Phase IV [4K UHD, Vinegar Syndrome]
What is it? Two scientists realize the ants are up to something…
Why see it? Saul Bass’ sole directorial effort is a masterclass in smart eco-horror, and while its pacing may not be for everyone, the film’s revelations work to build a growing terror. It’s a suspenseful film, one that sets up both sides, human and ant, and then commences with a battle of wits and determination on its way to a fantastic ending with some unsettling implications. The film’s pacing is an issue for some, but it all plays out so beautifully with a precision that feels appropriate for a tale about ants. Bass uses his eye for memorable visuals to deliver both the dramatic scenes and the other-worldly ones that feel a part of the ants environment. Vinegar’s new 4K release looks fantastic and comes with some informative extras, but the big selling point here for some will be the inclusion of the preview cut with new/different scenes and the montage ending. No actual print of it survives, so Vinegar reconstructed it using their theatrical restoration and the additional sequences. The three-disc set is a keeper, complete with slick packaging, and fans of the film should already have it on order.
[Extras: New restoration, commentary, theatrical and preview versions, documentary, featurette, deleted scenes]
The Best
5 Card Stud [Vinegar Syndrome]
What is it? You got your mystery in my western!
Why see it? Genre hybrids are an eternally fun concept that not enough films attempt, but this late 60s feature from Henry Hathaway got the memo. It’s a western, but there’s a murder mystery at its core bringing a mysterious killer and a trail of corpses into a six-gun town. That’s already enough to recommend this one, but it just gets better from there thanks to a cast that includes Dean Martin, Robert Mitchum, Roddy McDowell, Yaphet Kotto, and more familiar faces. It’s a fun time, and Vinegar’s new Blu-ray cleans up the film and adds informative new extras.
[Extras: New 4K restoration, commentary, featurettes]
Allonsanfan [Radiance]
What is it? A tale of revolution and regret.
Why see it? Marcello Mastroianni headlines this lavishly produced drama about a man whose choices land him in hot water again and again. Newly released from jail by authorities with ulterior motives, he can’t help but walk back into more trouble. A beautiful period piece, the film teases the likes of Barry Lyndon (released the following year in 1975) with its lush visuals, memorable score (a fantastic one here by Ennio Morricone), and a lead character who simply can’t get a handle on a life that keeps offering up gold. There’s some wit here, but it’s a drama through and through with romance, betrayals, and more. That said, directors Paolo & Vittorio Taviani infuse it with moments of magical disconnect that sparkle with unexpected life. Great new title from Radiance.
[Extras: New 2K restoration, commentary, interviews]
Black Tight Killers [Radiance]
What is it? A guy looking for love finds adventure instead.
Why see it? Yasuharu Hasebe’s mid 60s romp is just that, a wild time that screams “the sixties” with nearly every frame. Our hero is an everyman, but the film puts him through some James Bond-like adventures involving secret groups, oddball killers, saucy women, and more. Romance and adventure make for fun bedfellows, and the film’s style keeps things pleasing to the eye throughout its short running time. It’s an entertaining genre flick filled with unique touches and details showing off both western influences and elements that Hollywood would borrow later on. As is always the case, Radiance’s new Blu-ray comes with engaging and enlightening extras.
[Extras: Commentary, interview]
Contagion [4K UHD]
What is it? A disturbingly accurate look at how humankind acts in the face of a deadly pandemic.
Why see it? Steven Soderbergh’s 2011 feature was a cautionary tale that too many people ignored come 2020, and it remains a terrifying watch because of that truth. An ensemble thriller, the film sees a pandemic set off involving a deadly virus, and as the plague spreads and body count rises, different people and groups react in different ways. It’s a harrowing watch, even more so now, and Soderbergh’s eye ensures that the film looks good and flows well even as the world is falling apart. It’s arguably a horror movie, but it’s also just a sadly accurate indictment of our weaknesses and a celebration of our strengths. Here’s hoping the latter will continue to win out.
[Extras: Featurettes]
Gunfight at the O.K. Corral [4K UHD, KL Studio Classics]
What is it? A western classic from John Sturges.
Why see it? There are dozens of films exploring the life and times of Wyatt Earp, and while some aim for historical accuracy, others aim merely to entertain. This late 50s western from director John Sturges sits among the latter as it plays fast and loose with the known facts of the confrontation between Wyatt Earp, his men, and the Clanton gang. Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas headline as Earp and Doc Holliday, respectively, and we also get Dennis Hopper, Lee Van Cleef, DeForest Kelley, and more.
The action scenes pop, the actors are legends, and the film delivers as big western entertainment.
[Extras: New 4K scan, commentary]
Man on the Brink [Kani]
What is it? An undercover cop goes too far down.
Why see it? Alex Cheung’s early 80s tale of an ambitious cop whose undercover assignment takes him places he can’t quite recover from isn’t nearly as well known as it deserves to be. We’ve seen the basics of this story before, but the Hong Kong take includes some strong action beats in addition to character drama that lands with intensity and emotional weight. There’s a gritty, in your face feel to it all as we find ourselves moving about with our protagonist, and it’s not long before we wonder if we’re going to be stuck in hell too.
[Extras: Interview, commentary, short films]
The Rest
Blind Faith
What is it? A serial killer roams the streets.
Why see it? Shot-on-video thrillers often tackle the serial killer as their subject, and it’s easy to see why. Effects can be minimal, as can the sets, and some viewers will be placated with bloody kills and boobs. For those wanting just a little bit more, though, this effort takes itself pretty seriously and delivers a more traditional tale, albeit one on a micro budget. Still, it’s for SOV fans only. The disc is loaded with extras, so those same fans will be pleased.
[Extras: Commentary, interviews, short films]
Bubble Bath [Deaf Crocodile]
What is it? An animated drama about regret, indecision, and what we really want in life.
Why see it? Deaf Crocodile has been doing great work bringing animated and/or fantastical films from eastern European countries back to life, and this Hungarian effort fits that bill. The only feature from director Gyorgy Kovasznai, the film is something of a trippy, psychedelic ride through adulthood. It’s grounded, in theory, but the visuals offer up some fantastical imagery along the way. Fans of animated fare for adults will want to give this one a spin as its style and narrative choices stand it apart from the pack.
[Extras: New restoration, commentary, interview, short films]
Carpet Cowboys
What is it? A documentary about the town where most of America’s industrial carpets are born.
Why see it? If you’ve walked the halls of hotels and wings of airports, the odds are good that you stepped foot across carpets designed and produced in Dalton, Georgia. Why? Good question, one touched on here, but the bigger focus is the lives of those caught up in the carpet game, for better and worse. This is a documentary that kicks off with an unusual and oddly appealing subject before settling in to some traditional beats, but it maintains an interest level thanks to both the filmmaking and the focus.
[Extras: Deleted scenes, Q&A]
Dr, Cheon and the Lost Talisman
What is it? A charlatan discovers that the supernatural is real.
Why see it? This South Korean genre effort feels like the kind of thing Touchstone or Hollywood Pictures might have released here in the 90s — lots of special effects, minor thrills, a charismatic cast. That’s not a knock, either, as movies like this serve a real purpose as perfectly fine entertainment that won’t weigh on your emotions or memory. It’s a fun time, and the ninety-nine minute running time doesn’t hurt either.
[Extras: None]
Dream Scenario
What is it? A man discovers that he’s appearing in other people’s dreams.
Why see it? Nicolas Cage is never less than interesting on screen, and that especially true here as he’s tasked with playing an everyman who suddenly becomes an everywhere man. The result is a comedy that finds some very funny beats before shifting into a profoundly sad look at the reality of our lives — that being that they don’t belong to us alone anymore. Others seem fixated on the comedic aspect, but I’d be hard-pressed to call it a comedy, so fair warning.
[Extras: Deleted scenes, commentary, featurette]
The Moon
What is it? A lone astronaut is stuck after a lunar trip goes wrong.
Why see it? The obvious inspiration here is Ridley Scott’s The Martian, and while this South Korean film can’t touch that Hollywood production, it still finds some minor thrills and emotional beats. Our protagonist’s team dies, leaving him alone to complete the moon mission, but things only get more precarious from there. Visual effects are solid, performances are big but fine, and this is a rare Korean film that doesn’t demonize the entirety of the U.S. government (they’re jerks for a bit before eventually coming around).
[Extras: Featurette]
Next Goal Wins
What is it? The true story of the American Samoa soccer team.
Why see it? Think of this as the slightly more accurate, and noticeably less entertaining, version of Cool Runnings, and you’ll know just what you’re getting into. Taika Waititi’s latest is a low-key and light watch starring Michael Fassbender, Will Arnett, and Elisabeth Moss, and it’s as harmless a film as you’re likely to find. Amusing at times, mildly emotional at others. It’s fine.
[Extras: Featurette, deleted scene]
Nightsiren
What is it? Witches. Why’d it have to be witches.
Why see it? Witchy horror is a subgenre that doesn’t quite get the love it deserves, and there really aren’t enough of them. This Slovakian chiller takes a slow burn approach with breaks for stylistic endeavors, and while that’s what holds it back there are still some terrific beats here as the witch hunt and folk horror elements grow in their intensity.
Our protagonist embarks on a journey of self-discovery in the film, with added horror elements to enhance the experience.
[Extras: None]
The Playgirls and the Vampire [Vinegar Syndrome]
What is it? Showgirls in an old, dark house!
Why see it? An old castle serves as the setting for five showgirls and their manager who are forced to spend the night in a vampire’s lair. This film from the early 60s combines horror with dance party elements, offering a unique blend of entertainment for fans of the vampire genre.
[Extras: New 4K restoration, interview]
The Rock-afire Explosion
What is it? A documentary about Chuck E. Cheese’s rival.
Why see it? Explore the animatronic band that was a competitor to Chuck E. Cheese, delving into the nostalgia and ultimate downfall of ShowBiz Pizza.
[Extras: Commentary, outtakes, featurettes]
Spanish Blood Bath [Vinegar Syndrome]
What is it? Three Spanish giallo films!
Why see it? Experience three thrillers from Spain that offer a glimpse into the country’s output in the giallo genre.
[Extras: New 4K restorations, interviews]
Where the Devil Roams [Yellow Veil]
What is it? A family of carnival performers in action.
Why see it? Immerse yourself in the dark and mysterious world of a carnival, although the film may not appeal to everyone due to its pacing and character development issues.
[Extras: Featurette, short film]
The Zombie Army
What is it? Military experiments lead to undead creatures!
Why see it? Enjoy low-budget horror with a squad of deadly women and mad science creating zombies, offering genre thrills with a fun vibe.
[Extras: Commentary, featurette, interviews, TV show segments]
Also out this week:
The Bridge – The Complete Series, Everything to Entertain You, The Golden Coach [Raro], Migration, Monk – Season Four, Réjeanne Padovani, The Roaring Twenties [Criterion], Sophie Scholl, Stranded + Cosmic Psychos, Totally Wired, Wonka
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