Reviewing films slightly off the beaten path
“Scanner Cop” is an enjoyable piece of mid-Nineties straight-to-video science fiction. Vinegar Syndrome has done a truly exceptional job restoring the film on their new 4K UHD release. Fans of this film or genre should consider it a mandatory purchase.
“Split Second” is a science-fiction action horror B-movie from the Nineties starring the great Rutger Hauer in one of his best roles. MVD Rewind has finally given fans a solid Blu-ray release.
“Demolition Man” remains one of the best science fiction-action films of the Nineties. Warner Bros. gave the film an excellent Blu-ray release in 2011.
“Virtuosity” is a delightfully over-the-top piece of Cyber Cinema from the Nineties. It’s almost as ambitious as it is ridiculous. Paramount has given the film a great looking release, but the lack of supplemental materials is a disappointment.
Featuring an introduction by film scholar Troy Howarth, author of “Splintered Visions: Lucio Fulci and His Films” –
“Zombie 3” is the ill fated follow up to Fulci’s classic “Zombie.” When Fulci became too ill to finish the film, Bruno Mattei and Claudio Fragasso stepped in. Severin Films have given the film an excellent release.
“The Final Countdown” is an enjoyable science fiction film that benefits from a remarkable cast and some truly fantastic visual moments. Fans of “The Twilight Zone” should take note of the film. Blue Underground’s UHD release is visually stunning for the most part and features an excellent Atmos track.
“Mission: Impossible” stands out in the series dues to the visionary direction by Brian De Palma. The 4K UHD presentation of the film uses HDR to the film’s benefit in its best presentation since its theatrical release.
Paramount Pictures have given “Mission: Impossible” a remastered Blu-ray that is a big improvement over the 2007 Blu-ray. Fans who lack a 4K player will want to consider a purchase.
“Day of the Beast” by Spanish filmmaker Alex de la Iglesia is a fantastic thriller and dark comedy revolving around madcap religious antics, fascism, and the Apocalypse. The Severin Films 4K UHD release is a wonderful way to view the film.
“Dark of the Sun” is an absolute blast of a war based adventure film. Rod Taylor and Jim Brown lead a cast that will please fans of “The Dirty Dozen.” The Warner Archive release is well worth picking up.
