A Hong Kong Double Feature Comes to Criterion and Our Pick of the Week

The Heroic Trio / Executioners [4K UHD, Criterion]

This is a Johnnie To double feature!

Why should you watch it? With Maggie Cheung, Anita Mui, Michelle Yeoh starring, any film featuring even one of these women is worth seeing, but all three together? Twice?! This Hong Kong double feature, unfortunately crammed onto the same UHD and Blu-ray discs, showcases all three talents in two stories of heroes battling evil. To directs with a fantastical eye, unleashing action sequences using wirework, gunplay, and spectacle. The first film feels grounded in reality while the sequel is set in a dystopian future, both delivering high-flying action adventures with powerful women teaming up to take down villains. Criterion’s foray into Hong Kong action is a delightful one, with both films receiving slick restorations that make the movies burst with detail and color. (Although it would have been better if they had their own discs, there’s really nothing to complain about here.)

[Extras: New 4K restorations, interviews]

The Best

Afire

What is it? A rare drama for adults.

Why see it? Christian Petzold creates films for adults, infusing dramas with humanity, relationships, love, and touches of comedy and thrillers. In this film, he explores the connections between friends and strangers, the ease with which our intentions can go astray, and the reality of simple dislike for others. There’s a dark humor to it, but its sharpness makes the drama impactful as we see ourselves in the choices made and reasons given. It’s simply a very good film, nothing flashy, but one that will linger with you for weeks afterward.

[Extras: Interview]

Paprika [4K UHD, steelbook]

What is it? A sci-fi masterpiece.

Why see it? Satoshi Kon’s 2006 feature is aptly described as “a beautiful nightmare.” The plot revolves around the invention of a machine that allows people to enter others’ dreams, leading to fun, danger, thrills, and horrifying moments. A detective and a therapist team up to stop a dream terrorist from wreaking havoc throughout the night. The animation is sharp, imaginative, colorful, and always eye-catching, with the story delivering real thrills along the way. Watching it in 4K UHD is the ideal way to experience this masterpiece.

[Extras: Featurettes, commentary]

The Swiss Conspiracy

What is it? A forgotten thriller.

Why see it? One of the wonderful aspects of physical media is the ability to revive forgotten films. This mid-70s thriller, which had been out of circulation for years, is now brought back to life by Film Masters, allowing audiences to see, appreciate, and own it almost fifty years later. David Janssen stars as an investigator called in to investigate a possible breach at a Swiss bank when four customers are blackmailed. The film features double crosses, action sequences, and a touch of romance, all set against the backdrop of a beautiful mountainous region. John Ireland, Elke Sommer, John Saxon, and Ray Milland co-star.

[Extras: New 4K restoration, commentary, featurette]

The Rest

Darkman [4K UHD, Scream Factory]

What is it? A comic book tale of crime and disfigurement.

Why see it? Sam Raimi’s precursor to the Spider-Man franchise tells the story of a scientist turned crime fighter. Starring Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand, and Larry Drake, the film showcases Raimi’s unique tone and style. If you enjoy his work, you’ll find this film entertaining. This new 4K release offers a visually stunning upgrade over previous versions, with plenty of extras to explore.

[Extras: New 4K restoration, commentaries, interviews]

Drifter [Kino Cult]

What is it? A bisexual hustler’s journey through life’s ups and downs.

Why see it? Pat Rocco, a bold filmmaker in the 60s, often focused on stories outside the cultural mainstream. This new release of a mostly forgotten film showcases Rocco’s more accessible side, presenting a captivating story of a young man navigating life in Southern California. While the plot is minimal, the film provides a window into lives lived on the fringe.

[Extras: New 2K restoration, commentary, short films]

The Last Castle [4K UHD, KL Studio Classics]

What is it? A military man faces explosive consequences in jail.

Why see it? Director Rod Lurie brings together Robert Redford and James Gandolfini in this engaging film about a general who suspects something amiss at a prison. The story may stretch credibility at times, but the clash between the confident Redford and the fierce Gandolfini is worth watching.

[Extras: New 4K scan, commentary, featurette, deleted scenes]

Leviathan [4K UHD, KL Studio Classics]

What is it? A thrilling deep-sea adventure.

Why see it? In 1989, alongside James Cameron’s “The Abyss,” “Leviathan” and “DeepStar Six” offered equally entertaining underwater adventures. Directed by George P. Cosmatos, “Leviathan” is a solid B-movie with a deep-sea mining rig and genetic mutations as the central focus. With Stan Winston’s creature effects and a talented ensemble cast including Peter Weller, Richard Crenna, and Ernie Hudson, the film delivers a good time without reaching greatness. The new 4K release from Kino provides a stellar visual upgrade.

[Extras: New 4K scan, commentary, featurettes, interview]

Also released this week:

Beverly Hills Cop – 3-Movie Collection [4K UHD], Bigfoot: Beyond the Legend, Drifter [Kino Cult], King: A Filmed Record – Montgomery to Memphis, Nothing But a Man [Criterion], La Syndicaliste