Welcome back to This Week In Discs where we check out tomorrow’s new releases today!
Exposed
What is it? Det. Galban (Keanu Reeves) is investigating his partner’s murder, but while he zeroes in on a pair of suspects a possible witness draws his attention in some odd directions. Isabel (Ana de Armas) may have seen something related to the crime, but it’s what she’s seeing now that has her concerned as a strange, mysterious figure continues to appear before her.
Why rent it? Typically these picks of the week are titles that I recommend as a ‘Buy,’ but that’s not the case here. There’s something fascinating about the movie, and I’m a fan, but it’s a film that most viewers will probably find less engaging. Isabel’s storyline, and de Armas’ performance, are the main draw here as her mystery unfolds, while too much time is given to Galban’s dealings. The behind the scenes drama is ridiculous and explains why the elements that don’t work are here at all, but while the end result is something of a misfire it remains an interesting one.
[Blu-ray/DVD extras: Featurette, interviews]
The Hateful Eight
What is it? Eight travelers descend on a snowed-in bar set against a rural landscape, but they won’t all be leaving. A bounty hunter (Kurt Russell) has a prisoner (Jennifer Jason Leigh) in tow, and he fears someone is planning a rescue.
Why buy it? Quentin Tarantino’s latest is two-thirds modern classic, and that’s enough of a reason to pick it up. The dialogue is sharp, the cinematography is gorgeous (yes, even indoors), and the quick bursts of action are bloody satisfying. The final third is troublesome, bloated, and highly unnecessary though as Tarantino lets his story devolve into unneeded explanation via flashback complete with the movie’s singular unwise bit of casting. Still, the overall effect is of a thrilling period piece, and Ennio Morricone’s score makes a lot of things forgivable too.
[Blu-ray/DVD extras: Behind the scenes, featurette]
Blue Ice (Vinegar Syndrome)
What is it? Ted Singer is a private eye and a public dick whose latest case sees him going up against some tough customers in the form of Nazis. Nazis! They’re all after a mysterious book promising untold power to its owner, and Ted’s prepared to screw anyone who gets in his way.
Why rent it? As porno films go this is definitely one of the more elaborately plotted. At its core it’s still just a sex flick, but the film goes well beyond the expected with its characters, action, and plot turns. Ron Jeremy shows up for a sex scene but then returns to show off some karate moves. Comb-overs, swastikas, and mood enhancers share the screen with some angry nazi jerkin’, and the beautiful city of San Francisco provides a recognizable backdrop. Beyond the plot points there’s also an interesting visual style at work here thanks to director Phillip Marshak who pairs the expected flesh peddling with stylized scenes and an occasionally noir bent.
[Blu-ray/DVD extras: Commentary]
Cherry Falls (Scream Factory)
What is it? A killer is stalking the teens of Cherry Falls, but instead of going after the promiscuous one — a staple of the slasher genre — this psychopath is targeting the virgins. So of course the teenagers organize a sex party.
Why rent it? The influence of Scream and its sequels is all over this 2000 thriller, and that’s both a good and bad thing. The script has some smarts to it that shift expectations around in various fun ways, and the post-modern bent is clear throughout. The latter goes a bit overboard though with the film’s attempts at humor. Too much of it is unrealistic and unfunny. Happily the tone issues don’t get in the way of some solid thrills and slasher fun.
[Blu-ray/DVD extras: Commentary, interviews, behind the scenes]
Concussion
What is it? Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith) is a forensic neuropathologist from Nigeria working in Pittsburgh’s coroner’s office when he discovers something in the brain of a deceased ex-NFL player. It seems years of violent head trauma has negative effects on a person’s brain. Crazy.
Why rent it? Smith’s performance, and those of the strong supporting cast around him — David Morse, Alec Baldwin, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and others — make this drama worth watching, but two big issues keep it from being all that memorable. First, even knowing the real-world drama surrounding the issue it’s difficult to accept anyone being surprised by the finding. Because, seriously. And second, the movie works far too hard to focus just how incredibly great and honorable Omalu is. His deification gets in the way of the drama and the character work.
[Blu-ray/DVD extras: Deleted scenes, featurettes, commentary]
Forsaken
What is it? John Henry Clayton (Kiefer Sutherland) has left behind the life of a gunslinger and is attempting to start anew as a good, honest man. He’s also hoping to make peace with his reverend father (Donald Sutherland), but when ruffians descend on the area threatening lives and property John’s trigger finger is forced back into action.
Why rent it? There’s nothing new here on the story front, but the Western action is solidly presented and the cast — also including Brian Cox, Michael Wincott, and Demi Moore — is never less than engaging. The Sutherlands have played father and son before, in 1983’s Max Dugan Returns, but this is the first time they’ve done so as leads. There s a certain joy in seeing them act opposite each other, and that plus the competent action/drama make for an entertaining watch.
[Blu-ray/DVD extras: Featurette]
Infrasexum (Vinegar Syndrome)
What is it? A nice wife and a secure job aren’t enough for some people, but when one man gives it all up in search of what truly makes him happy his mid-life crisis lands him in bed with young women and in danger from greedy thugs.
Why rent it? This late ’60s sex pic leans more soft core than hard, but that suits the story just fine. It’s about sex as our protagonist works to solve the mental block preventing him from physical enjoyment, but the path it takes is more than a little absurd as it hops genres and tones with boob-filled abandon. It feels cheap throughout — not even Vinegar Syndrome’s 2k restoration can change that — but the mostly unintentional humor is enough to keep your brow furrowed and attentions focused on the screen.
[DVD extras: None]
Murders In the Rue Morgue / The Dunwich Horror (Scream Factory)
What is it? A theater troupe known for putting on horrific shows plays host to real bloodshed when a killer sets foot on stage in Murders In the Rue Morgue. A professor knowledgeable in the occult discovers a plot bring an old god into our midst in The Dunwich Horror.
Why rent it? Both of these early ’70s chillers have literary origins — Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft, respectively — and that’s somewhat evident in the depth of the tales. The former is a fun thriller with a madman (Herbert Lom) slicing his way through Paris alongside a nice narrative twist, while the latter is more of a slow build with the threat of enormous evil waiting in the wings. Scream Factory presents both films in HD along with two new commentaries offering production history details.
[Blu-ray extras: Commentaries, featurette]
Pigs (Vinegar Syndrome)
What is it? Lynn is on the run from something or someone, but the small town she decides to hide out in has some secret dangers of its own. She takes a job at a diner run by a man whose pigs are rumored to feast on human flesh, and as she grows closer to his truth her own threatens to reveal itself too.
Why rent it? Billed occasionally as a thriller this is far more of a dark drama as Lynn’s issues come to light revealing a twisted and sad history. It’s ultimately more of a well-intentioned film than a good one, but it’s an interesting effort throughout. Director/actor Marc Lawrence cast his own daughter opposite him making for some odd moments too. As usual, Vinegar Syndrome has gone above and beyond in restoring the film for Blu-ray including assembling a director’s cut using bits from existing 35mm prints. They’ve also included additional openings used to sell the film as a supernatural thriller or a sex flick, and both offer an interesting glimpse into the world of ’70s-era movie marketing.
[Blu-ray/DVD extras: Interviews, alternate openings/ending]
Point Break
What is it? Johnny Utah (not Keanu Reeves) is a brash, young FBI agent working a string of elaborate heists when he makes a startling discovery. He believes that, like him, the people behind these robberies are extreme athletes. Utah infiltrates the team of adrenaline-junkies he believes responsible and befriends their leader (Edgar Ramirez).
Why skip it? The early ’90s original may not be a great movie, but there’s an undeniable charm to it. Reeves, Patrick Swayze, and Gary Busey make for a fun trio, and there’s something to be said for the more grounded action including a foot chase that still ranks as one of the best. This new incarnation trades all of that in for massive CG assists, a bland as hell protagonist, and an utter lack of joy.
[Blu-ray/DVD extras: Featurettes, deleted scenes]
Sex World (Vinegar Syndrome)
What is it? Sex World is a theme park for adults with sexual hangups, issues or problems, and it’s probably the only such place where the rides ride you back. Sex robots cater to any and every whim with the intention of identifying the guest’s particular problem and then fixing it. With sex.
Why rent it? This is a hardcore film striving to think and act outside the box — ahem — and it touches on some surprisingly progressive personal characteristics along the way. There are a few laughs alongside some fun sci-fi elements, but it never forgets its true purpose as a porno. Vinegar Syndrome continues to prove their love and respect for obscure films of old by giving this X-rated feature a sharp 4K restoration.
[Blu-ray/DVD extras: Reversible cover]
Bicycle Thieves (Criterion Collection), Cartel Land, The Gong Show Movie, The Hidden Fortress (Criterion Collection), Humans: Season One, Life Story, A Poem Is a Naked Person (Criterion Collection), The Sicilian, The Winter
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