New to Blu Picks: April 9th, 2019


Here are my top picks for films new to Blu-ray this week. There are some really great releases this week!!


Stranger Than Paradise (1984)
The Criterion Collection has added Jim Jarmusch’s first feature to their list of Blu-ray releases. Special features include a high-definition digital restoration supervised by the director, audio commentary with Jim Jarmusch and actor Richard Edson, Permanent Vacation (1980), interviews with the cast and crew, behind the scenes, a booklet featuring the director’s notes on the film, and more. 

Night on Earth (1991)
The Criterion Collection is also adding Jarmusch’s taxi cab anthology to its list of Blu-ray releases. Special features include a high-definition restoration supervised by the director, selected-scene commentary by director of photography Frederick Elmes, and sound mixer Drew Kunin, a Q&A with the director, and more. 

The Iguana with the Tongue of Fire (1971)
Arrow Video is releasing Riccardo Freda’s over-the-top giallo film for the first time on Blu-ray. Special Features include a new 2K restoration from the original 35mm negative, newly translated English subtitles, new audio commentary by Adrian J. Smith and David Flint, interviews with cast and crew, a reversible sleeve, and more. 

The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires (1974)
Shout Factory is releasing Hammer Films’ Kung Fu horror classic, starring Peter Cushing, on Blu-ray. Special features include a new 2K scan of the original film elements, audio commentary with author/film historian Bruce G. Hallenbeck, the alternate U.S. theatrical version, interviews, and more. 

Rider on the Rain (1970)
Kino Lorber is releasing René Clément’s crime drama, starring Charles Bronson for the first time on Blu-ray. Special features include new audio commentary by film historians Howard S. Berger, Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson, the theatrical trailer and radio spots. 

Mélo (1986)
Arrow Video is releasing director’s Alain Resnais’ romantic drama for the first time on Blu-ray. Special features include and brand new 2K restoration of the film, a newly filmed introduction by critic Jonathan Romney, several archive interviews with the director and crew members, a reversible sleeve, and more. 





Hemisphere Box of Horrors (1964-1971)

Severin Films is releasing a box set of horror classics from the Philippine/U.S. production company Hemisphere Pictures. The release includes the Filipino exploitation gems The Blood Drinkers (1964), Curse of the Vampires (1966), Brain of Blood (1971), The Black Cat (1966) / The Torture Chamber of Dr. Sadism (1967). The box set includes commentary, interviews, deleted scenes, and more. 

Cold Sweat (1970)
Kino Lorber is releasing Terence Young’s classic action film, starring Charles Bronson for the first time on Blu-ray.  Special features include new audio commentary by film historians Howard S. Berger, Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson, the theatrical trailer and the car chase promo. 

-Dawn Stronski