Here are my top Blu-ray picks for the week for your consumption.
Khrustalyov, My Car! (1998)Arrow Video is releasing Aleksei German’s dark, satirical journey through the 1950’s Stalinist nightmare on Blu-ray for the first time. Special Features include a new 2K restoration by Arrow Video from the original negative, newly translated English Subtitles, audio commentary by producer Daniel Bird, a double-sided foldout poster, a limited edition 60-page booklet, and more.
Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki Blu-ray (2016)This documentary spotlighting the creativity of the Studio Ghibli co-founder and Academy Award winning director Hayao Miyazaki is being released by Shout Factory. Included is an alternative 48-minute version of the film with English narration and new footage.
The Dark Room (1989)Vinegar Syndrome is releasing this sleazy American take on the giallo film for the first time on Blu-ray. Special features include a newly scanned 4K restoration from the original 35mm negative, interviews with actors Aarin Teich and Jeff Arbaugh, reversible cover artwork, and more.
Tarantula (1955)Shout Factory is releasing one of the best giant-insect films on Blu-ray for the first time. Special features include a new 2K scan from the original film elements, new audio commentary with film historians Tome Weaver, Dr. Robert J Kiss, and David Schecter, and more.
Police Story/ Police Story 2 (1985-1988)Criterion has added to their collection a double feature Blu-ray containing the action comedies that established Jackie Chan as a performer. Special features include new 4K restorations of both films, English-dubbed soundtracks, interview with director Edgar Wright, a Jackie Chan stunt reel, and more.
Escape from Women’s Prison (1978)Severn Films is releasing this depraved 1970's Euro Sleaze saga for the first time on Blu-ray. Special features include the Italian cut of the film, interview with the director Giovanni Brusadori, and the trailer.
Fantomas 1960s Collection (1964 – 1967)Kino Lorber is releasing this three film collection for the first time on Blu-ray.
The Brain (1988)Shout Factory is releasing this cult sci-fi gem on Blu-ray for the first time. Special features include a new 4K scan of the original negative, new audio commentary with director Ed Hunt, composer Paul Zaza, and actor Tom Bresnahan, interviews, and more.
My Brilliant Career (1979)Criterion has added to their collection Gillian Armstrong’s award winning turn-of-the-twentieth-century romance. Special features include a new 2K digital restoration approved by the director, audio commentary featuring Armstrong, interviews, and more.
The Corruption of Chris Miller (1973)Vinegar Syndrome is releasing this bloody, '70s Euro horror for the first time on Blu-ray. Special features include a newly scanned 4K restoration from the original 35mm negative, an archival interview with director Juan Antonio Bardem, English and Spanish sound mixes, a short film exploring the life of Jean Seberg, and more.
-Dawn Stronski