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We’ve got more new disc reviews today to start the short Thanksgiving week out right here at The Bits. Among them are...

Stephen’s take on Fred Zinnemann’s A Man for All Seasons (1966) in 4K Ultra HD from Sony’s new Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection: Volume 5 box set.

Tim’s review of Don Siegel’s Two Mules for Sister Sara (1970) in 4K Ultra HD from Kino Lorber Studio Classics, as well as his on-going film-by-film review of Arrow’s excellent Shawscope: Volume Two Blu-ray boxed set—today featuring his thoughts on Lau Kar-leung’s The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978).

And my review of Dean Parisot’s Galaxy Quest (1999) in 4K Ultra HD Steelbook from our friends at Paramount Home Entertainment.

We’ve all got a lot more reviews in the works here at the site as well, so be sure to check back. In fact, in the next 24 hours or so, I’ll have my reviews of Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai (1954) in 4K from the BFI (as compared to the recent Criterion 4K release, which I reviewed here last week), as well as my thoughts on Fede Álvarez’s Alien: Romulus (2024) in 4K UHD from 20th Century Studios.

Also today, I wanted to let you that I just dropped my second My Two Cents: A Video Blog episode exclusively for our supporters on The Digital BitsPatreon page. It runs about 26 minutes and includes comments on new and recent 4K titles, a sneak peek of 2025 4K catalog titles, and more. [Read on here...]

Published in My Two Cents

We’re starting as always today with new disc reviews! And we’ve got some good ones, including…

My look at Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai (1954) in 4K Ultra HD from the Criterion Collection.

Stephen’s take on Ti West’s MaXXXine (2024) in 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray from A24 and Lionsgate.

Tim’s review of Monk: Season Two (2003-2004) on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber Studio Classics.

Dennis’ thoughts on James Watkins’ Speak No Evil (2024) on Blu-ray from Universal, as well as Zach Clark’s The Becomers (2023) on Blu-ray from Vinegar Syndrome, and Peter Markle’s Youngblood (1986) on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber Studio Classics.

Sam Cohen’s look at Marco Bellocchio’s Kidnapped: The Abduction of Edgardo Mortara (2023) on Blu-ray from the Coen Media Group and Kino Lorber.

And finally, Stuart’s take on Claude Berri’s Tchao Pantin (1983) on Blu-ray from Radiance Films.

More reviews are forthcoming, including my own look on Dean Parisot’s Galaxy Quest (1999) in 4K Ultra HD from Paramount—that disc is expected to arrive here at the office today, so I’ll definitely be spinning it immediately upon its arrival! [Read on here...]

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We’ve got more new disc reviews to share with you today, to start the new week out right…

As promised, I’ve shared my in-depth thoughts on Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest (1959) in 4K Ultra HD from Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment, and you’ll be pleased to know that it’s stunning. What’s more, those of you who saw the promotional trailer for the remaster need not worry—its missing fingers and cigarette are untouched in the actual 4K master. The film looks really great.

Also today, Stephen has taken a look at Shout! Factory’s new Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD box set of Jim Henson’s Labyrinth (1986).

Tim has offered his thoughts on Barry Sonnenfeld’s Addams Family Values (1993) in 4K Ultra HD from Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment.

And Sam has reviewed Nikhil Nagesh Baht’s Kill (2023) in 4K Ultra HD Steelbook from Lionsgate.

Next up on my review stack is Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles (1974) in 4K Ultra HD from Warner, but first I may share my look at Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai (1954) in 4K UHD from Criterion, provided my copy arrives in the mail today as expected. Either way, both reviews should be posted in the next couple days.

Speaking of Criterion, the company has just unveiled its February 2025 release slate, as follows… [Read on here...]

Published in My Two Cents

All right, today is Election Day here in the States, which means that partisans on both sides (and everyone in between) are feeling grumpy, nervous, or just over the whole damn thing. Some folks this evening or tomorrow—or at some point in the next two months—will be happy-ish. But while none of this feels normal, it may actually be the new normal, and that too is unsettling for lots of people.

Given all of that, I wanted to share a post today here at The Digital Bits that might actually serve as a balm or a ray of sunshine for movie and 4K fans—or at least a bit of welcome news—no matter what the outcome of today’s voting might be. So stay tuned for that in a moment.

First though, we’ve got a trio of new disc reviews to share with you here today, including...

Stephen’s take on Robert Rossen’s All the King’s Men (1949) in 4K Ultra HD from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment’s new Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection: Volume 5 box set.

Dennis’ review of Robert Rossen’s Body and Soul (1947) on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber Studio Classics.

And Stuart’s thoughts on Alberto Cavalcanti’s Nicholas Nickleby (1947) on Blu-ray from Kino Classics.

More reviews are definitely on the way soon, including my own look at Arcane: League of Legends in 4K UHD from GKids and Shout! Studios. So be sure to watch for them. [Read on here...]

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As we close out the week, let’s start today as always with more new disc reviews...

Stephen has turned in his thoughts on John Mackenzie’s The Long Good Friday (1980) in 4K Ultra HD from the Criterion Collection.

Stuart has offered his take on a trio of new and recent Blu-ray titles, including Daniel Mann’s Come Back, Little Sheba (1952) from Kino Lorber Studio Classics, and the 1965 French anthology film Six in Paris (1965) and Larry Kent’s The Bitter Ash (1963) from Vinegar Syndrome.

Tim has taken a look at Tinto Brass’ Frivolous Lola (1998) in 4K Ultra HD from Cult Epics.

And finally, Dennis has delivered a review of Penny Lane’s documentary Nuts! (2016) on Blu-ray from Vinegar Syndrome.

In announcement news today, Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment has finally made Aaron Sorkin’s The West Wing official for Blu-ray on 10/1, in honor of the NBC series’ 25th anniversary. [Read on here...]

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Afternoon, folks! Let’s knock out today’s latest disc reviews here at The Bits before we get to the breaking release news...

Dennis has turned in a pair of new Blu-ray reviews, including his thoughts on Patricia Rozema’s White Room (1990) and also George Seaton’s The Country Girl (1954) from Kino Lorber and Kino Lorber Studio Classics respectively.

Now let’s get to the big breaking news...

Warner Bros Discovery Home Entertainment has just set Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) for release on 4K Ultra HD + Digital here in the States (and also 4K UHD + Blu-ray in the UK)! The US street date is 10/1 (UK is 9/30).

As we mentioned yesterday: The 4K disc will include both the Theatrical and Uncut versions, HDR10 high dynamic range, and Dolby Atmos audio, along with legacy extras that include Ready Freddy Focus Points, 2 audio commentaries with Craven joined by members of the cast and crew, alternate endings, and a trio of featurettes.

The 4K will also be available in Amaray or Steelbook packaging. You can see the cover artwork at left and also below the break. [Read on here...]

Published in My Two Cents

Welcome to a new week, folks! Boy, have we got some great new 4K and Blu-ray announcement news to share with you today! Naturally, we also have more new disc reviews here at The Bits as well. So as always, let’s start with the latter first...

Stephen has taken a look at Paul Schrader’s American Gigolo (1980) which is now available in a new 4K UHD release from Arrow Video.

Tim has offered his thoughts on Lamberto Bava’s Demons (1985) and Demons 2 (1986) in 4K Ultra HD from the good folks at Synapse Films. Both of those street next week.

Dennis has checked in with a look at Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett’s Abigail (2024) on Blu-ray from Universal.

And Stuart has weighed in with his review of Imprint’s recent Directed by John Farrow Blu-ray box set, which includes Commandos Strike at Dawn (1942), The Hitler Gang (1944), Night Has a Thousand Eyes (1948), Submarine Command (1951), and Botany Bay (1953), and the John Farrow: Hollywood’s Man in the Shadows (2021) documentary.

More reviews are forthcoming all this week, so be sure to watch for them!

Now then, we’re awaiting official press releases, but Paramount has just listed David Fincher’s Zodiac (2007) for release on 4K Ultra HD on 10/29, along with Barry Sonnenfeld’s Addams Family Values (1993) in long-awaited 4K UHD! Both titles we first revealed here at The Bits back in June (click here and here). The good news is that each will include Dolby Vision HDR. You can see the cover artwork at left and also below! [Read on here...]

Published in My Two Cents

We start today with more new disc reviews, including...

Stephen’s look at John Flynn’s Rolling Thunder (1977) and Kimberly Peirce’s Carrie (2013) in 4K Ultra HD, as well as Jonathan Kaplan’s Over the Edge (1979) on Blu-ray, all from Shout! Factory.

Stuart’s take on Ken Loach’s documentary The Spirit of ‘45 (2013) on Blu-ray from Vinegar Syndrome and Alain Cavalier’s Le Combat dans l’île (1962) on Blu-ray from Radiance Films.

And Dennis’ thoughts on Kino Classics’ Vitagraph Comedies Blu-ray, featuring 40 classic shorts on three discs.

Now then, in terms of actual announcement news, we’ve got a couple of items for you and they’re pretty great. But there’s even more unofficial news, that’s no less exciting! Let’s get to the actual announcement news first...

It starts today with word that Janus Films will be debuting a brand new 4K restoration of Akira Kurosawa’s legendary epic Seven Samurai (1954) next month in New York and Los Angeles! You’ll be able to see it on 7/5 at the Film Forum in NYC and on 7/7 at the American Cinematheque’s Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles. This is only my favorite film of all time. I will absolutely be at that Egyptian Theatre screening, and the fact that this restoration is now complete surely means that a physical 4K Ultra HD is coming later this year from Criterion as well. You can see the poster for this release at left, and the trailer is available for reviewing below the break. [Read on here...]

Published in My Two Cents

Our second news update of the day starts with a little bit of breaking news: Paramount has just made David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker’s Top Secret! (1984) and David Fincher’s Zodiac (2007) available in 4K Digital on Apple TV, Vudu, Kaleidescape, and more. Given the amount of effort Fincher puts into his remasters, we believe it’s safe to assume that Zodiac will be coming to physical 4K Ultra HD from Paramount sooner than later as well.

Zodiac, it should be remembered, was shot mostly in 10-bit RAW in 1080p HD (4:4:4) using the Thomson Viper FilmStream camera, along with some footage in 35 mm photochemical film (Super 35 format). But anyone who doubts that it could look great upscaled and remastered in 4K would do well to take a look at HBO’s Game of Thrones: The Complete First Season in 4K UHD (which we’ve reviewed here). The advantages of high data rate and low compression, combined with an HDR grade, could really make a difference. Zodiac in particular was very well lit and photographed. Personally, I’m eager to get a look at it.

Also today, Arrow Video has announced their August slate, which includes a UK-only 4K Ultra HD release of Michael Lehmann’s Heathers (1988) on 8/5, followed by a slew of titles on 8/26. Among them are Robert Rodriguez’s Desperado (1995) in 4K Ultra HD and The Mexico Trilogy box set (both in the UK, US, and Canada), which includes El Mariachi (1992) and Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003) in Blu-ray, as well as the Desperado 4K. [Read on here...]

Published in My Two Cents

Morning, folks!

All right, Tim is going to have a couple of new disc reviews posted here at the site shortly, and I’ll be back tomorrow with more release news, plus my own in-depth review of Andor: The Complete First Season in 4K Ultra HD.

I’ve actually been working on that over the weekend, but my father-in-law has also been visiting with us here for the past week or so, and he’s headed off to the airport this evening for his return flight home. So, real life calls.

In the meantime, we do have a few pieces of release news that are kind of important to share with you all this morning. So let’s get right to them...

The first comes to us by way of the Warner Bros. Shop in the UK, which has now revealed that Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest (1959) is finally coming to 4K Ultra HD later this year in honor of the film’s 65th anniversary! We don’t yet have a street date, but you can see the expanded packaging mock-up below the break. [Read on here...]

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