Now in Theaters:
Ferrari (***) Adam Driver turns in a very effective performance as the race car driver/entrepreneur of the film’s title in Michael Mann’s latest film. Not an all encompassing biopic but a look at a specific chapter in Ferrari’s life during the 1950s when he found his personal and professional life at a crossroads. The film excels in its depiction of the thrill of professional racing but occasional stumbles when getting mired in Ferrari’s love life. A mixed bag but vibrant enough for a look.
The Iron Claw (***) Sean Durkin, the filmmaker behind the critically hailed, Martha Marcy May Marlene (I didn’t care for it), returns with this biographical portrait of wrestler, Kevin Von Elrich, and the tragedies that follow the wrestler and his family. Zac Efron turns in a very effective performance as the wrestler, although the film doesn’t hit its stride until the admittedly moving final half hour.
The Iron Claw
New to Blu Ray:
Shout/Scream Factory:
The Dead Zone (1983) David Cronenberg’s superb adaptation of the Stephen King bestseller, about a man with the power to see people’s destinies, comes to 4K in a new edition. Previously issued extras are retained.
JFK (1991) The astonishing, Oscar winning probe into the assassination of John F. Kennedy, starring Kevin Costner as prosecutor Jim Garrison and concerning his dogged pursuit of what really transpired in November 1963, comes to 4K in a new three-disc edition that includes two cuts of the film, retains previously issued bonus features and includes a few new interviews as well.
Shaw Brothers Classics: Volume 2 (1980-84) The label has issued the second volume of titles from the Hong Kong studio this week. This set includes The Rebel Intruders / Two Champions of Shaolin / Legend of the Fox / Black Lizard / House of Traps / Masked Avengers / The Sword Stained with Royal Blood / Five Element Ninjas / Shaolin Prince / Shaolin Intruders / Holy Flame of the Martial World / Opium and the Kung-Fu Master. New bonus features are included as well.
MVD:
Mondo New York (1988) Stuart Shapiro’s portrait of the avant garde culture of the Big Apple during the late 80s comes to disc for the first time in this newly remastered edition. Multiple new interviews are included as well.
Paramount:
Pet Semetary: Bloodlines (2023) The prequel to Stephen King’s much loved novel comes to Blu Ray and 4K this week and contains a few new featurettes.
Kino:
Columbo: The 1970s (1968-1978) The entire series run from the 1970s comes to Blu Ray for the first time in this mammoth new edition boasting new 4K remasters of the picture and an episode guide booklet. A must for fans of the series.
Monk: The Complete Second Season (2003-2004) The continuing adventures of the OCD afflicted sleuth make their way to Blu Ray in this new set that includes some new bonus material.
Sinner (1973) Jess Franco’s tale of a woman’s sexual discovery and subsequent demise debuts on Blu Ray and includes multiple interviews and a commentary.
Arrow:
The Warriors (1979) Walter Hill’s much loved action classic, concerning a gang wrongly accused of murder and who are attempting to get back to their home turf, comes to 4K for the first time in this limited edition. Both the theatrical and director’s cuts are included, along with impressive picture/sound upgrades and new extras.
Universal:
The Exorcist: Believer (2023) The critically and financially disappointing horror sequel makes its disc debut this week in a new edition that includes a few new featurettes.
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