NOW IN THEATERS:
Maxxxine (* 1/2) The third film in Ti West’s horror trilogy that began with the film, X, several years back is easily the least of the three. And that’s saying something considering that I found X to be a miserable sit with a lot of build up to a ludicrous payoff. Here Mia Goth returns as one of the characters she portrayed in the first film, on the path to a career in adult films in 1980s LA unless her past catches up with her. Once again, all style with an eye rolling denouement.
NEW TO DISC:
Kino:
Columbo: The Return (1989-2003) After its original run in the 1970s ended, the legendary detective returned for 24 more episodes over a span of twenty-three years. They have all been lovingly transferred from 4K masters in this new Blu-Ray set spread over ten discs. Extras include an episode guide booklet.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) Don Siegel’s original cinematic telling of Jack Finney’s classic story makes the 4K leap in a new edition that is a marked improvement over previously issued editions. Most, but not all, of the extras from the Olive Films deluxe Blu-Ray set have been retained along with new commentary tracks.
Brokeback Mountain (2005) The Oscar winning and emotionally rich film, about the decades long affair between two men who meet as ranch workers and attempt to navigate their feelings through the years, makes its 4K debut and retains many of the previously issued extras. A new commentary is also included.
Paternity (1982) Burt Reynolds doesn’t want to be a husband, only a father, in this comedy directed by David Steinberg and making its Blu-Ray debut with a new scan of the film. Extras include a new commentary.
Also being issued by the label is Monk: The Complete Eighth Season (2009) which features commentaries and new transfers of the episodes.
Warner Brothers:
The Rocky I-VI 4K Knockout Collection (1976-2006) The complete adventures of Sylvester Stallone’s beloved cinematic creation, Rocky Balboa, are being issued in 4K UHD format in a new box set. The first four films were issued on the format last year, but the new edition adds the final two films in the series, along with the others. The sixth film also features a new director’s cut along with the theatrical version. Previously issued archival material is being retained.
Shout/Scream Factory:
Phantoms (1998) Rose McGowan, Ben Affleck, Peter O’Toole and Liev Schreiber find themselves facing off against an evil entity in a Colorado community in this Dean Koontz adaptation making its 4K debut. Extras include new interviews.
Criterion:
Perfect Days (2023) Win Wender’s beautifully made character study of a Japanese man and the joy he finds in simple routines and structure makes its physical media debut in both 4K and Blu-Ray formats. Extras include new interviews and a short film.
Black God, White Devil (1964) A ranch hand kills his boss and goes on the run with his wife. This existential western from Brazil follows their encounters with those they meet along the way. Extras include commentary, documentaries and a new interview.
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