Overview: DC’s Tomorrowverse story arc begins to come to a close with Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One. The animated film builds off of four years of storytelling that began with Superman: Man of Tomorrow in 2020.

Other notable Tomorrowverse stories include 2021’s Batman: The Long Halloween parts one and two and 2023’s Justice League: Warworld. The series has taken a wide range of iconic DC characters to new and unexpected places and has largely been rewarded with a strong critical reception of its storytelling.

Crisis on Infinite Earths Part One is an adaptation of the biggest event in DC history, where the heroes of several parallel Earths must band together in a desperate effort to save the Multiverse from destruction at the hands of a massive army of shadows.

Blu-ray Verdict: After some rather iffy entries in the DC Tomorrowverse, I’m quite ecstatic to report that Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part One is a damn good superhero multidimensional crossover with Barry Allen/Flash being the emotional core of the movie.

Sure, it is very overstuffed and there is notably a lot going on, but as a part one of a larger trilogy, it mostly works, in my humble opinion. That said, not every Justice League member gets equal screen time and Wonder Woman’s role is noticeably given the short end of the stick, but it is what it is by now.

For me, this was a much better Flash movie than The Flash live action movie from last year and Matt Bomer does an excellent job voicing Barry Allen/The Flash, whilst also bringing a ton of sincere humor and emotion to the scarlet speedster.

In conclusion, the story itself, with its Barry-centric focus, was captivating. The voice acting was superb, breathing life into the characters, and I enjoyed the various meet and greet scenes with the other heroes. It did start slow, taking its time to build the world and atmosphere, which some might find tedious, but for me, it paid off with a satisfying and emotional payoff.

The music by Kevin Riepl is also far more engaging and immersive than the soundtrack from most of the Tomorrowverse films and the animation, overall, is tolerable. And I say that because if you have watched DC animated shows and movies since your childhood, I can definitely guarantee there’s a few moments in here that’ll bring you back to the early 2000’s.

In short, Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part One is a much needed win for DC animation and promises even better things to come. [D.S.A.]

Fittingly, as the Tomorrowverse movies are ending their reign as the premier DC animated arc, Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One features new and returning cast members of the highest caliber. Returning actors include Darren Criss as Superman, Stana Katic as Wonder Woman, and Jensen Ackles as Batman. Matt Bomer, Meg Donnelly, Jimmi Simpson, and Zachary Quinto join the cast as The Flash, Supergirl, Green Arrow, and Lex Luthor, respectively.

Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One will be available for purchase on streaming services as well as on 4K Ultra HD in limited edition Steelbook packaging. Physical and digital versions of the film alike feature the special features “Crisis Prime(r)”, a featurette in which the filmmakers behind the Tomorrowverse discuss their shared vision, and “The Selfless Speedster”, detailing The Flash’s importance to the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” comic series as well as the process of bringing the character into the animated film.

Lastly, but not least, EXCLUSIVE to the digital release is an advance clip from Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part Two.

Overview: From bestselling author Alistair MacLean (The Guns of Navarone, Where Eagles Dare) comes a pulse pounding, rip-roaring rampage of revenge starring Barry Newman, the king of existential cool who had previously put the pedal to the metal in Vanishing Point.

Mysterious drifter John Talbot (Newman) arrives in a small Louisiana town, picks a fight with local police and gets arrested. In court it is revealed he’s wanted for a number of violent crimes, but nothing is quite what it seems.

Staging a daring escape, Talbot abducts seemingly random spectator Sarah Ruthven (Suzy Kendall) and hits the road at high speed for a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns: a crashed airplane, a sleazy private investigator, criminal enforcers, and an oil millionaire. It’s a journey toward truth and vengeance and Talbot won’t hit the brakes until he gets there.

Director Michael Tuchner (Villain) delivers a crackerjack crime-thriller packed with great performances (including Ben Kingsley in his first movie role), an unforgettable score by Roy Budd (Get Carter), and stunt sequences coordinated by the legendary Carey Loftin (Bullit, Vanishing Point, The French Connection).

Simply put, Fear Is the Key is a white-knuckle winner that demands to be seen!

Blu-ray Verdict: Fear Is The Key is a mighty fine action flick based on Alistair MacLean’s novel and holds a few surprises for those lucky enough to catch this underrated gem (albeit now it is more accessible due to being released by the brilliant Arrow Films UK via MVD Visual, of course).

An unorthodox and at times bitty script is held together by an amiable cast including a young Ben Kingsley (debuting with a full head of hair) surprisingly in his only film before his Oscar winning performance of Ghandi ten years later.

The screenplay is a crafty one, with Barry Newman ploughing through the first half of the film seemingly out of control and playing a role hauntingly similar to his one in the excellent Vanishing Point, but this time in a Ford Gran Torino - keeping the viewer guessing what’s going to happen next and why.

As for a little insight into what is on offer here, Fear opens in Louisiana, as an unnamed man (Newman) is in radio contact with a plane. Suddenly it is shot out of the sky, and crashes. He looks mortified. We then move to a bar, where the same man raises a fuss because he cannot get a drink on a Sunday. He then beats up cops when they try to arrest him.

He winds up in court, and here we learn his name is John Talbot, a former underwater salvage expert wanted by Interpol. Also present is Sarah Ruthven (Suzy Kendall). Before he can be sentenced, Talbot escapes, taking Suzy as hostage. In a stolen car, they are chased relentlessly.

OK, well, that’s enough plot for to tell you more would be to spoil it. Suffice to say, that Talbot is not what he seems and the stakes are bigger than they first appear.

After a slightly boggy, espionage filled middle act the film coolly builds to a dramatic nail-biting finale and it is only here in the film’s dying moments do you actually discover the truth. And sure, though the ending may not quite reach some viewers expectations, it does wrap things up succinctly, making the thrills on the way (including a fine car chase that bursts from a courthouse breakout) all the more worthwhile.

This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation
Original lossless mono audio
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
New audio commentary by filmmaker and critic Howard S. Berger
A Different Kind of Spy Game, a new visual essay by film critic and author Scout Tafoya
Fear in the Key of Budd, a new appreciation of composer Roy Budd and his score for Fear Is the Key by film and music historian Neil Brand
Bayou to Bray, an archive featurette in which crew members look back on the making of the film
Producing the Action, an archive interview with associate producer Gavrik Losey
Theatrical trailer
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Nathanael Marsh
Double-sided foldout poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Nathanael Marsh
Illustrated collector’s booklet with new writing by filmmaker and critic Sean Hogan

www.arrowfilms.com

Overview: In 1977, fight choreographer Sammo Hung made one last film under his mentor, director Huang Feng (Lady Whirlwind, Hapkido) before graduating to the director’s chair himself with The Iron-Fisted Monk. That film was the rarely-seen martial arts ensemble thriller The Shaolin Plot, which sees the pair reunite with Hong Kong heavy Chan Sing (New Fist of Fury).

Prince Daglen (Sing) is hellbent on completing his comprehensive collection of Chinese martial arts manuals and mastering each form against his opponents. With only two manuals left to obtain, he sends his most dangerous henchman, a renegade monk (Hung) armed with two golden cymbals acting as flying guillotines, to steal the manual of Wu-Tang. To steal the sacred texts of Shaolin, however, the wicked Daglen will have to infiltrate the temple himself.

The stage is set for a clash between Daglen, his cronies and surviving Wu-Tang student Little Tiger (James Tien, The Big Boss), alongside a lethal duo of Shaolin warrior monks (Casanova Wong, Warriors Two and Kwan Yung Moon, My Young Auntie).

Based on a story by legendary storyteller Ni Kuang (The 36th Chamber of Shaolin), The Shaolin Plot is a classic tale of martial arts intrigue and deception, combining the incoming new wave of action with the old, resulting in one of the most overlooked and underrated kung fu classics from one of the most prolific Hong Kong film studios of all time!

Blu-ray Verdict: After his work directing the action sequences for King Hu’s Palme D’or winning A Touch of Zen, Sammo Hung worked with director Huang Feng (Lady Whirlwind, Hapkido) on a series of martial arts masterpieces which continuously broke new ground for action cinema, the culmination of which was The Shaolin Plot.

After the release of this film, Sammo (who also has one of his first major acting roles here, playing a deadly monk with an unusual choice of weaponry) began his own career as a director and would play a huge role in the “Golden Age” of Hong Kong cinema – an era which revolutionized action filmmaking around the world.

Hong Kong movie veteran Chen Hsing (The Iron-Fisted Monk) plays a tyrannical ruler with the aim of collecting all existing Chinese martial arts manuals in order to obtain ultimate power. After obtaining the Wu Tang manual, he sets his sights on the Shaolin Temple and the secrets of their fighting style. Two Shaolin Monks (Casanova Wong and Yeong-moon Kwon) must team up with a Wu Tang fighter (James Tien) to defeat the villainous despot.

This 1977 Hong Kong action film gave Sammo Hung his first starring role. A sinister martial arts master moves violently through Hong Kong. The only person standing in his way is his best student.

The Shaolin Plot is remarkable for its inclusion of Sammo Hung in his first starring role (an unscrupulous baddie, here, hurdling golden cymbal boomerangs or multiple razor-sharp daggers!) and his early role as an action director. It really stands out as a superior Wushu classic with excellent cast and endless flying kicks and sharp, whiplash-filled conflicts that push the narrative to lesser-importance.

It revolves around obtaining the Wu Tang, Shaolin manual of clandestine martial arts distinction. The secrets serving as a trigger for the unrelenting friction. I really enjoyed it and given all you could ever ask for is now fully realized here in this marvelous Arrow Films production, this rarely seen gem should now receive a much wider audience.

This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

2K restoration from the original film elements by Fortune Star
High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation
Original lossless Mandarin and English mono options
Optional English subtitles
Commentary by martial arts film experts Frank Djeng & Michael Worth
Commentary by action cinema experts Mike Leeder & Arne Venema
Alternate English credits
Original theatrical trailers
Double-sided fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Ilan Sheady
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Ilan Sheady
Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by Peter Glagowski

www.arrowfilms.com

Overview: A Remake of H.G. Lewis’ notorious splatter classic! Fuad Ramses and his family have moved from the United States to France, where they run an American-themed diner. Since business is not going well, Fuad also works the graveyard shift in a museum of ancient Egyptian culture.

During these long nights, he is repeatedly drawn to a statue representing the seductive goddess, Ishtar. As his fascination with Ishtar grows, she begins speaking to him in visions. One night, Fuad succumbs to her deadly charms and begins a new life of murder and cannibalism.

He prepares a lavish feast for Ishtar dripping with the blood, organs and intestines of his victims. As the bodies pile up, Fuad slips further into madness until no one, not even his wife and daughter, is safe from the desires of the bloodthirsty goddess!

A fun and ultra-gory homage to H.G. Lewis’ original 1963 BLOOD FEAST, this remake is presented uncut and in 4K Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) for the first time ever on home video! Stars genre favorites Robert Rusler (A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 2: FREDDY’S REVENGE), Caroline Williams (THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE PART 2) and Sophie Monk (THE HILLS RUN RED).

Blu-ray Verdict: Lewis, known as the Godfather of Gore, did extreme and extremely silly high concept horror films like The Gore Gore Girls and 2000 Maniacs (remade as a Robert Englund flick about a decade ago). Now, I’m not a huge fan of his and my interest in this movie had more to do with its marketing, which swore it was a hardcore, over-the-top gore film! Honestly, though, this movie seems almost apologetic for its intense content, but it does provide just enough to keep you watching along, that’s for sure.

It tells the story of an unstable, American restaurant own that moves to Paris with his wife (Caroline Williams of Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 and Hatchet 3) and college aged daughter (Sophie Monk of The Hills Run Red). He is going broke and goes off his meds then promptly begins hallucinating, believing he has been ordered by an Egyptian goddess to perform a blood sacrifice in her name.

He begins murdering and cooking young people while his suspicious wife noses around and his oblivious daughter is romanced by a local cop. Blood is spilled but it’s often slightly off camera, which is disappointing. The opening is pretty awesome and the finale is great, but (and in truth) the entire middle section is take it or leave it story line wise.

In conclusion, Blood Feast is a little goofy, bloody and gruesome. It holds the same spirit as the original, but isn’t as memorable. Overall though, it’s not a bad movie, and I’ve certainly seen worse, especially as far as remakes go. Give it a shot. You won’t regret it.

Special Features:

Making of featurette
Indiegogo promotional trailer
Theatrical trailer
Chilli Con Curtis Tonite - Music Video
BLOOD FEAST - Red Carpet Premiere 2018
BLOOD FEAST - Scare Cam
English SDH Subtitles

www.synapsefilms.com

Overview: A Swiss Bank president hires an American investigator to ferret out a group of blackmailers that have been terrorizing his clients. Meanwhile, American gangsters hit the streets of Zurich with the intention of killing a Chicago mob figure, who happens to be one of the blackmail victims.

Other blackmail victims include a beautiful Zurish resident, a Texas businessman, and a wealthy Dutchman. The investigator (David Janssen) identifies four potential suspects, including the bank vice-president’s mistress (Elke Sommer).

Adding to the intrigue is that the Swiss Federal Police are suspicious of the American and are soon making his job more difficult. Ultimately, the investigation leads to the bank paying the chief blackmailer in uncut diamonds, which results in a dramatic showdown in the snow-covered Alps and a surprise revelation.

Blu-ray Verdict: In truth, whatever its deficiencies may be, The Swiss Conspiracy answers at least one question: Which of the two famous sex kittens of the 1960s aged more gracefully into the 1970s, Senta Berger or Elke Sommer? The definite answer: Senta. She looks very beautiful in this movie.

There is also an obvious romantic mismatch between her and David Janssen (who frankly looks old enough to be her father, although he was only about a decade older in real life), and the script remains murky from beginning to end, but the location shooting around Switzerland, a couple of well-done action sequences, and a diverse supporting cast (Ray Milland and David Hess in the same movie?!) help compensate somewhat.

As for the film, the legendary director Jack Arnold’s last long-feature film is a raw and twisted blackmail thriller set in the beautifully picturesque aforementioned country of Switzerland. In fact, the opening and closing credits, and many scenic sequences throughout the entire movie, almost make it look as if The Swiss Conspiracy is a tourist brochure in motion, as well as a typically 70s Euro-exploitation thriller!

So, the plot of the film principally revolve within the infamous Swiss banking structure. David Christopher, a former US government agent now retired and living in Zurich, is recruited as private security officer for a large and prominent Swiss bank. The bank itself, as well as five of its most respectable clients, are blackmailed into paying millions of Swiss Francs, otherwise their secret accounts full of fraudulent transactions will be publicly exposed.

Thus, Christopher finds that everyone is a suspect, including the bank’s Vice President and most of the blackmail victims, since they are borderline criminal and utterly corrupt themselves!

In closing, and like any good whodunit thriller, there are red herrings and plot twists, one more predictable and transparent than the other, but the experienced Jack Arnold keeps the pacing steady and the action continuous. Which makes this a great movie to settle in with on a wet Sunday afternoon.

Bonus Materials:
Full length commentary by Robert Kelly and Daniel Budnik
Visual essay: A Three Dimensional Filmmaker, by Will Dodson and Ryan Verrill of Someone’s Favorite Productions
New Featurette by Ballyhoo Motion Pictures
Original Restored Trailer from 35mm archival elements
Liner notes, in full color booklet, done by Lee Pfeiffer of Cinema Retro

Overview: Diego (Demian Salomon, Terrified, When Evil Lurks) is a crook and a hooligan for Racing Club, one of Argentina’s greatest soccer teams.

While sitting in his car in the middle of nowhere and participating in a quiz show about his beloved football team, a man suddenly falls from the sky and into his windshield.

When a tough as nails female secret agent (Moro Anghileri, On the Third Day) arrives to confront Diego and asks about the dangerous con man keeping a dark secret who happens to be kidnapped in the trunk of his car, all hell is about to break loose!

Blu-ray Verdict: In what is a captivating movie from start to finish, and one where I even had a repeat viewing of it a few days later as I had to show my friends and gauge their reactions also, Punto Rojo is beautifully rhythmic throughout.

Complete with some brilliant editing, ravishing action sequences and a musical soundtrack that is just to die for, the layered dark humor combined with the varying scenes of ultra violence, not forgetting some great writing, all these things come together to bring forth a movie where everyone who sees it can only just marvel in its phenomenally crafted creative juices.

Director, Writer and Editor Nicanor Loreti has always admitted to being a huge fan of Quentin Tarantino and it is just that kind of cinematic flavor that lovingly veins its way through this gung-ho action flick.

And, if I might also add, the film is highly reminiscent of work done by the brilliant Damián Szifron, who also is adept at bring from paper to the silver screen a dutiful cinematic mix of unforgettable characters and indelible story lines.

This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Director Commentary
Pinball Short Film
Trailer

Overview: When a raid in Normandy goes wrong, a British commando team find themselves holed up in a barn, cut off from their comrades and encircled by Wehrmacht forces. Survival seems unlikely until an unexpected discovery offers them a chance at escape.

DVD Verdict: For my money, the new movie Fortunes of War is a mighty fine, some might say gripping action flick that takes you on a journey and never lets go of your imagination or breath.

A brand new British war cinematic experience, this new movie from the brilliant director Bill Thomas (The Three Musketeers, Lockdown Kings) brings forth a vibrant, nay dutifully cultured and wholly contemporary feel to the WWII genre here.

If memory serves, the screenplay was also written in conjunction with his brother Ian Thomas (The Bunker, Amnesia: Rebirth) and tells the story of when a covert raid in Normandy goes horribly wrong. You see, a small team of British commandos are cut off from their comrades and are now being hunted down by the Wehrmacht forces. They subsequently stumble across a ramshackle old farm deep in the forest, where their immediate plans to lay low are very short lived!

For once there, trying to hunker down, keep themselves safe from the ensuring madness and deadly dangers of the outside world, they soon find that they are not alone and that there are a group of French laborers also with the same safe haven thoughts with regard the barn!

But, and not to give too much away here, as this movie is so much more than just a bullet-spewing fight out between two warring factors, things go more smoothly between them all than first feared and thus with the area still crawling with Germans, everyone groups together to fight back against the common enemy.

In conclusion, this new movie Fortunes of War - which stars James Oliver Wheatley (The Lost Pirate Kingdom), Sophie Craig (The Bay, Bulletproof), and amongst othersm Asan N’Jie (Emmerdale, Mount Pleasant) and Bob Cryer (Hollyoaks) - is an enthralling, captivating, engrossing and just a downright intelligently filmed WWII flick that not only can be classified as action, but I would also include that it is also a rather intriguing thriller of the highest order.

Official Trailer

Overview: Before he made his name in Lone Wolf and Cub Tomisaburo Wakayama starred in this triptych of violent samurai spectacles that draw on James Bond and Spaghetti Westerns for inspiration yet feature the familiar style and blood-spattering action of the period.

Wakayama stars as Doctor and spy-for-hire Shikoro Ichibei who in Shigehiro (The Streetfighter) Ozawa’s Killer’s Mission is hired to prevent the sale of firearms to a hostile Shogun. In Eiichi (13 Assassins) Kudo’s follow-up, The Fort of Death, Ichibei is hired on a Seven Samurai-style mission to protect a village of farmers from a ruthless Lord. The final film sees Ozawa return for Eight Men to Kill, in which Ichibei is hired to recover a cache of stolen gold from the government’s mine.

Featuring an array of weapons and gadgets that would make Q proud with Ichibei supported by a band of helpers including fellow spies, ronin and female ninjas, the Bounty Hunter films deliver action thrills galore and deserve to sit alongside the celebrated action epics that followed.

Blu-ray Verdict: The trilogy opens on The Killer’s Mission (1969) and tells the story of a shogunate secret agent who is sent to investigate a secret deal with a Dutch warship involving repeating rifles to be used in an uprising against the Shogun, but finds there’s more going on than previously suspected.

In truth, this story of two notorious forces in Japanese exploitation cinema arrived before either hit their nadir. A few years later, director Ozawa was responsible for two Streetfighter films and Tomisaburo Wakayama went on to star in the Lone Wolf series. While this film doesn’t rise to the questionable levels of either series, it certainly has it’s moments.

Ichibei is sent by the Shogun to stop the Dutch from selling rifles to the Satsuma clan in the south. Ichibei stocks up on all his gadgets and bombs and sets out. Along the way he meets up with a cowardly ronin and a female spy who is nearly his match. We also find out he is impervious to viper venom and can turn his sword scabbard into a telescope. Intrigue and action occur as he makes his journey towards the Dutch ship carrying the armaments.

The film is tongue in cheek with obvious nods to the spy thriller and it’s rather bloody. We can see glimpses of the future Lone Wolf series as the overweight Tomisaburo Wakayama ably jumps, flips and slices his way thru the action scenes. There’s also some pinku style woman torture for those who need this stuff. The direction is planted firmly in Japanese TV action style which sometimes is very good and other times just quickly filmed and sort of sloppy.

Also, the music is pure TV action themes and gets quite annoying unless you have an appreciation of it. The main problem with this film is that it moves at a snappy pace for the first 50 minutes and then stalls out in a number of talking samurai in discussion scenes. The last ten minutes pick up as Ichibei finally gets to the Dutch, but the fun is diminished.

Indeed, about fifteen minutes of the film has Ichibei pose as a blind masseuse which is sort of fun since Wakayama’s brother, Shintaro Katsu was playing Zatoichi at the time. And, for the record, this is the second film Wakayama poked fun at his more successful brother, but I digress.

Next up is The Fort of Death (1969) where a government siege on Enoki Village spurs an uprising among peasants who build a fort to defend themselves. A young villager enlists bounty hunter Shikoro Ichibei to help prevent the government from wiping them out.

The time is 1751 during the Tokugawa Shogunate. Believing the Satsuma Clan is secretly planning to overthrow the government with the help of foreign aid, Shogun Ieshige sends a cunning secret agent sword master named Shikoro Ichibei to investigate. Meanwhile, the advisers to the Shogun, the Roju Council, send their own spy to find out what the Satsuma are up to.

Like many samurai pictures, there’s a touch of historical significance in the script within its Tokugawa Era setting. Aside from some appealing ideas, it’s basically a standard Jidaigeki tale, but told with a sense of wit as sharp as Shikoro’s many blades.

Takada Koji and Igami Masaru’s droll screenplay is rife with memorable moments. Among these is an extended section of self-referential humor that’s arguably one of the most welcome, and hilarious instances of parody ever filmed (more on that later). Thankfully, they wrote a charisma saturated main character with which to carry this movie.

Wakayama is incredible as the wily, brazen, and burly sword slinging samurai spy. He’s absolutely magnetic onscreen. His spy swordsman character is just as slippery and resourceful as James Bond, but replaces the British agents swagger with brutish mannerisms. Both men share the same level of confidence -- imbuing both with an air of invincibility.

Shikoro is a learned character, too. It’s not expanded on here (the sequels go further with it), but he’s also a doctor of medicine who has trained himself to have immunities against certain poisons. This comes in handy early in the previous Killer’s Mission.

In short, the actions scenes here are exactly what you’d expect from Wakayama. They’re fast and exciting, and have a bit of empty handed punches, kicks and throws mixed in. A good watch from start to finish.

Lastly in the trilogy comes Eight Men to Kill (1972), and which is the third and final chapter of the Shokin Kasegi (Bounty Hunter) series, stars the great Wakayama Tomisaburo as a doctor who doubles as a bounty hunter with a vast array of weapons and the greatest sword skill in the land.

Shigehiro Ozawa returns to the directors chair for the final part of the trilogy (though perfectly watchable standalone) and while the film certainly doesn’t live up to the standard set by its predecessors, it’s still an enjoyable slice of Jidaigeki with a lot of Western influence (though that’s a door that swings both ways), elevated by its larger than life star Tomisaburo Wakayama and a strong first and last third, particularly it’s stunning action packed finale.

Sadly, in all truth, it’s let down by its slightly dry middle section that gets bogged down in its twists and a cast of characters that comes across as one too many cooks in the kitchen. It’s not convoluted by any means, it’s a nice simple narrative overall with an interesting air of anti authoritarianism, but there’s definitely a lack of focus.

Ozawa’s direction too is rather workmanlike, there’s very little to make it stand out from the pack and ends up feeling much like any other routine studio fare of the era, which is a shame, though there is some wonderful framing of Wakayama that shows off some of his remarkable facial features and the range he could pull off with just a single look. [C.M.]

Special Features:
High-Definition digital transfer of each film presented on two discs, made available on Blu-ray (1080p) for the first time in the world
Uncompressed mono PCM audio
Audio commentary on Killer’s Mission by Tom Mes
Interview with film historian and Shigehiro Ozawa expert Akihito Ito about the filmmaker
Visual essay on Eiichi Kudo by Japanese cinema expert Robin Gatto
Series poster and press image gallery
Trailers
Optional English subtitles
Six postcards of artwork from the films
Reversible sleeves featuring artwork based on original posters
Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by samurai film expert Alain Silver, an obituary of Eiichi Kudo by Kinji Fukasaku and an interview piece on Shigehiro Ozawa after his retirement from filmmaking
Limited Edition of 3000 copies, presented in a rigid box with full-height Scanavo cases and removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings

www.radiancefilms.co.uk

Overview: In 2980, death is reversible using a blue liquid called ESSENCE. Space scavengers, Kip Corman and his daughter Taylor, seek to bring back Kip’s deceased wife. After a scavenger transaction goes bad, their pair flee.

While on the run from the evil Elnora, they encounter a scientist who holds the key to finding the legendary Deepstar; a lost ship full of treasure. Soon they realize they aren’t the only ones searching for it.

DVD Verdict: I mean, come on, the title itself gives the game away as to what to expect here and for that alone I already had admiration for a movie I hadn’t even watched yet!

As I am sure followers of such movies will already know, the title of the movie says is all, as back in the late 1970’s/early 1980’s there were a number of cheap Italian knock-off Sci-Fi movies that were flashy and stupid; but, much like this one, they had style, substance and a dynamic, artistic flare.

This is pretty much an homage to those movies, but with much better effects and better actors. OK, sure, the scripted dialogue has its moments of heavy, unapologetic cheese, but at all times the actors deliver their lines with gravitas.

Driven by a dynamic, propulsive plot, the script manages to also throw in some surprises along the way, and whilst there are the predictable scenes dotted here and there, the film works so well on all the other levels that you allow director Garo Setian his moments of plot self-indulgence.

In what is a stunningly enjoyable romp, the always reliable Michael Paré leads the way as space scrounger Kip along with his feisty daughter Taylor (Sarah French), both faced with searching for the aforementioned Deepstar.

Along the way they realize that they are not the only seekers of this dream-fulfilling gizmo - beware Dykstra (Olivier Gruner) - and that the universe is really quite a perilous place (who’d have thought it?)

In conclusion, Space Wars: Quest for the Deepstar is a fun, excellently directed film by Setain, and whilst it was obviously made on a low budget, everyone is fully on board, they know what they had to do, and they all came together to bring us a very enjoyable, good old-fashioned space adventure.

Special Features:
Commentary
Deleted Scenes
Bloopers
Trailer

Official Trailer

Overview: Soon after her return from a business trip to Hong Kong, Beth Emhoff dies from what is a flu or some other type of infection. Her young son dies later the same day. Her husband Mitch however seems immune. Thus begins the spread of a deadly infection.

For doctors and administrators at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, several days pass before anyone realizes the extent or gravity of this new infection. They must first identify the type of virus in question and then find a means of combating it, a process that will likely take several months.

As the contagion spreads to millions of people worldwide, societal order begins to break down as people panic.

4K UHD Blu-ray Verdict: Warner Bros. Entertainment is expanding their 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray catalog offerings this month with the release of the highly-anticipated Contagion in the expansive 4K Ultra HD video format this February 27th, 2024.

For my money, this Contagion [4K UHD Blu-ray + Digital] combo pack sharpness takes a fairly large step forward from others in their 4K Ultra HD catalog and even comes with HDR (High Dynamic Range) for the complete 4K Ultra HD experience, of course.

So, what we have is Contagion presented to us as a two-disc combo pack with a sheet for a Digital HD Copy. Other stand out points you should know are: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: Native 4K (2160p), HDR: HDR10, Aspect ratio: 1.78:1 and Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1.

Featuring Dolby Vision and HDR10 for brighter, deeper, and way more lifelike colors, as with most all 4K UHDs, everything that we watch features these qualities - but somehow, this film gloriously shines within them all.

Noticeably crisp with the overall clarity receiving an obvious boost here on this release, what is more is that it is enjoyably noticeable. For as well as some new nuances to the somewhat drab palette courtesy of Dolby Vision, we also get to witness sudden bright pops of color, which makes the eyes draw in, for sure.

One of those moments now being the pivotal moment - we shall call the It’s Mutated scene, where the empty offices, churches and gyms along with the terrifying music make this so realistic, and quite easily, one of the scariest scenes in any movie ever.

Another scene now highlighted we shall call the Ending Scene | Infection scene, where everything that has been brought forth so far, culminates in such a heartbreaking, immensely poignant scene that you won’t be the same for many a day afterwards, of that you have my word.

As for the audio, well we get: English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit).

Overall, this is a very strong 4K HDR Blu-ray presentation, and, for the most part, the audio track remains fairly similar to its DTS-HD counterpart; with much of the action occupying the surrounds with outstanding directionality and placement where effects flawlessly pan between the sides and rears.

As for the story to hand, well, made nine years before the advent of covid-19, is prescient, terrifying, realistic. It almost seems more like a docudrama now. I had not seen it until the covid-19 pandemic. To hear the words social distancing, clusters, and R-naught in this movie, nine years before the pandemic, is downright eerie, given that the average person had not been familiar with most of those terms prior to 2020.

Contagion is also suspenseful and well-acted, an extremely well written, both from a dialogue standpoint and a story standpoint. I really appreciated that while the breakdown of social order is a part of the backdrop of the movie, it is not the dominant theme, which would have been a disappointing though not surprising way for the writers to go.

I also thought it was interesting that because of the way the movie draws from an ensemble cast, none of the big names in the movie dominate the way you might expect such big names to. Arguably, Laurence Fishburne is the main protagonist, and I suppose Matt Damon; but really there are a bunch of main characters whose stories unfold. This choice makes for a less predictable and more interesting story.

Overall, for me, and as alluded to above, the movie breaks from the clichés of Hollywood disaster films. Instead of one superior character who diligently finds the answer, we have a team of hardworking, dedicated people who approach the problem thoughtfully and methodically, each making small but significant contributions. Instead of trying to hide the science, this movie explains things, letting you see and understand the process.

At the same time, Contagion keeps you connected, not by making unreal archetypes but by showing you very real people, sometimes brave and noble, sometimes understandably selfish (and in the case of one character, despicably selfish). While the movie avoids those big emotional scenes where the music swells up, there are amazing little touches, like a character’s incomprehension of a loved one’s death or a dying woman trying to help a fellow patient.

The movie does, in fact, have emotion, riots, suspenseful moments, noble actions, but they are never allowed to overwhelm the film or turn it into something formulaic. And this seems to be what a number of people don’t like about it. They want this to be a movie about the breakdown of society, or a movie that personalizes a global disaster by focusing more on victims than scientists. And I like this movie precisely because it refuses to do things like that.

Special Features:
The Reality of Contagion – Featurette
The Contagion Detectives – Featurette
Contagion – How a Virus Changes the World – Featurette

Overview: Based on the extraordinary character at the center of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the jewel in the Roald Dahl crown and one of the best‐selling children’s books of all time, “Wonka” tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate‐maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today.

This irresistibly vivid and inventive big screen spectacle will introduce audiences to a young Willy Wonka, chock‐full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time—proving that the best things in life begin with a dream, and if you’re lucky enough to meet Willy Wonka, anything is possible.

4K UHD Blu-ray Verdict: Warner Bros. Entertainment is expanding their 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray catalog offerings this month with the release of the highly-anticipated Wonka in the expansive 4K Ultra HD video format this February 27th, 2024.

For my money, this Wonka [4K UHD Blu-ray + Digital] combo pack sharpness takes a fairly large step forward from others in their 4K Ultra HD catalog and even comes with HDR (High Dynamic Range) for the complete 4K Ultra HD experience, of course.

So, what we have is Wonka presented to us as a two-disc combo pack with a sheet for a Digital HD Copy. Other stand out points you should know are: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: Native 4K (2160p), HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, Aspect ratio: 2.39:1 and Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1.

Featuring Dolby Vision and HDR10 for brighter, deeper, and way more lifelike colors, as with most all 4K UHDs, everything that we watch features these qualities - but somehow, this film gloriously shines within them all.

Noticeably crisp with the overall clarity receiving an obvious boost here on this release, what is more is that it is enjoyably noticeable. For as well as some new nuances to the somewhat drab palette courtesy of Dolby Vision, we also get to witness sudden bright pops of color, which makes the eyes draw in, for sure.

One of those moments now being what we shall call the A Good Chocolate scene, where the look on Wonka’s face when he says I hate what happens next, says both that he feels sorry for the other chocolatier’s and that he’s about to take a sort of delight at what’s about to happen to them. I love it!

Another scene now highlighted we shall call the Small Print scene, where, one assumes, he get’s the whole contract idea with the five ticket winners. I mean, this was such a funny parallel to the small print in the original, where there’s a giant contract and the small print writing just kept getting smaller and smaller!

As for the audio, well we get: English: Dolby Atmos English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit).

Overall, this is a very strong 4K HDR Blu-ray presentation, and, for the most part, the audio track remains fairly similar to its DTS-HD counterpart; with much of the action occupying the surrounds with outstanding directionality and placement where effects flawlessly pan between the sides and rears.

As for the story to hand, well, it is a rather decent origin story about the character of Willy Wonka with good performances, beautiful production, musical tracks, and some good humor liberally spread throughout. Director Paul King, known for his works on Paddington 1 and 2, does a solid role in handling the setting and themes as they bond seamlessly with one another as the story unfolds.

The production, color presentations, and the sound designs are great with some good visuals effects and style. All the performances are pretty good as Timothée Chalamet, Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Hugh Grant and the rest of the cast members are all fun to observe; and Rowan Atkinson is always a blast to see!

The narrative is standard and King does try to provide some new interesting elements and style to the story and characters, which means we obviously get some concepts that worked and some that could have been better.

On the humor and singing, there are some good singing moments from the cast members and the humor was solid, although some humorous moments felt flat, for me. The character of Willy Wonka is fun to observe, for sure, but the other characters weren’t really that interesting, or had me emotionally engaged enough to connect with.

Ok, so whilst it is not amazing, the pacing is great and it keeps you intently watching along. I was still interested to see where the movie was heading and thus overall, Wonka may well not be King’s best movie, but it is most definitely highly entertaining with regard its colorful, fun visuals and is, without a shadow of a doubt, a good time to watch for those moments when the house needs to be absorbed within the glow of the small screen.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time for me to go eat some delicious chocolate!

Special Features:
Unwrapping Paul King’s Vision (12:28)
The Whimsical Music of Wonka (6:01)
Welcome to Wonka Land (10:51)
Hats Off to Wonka (6:47)
Wonka’s Chocolatier (8:51)
Musical Moments (13 clips)

Overview: From the creators of Despicable Me comes an adventure-filled new comedy about overcoming your fears and opening yourself up to the world and its opportunities, filled with Illumination’s signature subversive humor, authentic heart and unforgettable characters.

The Mallard family embarks on a journey south for the winter to Jamaica via New York City, only for their well-laid plans to go awry, leading to new friends and unknown horizons. Get ready to take flight with a hilariously funny, feathered family vacation like no other!

4K UHD Blu-ray Verdict: Warner Bros. Entertainment is expanding their 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray catalog offerings this month with the release of the highly-anticipated Migration in the expansive 4K Ultra HD video format this February 27th, 2024.

For my money, this Migration [4K UHD+BR] combo pack sharpness takes a fairly large step forward from others in their 4K Ultra HD catalog and even comes with HDR (High Dynamic Range) for the complete 4K Ultra HD experience, of course.

So, what we have is Migration presented to us as a two-disc combo pack with a sheet for a Digital HD Copy. Other stand out points you should know are: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: Upscaled 4K (2160p), HDR: HDR10 and Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1.

Featuring Dolby Vision and HDR10 for brighter, deeper, and way more lifelike colors, as with most all 4K UHDs, everything that we watch features these qualities - but somehow, this film gloriously shines within them all.

Noticeably crisp with the overall clarity receiving an obvious boost here on this release, what is more is that it is enjoyably noticeable. For as well as some new nuances to the somewhat drab palette courtesy of Dolby Vision, we also get to witness sudden bright pops of color, which makes the eyes draw in, for sure.

One of those moments now being the “I Need To Pee!” clip, where the mother is adamant that they won’t be landing for a toilet break, but then find themselves doing just that; which all culminated in my laughing so hard that I had to do a spit my take!

Another is the “Evil Duck Farm Scene” where Migration Delroy (my own favorite character) takes center stage, but it is Pam leaping into Mack’s arms that is just so damn adorable!

As for the audio, well we get the choice of: English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), French: Dolby Digital 5.1 (448 kbps), and Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1 (448 kbps).

Overall, this is a very strong 4K HDR Blu-ray presentation, and, for the most part, the audio track remains fairly similar to its DTS-HD counterpart; with much of the action occupying the surrounds with outstanding directionality and placement where effects flawlessly pan between the sides and rears.

As for the story to hand, well, Illumination, the studio behind the Despicable Me and Sing franchises, is thriving financially, with its Super Mario Bros. Movie being the second-highest grossing film of 2023. However, true respect and acclaim still elude the Minion-spawning animation house.

Migration, a film about a family of ducks, the Mallards, led by Kumail Nanjiani and Elizabeth Banks, aims to break the labels of cheap gags and stories that appeal to a broad audience. The creative control of Ernest and Celestine co-director Benjamin Renner promises a different approach to other Illumination movies.

Migration’s success can be attributed to its focus on relationships and warmth, which has been absent from much of Illumination’s output since the first Despicable Me. The Mallard family’s journey to Jamaica is a well-crafted film that builds connections between its ducklings, enhancing the plot.

The family’s motivations for leaving their pond and their desire for adventure are relatable, as is the family’s patriarch, Mack, who prioritizes the safety of his children over everything else. When the family faces the challenge of survival in New York City, their perception of the world is challenged.

Despite being set up as a stereotypical family with a stern dad, loving mom, and a brash teenage boy with a cute younger sister, the film ensures an emotional attachment to the ducklings, making it a satisfying and formulaic film. The animation quality in Migration represents an evolution of Illumination’s past work.

The film begins with a beautifully rendered bedtime story, blending hand-drawn and CG elements. The CG journey is characterized by realism, with cliffs tanned with autumn leaves and New York cityscapes painted with concrete coldness and bustling life. The water animation and cloud effects are particularly impressive. These changes do not change Illumination’s identity, but rather create a better version of the typical film.

However, this over-familiarity overshadows much of Migration’s cool new elements. Migration, a 3D animation by Mike White, is a delightful story developed with French animation director Benjamin Renner. Renner, known for his 2012 2D film Ernest and Celestine, has joined Illumination to lead his first studio and 3D animation effort, which is sure to delight fans of ducks.

The Mallard family lives a dependable life in a pond, with dad Mack (Kumail Nanjiani) hesitant to leave his accustomed life. Wife Pam (Elizabeth Banks) encourages him to relax and take their children, Dax (Caspar Jennings) and Gwen (Tresi Gazal), on a trip to Jamaica. After a heart-to-heart with Uncle Dan (Danny DeVito), Mack realizes he has been missing life’s essence and agrees to take the family on a life-changing adventure.

Overall, and in closing, Migration is a refreshing film that just wants to be family fun, and that’s the best part of the effort, one that pleases.

Special Features:
FLY HARD (MINI-MOVIE) - Chump sheds her tough-as-nails attitude, risking her life to fly through a blizzard and the harrowing streets of New York to return a prized possession to a kind woman from the park.
MOONED (MINI-MOVIE) - Following the events of DESPICABLE ME, Vector and a lost Minion are stranded on the moon, and struggle to get back to Earth.
MIDNIGHT MISSION (MINI-MOVIE) - The Minions will try anything to help Agnes overcome her fear of the dark, even if it involves going into outer space.
MICROPHONE MADNESS - A fun look behind-the-scenes as the cast record some of their silliest lines.
MEET THE CAST - In this series of behind-the-scenes pieces, we learn more about our favorite characters and the legendary comedic voices behind them.
KUMAIL NANJIANI: MACK
ELIZABETH BANKS: PAM
KEEGAN-MICHAEL KEY: DELROY
AWKWAFINA: CHUMP
DANNY DEVITO: UNCLE DAN
CAROL KANE: ERIN
CASPAR JENNINGS: DAX & TRESI GAZAL: GWEN
TAKING FLIGHT: THE MAKING OF - MIGRATION is an original script so brand-new characters and locations had to be developed, designed, and animated from scratch! Here, filmmakers and crew break down their process to show us what gives this film an entirely new look and feel.
THE ART OF FLIGHT - Using a series of production phases from storyboards to pre-viz, we peel back the feathers and reveal just what goes in to creating the avian heroes of the film.
THE SOUND OF FLIGHT - Take a closer look at the music of MIGRATION as Composer John Powell walks us through his scoring journey.
HOW TO DRAW
MACK
DELROY
CHUMP
GWEN
BUILD YOUR OWN POP-UP BOOK - Daddy duck, Mack, likes to tell his two little ducklings some…overly imaginative bedtime stories. In this fun “How To” we’ll show you how to create a pop-up book so you can tell your very own bedtime stories!
CALLING ALL BIRDS - They may not have cellphones, but you can call your web-footed friends anytime you want! In this fun How To, we’ll teach you how to create and customize your very own set of colorful bird whistles.
THE MACK QUACK
THE HERON HONK
THE CHUMP CHIRP
BEST NESTS - You don’t have to fly south –or anywhere –to find a perfect paradise for your feathered friends. Here we’ll teach you how to make the best nest for your pet ducks, or anyone flying by, including a water feeder to keep them hydrated!
NESTS
WATER FEEDER

Overview: After terrifying audiences worldwide with the blockbuster J-Horror classic Ring and its sequel, director Hideo Nakata returned to the genre for Dark Water, another highly atmospheric, and critically acclaimed, tale of the supernatural which took the common theme of the dead wet girl to new heights of suspense and drama.

Based upon on a short story by Ring author Koji Suzuki, Dark Water follows Yoshimi, a single mother struggling to win sole custody of her only child, Ikuko. When they move into a new home within a dilapidated and long-forgotten apartment complex, Yoshimi begins to experience startling visions and unexplainable sounds, calling her mental well-being into question, and endangering not only her custody of Ikuko, but perhaps their lives as well.

Beautifully shot by cinematographer Junichiro Hayashi (Ring, Pulse), and featuring an especially unnerving sound design, Dark Water successfully merges spine-tingling tension with a family’s heart-wrenching emotional struggle, creating one of the very finest and most unsettling contemporary Japanese horror films.

4K Blu-ray Verdict: As noted, after Ringu and its sequel in the late 1990s, prolific J-horror grandmaster Hideo Nakata returned to familiar ground in 2002 with this intimate and very scary family drama/ghost story/murder mystery hybrid. Like Ringu, it was remade (reasonably well) in Hollywood – an indication of the central story’s universal appeal.

While awaiting custody proceedings over her daughter, Ikuko (Rio Kanno), Yoshimi (Hitomi Kuroki) recalls being left at kindergarten while her own parents argued about who should pick her up. These memories inform the whole premise and tenor of the film: Yoshimi is terrified of losing her daughter. So she convinces the divorce panel that she is looking for work and a new home for her and Ikuko.

Mother and daughter move into a cheap, brutalist tenement. It’s basic but serviceable. Yoshimi gets a job and soon the pair have achieved some kind of normality. But something’s not quite right. There’s a damp patch on the ceiling and it’s gradually growing. And who is that strange little girl wearing the yellow mac? As Yoshimi seeks the truth – all the while protecting her daughter and triggering her own deep-seated fears – she will uncover the tragedy of a missing child that will haunt her on an existential level.

As with Ringu, Nakata shows his mastery of the slow horror form, and is in complete control. The frame is drained of bright color and tinged with blue and grey, almost as if we’re underwater. Forget about cheap jump shocks – Nakata is all about presence, subtly introducing us to the layout of the apartment block before planting its corners with half-glimpsed human forms and shadows. Meanwhile, the subtle, eerily ambient score textures the images rather than crashing the cuts.

The two main performances are excellent, portraying an entirely believable bond between mother and daughter. Kuroki’s performance may aggravate at first – Yoshimi is all nodding subservience and hysterical nerves – but gradually we empathize. As the clouds clear on the mystery of the girl in the raincoat, so they do too on Yoshimi’s really quite rational fear of abandonment.

While you can see its influence on recent fare like The Babadook, which similarly focused as much on the mother-child dynamic as the scares, Dark Water also owes itself to films that came before. The image of the possibly supernatural, raincoated child, for example, clearly harks back to Don’t Look Now; and we even get a final act shock that matches Nicolas Roeg’s classic for sheer, lurching terror.

Dark Water is deep and foreboding; a bass thrum of a horror which keeps its creepy cards close to its chest. It is intricate and heartfelt and provides pictures that linger. It is also, crucially, an effective and moving love story about family bonds, which is key to grasping the real horror here: the horror of loss.

Special Features:
4K (2160p) Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
Original lossless 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
Optional English subtitles
Ghosts, Rings and Water - interview with director Hideo Nakata
Family Terrors - interview with author Koji Suzuki
Visualizing Horror - interview with cinematographer Junichiro Hayashi
Archive interviews with actors Hitomi Kuroki & Asami Mizukawa and theme song artist Shikao Suga
Original making-of documentary
Trailers and TV Spots
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Peter Strain
Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring writing on the film by David Kalat and Michael Gingold

Overview: I won’t be wronged. I won’t be insulted. I won’t be laid a hand on. I don’t do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.

Legendary director Don Siegel (Dirty Harry) directs the iconic John Wayne as an ageing gunfighter dying of cancer in his final screen appearance, a superb adaptation of Glendon Swarthout’s classic western novel, The Shootist.

John Bernard Books is the stuff of legend, a renowned shootist whose reputation looms large. But it’s 1901, and like the old west, John is dying and a reputation like his draws trouble like an outhouse draws flies. As word spreads that the famous gunfighter is on his last legs, the vultures begin to gather; old enemies, the marshal, newspaper men, an undertaker, all eager to see him dead.

Other men might die quietly in bed or take their own lives, but J. B. Books will choose his executioner and face down death with a pistol in each hand.

With an outstanding cast that features not only Wayne, but James Stewart, Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, Scatman Crothers and John Carradine, The Shootist is an elegiac ode to a monumental screen presence and to the Western genre itself.

Blu-ray Verdict: I’m a dying man, scared of the dark. An odd thing for the Duke to say, but then again The Shootist is an odd movie when viewed from most critical angles. The movie is just damn unusual, but given the circumstances -- the final performance by one of the most famous actors (one of the most famous Americans, really) in all history -- a truly unique effort was required.

Wayne had already had a lung removed before the movie was shot, and during the shoot was having heart trouble. It was clear that the man didn’t have too much longer to go (though he surprised everyone by sticking it out for three more torturous years), so the director and the writers reshaped the well-regarded old pulp Western novel on which the story is based to fit the living legend like a glove. The results are fairly glorious, but keep the slight caveat in mind that it’s a one-man show, here.

And what a man! Recall that Wayne had once befriended Wyatt Earp (yes, THAT Wyatt Earp) on the back-lot of MGM Studios back in the late Twenties. I’m not sure if that really means anything, except for the notion that if Wayne merited the opprobrium of the Achilles of the Wild West, then Wayne himself must have been infused with a mythic touch as well. In many ways, this sense is made clearer in his final film than in any of his others.

Despite how obviously unwell he is, there’s something lordly, almost god-like, about his presence here. And, for once, and despite the lordliness, the Duke is entirely lovable. Gone is the reactionary, crotchety posturing of such late-career films as The Green Berets and True Grit. For here in The Shootist, the actor is facing much more compelling circumstances that changing political and social attitudes. Impending mortality apparently made him serene enough about the small stuff that he could take the post-modern Seventies head-on, climbing aboard the revisionist-Western bandwagon with absolutely no difficulty.

And this IS a post-modern Western, despite the cozy late-Victorian interiors and Wayne standing in for all the Old-Fashioned Values. One can only shake one’s head in disbelief when Wayne says things like, A man should be able to die privately -- our knowledge of the actor’s condition makes a meta-fictive mockery of the dialog. On the other hand, the well-earned sentimentality plays a harmonious chord with the post-modern cinematic ideas about the Old West. Preceding this, Ron Howard’s character has tossed away the pistol he used to exact revenge on the bar-keep. Wayne nods in philosophical assent just before he dies. What does this mean, anyway? -- a repudiation of the actor’s own legend? Had Wayne become a peacenik? Who knows. The ambiguities, in any case, are strange and marvelous. Art, in other words.

Just a quick note on the more mundane aspects. The production design is top-notch. Filmed in Carson City, NV, the scouts clearly noted that particular town’s unsullied architecture -- Carson is a place that has stayed firmly rooted in its aesthetic origins. There are many subtle touches, such as when the bar-keep has to turn on the ceiling fan -- powered by a rotary leather belt -- with a long stick that resembles a pool cue with a small wrench at the tip.

The multifarious and ungainly-looking telegraph poles are appropriate, as are the tremulous horseless carriages from circa 1901. All of which, of course, underscores the idea that Wayne’s character is way out-of-date, an absurd final remnant of a vanished breed. But magnificent for all that, regardless. Finally, several other Golden Age heroes -- Lauren Bacall, James Stewart, and even John Carradine (who had played Wayne’s rival in Stagecoach almost 40 years prior) -- provide loving support, even if their roles aren’t characters as such, instead showing up as mere satellites that orbit around the Duke.

In closing, The Shootist belongs in that special, and very small, group of films -- like Huston’s The Misfits -- that allow us to pay our respects to performers who not only portray what is best and worst in our own selves, but indeed shape our entire popular culture. A veritable must-own if you care about the movies.

Special Features:
New 2K remaster by Arrow Films from the original 35mm camera negative
High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
Original lossless mono audio
Optional English Subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
Brand new audio commentary by filmmaker and critic Howard S. Berger
The Last Day, a new visual essay by film critic David Cairns
A Man-Making Moment, a new interview with Western author C. Courtney Joyner
Laments of the West, a new appreciation of Elmer Bernstein’s score by film historian and composer Neil Brand
Contemplating John Wayne: The Death of a Cowboy, a new visual essay by filmmaker and critic Scout Tafoya
The Shootist: The Legend Lives On, archival featurette
Theatrical trailer
Image gallery
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Juan Esteban Rodríguez
Double-sided fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Juan Esteban Rodríguez
Six postcard-sized lobby card reproductions
Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by film critic Philip Kemp

Overview: Hong Kong’s toughest team of fearless lady cops are back on the beat! These female furies are forced to take on both their male counterparts in a battle of the sexes and a team of foreign mercenaries.

Action legend Jackie Chan’s lethal ladies include Shaw Brothers icon Wai Yin-hung (‘My Young Auntie’), Sibelle Hu (‘Fong Sai Yuk’) and the bodacious Amy Yip (‘Robotrix’).

The film’s stunning action scenes are again delivered by the Jackie Chan stunt team, who also co-star in the film.‘The Inspector Wears Skirts 2’ lays down its own brand of law with a madcap action comedy blend of the mirthful and the martial!

Blu-ray Verdict: For those unaware, this is the first of three sequels to the Ba wang hua (The Inspector Wears Skirts) movie series and Sibelle Hu reprises her role as Madam Wu, as does Shui-Fan Fung as Inspector Kan.

The plot devices used in this movie are pretty much the same as its prequel - training courses in the beginning of the movie, the dragged out male and female squad members dating one another scenes in the middle of the movie, and then the big action fight scene in the end - but it still all manages to work to perfection, trust me.

The story is also similar: female Banshee Squad Members from the Hong Kong Police Academy undergo training supervised by Madame Wu, and then later join the male Tiger Squad Members to take down a band of terrorists. However, what is different is that four new Banshee Squad Members join the group, who were at first ridiculed and teased by their fellow members, resulting in some rather competitive fight scenes, which I myself thought were pretty amusing to watch.

And, Fung’s Inspector Kan character is most definitely emphasized more than in the previous film, which for me is a plus because he has rather good screen presence with his comedic, calm and witty style of acting. He tries to woo Madam Wu, whilst also attempting to win over the more athletic and skillful Mr. Lo (Melvin Fong) in a Karate match. Both moments provide other additional plot devices to the previous film and they both come across pretty amusing at times.

Again, while this movie is similar in story to its prequel, the subplots of the new Banshee Squad Members and Inspector Kan’s more emphasized purpose in the movie, coupled with a much more exciting climax, make this film more entertaining and result in what I personally think is the best in the whole Ba wang hua (The Inspector Wears Skirts) series.

Special Features:
Brand New 2K Restoration From the Original Camera Negatives
High Definition (1080p) Presentation in 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
2.0 DTS-HD MA Cantonese Soundtrack with newly translated English Subtitles
2.0 DTS-HD MA English Dub Soundtrack
Audio commentary with Asian cinema expert Frank Djeng
Interview with Actor Anthony Carpio
Leading the Top Squad - An Interview with Director Wellson Chin
Hong Kong Trailer

Overview: The Shamrock Spitfire is the story of Irish fighter pilot Brendan “Paddy” Finucane, who at the age of just 21, became the youngest ever Wing Commander in the Royal Air Force, and one of its greatest and most celebrated fighter aces during World War Two.

DVD Verdict: In what is a beautifully shot, magnificently acted, and divinely hued portrayal of a time gone by (by everyone on screen), the future of Europe hangs by a thread as fierce battles rage in the skies over southern England.

With his dreams of being a pilot, Brendan Finucane (Shane O’Regan) is one of the first Irish men to enlist in the Royal Air Force – despite the fears of his loving mum (Emily Outred), dad (Eoin Lynch) and fiancé́, Jean (Bethany Billy), who all warn him about joining up with the British.

Keeping a hankie to hand at all times is most definitely a suggestion here as this wartime weepie will have them tear ducts emptying as it unveils its cinematic twists and turns, trust me on that. For Dominic and Ian Higgins’ RAF biopic is a monstrous undertaking of a bygone year, of a story lesswer told, and featuring Shane O’Regan as real-life pilot Brendan Finucane (also known as “Spitfire Paddy”) is a veritable home run of a movie watching experience.

Finucane actually still holds the record for being the RAF’s youngest ever wing commander, having been promoted to the position aged 21 and here we get to see why in all its majestic cinematic glory. A story told that shows bravery and commitment within a human quite like I have seen in the past decade, it’s not long before Finucane is given command of the 452 Australian Squadron – a group of bolshie Aussies led by loudmouth “Bluey” Truscott (Chris Kaye).

From then on in, and under his diligent leadership, this Squadron become the stuff of legend, for this infamous Battle of Britain is Finucane’s very own baptism of fire; and one where with his shamrock painted loud and proud on the side of his iconic Spitfire, he shines brightly like the natural-born fighter pilot he was ever born to be.

Official Trailer

Overview: In the edgy comedy Anyone But You, Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell) look like the perfect couple, but after an amazing first date something happens that turns their fiery hot attraction ice cold - until they find themselves unexpectedly thrust together at a destination wedding in Australia. So they do what any two mature adults would do: pretend to be a couple.

Blu-ray Verdict: In all truth, and in all the best ways possible, this was like an R-rated raunchy Hallmark movie where people actually have sex! I can do without the miscommunication trope that drove apart a couple that seemed to be connecting, but I enjoyed the banter and really enjoyed the stars.

Serious critics typically don’t appreciate the rom-com genre and judge them harshly. I sat down last night with my adult children and we all loved the movie. My kids make fun of my love for Hallmark movies, but even they liked this one. Furthermore, we laughed out loud repeatedly and got up at its conclusion smiling at one another. And I just love that feeling, don’t you.

Sure, the script is flawed, the plot’s totally ridiculous, and some of the dialogue is a bit off, but Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney light up the screen with their amazing chemistry. In mean, come on now, they’re also quite extraordinary specimens and look like they spend 6 hours a day in the gym, but I also like them as actors. Indeed, Glen Powell was really good in another enjoyable modern rom-com with Zoey Deutch called Set It Up and he’s fearless here, especially with the over the top body humor.

Sydney Sweeney is certainly voluptuous, and gorgeous to look at, but she’s also established herself as a great actress in more critic friendly shows like Euphoria and White Lotus. Edgy and dark is fine, and it certainly gets taken more seriously by the critics, but I prefer getting lost in an escapist rom-com that doesn’t involve terrible people doing terrible things. I want more of this!

Special Features:
He said She Said
Everyone Down Under
Outtakes & Bloopers
Deleted Scenes
ASMR Pickup Lines
Aussie Snacks

Overview: As Arthur Curry confronts the responsibilities of being King of the Seven Seas, a long-buried ancient power is unleashed.

After witnessing the full effect of these dark forces, Aquaman must forge an uneasy alliance with an old enemy, and embark on a treacherous journey to protect his family, his kingdom, and the world from irreversible devastation.

4K UHD Blu-ray Verdict: Warner Bros. Entertainment/Studio Distribution Services is expanding their 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray catalog offerings this month with the release of the highly-anticipated Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom in the expansive 4K Ultra HD video format this March 12th, 2024.

For my money, this Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom [4K UHD Blu-ray + Digital] combo pack sharpness takes a fairly large step forward from others in their 4K Ultra HD catalog and even comes with HDR (High Dynamic Range) for the complete 4K Ultra HD experience, of course.

So, what we have is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom presented to us as a two-disc combo pack with a sheet for a Digital HD Copy. Other stand out points you should know are: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: Native 4K (2160p), HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, Aspect ratio: 1.78:1 and Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1.

Featuring Dolby Vision and HDR10 for brighter, deeper, and way more lifelike colors, as with most all 4K UHDs, everything that we watch features these qualities - but somehow, this film gloriously shines within them all.

Noticeably crisp with the overall clarity receiving an obvious boost here on this release, what is more is that it is enjoyably noticeable. For as well as some new nuances to the somewhat drab palette courtesy of Dolby Vision, we also get to witness sudden bright pops of color, which makes the eyes draw in, for sure.

One of those moments now being what we shall call the Meeting Topo the Cephalopod scene. Although we briefly glimpsed Topo in the first film, playing the drums during Arthur and Orm’s ceremonial fight, Topo finally gets his time to shine. Not only is he a skilled musician but he is also a renowned spy. Cephalopods are pretty handy.

When he first meets Topo, Arthur rudely says, “That’s an octopus.” But the cephalopod quickly proves his worth by squeezing into tight spots and helping Orm escape. From there on out, Arthur warmly refers to his aquatic companion as “a dumb squid.”

Another scene now highlighted we shall call the Revenge of the Whales scene. It couldn’t be an Aquaman adventure without calling upon the creatures of the sea to help save the day. Black Manta’s orichalcum-fueled weaponry features a devastating sonic disruptor. This device incapacitates Aquaman and his allies immediately. Fortunately, Arthur summons all the whales of the ocean to counteract the frequencies. Whale that was a good idea!!

As for the audio, well we get: English: Dolby Atmos, English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), English: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps), French: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps) and Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps).

Overall, this is a very strong 4K HDR Blu-ray presentation, and, for the most part, the audio track remains fairly similar to its DTS-HD counterpart; with much of the action occupying the surrounds with outstanding directionality and placement where effects flawlessly pan between the sides and rears.

As for the story to hand, well, Aquaman returns to our screens in this follow up to his solidly enjoyable 2018 solo movie, and for the most part this sequel follows its predecessor in delivering a decently fun and entertaining movie.

In a world of convoluted multi-verses and overly tiresome connected characters, there’s a pleasing simplicity to this story that is appealing and engaging. It follows Aquaman as he faces a familiar foe to protect his Kingdom. It’s certainly nothing groundbreaking or overly original within the superhero genre, but it’s a more than solid plot nonetheless.

I mean, sure, recycling a villain in only the second movie for this character could be seen as a little lazy. I’m no Aquaman super fan so I’ve no idea what his rogues gallery is like, but there was surely potential to have a bit more fun with this. In any case, the return of a familiar character removes the need for any excessive exposition and ensures the story moves along at a good pace.

Speaking of characters, the cast list is pretty thin and there isn’t much in the way of new blood in this film. You’d think this would give the script a chance to really develop these existing characters more, but that doesn’t really happen. Perhaps another missed opportunity here.

The action throughout is fine if nothing special. The effects are a mixed bag but are sometimes quite impressive. In addition, aside from some awkward humor that doesn’t really work, the tone and feel of the film is quite good. In fact, for my money, this is a better constructed film than the first one.

Ultimately, if you enjoy the superhero genre this film will give you a good time. It doesn’t really push the boat out or take too many risks, but at the same time it feels like a superhero film from years gone by in that it is contained and simple in a refreshing way. A must-watch for those lonely rainy nights spent inside alone, for sure.

Overview: A story of love and resilience, “The Color Purple” is a decades-spanning tale of one woman’s journey to independence. Celie faces many hardships in her life, but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.

4K UHD Blu-ray Verdict: Warner Bros. Entertainment is expanding their 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray catalog offerings this month with the release of the highly-anticipated The Color Purple (2023) in the expansive 4K Ultra HD video format this March 12th, 2024.

For my money, this The Color Purple [4K UHD+BR] combo pack sharpness takes a fairly large step forward from others in their 4K Ultra HD catalog and even comes with HDR (High Dynamic Range) for the complete 4K Ultra HD experience, of course.

So, what we have is The Color Purple presented to us as a two-disc combo pack with a sheet for a Digital HD Copy. Other stand out points you should know are: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: Native 4K (2160p), HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10 and Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1.

Featuring Dolby Vision and HDR10 for brighter, deeper, and way more lifelike colors, as with most all 4K UHDs, everything that we watch features these qualities - but somehow, this film gloriously shines within them all.

Noticeably crisp with the overall clarity receiving an obvious boost here on this release, what is more is that it is enjoyably noticeable. For as well as some new nuances to the somewhat drab palette courtesy of Dolby Vision, we also get to witness sudden bright pops of color, which makes the eyes draw in, for sure.

As for the audio, well we get the choice of: English: Dolby Atmos, English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), English: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps), French: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps), Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps) and Audio descriptive.

Overall, this is a very strong 4K HDR Blu-ray presentation, and, for the most part, the audio track remains fairly similar to its DTS-HD counterpart; with much of the action occupying the surrounds with outstanding directionality and placement where effects flawlessly pan between the sides and rears.

As for the story to hand, well, The Color Purple is not your usual historical drama. It’s a tapestry woven with threads of anguish, resilience, and the bonds of sisterhood set against the backdrop of a Jim Crow South that is both filled with sunshine and crushing to the soul.

We are introduced to Celie, an African American woman whose life is a symphony of suffering-abandoned by her father, subjected to abusive husbands, and denied even the basic right to express her truth. However, Celie’s spirit refuses to be extinguished; it blooms like a wildflower pushing through cracks in the concrete.

The film does not shy away from portraying the realities of racism and sexism; nevertheless, it also recognizes the power of joy. Director Bazawule skillfully balances moments of darkness with bursts of gospel music and captivating dance sequences. This serves as a reminder that, in the face of oppression, the human spirit can discover ways to celebrate life.

The cast delivers a performance led by Fantasia Barrino, who is radiant as Celie. Barrino portrays Celie’s pain and vulnerability with honesty while subtly hinting at a burning fire within her character. As the fierce and unbreakable Sofia, Danielle Brooks captivates us and steals every scene she is in. The chemistry between these two actresses is electric.

The conversation, adapted from Alice Walker’s novel that won the Pulitzer Prize, has a lyrical quality. It is peppered with Southern vernacular and, according to what I have read elsewhere, showcases a profound understanding of the Black experience. Some may find the pacing a bit erratic, as moments of quiet reflection are interspersed with bursts of lively energy. However, this unevenness seems to mirror Celie’s life itself-a dance between hope and despair.

The film’s visual style is breathtaking. It presents landscapes drenched in golden sunlight that starkly contrast with the harsh reality of the cotton fields. The use of color is particularly striking, where vibrant shades represent Celie’s growing self-awareness and the transformative power of love. The music, blending gospel, R&B, and blues genres, pulsates throughout the film, adding another layer of depth.

In closing, as did the original, this 2023 version of The Color Purple won’t leave you feeling comfortable either. It will evoke anger; it might make you shed tears; it could even challenge your privilege. However, it will also empower you. Leave you filled with hope and deep emotions. This movie stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit - a reminder that even in our darkest moments (represented by purple bruises), beauty can still flourish.

Special Features:
Creating The Color Purple:
A Bold New Take on the Beloved Classic
Hell Yes! The Iconic Characters of The Color Purple
In the Flow: Creating The Color Purple’s Biggest Musical Moments
A Story for Me: The Legacy of The Color Purple

Overview: From visionary filmmaker Jeymes Samuel, The Book of Clarence is a bold new take on the timeless Hollywood era Biblical epic. Streetwise but struggling, Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield) is trying to find a better life for himself and his family, make himself worthy to the woman he loves, and prove that he’s not a nobody.

Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, a journey through which he finds redemption and faith, power and knowledge.

Blu-ray Verdict: Let me start by saying that I am not black nor, for the most part, overly religious, but perhaps that is exactly why I was asked to review this movie. I also expected this movie to be a comedy, and indeed in parts it was funny, but it had a LOT more to say than just make cheap, easy jokes.

Where it got complex was understanding what Clarence’s purpose was or what his story was trying to say. What I understood is that Clarence was a man, not a God or a Messiah, but he can find his true purpose through learning and growing. Through that, he can find his own faith or beliefs. It’s a refreshing alternative to tricks as a way of getting people to believe in something larger than themselves that religions tend to do, and I personally liked that.

I loved that it was black-centric and made parallels with Black Lives Matter. I love that it pulled stories and events that are well known from the Bible, simultaneously making them believable and dare I say, a bit silly at times (to soften the blow). It instead refocused on a more realistic sense of what could have been if the real teacher was just a man, but with a twist of the supernatural.

So yeah, I found this movie funny, entertaining and thought provoking with incredible acting throughout from all the main characters. The tone was sometimes hard to nail, sure, but not if you knew what it was trying to say in that exact moment.

In closing, The Book of Clarence offers a refreshing take on coming-of-age themes with its poignant storytelling and stellar cast performances. The film masterfully captures the complexities of adolescence through the journey of its protagonist, Clarence.

The character development is rich, and the emotional depth resonates with audiences. With its open-ended conclusion, it feels like there’s potential for a sequel, and I eagerly await it.

Again, as it bears repeating, the chemistry among the cast members enhances the viewing experience, making it a must-watch for fans of heartfelt cinema.

BLU-RAY™, DVD, AND DIGITAL EXTRAS:
● Commentary with Jeymes Samuel & LaKeith Stanfield
● Band of Brothers: Meet the Cast
● Song of Songs: An Epic Collaboration
● The Gospel of Jeymes: On The Set with Jeymes Samuel
● Book 4: Making the Film - Gag Reel

Overview: A coming of rage love story from acclaimed writer Diablo Cody (Jennifer’s Body) about a misunderstood teenager and her high school crush, who happens to be a handsome corpse.

After a set of playfully horrific circumstances bring him back to life, the two embark on a murderous journey to find love, happiness…and a few missing body parts along the way.

Blu-ray Verdict: For those unaware, the Zelda Williams directed dark comedy, Lisa Frankenstein, is set in 1989 and the movie loves to remind you of this. ’80s pop culture, clothing, trends and technology are mentioned so many times, it gets a bit tedious, sure. But, in the end, the film has enough comedy coming from the main plot that it doesn’t get boring and remains colorfully wondrous!

The story revolves around the titular Lisa who is living with her father, stepmother and stepsister not long after her mother was brutally murdered in a home invasion. The fact her father remarried so soon is glossed over, especially since the stepmother is a terrible, terrible human being.

Lisa, a loner at her new high school, spends a lot of time at an abandoned cemetery speaking over the grave of a young man who died in the mid nineteenth century. When lightning strikes the grave, the young man, who isn’t fully named, rises from the dead, as one does, and searches out Lisa to help reassemble some of the body parts that are missing from his reanimated corpse.

This film takes mutilation and murder, and makes them both satisfying and hilarious. The supernatural aspect makes one suspend their disbelief, but the crimes could happen. What does it say about me that I gleefully applauded some of the more grisly aspects?

After Lisa’s mother’s death, her damaged psyche is not treated with comfort and love, but with a crazy insistence that she should just get over it. In truth, some of my writing occasionally seems to drift into the defense of mental illness, and so this feels very real to me here. I suspect that the death of Robin Williams affected Zelda’s choices as the director, and I applaud the use of dark satire to get the point across.

The ending of the film didn’t quite come together, however. The train wreck that Lisa and the deceased became, definitely went further off the rails and then came to a screeching halt! I have questions that won’t be answered, and I hate it when movies do that, but hey, each to their own, of course. Overall, I liked the comedy and loved all the dark humor = a favorite mixed genre of mine!

BLU-RAY™ & DIGITAL EXTRAS:
● Deleted Scenes
● Gag Reel
● Resurrecting the ’80s
● And More!

Overview: The producers of M3GAN high dive into the deep end of horror with the supernatural thriller, Night Swim. Wyatt Russell (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) stars as a former major league baseball player, forced into early retirement by a degenerative illness, who moves into a new home with his wife (Oscar nominee Kerry Condon) and their two children.

The new home comes complete with a backyard swimming pool, but a deep secret surfaces and unleashes a malevolent force that will drag the family into the inescapable depths of terror.

Blu-ray Verdict: Noted as being the first real horror movie of 2024, Night Swim is not a gory one, although there is lots of blood, but moreover is mostly dread-drenched along with some good camera work.

Based on a short film now turned into a feature by Bryce McGuire and Rod Blackhurst, it does the job of a good scare story, getting great use out of actors Wyatt Russell, Kerry Condon, and Amélie Hoeferle.

The creature is an Undine, a water spirit, so it’s all water based terror, which makes a change, with the reveal at the last being something you can work it out well beforehand (if you are playing along throughout), but even if you have a deep knowledge of sea/water creatures, the pool really does get some great use out of camouflaging what is to come.

I mean, sure, it is not what anyone could call a big horror film, but as it was the first of its kind released this year, it still manages to thrill and chill in equal measures.

As for the story itself, an injured baseball player has moved his wife Kerry, his daughter Amelie and his son Gavin to a new house with a swimming pool in the backyard. What the realtor failed to inform them was that the house has a past ie: it is haunted!

It seems that people have died in the pool and are now living there, waiting for new residents to join them. Along the way you do learn more about the history of the pool and it’s inhabitants and the cost they paid-and why, along with a whole host of lovely, good old-fashioned jump scares!

BLU-RAY™ & DVD + DIGITAL EXTRAS:
● Masters of Fear
● Demons from the Depths
● Into the Deep
● And More!