Reviewing films slightly off the beaten path
Arrow Video has updated the classic “An American Werewolf in London” to 4K UHD. One of the best horror films of all time is now available in a truly definitive edition that keeps the excellent supplements from the 2019 release and updates the video to its best presentation yet.
Arrow Video has brought Shinji Somai’s genrebending yakuza/coming-of-age/idol film/dramedy “Sailor Suit and Machine Gun” to Blu-ray. The long-take sequences are truly impressive, and the film is strangely hypnotic.
“Carlito’s Way” is one of the best films from virtuoso filmmaker Brian De Palma. Pacino and Sean Penn are both fantastic in the film, and the final sequence is one of the best that De Palma put to celluloid. The Universal Pictures UHD is an excellent presentation of the film.
“The Card Counter” is a drama from writer-director Paul Schrader which was filmed during the Covid pandemic in Biloxi, Mississippi. Oscar Isaac shines in the film.
“Vanilla Sky” is one of the most interesting films in both Cameron Crowe’s and Tom Cruise’s filmographies. It is a truly unique film experience and the Paramount Presents Blu-ray is gorgeous.
“The Shawshank Redemption” is one of the best films of all time and is the best prison drama ever made. Warner Bros. has given the film a new 4K UHD release that brings out the very best from Roger Deakins’ cinematography.
Based on the novel “No Beast So Fierce” by convict Edward Bunker, Straight Time is uniquely adept at interpreting the subject of imprisonment and recidivism in our country. Warner Archive’s Blu-ray features a beautiful transfer.
“I Spit On Your Grave” is one of the most relentless and difficult rape/revenge films ever made. Ronin Flix have done an excellent job of presenting this troubling film in its best presentation.
“Walking the Edge” is an enjoyable low key revenge film with Robert Forster, Joe Spinell, and Nancy Kwan. Fun City Editions have given fans a great looking release.
“A Day of Judgment” is an interesting film due to its mixture of religious elements with elements of an Eighties slasher film. Severin Films has given the film a solid release that rescues it from VHS obscurity.
