My Two Cents
Just another quick update today, but new disc reviews here at The Bits this afternoon include...
Stuart’s take on Kōhei Oguri’s The Sting of Death (1990) (aka Shi no toge) on Blu-ray from Shochiku via Radiance Films.
Tim’s look at Tinto Brass’ All Ladies Do It (1992) in 4K Ultra HD from Cult Epics.
And Dennis’ thoughts on Anthony Mann’s Devil’s Doorway (1950) on Blu-ray from the Warner Archive Collection.
In announcement news today, Lionsgate has officially set Guy Ritchie’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024) for release on Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K Ultra HD on 6/25, with the Digital release expected on 6/18.
The film, which stars Henry Cavill, Eiza González, and Alan Ritchson, is based on a true story and has been well reviewed, with many critics calling it Ritchie’s best work in years. [Read on here...]
Today’s update is a quick one, but we’re starting with more new disc reviews...
Tim has posted his thoughts on Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak (2015) in 4K Ultra HD from Arrow Video, as well as Hanna-Barbera’s Top Cat and the Beverly Hills Cats (1988) on Blu-ray from the Warner Archive Collection.
And Dennis has reviewed Francis Ford Coppola’s The Rain People (1969) on Blu-ray, also from the Warner Archive Collection.
In announcement news today, Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment has just made Albert Magnoli’s Purple Rain (1984) official for release in physical 4K Ultra HD and 4K Digital on 6/25 (SRP $33.99 for the disc). As expected, the disc will include audio commentary by Magnoli, Robert Cavallo, and Donald E. Thorin, 3 featurettes (First Avenue: The Road to Pop Royalty, Purple Rain Backstage Pass: Behind the Scenes, and Riffs, Ruffles and a Revolution: The Impact and Influence of Purple Rain), the MTV Premiere Party Original Broadcast, a gallery of Prince movie trailers, and 8 music videos for songs from the film. [Read on here...]
We’re starting this week off with a pair of major new disc reviews here at The Bits...
Stephen has taken a deep dive into Jonathan Demme’s legendary concert film, Stop Making Sense (1984), newly-restored in 4K Ultra HD and available exclusively from the A24 online shop. This is arguably the greatest concert film ever produced, featuring the music of Talking Heads and the cinematography of Jordan Cronenweth (he shot this right after completing work on Blade Runner and Buckaroo Banzai).
I’ve also finished my in-depth review of Denis Villeneuve’s magnificent Dune: Part Two (2024) in 4K Ultra HD from Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment. It’s an epic pure-cinema masterpiece and, along with Dune: Part One, rightly takes its place alongside Stanley Kubrick’s 2001 and Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner as one of the greatest science fiction films of all time. And while one could pick a few nits with Warner’s 4K release, the A/V quality is demo-worthy.
Both films are absolutely not to be missed on disc, so be sure to give the reviews a look. And more reviews are on the way this week, so be sure to watch for those.
In release news today, the big item worth mentioning is that Paramount has just set Alexander Payne’s Election (1999) for release on 4K Ultra HD on 7/30 as a new Paramount Presents title. You can see the cover artwork at left. [Read on here...]
As always, we’re rounding out the week with more new disc reviews here at The Bits, including...
Tim’s take on producer Roy Huggins’s Colt .45: The Complete Series (1957-60) and Hanna-Barbera’s Yogi Bear and the Magical Flight of the Spruce Goose (1987), both on Blu-ray from the Warner Archive Collection.
Dennis’ look at Dorothy Davenport and Melville Shyer’s The Road to Ruin (1934) on Blu-ray from Kino Classics and Something Weird.
And Stuart’s thoughts on Paolo and Vittorio Taviani’s Allonsanfàn (1974), Pietro Germi’s The Facts of Murder (1959), and Damiano Damiani’s Goodbye & Amen (1977), all on Blu-ray from Radiance Films.
I’ve also just received Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two (2024) in 4K Ultra HD from Warner Bros., so watch for my in-depth review of that here at The Bits tomorrow sometime. [Read on here...]
We have a big new disc review for you here at The Bits: Stephen has just taken an in-depth look at the Japanese-import version of Takashi Yamazaki’s Godzilla Minus One (2023) in 4K Ultra HD from Toho. I should not there that there are no English subtitles, but the package is pretty spectacular.
We don’t yet know when the film will be released on disc here in the States, but we’re digging into it and hope to learn more soon.
Meanwhile, we also have more new disc reviews up for you today, including...
Stuart’s reviews of Yūzō Kawashima’s Elegant Beast (1962) on Blu-ray from Daiei via Radiance Films, Jean Renoir’s The Golden Coach (1952) on Blu-ray via Raro Video, and André Melançon’s The Dog Who Stopped the War (1984) on Blu-ray from Vinegar Syndrome.
Dennis’ thoughts on Lou Breslow’s You Never Can Tell (1951) on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber Studio Classics.
And Stephen’s look at the Disney+ series Moon Knight: The Complete First Season (2022) in 4K Ultra HD from Marvel and Buena Vista Home Entertainment.
In terms of announcement news today, Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment and Legendary Pictures have officially set Adam Wingard’s Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024) for Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K Ultra HD release on 6/11, with the Digital release expected on 5/14. Both the Blu-ray and 4K will feature Dolby Atmos. [Read on here...]