“Black Samson” is a star vehicle for the likable Rockne Tarkington who barely missed out on Jim Kelly’s role in “Enter the Dragon.” Warner Archive has restored the picture beautifully.
“Black Belt Jones” pairs Jim Kelly with director Robert Crouse just one year after “Enter the Dragon.” Sadly, “Black Belt Jones” is not nearly as good as that picture. Regardless, Warner Archive has done a tremendous job on their new restoration.
“Get Carter” has been given an absolutely phenomenal 4K UHD release by Warner Archive. Michael Caine is the epitome of cool in this classic British gangster film.
Radiance Films has released the 1977 film “A Tale of Sorrow and Sadness” from the great Japanese filmmaker Seijun Suzuki. Fans of the stylish director will definitely want to check it out.
“Three the Hard Way” is a blaxploitation film that unites three of the genre’s biggest stars – Jim Kelly, Jim Brown, and Fred Williamson – to kick some white supremacist ass. Warner’s Blu-ray looks great.
”Slap the Monster on Page One” is a cynical look at journalism in Italy in the early Seventies that feels prescient in our age of talking heads. Gian Maria Volonte is brilliant in the lead role.
“The China Syndrome,” starring Jack Lemmon, Jane Fonda, and Michael Douglas, was one of the last paranoid social message thrillers of the Seventies. Sony has given the film a Blu-ray release.
The last Yakuza picture by the unrivaled master of the genre Kinji Fukasaku, “Hokuriku Proxy War” has been given a Blu-ray release by Radiance Films. The film is as cool as sake, suits, guns, and sunglasses.
In a world of remakes and sequels, Aguirre, the Wrath of God remains a singular achievement from one of the great maverick filmmakers, Werner Herzog. The film is beautifully made and a testament to maniacally pursued dreams. Shout! Factory’s 4K edition is remarkable.