Michael Curtiz’s “The Walking Dead” is an interesting combination of gangster/science fiction/ supernatural revenge genre films that showcases Boris Karloff. Warner Archive has meticulously restored the film.
Warner Archive has given Michael Pressman’s Angelino urban drama “Boulevard Nights” a Blu-ray release.
“Black Mass” has been given a 4K UHD release by Warner Bros. The film has a good performance by Johnny Depp, but the script could have benefitted from more polished dialogue.
MGM has given the final J.Lee Thompson/ Charles Bronson collaboration “Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects” a Blu-ray release. It’s a mess of a film that will mostly appeal to Bronson and Cannon Pictures completists.
“Game Night” is one of the funniest comedies of the past decade. The ensemble cast features Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Kyle Chandler, Lamorne Morris, Kylie Bunbury, and Jesse Plemons. Warner’s 4K UHD is an enjoyable if slight upgrade.
“Tchao Pantin” is another fantastic discovery by Radiance Films. This French neo-noir from 1983 features excellent performances, great direction by Claude Berri, and wonderful cinematography by Bruno Nuytten. Highly recommended!
“The Lady from Shanghai” is a deliriously strange film noir. Directed by Orson Welles, the film was recut by the studio, but still works. Rita Hayworth dazzles as a bombshell blonde. Sony has given the film a 4K UHD release.
Starring Denzel Washington, “The Mighty Quinn” is a breezy entertainment that benefits from the Caribbean locations. MGM Studios has given the 1989 film a Blu-ray release.
“City of Hope” is one of writer-director John Sayles’ most ambitious films. It benefits from excellent cinematography by Robert Richardson and a strong ensemble cast. Sony has given the film a Blu-ray release.
Radiance Films has released Pietro Germi’s “The Facts of Murder” as bot ha standalone release or as part of its “World Noir Volume One” box set. The film benefits from excellent black and white cinematography by Leonida Barboni.