Even if John Badham’s BLUE THUNDER (109 mins., 1983, R; Arrow) has not weathered the years as well as the director’s other, more popular thriller from 1983 (“WarGames”), this high-tech helicopter thriller remains a slick good time at the movies – even more so now that Arrow has remastered it in a flawlessly encoded 4K UHD with Dolby Vision HDR.

The compromised Dan O’Bannon-Don Jakoby script — heavily altered, according to O’Bannon, by studio suits in pre-production — has its share of stock supporting characters and a cartoonish bad guy (Malcolm McDowell’s Colonel Cochrane, a studio-mandated creation), and a relatively basic plot about a Vietnam vet-turned L.A. cop (Roy Scheider) assigned to test out a top-secret, high-tech helicopter. Once Scheider’s Frank Murphy finds out about “The Government”’s true plan for Blue Thunder, war breaks out above Los Angeles with Murphy taking on Cochrane in a winner-take-all aerial battle.

“Blue Thunder” was a movie I loved as a kid (at least in its edited-for-television ABC broadcast, since I was understandably restricted from seeing the uncut version in 3rd grade), with the exciting helicopter sequences carrying a strong visceral intensity. Looking back on the movie today, it’s still fun, but is more effective from a nostalgic, early ‘80s genre perspective than the psychological character thriller angle that O’Bannon and Jakoby initially intended. Columbia wouldn’t produce their original script, settling instead for an entertaining, if forgettable, “popcorn movie” with expert widescreen cinematography by John A. Alonzo and a great score by Arthur B. Rubinstein covering for its shortcomings (i.e. a not particularly sympathetic hero, heavy-handed “government baddies” straight of the ‘80s playbook, etc.).

Delayed for reasons which have never been entirely clear through the middle/later sections of 1982, “Blue Thunder” was ultimately released just a month ahead of Badham’s subsequent picture, “WarGames,” in May of 1983. The movie did solid business though cost so much that it wasn’t as big a hit as expected. It lead to a short-lived TV series spin-off (more on that in a moment) and generated a Special Edition DVD, complete with a new retrospective documentary, before being issued on Blu-Ray by Sony in 2009 and going out-of-print thereafter (a subsequent Mill Creek Blu-Ray dumped all of the latter’s special features).

Arrow’s Limited Edition UHD premieres a flawlessly detailed, stunning 4K restoration of “Blue Thunder” with Dolby Vision HDR (2.35) that’s quite a sight to behold. The disc houses the original 2.0 Dolby Stereo track via DTS MA, but it’s usurped by Sony’s later 5.1 DTS MA remix which offers more energy and excitement, especially in terms of directional activity.

The disc premieres new interviews with John Badham, who discusses how he was able to sneak friend/composer Rubinstein onto the project ahead of the studio’s desire to hire Tangerine Dream, plus Malcolm McDowell and Candy Clark. We also get a 1983 promo featurette, the trailer, an image gallery, and a brief extension to a chase sequence which was seen in some overseas prints.

Arrow has also recycled the 2006 documentary “Ride With The Angels: Making Blue Thunder,” sporting comments from Badham, Scheider, O’Bannon and others involved with the picture. This is a well-rounded and engaging look back at the movie’s production with copious test footage and behind-the-scenes F/X shots included for good measure. A look at the production of the helicopter and a mostly engaging commentary track with Badham, editor Frank Morriss and motion control supervisor Hoyt Yeatman are also retained here in a hugely satisfying release.

Speaking of the BLUE THUNDER TV series, it too has materialized this month from Sony in a Complete Series Blu-Ray (539 mins., 1984). It’s always a welcome sight to see a high-def release of a nostalgic TV series, and since “Blue Thunder” only produced some 11 episodes, it makes it easier for the studio to undertake such an endeavor since there’s no worry about sales needed to coax the release of subsequent seasons.

“Blue Thunder” was heavily hyped by ABC as a mid-season offering during their 1983-84 campaign, debuting in January just a couple of weeks ahead of CBS’ “Airwolf,” another show about a high-tech chopper with Jan-Michael Vincent. Despite the blessing of Columbia Pictures and leftover stock footage from the movie, however, the “Blue Thunder” series landed pretty much with a thud – the show trading in the harder edge of the movie for more of an “A-Team” influence as James Farentino’s pilot is joined by “JAFO” Dana Carvey (pre-SNL) and the comic-relief team of ex-NFL greats Dick Butkus and Bubba Smith.

The adventures are stock series TV for its era and it’s easy to see why the far livelier “Airwolf” took the wind out of “Blue Thunder”’s sails, but for curious viewers with a nostalgic eye, Sony’s three-disc Blu-Ray offers great looking 1080p (1.33) transfers with 2.0 DTS MA mono sound.

ROBIN HOOD: PRINCE OF THIEVES 4K UHD (143/155 mins., 1991, PG-13/Unrated; Arrow): The year was 1991. Kevin Costner, fresh off his triumph in “Dances With Wolves,” did what any sane star coming off an Oscar victory would do: take the money and run off to make a big-budget mainstream Hollywood film.

In his case, it was “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” which was shot in England on a hurried production schedule to make it out in time for the summer movie season, beating what turned into a Fox TV movie from executive producer John McTiernan to the screen (that “other” Robin Hood, starring Patrick Bergin and Uma Thurman, I heartily recommend and reviewed here).

Costner reunited with his one-time “Fandango” cohort, director Kevin Reynolds, for the lavish Morgan Creek production, surrounding himself with big-time co-stars — including Morgan Freeman, Christian Slater, Alan Rickman as the Sheriff of Nottingham and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio — in the English-lensed version of the classic legend.

“Prince of Thieves,” of course, turned out to be a blockbuster smash, but it didn’t come easy. Costner reportedly threw Reynolds off the picture in post-production, re-cutting portions of the picture — including some of Rickman’s funniest passages as the Sheriff of Nottingham. Arguments between Costner, Reynolds, and the producers joined publicized tales of problems that flooded the media in anticipation of the release, though the heavily-promoted end result – with tie-ins as wide ranging as a Nintendo game to breakfast cereal – at least pleased the masses worldwide as the film became a big hit.

Arrow’s 4K UHD of “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” offers some new extras and a superbly encoded Dolby Vision HDR (1.85) transfer of the OCN – that goes for both the theatrical cut and an extended version which Warner premiered years later, initially on DVD. Apparently restoring the excised scenes that Rickman lamented were dropped long ago, the 12 minutes of added footage exclusively belong to the Sheriff and his comical, campy rants. This should come as good news for fans of the film, since most viewers and critics singled out Rickman’s goofy but entertaining performance as one of the film’s chief attributes.

If nothing else, Rickman’s scenes help overcome the movie’s biggest liability: Costner himself, whose stilted delivery (his line “I’m Robin of Locksley” remains an all-time classic) and pasty demeanor are still hard to accept in this kind of movie. I couldn’t help but notice the irony that, in 1991, Pierce Brosnan was relegated to hosting a network TV special on the making of the film (included here), while Costner was cast solely on his then-popularity at the box-office. You have to wonder what kind of film “Prince of Thieves” might have been with a more appropriate choice — say, Brosnan — in its lead role than Costner, since the two actors’ popularity levels were reversed just a few years later, especially once Brosnan began playing James Bond.

There’s still much to enjoy in the movie, though. Mastrantonio — a last-minute replacement for Robin Wright (Penn) — is fine as Maid Marian, while Freeman makes the most of a potentially oddball role as a Moor who fights alongside Robin and his merry men. Fine British character actors, including Brian Blessed, round out the cast, and there’s a memorable cameo by a beloved actor whose charisma blows Costner off the screen at the very end.

On the musical side, both 2-channel and 5.1 mixes are provided here. Michael Kamen’s score is at least superior to some of his mickey-mousing “action” scores of the period, though is quite uneven. The Overture and Finale are rousing and memorable, though the rest of the soundtrack doesn’t live up to its bookending cues (I much prefer Kamen’s “Three Musketeers” score by comparison).

New extras in Arrow’s hardback Limited Edition include a multi-part documentary, “Here We Are Kings,” that features interviews with writer/producers John Watson and Pen Densham, plus cinematographer Douglas Milsome and other members of the production team. Two archival docs are carried over from 1991, as are a pair of DVD-era commentaries, including one by Costner and Reynolds, together again. The other commentary features a less energetic track with Densham and Watson, along with Morgan Freeman and Christian Slater.

“Soundtrack cues” from the mega-successful album are included (as they were on DVD), while we also get Bryan Adams performing his hit single “Everything I Do, I Do It For You” at Ireland’s Slane Castle. There are also six postcard sized artcards and a mini-poster, all in Arrow’s traditional Limited Edition boxed packaging.

Despite its uneasy lead performance and production design that recalls the Ewok Village from “Return of the Jedi,” “Robin Hood: Prince of Theives” remains an agreeable enough night at the movies, and at least is far superior to subsequent genre efforts Ridley Scott among others tried turning out over the many years since. Recommended!

G.I. SAMURAI Blu-Ray (139 mins., 1979; Arrow): Lengthy (as in, overlong) Japanese science-fiction adventure finds Sonny Chiba’s military man leading his present-day squad back in time some 400 years where they’re improbably thrust into one of the bloodiest and most violent conflicts in his nation’s history. Kosei Saito helmed this impressively mounted production that ends up testing one’s patience in its final third when great-looking, if repetitive, battle sequences take over. Until then, “G.I. Samurai” is worthwhile viewing despite its tone which becomes increasingly depressing as well. Arrow’s Blu-Ray (1.85) includes the Japanese release with mono, 4.0 or 5.1 sound, along with the English version, “Time Slip,” which is dubbed but otherwise completely uncut. Extras include commentary by Samm Deighan and Tom Mes; an intro from genre specialist Mark Schilling; an appreciation by Matt Alt; a discussion between critics Masaaki Nomura and Tatsuya Masuto; 2005 cast/crew interviews; an image gallery; and notes by Josh Slater-Williams.

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Military Comedy from the ‘50s and ‘80s

It’s hard to believe it’s taken this long for PRIVATE BENJAMIN (110 mins., 1980, R; Warner Archive) to march its way into high-definition, but this Warner Archive 4K restoration of the 1980 comedy hit should prove to have been worth the wait for fans.

A box-office smash for star/producer Goldie Hawn, “Benjamin” sends Goldie’s “Judy,” a Jewish-American Princess, off to the service after her husband dies on their wedding night. With Eileen Brennan as the hard-nosed superior captain in charge of Judy’s unlikely (to put it mildly) “recruitment,” Judy tries to find her place in the military alongside her fellow female recruits, while Armand Assante essays the Frenchman she later falls for. Additional supporting turns are filled by a hugely capable cast including Robert Webber, Harry Dean Stanton, a cameo from Albert Brooks and Hal Williams, who would go on to reprise his role alongside Brennan in the “Private Benjamin” TV series.

Scored by Bill Conti with “House Calls”’ Howard Zieff helming, “Private Benjamin” is Goldie’s show all the way and her Oscar nominated performance remains a delight, even if the picture peters out near the end – not unlike, ironically enough, Bill Murray’s subsequent sojourn into service comedy with “Stripes” in 1981.

Warner Archive’s Blu-Ray (1.85, mono) looks and sounds great with the trailer and a pair of episodes from the successful CBS TV spin-off included, which found plucky “Airplane!” stewardess Lorna Patterson ably filling Hawn’s combat boots.

A quarter-century prior to “Private Benjamin”’s success there was another military comedy that found a big star enlisting for a decent quotient of laughs: THE PRIVATE WAR OF MAJOR BENSON (105 mins., 1955; Universal), where Charlton Heston took a break from epics in order to play a tough, seasoned vet disgraced by comments he made in a magazine. Punished by his superiors into taking a job at the Sheridan Military Academy, Heston’s Major Benson soon finds out his latest battalion is comprised of kids aged 6-16!

Heston’s tough veneer, of course, eventually melts down due to the kids’ personalities and the love of their base nurse (Julie Adams) in a breezy, entertaining comedy with Heston in top form. This Universal-International release co-stars William DeMarest, Tim Considine and Sal Mineo, and was later remade by the studio as the wan Damon Wayans ‘90s comedy “Major Payne” (not coincidentally due out shortly from Kino Lorber).

Universal’s Blu-Ray is a delight: clearly remastered, the 1080p (2:1) transfer offers outstanding detail with no apparent noise reduction having been applied, along with clear mono sound, aiding a score co-composed by Henry Mancini.

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Also New From Warner Archive

GEORGE STEVENS: A FILMMAKER’S JOURNEY 4K UHD & Blu-Ray (112 mins., 1984; Warner Archive): Long overdue release of this highly acclaimed mid ‘80s documentary that finds George Stevens, Jr. assessing the high quality of his father’s filmography, starting with “Alice Adams” and “Swing Time” through the likes of “Gunga Din,” “A Place in the Sun,” “Shane,” “The Diary of Anne Frank,” “Giant,” and “The Greatest Story Ever Told.”

Remastered in 4K HDR by The Film Foundation, this labor of love release from Warner Archive offers the 1984 documentary – which made numerous Best of the Year lists, including Siskel and Ebert’s – on both UHD and Blu-Ray. Loads of interviews and great clips (all presented fresh in HDR10) are balanced with an introspective look at Stevens himself from his son, who also incorporates ample WWII footage shot in Europe by his father.

A highly recommended UHD on all levels with special new extras including Christopher Nolan discussing “Shane,” Guillermo del Toro on “Greatest Story…” and Martin Scorsese likewise detailing the significance of Stevens’ 1965 work – one which hopefully will receive the same loving restoration “A Filmmaker’s Journey” does here.

KING RICHARD AND THE CRUSADERS Blu-Ray (114 mins., 1954; Warner Archive): A spectacular Warner Archive 4K scan awaits Golden Age buffs in this early Cinemascope studio adventure. Adapting Sir Walter Scott’s “The Talisman,” this glossy affair features George Sanders as the title character, taking on a Muslim leader (Rex Harrison) during the Crusades while fighting off assassination attempts from the inside, plus Virginia Mayo as “Lady Edith” and Laurence Harvey a Knight who also lusts after her. The cinematography looks just flawless in this marvelous restoration, though the dramatics of John Twist’s script usually come off as stilted in a drama that pales in comparison to its visuals and Max Steiner’s expansive score – also presented here in two-channel stereo (DTS MA 2.0). Extras include two WB cartoons and a Joe McDoakes short and the trailer.

20,000 YEARS IN SING SING Blu-Ray (79 mins., 1932; Warner Archive): Long-time con Spencer Tracy has become something of a model citizen while serving time in the Sing Sing penitentiary when his girlfriend (Bette Davis) is attacked. After being granted a furlough, Tracy’s Tom Gordon gets his revenge, but has he been “rehabilitated” enough to return to the prison where he’s turned his life around, or will he hightail it on the road to ruin instead? Michael Curtiz helmed this early Warner vehicle for stars Tracy and Davis, which offers pre-Code drama with a superbly restored transfer (1.37 B&W, mono). Extras include shorts “20,000 Cheers for the Chain Gang” and ”That Goes Double,’” two classic WB cartoons and the trailer.

ARROWSMITH Blu-Ray (101 mins., 1931; Warner Archive): Pre-Code adaptation of Sinclair Lewis’ 1925 Pulitzer-winning novel stars Ronald Colman as the small-town doc and idealistic scientist who heads to the West Indies and attempts to find a cure for the Bubonic plague. Colman’s performance as the ethically torn Martin Arrowsmith earned him kudos while the movie itself, directed by John Ford, chalked up seven Oscar nominations. Yet, even with Helen Hayes co-starring, “Arrowsmith” is a bit all over the place dramatically, not helped by many cuts that brought the movie’s run time at one point down from 109 to 89 minutes, reportedly drastically reducing Myrna Loy’s role in the process. This Library of Congress/Film Foundation restoration reclaimed most of the previously excised footage and Warner Archive restored the picture in 4K (1.37 B&W, mono) for another crackling good B&W presentation here on Blu-Ray. Extras include the 1937 Lux Radio Theater broadcast version with Spencer Tracy and Fay Wray in the Colman-Hayes roles.

CAPTAINS COURAGEOUS Blu-Ray (117 mins., 1937; Warner Archive): Rudyard Kipling’s classic receives the Grade A treatment from MGM in this 1937 hit. Spencer Tracy stars as Manuel, the Portuguese fisherman who tutors spoiled Freddie Bartholomew in the ways of the sea; Lionel Barrymore, Melvyn Douglas, and a young Mickey Rooney all support the leads in Victor Fleming’s robust film favorite, beautifully brought to Blu-Ray by Warner Archive with a 1080p (1.37 B&W) 4K restoration; an MGM cartoon and Robert Benchley short; studio promo short; a radio promo program; and the trailer.

MONOGRAM MATINEE Volume 2 Blu-Ray (83/56 mins., 1947/44; Warner Archive): What they lacked with big-screen budgets the “poverty row studio” Monogram Pictures made up for with quantity and spirit, producing dependable B-movies that were also some of the first Hollywood productions to make their way onto television during that medium’s earliest days as well. Restored here from Warner are two examples of Monogram product: the 1947 biopic LOUISIANA is a surprisingly robust portrait of governor Jimmie Davis, who also wrote the standard “You Are My Sunshine.” Director Phil Karlson would have a career with big studio work to come, and the film is paired with a western programmer that introduced the “Singing Cowboy,” Jimmy Wakely, in SONG OF THE RANGE. Both B&W (1.37) transfers are top notch given the relative pennies it took to produce these pictures.

CRACK-UP Blu-Ray (86 mins., 1946; Warner Archive): Pat O’Brien plays an art critic who loses his museum job after a train wreck – only to eventually realize there was no wreck in this RKO thriller that sends O’Brien’s protagonist down the rabbit hole of murder and a conspiracy involving the museum itself. Herbert Marshall and Clair Trevor are terrific in support of this 1946 picture with noir overtones new on Blu-Ray from Warner Archive (1.37 B&W, mono) with the short “Purity Squad” and the trailer included for good measure.

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New on 4K UHD

THE BIG COMBO 4K UHD (87 mins., 1955; Ignite Films): Fresh off their outstanding, meticulous restoration of the original ‘50s “Invaders From Mars,” Ignite Films returns with another sterling package – this one for a restoration (in association with the UCLA Film & TV Library and The Film Foundation) of the film noir fave “The Big Combo.”

Previously released on Blu-Ray by Arrow, “The Big Combo” has never looked this crisp and sharp, with HDR10 grading adding to the movie’s highly stylized look courtesy cinematographer John Alton and director Joseph Lewis. Working from a 35mm fine grain answer print, Ignite has produced the definitive presentation of this Cornel Wilde vehicle, with Wilde starring as a tough police lieutenant trying to take down a crime boss (Richard Conte) while developing feelings for this moll (Jean Wallace).

The sleek looking Steelbook, which reproduces the movie’s original artwork, houses a smattering of both new and archival special features. These include a new written intro by Eddie Muller, five specially created lobby cards and essays from Scout Tafoya and Ben Sachs among others. There’s also a new commentary with Imogen Sara Smith; an interview with author Philippe Garnier; and a video essay from Tafoya. Archival extras include a commentary with Eddie Muller, talk with Geoff Andrew on the film, and a video appreciation of Joseph Lewis’ camera work and directorial legacy.

Capping the disc is a supporting feature, “The Crooked Way” (1949), also shot by John Alton. The three-disc set (1 UHD and a pair of Blu-Rays housing the feature as well as extras) is available exclusively right now at Ingnite’s website.

WUTHERING HEIGHTS 4K UHD (136 mins., 2026, R; Warner): Overheated is the best word to describe this latest take on the Emily Bronte novel, which in the hands of writer-director Emerald Fennell, turns into an R-rated affair with producer Margot Robbie also starring as Cathy and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. No doubt the duo look the part but there’s arguably too much sex in this rendition, plus some not entirely helpful supporting turns from the likes of Shazad Latifg and Hong Chau. Warner’s 4K UHD (2.39, Atmos) looks as expected with good use of Dolby Vision HDR capturing Linus Sandgren’s cinematography, while commentary, three featurettes and a digital code round out the package.

IT: WELCOME TO DERRY Season 1 4K UHD (481 mins., 2025, HBO/Warner): Andy Muschietti’s two-part filming of Stephen King’s “It” was a bona-fide blockbuster, and HBO wisely agreed to bring his sensibilities back for this prequel series which retains the high production value of the films. Certainly there are ample scares and some grotesque moments to go around as “Derry” focuses less on Pennywise and more on the evil inherent in the Maine town itself that eventually manifests itself in the form of Bill Skarsgard’s creeptastic clown. Some heavy-handed moments pop up here and there too (mostly related to historical revisionism), but this is an assured and well-produced series beautifully captured on 4K UHD by HBO with Dolby Vision HDR transfers, Dolby Atmos soundtracks, featurettes, and three specially extended episodes (shows one, five and eight).

FALLOUT Season 2 4K UHD (422 mins., 2025; MGM/Alliance): Successful video game adaptations are few and far between, obviously, with Amazon’s expensive take on the popular “Fallout” RPG series a rarity since it met with widespread approval from fans. Not that the series itself is all that amazing — I had enough of the show’s juvenile violence and departed pretty quick — but the production values are high and the cast which includes Walton Goggins, Kyle MacLachlan and “Yellowjackets” alumnus Ella Purnell is appealing also. If you’re a massive fan of the source material “Fallout” does it justice too — I just wish the tone were a little less explicit and bombastic, but fans should be just as excited with its Season 2 UHD just the same. Alliance’s 4K UHD offers Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos presentations of the series’ second season episodes, with extras including multiple featurettes taking viewers to “New Vegas” and a commentary on Episode 8 featuring MacLachlan and Aaron Moten.

THE WALK 4K UHD (123 mins., 2015, PG; Sony): One of 2015’s biggest box-office disappointments – and one of the largest flops in the career of director Robert Zemeckis – was this chronicle of Philippe Petit, a French man (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who desired to walk on a high wire between New York City’s World Trade Center towers in 1974.

Undeserving of its poor commercial performance, Zemeckis’ film is easily his best film of the last quarter-century (faint praise as that may be), as it convincingly recreates the world of the mid 70s and, specifically the WTC buildings, in incredible detail. The visual effects artistry is so great that it tends to make Gordon-Levitt’s somewhat uncertain accent stand out all the more – the young actor’s enthusiasm is there, but he’s not entirely convincing as Petit. That said, “The Walk” makes for worthwhile viewing at home, and especially now in a 4K UHD (2.40, 5.1 DTS MA) that makes for a nice alternative to the 3D version which is now unviewable on modern TV sets. The Dolby Vision HDR image isn’t filled with “pop” but still looks quite good and the disc reprises its previous 5.1 mix along with extras including deleted scenes and featurettes.

THE FRONT 4K UHD (94 mins., 1976, PG; Sony): One of the few films Woody Allen appeared in that he did not write or direct offers Woody as a cashier in New York City during the McCarthy era who acts as a front for Blacklisted writers (including Michael Murphy). Allen’s Howard Prince takes just a small cut of the profits to shop quality scripts around town, but gains more of a conscience over time – primarily in his relationship with an unfairly accused blacklisted actor (Zero Mostel) targeted by the HUAC.

With a cast and crew filled with blacklisted talents – including director Martin Ritt and writer Walter Bernstein – “The Front” comes across less as an authentic drama set during the era and more of a basic – albeit impassioned and angry – tirade against it (which is completely understandable from the point of view of the persecuted individuals who produced the picture). Allen’s performance is quite good, with his usual nebbish persona incorporating some emotional layers as the film progresses, but it’s Mostel’s tragic character who generates the most emotion in the picture.

“The Front” makes its 4K UHD (1.85, mono) debut from Sony with Dolby Vision HDR. The transfer boasts the usual detail inherent in Sony’s high bit-rate UHD presentations though the image isn’t always spotless. The disc includes an enlightening 2016 commentary chat between Nick Redman, Julie Kirgo and co-star Andrea Marcovicci from Twilight Time’s Blu-Ray, along with the trailer and a Digital HD code.

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Also New From MVD

From 88 Films comes another martial arts epic from Hong Kong made during the golden era of the genre: THE INVINCIBLE EIGHT (99 mins., 1971), a Golden Harvest production that finds a group of disparate warriors working together in order to take revenge against a sadistic general that murdered each of their fathers. Lo Wei directed this well-regarded production with action scenes designed by Sammo Hung, who also co-stars with Nora Miao and Angela Mao. 88 Films’ Blu-Ray Limited Edition includes art by Aurelio Lorenzo, a fold-out poster, a new 2K restoration (2.35) from the OCN in glorious DyaliScope, plus commentary by Frank Djeng and Michael Worth, the trailer, an image gallery, and Mandarin PCM audio with English subtitles.

The first-ever production from Golden Harvest, THE ANGRY RIVER (90 mins., 1971), also premieres from 88 Films on Blu-Ray this month. The great Angela Lao stars as an angry woman trying to cure her ailing father and in pursuit of those responsible for his condition. The slick widescreen (2.35) cinematography lifts this new 2K restoration with both Mandarin subtitled audio and an English dub; commentary from Frank Djeng and Michael Worth; an image gallery; and the original Mandarin trailer.

MEATBALLS 4 Blu-Ray (86 mins., 1992, R; MVD [exclusive release]): The “Meatballs” movie “franchise” is one of the loosest in cinematic history, seeing as two of the sequels apparently weren’t even filmed with “Meatballs” attached to the title, and the one sequel that offered a connection to the original 1979 Bill Murray hit – one of the lead characters’ names to be specific – was tenuous at best.

Case in point is “Meatballs 4,” a movie set at a water ski camp where Jack Nance’s camp is facing tough times from a competing program up the lake. Not even having a group of gorgeous women around has driven up membership, but Nance has a plan to turn things around: bringing back skier Corey Feldman, who decides to spice up the fun for Nance’s campers and put a little light T&A into the movie’s barely-earned R rating.

Outside of being set at “camp” there’s no connection to the original “Meatballs” here, but taken on its own merits, this is a watchable early ‘90s comedy from “Repossessed” director Bob Logan. A few of the gags work and the casting – which doesn’t even try and cast teenagers but leads obviously well into their 20s and 30s – is a joke onto itself. Feldman even looks like he cared (according to Logan he was clean and professional, and was supervised by someone ensuring that he was) and the girls are suitably fetching – it’s certainly not “Meatballs” 1 but it’s not any worse than “Meatballs 2” or 3.

MVD’s Blu-Ray is exclusive to their online shop and offers a pretty good looking MGM licensed transfer (1.85, 2.0 stereo) with a 55-minute Zoom interview with Logan offered on the supplemental end along with the trailer and collectible mini-poster.

Visual Vengeance New Releases: Director Joseph Lai and IFD Films’ double-feature of BORN A NINJA and COMMANDO THE NINJA (1988) bring nostalgic video-store customers a dose of small-screen, shot-on-tape action. Both standard-def transfers have been remastered in a double-disc Visual Vengeance Blu-Ray backed with cheap ninja action even the Cannon Group may have been envious of. Extras include commentary on both movies by podcasters plus video essays on “The Essential Geoffrey Ho” and “The Law Chi Touch”; an interview with actor Kwan Chung; image galleries, two mini-posters with original VHS art and a booklet with notes by “ninja movie expert” C.J. Lines.

FUNGICIDE (84 mins., 2002) offers more standard-def, shot-on-video genre amusement from Dave Wascavage, best known as the helmer of “Suburban Sasquatch.” In fact, you get the Rifftrax version of “Fungicide” as a bonus in Visual Vengeance’s packed Blu-Ray special edition, which includes Wescavage’s commentary; three other commentaries; a deleted scene; outtakes; and much more (1.33, stereo)…finally, Jeff Leroy’s cheapie THE SCREAMING (84 mins., 2002) follows the adventures of a college student who gets involved with a deadly new age cult. An alternate remastered version of this 2002 effort is on-hand plus commentary, an interview with composer Jay Woelfel along with a CD of his score, trailers, a mini-poster and more (1.33, stereo).

In CRADLE OF FEAR (120 mins., 2001; Unearthed), writer-director Alex Chandon spins a grizzly tale of a child murderer (David McEwen) who goes after the people who helped to lock him up by way of “The Man” (Dani Filth), who takes vengeance on his behalf. Edmund Dehn is a detective who tries to figure it all out in this 2001 gore-fest from Chandon, which had its fans in the harder-edged horror circuit at the time, and who should appreciate Unearth’s two-disc Limited Collector’s Edition. The set features a 1080p (1.66, PCM 2.0) transfer with a Making Of, “Special German Making Of Thingy,” trailers, and an additional disc comprised of Chandon’s short films.

DESPERATE TEENAGE LOVEDOLLS Blu-Ray (We Got Power Films/MVD): 4K remasters of filmmaker David Markey’s “Desperate Teenage Lovedolls” plus “Love Dolls Superstar” includes both features from the indie director – all via new transfers from the original Super 8 film. Extras include stereo 2.0 (and 5.1 on “Lovedolls Superstar”) sound plus commentaries with Markey and stars Jennifer Schwartz and Jeff McDonald among them; plus outtakes, alternates, trailers, a Making Of, DTL 40^th Anniversary panel at USC’s Norris Theater, and LDS & American Cinematheque from the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood.

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Also New on Blu-Ray

SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE Blu-Ray (128 mins., 2003, PG-13; Sony): Entertaining, well-performed romantic comedy serves up Jack Nicholson in the kind of role that you’ve come to expect from the actor: an older guy still fixated on young women. Jack’s hip-hop record label producer travels to the Hamptons home of girlfriend Amanda Peet’s playwright mom (Diane Keaton), where Nicholson has a heart attack on his first night in camp. Keaton reluctantly nurses Jack back to health, and the two strike up a chemistry that has Nicholson falling for an older woman just as Keaton discovers a newfound relationship with a younger doctor (Keanu Reeves).

Nancy Meyers’ previous film was the winning Mel Gibson/Helen Hunt comedy “What Woman Want,” and while “Something’s Gotta Give” is not quite as fresh or amusing, it’s still an engaging vehicle that enables Nicholson and Keaton to give charming performances. Their interplay is incisive and appealing, and the supporting cast — including Peet, Reeves, Frances McDormand, Jon Favreau and Paul Michael Glaser — all lend able support to a predictable but warm movie that won plenty of critical kudos (if not boffo box-office) in the winter of 2003.

Making its long overdue Blu-Ray debut, Sony’s Blu-Ray (1.85, 5.1 DTS MA) spots a detailed and lovely AVC encoded transfer. The movie is well-shot and has the look of a class production, though I grew tired of Hans Zimmer’s score (which was a last-minute replacement for an Alan Silvestri soundtrack). Supplements include a pair of commentary tracks by Meyers — one with Diane Keaton and the movie’s producer, another with Meyers and Nicholson. One deleted scene, of Jack performing karaoke, is included along with bonus trailers.

GILMORE GIRLS: The Complete Series Blu-Ray (2000-07, 2016; Warner): Amy Sherman-Palladino’s long-running WB drama about a single Connecticut mom (Lauren Graham) and her wise, smart teen daughter (Alexis Bledel) truly did “Jump the Shark” prior to its seventh and final year — by which point even creator-producer Sherman-Palladino had left the sinking ship. What remained without her involvement is a mere shell of the series’ heyday, with the top-notch cast struggling to make the no-longer-witty banter interesting and the increasingly implausible dramatics stay afloat. It’s ultimately a losing battle, but memories of the previous seasons – especially its initial four or five – remain high in the memory of fans, who should be moved by Warner’s Complete Series Blu-Ray (1.78, 5.1 DTS MA) of the series’ original run.

This Complete Series set offers its entire broadcast from the WB/CW along with GILMORE GIRLS: A YEAR IN THE LIFE. Amy Sherman-Palladino returned to produce this Netflix follow-up, reuniting the original cast of Lauren Graham (Lorelai) and Alexis Bledel (daughter Rory), along with the denizens of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. The quartet of long-form episodes should delight “Gilmore Girls” fans even if the ending’s left ajar for another follow-up.

This latter production was previously part of the Warner Archive stable and joins the series proper in a good-looking assemblage from one of the best TV comedic dramas of the early 21^st century – its later years notwithstanding.

NIRVANNA: THE BAND, THE SHOW, THE MOVIE Blu-Ray/DVD (100 mins., 2026, R; Neon): Canadian web series gets a long-overdue continuation in the form of a feature film wherein stars/writers Matt Johnson (who also directed) and Jay McCarrol play friends who continue their quest of booking a show at the Rivoli when they instead go back in time to when their act began in 2008. Fans of this material (of which I was completely unfamiliar with) will naturally get the most mileage from this well-received feature extension of “Nirvanna,” with Neon’s Blu-Ray (1.78, 5.1 DTS MA) including two commentaries, an alternate opening, deleted scenes, featurettes and a DVD.

ULTRAMAN: TOWARDS THE FUTURE/THE ULTIMATE HERO Complete Series Blu-Ray (aprx. 7 hours; Alliance): New compilation of “Ultraman” adventures finds the big one taking on Gudis, an alien virus trying to destroy civilization, in “Towards the Future.” Meanwhile, “The Ultimate Hero” (also known as “Ultraman Powered”) has Ultraman merging with Global Defense Team’s Kenichi Kai, just in time to kick out a group of menacing monsters from causing an apocalypse along the U.S. west coast. Both programs feature 26 episodes in total, sporting 1080p (1.78) transfers and English 2.0 DTS MA soundtracks.

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2 Blu-Ray (110 mins., 2026, PG; Lionsgate): Sequel to the surprising hit which chronicled the faith-based music group MercyMe follows the band after the breakout success of their hit song, with directors Andrew Erwin and Brent McCorkle (who also wrote and scored the picture) focusing on the price of fame and how it particularly impacts lead singer Bart Millard (John Michael Finley). Milo Ventimiglia joins the cast as the group’s newest member, Tim Timmons, who provides Bart with a shot of new inspiration leading into MercyMe’s next hit “Even If.” If you enjoyed the earlier “I Can Only Imagine” chances are you’ll find this continuation to be compelling, with Lionsgate’s Blu-Ray (2.39, Atmos) out this week sporting two commentaries, featurettes, deleted scenes and the digital code.

THE LEGEND OF HEI 2 Blu-Ray (119 mins., 2025; GKids/Shout): Hei has to team up with the final disciple of his Sifu Wuixan – Luye – in order to expose a conspiracy that threatens to eliminate the peace between humanity and the spirit world. MTJJ and Gu Jie’s animation is the main draw to this recent sequel to HK-produced 2019 hit “The Legend of Hei,” presented on Blu-Ray from Shout and GKids this month. The disc offers both Mandarin 5.1 DTS MA and an English 5.1 track; behind-the-scenes segments with both the voice cast and animation team; animation breakdowns; and a full rundown of trailers and teasers.

NEXT TIME: Kino Lorber May remasters including 10 TO MIDNIGHT, SWASHBUCKLER and more! 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!