I’m not sure why Swedish films are so painful to sit through, as their characters typically aren’t mowed down in a flurry of bullets, but rather subjected to torturous personal and emotional harm – usually over the course of many hours. The 1987 Billie August-directed adaptation of Martin Andersen Nexo’s novel PELLE THE CONQUEROR (150 mins., 1987, PG-13; Film Movement) is one of those instances, starring Max Von Sydow as a widowed farmer to a young son (Pelle Hvengaard) who try and make it after moving from Sweden to Denmark.
Problems – many of them – follow in a finely textured and performed drama that gives Von Sydow one of his career highlights; on the other hand, it’s hard to sit through some of the movie’s more harrowing passages, making for a long, and downbeat, view. Film Movement’s superlative 1080p (1.85) AVC encoded Blu-Ray transfer, from a 2K digital restoration, is striking with its level of detail and satisfying colors – the movie looks terrific and uncompressed stereo sound (English subtitles) renders the film’s subtle sound design. A commentary by critic Peter Cowie and booklet essay from Terrence Rafferty comprise the extras.
Coming late October from Film Movement, I AM NOT A WITCH (93 mins., 2018) is the acclaimed debut film of writer-director Rungano Nyoni – a drama abut a nine-year-old African girl, accused of being a witch, who’s sent to a camp presided over by a corrupt government official. A satirical/political commentary, the 93-minute import (in numerous African languages and subtitled in English) comes to Blu-Ray (2.40) later this month from Film Movement also featuring an interview with Nyoni and the short “Mwansa The Great,” plus a new commentary with Nyoni, star Maggie Mulubwa and associate producer Gabriel Gauchet.
Maria Fredriksson’s THE GULLSPANG MIRACLE (114 mins., 2023) is a documentary about a pair of Norwegian sisters who buy an apartment in a small town where the seller looks like their sister – one who committed suicide decades before. Highly acclaimed, “Gullspang Miracle” debuts on Blu-Ray (1.78, 5.1 Norwegian with English subtitles) featuring an interview with Frederiksson and a booklet with notes from writer Sara Clements…filmmaker Moyoung Jin’s MY LOVE, DON’T CROSS THAT RIVER (86 mins., 2013) paints a portrait of a couple who have been together for some 76 years, following them through 15 months of life at age 100. Deleted scenes and a booklet with Justine Smith notes comprise Film Movement’s new Blu-Ray (1.78, 5.1 Korean with English subtitles) of this box-office hit in its native Korea where it, in fact, became the nation’s highest-grossing independent film.
Two additional titles premiere on Blu-Ray this month from Film Movement: THE THIRD WIFE (96 mins., 2018) is director Ash Mayfair’s story, set in 19th century Vietnam, about a teenager who becomes the third wife of a local landowner before falling in love with the man’s second wife. A commentary with Mayfair, an interview with the director, an alternative silent version (“Between Shadow and Soul”) and a 16-page booklet with notes by Beatrica Loayza comprise Film Movement’s Blu-Ray (1.49, 5.1/2.0); and Shim Sung-Bo’s SEA FOG (111 mins., 2014), a Korean import about a violent storm that threatens the life of a veteran captain trying to transport illegals from China to South Korea. Cast and crew interviews, a featurette and notes by Brian Tallerico are included in Film Movement’s Blu-Ray (2.35, 5.1/2.0).
These pictures kick off OCN Distribution’s September and October releases, including no less than three releases from Cinematographe.
Debuting in a 4K UHD package is MIXED BLOOD (98 mins., 1984), a gritty New York City-set story of Rita, a single mother (Marilla Pera) from Brazil trying to make it with a son (Richard Ulacia) who’s involved in drugs and gangs. While Rita’s efforts to work the trade in her local neighborhood result in a turf war against another local clan, her son’s relationship with a girl (Linda Kerridge) who’s related to another drug lord makes for an even more tangled web in Alphabet City.
Paul Morrissey, best known for his ‘70s collaborations with Andy Warhol among other exploitation films, directed “Mixed Blood” and captures its authentic locations in all their grimy, textured detail; it’s an interesting period piece with an early performance from John Leguizamo, preserved in a 4K UHD (1.85, mono) from the original 35mm OCN.
Extras include a commentary from Howard S. Berger and Steve Mitchell; video interviews with casting director Leonard Finger, producer Steven Fierberg, and editor Scott Vickrey. There’s also a video essay by Chris O’Neill, a 1994 interview with Morrissey, a still gallery and insightful essays by Madelyn Sutton, historian Erica Schultz and genre expert Paul Attard.
A 1999 indie that I was previously unfamiliar with, THE WOMAN CHASER (90 mins., R) offers up a showcase for Patrick Warburton, best known for his comedic work, who takes a decidedly more dramatic turn here as Richard Hudson – a slimy car salesman feverishly pursuing the production of his first script in 1950s Hollywood. Writer-director Robinson Devor’s film fits snugly among other black-comic portraits of the industry and that era, but it’s Warburton’s sardonic performance that makes this a compelling view.
Rarely seen in any form, Cinematographe’s Blu-Ray (1.85, 2.0 stereo) presents “The Woman Chaser” in its uncut 90-minute B&W version from the 35mm OCN (with one sequence having to be sourced from a 35mm master positive) along with its apparently even more obscure color version, “The Art of Insanity,” which is also on-hand. Special features include a commentary by Devor moderated by Justin LaLiberty; another commentary with Alain Silver and Christopher Coppola; video interviews with Warburton and producer Joe McSpadden; and trailers.
Cinematographe’s upcoming release is GANG RELATED (111 mins., 1997, R), a movie that developed a cult following due to its lead performance from rapper Tupac Shakur, completed just days before his death. Shakur gives a strong performance alongside Jim Belushi, the duo portraying dirty cops who murder a drug dealer, only to find out he was a DEA agent and have to pin the crime on a homeless man (Dennis Quaid) with an identity that sinks them even deeper into the L.A. muck they’re already part of.
Jim Kouf wrote and directed “Gang Related,” which sports an ace supporting cast (James Earl Jones, David Paymer, Wendy Crewson, Gary Cole, Lela Rochon) and an unpredictable script that manages to keep the viewer invested across its assorted twists and turns. Cinematographe’s Blu-Ray (2.35, 5.1 DTS MA) includes a commentary with Kouf and his wife Lynn Bigelow-Kouf; video interviews with the duo, plus producer Brad Krevoy, who was head of what was “Orion Pictures” in 1997, producer Steven Stabler and music executive Marcus Barone. There’s also a video conference with Jonathan Abrams discussing Shakur’s legacy; an archival featurette; and text essays from Quatoyiah Murry, Brandon Streussnig and Travis Woods.
Fans of “Fright Night” should absolutely pick up YOU’RE SO COOL, BREWSTER: THE STORY OF FRIGHT NIGHT (232 mins., 2016; ETR Media), Christopher Griffiths’ all-encompassing look behind-the-scenes at the production of Tom Holland’s 1985 cult favorite, sporting interviews with all the (then) surviving cast and crew members associated with the picture. This sprawling doc runs 147 minutes and also includes the feature-length “Story of Fright Night Part II,” along with additional interview segments in ETR’s double-disc Blu-Ray (1.78, 2.0 DTS MA stereo)…Coming soon from ETR, COMMANDO NINJA II: INVASION AMERICA (150 mins., 2025) is a wild independent throwback to ‘80s action movies with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Ben Combes’ second feature includes a 1080p (2:1, 2.0) transfer with a Making Of, prequel short, trailers and more.
Canadian International Pictures: Viewed as a breakthrough “gay film,” WINTER KEPT US WARM (82 mins., 1965) is a finely-hued Canadian drama involving a freshman at the University of Toronto (Henry Tarvainen) who meets and is influenced by a sophomore (John Labow) who not only bonds him to the rising political scene on-campus but in a personal relationship as well. Newly scanned in 4K (1.37 B&W) by CIP for Blu-Ray, director David Secter’s film includes a commentary by the director; another commentary featuring John Greyson and Thomas Waugh; new interviews with Secter, actress Joy Fielding, executive producer Ronald B. Thomson and composer Paul Hoffert; an interview with Secter; outtakes, deleted scenes, additional documentary material on Secter and even a conversation about the sequel he never filmed.
Coming in late October from CIP, COLD JOURNEY (76 mins., 1975) looks at a young Cree teenager trying to adjust, and fit in, to both life on the reservation as well as a white foster family with whom he cannot connect. Eventually “Buckley” (played by Buckley Petawabano) finds some solace with the janitor at his local school before tragedy sets in during this feature, the only fictional drama made by National Film Board of Canada veteran Martin Defalco. Scanned in 2K (1.33, mono), this realistic, straight-forward drama has been graced on Blu-Ray with numerous, insightful extras, including a commentary featuring Lawrence Dunn and Kevin Howes and interviews with the duo, plus historian Jesse Wente. There are also various shorts including a version of the film made for children as well.
Music Box Films: JUST THE TWO OF US (105 mins., 2023; Music Box) is a compelling French drama that stars Virginie Efira as a woman bewitched by the suave Melvil Poupauid; after marrying and moving out to the country, Efira’s heroine begins to suspect there’s something off with her new husband, who begins to torment her mentally and otherwise. Eric Reinhardt’s novel of the same name was adapted by director Valerie Donzelli for this well-reviewed picture scored by Gabriel Yared; Music Box’s Blu-Ray (1.66, 5.1 French, English subtitles) is now available featuring a Donzelli interview, image gallery, and commentary from Alexandra Heller-Nicholas.
IFC Films: The lovely Agnes Bruckner, whose career never quite pushed onto the A-list, co-stars with Madeline Zima in Jamie Babbit’s BREAKING THE GIRLS (87 mins., 2011, Not Rated), a steamy thriller co-starring Shawn Ashmore and Kate Levering. Arriving on Blu-Ray (1.78, 5.1 DTS MA), IFC’s disc includes archival interviews, the trailer, and a new interview and commentary by the director…In Francois Ozon’s YOUNG & BEAUTIFUL (95 mins., 2013), Marine Vacth gives a memorable performance as a teen who becomes a call girl who’s seemingly disinterested in the services she’s providing or cash she’s making. A commentary by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas debuts in IFC’s Blu-Ray (1.85, 5.1) along with archival interviews, deleted scenes, footage from the film’s 2013 Cannes premiere, and notes from Elena Lazic.
Coming late October from IFC, Vaclav Marhoul’s 2019 adaptation of Jerzy Kozinski’s book THE PAINTED BIRD (169 mins.) offers audiences a harsh, compelling portrait of “The Boy,” who fights for survival in Eastern Europe during the close of WWII. An eclectic cast including Udo Kier, Harvey Keitel, Stellan Skarsgard and Barry Pepper appear in this lengthy affair shot in 35mm B&W that’s new on Blu-Ray (2.39, 5.1). Special features include a feature-length documentary, commentary with Jonathan Owen, an interview with Marhaul, and a video essay by Salvador Carrasco.
Kani Releasing: Japanese director Takashi Ishii’s FREEZE ME (101 mins., 2000) is a controversial, disturbing drama involving a rape victim (Harumi Inoue) who goes to extremes after one of her attackers returns, threatening to blackmail her. A Japanese exploitation film that was greeted with equal shock and acclaim, “Freeze Me” has been remastered in a 2K Blu-Ray transfer (1.85, Japanese 2.0 stereo with English subtitles) and extras including an interview with cinematographer Yasushi Sasakibara and notes by Samm Deighan…Also debuting on Blu-Ray this October, Yoko Yamanaka’s AMIKO!! (66 mins., 2017) is a short character study about a school girl who harbors a crush on a fellow classmate, only to pursue him to Tokyo after he leaves school to pursue his dreams. A 1080p (1.78, 5.1) transfer is included in Kani’s Blu-Ray along with the trailer, a 2018 Q&A with the director, a 2025 talk with Yamanaka, and a booklet with notes by Missouri Williams and on-set photos.
Debuting on 4K UHD from Dekanalog, Lino Brocka’s BONA (88 mins., 1980) stars Nora Aunor as the title character: a middle-class girl from the Philippines who drops out of school in order to follow an actor (Philip Salvador) who ends up dragging her into the Manila slums where she becomes his servant. Considered an important Filipino cultural work, “Bona” has been restored on 4K UHD with Dolby Vision HDR (1.37, mono) and extras including recent interviews with assistant director Jeric Soriano and actor Nanding Josef; a Q&A from Brocka at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures from a year ago; and Clodualdo del Mundo Jr.’s short “Superfan.”
Also new from Dekanalog, John Brian King’s REDLANDS (108 mins., 2014) is a study of three Californians whose triangle sets up a noir-ish tale of repressed emotions (that, of course, simmer over) in a well-reviewed indie debuting on Blu-Ray. “Redlands” (1.78, 5.1) offers an extended scene, deleted scene, an array of King’s short films produced from 2016-23, the trailer, and a booklet that features a discussion between King and Dekanalog’s Elijah Drenner.
Shudder: The relationship between a stripper and a religious girl brought together for the apocalypse is the best part of REVEALER (86 mins., 2022), a so-so Shudder original from director Luke Boyce that fumbles at the finish line due to its disappointing ending. Shudder’s Blu-Ray (2.39, 5.1) is chock full of supplements including three commentaries, a 37-minute Making Of, a video essay by Jessica Scott, a gag reel, VFX breakdown, “full dance sequence,” and a booklet with a movie tie-in comic and notes from Tori Potenza…Writer-director Emily Hagins’ SORRY ABOUT THE DEMON (105 mins., 2022) tries to leverage comedy, relationships and horror with its story of a young man trying to win back his ex while getting rid of a demon residing in his house. Shudder’s Blu-Ray (2:1, 5.1) features a number of extras including deleted scenes, a commentary with Hagins and on Michael Simpson, and booklet notes by critic Amber T.
Brainstorm Media: In RAGING GRACE (99 mins., 2023), director Paris Zarcilla brings together social commentary and terror when an undocumented immigrant uncovers a terrifying secret after becoming an old man’s caretaker in his posh home. Commentary with Zarcilla, behind the scenes footage, storyboards, a “video conference” between Zarcilla and Lulu Wang, and notes from critic Walter Chaw are included in Brainstorm’s Blu-Ray (1:44, 5.1 DTS MA)…Due out later in October is PSYCHO THERAPY (102 mins., 2024), a black comedy from writer-director Tolga Karacelik starring Steve Buscemi, John Margaro and “Severance”’s Britt Lower. A featurette is included in Brainstorm’s Blu-Ray (2.39, 5.1).
Cinephobia brings viewers RENT FREE (93 mins., 2024), director Fernando Andres’ film about desperate best friends living in Austin, attempting to find enough loose change to stay in their apartment while saving up to move to New York City. Commentary with Andres, star Jacob Roberts, and cast/crew members are included along with behind-the-scenes footage and Andres, Roberts and Tyler Rugh’s earlier short film “Knowing Me, Knowing You” in the Cinephobia Blu-Ray (1.78, 2.0)...From Utopia comes Cazzie David and Elisa Kalani’s I LOVE YOU FOREVER (90 mins., 2024), the story of a 25-year-old law student whose new journalist boyfriend begins to exhibit darker hues, complicating her attempts to cultivate an adult romantic relationship. Utopia’s Blu-Ray (1.78, 5.1/2.0) offers an NYC screening Q&A, outtakes, a deleted scene, audience interviews/reactions, and a still gallery.
Hope Runs High: Natalia Sinelnikova’s WE MIGHT AS WELL BE DEAD (94 mins., 2022; Hope Runs High) looks at the communal breakdown that ensues after a dog goes missing and suspicions spread to a security officer and her teen daughter. This German import netted strong reviews and debuts on Blu-Ray (2.39, 5.1) featuring a new interview with the director and co-writer Viktor Gallandi; an intro from Taylor Purdee; an interview between Sinelnikova and Isabel Custodio; trailers; and booklet notes…due out late October from HRH, CHRONICLES OF A WANDERING SAINT (84 mins., 2023) offers Argentinian star Monica Villa as a competitive woman who stages a miracle but finds out something truly supernatural is happening in her small town. Commentary with director Tomas Gomez Bustillo, a Making Of, shorts, interviews and booklet notes by Andrew Crump and Taylor Purduee are on tap in HRH’s Blu-Ray (1.85, 5.1).
Memory’s upcoming release of Dean Fleischer-Camp’s FRAUD (52 mins., 2016) offers a special edition package of this unusual documentary/meditation on the internet, Youtube and how stories can be shaped to serve any purpose. A number of extras including an AFI Q&A are included in the Memory Blu-Ray (4:3, 2.0)…Oliver Lake’s FIRE WILL COME (86 mins., 2019) is set in the remote Spanish region of Galicia where a man (Amador Arias), released after serving time for arson, is suspected again of a fire after he moves back in with his mother (Benedicta Sanchez). A Q&A with Lake and cinematographer Ed Lachman is included in KimStim’s Blu-Ray (1.85, 2.0)…Australian comedians Damian Callinan and Luke McGregor star in THE EMU WAR (72 mins., 2023), a wild spoof from Down Under making its way to Blu-Ray from Umbrella. The disc (2:1, 5.1/2.0) includes commentary from writer/directors Jay Morissey, Lisa Fineberg and John Campbell along with writer Jonathan Schuster; a VFX breakdown; deleted scenes; and the 2018 short of the same name.
Heiny Srour’s 1984 film LEILA AND THE WOLVES (95 mins.) has been remastered in a 2K transfer (1.37, 2.0) from the Several Futures label. This interesting free-form visual meditation on Arab women in Palestine and Lebanon has been called an important feminist work and debuts in the U.S. on Blu-Ray for the first time. Extras include the trailer and an interview with Srour…Yellow Veil Pictures presents 0s & 1s (92 mins., 2025), a wacky comedy from Eugene Kotlyarenko about a man who loses it all once his computer goes missing. Commentary, deleted scenes, interviews, visual essays, the 2007 short version and feature film “Skydiver” (2010) are all a part of Yellow Veil’s Blu-Ray (1.85, 2.0).
Also New & Noteworthy
THE GIRL WHO LEPT THROUGH TIME 4K UHD/Blu-Ray (98 mins., 2006; Shout!): Mamoru Hosoda’s enchanting 2006 anime follows the time-traveling exploits of Makkoto, a teen who finds out she has the uncanny ability to move back in time after avoiding being hit by a train. She uses the power to fiddle with personal relationships and even exam results – at least until she finds out there are, of course, consequences for her actions in this acclaimed and popular early Hosoda work. Shout’s Steelbook package includes a 4K UHD presentation (1.78) of the film with 5.1 DTS MA Japanese subtitled or English dub audio, a Blu-Ray disc from the same remaster, and extras including the feature with storyboards; two different commentaries; trailers and teasers.
GEORGIE AND MANDY’S FIRST MARRIAGE – Season 1 DVD (427 mins., 2024-25; Warner): CBS spin-off from “Young Sheldon” is set in more of a standardized sitcom format as the inaugural marriage between Georgie Cooper and Mandy Mcallister is retraced with their fast courtship, baby and assorted debt issues coming into clear comedic focus. A super ensemble cast led by Montana Jordan and Emily Osment fills out the by now (very) formula hyjinks courtesy producers Chuck Lorre, Steven Molaro and Steve Holland, the first season of which debuts on DVD this month from Warner (16:9, 5.1).
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