Making its 4K UHD debut from Cinematographe this month is Martin Scorsese’s second feature, BOXCAR BERTHA (89 mins., 1972, R), an American-International programmer about a young woman (Barbara Hershey) who becomes an outlaw during the Great Depression, bouncing around from Tennessee to Arkansas, robbing trains with the help of her “union organizer” on-again/off-again boyfriend (David Carradine, Hershey’s then-companion off-camera).
The duo, along with a pair of sidekicks (Barry Primus, Bernie Casey), become heavily wanted fugitives after plugging a mobster, sending the group on the run until their tragic end in a Roger Corman-produced, low-budget affair that benefits enormously from Scorsese’s direction, foreshadowing his subsequent hits and layered with lyricism.
This isn’t your typical AIP cheapie, and the performances of the nubile Hershey, Carradine, Primus and Casey give the film a compelling power, even if it seems a bit more contemporary to the early ‘70s than authentic of its period setting. The script, meanwhile, was by Joyce and John William Corrington, a couple best known for their work on assorted sci-fi films during the decade (“The Omega Man,” “Battle For the Planet of the Apes”), adapting Bertha’s own autobiography.
Released on Blu-Ray back in 2016, “Boxcar Bertha” debuts in 4K UHD (1.85) in a brand-new 4K restoration supervised by Scorsese himself from the 35mm OCN and enhanced with Dolby Vision HDR that makes for an even more powerful technical presentation – with a high bit-rate, outstandingly compressed transfer as well. On the audio end, the movie’s mono sound remains in its original, single-channel form.
Special features include new interviews with star Barry Primus and writer Ian Christie, plus a video essay from Daniel Kremer and a fresh commentary by critic Adrian Martin. There’s also a “Trailers From Hell” vignette with Julie Corman, Ben Mankiewicz’s TCM intro to the movie, a gallery of storyboards drawn by Scorsese, and a booklet featuring a text interview with the director and writing from critics Robert Daniels, Bilge Ebiri, Beatrice Loayza and Glenn Kenny.
Also new from Cinematographe is a 4K restoration of BADGE 373 (116 mins., 1973, R), one of the many gritty police thrillers of the ‘70s. This one directly adapts the exploits of famed NYPD detective Eddie Egan, the inspiration behind “The French Connection,” and who here – in the form of recently departed Robert Duvall – throws away the playbook after the death of his partner.
“Badge 373” suffers by comparison with the likes of the William Friedkin classic as well as “Serpico,” but it still is worth a look for its capture of the Big Apple in its urban decay phase and Duvall’s compelling performance. His Egan straddles the line between justice and vengeance and is ultimately forced to resign – making him the subject of persecution on behalf of criminals and even some cops alike – all of it captured well by writer Pete Hamill. What it lacks is the style of Friedkin or Lumet, as producer Howard W. Koch also directed the film, and he’s just not the same kind of director, making what feels at times like an R-rated TV movie.
Cinematographe’s Blu-Ray (1.85, mono) is a big improvement over Paramount’s old HD master, presented here with fine detail throughout. Extras include a solid new Steve Mitchell commentary; a new video interview with Egan friend and retired NYPD detective Randy Jurgensen; a talk between Jason Bailey and Justin LaLiberty; a video essay by Daniel Kremer; and essays from Mark Asch, Paul Corupe, A.S. Hamrah, and Justin LaLiberty.
OCN Spring New Releases
New from Film Movement: Fritz Lang returned to Germany in the late 1950s and produced the full-color, India-set epic THE TIGER OF ESCHNAPUR, which was followed by THE INDIAN TOMB (203 mins., 1959). Cut down for the United States into a single 90-minute feature (“Journey to the Lost City”) that was quickly forgotten, the full scope of Lang’s efforts have never been able to be fully judged in English speaking territories – at least until this impressive 4K digital restoration debuted on Blu-Ray in 2019, and has now been reissued by Film Movement.
The movies, admittedly, aren’t exactly pulse-pounding adventures, even with a premise that revolves around a German architect (Paul Hubschmid) falling for a half-Indian dancer (Debra Paget) with palace intrigue, forbidden romance (that’s on a low simmer at best) and the occasional thrill – seen as a bridge between the Saturday matinee fare of the 1930s and the later Hollywood escapist hits of Lucas & Spielberg – livening up the three-plus hour epic. The color cinematography certainly helps (and here in high-def most especially), but the overall impact of these pictures is going to be best left for Lang devotees and less adventure-seeking nostalgia buffs.
Film Movement’s two-disc Blu-Ray set reprises their out-of-print 2019 release: the 1.33 AVC encoded transfers look terrific with warm flesh tones and healthy elements, with the DTS MA German audio subtitled in English (Paget looks like she’s speaking English that was dubbed over). Extras include an informative 20-page booklet with Tom Gunning’s notes, a video essay by Mark Rappaport on Paget, a documentary on Lang’s “Indian Epic,” and a commentary by historian David Kalat.
Also coming from Film Movement is a double-feature Blu-Ray, SUO DUO: TWO FILMS BY MASAYUKI SUO, spotlighting the early works of the Japanese writer-director. Before Suo went on to generate acclaim for his classic “Shall We Dance,” he helmed FANCY DANCE (102 mins.) and the sports comedy SUMO DO, SUMO DON’T, both starring Masahiro Motoki, and each restored here in 4K in Film Movement’s Blu-Ray. In addition to 1080p (1.37/1.85) transfers, the set includes 5.1/2.0 DTS MA Japanese soundtracks with English subtitles; video intros from Suo; archival interviews with Suo and stars Naoto Takenaka and Hiromasa Taguichi; and a 16-page booklet sporting comments from writer Ariel Esteban Cayer…Gong Li stars in Zhang Yimou and Yang Fengliang’s JU DOU (95 mins., 1990, PG-13), a Foreign Film Oscar nominee about a young bride who has an affair with the nephew of her bitter (and also impotent) dye mill-owning husband. Commentary from Asian cinema buffs Pierce Conran and James Marsh, a video essay by Dr. Raymond Tsang, discussion on the movie from filmmakers and scholars, and a 16-page booklet with an essay from Rui Xie are all included.
Carlos Diegues’ BYE BYE BRAZIL (101 mins., 1978) was a late ‘70s art-house circuit hit, mixing comic overtones with appealing music and colorful characters. Film Movement’s Blu-Ray (1.66, 2.0) includes a new 4K restoration with an intro from producer Lucy Barreto, featurette, and a 16-page booklet with writing from Rafa Sales Ross…the Australian import SOMERSAULT (106 mins., 2004) earned kudos for director Cate Shortland as well as stars Abbie Cornish, playing a teen who flees a domestic situation for an Australian ski town. There, she meets the son (Sam Worthington) of a local farmer who falls for her in a well-performed picture restored in 4K for Film Movement’s Blu-Ray (1.78, 5.1/2.0). Extras include commentary, deleted scenes, Shortland’s short “Flowergirl,” and a booklet with notes by Marya E. Gates.
Johannes Grenzfurthner’s SOLVENT (98 mins., 2024) debuts from Film Movement – an unsettling German import about an American expatriate (Jon Gries) who becomes obsessed with a secret hidden concoction hid away in an Austrian farmhouse, and discovered during the search for Nazi documents. “Solvent”’s Blu-Ray debut (1.78, 2.0 DTS MA) includes a locations featurette and 16-page booklet with notes from Mary Beth McAndrews…Kei Cika-Ura directed GREAT ABSENCE (134 mins., 2023), a Japanese drama about a young man (Mirai Moriyama) who’s forced to reestablish a fractured relationship with his academic father (Tatsuya Fuji). Solid reviews greeted Chika-Ura’s picture, new on Blu-Ray (1.85, 2.0 Japanese with English subtitles) from Film Movement with a director interview, behind-the-scenes footage, and a 16-page booklet with notes by critic Brian Tallerico.
Finally, new on 4K UHD from Film Movement is SHANGHAI BLUES (103 mins., 1984), Tsui Hark’s production that mixes up comedy and romance between two would-be star crossed lovers in 1937 Shanghai. The colorful pacing and literally vivid colors of the 4K restoration sing in Film Movement’s UHD (1.85, 2.0), which also includes interviews with Hark and film coordinator O Sing Pui, a commentary by Frank Djeng, and booklet sporting notes from John Charles.
Also coming on 4K UHD, this time from Bizarro Releasing, is the Amando de Ossario horror favorite THE GHOST GALLEON (90 mins., 1974), the third entry in his “Blind Dead” saga where scantily clad models run into ghostly remnants of Knights Templar warriors. Some cool imagery pops up in this mid ‘70s effort newly restored and scanned in 4K from its 35mm OCN (1.85, mono, both Spanish and English dubs included) with ample extras produced by Bizarro. These include a new appreciation from Diego Lopez-Fernandez; a new interview with Sitges Film Festival director Angel Sala; an interview with FX artist Antonio Garcinuno; and an archival documentary on de Ossario, “The Last Templar,” featuring cast/crew/aficionado interviews.
IFC New Releases: The entertaining BLACKBERRY (120 mins., 2021) chronicles the rise and fall of the first smartphone and its Silicon Valley power-players and wannabees, here presented in two different cuts: the 120-minute theatrical version plus a 136-minute extended cut. Loads of extras include commentaries and featurettes, a 1080p (2:1) transfer and 5.1 DTS MA sound…Isabelle Fuhrman plays a college freshman whose determination to become part of her school’s rowing team take a physical and psychological toll in Lauren Hadaway’s well-reviewed THE NOVICE (94 mins.;, 2021, R), debuting on Blu-Ray from IFC with commentary and interviews with Hadaway and Fuhrman, two deleted scenes, and booklet notes by Fiona Underhill.
Shudder: Debuting on Blu-Ray, OUT COME THE WOLVES (90 mins., 2020) finds a trio of characters attempting to stay alive after a wolf pack turns the tables on their would-be hunters. Adam MacDonald provides a Director’s Commentary with an EPK, still gallery, and pre-visualization vignette included in Shudder’s disc (1.78, 5.1 DTS MA)…The Canadian-lensed HUMANE (90 mins., 2023) finds global forces cutting down on the Earth’s population after an environmental collapse. Jay Baruchel, Peter Gallagher and “Schitt’s Creek” alumus Emily Hampshire star in Caitlin Cronenberg’s movie with three deleted scenes and more in Shudder’s Blu-Ray (1.78, 5.1 DTS MA)…Sasha Rainbow’s GRAFTED (96 mins., 2025) follows a disfigured student to New Zealand where she plots body-horror revenge against her cousin and her friends. A Making Of featurette, behind-the-scenes footage, EPK and still galleries are all on tap in Shudder’s Blu-Ray (1.78, 5.1 DTS MA).
Factory 25: Among Factory 25’s Spring releases is SWAMP DOGG: GETS HIS POOL PAINTED (95 mins., 2024), a wacky music documentary (of sorts) following a pair of San Fernando Valley musicians who maneuvers through the underground of the music industry alongside pals Moogstar and Guitar Shorty. Factory 25’s (1.78, 2.0) Blu-Ray boasts deleted scenes, music videos, shorts, live performances, commentary, and a 32-page booklet with everything from an interview to Swamp Dogg’s cheesecake recipe (!)…Josh Heaps’ CITY WIDE FEVER (74 mins., 2025) finds a movie student wishing she never took a deep dive into the life of an Italian giallo director – not after she begins experiencing events mirroring the forgotten director’s own movies! A neat idea for a thriller gets a decent, if somewhat superficial, workover in “City Wide Fever,” new to Blu-Ray sporting a 1080p (1.78, 5.1) transfer with deleted scenes, a 28-page booklet, and commentary.
Brainstorm Media: Joseph Sims-Dennett’s THE BANISHED (96 mins., 2024) sends a girl out into the wilderness looking for her brother, only to run into whatever consumed him in a conventional albeit good-looking thriller shot in scope. Brainstorm’s Blu includes a 1080p (2.35) transfer with 5.1/2.0 sound options and a commentary from Sims-Dennett and actor/co-producer Leighton Cardno…”Riverdale” alumus Lili Reinhart plays a website content moderator who witnesses an actual crime in AMERICAN SWEATSHOP (93 mins., 2023), Uta Breisewitz’s cyber thriller new on Blu-Ray from Brainstorm (2.39, 5.1/2.0 DTS MA) with the trailer, a behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes, and discussion with the director and producer all included on the supplemental side.
Breaking Glass has on tap a Special Edition of Chad Ferrin’s H.P. Lovecraft-inspired UNSPEAKABLE: BEYOND THE WALL OF SLEEP (90 mins., 2025), starring Edward Furlong, Steve Railsback and Bai Ling in the story of a Catskill Mountain man, discovered living after having vanished 11 years ago, and a London “Dream Machine” that’s released an alien life form ready to take over the world. Gory horror and an outlandish story prevail in this 2025 release, on Blu from Breaking Glass sporting commentary, deleted scenes, bloopers, featurettes and more.
Canadian International Pictures presents a Blu-Ray remaster of Alan Zweig’s VINYL (110 mins., 2000), a documentary about a dozen or so record collectors and the joy – and burden – it brings with it. The resurrection in recent years of the LP format amongst hipsters especially brings a fresh revitalization to “Vinyl,” which is presented on Blu-Ray with a newly extended introduction by Zweig; five commentaries featuring Zweig, critics, extended interviews and more; a feature-length compilation of outtakes from the movie with its own commentary; extended interview with Harvey Pekar; and a booklet featuring executive producer Bruce McDonald. The transfer is culled from the best surviving tape master (1.33, mono).
Collective’s release of Kit Redstone and Arran Shearing’s KING BABY (89 mins., 2024) stars Neil Chinneck and Graham Dickson in a black comic tale of “royalty” run amok in a remote castle. Commentary, deleted scenes, a featurette, image gallery and trailer comprise Collective’s Blu-Ray (2:1, 5.1/2.0).
Cultpix brings horror fans the “Ultimate Director’s Cut” of “rocker shocker” THE BLEEDER (87 mins., 1982), which gained (some) notoriety as being Sweden’s first feature shot on video. It’s still, according to the press notes, the only slasher movie to originate from the country, and it’s been newly issued on Blu-Ray (1.66, 2.0 PCM mono) alongside 2005 cast/crew interviews, deleted scenes/bloopers, and more.
Dark Sky Films has two new releases lined up for later this month. Karl Hearne’s THE G (106 mins., 2023) stars Dale Dickey as a grandmother who fights to get out of a “compassionate” facility for the elderly in a potent dramatic thriller. Commentary with Hearne is included in Dark Sky’s Blu-Ray (2.35, 5.1 DTS MA). Also out from Dark Sky is LILLY LIVES ALONE (100 mins., 2024), Marin Melnick’s study of a woman who spirals out of control after the death of her child. Melnick provides a commentary alongside stars Shannon Beeby and Ryan Jonze in Dark Sky’s Blu-Ray (2.39, 5.1 DTS MA) alongside the trailer, a look at the practical effects and featurette on the movie’s audio mix…a “Devilish Double Feature” pairs HAYRIDE TO HELL with Bill Moselely and Kane Hodder plus a darkly comic A HALLOWEEN FEAST (195 mins.), on a Dark Sky single Blu-Ray with 1080p transfers (2.35, 5.1 DTS MA).
Delirium Home Video taps into the prolific filmography of Jess Franco with LOVE CAMP (79 mins., 1977), the fourth and final “women in prison” genre effort Franco turned out for exploitation producer Erwin Dietrich. This first U.S. release of the film on Blu includes a commentary by Troy Howarth plus a photo gallery and trailer (1.85, 2.0). A separate disc trots out LOVE LETTERS OF A PORTUGUESE NUN (89 mins., 1977), another collaboration between Franco and Dietrich, which has been restored, uncut, in a Delirium Blu-Ray (1.85, 2.0). Extras include “Memoirs of a Portuguese Nun” and “Jess Franco and Lina Romay in Munich” featurettes, trailers, photo gallery, and another commentary by Troy Howarth.
Dekanalog brings viewers a Special Edition of SNOWY BING BONGS ACROSS THE NORTH STAR COMBAT ZONE (40 mins., 2017), a live-action comedy/fantasy concoction (of sorts) from trio “Cocoon Central Dance Team.” Over two hours of extras include commentaries, deleted/extended scenes, additional shorts and live performances by the trio, booklet notes and interviews, and a 1080p (1.78, 2.0) transfer…Brendan Geraghty’s doc MOTEL DRIVE (63 mins., 2024) earned solid reviews for its depiction of America’s current housing crisis, as seen through a strip of historic Fresno, California roadside motels that have since become home to over 100 families, vets, and sex workers. A particularly strong examination of what’s gone wrong in California government (with the prospects of the state’s disastrous high speed rail project about to cut through the whole area), “Motel Drive” arrives on Blu-Ray (1.78, 5.1/2.0) from Dekanalog featuring commentary, extended scenes, outtakes, Q&A with the filmmakers, and the trailer.
ETR Media’s Blu-Ray release of THE IMAGE REVOLUTION (81 mins., 2014) profiles the rise and fall of Image Comics and its seven creators who left Marvel Comics, from their efforts building a new legacy through the industry’s collapse only a few years later and eventual revitalization. Commentary, 75 minutes of additional interviews and featurettes are all included in ETR’s Blu-Ray (1.78, 2.0)…the documentary ART SPIEGELMAN: DISASTER IS MY MUSE (100 mins., 2025) takes a look at the Queens native who revolutionized comic books through his Holocaust-surviving parents and social commentary. Deleted scenes, outtakes and extended interviews are included in ETR’s disc (1.78, 2.0).
Kani Releasing imports another acclaimed, if little-seen, Japanese import with LOOKING FOR AN ANGEL (61 mins., 1999), an abbreviated but impactful entry in pink film history from director Akihiro Suzuki. Kani’s Blu-Ray (1.78, 2.0 DTS MA) sports a new interview with Suzuki, a commentary by Dakota Noot, and a supporting feature, “Angel’s Body Temperature” (82 mins., 2023) sporting a selected-scenes commentary also by Noot. Also new from Kani is Masahi Yamamoto’s CARNIVAL IN THE NIGHT (109 mins., 1981), one of the director’s breakthrough films on the international circuit, and presented here in a 4K restoration from the 16mm negative (1.33, 2.0). Viewers also get a 2K restoration of Yamamoto’s debut feature, the 8mm-lensed SAINT TERRORISM (127 mins., 1981) along with the newly commissioned Yamamoto short DUDE (38 mins., 2025) and a booklet by James Balmont in the Kani package.
Kimstim has remastered PLAN 75 (105 mins., 2022), director Chie Hayakawa’s film about a future society where the elderly are asked to die off in order to help their rapidly aging civilization’s burdens. This acclaimed character study traces the lives of three individuals in this not-too-distant world and comes to Blu-Ray from Kimstim featuring Hayakawa’s first short film “Niagara,” an interview with the director, and a booklet essay from critic Hayley Scanlon (1.85, 5.1).
Magnolia Home Entertainment debuts filmmaker Radu Jude’s controversial BAD LUCK BANGING (106 mins., 2022), the story of a teacher who loses it all once her sex tape is leaked, and who refuses to buckle to their desire for her to resign. A new interview with Jude is included in Magnolia’s Blu-Ray (2.39, 5.1) plus an essay from critic John Semley.
Muscle Distribution debuts Louise Weard’s CASTRATION MOVIE ANTHOLOGY I. TRAPS. (275 mins., 2024), a “post-modern,” multi-part epic that follows a production assistant (Noah Baker) around while Weard herself plays a “trans sex worker.” Twoi commentaries, a documentary, booklet notes and more comprise Muscle’s Blu-Ray (2.39, 2.0).
NoBudge presents the well-reviewed festival entry TEDDY OUT OF TUNE (61 mins., 2026), a mix of documentary and narrative following a street musician who travels from Arizona to Canada, spreading the ashes of his recently-departed mother along the way. NoBudge’s Blu-Ray includes Super 8 prologues, four shorts from Daniel Freeman, a booklet with essays and interviews, and clues “that lead to $1000 worth of treasure spread across five different states!” (I kid you not!).
Several Futures brings viewers PETITE SOLANGE (86 mins., 2021), Axelle Roperts’ tale about a 13-year-old French teen who does whatever she can to keep her parents’ increasingly dysfunctional existence together. The Blu-Ray (1.85, 2.0) includes French audio with English subtitles, a Q&A from the NY opening, excerpts from Ropert’s Master Class, and a booklet featuring writing by Patrick Preziosi…Also upcoming from Several Futures is Rabah Ameur-Zaimeche’s THE TEMPLE WOODS GANG (113 mins., 2022), featuring a small-time criminal gang plotting a heist against a Sauddi Prince. A Q&A with the irector, essay from critic Filipe Futrado, 1080p (1.85) and 5.1 French audio with English subs comprise the Several Futures Blu-Ray.
Utopia’s latest releases include Sing J. Lee’s import THE ACCIDENTAL GETAWAY DRIVER (101 mins., 2022), the story of a Vietnamese cab driver who’s taken hostage by a trio of Orange County, California escaped convicts. Utopia’s Blu-Ray (2.39, 5.1/2.0) includes the trailer and a stills gallery…Umbrella’s release of LOVE AND OTHER CATASTROPHES (78 mins., 1996) offers young Aussie stars Frances O’Connor and Radha Mitchell in Emma-Kate Croghan’s well-reviewed youth picture from Down Under. The disc (1.77, 2.0) includes director commentary and an interview with star Matt Day.
Watermelon Pictures’ release of Usman Riaz’s THE GLASSWORKER (98 mins., 2024) follows the relationship between a father and son whose glass business is upended by the arrival of an army colonel and his violinist daughter. Lyrically told, “The Glassworker” makes for a lovely Blu-Ray (2.39, 5.1/2.0) with a Making Of documentary and storyboards provided on the supplemental side.
Wild Eye Releasing resurrects director Dave Jackson’s CAT SICK BLUES (94 mins., 2015), the disturbing black comic horror movie about a man who believes he needs to take nine lives in order for his beloved feline companion to come back from the dead. This gory, bizarre affair is back on Blu-Ray (1.85, 5.1) and is stacked with extras including commentaries, the uncut version of the film, music videos, the original short, interviews and much more…An early ‘80s horror parody/adult movie mash-up, DRILLER (83 mins., 1984) has long held something of an infamous designation on the erotic movie circuit. Remastered from the original Betacam master tapes, this wacko indie effort features a heavy “Thriller” influence, complete with dances brought over from the then-#1 hit Michael Jackson title track. OCN’s Blu-Ray (1.33, 2.0) offers interviews, trailers, and an 11X17 poster.
Willa has released LA COCINA (139 mins., 2024), director Alonso Ruizpalacios’ study of a busy Times Square restaurant and the relationship between worker Raul Briones and waitress Rooney Mara, especially when money goes missing from the register. Interviews with the director and additional extras are included in Willla’s Blu-Ray (1.85, 5.1 DTS MA)…Big World Pictures brings documentary fans a double-feature of Radu Jude’s EIGHT POSTCARDS FROM EUROPE (71 mins., 2024), presented here with THE EXIT OF THE TRAINS (180 mins., 2020), in 1080p (1.78) transfers with 5.1/2.0 stereo, English subs, and a video intro from the director.
Super 8 premieres on Blu-Ray FEAR HAS 1000 EYES (98 mins., 1970), Torgny Wickman’s Swedish horror film about a priest and his wife who end up dealing with voodoo and the occult after her old friend comes to visit. One of Sweden’s few genre exports, “Fear Has 1000 Eyes” includes a video essay by Rickard Gramfords, commentary, galleries, interviews and more (1.66, 2.0)…Finally, Glass Eye Pix debuts THE ROOST (80 mins., 2005), the story of four friends who inadvertently kick up some supernatural action en route to a Halloween wedding on an isolated farm. Commentaries, animation tests, the trailer and featurettes are included in Glass Eye’s upcoming Blu-Ray (1.66, 5.1/2.0).
NEXT TIME: OCN Spring Rundown! Until then, don’t forget to drop in on the official Aisle Seat Message Boards and direct any emails to our email address. Cheers everyone!