A Dog Called Vengeance [Severin]
What is it? An escaped prisoner is pursued by a guard dog.
Why see it? There’s a lot going on in Antonio Isasi’s late 70s thriller, and the film handles it all with an eye for visual thrills and intensity. A political prisoner escapes prison and is pursued by a tracker and his faithful dog, and when the tracker is killed the dog continues the hunt. The prisoner gets involved with resistance fighters opposed to their country’s military dictatorship, assassinations are planned, old relationships are rekindled — and through it all, the dog stays on his trail. The set-pieces, both dog-related and human, are fantastically staged ramping up the intensity for great effect. Jason Miller plays the prisoner, and it’s a strong performance (bolstered by some legit bravery as he fights off the dog completely naked). The new scan looks fantastic.
[Extras: New 2K scan, appreciation, interviews]
The Best
Bad Boys: Ride or Die
What is it? Another great Bay-less sequel!
Why see it? While the first Bad Boys remains the franchise’s best entry, I can’t get behind Bad Boys II being all the good. I am, however, a big fan of the third and fourth entries as both deliver laughs, fun action, and an entertaining approach to the aging characters. The latest sequel sees the boys on the run after their former captain is framed by the real baddies. The action beats are varied and visually thrilling, the laughs are equally large, and we even get a fantastic payoff with one of the long-running supporting players. It’s a great time, and while too many long in the tooth franchises run out of gas, I’m happy to keep watching these boys for years to come.
[Extras: Bloopers, deleted scenes, featurettes]
The Creature [Severin]
What is it? A crumbling marriage opens the door to a new love.
Why see it? Eloy de la Iglesia’s filmography is filled with important, popular films chronicling Spain’s successful emergence from dictatorship. While many tackle societal issues head on, though, this 1977 feature takes an allegorical route that was always destined to enrage. A couple struggles to conceive, the husband has an affair, and the wife adopts a dog. So far, so good, but it’s not long before the woman and the dog form a bond. A friendship, an emotional relationship, and then… something more. Well-acted, crafted with sincerity and a melodramatic eye, the film is a memorable look at the complicated, multifaceted realities of relationships. But yeah, it’s going to make some of you uncomfortable.
[Extras: New 2K scan, interviews, introduction]
Also out this week:
All This I Will Give To You, Body Double [4K UHD], Brigitte Bardot Collection, Despicable Me 4, Devi Danger, Disco Boy, The Exorcism, Friday the 13th [4K UHD, Arrow], Happiness [Criterion], Longlegs, Mary Jane’s Not a Virgin Anymore [AGFA], See You Next Tuesday, Spirit Riser, Village of the Damned [4K UHD, Scream Factory], When Tomorrow Dies
Don’t miss out on more trending news articles like this on DeFi Daily News!
Conclusion:
These movie releases offer a diverse range of genres and styles, from thrilling political dramas to romantic allegories. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed sequels or prefer thought-provoking independent films, there’s something for everyone in this selection. With new scans, interviews, and bonus features, these releases provide a deeper look into the world of cinema and storytelling.
As you explore these films, remember to check out DeFi Daily News for more captivating articles and updates on the latest trends in entertainment. Happy viewing!
