THE THIN MAN vs "Today's Audience"

THE THIN MAN (1934)

Starring William Powell, Myrna Loy, Maureen O’Sullivan, Nat Pendleton, Minna Gombell, Porter Hall, Henry Wadsworth, William Henry, Cesar Romero, Skippy the Dog. Directed by W.S. Van Dyke. (91 min).

ON BLU-RAY FROM

WARNER ARCHIVE COLLECTION

Review by Mr. Paws😺

The Thin Man is one of those old black & white films you show to people who claim to hate old black & white films. We all know someone like that, who probably also cites weekly box office totals as an indication of a movie’s quality. So maybe you can inform them that not-only was The Thin Man a huge hit, it spawned five sequels and inspired a TV series.

"That was then,” they might retort, arguing that movies of another generation wouldn’t pass muster with “today’s audience.” I love it when people throw that term around, as if “today’s audience” - the same generation that made Adam Sandler a multi-millionaire - are somehow more discriminating and sophisticated.

But I get it. The movies of my own generation are generally my favorites, too. And even as much as I love checking-out the classics (i.e., those made before I was born), my assessment often considers the era of when a film was made. The Thing from Another World is wonderful 1950s’ sci-fi, but I wouldn’t dream of comparing it to John Carpenter’s 1982 version.

Then there are movies like The Thin Man. This classic comedy-mystery isn’t simply amusing for a 75-year-old movie. It’s as sharply-written, witty and laugh-out-loud funny as any movie, regardless of decade. Just like a great foreign language film quickly has the viewer forgetting they’re reading subtitles, The Thin Man is so consistently engaging that I find it hard to believe even “today’s audience” would care what color the bedroom drapes are.

"Sorry, my dear, but when there's a dookie on the carpet, he's your dog."

Your ignorant friend who thinks Jaws is the shark’s name is probably right about one thing: A film like The Thin Man might not connect with “today’s audience” because it would be impossible to find two actors to play Nick & Nora Charles as perfectly as William Powell and Myrna Loy (and trust me, they’ve tried). As a husband & wife crime solving team, their onscreen chemistry seems effortless. The innuendo-laced banter between them is as funny, cute and charming as my wife and I always assume we are when trading good-natured quips. Elsewhere, the story is filled with a variety of quirky, interesting characters, including Asta, the Charles’ scene-stealing pooch.

Just like Psycho can still terrify, High Noon remains the perfect western and 12 Angry Men is as culturally relevant as ever, The Thin Man belies its advanced age with a great story, snappy dialogue and two main characters who aren’t your traditional onscreen couple. This is a must-own for classic film lovers and should be mandatory viewing for “today’s audience.” Best of all, there's five more where this came from. Here's hoping some of those are on Warner Archive's pipeline.

EXTRA KIBBLES

"SCENE OF THE CRIME” - An 1957 episode from The Thin Man TV Series, which I didn’t know existed. It’s okay, but Peter Lawford & Phyllis Kirk are no match for Powell & Loy.

LUX RADIO THEATER BROADCAST – An adaptation that first-aired in 1937, also featuring Powell & Loy.

TRAILER

KITTY CONSENSUS:

MEE-OW! LIKE BEING TURNED LOOSE IN A BIRD SANCTUARY.

AFTER THE THIN MAN Should Be on Your List

AFTER THE THIN MAN (Blu-Ray Review)

1936 / 112 min

From WARNER ARCHIVE COLLECTION

Review by Mr. Paws😸

A lot of writers and websites really have no business putting together “all time” lists. Case-in-point, The Thin Man series, six films released between 1934 and 1947, almost never shows up on anyone’s list of the greatest film franchises of all time. Since this series was hugely popular, critically revered, influential and consistently profitable, it’s obvious that some people’s definition of “all time” is limited to their time. Shame on them.

But Warner Archive Collection has been gradually restoring and releasing the series on Blu-ray for movie lovers to discover (or rediscover). Following the terrific 2019 release of The Thin Man comes the second film, which is every bit as funny and charming.

In After the Thin Man, famously-unflappable detective Nick Charles (William Powell) and wealthy wife Nora (Myrna Loy) return home to San Francisco, fresh from solving the murder case in the first film. However, it isn’t long before Nora’s frantic cousin, Selma (Elissa Landi), is begging Nick to locate her philandering husband, Robert. Finding him is easy, but when he’s later murdered, catching the killer is a lot more challenging. Selma is charged with the crime, but Nick and Nora uncover several suspects, including shifty nightclub owner “Dancer” (Joseph Calleia), Robert’s showgirl mistress, Polly (Penny Singleton), Polly’s “brother” Phil (Paul Fix) and David Graham (James Stewart), Selma’s old boyfriend who still carries a torch.

Like the original film, the plot is an intriguing mystery with some interesting twists, but what makes it truly memorable are the performances, characters and witty dialogue. The chemistry between Powell & Loy is magical, as is their affectionate, quasi-antagonistic banter. The humor is both sophisticated and broad, with enough clever throwaway lines that catching everything in one viewing would be a tall order. 

Never bring eggs to a knife fight.

There are plenty of other things to love here. Asta makes a welcome return - and more screen time - as Nick & Nora’s pampered pooch, who’s dealing with an unfaithful mate of his own. We also meet Nora’s family, none who think too highly of Nick and his profession as a “flatfoot.” As Nick amusingly demonstrates, the feeling is mutual. We’re also treated to the one and only James Stewart in an early role that’s a far cry from his congenial persona and “nice guy” characters.

Best of all, as with the first film, After the Thin Thin isn’t simply entertaining for its time. With characters and humor that would be engaging in any decade, the film is only dated by its physical age, which should never dissuade any self-respecting cinephile. Nicely restored with a smattering of bonus features from the same era, this classic is a must own andthe entire Thin Man series should be mandatory viewing before creating any kind of  “all time” list.

EXTRA KIBBLES

“HOW TO BE A DETECTIVE” - Live action comedy short with Robert Benchley

“THE EARLY BIRD AND THE WORM” - MGM Cartoon short

AFTER THE THIN MAN - 60-minute radio adaptation with William Powell & Myrna Loy

“LEO IS ON THE AIR” - 15-minute MGM radio promo

TRAILER

KITTY CONSENSUS:

MEE-OW! LIKE TAUNTING A MOUSE TO DEATH.

SHADOW OF THE THIN MAN: Nick & Nora Go to the Races

SHADOW OF THE THIN MAN (Blu-ray Review)

1941 / 97 min

FROM WARNER ARCHIVE COLLECTION

Review by Mr. Paws😸

It’s great that Warner Archive now appears dedicated to putting out the entire Thin Man series on Blu-ray, even if it is only one film at a time. Shadow of the Thin Man is the third one released in 2021 alone (and the year ain’t over yet!). Perhaps it won’t be long until fans have all of Nick & Nora’s adventures on their shelves.

You’d be hard-pressed to name another franchise, new or classic, as remarkably consistent. The first remains the best, of course, simply because it was such a charming introduction to the Charleses, the perennially laid-back, quick-witted couple who continually manage to land themselves into perplexing murder cases. But the drop in quality in the subsequent sequels is negligible.

In fact, a strong argument can be made that Shadow of the Thin Man, the fourth in the series, is the best of the sequels. In this one, Nick (William Powell) is reluctantly coerced into investigating the death of a horse jockey who was suspected of throwing a race for “Link” Stephens (Loring Smith), a powerful racketeer. Soon after, a reporter with gambling debts is murdered while trying to extort Stephens, but rival reporter - and friend of the Charleses - Paul Clarke (Barry Nelson), is framed for the crime. Nick thinks the two are connected, and as usual, there are many suspects.

Nick reveals his summer attire.

Like the rest of the series, the plot is born out of necessity in order to showcase Nick & Nora’s amusing banter and the two stars’ effortless chemistry. You might recall from the last film, Another Thin Man, that a baby’s been added to the mix. Here, Nick Jr. is a precocious toddler, resulting in a few very funny sidebars with Dad, such the latter forced to try milk with dinner instead of booze. Other comic highlights include Nick & Nora attending a rowdy wrestling match, and when their dog, Asta, triggers a massive barroom brawl.

Shadow of the Thin Man is yet-another witty blend of sophistication and farce. Even after four films, the Charleses haven’t worn out their welcome. Both the writers and stars keep finding ways to keep them endearing, despite neither character changing one whit. How often can you say that about a fourth film in any franchise?

EXTRA KIBBLES

SHORT:  “THE TELL-TALE HEART” - From 1941, this is one of the better adaptations of Poe’s classic short story. 

CARTOON SHORT: ”The Goose Goes South”

TRAILER

KITTY CONSENSUS:

MEE-OW! LIKE TAUNTING A MOUSE TO DEATH.

Three's Not a Crowd in ANOTHER THIN MAN

ANOTHER THIN MAN (Blu-ray Review)

1939 / 102 min

FROM WARNER ARCHIVE COLLECTION

Review by Mr. Paws😺

Here’s hoping Warner Archive is finally committed to releasing all of the Thin Man movies on Blu-ray.

After the first - and still best - was released back in 2019, I was reminded of just how timeless and funny these films are. But could I find any of the others - even on DVD - without skipping a mortgage payment? Sure, TCM has the occasional Thin Man marathon, but it just ain’t the same as binging on them whenever I damn well please. I guess I was just gonna have to wait & hope.

But this year, we’ve gotten two more in quick succession. The second film, After the Thin Man, arrived in January. Though not quite as fresh as the first film, as sequels go, it was a worthy follow-up and ended with Nora’s (Myrna Loy) announcement that a baby was on the way. In Another Thin Man, the Charles’s are now a family with little Nick Jr. (of course) approaching his first birthday. 

But adding a kid to the mix isn’t some gratuitous plot device. It’s genuinely fun seeing Nick & Nora (and Asta!) adapt to parenthood in their own indubitably unflappable fashion. Speaking of Asta...the Charles’ perky pooch doesn’t take a backseat to the new arrival. He still has plenty of hilarious scene-stealing moments. 

Nick Jr. identifies a suspect.

Nor does family life interfere with the job, as Nick (William Powell) reluctantly accepts an invitation from Colonel Burr MacFay (C. Aubrey Smith), a former business partner of Nora’s father who’s being threatened by local gangster Phil Church (Sheldon Leonard). However, when Burr ends up dead, there are many suspects, including Nick himself, though he and Nora are amusingly unfazed by the accusations.

But as usual, the plot is perfunctory. What really matters are our two protagonists, who remain insanely likable, especially when engaging in playfully antagonistic banter with each other. Powell & Loy’s natural chemistry has always been the driving force behind the series and the addition of another Charles doesn’t detract from that. If anything, the kid makes them even more endearing.

And with this Blu-ray coming so soon after the last one, here’s hoping Shadow of the Thin Man is in the pipeline.

EXTRA KIBBLES

“LOVE ON TAP” - Musical short.

“THE BOOKWORM” - Cartoon short.

TRAILER

KITTY CONSENSUS:

MEE-OW! LIKE TAUNTING A MOUSE TO DEATH.

THE THIN MAN GOES HOME: A Working Vacation

THE THIN MAN GOES HOME (Blu-ray Review)

1944 / 101 min

FROM WARNER ARCHIVE COLLECTION

Review by Mr. Paws😸

Five down, one to go…

Though it might have been preferable to get them all at once, fans of The Thin Man film series have to be pleased. The first film was released on Blu-ray a few years ago, but in 2021, Warner Archive has been committed to putting out another one - in sequence - every couple of months or so. 

The fifth film, The Thin Man Goes Home, isn’t quite on par with the previous entries, which might be partially due to new director Richard Thorpe replacing W.S. Van Dyke, who helmed the first four films but had since passed away. With all due respect to Mr. Thorpe’s respectable career, Van Dykw had a defter touch and a better feel for the characters.

Not that The Thin Man Goes Home isn’t good. It’s another wonderful blend of crime & comedy featuring Hollywood’s greatest husband-wife detective team, Nick & Nora Charles (William Powell & Myrna Loy). This time, they're visiting Nick’s parents in the small town of Sycamore Springs to vacation and celebrate his birthday. But after a local artist is murdered - one of his paintings is sought by a variety of potential suspects - Nick’s forced to make it a working vacation.

"Well, that's one way to humiliate a dog."

Nick’s also trying to impress his father, who never truly approved of his career choice or his drinking, the latter of which Nick swears off during the visit. One of the more amusing running gags is Nick getting into predicaments where Dad thinks he’s plastered. We also meet a lot of Nick’s old friends, some of whom Nora doesn’t approve of, which is also good for a few laughs. As usual, the story is perfunctory, though this film spends more time on the actual case than earlier ones, meaning there’s less of Nick & Nora’s amusing banter than usual. Still, their natural chemistry shines through...and Asta's as charming as ever.

Though not quite as consistently clever - the humor’s a bit broader, the side characters a little less interesting - The Thin Man Goes Home is another solid entry in the beloved film series. And how often can you say that about the fifth film of a franchise?

EXTRA KIBBLES

SHORT - “Why Daddy?” featuring Robert Benchley.

CARTOON SHORT - “Screwball Squirrel” (personally, I think Screwy Squirrel is the most obnoxious character Tex Avery ever created).

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SONG OF THE THIN MAN: A Charming Send-Off

SONG OF THE THIN MAN (Blu-ray Review)

1947 / 86 min

FROM WARNER ARCHIVE COLLECTION

Review by Mr. Paws😸

With this release, every film in the Thin Man series is finally on Blu-ray. Yay! Even though Song of the Thin Man is arguably the weakest of the six films, it’s still a charming send-off for Hollywood’s greatest - and funniest - crime solving couple.

For this last go ‘round, Nick & Nora Charles (William Powell & Myrna Loy) investigate the murder of bandleader Tommy Drake (Phillip Reed), who was shot right after a charity event held on-board the S.S. Fortune, owned by Phil Brant (Bruce Cowling). Naturally, there are suspects o'plenty: A chronic gambler, Drake owed money to local gangster Al Amboy; he had just quit his gig on the ship, to Brant’s chagrin; he put the moves on singer Fran Page (Gloria Grahame...mee-ow!), the girlfriend of unstable, alcoholic clarinet player Buddy Hollis (Don Taylor). Not only that, everyone in his band hated him, including musician “Clinker” Krause (Keenan Wynn).

Asta gets stuck with the check.

Par for the course, the plot is perfunctory. But this time, the narrative spends more time focusing on the procedural aspects than usual, meaning there’s a little less of the main element that’s always made these films so enjoyable: Nick & Nora’s playful banter, offhanded sarcasm and domestic side stories. Still, those moments are wonderful, particularly the scenes involving parental disagreements regarding Nick Jr (Dean Stockwell). And let’s not forget their loyal dog, Asta, on-hand to steal a few scenes.

Alas, all good things must come to an end, and perhaps it’s good that Song of the Thin Man ended up being the last in the series. It’s still enjoyable and the on-screen chemistry between the two stars remains undeniable, but there are a few subtle signs that the concept has finally run its course. That being said, few franchises in any era have managed such quality and consistency through six films. Completing your Thin Man Blu-ray collection with this one is a no-brainer.

EXTRA KIBBLES 

PASSING PARADE: A REALLY IMPORTANT PERSON - 10 minute short, which also features Dean Stockwell.

SLAP HAPPY LION - MGM Cartoon Short, directed by Tex Avery.

TRAILER

THE POOP SCOOP: Classic Rock & Classic Movies

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TRAILER

RUSH: CINEMA STRANGIATO 2019 in Theaters 8/21

Trafalgar Releasing and Anthem Entertainment are delighted to share the just-released trailer for the highly anticipated release of RUSH: Cinema Strangiato 2019, coming to select cinemas across the globe, for a special, limited theatrical engagement on Wednesday, August 21. Tickets for the event are now on sale at www.CinemaStrangiato.com

In partnership with Concord Music Group, RUSH: Cinema Strangiato 2019 will feature a special look inside some of the most powerful performances from R40 LIVE, the band’s 2015 tour and live album of the same name. The theatrical film experience is set to include top RUSH songs, such as “Closer to the Heart", "Subdivisions", "Tom Sawyer" and more, as well as unreleased backstage moments and candid footage previously left on the cutting room floor.  The release also includes unseen soundcheck performances of the fan-favorite "Jacob's Ladder,” and exclusive new interviews with Tom Morello, Billy Corgan, Taylor Hawkins, producer Nick Raskulinecz, violinist Jonathan Dinklage and more. As a special bonus, fans will get a glimpse into the madness and passion that went into the making of Geddy Lee's new book, Geddy Lee's Big Beautiful Book of Bass - featuring a brand-new interview from the RUSH frontman himself.

THE THIN MAN on Blu-ray in July

Nick and Nora Charles cordially invite you to bring your own alibi to The Thin Man, the jaunty whodunit that made William Powell and Myrna Loy the champagne elite of sleuthing. Bantering in the boudoir, enjoying walks with beloved dog Asta or matching each other highball for highball and clue for clue, they combined screwball romance with mystery. The resulting triumph nabbed four Academy Award nominations (including Best Picture) and later spawned five sequels. Credit W.S. "Woody" Van Dyke for recognizing that Powell and Loy were ideal together and for getting the studio's okay by promising to shoot this splendid adaptation of Dashiell Hammett's novel in three weeks. He took 12 days. They didn't call him "One-Take Woody" for nothing.

BRONCO BILLY on Blu-ray in July

Ask Clint Eastwood to select personal favorites from amongst his movies and you might be surprised by one choice. "It's an old-fashioned theme," Eastwood says, "but if, as a film director, I ever wanted to say something, you'll find it in Bronco Billy." "One of the funniest and most touching films you'll see this or any year" (ABC-TV) casts Eastwood as the ace sharpshooter and head of a modern Wild West tent show. Life's been hard for Billy and his ragtag troupe. But their luck might change – in the unlikely person of a highfalutin society dame (Sondra Locke). You may already have a favorite Eastwood role. Watch Bronco Billy and, chances are, you'll have another.  

 

DEAD OF NIGHT on Blu-ray 7/9

A group of strangers, mysteriously gathered at an isolated country estate, recount chilling tales of the supernatural. First, a racer survives a brush with death only to receive terrifying premonitions from beyond the grave. Then a teen’s innocent game of hide-and-seek leads to an encounter with the macabre. Next, a young couple purchases an antique mirror that unleashes a horrific power from its past. In a lighter vein, two competitive golfers play for stakes that may haunt the winner forever. Finally, a renowned ventriloquist descends into an abyss of madness and murder when his dummy develops a mind of its own. But even after these frightening tales are told, does one final nightmare await them all?

ESCAPE FROM L.A. vs. the Atlanta Falcons

Starring Kurt Russell, Stacy Keach, Steve Buscemi, Peter Fonda, Georges Corraface, Cliff Robertson, Michelle Forbes. Directed by John Carpenter. (1996, 101 min).

Growing up, Mom and Dad were die hard 49ers fans. This was during the early 70s, a decade dominated by the Cowboys, Steelers and Raiders. The Niners had good years and bad years, but my parents (especially Dad) stayed loyal to their team no matter what.

True fans, my parents were.

I wanted to be true fan, too. In what might be considered my first true act of rebellion, I decided my favorite team would be the Atlanta Falcons, partially because they were in the same division as the Niners, but mainly because their helmets were cool. Not knowing a hell of a lot about the NFL (I seldom actually sat and watched a game…hey, I was 9), I chose a shitty team that wouldn’t win a division title until 1980, wouldn’t make it to the Super Bowl until 1998 and seldom put together back-to-back winning seasons throughout their entire history.

But, by God, I stuck with them, even after I grew older and actually began paying attention. Like my folks, I eventually became a true fan of the Falcons, hanging with them through thick and thin. I had my favorite players on their rosters over the years…Andre Rison, Jamal Anderson, Michael Vick (before he became a dog murderer), Jesse Tuggle, Tony Gonzalez, Julio Jones, etc.

But unlike my folks, whose beloved Niners won four Super Bowls during the 80s, I’m still waiting to be rewarded for my decades-long loyalty, a four-to-five year run where my ol’ Falcons are among the NFL elite. They’ve had great years here and there, but just couldn't keep it together for very long…

…kinda like John Carpenter, the first director who, as a movie fan, I began paying attention to.

Unlike the Falcons (which became a franchise in 1966 and struggled for over 15 years), Carpenter, after a few respected cult flicks, blasted right out of the gate with Halloween, the first film to introduce me (and millions of others) to the unbridled thrill of the jump-scare. He quickly followed that up with The Fog, which was just as atmospheric, but not all that scary and a bit of a let-down, like when the Falcons followed-up their first division title in 1980 with a second place finish the next year. But I really jumped on the Carpenter bandwagon after seeing Escape from New York. At the time, it was the coolest thing I’d ever seen on the big screen…the look, the nihilism, the action, the music, the character and image of Snake Plissken. Escape from New York was when I truly became a John Carpenter fan.

He also delivered the goods the next year with his remake of The Thing (which I now consider to be the crowning achievement of his career). Two years, two perfect films. As a die hard disciple who now worshipped at the alter of Carpenter, I couldn’t wait for the man’s next move.

Unfortunately, his next moves were Christine, Starman, Big Trouble in Little China, Prince of Darkness, They Live, Memoirs of an Invisible Man and In the Mouth of Madness. Some of them were pretty good, some underrated and some godawful. Still, I went to see them all because Carpenter’s name was above the titles. But, like being an Atlanta Falcons fan, I was disappointed just as often as I was pleased. There were even a few occasions where I found myself defending some of these films simply because my favorite director was responsible (such as Memoirs & Big Trouble, which are actually kinda shitty).

"Goddammit, stop sexting me!"

But I never gave up on the man. Surely he had another great film in him…maybe even his greatest film, after he announced he’d be helming Escape from L.A., a belated, big-budget sequel to one of his all-time cult classics. For me, this was huge; Snake Plissken, my favorite anti-hero, was coming back to the big screen. Keeping tabs on its production through the internet and movie magazines, this was as exciting as when the Atlanta Falcons kept winning and, despite Vegas odds makers, landed themselves in the Super Bowl in 1998.

But my beloved Falcons got slaughtered by the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl, prompting some to believe the Minnesota Vikings (the team Atlanta beat in overtime during the NFC championship) would have been a more formidable opponent. Even though Denver was already heavily favored to win, I was still a bit heartbroken, though not-at-all surprised. After the game, because of Atlanta’s inconsistent history, I wondered how long it would be before they got another shot at the Lombardi Trophy.

Similarly, when I took my wife to see Escape from L.A. on opening night, even though I went in thinking it was John Carpenter’s chance to return to the directorial greatness of his early-80s heyday, I wasn’t really surprised that the film ended up being an unimaginative retread of the original, loaded with phony CGI and campy self-parody (Oh, God, Snake surfing down Wilshire Boulevard?). Still, even though it’s an amusing send-up of Escape from New York, I have to admit Carpenter essentially shit all over the legacy of one of his most beloved films (but Russell, reprising his role as Plissken, is still fun as hell). Like the Falcons, Carpenter once-again dropped the ball.

I still root for them both, though. Carpenter hasn’t made a decent movie in nearly two decades (nor a great one in over 30 years), and maybe he simply lost his mojo. The Falcons sometimes make the playoffs, sometimes they don’t, and I wonder if they’ll ever actually make it to the Super Bowl again in my lifetime, much less win it.

But I remain a die hard fan because I’m loyal, and true fans stick around through good times and bad. Mom and Dad taught me that.

THE POOP SCOOP: Heroes & Villains Edition

Marvel Studios Celebrates The In-Home Release of AVENGERS: ENDGAME with the "We Love You 3000" Tour.

In celebration of the in-home release of Avengers: Endgame, Marvel Studios and directors Anthony and Joe Russo have teamed up to launch the “We Love You 3000” Tour as a way to thank the fans who have invested so deeply in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), making it the single most successful franchise in film history. Special guests from Marvel Studios and the MCU will visit nine U.S. cities — beginning in San Diego at Comic-Con International on July 20 and ending in Anaheim at D23 Expo 2019 the weekend of Aug. 23-25— greeting and treating fans at each tour stop.  A total of 3,000 MCU Funko Pop Vinyl Figures will be distributed to fans throughout the tour as well as additional giveaways ranging from exclusive Avengers: Endgame prints to McDonald’s vouchers for a free Happy Meal plus an Avengers: Endgame Happy Meal toy to a MCU inspired sundaes and recipe cards courtesy of Ben & Jerry’s.

Best Buy will serve as the location for five “We Love You 3000” Tour stops, hosting in-store fan events to celebrate the nationwide release of Marvel Studios Avengers: Endgame on Blu-ray Aug. 13. Events will feature signings with Marvel Studios filmmakers and/or MCU talent; a special digital photo booth; specialty promotional giveaways, including MCU Funko Pop! Vinyl Figures and exclusive Avengers: Endgame prints; and much more.  Fans can also get their hands on the exclusive, limited edition "Avengers: Endgame” SteelBook and other collectable SteelBooks from the MCU at Best Buy stores across the country and on BestBuy.com. For more information on what’s taking place in each market, visit www.Marvel.com/WeLoveYou3000. 

 

MA on Digital 8/20 and Blu-ray & DVD 9/3.

What starts out as a teenager’s dream turns into a terrifying nightmare in MA, the suspenseful thriller from Blumhouse, the producers of Get Out and Happy Death Day, arriving on Digital August 20, 2019 and on Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand September 3, 2019 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Fans can now discover more than 20 minutes of thrilling bonus features not seen in theaters including a never-before-seen alternate ending, alternate and deleted scenes, and featurettes that take fans deeper into the unusual and unsettling world of MA. Starring Oscar winner Octavia Spencer (The Help, The Shape of Water), the stirring and suspense-filled horror film “makes you cringe in all the right places” (Owen Gleiberman, Variety) and is packed with unexpected twists and turns that will have viewers on the edge of their seat from start to finish.

 

BRIGHTBURN on Digital 8/6 and 4K, Blu-ray & DVD 8/20.

What if a child from another world crash-landed on Earth, but instead of becoming a hero to mankind, he proved to be something far more sinister? With Brightburn, the visionary filmmaker of Guardians of the Galaxy and Slither presents a startling, subversive take on a radical new genre: superhero horror. This release is loaded with jaw-dropping bonus content including three vignettes, two featurettes, and filmmaker commentary.

RAMBO on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray and Digital) and Digital 9/3.

The legendary Academy Award nominee Sylvester Stallone (2015, Best Supporting Actor, Creed) returns to his most explosive character yet when Rambo arrives on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray and Digital) and Digital 4K Ultra HD September 3 from Lionsgate. Just in time for Stallone’s reprisal of the role in Rambo: Last Blood (in theaters September 20), re-relive the fourth movie in the franchise set 26 years after Rambo made his big screen debut in First Blood. Written and directed by Sylvester Stallone, the film also stars Julie Benz, Matthew Marsden, and Graham McTavish. Available for the very first time in this absolutely stunning format, the Rambo 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack will include both the theatrical cut and unrated extended cut.

       

CHARLIE'S ANGELS On 4K ULTRA HD & CHARLIE'S ANGELS: FULL THROTTLE On Blu-Ray 10/22.

BOTH FILMS INCLUDE AN ALL-NEW SNEAK PEEK OF CHARLIE’S ANGELS (2019) AND HOURS OF FUN ARCHIVAL SPECIAL FEATURES.

CHARLIE’S ANGELS (2000) 4K Ultra - Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu star as the captivating crime-fighting trio who are masters of disguise, espionage and martial arts. When a devious mastermind embroils them in a plot to destroy individual privacy, the Angels, aided by their loyal sidekick Bosley (Bill Murray), set out to bring down the bad guys. But when a terrible secret is revealed, it makes the Angels targets for assassination. CHARLIE’S ANGELS: FULL THROTTLE Blu-ray - The "Angels", three investigative agents (Barrymore, Diaz and Liu) who work for the Charles Townsend Detective Agency, return for another high-octane series of adventures as they investigate the theft of a database of witness protection profiles, after five of the people on the list are murdered. They're aided by a new Bosley (Bernie Mac), in an adventure which pits them against a "fallen angel" (Moore), their old nemesis, the Thin Man (Glover), and others.