NEW TO STREAMING:
MoviePass, MovieCrash (***) The rise and fall of the MoviePass app – a subscription based service that peaked in popularity in late 2017 and which allowed its members to see unlimited movies for a very low fee – is the subject of this revelatory film from director Muta Ali Muhammad. The film charts its origins, takeover and eventual financial mismanagement which ultimately paved the way for its demise. A very worthwhile and informative experience for those who aren’t familiar with the story. (MAX)
Jim Henson – The Idea Man (***) Ron Howard returns to the documentary film well once again with this well-made portrait of the creator of The Muppets and creative force behind Sesame Street, among many other things. The film not only delves into Henson’s professional accomplishments but, through interviews with Henson’s offspring, manages to provide insights into his personal life as well. There’s a wealth of archival footage that is not to be missed along with new interviews with those who knew and worked with Henson throughout his career. The only complaint is that the film moves too quickly when covering the latter section of Henson’s life and career but overall, it’s a rewarding experience. (Disney)
NEW TO DISC:
Kino:
The Old Oak (2023) British filmmaker Ken Loach serves up another peak into the life of the working class in this tale of a pub owner who decides to embrace the immigrants of his community, much to the consternation of his loyal customers. One of my top ten films from last year, this Blu-Ray release also contains deleted scenes and the film’s trailer.
Bad Lieutenant (1992) Harvey Keitel stars as the title character who finds his past sins catching up to him in Abel Ferrara’s notorious film now coming to 4K for the first time ever. New interviews and featurettes are included along with archival bonus materials.
Other new releases from the label include Saigon (1947), which stars Alan Ladd as a WWII vet on a series of adventures and tangling with a man on the wrong side of the law, the Robert Mitchum starring romantic drama, Pursued (1947), the crime drama, The Chase (1946), the WWII drama, The Hour Before the Dawn, the sci fi entry, Death Machine (1994) and the martial arts actioner, The Perfect Weapon (1991). All contain new commentaries.
Criterion:
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) Terry Gilliam’s adaptation of the classic Hunter S. Thompson book, starring Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro, makes its 4K debut while retaining the extras previously issued on the Blu-Ray.
Photo: Benicio Del Toro and Johnny Depp in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Shout Factory:
Two previously issued 4K titles are being reissued as limited edition steelbooks from the label this week. They are The Magnificent Seven (1960) and Platoon (1986) and both retain the previously issued extras.
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