Lionsgate and Blumhouse are set to release Jeff Wadlow's horror film Imaginary on Blu-ray + DVD + Digital combo pack on May 14. Digital arrives a week earlier on May 7.
Imaginary features Blumhouse's next horror icon Chauncey the Bear and the Blu-ray will include several supplements and a Dolby Atmos soundtrack.
When Jessica moves back into her childhood home with her family, her youngest stepdaughter, Alice, finds a stuffed bear named Chauncey. As Alice's behavior becomes more and more concerning, Jessica intervenes only to realize that Chauncey is much more than the stuffed toy bear she believed him to be.
The Blu-ray + DVD + Digital combo pack includes Dolby Atmos audio and the following supplements:
Pre-orders for Imaginary are up and here is the full press release:
On Electronic Sell-Through May 7 and Blu-ray™, DVD, and Digital May 14 from Lionsgate®
Hold Blumhouse’s newest nightmare in your own arms!
SANTA MONICA, CA (April 2, 2024) – Keep your new best friend forever when IMAGINARY arrives on Electronic Sell-Through May 7 and Blu-ray™ (+ DVD and Digital), and DVD from Lionsgate. IMAGINARY stars Chauncey the Bear, Blumhouse’s latest horror icon, now ready to play in your imagination at home! But remember, Chauncey is not imaginary, and not your friend. Alongside Chauncey are his human castmates DeWanda Wise (Jurassic World Dominion), Tom Payne (“The Walking Dead”), Taegen Burns (“The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers”), Pyper Braun (Desperation Road), Betty Buckley (Carrie), Matthew Sato (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”), and Veronica Falcón (“Ozark”).
When Jessica moves back into her childhood home with her family, her youngest stepdaughter, Alice, finds a stuffed bear named Chauncey. As Alice's behavior becomes more and more concerning, Jessica intervenes only to realize that Chauncey is much more than the stuffed toy bear she believed him to be.
Lionsgate and Blumhouse present, a Tower of Babble production. Written by Jeff Wadlow & Greg Erb & Jason Oremland. Directed by Jeff Wadlow.
On May 7, Imaginary will be available on Electronic Sell-Through for $14.99 and on May 14, Imaginary will also be available on Blu-ray™ (+ DVD and Digital) for $39.99 and on DVD for $29.96.
CAST:
• DeWanda Wise Jurassic World Dominion, The Harder They Fall
• Tom Payne “Prodigal Son,” “The Walking Dead”
• Taegen Burns “The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers,” “Blue Ridge”
• Pyper Braun Desperation Road, “Erin & Aaron”
• Betty Buckley Split, The Happening, Carrie
• Matthew Sato “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”
• And Veronica Falcón “Ozark,” “Perry Mason,” The Forever Purge
SPECIAL FEATURES:
• Audio Commentary by Producer-Cowriter-Director Jeff Wadlow and Executive Producer-Actress DeWanda Wise
• Meet Your New Imaginary Friends
Meet the cast of Imaginary as they discuss the meaning behind their characters and the terrifying creatures of the Never Ever. They also discuss the universal childhood experience of imaginary friends and how that plays such a crucial part in how they worked through this film.
• Frills and Thrills
Costume designer Eulyn C. Hufkie uncovers the real-life inspirations behind her designs for the leading ladies of Imaginary.
• Crafting the Beasts of Imaginary
Meet Mark Viniello, Claire Flewin, Richard Landon, and Tim Huizing, the Spectral Motion team and puppeteers behind Chauncey the Bear and Bear Beast. Prepare to be amazed as they guide you through a captivating showcase, unveiling their remarkable creations. Immerse yourself in the behind-the-scenes and feature footage that reveals the magic behind each practical effect and how they breathe life into the world of Imaginary.
• Bringing Nightmares to Life
Step into the realm of nightmares as you embark on the Never Ever created by production designer Meghan C. Rogers. We’re guided through the home’s terrifying rooms, each infused with an unsettling sense of dread. We unveil the builds, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that brings Jessica’s nightmares to life, from the writing on the walls to the haunting crawl space entrance into Never Ever. Here you’ll gain insight into the twisted world of Imaginary.
Official Site: https://www.imaginary.movie/
Publicity Materials: https://www.lionsgatepublicity.com/theatrical/imaginary
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imaginaryfilm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImaginaryFilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ImaginaryFilm
Hashtag:#ImaginaryFilm
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Year of Production: 2024
Title Copyright: Imaginary © 2024 Lions Gate Films Inc. and Blumhouse Productions, LLC. Artwork & Supplementary Materials ®, ™ & © 2024 Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Type: New Release
Rating: PG-13 for some violent content, drug material and language
Genre: Horror, Mystery
Feature Run Time: 1hr 44min
Subtitles: English, English SDH, Spanish, French
Closed-Captioned: No
Blu-ray™ Format: 1080p High Definition 16x9 (2.39:1) Presentation
DVD Format: 16x9 (2.39:1) Presentation
Blu-ray Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Descriptive Audio, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Audio
DVD Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Audio, English Descriptive Audio, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Audio
The critically-acclaimed animated sports thriller The First Slam Dunk is coming to Blu-ray on January 25 from GKIDS.
The animated feature film is based on the manga "Slam Dunk" by Takehiko Inoue and has broken box-office records in several countries and won the Japan Academy Film Prize for Best Animation in 2023.
Shohoku’s “speedster” and point guard, Ryota Miyagi, always plays with brains and lightning speed, running circles around his opponents while feigning composure. Born and raised in Okinawa, Ryota had a brother who was three years older. Following in the footsteps of his older brother, who was a famous local player from a young age, Ryota also became addicted to basketball.
In his second year of high school, Ryota plays with the Shohoku High School basketball team along with Sakuragi, Rukawa, Akagi, and Mitsui as they take the stage at the Inter-High School National Championship. And now, they are on the brink of challenging the reigning champions, Sannoh Kogyo High School.
The first print of the Blu-ray will include team stickers and the following supplements:
Pre-order your copy of The First Slam Dunk now - Happy Collecting!
Just a little quote from Major League (and there were some good ones, but most of them were too long for a title):
Harry Doyle: The post-game show is brought to you by...
[searches through his papers]
Harry Doyle: Christ, I can't find it. To hell with it.
The right answer is of course Amazon, Walmart and readers like you for using our links to shop.
With the week of Easter upon us, an average week of 4K disc releases this week, how well did you fare last week? I'd be lying if I said I bought nothing.
Welcome to Volume 4 Episode 44 of our weekly release guide. A look at the highlights of what's coming to disc the week of March 31st - April 6th, as well as a look at announcements from last week.
Another week of catalog titles in the 4K category, which is A-OK as there are so many releases we would like to see!
Coming off the wish list and moved to the now list, first from Paramount Pictures, sports comedy Major League. This one is also available as a SteelBook edition.
And next, from Criterion collection, French drama La haine.
Next, let's put a spotlight on Walmart for taking over the "Exclusive SteelBook Edition" releases after Best Buy chose to abandon physical media. This week all the exclusives are LionsGate releases. Debuting to 4K disc for the first time, action/adventure Cutthroat Island. Currently out of stock, just keep checking is the advice I would give you. Just this past week I ordered Silent Night 4K, it was out of stock since release date (January) but is now available again.
Next are a few double (or triple or quadruple, or I lost count) dips, we see where John Rambo started and ended, referring to First Blood and Last Blood. These are the kind of releases that if you "maybe" want them, but then hold off and miss out, you might kick yourself. Sounds like a justifiable excuse, no?
And if you know which movies I am referring to when I say retired and extremely dangerous, you win bragging rights this week! Formerly available as single releases, and an obsure 2-movie collection that went OOP, now you can get Red 1 & 2 as a Walmart Exclusive SteelBook. I call these sleeper titles, I had never heard of them, then sat down and watched the first and was pretty impressed, so I had to seek the sequel as well, then of course 4K.
Next week, more of the same with regards to it being a catalog title week. Still ample opportunities to spend spend spend.
There are no Blu-ray counterparts of the above 4K releases, hey, recharge that wallet from last week right?
As far as blu-ray releases in general this week, there are a lot of "B" titles on the list. One person's junk is another person's treasure. Without judgment, here are the highlights.
Anime highlight this week includes just Black Bullet - Complete Collection, which is a reissue with a different cover.
Who wouldn't want a cheap-budget trash Easter horror during the week of Easter? Check out Easter Bloody Easter.
MPI now has the rights to distribute Stigmata, and it is available as both a Mediabook and a standard edition.
To the rescue comes the land from down under. Imprint Films' and Imprint Asia's March batch of titles is available at Amazon USA this week, they include:
Warner Bros has announced an offical street date of May 14th for American Sniper to 4K disc. In their standard formula, the UK will be getting a more elaborate release with more special features and swag. Editor Matthew Hartman made a comparison of the UK getting a far superior release of this film to the UK getting an all out deluxe release of The Patriot (Mel Gibson). I would love to hear from Warner Bros why they think the US market doesn't want the nicer releases. I know they tried it in the past, but those releases had f'ugly covers and less desirable swag.
Last week I mentioned that Se7en was likely going to be released in May. No sooner did the article publish and we found out the film is getting an IMAX revisit and a newer scan, so it has been pushed to probably Winter 2024.
Arrow Video has announced their June 2024 titles. American Gigolo will be available on blu-ray, 4K and an Arrow Store Exclusive 4K. The latter offers a much better cover art, nothing else, but that's enough for me to order it. Mute Witness will also be getting a blu-ray and 4K release. Arrow UK will also be releasing Withnail and I and Madman to 4K. Madman was released by Vinegar Syndrome last year. For UK blu-ray, they will be releasing Nightsiren (Svetlonoc) as well.
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?
If you like Bruce Lee and exploitation movies, you'll love the Blu-ray boxed set of "Bruceploitation" films being put out by Severin now available for pre-order only available on their website with limited quantities so if you need this for your collection don't wait too long!
Also available is the 2023 documentary 'Enter the Clones of Bruce' that delves deep into the Bruceploitation genre.
The Game Of Clones: Bruceploitation Collection, Vol.1 (Limited Edition Website Exclusive)
“Many films tried to capitalize on the popularity of Bruce Lee. Some amped up the craziness as far as it would go. Others played it straight, delivering seriously good films. At its best, Bruceploitation was some of the most uninhibited and exciting martial arts cinema of the age.”
Den Of Geek
Hours after Bruce Lee’s death, Bruceploitation was born. And for the next 10 years, talented martial artists were enlisted to mimic iconic aspects of Lee’s life, style and mannerisms. Fueled by equal parts deception and demand, these films instead created one of the most wildly entertaining sub-genres in movie history. THE GAME OF CLONES: BRUCEPLOITATION COLLECTION, VOLUME 1 now presents 14 of the very best – and frequently very bizarre – films starring Bruce Li, Bruce Le, Dragon Lee, Bruce Liang and more, all restored for the first time ever from original film elements.
Each of these 14 Bruceploitation classics – THE CLONES OF BRUCE LEE (1980), ENTER THREE DRAGONS (1978), ENTER THE GAME OF DEATH (1978), GOOD BYE, BRUCE LEE: HIS LAST GAME OF DEATH (1975), THE DRAGON LIVES AGAIN (1977), BRUCE AND THE IRON FINGER (1977), CHALLENGE OF THE TIGER (1980), CAMEROON CONNECTION (1984), SUPER DRAGON: THE BRUCE LEE STORY (1974), THE DRAGON LIVES (1976), THE DRAGON, THE HERO (1980), RAGE OF THE DRAGON (1980), THE BLACK DRAGON VS. THE YELLOW TIGER (1974), and the never-before available THE BIG BOSS PART II (1976) – also feature exclusive bonus programming that includes all-new interviews, audio commentaries and revealing featurettes, as well as a 100-page Bruceploitation book filled with essays, posters, rare photos and more.
THE GAME OF CLONES: BRUCEPLOITATION COLLECTION, VOLUME 1
Blu-ray: $199.95srp
Catalog #: SEV15660BR
Disc 1:
ENTER THE CLONES OF BRUCE (2023)
Special Features:
• Audio Commentary With Co-Executive Producer/Director David Gregory, Co-Producers Frank Djeng, Vivian Wong And Michael Worth And Director Of Photography Jim Kunz
• Working At Shaw Brothers – Outtakes With Godfrey Ho, David Chiang, Yasuaki Kurata, Lee Chiu, Lo Meng, Mars And Phillip Ko
• Bruce Lee And I – Outtakes With Sammo Hung, Phillip Ko, Yasuaki Kurata, Mars, Angela Mao, Andre Morgan, Lee Tso Nam And More
• The Lost World Of Kung Fu Film Negatives – Outtakes With Godfrey Ho, Joseph Lai, Angela Mao, Lee Tso Nam And Film Preservationists
• Bruce's Hong Kong – Location Tour With Frank Djeng
• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth
• Trailers
Runtime: 94 mins
Audio: Stereo Audio / English Subtitles, Chinese Subtitles, French Subtitles
Region Free
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Disc 2:
THE CLONES OF BRUCE LEE (1980)
Special Features:
• Audio Commentary With Michael Worth And Frank Djeng, Co-Producers Of ENTER THE CLONES OF BRUCE; Bruce Lee Historian Brandon Bentley; Chris Poggiali, Co-Author Of These Fists Break Bricks; Matthew Whitaker, Co-Host Of The Clones Cast; Action Film Historian Mike Leader; Stunt Coordinator/Author John Kreng; And Rick Benn, Brother Of Actor Jon T. Benn
• The Big Boss Remembered – Interview With Actor Jon T. Benn
• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth
• Trailer
Runtime: 90 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions
Region Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
ENTER THREE DRAGONS (1978)
Special Features:
• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth
• Trailer
Runtime: 87 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Disc 3:
ENTER THE GAME OF DEATH (1978)
Special Features:
• Partial Audio Commentary With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth
• Scene Specific Commentary With Actor Chi Ling Chiu
• Kung Fu Movie Hustle – Interview With Chi Ling Chiu
• Talking A Good Game – Roundtable Discussion With Martial Artists/Kung Fu Film Experts Tatevik Hunanyan, John Kreng, Ron Strong And Michael Worth
• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Michael Worth
• Trailer
Runtime: 90 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions/
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
GOODBYE, BRUCE LEE: HIS LAST GAME OF DEATH (1975)
Special Features:
• Audio Commentary With Frank Djeng, Co-Producer Of ENTER THE CLONES OF BRUCE, With Contributions From Chris Poggiali, Co-Author Of These Fists Break Bricks
• The Last Kung Fu Picture Show – The Bay Area's Movie Theater Era
• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth
• Radio Spot
• Trailer
Runtime: 83 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Disc 4:
THE DRAGON LIVES AGAIN (1977)
Special Features:
• Audio Commentary With Michael Worth And Frank Djeng, Co-Producers Of ENTER THE CLONES OF BRUCE
• Deleted Scenes From French Version
• Audio Essay By Cult Cinema Critic Lovely Jon
• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth
• Trailer
Runtime: 91 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
BRUCE AND THE IRON FINGER (1979)
Special Features:
• Audio Commentary With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth
• My First Bruceploitation – Roundtable Discussion With Martial Artists/Kung Fu Film Experts Tatevik Hunanyan, John Kreng, Ron Strong And Michael Worth
• Deleted Scenes
• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Michael Worth
• U.S. Trailer
• Hong Kong Trailer
Runtime: 89 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Disc 5:
CHALLENGE OF THE TIGER (1980)
Special Features:
• Audio Commentary With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth And Film Historian C. Courtney Joyner
• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Michael Worth
• Trailer
Runtime: 89 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
CAMEROON CONNECTION (1984)
Special Features:
• Audio Commentary With Writer/Criterion Reflections Podcast Host David Blakeslee
• Lights... Cameroon... Action! – The Life And Films Of Alphonse Beni
• 2022 Q&A With Alphonse Beni At Cine Club N'Kah
• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth
Runtime: 91 mins
Audio: French Mono / English Subtitles
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Disc 6:
SUPER DRAGON: THE BRUCE LEE STORY (1974)
Special Features:
• Partial Audio Commentary With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth
• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Michael Worth
• TV Spot
• Trailer
Runtime: 93 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
THE DRAGON LIVES (1976)
Special Features:
• Audio Commentary With Actress Caryn White Stedman And Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth
• Audio Interview With "He’s A Legend, He’s A Hero" Songwriter Anders Gustav Nelsson
• The Taiwan Connection – Interview With Caryn White Stedman
• Bruce Biopics – Roundtable Discussion With Martial Artists/Kung Fu Film Experts Tatevik Hunanyan, John Kreng, Ron Strong And Michael Worth
• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Michael Worth
• TV Spots
Runtime: 87 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Disc 7:
THE DRAGON, THE HERO (1980)
Special Features:
• Audio Commentary With Director Godfrey Ho And Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth
• Godfrey, The Hero – Interview With Director Godfrey Ho
• Deleted Scenes
• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Michael Worth
• Trailer
Runtime: 87 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
RAGE OF THE DRAGON (1980)
Special Features:
• Audio Commentary With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth With Contributions From Chris Poggiali, Co-Author Of These Fists Break Bricks
• Kung Fu Theaters – Roundtable Discussion With Martial Artists/Kung Fu Film Experts Tatevik Hunanyan, John Kreng, Ron Strong And Michael Worth
• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Michael Worth
• Trailer
Runtime: 90 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Disc 8 (Limited Edition Bonus Disc):
THE BIG BOSS PART II (1976)
Special Features:
• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth
• Trailer
Runtime: 91 mins
Audio: Cantonese Mono / Burned-In English Subtitles, Burned-In Chinese Subtitles
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
THE BLACK DRAGON VS. THE YELLOW TIGER (1974)
Special Features:
• Audio Commentary With Actor/Director/Bruceploitation Expert Michael Worth With Contributions From Actor Clint Robinson
• Severin's Kung Fu Theater With Michael Worth
• Trailer
Runtime: 88 mins
Audio: English Mono / Closed Captions?
Region: Free
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
In the “fascinating gem of a documentary” (Culture Mix) ENTER THE CLONES OF BRUCE, director David Gregory tracks down the surviving Bruces – along with martial arts legends, producers, directors, distributors, historians and more – to reveal the entire shocking and bittersweet saga behind a celluloid phenomenon that still refuses to die. Gregory – whose award-winning documentaries include LOST SOUL: THE DOOMED JOURNEY OF RICHARD STANLEY’S ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU and BLOOD & FLESH: THE REEL LIFE & GHASTLY DEATH OF AL ADAMSON – now examines this fascinating phenomenon via interviews with Bruce Li, Bruce Le, Bruce Liang and Dragon Lee; martial arts legends like Angela Mao, David Chiang, Phillip Ko and Sammo Hung; and the producers, directors, distributors and experts – along with copious clips from the films themselves – that for the first time reveal the history, controversy and legacy behind one of the most bizarre genres in movie history. The documentary will also be available on all leading digital outlets on April 30, and as a standalone Blu-ray on May 21.
Pre-orders for The Game Of Clones: Bruceploitation Collection & Enter the Clones of Bruce are up now and there are very limited quantities available!
If keeping up with your collection wasn't already tough enough, some amazing independent labels dropped some great opportunities on Kickstarter! 3-D Film Archive, Deaf Crocodile, and Rifftrax have some exciting campaigns running right now!
Sometimes a project needs a little extra cash or a guaranteed number of sales to get going. Ever since crowdfunding took off, it's been a fantastic revenue stream for independent levels and entertainers to fund their next projects. Restorations of films and media of all kinds is rarely cheap. It's often a laborious process and if a title is a little obscure or not a big noteworthy release, the prospect of funding a project like that out-of-pocket can be dodgy financially. In recent years Kickstarter and other crowdfunding sources have become a haven for companies to not only fund their restoration efforts but also guarantee a number of unit sales. Right now on Kickstarter, there are a bunch of great campaigns rolling that physical media fans won't want to miss out on.
In the last couple of years, Deaf Crocodile has been steadily delivering one amazing Ptushko disc after another. Right now on Kickstarter you can punch in a pledge of $100 to get a beautiful boxset with Ilya Muromets, Sampo, The Tale of Tsar Saltan, and the upcoming Ruslan and Ludmila. These discs are the same ones available through Vinegar Syndrome's Partner Label selections, but now with a new box set and new slipcovers. But what if you already have the previous Ilya Muromets, Sampo, and The Tale of Tsar Saltan discs? Don't worry, the great people at Deaf Crocodile has your back. You can pick up the box on its own for $20 or snag the box with a copy of Ruslan and Ludmila with the Vinegar Syndrome slipcover for $50! So you've got some nice cash-affordable options if you don't want to break the bank re-purchasing discs you already have. But act fast - as of this writing there are only four days left in the campaign!
Next, the masters of stereoscopic Blu-ray releases, 3-D Film Archive has designs to unleash Arch Obler's final film Domo Arigato with a new fully restored 3-D Blu-ray release. No stranger to the crowdfunding process, 3-D Film Archive had delivered incredible 3-D Blu-ray releases time and again. Their previous crowdfunding effort Robot Monster was a phenomenal success and this shouldn't be any less impressive. The entry point for this release is nice and low; $30 guarantees your copy. Stretch goals have already flown by so you're going to get a fully-loaded disc with plenty of great bonus features. Now if you don't have a 3-D ready TV or projector, do not worry, this disc will also include an Anaglyph 3-D (Red/Cyan) version with a pair of glasses so you can experience the film on any home theater setup. As of this writing, you have nine days left in the campaign. So a little time yet to jump on the preorder option, but don't wait too long!
For years now, MST3K alums Mike, Kevin, and Bill have been delivering hilarious new commentaries for our favorite A-list blockbusters and Z-list forgotten gems. A staple of Rifftrax has been their annual live-show events streamed to theaters. Past heavy hitters included Plan 9 From Outer Space, Return of Swamp Thing, The Room and the biggest title (so far) has been Starship Troopers. MKB and the Rifftrax team are digging in for their biggest show yet - Point Break! That's right, the classic 90s Swayzee/Reeves action thriller will be riffed live in theaters across the country. Backers can choose their entry point to get a bunch of swag items and digital goodies, but best of all - there will be a physical media release for this show! Unlike Starship Troopers and Anaconda which only got a studio-recorded commentary track, we'll be able to enjoy the full show on DVD or Blu-ray! The campaign was quickly funded and stretch goals were destroyed opening up a Blu-ray release option! But to get that physical media option, you do have to punch in at the $100 tier level, but if you just want a digital release - you can opt-in at $40 to secure your spot. As of this writing, the show is already fully funded with fourteen days left in the campaign.
Of course when and where possible as these releases come to our home collections we aim to offer a thorough review - until then, happy collecting!
Whether it's 4K or blu-ray, this week is a whopper. All I can say is do your best to not break the bank. The image above was created on Bing's AI image creator. My first attempt.
Welcome to Volume 4 Episode 43 of our weekly release guide. A look at the highlights of what's coming to disc the week of March 24th - March 30th, as well as a look at announcements from last week.
It's another boutique label week in the 4K category, and that is A-OK. The 4K category is almost reasonable to manage this week.
Import Monday begins with A Blade in the Dark from 88 Films. (Vinegar Syndrome did this release one year ago.)
Also from 88 Films, a pair of releases listed as part of their "Tigon Collection", The Blood on Satan's Claw. The other title being Witchfinder General. I would not be surprised if these titles to be delayed, 88 Films releases frequently get pushed back at least once.
Formerly done by Cauldron Films in the US, Arrow Video's take on City of the Living Dead. Currently only available via Arrow's direct site. If we get an Amazon or Zavvi link, we will provide it for you.
Moving on to Domestic Tuesday, let's begin with Kino Lorber and comedy/sports film North Dallas Forty, starring Nick Nolte. Then let's go to a comedy/musical with Clint Eastwood titled Paint Your Wagon. I know you might be confused right about now with Eastwood not being in a Western back then, but it did happen!
The Criterion Collection this week has the comedy To Die For with Nicole Kidman, Joaquin Phoenix and Matt Dillon.
Spine number 43 in the 'Paramount Presents' line comes out this week, Primal Fear with Richard Gere.
Severin has your back if you're not looking to import, this week Burial Ground becomes available. Also, if you did not opt for the limited edition, a standard edition of The Spider Labyrinth is also available.
We don't see Blue Underground very often, but when we do, their releases are usually top-notch. What have they got for us this week? Try Night of the Blood Monster (The Bloody Judge) with Christopher Lee.
A standard release this week of Phase IV is available on Amazon from Vinegar Syndrome. Check out our review to decide is this one is a smash or a dud. Visit Vinegar Syndrome if you want the fancier edition.
Tinto Brass in 4K? Tinto Brass in 4K! Cult Epics this week has All Ladies Do It.
A pair of Indicator Series horror releases that were delayed a month or so, Patrick and Snapshot truly appear to be on track for a Tuesday release.
For those waiting for a standard release of The Warriors from Arrow video, the wait is over.
Import Friday (well, not really import) offers up Dead End Drive-In via Umbrella Entertainment and Amazon US.
Next week we can collect our thoughts and recharge, just a few catalog titles to look at, some of them are Walmart Exclusives.
It has been a long time since we have had a big week like this. If I told you there were close to a hundred titles, I would not be that far off. Selectively pick or splurge, your choice!
Blu-ray counterparts of the above 4K releases include North Dallas Forty and Paint Your Wagon from Kino Lorber, To Die For from Criterion, The Spider Labyrinth from Severin, Night of the Blood Monster (The Bloody Judge) from Blue Underground, All Ladies Do It from Cult Epics, The Warriors (Standard Edition) from Arrow Video, and, Patrick and Snapshot from the Powerhouse Indicator Series.
New comedy from Sony with The Book of Clarence.
Criterion also has something in the blu-ray category this week, foreign drama titled Saint Omer.
TV on disc this week includes Midsomer Murders: Series 24, Monk: Season Five and Wednesday: The Complete First Season. The latter title is a big hit and available in 4K with Dolby Vision, just a bit frustrating we get neither on disc at home. Maybe later, or maybe an import.
Warner Archive Collection this week has 3 Godfathers, The Boob and Why Be Good?, The Little Drummer Girl, Money Talks, Stand and Deliver and They Drive by Night.
Anime highlights include Boruto: Naruto Next Generations - Set 17, Berserk - The Complete 1997 TV Series, Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War: Part 1, also available as a Limited Edition, 'Fist of the North Star: The Legend of the True Savior - Legend of Kenshiro Movie' and Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid.
From Nickelodeon and Paramount Pictures, Good Burger 2 arrives this week.
Several more Indicator releases this week, but in the blu-ray category, look for The Bat Woman, The Panther Women and Santo vs. the Riders of Terror.
From LionsGate this week, a biography/sports drama titled The Iron Claw.
Special Mention of two titles that Shout Factory has released as shop exclusives, The Crow: Salvation and Venomous.
Honorable Mention: Volume 18 is out this week, talking about Film Noir: The Dark Side of Cinema XVIII. If you've been collecting them, here is another.
There are three releases from Via Vision and Umbrella Entertainment available via Amazon US on Friday.
Al Pacino: Triple Film Collection, Bully and The Chaser.
I recently watched the 70s TV show CHiPs on Prime video and I got to tall ya, it looks absolutely fantastic. The 16:9 reframing looks great too. If they can give us HD upgrades on classic TV shows via streaming, the work is half done, sell us the show on disc! Even if Mill Creek does it, offering an upped bitrate from their norm, I would be all over it.
Although not officially announced yet, I would expect to see the UK 4K release of Se7en to have an official street date of April 22nd. Amazon US has both the What's in the Box? and Ultimate Collector's releases listed as May 3rd. A US release in the typical movie-only setup (Warner usually gives the UK deluxe sets while giving the US barebones releases) would also be expected around that time.
Warner Bros appears on track to be releasing The Terminator to 4K in the near future.
Paramount Pictures has Rango due for a 4K SteelBook on June 4th. They also rumored to be working on Purple Rain and Team America for 4K 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?
From director Jeymes Samuel and starring LaKeith Stanfield, The Book of Clarence is finally officially announced for March 26th on Blu-ray Physical Media. Preorders are now live!
From visionary filmmaker Jeymes Samuel, The Book of Clarence is a bold new take on the timeless Hollywood era Biblical epic. Streetwise but struggling, Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield) is trying to find a better life for himself and his family, make himself worthy to the woman he loves, and prove that he’s not a nobody. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, a journey through which he finds redemption and faith, power and knowledge.
The Book of Clarence - Blu-ray
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Universal Pictures and Focus Features' film Lisa Frankenstein starring Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse is headed for a Blu-ray release on April 9.
The PG-13 dark romantic comedy inspired by the 1980s was written by Academy Award winner Diablo Cody. Zelda Williams makes her directorial debut.
A coming of RAGE love story about a misunderstood teenager and her high school crush, who happens to be a handsome corpse. After a set of playfully horrific circumstances bring him back to life, the two embark on a murderous journey to find love, happiness … and a few missing body parts along the way.
The Blu-ray + Digital Collector's Edition Blu-ray includes lossless 5.1 audio and the following supplements:
BONUS FEATURES on BLU-RAYTM AND DVD:
Pre-orders for Lisa Frankenstein are up and here is the full press release:
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Two cult classic fantasy horror favorites - 'The Lair of the White Worm' & 'The Gate' - will be getting new Walmart-exclusive Blu-ray SteelBook releases on May 14.
The releases both appear to have all of the previously released as part of Lionsgate's growing Vestron Video series. As we saw with Shivers, Little Monsters, and Kickboxer it looks like these are just going to be repackaged discs with new art and SteelBooks. Which is great if you never bought them previously! It's nice to see Walmart picking up the pace with more store-exclusive packaging ever since Best Buy exited the market. The trick will be if these actually make it to store shelves, we've seen a lot of pictures of bare racks on the interwebs - so hopefully these will be coming to a store near you!
Hugh Grant, Amanda Donohoe, and Catherine Oxenberg star in this mix of heart-stopping horror and campy humor. James D’Ampton (Grant) returns to his country castle in England. Legend has it that James’s distant ancestor once slayeed the local dragon — a monstrous white worm with a fondness for the sweet flesh of virgins. The young lord dismisses the legend as folklore, until archaeology student Angus Flint explores James’s property and unearths a massive reptilian skull and a pagan snake god’s ancient site of worship. When James’s virtuous girlfriend, Eve Trent (Oxenberg), suddenly disappears, James and Angus set out to investigate the foreboding cavern said to be the worm’s lair, where a centuries-old mystery begins to uncoil.
The Lair of the White Worm Walmart Exclusive SteelBook
SPECIAL FEATURES (Previously Released)
When best friends Glen and Terry stumble across a mysterious crystalline rock in Glen's backyard, they quickly dig up the newly sodden lawn searching for more precious stones. Instead, they unearth The Gate — an underground chamber of terrifying demonic evil. The teenagers soon understand what evil they've released as they are overcome with an assortment of horrific experiences. With fiendish followers invading suburbia, it's now up to the kids to discover the secret that can lock The Gate forever . . . if it's not too late.
The Gate Walmart Exclusive SteelBook
SPECIAL FEATURES (Previously Released)
Pre-orders for the Walmart Exclusive Blu-ray SteelBooks for The Gate and The Lair of the White Worm are now live!
Yeah, as we somehow survived the barrage of titles last week, we get that one-two punch that carries into this week. You really didn't need to make that mortgage payment anyway, did you?
Welcome to Volume 4 Episode 42 of our weekly release guide. A look at the highlights of what's coming to disc the week of March 17th - March 23rd, as well as a look at announcements from last week.
This week is a good news bad news week in the 4K category. The good news, there are no new releases pining for your attention. The bad news, there are a lot of great catalog/boutique labels that are pulling at your purse strings that much harder. Resistance is futile.
Import Monday includes several titles. First from Second Sight, a pair of "fat-pack" limited edition releases, Green Room and Possessor. You can also get those as standard editions as well if you are not down with the swag, Green Room and Possessor. I am a sucker for these Second Sight fat-packs. I don't mind giving Diabolik DVD my business, but the going price of $50 a piece price tag is something to balk at. That actually is cheaper than buying directly from Amazon UK and my orders do not get regularly canceled.
From 88 Films, their take on The Amityville Horror (1979).
On to Domestic Tuesday. Beginning with Kino Lorber, the drama/thriller Changing Lanes is up first, and it stars Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Affleck.
And next on the 'inevitable' release docket, The Manchurian Candidate (2004). When we saw the original 1962 version come out, it was merely a matter of time. Which version do you prefer? This time though it wasn't the original studio releasing one and Kino Lorber the other.
Scream Factory is the next label this week and they have a trio of skus coming Tuesday. The first two are considered remakes, we get Child's Play (2019) and Carrie (2013).
Delayed from 3 months ago, but finally seeing light of day, The Ring Collection materializes this week. Not too long after I imported the trilogy from Germany on blu-ray, this was announced. The story of my life. Hopefully The Grudge films is next?
Under the same house, but with the "Select" Label, Shout releases K-19: The Widowmaker to 4K disc.
Arrow Video has the original Japanese release of the film titled Dark Water. Also available as an Arrow Store Exclusive Cover Edition. Does this mean that Scream Factory will do the English language remake? We went from Ringu to The Ring, so maaaayybe.
Also from Arrow Video, a standard edition to Witness. This one sold out pretty fast as a limited edition, so here is a swagless release.
Import Wednesday comes from the land down under via Umbrella Entertainment with Dead End Drive-In: Collector's Edition. A standard edition will be available at Amazon US in a couple of weeks.
Donning a 4K slip SteelBook Edition, Barb Wire gets a release from Turbine Entertainment. Follow our link to the article to decide which one is best for you.
Next week the spigot is still blasting, Paramount Presents, Indicator, Criterion and more!
There are no blu-ray counterparts of the above 4K releases, that wallet in your pocket thanks you.
TV on disc include The Act: The Complete Limited Series, Doctor Who: The Daleks in Color and Suits: The Complete Series.
From Janus Contemporarires this week, the documentary Lynch/Oz debuts to blu-ray disc.
From Criterion Collection, foreign drama The Runner.
Under the Sony Pictures Classics label comes Shadow Magic, a drama/romance from 2000.
Next week's domestic blu-ray release calendar is APOCALYPTIC! I don't think you could possibly prepare yourself unless you win the lottery.
There are some Umbrella Entertainment imports available Wednesday. We will post domestic links when they become available as standard releases.
Criterion Collection has announced their June slate of titles. For 4K, the titles are Blue Velvet, Bound and Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas. For blu-ray, titles are Bound, Querelle, The Underground Railroad and Victims of Sin. When I imported Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas via Arrow Video, I knew it was inevitable that Criterion would do it, but I am not disappointed with my Arrow release one bit.
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?
