By Bob Bloom The following titles are being released on Tuesday, Nov. 10, unless otherwise noted:
Bill and Ted Face the Music (Blu-ray + digital) Details: 2020, Warner Home Entertainment Rated: PG-13, language The lowdown: Now middle-aged dads, William “Bill” S. Preston, Esq. (Alex Winter) and Theodore “Ted” Logan (Keanu Reeves) are still waiting to fulfill their musical destiny that changes the world. The pair again are visited by someone from the future who warns them that only their song can save life on the planet as we know it. Once again, Bill and Ted set out to do what they can to benefit mankind. Along the way, they are helped by their daughters, a new group of historical figures and some music legends. In these troubled times, a nice dose of Bill and Ted’s optimistic goofiness can go a long way to settle your nerves and brighten your outlook. A vast majority of critics believed so, giving the film an 82 percent fresh rating at Rotten Tomatoes. Technical aspects: 1080pp high definition, 2.35:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus components include a look at Bill and Ted’s panel at Comic-Con, a behind-the-scenes featurette with cast members and filmmakers, a featurette on a most triumphant duo, a look at Death’s crib and a “Social Piece (Excellence)” featurette.
The Crown: The Complete Third Season (Blu-ray) Release date: Nov. 3 Details: 2019, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Academy Award-winner Olivia Colman dons the crown of Queen Elizabeth II in this third season of the popular Netflix series. The four-disc set covers the period between 1964 and 1977, a tumultuous time for Elizabeth, who must contend with her first Labour prime minister, Harold Wilson, the Aberfan disaster that killed 116 children and 28 adults, the death and state funeral of Winston Churchill, the investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales and her Silver Jubilee. Personally, Elizabeth must deal with her sister, Margaret, now played by the wonderful Helena Bonham Carter. This strong series features wonderful writing and excellent acting. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.00:1 widescreen picture; English and French 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and English 5.1 Dolby digital audio description track; English SDH, English and French subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus materials include a making of featurette, a behind-the-scenes look at Charles’ investiture, a look at the show’s costumes and a photo gallery.
Maybe Next Year (Blu-ray) Details: 2019, Kino Lorber-Virgil Films Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Philadelphia Eagles fans are known as the most passionate and fanatic team followers in the NFL. After winning an NFL championship in 1960, the team had a 58-year dry spell, but their disappointed fans stuck with the team — while at the same time vocally and loudly voicing their displeasure. Then came the 2017 season in which expectations were high and the team started out strong. But events seemed to doom the team after a season-ending injury to their MVP quarterback. But, the fans did not waver, getting behind backup QB Nick Foles whose blue-collar work ethic struck a chord with the populace and who brought the team to the promised land — a Super Bowl victory. This documentary follows the lives of four dedicated Eagles fans unified in their commitment to their families, their passion for football and their team. These fans highlight what the brotherly love really means to the city of Philadelphia. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 16:9 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio; English SDH subtitles.
Play Misty for Me (Blu-ray) Details: 1971, Kino Lorber Rated: R, violence, sexual situations, language The lowdown: Clint Eastwood made his directorial debut in this psychological thriller about a popular radio disc jockey, Dave Garver (Eastwood), who repeatedly receives on-air phone requests from a sexy-voiced female fan to “play ‘Misty’ for me.” The woman, Evelyn Draper (Jessica Walter), later orchestrates a rendezvous with Garver at his favorite late-night hangout. They begin a torrid affair, but Evelyn’s obsessive behavior forces Garver to end the relationship. This sends Evelyn over the edge, creating terror for everyone in his life as Evelyn’s madness turns to violence. Eastwood creates some suspenseful moments and a sense of terror, but he falters at some spots. Still, it marks a strong debut for the actor who became known for his sparse and no-frills approach behind the camera. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio monaural; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include a commentary track, a video essay about the movie, a look back at the movie, a featurette on Eastwood and his mentor, director Don Siegel, a photo montage of Eastwood in front of and behind the camera and a “Trailers From Hell” spot featuring the movie.
The Brides of Dracula: Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray) Details: 1960, Scream Factory Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This Hammer horror feature is a semi-sequel to the studio’s “Horror of Dracula,” but instead of Christopher Lee as the vampire count, we get one of his disciples, Baron Meinster. The one link to the two movies is Peter Cushing’s return as vampire hunter Dr. Van Helsing. The plot revolves around Marianne (Yvonne Monlaur), who is traveling to Transylvania for a teaching assignment. Abandoned by her coach driver, she accepts an invitation from Baroness Meinster (Martita Hunt) to spend the night at her castle, despite the warnings of the local villagers. At the castle, she meets the baroness’s son, who is chained to the wall in his room. The baron tricks Marianne into freeing him, unleashing a reign of vampiric terror in the region. Van Helsing comes to the rescue, discovering the baron’s secret and defeating him and his blood-sucking brides. This is a strong early edition to the Hammer horror stable. It earned a 75 percent fresh rating at Rotten Tomatoes. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 (1.66:1 enhanced) widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio monaural; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus materials include an introduction to the movie, a commentary track, a making of featurette, a tour of the film’s locations and profiles of director Terrence Fisher, composer Malcolm Williamson and cinematographer Jack Asher.
The Eiger Sanction (Blu-ray) Details: 1975, Kino Lorber Rated: R, violence, sexual content, language The lowdown: Clint Eastwood stars in and directed this uneven espionage thriller set in the Swiss Alps about a retired agent who forced back into the field to hunt a deadly double agent who killed his former comrade. The film’s cinematography is more compelling than the meandering storyline. The movie features a strong supporting cast including George Kennedy, Vonetta McGee and Jack Cassidy. The plot has a few holes that never get resolved, and the movie is not one of Eastwood’s better directorial efforts. He took the job because he owed Universal Pictures another picture and it allowed him to film overseas, away from studio interference. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.39:1 widescreen picture; English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio monaural; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include an interview with cast member Reiner Schöne, an archival interview with cast member Heidi Brühl, a commentary track and a vintage eight-minute promotional reel.
Tennessee Johnson (Blu-ray) Details: 1942, Warner Archive Collection Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Van Heflin stars as Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Abraham Lincoln as president after his assassination, and later was impeached, but not convicted, by the United States Senate. The film, as in most biopics, takes many liberties with its protagonist and, since the movie was produced during World War II, placed an emphasis on national unity. The movie chronicles Johnson’s rise from tailor’s apprentice to senator from Tennessee, to his breaking with his state and remaining loyal to the Union when the Civil War erupts. Johnson’s major antagonist, congressman Thaddeus Stevens (Lionel Barrymore), brings the impeachment charges because, like Lincoln, Johnson wants to readmit the Southern states to the Union, a move opposed by the radical Republicans led by Stevens. After his conviction on impeachment fails to one vote, Johnson eventually returns to the Senate to again represent his state. The movie, which also costars Ruth Hussey as Johnson’s wife, is a made-on-demand Blu-ray from the Warner Archive Collection and can be ordered at www.wb.com/warnerarchive or other online sellers. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.37:1 (4x3) full-screen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio monaural; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus options include a “Screen Guild” radio version of the movie with Gary Cooper as Johnson, a Tom and Jerry cartoon, “Baby Puss” and a classic MGM short, “Heavenly Music.”
Secret Zoo (DVD) Details: 2020, MPI Media Group Rated: Not rated The lowdown: A Korean comedy about lawyer, dissatisfied with his temp job at a prestigious law firm, takes an unexpected assignment to help revitalize a failing zoo. The lawyer sees this job as an opportunity to move up in the firm, but is dismayed when he discovers the zoo has no real animals. Even worse, he has three months to turn the zoo’s fortunes around. He comes up with a plan and, enlisting the help of the zoo’s staff, he has them dress up as animals and put on shows for guests. When a video of the lawyer in a polar bear outfit goes viral, the zoo finds itself as the center of attraction for thousands of visitors. This is a fun little feature that will bring a smile to your face. Technical aspects: 2.38:1 widescreen picture; Korean 5.1 Dolby digital and English 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH and English subtitles.
Hosts (DVD) Details: 2020, Dark Sky Films Rated: Not rated, graphic violence The lowdown: In the spirit of the holiday, a family invites their young neighbors over to celebrate Christmas Eve and deliver some wonderful news, the family do not realize that their friends have just become the hosts for a malevolent entity that wants to take over the world. The unaware family now has to fight for their lives as the terror mounts. The movie is part domestic drama, sci-fi thriller and horror tropes, wrapped into an 89-minute feature. The film contains some bloody images and shocks that genre fans can appreciate. Technical aspects: 2.39:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include interviews with filmmakers and cast members and a behind-the-scenes look at the movie.
The Untold Story (Blu-ray) Release date: Oct. 20 Details: 1993, Unearthed Films Rated: Not rated, graphic and bloody violence The lowdown: This rather unpleasant Hong Kong slasher film deals with a serial killer who owns The Eight Immortals Restaurant and is famous for his pork buns. When a set of hands are found on a Macao beach, eight years after a grisly murder in Hong Kong, a rather inept group of police officers begin investigating. It turns out the hands belong to the missing mother of the restaurant’s former owner who, along with the rest of his family, has disappeared. At the same time, staff at the restaurant continue to go missing. Yet, police cannot find any evidence to link the killings to Wong Chi Hang, the restaurant’s new owner. When Wong cannot produce a bill of sale for the purchase of the restaurant, he is arrested. Police try to torture him into a confession. The question is, will Wong break and confess. You also have to wonder about the secret ingredients in his delicious and popular pork buns. The movie is not for the weak of stomach; it is very brutal and disturbing. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.78:1 widescreen picture; Cantonese and Mandarin 2.0 LPCM; English subtitles. Don’t miss: Supplemental options include three commentary tracks, an isolated film score, a question-and-answer session with director Herman Yau, an interview with special effects legend Rick Baker, liner notes and a featurette on the history of Hong Kong exploitation cinema.
Le Choc du Futur (The Shock of the Future) (DVD) Details: 2019, Cleopatra Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This French import, set in 1978 Paris, centers on Ana, who uses her electronic gadgets to make music and upends the male-dominated music industry. The new sound she creates draws listeners that portends the decades the come and introduces the music of the future. The movie has some formulaic moments and is aimed primarily at those who embrace techno music. Technical aspects: widescreen picture; French Dolby digital; English subtitles. Don’t miss: An interview with director Marc Collin and an image slideshow comprise the main extras.
Other titles being released on Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated: Burst City (Arrow Video) Charlie’s Christmas Wish (DVD & digital & VOD) (Lionsgate Home Entertainment) The Dark Divide (Blu-ray & DVD & digital & VOD) (REI Co-op Studios) Guest House (Blu-ray + digital & DVD) (Lionsgate Home Entertainment) Mortal (Blu-ray + digital & DVD) (Lionsgate Home Entertainment) The Retreat (DVD & VOD) (Uncork’d Entertainment) Sasquatch Among the Wildmen (Uncork’d Entertainment) Blind (DVD & VOD) (Uncork’d Entertainment, Nov. 11) Song Lang (DVD & digital) (Breaking Glass Pictures, Nov. 11)
FOR KIDS Marona’s Fantastic Tale (Blu-ray + DVD & digital) (GKids-Shout! Factory)
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD, STREAMING or VOD The Broken Hearts Club (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment) Dash & Lily (www.netflix.com/dashandlily) (Netflix) Lie Exposed (Indican Pictures) Maybe Next Year (Wavelength Productions) Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets: Live at the Roadhouse (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment) Sleepless Beauty (Epic Pictures) Who Took Johnny (Sundance Now) Words on the Bathroom Wall (Lionsgate Home Entertainment) My Summer as a Goth (123GoFilms, Nov. 11) Out Stealing Horses (Magnolia Home Entertainment, Nov. 11) Bang (Sundance Now, Nov. 12) Incision (Eleven Seven Productions, Nov. 12) Riviera: Season 3, Episode 2 (Sundance Now, Nov. 12) All Joking Aside (Quiver Distribution, Nov. 13) Dead Reckoning (Shout! Studios, Nov. 13) Derelicts (Terror Films, Nov. 13) Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix, Nov. 13) A Model Daughter: The Killing of Caroline Byrne (Acorn TV, Nov. 16) Beyond Right and Wrong (Sundance Now, Nov. 16) From Nowhere (Sundance Now, Nov. 16) Law & Order: UK, Series 1 (Acorn TV, Nov. 16) Marjorie Prime (Sundance Now, Nov. 16)
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.