Now in Theaters:
Last Breath – Deep-sea divers come to the rescue of a crew mate who’s trapped hundreds of feet below the ocean’s surface, in this action thriller from Alex Parkinson.
Woody Harrelson in Last Breath
New to Streaming:
Luther: Never Too Much (2023) (***) is a new documentary about Luther Vandross, relating the story from his early Sesame Street appearances to his eventual mastery of the love song. Wisely, the filmmakers allow Vandross, through archival material, to share his own story while also allowing those closest to him to share their insights. (Streaming on Max)
New to Disc:
Paramount:
Gladiator II (2024) Ridley Scott’s sequel to his Oscar winning film from 2000 comes to both Blu-Ray and 4K formats this week with a few new featurettes.
Kino Lorber:
Peril & Distress: Endless Night / Picture Mommy Dead (1966-1972) Two suspense thrillers from the pen of Agatha Christie, directed by Sidney Gilliat and Bert I. Gordon, are being bundled together in a new 4K set, which also includes new audio commentaries.
Film Noir:
The Dark Side of Cinema XXIV Blu-ray (1950-57) The latest in the label’s ongoing series of underseen noir films continues with this new set that includes Union Station / Jennifer / The Crooked Circle. New commentaries are also included.
Criterion:
The Wages of Fear (1953) Four men tasked with driving trucks of explosives over a treacherous mountain are at the center of this terrific actioner, later remade as Sorcerer (1977), and now getting a much-needed 4K upgrade. Bonus materials include interviews and a documentary on the film’s director.
Film Movement:
The Power of Myth (1988) Writer Joseph Campbell joins Bill Moyers in a 360-minute chat about myths and what they tell us about our lives. This landmark PBS presentation is now getting its first ever Blu Ray release in this new set.
Crunchyroll:
Akira (1988) The classic animated film from Japan, a trendsetter at the time of its release, gets a 4K upgrade from this new label.
Arrow:
Play it Cool (1970) A Japanese singer carves out a career in the male dominated nightclub scene of the day in this import drama getting its first ever Blu-Ray release. Extras include a new commentary and video essay.
Anchor Bay:
Daddy (2023)
In a dystopian society where the state has the power to determine who can and cannot father children, four men attend a government sanctioned retreat in the remote mountains of California and are forced to prove that they have what it takes to become fathers, in this sci-fi thriller getting a Blu-Ray release this week.
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