Displaying items by tag: Kino Cult

We’ve got six more new disc reviews for you to enjoy today here at The Bits, including…

Tim’s thoughts on The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) in 4K Ultra HD from Criterion’s Wes Anderson Archive box set, as well as Sam Firstenbeg’s Revenge of the Ninja (1983) and Menahem Golan’s Ninja III: The Domination (1984) both in 4K from Kino Lorber Studio Classics.

Stuart’s review of Alfred E. Green’s The Gracie Allen Murder Case (1939) on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber Studio Classics and Sam Wood’s The Quiet American (2002) on Blu-ray from Imprint Films.

And Dennis’ take on Mervyn LeRoy’s Lovely to Look At (1952) on Blu-ray from MGM via the Warner Archive Collection.

Now then, I’m making an effort to catch up on a bunch of announcement news that’s happened over the last couple of weeks. As many of you know, I’ve had a couple of challenges here at The Bits lately, including recovering from prostate surgery and also my PC died on the Friday before Thanksgiving, which has necessitated buying a replacement, getting it set up, installing all my old software, reorganizing my files, etc., all in an effort to get back up to speed. And I’m getting there—right now, even the simplest tasks are just a little bit different, and taking just a little bit more time and effort than usual to accomplish, as I settle into the new machine. But within a couple weeks, things should be back to normal. So thanks for your patience in the meantime! [Read on here...]

We’re starting the week with a few more new disc reviews here today, including…

Stephen’s look at William Friedkin’s Rampage (1987/92) in 4K Ultra HD from Kino Lorber Studio Classics.

Tim’s thoughts on Menahem Golan’s Enter the Ninja (1981) in 4K also from Kino Lorber Studio Classics, as well as Rushmore (1998) in 4K from Criterion’s The Wes Anderson Archive box set!

Dennis’ takes on William Keighley’s The Master of Ballantrae (1953) on Blu-ray from the Warner Archive Collection as well as Jess Franco’s Death Packs a Suitcase (1972) on Blu-ray from KLSC’s Kino Cult line.

And Stuart’s look at Sam Wood’s For Whom the Bell Tolls (1943) on Blu-ray from Paramount via Kino Lorber Studio Classics.

More reviews are on the way all this week, so be sure to check back for them!

Now then, today is Cyber Monday Week online, so there are still lots of good deals to be had if you’re looking for Blu-ray and 4K titles online. So a quick reminder: Please consider shopping through one of our affiliate links when you shop via Amazon, as it helps to support the work we do here at The Bits. Appreciated! [Read on here...]

We’re starting as always with new disc reviews today, including…

My review of Akira Kurosawa’s The Hidden Fortress (1958) in 4K Ultra HD from the British Film Institute.

Tim’s thoughts on Tibor Takács’ I, Madman (1989) on Blu-ray from Kino Cult, Imprint’s Flesh and Fantasy / Dead of Night Blu-ray box set, Brett Ratner’s Money Talks (1997) on Blu-ray from the Warner Archive Collection, and Joel Schumacher’s St. Elmo’s Fire (1985) in 4K Ultra HD from Sony.

Dennis’ take on Roy Rowland’s Two Weeks with Love (1950) on Blu-ray from the Warner Archive Collection and Cy Endfield’s Jet Storm (1959) on Blu-ray from Imprint.

And Stuart’s thoughts on Basil Dearden’s Out of the Clouds (1955) on Blu-ray from Indicator.

All right, first things first today: I did indeed receive my Superman: 5-Film Collection 4K check discs yesterday from Warner Bros. Customer Service. The four discs—Superman: The Movie, Superman II, Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, and Superman IV—came in paper sleeves, wrapped in a layer of bubble wrap in a padded envelope (they shipped from Technicolor Valencia in Valencia CA). For the record, they look and sound great—it does indeed appear that all of the A/V issues that needed fixing have been fixed. I’ll post a review of a couple of the discs soon. So they are shipping out, and again: contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Make sure you include your mailing address and some kind of proof of purchase (an order screenshot, a product/packaging photo, etc). [Editor’s Note: Per Bits reader/filmmaker Oliver H, UK customers who need replacement discs can contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.]

Also today, it does seem that in addition the Amazon-exclusive Superman: 5-Film Collection 4K Steelbook set, Warner will be re-issuing a wide-release version of the Collection on 10/21, along with a new re-issue of Superman: The Movie in 4K. And these should also be the new fixed discs. You can find the pre-order pages here and here. [Read on here...]

All right, it’s been a busy week here at The Bits. And we’ve got a bunch of ground to cover today, so let’s get right to it.

First, some a couple of disc reviews…

Tim has completed his exhaustive coverage of Severin Films new Doctor Who releases with a look at both the Blu-ray and 4K versions of their Total Extermination: The Peter Cushing Doctor Who Collection, which includes Dr. Who and the Daleks (1965) and Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 AD (1966).

And we have a lot more new disc reviews on the way. For my part, I’m currently working on a review of a major upcoming Criterion 4K title, and of course I’ll be finishing up our Bond 4K reviews as well early next week.

In terms of announcement news today, we have a bunch of stuff to report, starting with the fact that Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has just officially announced that they’re releasing Peter Yates’ Krull (1983) in 4K Ultra HD Steelbook on 9/16! [Read on here...]

We’ve got a bunch of new disc reviews for you all to enjoy here at The Bits today, but first I wanted to let you know that Amazon.com is currently running a pretty great deal for 4K titles: You can buy 3 4K titles for just $33, which is a great way to fill holes in your collection. The selection of titles is pretty good too (lots of titles from Warner, Universal, and more), so click here to take advantage if you wish.

All right, today’s new disc reviews here at The Bits start with Stephen’s two cents on David Fincher’s Se7en (1996) on 4K Ultra HD from Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment, Richard Attenborough’s A Bridge Too Far (1977) in 4K UHD from Imprint, and Woo-Ping Yuen’s In the Line of Duty IV (1989) on Blu-ray from 88 Films.

Stuart’s look at Marco Bellocchio’s Slap the Monster on Page One (1972) and Seijun Suzuki’s Tattooed Life (1965) on Blu-ray from Radiance Films, John Farrow’s California (1947) on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber Studio Classics, and Fernando Méndez’s El Vampiro: Two Bloodsucking Tales from Mexico Blu-ray box set from Powerhouse Films, which includes The Vampire (1957) and The Vampire’s Coffin (1958).

Dennis’ thoughts on Matthew Ryan Hoge’s The United States of Leland (2003) on Blu-ray from Imprint Films.

And finally, Tim’s take on Randall Lobb and Robert McCallum’s Power of Grayskull: The Definitive History of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2017) documentary on Blu-ray from Vinegar Syndrome, as well as Irving Klaw’s Teaserama (1955), Varietease (1954), and Buxom Beautease (1956) on Blu-ray from Kino Cult.

As always, lots more reviews are on the way in the coming days, so be sure to keep checking back.

Now then, in announcement news today, Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment has revealed that they’re releasing Shane Black’s The Nice Guys (2016) and Shaka King’s Judas and the Black Messiah (2021) on 4K UHD on 2/18. [Read on here...]

Greetings, Bits-ers! We’ve got some great announcement news for you this afternoon, but first...

Tim has taken a look at a couple of new releases on disc for you all, including Sergio Martino’s Torso (1973), an Italian giallo title from Arrow Video in 4K Ultra HD, and also Antonio Margheriti’s Cannibal Apocalypse (1980) in 4K Ultra HD from Kino Cult. So that should take care of your schlock horror cravings for today.

Morning reviews are on the way, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.

Now then, the big announcement news today is that 20th Century Studios has just officially set Fede Alvarez’s Alien: Romulus (2024) for 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD release on 12/3, with the Digital release expected in a couple of weeks on 10/15. The title will come in Steelbook packaging only. Look for HDR10 high dynamic range and Dolby Atmos audio on a 66GB disc. The aspect ratio (per the press release) is 2.39:1.

[Editor’s Note: The studio press release indicates HDR10 only, but the open packaging shot—when zoomed in—reveals that the disc has the Dolby Vision logo on it. We’ve asked the studio to confirm and will post an update here when we hear back.]

[Editor’s Update – 10/1/24: Just a quick heads up to clarify... I’ve confirmed with studio sources that the Alien: Romulus 4K will indeed have Dolby Vision HDR, despite the fact that their press release suggested otherwise. However: No, Disney and 20th Century aren’t necessarily adding DV to all future Ultra HD titles. Instead, they’re making the decision to include it on a case by case basis going forward.]

Extras will include the Return to Horror: Crafting Alien: Romulus documentary, which includes 4 parts (The Director’s Vision, Creating the Story, Casting the Faces, and Constructing the World). You’ll also get 2 additional featurettes (Inside the Xenomorph Showdown and Alien: A Conversation which features Alvarez talking with original Alien director Ridley Scott). And a selection of Alternate/Extended Scenes will also be included. You can see the packaging at left and also below. [Read on here...]

All right, here’s today’s new disc reviews for all of you to enjoy...

Stephen has taken a look at Aleksandr Ptushko’s Ruslan and Ludmila (1972) on Blu-ray from Mosfilm via Deaf Crocodile and Vinegar Syndrome.

Dennis has reviewed William C. Reilly’s Men of Respect (1990) on Blu-ray from Columbia Pictures via Imprint Films.

And Tim has checked in with his thoughts on Nancy Walker’s Can’t Stop the Music (1980) in 4K Ultra HD from EMI via Kino Lorber Studio Classics!

Now then, we have a bunch of great announcement news for you today, so let’s get right into it...

For starters, Criterion has just announced their December release slate, which is set to include Wim Wenders’ Paris, Texas (1984) (Spine #501 – 4K + Blu-ray and Blu-ray) on 12/3, Joel and Ethan Coen’s No Country for Old Men (2007) (Spine #1243 – 4K + Blu-ray and Blu-ray) and Federico Fellini’s 8½ (1963) (Spine #140 – 4K + Blu-ray) on 12/10, and Sammo Hung’s Eastern Condors (1987) (Spine #1244 on Blu-ray) on 12/17! Paris, Texas and No Country for Old Men will both include Dolby Vision HDR. No Country for Old Men is a Miramax title currently controlled by Paramount, so this is a licensing situation (and a welcome one). More details are available here, and you can see the cover artwork for all of these below the break. [Read on here...]

We’ve got two more new disc reviews for you today, including...

Stephen’s look at Roger Donaldson’s No Way Out (1987) in 4K Ultra HD from Kino Lorber Studio Classics.

And Tim’s thoughts on Jeff Lieberman’s Squirm (1976) on Blu-ray, from KLSC’s Kino Cult line.

Also today, we’ve have word from retail sources (and customers who have pre-ordered the tiles) that Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment’s recently street-dated 4K catalog titles—Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest (1959), Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles (1974), and James Cameron’s The Terminator (1984)—have been pushed to 11/19 from 11/5. That probably has to do with the added time needed to replicate enough production to meet demand. Adjust your plans accordingly.

In any case, be aware that North by Northwest (1959) and Blazing Saddles (1974) will each include HDR10 and Dolby Atmos audio, while The Terminator (1984) will include both Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio.

In terms of special features The Terminator will also include Creating The Terminator: Visual Effects & Music, The Terminator: Close to the Real Thing, Unstoppable Force: The Legacy of the Terminator, and 7 deleted scenes. (It appears that the video-based features may be all-new.) Blazing Saddles will include Inappropriate Inspiration: The Blazing Saddles Effect, scene-specific commentary with Mel Brooks, Blaze of Glory: Mel Brooks’ Wild, Wild West, Back in the Saddle, and additional scenes. And North by Northwest will include audio commentary with screenwriter Ernest Legman, North by Northwest: Cinematography, Score, and the Art of the Edit, Destination Hitchcock: The Making of North by Northwest, The Master’s Touch: Hitchcock’s Signature Style, North by Northwest: One for the Ages, and A Guided Tour with Alfred Hitchcock. [Read on here...]

We’ve got several new disc reviews for all of you to enjoy today, including...

Tim’s thoughts on the new Bill & Ted’s Most Triumphant Trilogy in 4K Ultra HD from Shout! Studios, which includes Stephen Herek’s Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989), Peter Hewitt’s Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991), and Dean Parisot’s Bill & Ted Face the Music (2020). Tim has also taken a look at Enzo G. Castellari’s High Crime (1973) in 4K UHD from Blue Underground.

Dennis’ thoughts on George McCowan’s Frogs (1972) on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber Studio Classics.

Stephen’s take on Howard Hawks’ Red Line 7000 (1965) on Blu-ray from Arrow Video.

And finally, Stuart’s look at Imprint Films’ Film Focus: Kim Novak Blu-ray box set, which includes Pal Joey (1957), Jeanne Eagles (1957), and Middle of the Night (1959).

We’ve also shared our weekly update of the Release Dates & Artwork section here at The Bits with all the latest Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K Ultra HD cover artwork and pre-order links, all organized (and sortable) by date and format, and complete with our Amazon Affiliate links. As always, whenever you order literally anything from Amazon after clicking to them through one of our links, you’re helping to support our work here at The Bits and we appreciate it!

In announcement news today, we’ve confirmed that Warner’s previously-revealed 4K and 4K Steelbook editions of Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest (1959), Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles (1974), and James Cameron’s The Terminator (1984) will all officially street on 11/5. We also have the final cover artwork for the wide-release 4K of The Terminator, which I suspect was delayed by the need for James Cameron approval (and the fact that he has finally approved it is why we now have a street date). You can see the final cover artwork for all of these titles below the break, with Amazon.com pre-order links. [Read on here...]

We’ve got a trio of new disc reviews for you today to start the new week, including...

Tim’s review of Columbo: The Return (1989-2003) on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber Studio Classics, featuring the final 24 episodes of the series.

Stuart’s take on Patrice Leconte’s The Hairdresser’s Husband (1990) on Blu-ray from Kino Classics.

And Dennis’ thoughts on Bert I. Gordon’s The Food of the Gods (1976) on Blu-ray from American International Pictures via Kino Lorber Studio Classics’ new Kino Cult line.

More discs are on the way this week as well, so be sure to watch for them.

It’s a slow morning for release news, but we do have a couple things for you.

First, Paramount has set ZAZ: The Collection! for release on 4K Ultra HD on 11/19. That’s Zucker, Abrahams & Zucker to you! The collection will include Airplane! (1980), Top Secret! (1984), and The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988). The first two are new to the format.

Kino Lorber Studio Classics is going to be releasing Claude Miller’s Deadly Circuit (1983) on Blu-ray on 10/29. The company has also revealed that Herbert Ross’ Play It Again Sam (1972) is coming soon to Blu-ray, while Michael Anderson’s Orca (1977) is coming soon to 4K Ultra HD. [Read on here...]