Prime Cut [4K UHD, Kino Lorber]
What is it? A prime example of why the 70s were the best decade for film.
Why see it? Lee Marvin comes to town to collect a debt for the mob, but meat-packing mogul Gene Hackman has no plans on paying it back. Sweat, blood, and unbridled manliness spills onto the screen as director Michael Ritchie squeezes his premise and stars for everything they’ve got. It’s a sleazy, bullet-riddled good time as these two legends go toe to toe creating some terrifically tense and explosive scenes. Add in Sissy Spacek in her big screen debut, and a terrific new 4K transfer highlighting every bead of sweat, every furrowed brow, and you have a must-own for fans of Cinema, baby.
[Extras: New 4K scan, commentaries]
The Best
Death to Smoochy [Shout Select]
What is it? A children’s show character gets out of hand.
Why see it? Danny DeVito’s directorial efforts didn’t always land with critics or viewers, but they all share an undeniably charming approach to black comedy and unpredictability. This, perhaps his most maligned feature, sees Ed Norton as a beloved children’s show performer being pulled in curious directions by fame and the people around him including Robin Williams and Catherine Keener. There are laughs here alongside some strong and weird performances, but there’s also some welcome bleakness as the film tears into the world of kids television.
[Extras: New 2K restoration, interviews, commentary, featurette, deleted scenes, bloopers]
Sinister [steelbook]
What is it? A writer discovers the truth behind some savage murders.
Why see it? Director Scott Derrickson’s filmography is a bit varied, but his high point in the horror genre remains this chiller introducing viewers to a new supernatural villain. Ethan Hawke plays a true-crime writer looking for inspiration, and a box of home movies in a house where a family was slaughtered seems like a good start — whoops! The home movies are wonderfully creepy and terrifying stuff, and the narrative that builds from them is constantly engaging. It’s all held together with a great performance by Hawke who commits to the scenario. Still one of the scarier films of the 2010s.
[Extras: Commentaries, featurettes, deleted scenes]
Wolf Creek [steelbook]
What is it? A human killer stalks the Australian Outback.
Why see it? While the sequel turns the character of Mick (John Jarratt) into a “fun” killer, this original knows he’s scariest as a real, mean motherfucker. Inspired by a true story, the film follows backpackers who cross paths with a sadistic killer, and the film becomes something of an Australian Texas Chainsaw Massacre as its rural setting and merciless adversary lays waste to the protagonists. It’s a harrowing watch, aided by some beautiful and desolate locales that make the isolation all the more damning.
[Extras: Commentary, documentary, deleted scene]
You’re Next [steelbook]
What is it? A family’s weekend getaway is interrupted by masked killers.
Why see it? Director Adam Wingard is a big deal these days with Godzilla blockbusters, but back in the day his bread and butter was indie horror films. This one had a rough road to release, but the end result is a fun time as the home invasion premise delivers thrills, kills, and a fun group of cast/characters caught up in the middle of a cool little tale. There are some unforgivable moments of character stupidity, but they’re minor compared to the fun of the film. Now can we please get Wingard and writer Simon Barrett to make a mash-up sequel pitting this film’s final girl (Sharni Vinson) against Dan Stevens’ character from The Guest? Thank you.
[Extras: Making of, commentaries]
The Rest
The Apartment
What is it? A man gets lost in his past.
Why see it? Vincent Cassell stars as a man with a bright future, a lovely girlfriend, and a great job, but when he hears the voice of a woman he once loved he leaves it all behind to chase that past high. Things aren’t that simple, of course, but it’s an understandable move when the voice belongs to Monica Bellucci. A character piece that’s part romance and part emotional thriller, the film engages with its dreamy atmosphere and the alluring power of its two leads.
[Extras: Commentary]
Green Border
What is it? A stark drama about the European migrant crisis.
Why see it? Director Agnieszka Holland explores a hot button topic here as we zero in on the border between Poland and Belarus where migrants filter over in large numbers. The film’s politics are clear (and correct), but it gives time to the varied angles on the situation as we spend time with the migrants, the border guards, and activists hoping to help and draw attention to tragedy. It’s a compelling film with detailed black & white cinematography, and it’s a heavy one too.
[Extras: Q&A]
Leatherface [steelbook]
What is it? A prequel to a stone-cold classic.
Why see it? Some non-English directors who’ve made their name in horror come to the U.S. and continue that streak, but others — like the filmmakers behind 2007’s Inside — end up with a dud. This prequel, as unnecessary as they come seeing as the origin of Leatherface is wholly uninteresting on its face, is something of a bleak, grim, and unsatisfying time. Some may appreciate the look into a messed up childhood leading to a killer adult, but if that’s not you then you’ve been warned.
[Extras: Deleted scenes, featurette]
Texas Chainsaw [steelbook]
What is it? A sequel to a stone-cold classic.
Why see it? While Tobe Hooper’s original Texas Chain Saw Massacre is an untouchable masterpiece of stark terror, its numerous sequels and prequels have generally speaking left a bit to be desired. Marcus Dunstan’s film is pretty solid, and the recent Netflix sequel is underappreciated, but this effort from 2013 is pretty okay too. Alexandra Daddario stars as a young woman who receives an inheritance, and you know what that means! More chainsaw and hook action, lots of screaming, and so on — and it’s pretty okay.
[Extras: Commentaries, featurettes]
Also out this week:
Bad Company, Banel & Adama, Bless Their Little Hearts, Creepy Pasta, Hannibal Rising [steelbook], I Spit On Your Grave [steelbook], The Last Unicorn [4K UHD], Let Him Go [4K UHD], Nicholas Nickleby, Red Eye [4K UHD]
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Conclusion
In conclusion, this collection of film releases is a diverse mix of genres, styles, and storytelling that is sure to appeal to a wide range of cinephiles. From the gritty crime drama of “Prime Cut” to the chilling horror of “Sinister,” there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of classic cinema or looking for something more modern and edgy, these movies offer a glimpse into the creative minds of filmmakers who push the boundaries of storytelling. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and enjoy the cinematic experience that these films have to offer!
