New to Streaming:
Ennio (***) The legendary Italian film composer Ennio Morricone finally gets his due in this 150 minute documentary film that features interviews with not only the maestro at the center of the film but also features illuminating commentary from those who have worked with him throughout his amazing career. This one is catnip for serious film buffs and only hampered by the films on Morricone’s resume that aren’t discussed.
New to Disc:
Kino:
The Lincoln Conspiracy (1977) is a docudrama getting its first ever disc release about the events that may have transpired in the days leading up to and following the assassination of US president Abraham Lincoln. Extras include a director commentary.
The President’s Analyst (1967) James Coburn stars as the title character who finds his life in danger when shadowy figures attempt to extract confidential info he may have about the commander in chief. Extras include two audio commentaries.
Brain Donors (1992) John Turturro is a lawyer tasked with helping his wealthy client start a ballet company in this quasi remake of A Night at the Opera. Two audio commentaries are included as a bonus.
The Whip and the Body (1963) Christopher Lee stars in this tale of vengeful sprits from horror maestro, Mario Bava, now getting a new restoration and featuring a bonus audio commentary.
Disney/Fox:
New releases from the label this week include the 4K debut of a trio of films directed by James Cameron, True Lies (1994), The Abyss (1989) and Aliens (1986). All three include new bonus materials.
Also being issued by the label this week are the recent Oscar winner, Poor Things (2023) and the animated film, Wish (2023).
Criterion:
All That Money Can Buy (1941) William Dieterle’s adaptation of the well regarded Stephen Vincent Benet short story, about a farmer who sells his soul to the devil, comes to both 4K and Blu Ray this week in a striking new restoration. Extras include commentary, featurettes and a radio adaptation.
All the Beauty and the Bloodshed (2022) filmmaker Laura Poitras’s chronicle of her life as an activist comes to Blu Ray along with bonus interviews.
Shout/Scream Factory:
The Shining (1997) Stephen King’s adaptation of his own classic horror novel, directed by Mick Garris and starring Steven Webber and Rebecca DeMornay, comes to Blu Ray for the first time ever in a fully restored set that includes a commentary and deleted scenes.
Quigley Down Under (1990) The western starring Tom Selleck comes to 4K for the first time ever in a new release that also includes bonus materials.
Warner Archive:
Looney Tunes Collector’s Choice Volume 3 (1930-69) contains nearly three hours worth of classic animated WB shorts-25 total- never previously available on Blu Ray and gloriously remastered. Among the films are Of Rice and Hen, Riff Raffy Daffy, The Mouse on 57th Street and Pre Hysterical Hare.
Colt 45: The Complete Series (1957-60) The western series starring Wayde Preston, which originally aired on ABC, comes to Blu Ray in a new set that’s been fully restored.
Arrow:
The Shootist (1976) The legendary John Wayne’s final film is the tale of a gunfighter dying of cancer who finds himself unable to enjoy his last days in peace after the arrival of a man with questionable motives. The new Blu Ray edition includes several revelatory featurettes about the tumultuous production of the film and a commentary.
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