NOW IN THEATERS:
Michael – The long-awaited biopic of the “King of Pop” has arrived with much fanfare and controversy as to what is left out of the film’s narrative. Suffice it to say that the film covers Michael Jackson’s life up to the release of his “Bad” album in 1988 and is intended to play as a lighter version of the pop star’s life and times. The film features such dependable behind the scenes talent as director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) and screenwriter John Logan (The Aviator) but is unfortunately the brainchild of the same producer of the lackluster Freddie Mercury biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody. Use your own judgment.
Photo: Jaafar Jackson in Michael
NEW TO DISC:
Warner Archive:
Private Benjamin (1980) The triple Oscar nominee, starring Goldie Hawn as the recently widowed character of the film’s title who joins the military, gets a long overdue Blu Ray upgrade this week. Bonus materials include two episodes of the TV series adaptation of the film.
Also being issued by the label for the first time on Blu Ray is Michael Curtiz’s prison drama, 20,000 Years in Sing Sing (1932), the mystery, Crack Up (1946), the action-adventure starring George Sanders, King Richard and the Crusaders (1954), the swashbuckling classic, Captains Courageous (1937), The Monogram Matinee Volume 2 collection (1944-1947) and the pre code medical drama, Arrowsmith (1931).
Arrow:
The Kurt Russell starring actioner, Soldier (1998) and the Joe Dante directed, Martin Short starring comedy, Innerspace (1987), both get 4K upgrades from the label this week. Both feature the usual splendid transfers and extraordinary packaging and bonus materials. The latter includes featurettes and commentaries.
Criterion:
The label is issuing on 4K John Singleton’s Hood Trilogy (1991-2001) which includes the late director’s films, Boyz in the Hood (1991), Poetic Justice (1993) and Baby Boy. The extras consist of new and archival material which includes interviews and commentaries.
Kino:
The label is issuing new 4K editions of the Abbott & Costello comedy, Hold That Ghost (1941); the Danny Devito directed dark comedy, Throw Momma from the Train (1987) and a Blu Ray release of the 1989 horror comedy, Nightlife, which stars Ben Cross. All contain new commentary tracks.
Sony:
Something’s Got to Give (2003) The audience pleasing comedy starring the late Diane Keaton, Jack Nicholson and Keanu Reeves makes its high-definition debut with this new Blu Ray release and includes a few bonus goodies.
Paramount:
The label is issuing the fantasy film, Stardust (2007) on 4K while simultaneously reissuing Robert Altman’s classic, Nashville (1975) on Blu Ray.
Lionsgate:
The label is issuing the recent horror entry, Dust Bunny (2025), on 4K and Blu Ray for the first time.
Vinegar Syndrome:
The label has a few new 4K upgrades getting a standard release on tap this week. These include Badge 373 (1973), Office Killer (1997) and Boxcar Bertha (1972).
A24:
The label is issuing in both 4K and Blu Ray format Spike Lee’s remake of the Akira Kurosawa classic, High and Low, now titled, Highest 2 Lowest (2025), and starring Denzel Washington.
Questions/comments? filmfan1970@hotmail.com
