Nile. If you're looking for retailer exclusives such as a SteelBook you will have to import one from Zavvi. Go figure, because the cover art on the SteelBook looks better in my opinion.
And next from Miramax/Paramount, the 2022 film Scream. This one has a few options to choose from, a standard edition, a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook, a Walmart exclusive and of course a double feature which includes the 2022 film and the original 1996 film by the same name.
And lastly for 4K, a catalog reissue of Jack Reacher, but as a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook.
This category is a bit slow this week. There's still a few gems to consider though. First, the blu-ray counterparks of the above titles. Death on the Nile gets a single release, and Scream (2022) gets a single release as well as a 2-film collection similar to the releases above.
Subject to change but on track for Tuesday, Arrow Video releases The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter. Although not a Shaw Brothers release, it was still made during that era.
Do you like it when the studios release TV on blu-ray? To continue the trend people need to buy these releases because it is simply about making a profit. This week Paramount is releasing CSI: Vegas - Season One. Funny that the original CSI all those years ago wasn't called this, despite being set in Vegas. Catalog comedies Let it Ride starring Richard Dreyfus and an all-star casted movie called Soapdish debut to blu-ray this week.
From Sony Pictures Classics, 2021 dramas Jockey and Parallel Mothers.
Anime highlight includes just Megalobox 2: Nomad - The Complete Season.
LionsGate releases a Western this week titled Desperate Riders.
If you have been collecting classic TV, The Little Rascals: Volume Five comes to us this week via Classicflix.
Honorable Mention: Ken Burns and PBS bring us Ken Burns: Benjamin Franklin.
For Friday releases, an arts release and a concert. Imprint Films' March titles are available on Amazon.
>The Osterman Weekend - Imprint Films Limit
Paramount is doing another wave of Miramax reissues, which means some of these will be affordable again. Expect to see them released on April 12th. Some of the titles include Jersey Girl, The Shipping News and Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman. I expect to see more added at the last second. Also, listed but no street date yet, The Contractor (2022) will be getting a blu-ray release as well as 4K disc.
Vinegar Syndrome has revealed a bunch of titles for May and called it their "halfway to Black Friday" flash sale. On the 4K fron titles include Thriller: A Cruel Picture, Cloak & Dagger and Miami Connection. Then just announced are their April titles. For 4K, there's Death Wish II and FleshEater, and a Peekarama titled Stiff Competition. Their long blu-ray for April will be Alien Private Eye. Multiple partner labels have been added as well.
Arrow Video had revealed multiple versions of True Romance for a June 28th release date. For blu-rays look for Edge of Sanity and The Initiation of Sarah with a June 21 street date.
James Wan's Malignant will be getting a domestic 4K disc release on May 24th.
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?
Ever feel like with each new month your 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray collection just gets bigger and bigger and yet your bank account just never seems to catch up?
Maybe it was because the format has matured and is now rolling on all wheels with support from major studios and boutique labels? Maybe it's because of the pandemic, studios and labels decided to reinvest in physical media digging deep to bring fans some exciting hits and old favorites? Whatever it was - each month of 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray releases seems to be getting more and more aggressive. This month we see everything from the biggest theatrical hit of the pandemic era to one of the best 1980s science fiction flicks to a Best Picture-winning thriller making landfall on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray.
We have a lot to cover so let's not waste too much time and jump right in...
And that does it for the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray releases for April 2022. We hope this list is helpful and lets you plan all those new additions to your ever-growing collection.
Thank you for your pre-orders! Following our purchase links and placing those orders goes a long way towards keeping our little operation up and running.
The manliest film of the 80s, Road House starring Patrick Swayze, Ben Gazzara, and Sam Elliot is coming to the Criterion Collection with a brand new 4K Restoration with Atmos Audio and tons of new and archival bonus features!
In 1989 Rowdy Herrington directed the ultimate 1980s tough-guy action movie Road House. Starring Patrick Swayze, the film plays as a classic western with the last honest man in a tough trade coming to town to clean out the wicked men who are strangling the good people. Trade out a western town and a corrupt sheriff for a saloon and a businessman and you have yourself the makings of a modern genre-bending classic - only it’s so completely ridiculous! From the bizarre dialog to the over-the-top characters, Road House is nonstop entertainment. This may be a weird addition for Criterion, but I for one appreciate they’re giving this highly entertaining film a run with a new 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray with a new Dolby Atmos audio mix! Those exploding beer bottles should sound AMAZING!
Pre-orders aren't yet live for this one but as soon as they're up we'll let you know! For now, you can take a look at the press release below for all the details:
Road House
Director Rowdy Herrington and writers R. Lance Hill and Hilary Henkin encapsulate the iconic 80s “tough guy” action film with 1989’s Road House. Starring the late Patrick Swayze as the best “cooler” in the saloon trade, the film deftly blends action film and western genre tropes with one man dedicated to cleaning up a crooked town and saving the locals from the tyrannical grips of businessman Ben Gazzara. The film co-stars Sam Elliot, Kelly Lynch, Red West, and Kevin Tighe, with a killer rock soundtrack by Jeff Healey.
1989 • 114 minutes • Color • Atmos • Stereo • 5.1 • 1.37:1 aspect ratio
4K UHD + BLU-RAY COMBO
SRP $49.95
PREBOOK 6/26/22
STREET 7/19/22
CAT. NO. CC3359UHDBD
ISBN 978-1-65896-736-9
UPC 7-15598-27366-8
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...April Fools - I'm sorry. Hopefully one day this will be a real release.
. The #1 film of 1987 Beverly Hills Cop II produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Tony Scott will celebrate its 35th anniversary with a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on May 17.
From the director of TOP GUN, this sizzling, smash-hit sequel to the original blockbuster looks better than ever before in stunning 4K UHD. Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) is back where he doesn't belong, this time going "deep, deep, deep undercover" to stop a gang of international munitions smugglers. Also returning are Judge Reinhold and John Ashton as Murphy's crime-busting sidekicks, ready to unleash blazing gunfire alongside rapid-fire gags.
The 4K UHD Blu-ray edition does not appear to include Dolby Atmos but will have HDR-10 & Dolby Vision. The SRP is $25.99.
Beverly Hills Cop II - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Order your copy now and here is the full press release:
THE SMASH-HIT SEQUEL TO THE ORIGINAL BLOCKBUSTER
CELEBRATES ITS 35TH ANNIVERSARY ON 4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY™
Eddie Murphy returns in the wildly entertaining action-comedy BEVERLY HILLS COP II, arriving on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray May 17, 2022 from Paramount Home Entertainment.
Directed by Tony Scott, who followed up Top Gun with this highly anticipated sequel, BEVERLY HILLS COP II celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, having been originally released on May 20, 1987. Produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer, BEVERLY HILLS COP II was a massive box office success, earning over $153 million domestically and becoming the #1 film of 1987. The movie also earned Academy Award® and Golden Globe nominations for Best Original Song for “Shakedown.”
Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) is back where he doesn't belong, this time going "deep, deep, deep undercover" to stop a gang of international munitions smugglers. Also returning are Judge Reinhold and John Ashton as Murphy's crime-busting sidekicks, ready to unleash blazing gunfire alongside rapid-fire gags.
BEVERLY HILLS COP II is presented with exceptional picture and sound quality on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray with Dolby Vision® and HDR-10 and Dolby 5.1 DTS Master Audio.*
BEVERLY HILLS COP II
Street Date: May 17, 2022
U.S. Rating: R
HDR: HDR-10 & Dolby Vision®
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Sound: Dolby 5.1 DTS Master Audio
* To experience Dolby Vision at home, compatible devices are required; 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Vision are available at select digital retailers.
Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg try their hands at video games with Uncharted with Antonio Banderas hot on their heels in Sony's Digital release on April 26 and on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on May 10.
Read our theatrical review.
SYNOPSIS: Street-smart thief Nathan Drake (Tom Holland) is recruited by seasoned treasure hunter Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg) to recover a fortune lost by Ferdinand Magellan 500 years ago. What starts as a heist job for the duo becomes a globe-trotting, white-knuckle race to reach the prize before the ruthless Moncada (Antonio Banderas), who believes he and his family are the rightful heirs. If Nate and Sully can decipher the clues and solve one of the world’s oldest mysteries, they stand to find $5 billion in treasure and perhaps even Nate’s long-lost brother...but only if they can learn to work together.
Uncharted - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Uncharted - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray (SteelBook)
Uncharted will also be available on Blu-ray and both editions will present the film in 2.39:1 aspect ratio and will have an hour of bonus features including a commentary, deleted and extended scenes, and behind-the-scenes featurettes.
As usual, only the 4K UHD includes a Dolby Atmos soundtrack. Here's the full press release:
AVAILABLE ON DIGITAL APRIL 26
ON 4K ULTRA HD™, BLU-RAY™ and DVD MAY 10
DISCOVER AN HOUR OF BONUS FEATURES INCLUDING DELETED AND EXTENDED SCENES, MAKING OF THE AMAZING ACTION, DIRECTOR AUDIO COMMENTARY, PLUS MORE WITH THE CAST!
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