By Bob Bloom The following titles are being released on Tuesday, Jan. 5, unless otherwise indicated: Love and Monsters (4K UHD + Blu-ray + digital) Details: 2020, Paramount Home Entertainment Rated: PG-13, action violence, language, substance abuse The lowdown: After monsters take over the world, people, including Joel (Dylan O’Brien), are forced to live underground in this action comedy-thriller. But Joel is despondent, believing everyone he has lost everyone he loved. His spirits are lifted when he discovers that Aimee (Jessica Henwick), his high school sweetheart, is living 85 miles away. Joel decides he must be with Aimee and, putting his fears aside, decides to make the long and dangerous trek through a monster-laden terrain to be with her. This energetic and imaginative feature, sparked a positive chord in critics, who gave the film a 92 percent fresh rating at Rotten Tomatoes. Technical aspects: 4K: 2160p UHD, 2.39:1 widescreen picture; English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and English audio description; English SDH, English and Spanish subtitles; Blu-ray: 1080p high definition 2.39:1 widescreen picture; English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and English audio description; English SDH, English and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus features include a featurette about the cast, deleted scenes and a look at creating the post-apocalyptic landscape.
Beach Red (Blu-ray) Details: 1967, Kino Lorber Studio Classics Rated: Not rated, war violence The lowdown: This long-neglected World War II drama was directed by and stars Cornel Wilde as a Marine captain ordered to take the beach on a Japanese-held island. The film is very unflinching in depicting the violence and horrors of war. But it compensates with quieter moments in which soldiers from both sides reflect on their home lives and loved ones. The movie, which costars Rip Torn, was a breakthrough in the production of American war films and set the tone for future endeavors that graphically showed the true cost of war. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio; English subtitles.
The Train (Blu-ray) Details: 1964, Kino Lorber Studio Classics Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Burt Lancaster stars in this World War II action-drama set in 1944 France. With the Allies winning the war and advancing on Paris, German commander and art fanatic Col. Franz Von Waldheim (Paul Scofield) decides to steal a vast collection of rare French paintings. He loads his loot onto a train heading to Berlin. A beloved French patriot is murdered trying to thwart Von Waldheim’s plan, pushing Labiche (Lancaster), a member of the Resistance to stop the train at any cost. Labiche, who works on the railroad, also is skilled at demolition. He uses various methods — explosions, loosened rails, shattered tracks and head-on railway collisions — to stop Von Waldheim and get justice, retribution and revenge for his comrades and country. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.66:1 widescreen picture; English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio monaural; English subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include two commentary tracks, an optional isolated score by Maurice Jarre, a “Trailers From Hell” episode and a booklet with an essay about the movie.
Captain Newman, M.D. (Blu-ray) Details: 1963, Kino Lorber Studio Classics Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Gregory Peck stars as a kind-hearted military psychiatrist who, during World War II, treats and evaluates disturbed soldiers to determine if they are ready to return to combat. His Arizona facility is understaffed and under-funded, but gets what he needs through the help of his staff, especially Cpl. Jake Leibowitz (Tony Curtis). Among Newman’s patients are Cpl. Jim Thompkins (Bobby Darin), who was traumatized after his plane was shot down; Col. Norville Bliss (Eddie Albert), who has disassociated from his past; and Capt. Paul Winston (Robert Duvall), who is nearly catatonic after spending 13 months hiding in a cellar in Nazi Germany. The cast also includes Angie Dickinson, James Gregory and Dick Sargent. The movie was nominated for three Academy Awards: Darin, for best actor in a supporting role; best writing, screenplay based on material from another source; and best sound. The film deftly mixes drama and comedy, with a little tragedy thrown in to remind us of the mental cost of war. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio; English subtitles. Don’t miss: A commentary track is the main bonus component.
Texas Across the River (Blu-ray) Details: 1966, Kino Lorber Rated: Not rated The lowdown: A so-so Western comedy starring Dean Martin, Alain Delon, Rosemary Forsyth and Joey Bishop. The level of comedy is best summed up by Bishop’s portrayal of Kronk, the Indian sidekick to Martin’s Sam Hollis. Nothing says comedy like a dead-pan Jewish comedian playing a Native American. Delon’s Don Andrea de Baldasar is about to marry Forsyth’s debutante Phoebe Ann Naylor in Louisiana when the wedding is halted by the arrival of a troop of cavalry over a matter of honor. Don Andrea escapes to Texas, where he meets up with Hollis and Kronk, who are carrying rifles to the town of Moccasin Flats. Along the way, Don Andrea rescues an Indian maiden, tames some longhorn steers and competes with Hollis for Phoebe’s affections. They also must elude a Comanche war party and the cavalry, which has come to Moccasin Flats to celebrate Texas statehood. The movie also features Peter Graves and Michael Ansara. Martin fans may enjoy his laid-back performance. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio; English subtitles. Don’t miss: A commentary track is the main extra.
Rough Night in Jericho (Blu-ray) Details: 1967, Kino Lorber Studio Classics Rated: Not rated The lowdown: A year after the silly shenanigans of “Texas Across the River,” Dean Martin turns badman for this violent Western costarring Jean Simmons, George Peppard, John McIntire and Slim Pickens. Martin plays one-time lawman Alex Flood, who is now the iron-fisted boss of the town of Jericho, which he once helped clean up. Now, he has bullied his way into owning more than half of the town’s businesses. The one main exception is the stage line run by strong-willed widow Molly Lang (Simmons). Lang and some of the townspeople seek aid from former Dolan (Peppard), a former U.S. deputy marshal, but he refuses, believing the odds are against him. But as he sees the lengths Flood will go to continue his tyranny over the town, Dolan slowly realizes he must help. The movie is a rather brutal and unpleasant Western. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio; English subtitles. Don’t miss: A commentary track is the sole extra.
Ingagi: Forbidden Fruit: The Golden Age of the Exploitation Picture: Volume 8 (Blu-ray) Details: 1930, Kino Classics-Something Weird Rated: Not rated, nudity The lowdown: If over-the-top, politically incorrect exploitation films are for you, here is a pip. “Ingagi” is one of the most scandalous and bizarre films ever released. This pseudo-documentary is supposed to be an ethnographic expedition into the wilds of Africa. In reality, it featured footage stolen from other films with new scenes shot in Los Angeles. Among the film’s hoaxes is the “discovery” of the “tortadillo,” a new species of animal and the exposure of an indigenous cult that worships — and sacrifices — virgin women to gorillas. The movie hints around the premise that the gorillas and women mate. To make matters even more outrageous, the “native” women are portrayed by white actresses in blackface. For decades, “Ingagi” was mired in lawsuits and was mostly ignored because of its subject matter. It has not been commercially distributed for more than 50 years, so here’s your chance to check out this notorious feature. A byproduct of the movie’s publicity is that supposedly the sacrifice of women to gorillas was the springboard for the concept of “King Kong.” Judge for yourself. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.33:1 full-screen picture; English language; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Two commentary tracks and a look at the movie’s restoration comprise the bonus options.
The Secret War of Harry Frigg (Blu-ray) Details: 1968, Kino Lorber Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This movie is not one of the high points of Paul Newman’s long and illustrious movie career. It’s a comedy in which Newman plays Harry Frigg, a goldbrick whose sole talent is the ability to escape from the Army stockade. That ability lands him a mission behind enemy lines to rescue five Allied generals held prisoner in an Italian villa. Frigg gets sidetracked in his mission by a lovely Italian countess (Sylvia Koscino), but he soon regains his footing — and his new rank as a major general — to create havoc and rescue the officers. The movie, which was not that well received, features a strong supporting cast that includes Tom Bosley, Andrew Duggan, John Williams, James Gregory, Charles Gray and Werner Peters. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio; English subtitles. Don’t miss: The major extra is a commentary track.
Tintorera (Tiger Shark) (Blu-ray) Details: 1978, Scorpion Releasing-Kino Lorber Rated: R, violence The lowdown: Two shark hunters hook up with a beautiful young woman and everything seems serene as these beautiful people enjoy the hot beaches of Mexico. But a tiger shark, known as Tintorera, spoils the idyllic climate by striking and eating beachgoers. The hunt is on as a battle between man and man-eater ensues. The movie is a cult favorite that filmgoers who enjoy “Jaws,” “Piranha” and other films of that ilk will probably enjoy. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 2.0 DTS-HD monaural; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: The main extra is a commentary track.
The Keeper (DVD) Details: 2018, Menemsha Films-Kino Lorber Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This historical drama tells the true story of Bert Trautmann (David Kross), a German soldier and prisoner of war who, despite Britain’s postwar anti-German prejudice earns the position of goalkeeper at Manchester City, one of England’s best football (soccer) teams. Trautmann’s signing initially causes anger among thousands of football fans, many of whom are Jewish. But Trautmann receives support from Rabbi Alexander Altmann, who fled the Nazis. Also carrying him, is Trautmann’s love for Margaret, an Englishwoman. He finally wins over the nation by helping his club win the 1956 FA Cup Final, despite playing with a broken neck. Soon, however, Bert and Margaret’s love and loyalty are put to the test. The movie, like most sports biographies, takes liberties with Trautmann’s life and career. Still, football fans will enjoy the film. Technical aspects: 2.35:1 widescreen picture; German 5.1 Dolby digital; English subtitles.
Other titles being released on Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated: Mario Ruspoli, Prince of the Whales (Metrograph Pictures-Kino Lorber)
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD, STREAMING or VOD Audrey (Bohemia Media) The Disappearance of My Mother (Sundance Now) Gun and a Hotel Bible (Freestyle Digital Media) Happy Face (Dark Star Pictures) His Dark Materials: Season 2 (HBO Home Entertainment) Industry: Season 1 (HBO Home Entertainment) Cleaning Up: Episode 2 (Sundance Now, Jan. 7) The Commons: Episode 6 (Sundance Now, Jan. 7) Ham: A Musical Memoir (Global Digital Releasing, Jan. 7) Pieces of a Woman (Netflix, Jan. 7) Total Control: Episode 4 (Sundance Now, Jan. 7) Herself (Amazon Prime, Jan. 8) A Discovery of Witches: Season 2, Episode 1 (Sundance Now-Shudder, Jan. 9) Showbiz Kids (HBO Home Entertainment, Jan. 10) Finding Joy: Series 2 (Acorn TV, Jan. 11) I Am Not a Witch (Sundance Now, Jan. 11) Love My Way: Series 1 (Acorn TV, Jan. 11) Memphis (Sundance Now, Jan. 11) My Enemy, My Brother (Sundance Now, Jan. 11) Wartime Farm: Series 1 (Acorn TV, Jan. 11)
I am a founding member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. I review movies, Blu-rays and DVDs for ReelBob (ReelBob.com), The Film Yap and other print and online publications. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com. You also can follow me on Twitter @ReelBobBloom and on Facebook at ReelBob or the Indiana Film Journalists Association. My movie reviews also can be found at Rotten Tomatoes: www.rottentomatoes.com.