‘Shivers’ Brings Pervy Thrills and Murder to Our Pick of the Week

Shivers [Vestron, steelbook]

A high-rise sees its tenants become violently horny.

David Cronenberg’s feature debut, “Shivers,” remains a favorite in his filmography. It is a shocking film filled with startling imagery, grotesque acts, and skeevy fun. Parasites infest the building, turning residents into aggressively sexual beings. The film is filled with creepy visuals, gross special effects, and an underlying feeling of danger and disgust that unnerves viewers. Ivan Reitman produced the film, adding to its wonderfully weird and frightening appeal. The new steelbook release features new art but no additional content, making it a must-have for fans who missed the previous Vestron release.

[Extras: Remastered, commentaries, interviews]

The Best

Err, nothing to see here…

The Rest

Archangel

A wartime tale of love and forgetfulness.

Guy Maddin’s “Archangel” is an acquired taste, with its stark black & white imagery and silent movie aesthetics. The story follows two soldiers with amnesia who both believe the same woman is theirs. While the film has interesting elements and visually appealing set-pieces, its experimental nature may create a disconnect with some viewers. Despite this, it’s a relatively fast watch at 77 minutes.

[Extras: New 4K restoration, commentary]

The Expendables 4-Film Collection

All four films in The Expendables franchise.

The Expendables franchise celebrates 80s action films with its star-studded cast and high-octane action sequences. However, the film falls short of its potential due to a lackluster ensemble cast and excessive use of CGI in action scenes. While the film features an impressive lineup of action stars, most are only present in short bursts, leaving Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, and a rotating roster of mediocrity to carry the film.

[Extras: Commentaries, documentaries, gag reels, featurettes, deleted scenes]

Kickboxer [steelbook]

A kickboxer kicks his way through Thailand.

Jean-Claude Van Damme’s “Kickboxer” is a late 80s action film that follows typical B-movie beats. While the film offers entertaining action sequences and over-the-top villains, the lack of additional extras in this steelbook re-release may disappoint fans who already own a previous version of the film.

[Extras: None]

Little Monsters [Vestron, steelbook]

A boy befriends the monster beneath his bed.

The late 80s comedy “Little Monsters” has gained a cult following for its creative makeup work and entertaining premise. While the humor may not resonate with all audiences, it can be a fun watch for those who enjoy monster-themed films. This steelbook re-release offers new artwork but no additional content compared to the previous Vestron release.

[Extras: Remastered, commentary, interviews, featurette]

Saw 10-Film Collection – 20th Anniversary Edition

Ten Blu-rays, thirteen DVDs, ten movies.

The “Saw” film series, now ten entries deep, offers a mix of films that are beloved by many fans. While the set includes all ten films on Blu-ray and DVD, the high price point may make it a less attractive option compared to purchasing the previous 8-film set at a lower cost. Consider your options before investing in this collection.

[Extras: Commentaries, alternate cuts, featurettes]

Also out this week:

The 355 [4K UHD], The Long Riders, Lord of Misrule, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance [KL Studio Classics, 4K UHD], Moja & Vesna, Over the Edge [Shout]