Displaying items by tag: 88 Films

This has been a very busy week here at The Bits, tracking upcoming titles, talking with industry sources, and the like, thus the lack of posts.

But we’ve definitely got both new disc reviews for you today as well as some release news worth sharing. Let’s start with the latter first.

Today we’ve got…

Tim’s reviews of Chor Yuen’s The Sentimental Swordsman (1977) on Blu-ray from Arrow’s Shawscope: Volume Three box set, Severin Films’ Saga Erotica: The Emmanuelle Collection in 4K Ultra HD, and Michael Curtiz’s Captain Blood (1935) in 4K Ultra HD from Criterion.

Stephen’s reviews of Jean-Jacques Annaud’s Quest for Fire (1981) on Blu-ray from Umbrella Entertainment, Dario Argento’s Sleepless (2001) in 4K UHD from Vinegar Syndrome, Michael Cacoyannis’ Iphigenia (1977) on Blu-ray from Radiance Films, Corey Yuen’s She Shoots Straight (1990) on Blu-ray from 88 Films, and John Woo’s Once a Thief (1991) in 4K from Shout’s HK Cinema Classics line.

And Dennis’ take on Raoul Walsh’s Manpower (1941) and David Butler’s By the Light of the Silvery Moon (1953) both on Blu-ray from the Warner Archive Collection.

Now then… before we get started on news today, I’m going to be joining my friend Tim Millard on his next The Extras podcast to talk about the latest developments in the ongoing Paramount/Skydance, Warner Bros., Netflix saga. Looks like we’re going to be recording the episode this weekend, so be sure to check Tim’s social media for news on the episode drop, and I’ll share the details on my own as well when I have them. [Read on here...]

Cheers, Bits readers!

We’ve got one last My Two Cents update for you this week with some great new disc reviews, as well as some great new Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD release news. Let’s hit those reviews first…

I’ve just updated our dear late friend Barrie Maxwell’s review of William Wyler’s Ben-Hur (1959) to cover Warner’s stunning new 4K Ultra HD restoration of the film, which streets next week. It’s truly one of the great classic film presentations we’ve seen on this format to date, and certainly not to be missed.

Dennis and Tim have checked in with thoughts on a pair of Agatha Christie film adaptations in 4K Ultra HD from Kino Lorber Studio Classics, including John Guillerman’s Death on the Nile (1978) and Guy Hamilton’s The Mirror Crack’d (1980).

Dennis has also reviewed Michael Winner’s The Mechanic (1972) and Antonia Bird’s Priest (1994) on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber Studio Classics and Imprint, respectively.

Tim has posted his own reviews of Alberto Cavalcanti, Charles Crichton, Basil Dearden, Robert Hamer’s Dead of Night (1945) anthology on Blu-ray from KLSC as well as Chor Yuen’s The Jade Tiger (1977) from Arrow’s Shawscope: Volume 3 Blu-ray box.

Stephen has reviewed Emma Seligman’s Bottoms (2023) on Blu-ray from KLSC.

And Stuart has taken a look at Hideo Gosha’s Gate of Flesh (1988) on Blu-ray from Toei via 88 Films.

We have lots more great 4K reviews cooking for next week as well, believe me.

Also here at The Bits today, we’ve posted an update of our Release Dates & Artwork section featuring all the latest Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K Ultra HD cover artwork with Amazon pre-order links. As always, whenever you order anything after clicking to Amazon though one of our links (like this one) you’re helping to support our work here at the site and we appreciate it!

Now then, first things first: Our retail and industry sources have informed us that Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment’s much anticipated 4K Ultra HD release of the Wachowski’s Speed Racer (2008) should street on or about 5/19. So adjust your plans accordingly. Go Speed Go!

Of course, the big news today is that our friends at the Criterion Collection have just unveiled their May slate of Blu-ray and 4K titles. And any slate that includes more Kurosawa in 4K UHD is a good one. [Read on here...]

We’ve got three more new disc reviews for you today, including…

Tim’s look at Gary Sherman’s Raw Meat (aka Death Line) (1972) in 4K Ultra HD from Blue Underground.

And Stuart’s thoughts on Imprint’s Blu-ray double feature of Don Sharp’s The Thirty-Nine Steps (1978) and Anthony Page’s The Lady Vanishes (1979), as well as Charles Brabin’s The Beast of the City (1932) on Blu-ray from the Warner Archive Collection.

Also, we’ve done more updating of our 4K Ultra HD Release List here at The Bits today, and we’ve also uploaded the latest update of our Release Dates & Artwork section here at the site. So please do check those out. And remember that anything you order from Amazon after clicking through one of our affiliate links in either of those sections goes to help support our work here at The Bits and we appreciate it!

In announcement news today, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will release Kogonada’s A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025) on Blu-ray and DVD on 12/23. The film stars Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell. [Read on here...]

We’ve got three new disc reviews for you today, including…

Stephen’s look at Tonino Ricci’s Night of the Sharks (1988) on Blu-ray from Severin Films.

Stuart’s take on Kinji Fukasaku’s Jakoman and Tetsu (1964) on Blu-ray from 88 Films.

And Tim’s review of Chang Cheh’s Magnificent Ruffians (1979) on Blu-ray from Arrow’s excellent Shawscope: Volume Two box set.

Tim has also posted a review of Paul Spurrier’s Dream! (2025) in a rare installment of his Dailies column, so do give it a look!

In announcement news today, MVD Entertainment has revealed that they’re releasing Tenacious D: The Complete Masterworks – Volume 3 on Blu-ray and DVD on 10/3. It will feature their a complete 16-track concert from their 2023 Spicy Meatball Tour recorded in London’s O2 Arena, along with the band’s animated film Post Apocalypto and music videos for ...Baby One More Time, Wicked Game, Video Games, Fiber d’Lish, Tenacious D’s The Who Medley, You Never Give Me Your Money/The End, and Time Warp. [Read on here...]

We’ve got three more new disc reviews for all of you to enjoy today, including…

Tim’s thoughts on Jess Franco’s The Castle of Fu Manchu (1969) in 4K Ultra HD from Blue Underground as well as David Schmoeller’s Crawlspace (1986) on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber Studio Classics.

And Stephen’s take on Stephen Sayadian’s Café Flesh (1982) on Blu-ray from Mondo Macabro.

Before we get going today, it looks like we finally know what the next two Steven Spielberg films are that are going to be released in 4K Ultra HD: Multiple retail sources are reporting that both Minority Report (2002) and Catch Me If you Can (2002) are coming to the format before the end of the year from Paramount. Street date for each is TBA, but this isn’t entirely surprising—both films have been recently available Digitally in 4K. As more information comes in, we’ll be sure to let you know.

Speaking of Paramount, their long-delayed 4K Ultra HD Steelbook release of Karyn Kusama’s Æon Flux (2005) is finally set for 10/7.

Also, we have a street date for Christopher McQuarrie’s Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025) on Blu-ray, DVD, 4K Ultra HD, and 4K Steelbook. Look for it to arrive on 10/14. [Read on here...]

We have three more new disc reviews for you today, including…

Stephen’s look at both the regular 4K Ultra HD and 4K Steelbook versions of Clint Eastwood’s Pale Rider (1985) in 4K Ultra HD from Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment.

And Dennis’ take on Kirk Douglas’ Posse (1975) on Blu-ray from Paramount via Kino Lorber Studio Classics.

In release news today, Vinegar Syndrome has announced a trio of new 4K Ultra HD titles as part of their Halfway to Black Friday event, including Bob Saget’s Dirty Work (1998), Michael Ritchie’s The Golden Child (1986), and William Friedkin’s Jade (1995)! All three will include Dolby Vision HDR and substantial extras.

What’s more, our friends at Kino Lorber Studio Classics have just set George Stevens’ Shane (1953) for 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray release on 7/15! That’s a Paramount title, and it’ll include Dolby Vision HDR. [Read on here...]

We’ve got a bunch of new disc reviews up this week for your reading enjoyment here at The Bits, including...

My thoughts on Milos Forman’s Amadeus: Theatrical Cut (1984) in 4K Ultra HD from Warner Bros. as well as Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II (2024) in 4K Ultra HD from Paramount.

Tim’s reviews of Alfred Sole’s Alice, Sweet Alice (1976) and Robert Rodriguez’s The Mexico Trilogy (1992-2003) in 4K Ultra HD from Arrow Video, as well as The Project A Collection (1983-87) in 4K UHD from 88 Films.

Dennis’ looks at Dick Lowry’s Last Stand at Saber River (1997) on Blu-ray from the Warner Archive Collection and Melville Shavelson’s Houseboat (1958) on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber Studio Classics.

Stuart’s review of Gregory La Cava’s Gabriel Over the White House (1933) on Blu-ray from the Warner Archive Collection.

And finally, Sam Cohen’s take on Gillian Armstrong’s Little Women (1994) in 4K Ultra HD from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. [Editor’s Note: There is apparently an audio issue with this disc that’s described in the review. Sony is aware of the problem and investigating. We’ll report back here once they figure it out and launch a disc replacement program.]

There aren’t a lot of new announcements to report today, but Kino Lorber Studio Classics has set Gary Sherman’s Vice Squad (1982) for 4K Ultra HD release on 5/13. [Read on here...]

Afternoon, everyone! We’ve got some great breaking news to report here at The Bits today, but first we’ve got more new disc reviews to share with you as always...

Dennis has taken a look at Stephen Frears’ The Grifters (1990) on Blu-ray from the Criterion Collection, as well as Bob Rafelson’s Mountains on the Moon (1990) on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber Studio Classics.

Stuart has offered his thoughts on Terence Young’s Bloodline (1979) on Blu-ray from Vinegar Syndrome, as well as Jean Aurel’s Les Femmes (1969) on Blu-ray from Kino Classics and StudioCanal.

Tim has reviewed Russ Meyer’s Supervixens (1975) in 4K Ultra HD from Severin Films.

And Stephen has given the complete In the Line of Duty I-IV Blu-ray box set a look from 88 Films.

I’ve also gotten my hands on Lionsgate’s new Quentin Tarantino Lionsgate Limited 4K Steelbooks, and I’ll have a review of each of them very soon, starting with Jackie Brown (1997) later today. To give you a tease, the new 4K presentations are terrific, particularly Jackie Brown which is a full 4K scan of original camera negative. But more on those soon.

Now then, as I noted a moment ago, we’ve got great breaking news to report today, starting with the fact that Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment has just made Miloš Forman’s Amadeus official for release in 4K Ultra HD on 2/25. [Read on here...]

We’ve got a bunch of new disc reviews for you all to enjoy here at The Bits today, but first I wanted to let you know that Amazon.com is currently running a pretty great deal for 4K titles: You can buy 3 4K titles for just $33, which is a great way to fill holes in your collection. The selection of titles is pretty good too (lots of titles from Warner, Universal, and more), so click here to take advantage if you wish.

All right, today’s new disc reviews here at The Bits start with Stephen’s two cents on David Fincher’s Se7en (1996) on 4K Ultra HD from Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment, Richard Attenborough’s A Bridge Too Far (1977) in 4K UHD from Imprint, and Woo-Ping Yuen’s In the Line of Duty IV (1989) on Blu-ray from 88 Films.

Stuart’s look at Marco Bellocchio’s Slap the Monster on Page One (1972) and Seijun Suzuki’s Tattooed Life (1965) on Blu-ray from Radiance Films, John Farrow’s California (1947) on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber Studio Classics, and Fernando Méndez’s El Vampiro: Two Bloodsucking Tales from Mexico Blu-ray box set from Powerhouse Films, which includes The Vampire (1957) and The Vampire’s Coffin (1958).

Dennis’ thoughts on Matthew Ryan Hoge’s The United States of Leland (2003) on Blu-ray from Imprint Films.

And finally, Tim’s take on Randall Lobb and Robert McCallum’s Power of Grayskull: The Definitive History of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2017) documentary on Blu-ray from Vinegar Syndrome, as well as Irving Klaw’s Teaserama (1955), Varietease (1954), and Buxom Beautease (1956) on Blu-ray from Kino Cult.

As always, lots more reviews are on the way in the coming days, so be sure to keep checking back.

Now then, in announcement news today, Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment has revealed that they’re releasing Shane Black’s The Nice Guys (2016) and Shaka King’s Judas and the Black Messiah (2021) on 4K UHD on 2/18. [Read on here...]

We have a lot of ground to cover today to close out the first partial week of 2025, starting with more new disc reviews...

First up, Tim has taken a look at Russ Meyer’s Vixen! (1968) in 4K Ultra HD from the good folks at Severn Films, and he’s also reviewed Marco Brambilla’s Demolition Man (1993) in 4K from Arrow Video.

Dennis has turned in his thoughts on Alan Crosland’s The Beloved Rogue (1927) on Blu-ray from Kino Classics.

Stuart has checked in with his take on Ted Hooker, Jack Cardiff, and Freddie Francis’ Cruel Britannia (1971-1974) on Blu-ray from Vinegar Syndrome, as well as Kinji Fukasaku’s The Threat (1966) on Blu-ray from Arrow Video, and Jules Dassin’s Topkapi (1964) on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber Studio Classics.

And finally, Stephen has offered his reviews of Corey Yuwn’s Yes, Madam! (aka In the Line of Duty II) (1985) and Arthur Wong and Brandy Yuen’s In the Line of Duty III (1988) each on Blu-ray from 88 Films, as well as Michael Schaack’s animated but rarely-seen classic Felidae (1994) in 4K Ultra HD from Deaf Crocodile Films.

As always, more reviews are on the way next week, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for them.

Now then, we have a bunch of release news and official title announcements to share with you today, so let’s dive right in...

First, Universal Studios Home Entertainment has officially set Jon M. Chu’s Wicked: Part One (2024) for Blu-ray, DVD, 4K Ultra HD, and 4K Steelbook release on 2/4. The 4K disc will feature Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio, and all the SKUs will include over an hour of bonus features, including deleted and extended scenes, audio commentary with the director, a second audio commentary with stars Cynthia Ervio and Ariana Grande, the Making Wicked documentary, and a sing-along viewing option for the film. You can see the final cover artwork at left and also below the break. [Read on here...]