The POWER OF NOSTALGIA

POWER OF GRAYSKULL: THE DEFINITIVE HISTORY OF HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE (2017)

Featuring John Atkin, Gwen Wetzler, Mark Taylor, J. Michael Straczynski, Dolph Lundgren, Frank Langella. Directed by Randall Lobb & Robert McCallum. (95 min)

ON DVD FROM HIGH OCTANE

Review by Fluffy the Fearless😺

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe was a garbage cartoon, cynically thrown together to push a line of action figures on undiscriminating kids. It certainly didn’t match-up to the classic Saturday morning shows I grew up with, like Hot Wheels, Gilligan’s Planet, Scooby’s All-Star Laff-A-Lympics and -

...never mind.

Oh well, one man’s garbage is another man’s nostalgia, which this revealing documentary affectionately demonstrates. Power of Grayskull covers the character’s entire history, from the initial line of toys through its syndicated cartoon and subsequent reboots, as well as Cannon Films’ infamous slab of ‘80s megacheese starring Dolph Lundgren & Frank Langella (both of whom are interviewed here). As someone with more of a movie background, I found the latter section particularly interesting.

"Andy's home! Everybody freeze! Even you, Skeletor!"

Not that there aren’t surprises throughout the rest of the film. With hindsight, I guess it’s obvious those who created the He-Man universe drew considerable inspiration from the paintings of Frank Frazetta, but I’d be willing to wager nobody who grew up playing with these toys were even aware of his adult oriented artwork. I was also unaware that the original toys came with meticulously crafted comic books which dropped these characters into actual stories. Even the packaging contained a surprising amount of creativity.

We meet the toy designers, various writers & directors of the show, storyboard artists and, of course, historians & collectors who discuss He-Man’s popularity. I still think the cartoon is garbage, but even as someone who was arguably too old to ever buy-into the He-Man universe, looking back at its cultural impact was pretty interesting. And it goes without saying that those still holding a nostalgic fondness for the big lug will love this.

KITTY CONSENSUS:

PURR-R-R...LIKE A GOOD SCRATCH BEHIND THE EARS.

THE SET-UP: Raging Robert

THE SET-UP (1949)

Starring Robert Ryan, Audrey Totter, George Tobias, Alan Baxter, Wallace Ford. Directed by Robert Wise. (72 min)

ON BLU-RAY FROM

WARNER ARCHIVE COLLECTION

Review by Mr. Paws😸

Film noir and boxing go together like cops & doughnuts, and for my money, there isn’t a more effective example than The Set-Up. More so than The Killers or The Harder They Fall, we really feel like we’re examining the underside of an overturned rock.

Robert Ryan is terrific as “Stoker” Thompson, an aging boxer who never hit the big time. Still, he clings to the hope that he’ll win again someday. And he’s just one of a dozen-or-so others who fight each weekend at the seedy Paradise City Arena. Some are young hopefuls, others are as worn-out and weary as Stoker. Though it’s never spoken, most of these men seem aware they’re destined to serve as little more than cannon fodder for up-and-coming boxers bankrolled by crooked gamblers.

Thompson’s manager, Tiny (George Tobias) arranges for him to take a dive during his next match, but since Stoker has lost his last 27 fights, neglects to inform him. Meanwhile, Stoker gears-up for the match, confident he can win this time. However, his wife, Julie (Audrey Totter), refuses to watch him take another beating. In fact, she wants him to quit so the two of them can start a new life.

"More gin, Stoke?"

Primarily a character study, The Set-Up is presented almost in real time, from the deal Tiny makes with local mobster Little Boy (Alan Baxter), through the revealing, introspective locker room moments and culminating in Stoker’s match. By this time, his quiet desperation not-only has us rooting for him, but fearing for his life since he’s completely unaware he’s supposed to lose. No stranger to the genre, Ryan is believable as an aging fighter, both in and out of the ring.

The climactic fight sequence is long, grueling and – considering the era when the film was made – brilliantly shot and edited. We feel like were in the middle of the fight, feeling every punch. It’s only fitting that Martin Scorsese contributes to the film’s audio commentary, since this sequence obviously had a huge influence on Raging Bull.

Director Robert Wise has made a slew of iconic classics in a variety of genres, which tends to overshadow how skillfully he could put together a comparatively small, visceral piece of film noir, particularly in his early years. The Set-Up is a prime example of the genre, full of intriguing character-driven moments, a bruising climax and a bittersweet resolution. Great stuff.

EXTRA KIBBLES

AUDIO COMMENTARY – By Director Robert Wise and Martin Scorsese (of course).

KITTY CONSENSUS:

PURR-R-R...LIKE A GOOD SCRATCH BEHIND THE EARS.

THE POOP SCOOP: More Hellacious Halloween Horrors

VIEW THE TRAILER

SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK on Digital 10/22 and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray & DVD 11/5

The highly anticipated film adaptation of the iconic book series brings the thrills and chills of some of Alvin Schwartz’s scariest stories to life. It’s 1968 in America. Change is blowing in the wind…but seemingly far removed from the unrest in the cities is the small town of Mill Valley, where for generations the shadow of the Bellows family has loomed large. It is in their mansion on the edge of town that Sarah, a young girl with horrible secrets, turned her tortured life into a series of scary stories, written in a book that has transcended time. For a group of teenagers who discover Sarah’s terrifying home, the stories become all too real in this spine-tingling film. 

 

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47 METERS DOWN: UNCAGED on Digital 10/29 and Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD & On Demand 11/12

Directed by Johannes Roberts and written by Roberts and Ernest Riera, 47 Meters Down: Uncaged follows the diving adventure of four teenage girls exploring a submerged Mayan city. Once inside, their rush of excitement turns into a jolt of terror as they discover the sunken ruins are a hunting ground for deadly great white sharks. With their air supply steadily dwindling, the friends must navigate the underwater labyrinth of claustrophobic caves and eerie tunnels in search of a way out of their watery hell. Immerse yourself in the underwater world with exclusive special features, including audio commentary with writer-director Johannes Roberts, producer James Harris, and writer Ernest Riera; as well as the “Diving Deeper: Uncaging 47 Meters Down” featurette. 

 

AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON on Blu-ray 10/29

In what is arguably the greatest werewolf movie ever made, David Naughton stars as an American tourist attacked by a vicious creature while hiking in the Yorkshire Moors. The jaw-dropping, Oscar-winning special effects from the legendary Rick Baker are restored in 4K using the original camera negative and approved by Landis. This release comes with so many special features you'll need a whole lot of big teeth to chew on them all. 

 

The Original RINGU and RINGU COLLECTION on Blu-ray 10/29

Hideo Nakata almost single-handedly helped launch the J-Horror boom in the late '90s with Ringu, the film Sight & Sound called a "timeless terror". Now fans can own this creepy flick about the cursed VHS tape with a brand new 4K restoration approved by DP Junichiro Hayashi. If one VHS tape isn't enough to quench your thirst for technological terror, then the Ringu Collection may be more your speed. This boxset includes the original film alongside the sequel Ringu 2, the eerie origin story Ringu 0, and the "lost sequel", Jôji Iida's Rasen - also known as The Spiral.

THE FIRST KING and the Sheep Farmer from Hell

THE FIRST KING (2019)

Starring Alessandro Borghi, Alessio Lapice, Fabrizio Rongione, Tania Garriba. Directed by Matteo Rovere. (126 min)

ON BLU-RAY FROM WELL GO USA

Review by Tiger the Terrible😺

Talk about your crappy days. Romulus and Remus are two shepherd brothers whose flock is wiped out by a flood. Then they’re carried down-river and fished out by Alba Longa soldiers to be used as slaves. Instead, the brothers lead a revolt, taking Satnei, Alba’s resident clairvoyant, as a hostage. Romulus is seriously injured and the other slaves want to leave him behind, but Remus insists on carrying him. They all escape into a supposedly cursed forest, where no one entering has ever returned.

The rest of the week isn’t a picnic, either. Remus (Alessando Borgi) assumes leadership, killing anyone who challenges him. Those who wander off alone end up dying, with the exception of Remus. With everyone starving, Remus ventures off alone and returns with a deer, feeding the group and assuring their loyalty. Remus declares himself their king and they slaughter a group of solders protecting a local village. Remus declares himself their new ruler, as well, while Satnei prophecizes one of the brothers will someday rule a great kingdom after killing the other. Like a lot ‘o guys suddenly drunk with power, Remus goes a little mad, wildly overestimating his own importance & invincibility.

No marshmallows...no 'Smores.

Said-kingdom would someday be Rome and The Last King is a violent retelling of the centuries-old legend. From a technical standpoint, it gets off to a woefully shaky start with some shitty CGI before settling into the gritty, close-quarters mayhem a film like this needs. There are three major battle sequences that are brutal and bloody, with some nasty, wince-inducing kills that reflect sick minds in the make-up department. This movie needs them, too. When blood & limbs aren’t flying, the story becomes sort-of an endurance test, slowing to a crawl on occasion.

Though overlong by half an hour, The First King is handsomely produced for its budget and boasts good performances by the two leads. Suitably grimy and gory, the battle scenes alone are probably worth the price of admission. At the very least, this is a far more authentic version of the story than 1961’s Duel of the Titans.

EXTRA KIBBLES

MAKING-OF FEATURETTE – A pretty interesting 35 minute documentary. Directer Matteo Rovere doesn’t seem to be lacking in self-confidence.

TRAILERS

KITTY CONSENSUS:

NOT BAD. LIKE CAT CHOW.

Rest in Peace, Sid Haig

Sid Haig (1939-2019)

ACTION JACKSON and the Joel Silver Drinking Game

ACTION JACKSON (1988)

Starring Carl Weathers, Vanity, Craig T. Nelson, Sharon Stone, Bill Duke, Jack Thibeau, Stan Foster, Thomas F. Wilson, Roger Aaron Brown. Directed by Craig R. Baxley. (96 min)

ON BLU-RAY FROM

WARNER ARCHIVE COLLECTION

Review by Tiger the Terrible😼

It’s still surprising that Action Jackson didn’t make Carl Weathers an action star. Sure, we all know who he was, but mostly as an adversary or second banana. He certainly had the qualities of his peers...good looks, granite biceps and enough inherent charisma to make up for his lack of range. And he certainly hooked up with the right guy, producer Joel Silver, who practically invented the high-concept action picture (at-least as it was defined in the 80s). It shoulda been the start of a solid action career, not the pinnacle.

So what happened? Who’s to say? Whatever the case, the film itself vintage ‘80s and all the tropes that entails: the renegade cop, his exasperated boss, the sadistic bad guy, his cannon fodder henchmen, big guns, big explosions, big crashes and big wisecracks...all thrown together to serve a plot that can be effectively summarized on a cocktail napkin. With a few gentle nudges, the film could almost be viewed as a parody.

"Change your oil, big fella?"

For added fun, Action Jackson would make an amusing drinking game. Joining Weathers is a shitload of other Joel Silver alumni (including at-least a dozen actors who’ve previously popped-up in Lethal Weapon, Predator or Die Hard). If you did a shot every time you spotted one, you’d be hammered by the third act.

Weathers himself is fun and fearless as Jericho “Action” Jackson, while Vanity provides tag-along eye candy. In that capacity, she’s fine...at least until she’s forced to emote (depicting her heroin-addicted character’s withdrawal symptoms with all the angst of waiting at the DMV). Craig T. Nelson is a tougher sell as Dellaplane, the film’s violently-psychotic antagonist, which may not be entirely his fault. Today, we’re so used to him being funny that it’s strange when he isn’t (not intentionally, anyway)

The film, of course, is utterly ridiculous, making Cobra look like Serpico. Action Jackson is embodies everything good, bad and ugly about Joel Silver’s brand of movie mayhem, with the additional fun of trying to spot every character actor he kept gainfully employed during that decade (maybe a drinking game ain’t such a good idea after all). Too bad the film didn’t turn Carl Weathers into an action hero. He never had the chance to star in his own Roadhouse.
 

KITTY CONSENSUS:

NOT BAD. LIKE CAT CHOW.

THE MAJOR AND THE MINOR (1942): Risqué Business?

THE MAJOR AND THE MINOR (1942)

Starring Ginger Rogers, Ray Milland, Rita Johnson, Diane Lynn, Robert Benchley. Directed by Billy Wilder. (100 min)

ON BLU-RAY FROM ARROW ACADEMY

Review by Mr. Paws🙀

In one of the disc’s bonus features, film critic Neil Sinyard describes some of director Billy Wilder’s films – including this one – as risqué. And yeah, for their time, I concur that a few of them were. But considering the premise, I don’t know if risqué is an adjective I’d use to describe The Major and the Minor. In fact, I’d say it has some perverse underpinnings.

Tired of being objectified and propositioned by male customers, Susan Applegate (Ginger Rogers) quits her job and decides to return to her hometown. Unfortunately, she can’t afford an adult train ticket, so she disguises herself as a 12-year-old. Though it doesn’t fool the conductors, Major Kirby (Ray Milland) falls for her ruse and offers to look after her during the trip. Kirby’s on his way to a military academy where he’s stationed, but with the prospect of war looming, he wants to be transferred overseas to join the fight, to the chagrin of his bitchy fiancee, Pamela (Rita Johnson).

When flooding temporarily prevents the train from continuing, Kirby invites Susan – calling herself Sue-Sue – to stay with him, Pamela and her teen sister, who immediately knows Susan’s no kid. However, she plays along because perhaps Susan can help Kirby get his transfer and out of Pamela’s clutches. Sue-Sue makes an immediate impression on everyone, especially the cadets, all of whom seem nearly as salacious as the men she left behind in New York.

More effective than pepper spray.

Of course, Ms. Rogers in-no-way looks 12 years old and I’m not sure why some characters notice the obvious while everyone else remains stupidly unaware. But the performances are good and the screenplay is vintage Wilder, so we tend to overlook it. But some of the underlying connotations are sort-of creepy. For the most part, Kirby is congenial and protective, but a later scene where he’s informing Sue-Sue of her womanly beauty – still unaware she is a woman – is tough to pass off as anything but uncomfortably weird. Similarly, the cadets themselves all seem groomed to treat women as possessions at an early age, trying to score with Sue-Sue even though she’s supposedly only 12.

On the other hand, it could serve as a timely condemnation of misogyny, sexual harassment and attitudes towards women. More likely, though, I’m reading way too much into a movie that’s obviously intended as mere popcorn entertainment. As such, The Major and the Minor is generally enjoyable. It doesn’t rank among Wilder’s best, though it was his first American film, with a basic storyline he’d later revisit much more successfully with Some Like It Hot.

EXTRA KIBBLES

"HALF FARE PLEASE!” - A 30 minute appreciation by critic Neil Sinyard.

AUDIO INTERVIEW WITH RAY MILLAND – From 1975.

AUDIO COMMENTARY – By historian Adrian Martin.

RADIO ADAPTATION – From 1943, also featuring Rogers & Milland.

SUPPLEMENTAL BOOKLET – Featuring film/restoration credits and an essay by historian/author Ronald Bergan.

IMAGE GALLERY

TRAILER

REVERSIBLE COVER ART – We prefer the original artwork. The new cover has the color of Silly Putty.

KITTY CONSENSUS:

NOT BAD. LIKE CAT CHOW.

ANNA: Luc Besson's Comfort Zone

ANNA (2019)

Starring Sasha Luss, Luke Evans, Cillian Murphy, Helen Mirren, Eric Godon, Alexander Petrov, Lera Abova. Directed by Luc Besson. (118 min)

ON BLU-RAY FROM LIONSGATE

Review by Tiger the Terrible😼

If you’re a fan of French director Luc Besson, chances are you’ve already seen Anna, even if you haven’t yet actually watched Anna.

Which isn’t necessarily intended as criticism. It’s just that he’s made this type of action movie before...more than once. Instead of a French junkie or hapless American drug mule, we have an abused, suicidal Russian girl who’s transformed into a one woman wrecking crew.

Anna (Sasha Luss) is a sad product of her seedy environment before being “rescued” by agent Alex Tchenkov (Luke Evans) to be trained as a Russian assassin, tutored and supervised by crotchety KGB operative Olga (Helen Mirren, terrific as usual). She’s initially promised her freedom in exchange for five years of service, but it’s soon obvious her superiors will never let that actually happen. Meanwhile, she engages in a variety of elaborate missions, including one where she goes undercover as a supermodel to kill an arms dealer. That hit catches the attention of the CIA, headed by Leonard Miller (Cillian Murphy). Caught red-handed, she agrees to become a double agent. And of course, both Tchenkov & Miller end up bumpin' uglies with her.

The waiter forgot the breadsticks.

However, the high point of the film has to be an early scene in which Anna - now lethally trained - is required to enter a restaurant and kill an enemy target. What should be a simple hit instead sees Anna squaring-off against a few dozen henchmen in an impressively choreographed bloodbath of guns, fists and fine china. But as impressive as it is, the scene also illustrates one major issue with the film: It’s titular character is so smart, deadly and indestructible that there’s never a moment when her survival is in doubt, negating most of the suspense.

Though Anna could almost be considered a remake of La Femme Nikita, Besson does jumble the narrative through frequent flashbacks, extrapolating important details from previously straightforward scenes to provide numerous – perhaps too many – story twists. Anna herself isn’t nearly as interesting as Nikita, Lucy or Mathilda, nor does Luss provide much more than sexy window dressing. Still, kick-ass female anti-heroes have been the centerpieces of Besson’s best films, so one can forgive him for taking yet-another trip to the well.

As such, Anna doesn’t contain a bevy of surprises or genuine tension, but it’s certainly watchable. It’s a movie directed by a man who’s well-within his comfort zone, and though he underuses an impressive supporting cast, Besson still knows his way around an elaborate action scene. That alone makes it worth checking out on a dull evening.

EXTRA KIBBLES

FEATURETTES - “Unnesting a Russian Doll: Making Anna”; “Anatomy of a Scene: Restaurant Fight”; “Constructing the Car Chase”; “Dressing a Doll: Costumes of Anna”

DVD & DIGITAL COPIES

KITTY CONSENSUS:

NOT BAD. LIKE CAT CHOW.

THE POOP SCOOP: Gear Up for Halloween

Halloween is one of our favorite days, when we love to cat-loaf on the sofa and takes in a few scary sights while the dog barks at all the treat-or-treaters. From kittenhood favorites to cutting-edge modern horror, here are a few upcoming titles to ring in the holiday.
 

FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE on Blu-ray in October

A KITTENHOOD FAVORITE! Amicus Productions classic horror portmanteau makes its Blu-ray disc debut just in time for the horror-days! Bolt the door, lower the lights and settle in for a stylish five-episode supernatural shocker possessed of a shivery all-star cast and drenched in evil. Welcome to Temptations Ltd., a decrepit antique shop whose unwary customers get more than they bargain for from the wily proprietor (Peter Cushing). Much more. Go to the head of the horror class if you can predict who'll join the ranks of the doomed from among this role call of distinguished British actors: Ian Bannen, Ian Carmichael, Diana Dors, Lesley-Anne Down, Margaret Leighton, Donald Pleasence, Nyree Dawn Porter, David Warner and more. A mirror. A medal. A snuff box. An ornate door. All unleash novelty surprises for the characters – and you – in these wickedly horrific tales From Beyond the Grave.

 

MIDSOMMAR on Blu-ray & DVD 10/8

After a family tragedy, a young American couple joins some friends at a midsummer festival in a remote Swedish village. What begins as a carefree summer holiday takes a sinister turn when the insular villagers invite their guests to partake in festivities that grow increasingly unnerving and viscerally disturbing. From the visionary mind of Ari Aster (Hereditary), comes this dread-soaked cinematic fairy tale where a world of darkness unfolds in broad daylight. Bring home Midsommar and unravel the mystery behind the making of this harrowing tale with a never-before-seen making-of featurette, offering insight into Aster’s vision.

Rob Zombie’s 3 FROM HELL on 4K, Blu-ray, DVD, Digital and On Demand 10/15

First there was House of 1000 Corpses. Then there was The Devil’s Rejects. Now, from writer-director Rob Zombie, comes the next blood-soaked chapter in the most violent crime saga in movie history — 3 From Hell. After barely surviving a furious shootout with the police, Baby Firefly (Sheri Moon Zombie), Otis Driftwood (Bill Moseley), and Captain Spaulding (Sid Haig) are behind bars. But pure evil cannot be contained, and a firestorm of murder, madness, and mayhem will be released in this terror ride to Hell… and back. Immerse yourself in its blood-soaked world with exclusive and extensive special features, including an audio commentary with director Rob Zombie and a 4-part “making of” featurette. Additionally, the 3 From Hell 4K and Blu-ray discs will feature the unrated cut, even more sadistic and terrifying than the theatrical version of the film.

   

THE OMEN Collection on Blu-ray 10/15
Remember ... You Have Been Warned! Experience the ultimate in horror with The Omen Collection, featuring all four original films as well as the 2006 remake that kept audiences glued to the screen with white-knuckled terror. Packed with hours of chilling special features, this five-disc set includes 1976's The Omen (new 4K remaster); Damien: Omen II, in which Damien discovers his destiny; The Final Conflict, in which he realizes his full power; and Omen IV: The Awakening, in which a demonic force returns in the form of a wicked young girl. The haunting legacy comes full circle with the riveting 2006 version. Including stirring performances from Gregory Peck, Lee Remick, William Holden, Lee Grant, Rossano Brazzi, Sam Neill, Mia Farrow, Liev Schreiber and more, The Omen Collection presents the height of sheer terror. Get ready for hours of the ultimate evil.

MY FAVORITE YEAR...My Favorite O'Toole

MY FAVORITE YEAR (1982)

Starring Peter O’Toole, Mark Linn-Baker, Jessica Harper, Joseph Bologna, Bill Macy, Laine Kazan, Lou Jacobi, Cameron Mitchell, George Wyner, Selma Diamond. Directed by Richard Benjamin. (92 min)

ON BLU-RAY FROM

WARNER ARCHIVE COLLECTION

Review by Mr. Paws😸

It probably wasn’t much of a stretch for Peter O’Toole to play a hard-drinking, womanizing movie star. After all, he reportedly spent half of his career completely hammered. So while Alan Swann may indeed be based on Errol Flynn, it’s highly likely O’Toole drew a bit from personal experience. Maybe that’s why his performance in My Favorite Year is one of his best...and funniest.

A sleeper hit in 1982, My Favorite Year is the kind of old-fashioned farce that wasn’t really being made anymore. Mark Linn-Baker narrates as Benjy Stone, a naive young writer for the fictional variety show, Comedy Cavalcade. It’s 1954, when TV was performed live, which has everybody concerned over upcoming guest star Alan Swann’s reliability. Since Stone idolizes Swann – as well as being the low man on the totem pole – he’s charged with keeping the man sober and out of trouble until showtime.

"He's clean."

Naturally, that doesn’t happen, otherwise no movie. My Favorite Year is a fast & funny mixture of broad farce and clever humor with a wonderful eye for period detail. Though he certainly rises to the farcical aspects of the film, O’Toole is obviously well-aware that even the most hopeless drunks have moments of clarity. Sure, Swann’s frequent stupors are amusing – sometimes hilarious – but it’s far from a one-note performance. How he reacts to Benjy’s oddball family, as well as his nervousness when attempting to visit his own daughter, suggests a little remorse over his reputation and behavior.

But O’Toole isn’t the whole show. He’s backed by a crack supporting cast of character actors who more-than-rise to the occasion, particularly Joseph Bologna as brash TV host “King” Kaiser and Bill Macy as perpetually shouting head-writer Sy Benson. Between this film and Perfect Strangers, Mark Linn-Baker forged a nice little career as a beleaguered straight-man. Just as O’Toole is naturally adept at playing a drunk, Linn-Baker seems to know his own character quite well.

The film occasionally threatens to turn serious, but those moments are fleeting. My Favorite Year sets a congenial tone right away and seldom wavers, culminating in a madcap climax with shades of classic Mel Brooks (perhaps no accident, since he’s an uncredited executive producer). An affectionate look at a bygone era (with a star who probably lived some of it), this is a hard movie not to like.

EXTRA KIBBLES

TRAILER

KITTY CONSENSUS:

PURR-R-R...LIKE A GOOD SCRATCH BEHIND THE EARS.

THE POOP SCOOP: Summer Souvenirs Edition

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME - Night Monkey Trailer

TAP SPIDEY!

ON 4K, BLU-RAY & DVD 10/1

The Blu-ray, DVD, Digital, and 4K Ultra HD release arrives filled with bonus materials for the whole family including a special short, alternate and extended scenes, gag reels and Easter Eggs! Additional special features includeTeachers’ Travel Tips with Mr. Harrington and Mr. Dell and interviews with the cast and crew focused on stunts and location in The Jump Off and  Far, FAR, From Home. Explore how Spider-Man was introduced in the MCU in Stepping Up and get a closer look at the special chemistry between Jon Watts and Tom Holland in It Takes Two. Fans will want to dive into The Ginter-Riva Effect, Thank You, Mrs. Parker and Now You See Me features for more character focused details. The 4K Ultra HD also features Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos audio. 

 

VIEW THE TRAILER

GOOD BOYS on Digital 10/29 & Blu-ray and DVD 11/12

How bad can a sixth grader’s day really get? Certified Fresh by Rotten Tomatoes as the biggest original comedy opening of the year, the movie is making audiences laugh out loud with its perfect mix of side-splitting adult humor and oblivious-yet-loveable trio of grade-school friends. Good Boys is loaded with outrageous unrated exclusive bonus content including a never-before-seen alternate ending and deleted and extended scenes as well as featurettes with the cast and crew, treating audiences to some gut-busting behind-the-scenes moments.

VIEW THE TRAILER

THE LION KING on Digital 10/11 and Blu-ray and 4K UHD 11/22

In-home audiences will feel the love as they trek behind the scenes and to the African savanna through “The Journey to ‘The Lion King,’” a three-part documentary that explores the film’s creation. It features visits to the Playa Vista production facility where talent, honor and elevate the animated classic’s iconic music; discussions with Favreau and team who used cutting-edge technology to create photorealistic animals and environments; and filmmaker and cast reflections on the timeless tale that has moved generations. Extras also include “More to Be Scene,” layer-by-layer progressions of some of the film’s most iconic moments; lyric video for “Never Too Late” by Elton John and music video for “Spirit” by Beyoncé; sing-alongs to the film’s unforgettable songs; and a feature on the “Protect the Pride” campaign, which focuses on protecting and revitalizing the lion population.

 

VIEW THE TRAILER

RED HEAT on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack on 10/29

Just in time for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s return to the big screen in Terminator: Dark Fate, Red Heat stars the action film superstar himself alongside James Belushi, Peter Boyle, Ed O’Ross, Academy Award nominee Laurence Fishburne and Gina Gershon. Experience four times the resolution of full HD with the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, which includes Dolby Vision HDR, bringing entertainment to life through ultra-vivid picture quality. Available for the very first time in this absolutely stunning format, the Red Heat 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack will include multiple featurettes, which dive into Arnold’s action legacy and the film’s Soviet Union setting. 

THE BLOB (1988) Collector's Edition on Blu-ray 10/29

Scream Factory has detailed its upcoming Collector's Edition of Chuck Russell's film The Blob (1988), starring Kevin Dillon, Shawnee Smith, Donovan Leitch Jr., Jeffrey DeMunn, and Candy Clark. The Blob is back in this horrific tale about a vile, malignant life-form that crashes to Earth in a cozy, rural American town called Arborville. Untroubled by conscience or intellect, the Blob does only one thing – and it does it well. It eats anything and everything that moves: men, women, and children. The original version of The Blob thrilled and terrified audiences back in the 1950s. Now the oozing, gooey killer is back with a whole new high-tech look.

Blu-ray Giveaway: THE FIRST KING

VIEW THE TRAILER

FREE KITTENS MOVIE GUIDE is giving away Blu-ray copies of WELL GO USA's THE FIRST KING to a few lucky readers.

Available on Blu-ray, DVD 9/24

Romulus and Remus end up taking part in a journey that will lead one of them to be the founder of the greatest nation ever seen. However, the fate of the chosen one is sealed after killing his own brother in THE FIRST KING, debuting on digital, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD September 24 from Well Go USA Entertainment. Directed by Matteo Rovere (director of the critically acclaimed box office smash Drifters), THE FIRST KING stars Alessandro Borghi as Remus and Alessio Lapice as Romulus.  Bonus materials include a “Making of” featurette.

TO ENTER: Simply drop us a message at freekittensmovieguide@gmail.com. CONTEST ENDS 9/24.