What better way to celebrate Christmas than with a little festive horror film dedicated to the most famous seasonal anti-hero? Krampus was a surprise hit way back in 2015 and now we get to finally see the film as it was meant to be seen with all of the little bits of gore and language that were cut to secure a family-friendly PG-13 rating.
Krampus: The Naughty Cut - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
In addition to the new cut which looks to run at about 102-minutes, this two-disc 4K UHD Blu-ray and 1080p Blu-ray set will also snatch up a new Dolby Atmos audio mix along with a host of excellent new features that even the most misbehaved little boys and girls will want to take a look at.
Disc 1 (UHD):
Disc 2 (1080p Blu-ray):
If you're keen to upgrade your old Blu-ray - Krampus: The Naughty Cut - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray is now up for pre-order here - but if you order direct from Shout! Factory, you can pick up an 18" x 24" poster while supplies last - and as of this writing, is cheaper than what Amazon is currently listing this at.
At long last the first and best of the franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is finally making landfall on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on January 2nd, 2022
Well - at least for now it's coming on January 2nd, 2022. If you look at your calendars that'd be a Sunday release day and I've never seen or heard of that ever happening. So expect that date to shift a couple of days to the 4th, or later into the month. However - the important thing to note is that Disney is still moving back catalog favorites that are already available in 4K on Disney+ and other streaming services to physical media. Could they be a little more aggressive and release the others not already on the format or do a big box set? Sure. That'd be pretty awesome. But for now, we're at least getting the first and best of the entire franchise and that's at least one small step in the right direction.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Note that at the moment we don't know if there will be any new bonus features or if Disney will break with their physical media tradition and offer Dolby Vision HDR in addition to HDR10. But, we do know this will come packed at the very least with Dolby Atmos audio. We also haven't had any word of any retailer exclusive packaging or Best Buy SteelBooks, but we'll stay on the lookout. As 2021 comes to a close, 2022 is already shaping up to be a solid year for new 4K releases.
As we learn more and when that release date eventually moves and when this is actually up for pre-order - we'll update our listings ASAP.
Here's the full press release:
EXPERIENCE A SWASHBUCKLING CLASSIC FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 4K ULTRA HD™
Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl Sails to 4K Ultra HD January 2
LOS ANGELES, CA (November 4, 2021) – Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl arrives on 4K Ultra HD Disc for the first time on January 2, 2022 in spectacular HDR picture quality and Dolby Atmos audio.
Film Synopsis
The roguish yet charming Captain Jack Sparrow's (Johnny Depp) idyllic pirate life capsizes after his nemesis, the wily Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), steals his ship, the Black Pearl, and later attacks the town of Port Royal, kidnapping the governor's beautiful daughter Elizabeth (Kiera Knightly). In a gallant attempt to rescue her and recapture the Black Pearl, Elizabeth's childhood friend Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) joins forces with Jack. What Will doesn't know is that a cursed treasure has doomed Barbossa and his crew to live forever as the undead!
Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl Product Specifications
Street Date
January 2, 2022
Feature Run Time
143 minutes
Rating
U.S. Rated PG-13
**for action/adventure violence**
Aspect Ratio
Physical: 2.35:1
U.S. Audio
4K Ultra HD: English Dolby Atmos, English AD 2.0 Dolby Digital, Spanish 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus, French 5.1 Dolby Digital
U.S. Subtitles
4K Ultra HD: English SDH, Spanish, French
While it split critics and fans of The Sopranos, David Chase returns to the world of organized crime he created with the ambitious prequel film The Many Saints of Newark. After its short run in theaters and on HBO Max, you'll be able to add this film to your shelf and complete your Tony Soprano collection this December 21st on either Blu-ray or 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray.
The Many Saints of Newark - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray 
The Many Saints of Newark - Blu-ray 
We don't have 100% all of the tech specs for the 4K disc yet - the press release didn't list HDR format so we've asked for clarification. However, we do know that both the 4K Disc and 1080p Blu-ray will have Dolby Atmos audio tracks along with the same set of bonus features. As we get more details we'll update our listings.
Here's the full press release from Warner Bros. for The Many Saints of Newark on Blu-ray & 4K Utra HD Blu-ray:
“A great mob epic”
Peter Travers, ABC News
The Many Saints of Newark
COMES HOME FROM
WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Premium Digital Ownership
debuts early on November 19
4K, Blu-ray and DVD arrive on December 21
Burbank, CA, November 2 – Discover who made Tony Soprano when “The Many Saints of Newark” arrives for Premium Digital Ownership at home on November 19. The film is directed by Alan Taylor (TV’s “Game of Thrones,” TV’s “Madmen”) from a screenplay by series creator David Chase and Lawrence Konner, based on characters created by Chase, and stars Alessandro Nivola (“Disobedience,” “American Hustle”), Tony winner Leslie Odom Jr. (Broadway’s “Hamilton,” “Murder on the Orient Express”), Jon Bernthal (“Baby Driver,” “The Wolf of Wall Street”), Corey Stoll (“First Man,” “Ant-Man”), Michael Gandolfini (TV’s “The Deuce”), Billy Magnussen (“Game Night,” “The Big Short”), Michela De Rossi (“Boys Cry,” TV’s “The Rats”) and John Magaro (“The Finest Hours,” “Not Fade Away”). The film will also be available on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD beginning on December 21.
The film was produced by Chase, Konner and Nicole Lambert, with Michael Disco, Marcus Viscidi, Toby Emmerich and Richard Brener executive producing. The film also stars Emmy winner Ray Liotta (TV’s “Shades of Blue,” “Goodfellas”) and Oscar nominee Vera Farmiga (“Up in the Air,” “The Conjuring” films).
“The Many Saints of Newark” 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
Young Anthony Soprano (Michael Gandolfini) is growing up in one of the most tumultuous eras in Newark’s history, becoming a man just as rival gangsters begin to rise up and challenge the all-powerful DiMeo crime family’s hold over the increasingly race-torn city. Caught up in the changing times is the uncle he idolizes, Dickie Moltisanti (Alessandro Nivola), who struggles to manage both his professional and personal responsibilities—and whose influence over his nephew will help make the impressionable teenager into the all-powerful mob boss we’ll later come to know: Tony Soprano.
4K, BLU-RAY & DVD ELEMENTS
“The Many Saints of Newark” 4K UHD combo pack and Blu-ray contain the following special features:
“The Many Saints of Newark” DVD contains the following special feature:
ABOUT MOVIES ANYWHERE
Movies Anywhere is a digital movie platform that enables movie fans to discover, access, and watch their favorite digital movies in one place. Movies Anywhere brings together a library of nearly 7,500 digital movies from Sony Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Film, The Walt Disney Studios (including Disney, Pixar, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm), Universal Pictures (including DreamWorks and Illumination Entertainment) and Warner Bros., and will continue to expand the consumer experience as more content providers, digital retailers and platforms are added. By connecting participating digital retailers that include Amazon Prime Video, FandangoNOW, Google Play, iTunes and Vudu, movie fans can now bring together their digital movie collections (whether purchased or redeemed) in one place and enjoy them from the comfort of their living rooms, and across multiple devices and platforms, including Amazon Fire devices; Android devices and Android TV; Apple TV; Chromecast; iPhone, iPad and iPod touch; Roku® devices and popular browsers. Movie fans can also redeem digital codes found in eligible Blu-ray and DVD disc packages from participating studios and enjoy them through Movies Anywhere. Movies Anywhere – your movies, together at last.
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
Blu-ray
DVD
Digital Ownership: November 19, 2021
PVOD: November 19, 2021
4K, Blu-ray and DVD Street Date: December 21, 2021
DVD Languages: English, English-ADS, Latin Spanish, Canadian French
BD Languages: English, English-ADS, English ATMOS, Latin Spanish, Canadian French
4K Languages: English, English-ADS, English ATMOS, Latin Spanish, Canadian French
DVD Subtitles: English SDH, Latin Spanish, Canadian French, Parisian French, Cantonese, Korean, Chinese
BD Subtitles: English SDH, Latin Spanish, Canadian French, Parisian French, Cantonese, Korean
4K Subtitles: English SDH, Latin Spanish, Canadian French, Parisian French
Running Time: 120 minutes
Rating: Rated R for strong violence, pervasive language, sexual content and some nudity
DVD: DLBY/DGTL
Blu-ray: ATMOS TrueHD
4K: ATMOS TrueHD
THE CREDITS
About “The Many Saints of Newark”
The film is directed by Alan Taylor (TV’s “Game of Thrones,” TV’s “Madmen”) from a screenplay by series creator David Chase & Lawrence Konner, based on characters created by Chase, produced by Chase, Konner and Nicole Lambert, with Michael Disco, Marcus Viscidi, Toby Emmerich and Richard Brener executive producing.
The ensemble stars Alessandro Nivola (“Disobedience,” “American Hustle”), Tony winner Leslie Odom Jr. (Broadway’s “Hamilton,” “Murder on the Orient Express”), Jon Bernthal (“Baby Driver,” “The Wolf of Wall Street”), Corey Stoll (“First Man,” “Ant-Man”), Michael Gandolfini (TV’s “The Deuce”), Billy Magnussen (“Game Night,” “The Big Short”), Michela De Rossi (“Boys Cry,” TV’s “The Rats”) and John Magaro (“The Finest Hours,” “Not Fade Away”), alongside Emmy winner Ray Liotta (TV’s “Shades of Blue,” “Goodfellas”) and Oscar nominee Vera Farmiga (“Up in the Air,” “The Conjuring” films).
New Line Cinema Presents, In Association with Home Box Office, a Chase Films Production, “The Many Saints of Newark.”
About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc.
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video and digital distribution businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.
While you probably should be thinking about shopping for other people, November is a pretty stacked and expensive month for exciting new 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray releases!
From new releases to exciting back catalog favorites to the first Criterion Collection 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray releases - November is another stacked month of great titles.
As has been the story for the last couple of months now, the release frame has been pretty volatile. The ongoing supply chain issues keep forcing studios and boutique labels to play a near-constant game of release date shuffle. Titles that were supposed to come out in October got pushed back into November. Titles that were supposed to come out at the beginning of November have already been pushed back to the end of the month with the studios hoping against all hope that they'll have enough product to meet retailer pre-orders and fan demand. And given the trend, we expect a number of releases in this guide to get pushed back into December and/or experience stock shortages. When/If that happens we'll update this guide ASAP. But for now, the titles and release dates for this list appear firm - so let's get to it!
That's everything there is that's fit to print for the month of November - so far. Now as we said before, the supply chain issues are pretty volatile so these release dates could switch around for some of these. If release dates don't change, we do expect a few of these to be in short supply - so if you're aiming to pick any of these up don't wait to get those pre-orders in. That's your best bet to make sure you actually get a copy of what you're after, you'll just have to be patient.
If any release dates change - or for some of these change again - we'll update this list as soon as possible.
Speaking of pre-orders - thanks for clicking those links and pre-ordering. They really do help go a long way towards keeping our little operation up and running.
Happy Halloween, Happy November, Election Day, All Saints Day, All Souls Day and everything in between. Hey, here's something. Barnes and Noble has got the Criterion sale going on now through November 29th. Often times the sale spills over to Arrow Video, Cohen Media and a couple of other houses too. Amazon frequently matches these prices so it might be easier if you only get one or two titles to go there instead.
Welcome to Volume 2 Episode 24 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.
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Releases-
If you've been an avid 4K collector, this week offers you a huge reprieve. Every title listed is a reissue of sort from previous months. Be warned though, November 16th is going to cost ya.
The Guns of Navarone 60th Anniversary is on schedule for Tuesday after a delay.
Hacksaw Ridge gets a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook release. Lately they have been experimenting with slip covers that enhance the cover art when slid up or down. This one is not quite as nice as American Psycho though in that regard.
The Indiana Jones collection gets a reprint, both standard edition and Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook.
Harry Potter Anniversary 8-Film Collector’s Edition gets a special release in a collectible package with a bit of swag in tow.
Blu-ray releases-
Blu-ray selection is above normal volume this week. There are no counterparts ta carry down so let's move on to our regular content.
Chernobyl 1986, a Russian language version of the heroic events from that day comes via MPI Video.
Wait no longer for The Crown: The Complete Fourth Season, Sony releases it this week. From their Classics label, Nine Days gets a disc release.
From Warner Bros., the reboot TV series, Kung Fu: The Complete First Season is available this week. Also from Warner Bros, Sex and the City: The Complete Series gets a blu-ray release, time to replace those DVDs.
MacGyver: The Complete Collection gets a release by Paramount after leaving us hanging after Season 1 came out a couple of years ago. Also from Paramount, PAW Patrol: The Movie gets a firm date after a bit of bouncing around. The Paramount Presents release of The Sheik appears to be on target this week after a previous delay. And the 2021 Sci-Fi/Thriller Zone 414 also beckons your consideration.
Anime highlights include Fire Force: Season 1 Complete, Fire Force: Season 2 Part 2, Fire Force: Season 2 Part 2 (Limited Edition), Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World - The Complete Season, as a standard release and as a Limited Edition release and The Rising of the Shield Hero: Season One.
If you have no plans on doing 4K, then How to Train Your Dragon: The Ultimate Collection might be your thing. All it's missing is the TV series in HD (hello, Universal?) In the same sort of release, Trolls Dance! Dance! Dance! Collection comes out, it too minus the (not as popular) TV series.
Criterion Collection releases Italian Drama La Strada after how many years put on hold? Our listing shows about eleven years from time it was announced to actual release.
Honorable Mention: Scorpion Releasing has two Charlton Heston titles this week, Counterpoint and Number One.
Notable announcements from last week:
Just like last week, announcements are at a slow pace.
Arrow Video's January slate for U.S. and Canada for new titles thus far includes Red Angel, Shock and Sleep. For UK releases, add Dillinger and The Mangler. Remember we are talking about January, so it's unlikely there will be any additional titles added, including anything 4K. They are reissuing a bunch of previous releases in the single disc format, which usually means a lower price.
Juice (1992) starring Tupac Shakur gets a 4K release on January 11th. Read the story here.
Dear Evan Hansen has a street date of December 7th and will be available as a blu-ray and as a 4K disc release.
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?
Ernest R. Dickerson's 1992 directorial debut Juice starring Tupac Shakur, Omar Epps, and Samuel L. Jackson celebrates its 30th Anniversary on 4K Ultra HD Blku-ray
The press release didn't indicate HDR grade or audio - we've reached out for clarification, but the disc will include the following bonus features:
And for packaging collectors out there - Juice - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray SteelBook
Pre-orders are live for both editions. Thank you for your pre-orders they really do go a long way towards keeping our little operation up and running.
Here is the full press release from Paramount:
Director Ernest R. Dickerson’s Powerful Film Starring
Tupac Shakur and Omar Epps Marks Its 30th Anniversary with
First-Ever 4K Ultra HD Release
Searing Drama Debuts on 4K Ultra HD January 11, 2022
A powerful morality tale steeped in 90s urban culture, JUICE marked the feature directorial debut of acclaimed cinematographer Ernest R. Dickerson and the first starring roles for Omar Epps and an electrifying Tupac Shakur. 30 years later, the gritty and influential film continues to be celebrated for its realistic portrayal of Harlem life, the early New York hip hop scene, and the fate of four friends in pursuit of the power and respect they call the Juice.
To mark the film’s 30th anniversary, Paramount Home Entertainment will release the film on 4K Ultra HD for the first time ever on January 11, 2022. The disc features access to a Digital copy of the film and legacy bonus content, including interviews with Dickerson, producer David Heyman (Harry Potter franchise), Epps, and fellow actors Khalil Kain and Jermaine Hopkins. The cast and crew look back on making the film, share heartfelt stories of working with Shakur, and reveal the influence that JUICE had on them both personally and professionally.
The in-depth featurettes are also loaded with footage of the cast on set and vintage interviews with Shakur, Queen Latifah, Cindy Herron of En Vogue, the Shocklee brothers, Eric B, EPMD, Cypress Hill and more. Along with commentary by the director, fans can enjoy the original ending and hear Dickerson detail the reasons that it was changed prior to the film’s theatrical debut.
JUICE was originally released on January 17, 1992. The previously released bonus content is detailed below:
Synopsis
Q, Raheem, Bishop, and Steel spend their days hanging out and looking for a way to get the power and respect they call Juice. Q hopes to earn respect by becoming a scratch 'n' mix DJ. Bishop has a deadlier plan—take it through an armed robbery with his crew. Ernest R. Dickerson, the acclaimed cinematographer whose collaborations with Spike Lee include Do the Right Thing and Malcom X, made his directorial debut with this powerful drama steeped in ‘90s urban lifestyle. JUICE features the acting debut of Tupac Shakur and a hit soundtrack that includes Eric B. & Rakim, Naughty by Nature, Big Daddy Kane and Salt N’ Pepa.
JUICE is directed by Ernest R. Dickerson with a story by Ernest R. Dickerson and screenplay by Gerard Brown and Ernest R. Dickerson.
# # #
About Paramount Home Entertainment
Paramount Home Entertainment (PHE) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. PPC is a unit of ViacomCBS (NASDAQ: VIAC; VIACA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The PHE division oversees PPC’s home entertainment and transactional digital distribution activities worldwide. The division is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment content on behalf of Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television Studios, Paramount Players, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and CBS and applicable licensing and servicing of certain DreamWorks Animation titles. PHE additionally manages global licensing of studio content and transactional distribution across worldwide digital distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable devices and emerging technologies.
JUICE
Street Date: January 11, 2022
U.S. Rating: R for strong language and for some violence
Another week gone, and actually if you count this coming Halloween weekend, another MONTH gone! The shipping delays continue with multiple titles including last week's release of Scream 4K. I just got my copy of Halloween II last Friday. Wasn't about to watch 3 - 5 without 2 in there. At least it will be in time for Halloween itself. Then it's on to Thanksgiving and Christmas movies. Will we get our Krampus 4K in time?
Welcome to Volume 2 Episode 23 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.
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Releases-
Compared to last week, there's little difference in volume of titles, which means open up yer wallet.
Import Monday might be exciting for many of you, StudioCanal releases The Howling 40th Anniversary Edition, available as a 'fat-pack' release and as a SteelBook release. I got my fat-pack ordered from Diabolik the day it went live. Will Arrow or Shout! Factory eventually do a domestic release? A barebones release by Universal is more likely.
On to Tuesday releases, the next Dario Argento movie from Arrow Video, Deep Red. This one is also a 'fat-pack' release like the two previous Argento films from Arrow. Alternately, a 'Arte Original Version' was available for preorder as well.
Six-String Samurai gets a general release via Vinegar Syndrome.
The Underworld 5-Movie Collection gets a release this week from Sony Pictures, some people have already received theirs. Are there enough to fill demand?
A Ronin Flix shop exclusive, I Spit On Your Grave gets a 4K release. We reviewed the latest blu-ray release from them, it got a 'Highly Recommended' grade.
Moving on to NEW releases, Sony Pictures also brings us Don't Breathe 2. Maybe worthy of an upgrade, it would have made sense to have a 4K double feature or offer the original film in 4K the same day.
2021's The Suicide Squad get a standard release and a SteelBook release from Warner Bros. This one is helmed by James Gunn.
Blu-ray releases-
What a BUSY week for blu-ray. All I can say is good hunting.
Releases from above getting blu-ray releases, Don't Breathe 2 and The Suicide Squad. The latter also gets a Target Exclusive.
From Warner Archive Collection, a rather busy week for this label. The 1964 film Children of the Damned, 1933 drama Dinner at Eight, 1966 horror/mystery Eye of the Devil and Mary Stevens, M.D.. From the regular Warner label, Superman: The Complete Animated Series debuts on blu-ray disc this week.
Shout Select has Nothing But Trouble, featuring those funny guys Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, John Candy.
Has the BBC turned down the dial on 4K releases? Serengeti II gets a blu-ray release this week.
Criterion Collection releases 1960 foreign drama Devi.
Universal Studios TV releases The Incredible Hulk: The Complete Series.
LionsGate's appearance this week offers Megan is Missing and On the Rocks. Neither title appear to have a digital code, hope that's not going to be the new norm for them. The next Vestron Video release Steel Dawn this week *does* come with a digital code, as does the 2021 Sci-Fi/Thriller Warning.
Anime highlights include Goblin Slayer: Season One (SteelBook)-which remains a Best Buy Exclusive for 2 months, Higurashi: When They Cry GOU Season 1 Part 1, Lupin the 3rd Part V: Misadventures in France, Sgt. Frog: The Complete First Season, Shaman King, She, the Ultimate Weapon - Complete Collection, Venus Wars and Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina.
Except for the Pink Floyd release, all of Friday's titles are Imprint Films Limited Editions. Remember that Imprint Releases are region free.
>The Harry Palmer Collection - Imprint Film
Notable announcements from last week:
Very slow week for news/announcements. Keep in mind that these said announcements are targeting January, which typically is a very slow month for new releases.
Warner Bros. has announced Clint Eastwood's latest film Cry Macho will be available on 4K disc and blu-ray on December 7th.
FUNimation revealed their January 2022 titles. Although not a terrible selection, nothing absolutely jumps out. If they read these articles I would ask why they stopped releasing SteelBooks for the DBZ series. Why have you?
There is word surfacing that Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean will get a 4K release. A French retailer has all five listed (remember we got number 5 in 4K in North America already.) Under the 20th Century Studios label, Heat is still on hold. Due to the length of that movie it would highly benefit from a BD100 disc, something that Disney has yet to do.
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?
How is the month treating your wallet so far? Thankfully there are no Prime Days or such. But I did see Target and Best Buy were doing 3-day events last week, which could have potentially stretched you a bit thinner.
Welcome to Volume 2 Episode 22 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.
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Releases-
There are quite a few skus to consider this week. Probably the most 4K discs we have ever listed in a single week.
First of all, for Import Monday, BFI releases Ingmar Bergman's 1957 drama The Seventh Seal. If you opt to hold off, Criterion Collection did do the previous two blu-ray releases, maybe they will come up with a 4K release soon.
On to domestic releases, specifically new release movies first.
From Warner Bros, DC Animated Injustice, available as a standard edition and as a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook.
Next, from Universal Pictures comes M. Night Shyamalan's Old. Going with the common theme, available as a standard edition and as a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook. I don't mean this negatively on Shyamalan, but I am wondering when I will see the day when I fully understand his films. I've seen them all and always get that feeling in the end. Maybe that's what ultimately makes them good, the suspense or unexpected twist at the end?
From Paramount, the next film in the G.I. Joe saga, Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins. Available as a standard edition and as a wide-release SteelBook edition. Bet you thought we were going to say Best Buy Exclusive again. You can also get all three G.I. Joe movies in a single collection as well.
The final new release 4K title this week and comes via LionsGate is The Protégé, and no, I'm not talking about a sedan by Mazda.
Ok then, moving to catalog titles, and what a variety to choose from. Let's tackle the list alphabetically...
From LionsGate, Apocalpyse Now: The Final Cut gets a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook release. Not sure I care for the cover, I do realize the excess orange color is likely modeled after the movie poster.
Synapse Films brings us Demons I & II as a single 4K set. Two movies in one set, thus the higher MSRP, bet this one is a great release.
Arrow Video's previously delayed Dune Limited Edition SteelBook gets the shipping green light.
Miramax's first 4K disc entry debuts this week, Wes Craven's Scream gets a standard release as well as a wide-release SteelBook edition. This film spawned a bunch of sequels and a bunch of parodies with sequels. Be honest, did you not buy all of them on DVD or blu-ray in the past?
Last but not least in the catalog titles list this week, The Silence of the Lambs gets a release by Kino Lorber Studio Classics. They did a fantastic job with Hannibal and according to our review, a great job on this one as well.
Blu-ray releases-
If you saved any money after exiting the 4K zone, the blu-ray zone is a little bit busy too.
Just like we do every week, getting the blu-ray counterparts from the above releases out of the way first. Warner Bros. releases Injustice, Universal releases Old, Paramount releases Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins as well as the 3-movie collection, plus a new release of Scream, LionsGate releases The Protégé and Synapse releases Demons I & II.
LionsGate also has Joe Bell for purchase this week, a 2020 Biography/Drama. An odd genre combination, a romance/sci-fi titled Needle in a Timestack. The latter is available in 4K on digital, but not on disc. Grrrrrr.
Criterion Collection's releases this week include The Incredible Shrinking Man and Ratcatcher.
Barring any last minute delays, Yokai Monsters Collection from Arrow Video should reach us this week. I say this because I still have not gotten my ship notice.
Warner Archive's next entry to the blu-ray catalog is Mad Love. TV from Warner Bros, the much anticipated Smallville The Complete Series and Superman & Lois: The Complete First Season.
From Disney/20th Century Studios, a horror/thriller titled The Night House.
Kino Lorber has a couple of films starring Elvis Presley, Rock Hudson, Bobby Darin, Change of Habit and Come September. Also a box set with 12 classic Westerns, The Randolph Scott Western Collection.
Anime highlights include Dragon Ball Z - Resurrection "F", Naruto: Set 5, Say "I Love You" - Complete Collection and Vampire Knight: The Complete Collection.
Honorable mention: 88 Films' first 'official' release in the U.S., The Gestapo's Last Orgy. Touted as 'still banned in the UK' among other things. Are they releasing it this way as a back door to the UK Market or are they going to expand upon their offering?
Notable announcements from last week:
Going with 88 Films, Indicator/Powerhouse Films will also be releasing titles in the U.S./Canada markets. This is exciting news because it means access to more films not currently available in the U.S. market.
Blue Underground's 4K releases of Maniac Cop 2 and Maniac Cop 3 have been pushed back a month to November 16th. Maybe that's good for us with as busy as the week is for other 4K titles.
Paramount Presents title The Sheik has been delayed to November 2. Amazon has not caught up to this fact as of yet.
Criterion Collection's January titles have been revealed. They are A Hard Day's Night 4K, The Piano 4K, The Piano, The Celebration, Dick Johnson Is Dead and Time.
Call this 'little things' or 'baseless wishful thinking'. Disney's D23 site is promoting the 1986 film Aliens, which in itself is random and odd. Could it be a 4K is coming soon? Does the current transfer live up to specs or does it require time out from James Cameron's busy Avatar schedule to approve it?
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?
Approaching the halfway mark already for the month of October already! Had your fill of pumpkin spice snacks, beer and other things yet? Awaiting delivery of your Scream Factory Halloween 4K releases? On Amazon, Halloween II is supposedly not shipping til the end of the month at best. Best Buy and Target have issues too. Invite Michael Myers to Thanksgiving Dinner?!??
Welcome to Volume 2 Episode 21 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.
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray/Digital Releases-
Another big week money wise for 4K discs.
New releases first. From 20th Century Studios, Free Guy starring Ryan Reynolds. Available as a standard edition, a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook and as a Target Exclusive. I totally missed this one so I cannot even pretend to describe the premise. What's with the pink bunny suit?
The other new release this week is LionsGate's The Green Knight. This one had pretty good fanfare with the reviewers and moviegoers.
Moving on to catalog titles, first we look at one of Brian De Palma's legacies, referring to Carlito's Way. Available as a standard release and as a SteelBook edition, which again is absent from Amazon. These SteelBooks seem to only crop up at Best Buy and Target.
A set many have been looking forward to since Volume 1, Columbia Classics Volume 2 finally sees light of day after some delay. A couple of the titles I question, but there is certainly something for everyone, it includes Anatomy of a Murder, Oliver!, Taxi Driver, Stripes, Sense and Sensibility and The Social Network.
Inglourious Basterds makes its way to 4K in a standard edition and a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook, because you know, Brad Pitt and company, right?
And finally, Kino Lorber releases Stephen King's movie adaptation Misery. Our review is already done for this one and it looks like KLSC has done a stellar job!
HD Blu-ray/Digital releases-
As far as blu-ray releases, this week hits a bit of a low, which is fine because overall the month is still red hot, and the 4K slate above hits me bad enough.
New release counterparts first, Free Guy and The Green Knight get theirs.
LionsGate's other obligatory appearances on the blu-ray release calendar includes The Colony (2021), an Escape Plan triple feature and Survive the Game. They also have three reissues this week.
Warner Archive has got a couple this week. Black Lightning: The Complete Fourth and Final Season and The Ghost Ship / Bedlam (Double Feature).
Warner Bros. releases a show that keeps on going, The Flash: The Complete Seventh Season.
Paramount releases Friday the 13th: 8-Movie Collection as a SteelBook this go round. TV mini-series The Haunting of Bly Manor gets a disc release this week. Also available as a double-feature that includes The Haunting of Hill House.
The Criterion Collection release of the week is High Sierra, a 1941 crime/adventure film starring Ida Lupino and Humphrey Bogart.
Normally I do not repeat release news for titles I already reported on that got subsequently delayed. This week I make that exception because it's news worthy. Arrow Video's 'fat-pack' release of Legend is sure to be sold out early. Also delayed but available now, He Came from the Swamp: The William Grefé Collection and The Snake Girl and the Silver-Haired Witch. [EDIT] TheSnake Girl and Silver-Haired Witch delayed once again[EDIT]
Slow week for anime, highlight (singular) would be Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear - Season 1.
Friday release, 1 concert, a couple of operas.
Notable announcements from last week:
Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings gets a street date on November 30th. Presently slated for 4K combo pack and a blu-ray release, it no doubt will be met with a Best Buy SteelBook and a Target Eclusive.
Shout! Factory's December batch of titles has been revealed. Currently Cartoon Saloon's Irish Folklore Trilogy, Going Berserk (Shout Select), Lady in a Cage, No Way to Treat a Lady, Trog and The Vampire Lovers (Collector's Edition) are listed as being released on the 14th or 21st. These titles join the already announced December titles of Shirobako: The Movie, Neon Genesis Evangelion and Krampus: The Naughty Cut (4K Ultra HD).
ClassicFlix will be releasing The Abbott and Costello Show: Season 1 on blu-ray December 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?
As we previously reported, all five seasons of the classic The Incredible Hulk series is coming to Blu-ray on October 26th! Starring the late, great Bill Bixby as anger-prone David Banner with Lou Ferrigno as The Hulk, the show ran for five seasons spanning 82 episodes and three made-for-television followup films. After doing some leg work trying to find out more about this release, we have some more details to share.
This will be a 19-disc set holding all 82 episodes and two of the three made-for-television films - they didn't tell us specifically which ones but likely The Incredible Hulk Returns and Trial of the Incredible Hulk. There won't be a digital copy included. Each episode will also feature DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio mixes.
Not to skimp things with this release, Universal is also plugging in a nice selection of bonus features to dig through:
They're not sending out advance review copies, but we'll absolutely be picking this one up and will share our thoughts as soon as we can! The set is up for pre-order and should street on October 26th if all goes well and there aren't any serious supplychain issues.
Thanks for all of the pre-orders - they really do go a long way towards keeping our little operation up and running!
