NOW IN THEATERS:
Avatar: Fire and Ash – James Cameron’s third entry in his seemingly never-ending Avatar series, only the third narrative feature he’s made in 28 years so prolific is not a word that comes to mind when thinking of Cameron’s career, brings back most of the story beats from previous entries. Jake and Neytiri do battle once again on the planet of Pandora when they encounter a new tribe who are a bit on the aggressive side. If it all sounds a tad familiar that’s because it probably is.
Photo: Avatar: Fire and Ash
NEW TO STREAMING:
Breakdown: 1975 – Morgan Neville (Won’t You Be My Neighbor) directs this new documentary film about the pivotal films released fifty years ago. Martin Scorsese, Oliver Stone, Albert Brooks, Joan Tewksbury, Ellen Burstyn, Patton Oswalt, and Seth Rogen are seen on camera while Jodie Foster narrates. (Netflix)
NEW TO DISC:
Kino Lorber:
The label has some terrific and much needed 4K UHD upgrades being issued this week. These include The Pink Panther (1963), A Shot in the Dark (1964), The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976), Revenge of the Pink Panther (1978), Babe (1995) and its sequel, Babe: Pig in the City (1998). Along with the splendid new transfers, these new releases also include new commentary tracks as well. The label is also issuing these titles separately in Blu Ray format as well.
Terror Vision:
Gator Bait Collection (1973-1988) is a new set from the label that bundles together the original 1970s entry starring Playboy Playmate, Claudia Jennings, along with the lesser 1980s sequel.
Also being issued by the label is the horror comedy Student Bodies (1981), which is written and directed by former Woody Allen collaborator, Mickey Rose.
Paramount:
The label has yet another repackaging this week, and this time it’s a stand-alone 4K disc release of the terrific 1997 thriller, Breakdown. It was previously available as part of the Paramount Scares Collection Volume 2. Nothing new in terms of extras.
Film Movement:
The label is issuing on Blu Ray the charming Japanese film, Shall We Dance (1996), about a depressed man who regains his love of life through the magic of dancing. A longer cut of the film is being included for the first time.
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