The late ‘80s and early ‘90s were flooded with erotic cinematic thrillers. From “Fatal Attraction” to “Basic Instinct,” it seemed barely a month or two would pass without another genre picture being released along similar lines. British director Mike Figgis’ career was just getting underway when he made LIEBESTRAUM (113 mins., 1991, R; Cinematographe), and it’s perhaps due to the picture falling so early in his filmography that it comes off as a “try again next time” sort of effort that pales in comparison to some of the movie’s superior competition from that era.

Figgis does, of course, instill his own pace and storytelling flavor into this noir-ish tale of an architecture professor (the perpetually charisma-challenged Kevin Anderson) who heads to the Midwest to see his ailing mother (Kim Novak). Nearly immediately he’s drawn into a cycle of sex and violence that appears to repeat a mystery that occurred decades prior, as he falls for the wife (Pamela Gidley) of his best friend (Bill Pullman), who’s currently working to replace a department store in the town that was, naturally, the site of the original crime.

Working from his own original script, Figgis’”Liebestraum” is a murky, slow-moving picture with thinly-drawn characters that come off more like stereotypes and a near total lack of empathy one carries for any of its protagonists. That especially applies to Anderson, who was never very interesting and was coming into the picture having played opposite Julia Roberts in one of the prior year’s biggest hits, “Sleeping With The Enemy.” He’s pretty blank, outclassed by the more interesting Pullman, but the story doesn’t do them any favors either: it’s mostly style over substance, nicely shot by Juan Ruiz Anchia (with Binghamton, NY subbing for Illinois), but stuck in a would-be Hitch/Lynch netherworld that doesn’t lead to anywhere interesting.

Cinematographe’s limited edition Blu-Ray of “Liebestraum” includes a flawless 4K restoration (1.85, 2.0) with an active Dolby Surround mix. Extras include a commentary with Figgis who’s joined by the label’s Justin LaLiberty; another commentary with noir historian specialists Alain Silver and Christopher Coppola; and interviews with Figgis, editor Martin Hunter, and production designer Waldemar Kalinowski. There’s also a video essay by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, deleted scenes (a lengthy one having already been restored to the picture), and a full run of text essays in the now-available, 3000-copy package, on sale at Vinegar Syndrome’s site here.

As always there are number of exciting new titles coming this month from OCN Distribution – here’s a look, with all titles available at Vinegar Syndrome:

Film Movement: Dan Bierne and Emile Le star in Sook-Yin Lee’s PAYING FOR IT (85 mins., 2024), an adaptation of a graphic novel by Chester Brown that earned some acclaim on the art-house circuit a couple of years ago. Commentary with Lee and Brown, plus a featurette with the director and source author, bloopers and a behind-the-scenes video are all included in Film Movement’s Blu-Ray (1.85, 5.1/2.0)…Emma Benestan’s ANIMALE (100 mins., 2024) is a compelling French import where a young woman attempts to make her way into the male-dominated sport of bull riding, only to be raped. She gets her revenge, and then some, in this interesting albeit predictable thriller on BD from Film Movement (2.39, 5.1/2.0). Extras include a VFX reel, booklet, and video essay by filmmaker Hunter Whaley.

Hiroshi Okuyama’s MY SUNSHINE (90 mins.) offers a Japanese look at a formula we’ve seen play out here before (multiple times): a young ice skater and would-be hockey player ends up taking a shine to a female skater, ultimately becoming her partner on the ice. Sensitive and well-told, if predictable, Film Movement’s Blu-Ray (1.33, 5.1/2.0) includes an interview with the director and a booklet with notes by critic Robert Daniels…Also from Japan comes Kazuya Shiraishi’s BUSHIDO (129 mins., 2024), the story of a Japanese swordsman disgraced by allegations of him being involved in a crime he didn’t commit. The former samurai (Tsuyoshi Kusanagi) gets his revenge in this well-reviewed, recent import from Japan, with Film Movement’s Blu-Ray (2.35, 5.1/2.0) sporting a featurette and booklet with notes by Hayley Scanlon…WHITE RIVER (91 mins., 2023) stars Tian Yuan as a wife who lives in Yanjiao and sees her life upended after she begins making love to a local waiter all while her husband looks on. First-time director Ma Xue looks at sensuality in modern China in this fascinating picture, on Blu-Ray (1.85, 5.1/2.0) in June from Film Movement. Extras include interviews with Ma Xue, Tian Yuan, and a 16-page booklet with notes by critic Hsieh Chia-chin…Finally, fans of Japanese eroticism may want to check out a handful of Japanese directors putting their stamp on the “roman porno” genre with the 5-film release ROMAN PORNO REBOOT COLLECTION Volume 1, out late June from Film Movement and Omnibus.

Canadian International Pictures: Honestly I hadn’t heard much about Ghyslain Raza, a teenager who became one of the net’s earliest “viral sensations” for his video of him wielding a lightsaber around during the release of the Star Wars prequels. These days, such a phenomenon would lead to instant talk show appearances and some kind of argument against online bullying, but back in 2003, the latter is the only thing that was generated by Raza’s video. His story is told in STAR WARS KID (80 mins., 2022), a documentary about Raza trying to find his place as an adult. Commentary and interviews are all a part of CIP’s latest Blu-Ray (1.78, 2.0)…Coming later in June from CIP, THE RUBBER GUN (85 mins., 1977) marked the directorial debut of Allen Moyle, who strikes a realistic note in its depiction of an artist and drug runner (Stephen Lack) who finds the walls closing in on his lifestyle – causing him to devise a way out for himself and his family (if there is one). Newly restored in 2K, CIP’s Blu-Ray (1.37, mono) is stacked with special features. These include a half-hour interview with Moyle (who went onto a lengthy Hollywood career turning out the likes of “Pump Up The Volume” and “Empire Records”), new conversations with Stephen Lack, composer Lewis Furey and plenty more.

Brainstorm Media: Todd Solondz’s film DARK HORSE (84 mins., 2012) chronicles Abe (Jordan Gelner), a thirtysomething man-child who gravitates towards action figures but finds the potential for true love in troubled Selma Blair. Terrific supporting cast includes Christopher Walken and Mia Farrow, with a new interview with Solondz included in Brainstorm’s Blu-Ray (1.85, 5.1/2.0).

Collective: POOLS (99 mins., 2024) follows Odessa A’Zion as a young woman stuck in summer school who undertakes a “Swimmer”-like odyssey through the backyard pools of various town residents with her friends, all while contemplating her future in Sam Hayes’ 2024 film. “Pools” comes to Blu-Ray (1.78, 5.1 DTS MA) from the Collective sporting premiere footage, no less than three American Cinematheque screening Q&A’s and more.

Cultpix: One of the all-time films of its genre (and, indeed, Sweden’s allegedly most notorious export), COME BLOWN THE HORN! (114 mins., 1978) offers sexploitation at its ‘70s finest courtesy veteran director Joseph W. Sarno. Shot in a rural Swedish village, this is recommended for its intended audience, with Cultpix’s Blu-Ray (1.66, 2.0) offering a smut-free edit, galleries and commentary.

Darkstar Pictures: Now available, BEWARE THE BOOGEYMAN/REVENGE OF THE BOOGEYMAN (192 mins., 2024-25) serves up horror of the psychological and (possibly) supernatural kind when patients check in at the Silverdale Psychiatric Hospital. Behind-the-scenes featurettes are included in Breaking Glass’ Blu-Ray (1.78/2.35, both 5.1 DTS MA).

Dark Sky Films: A trio of brothers attempt to build a time machine in order to bring back their dearly departed Mom – and regret doing so – in SHE LOVED BLOSSOMS MORE (88 mins., 2024), a well-reviewed import from Greece and director Yannis Veslemes. Dark Sky’s Blu-Ray (2.39, 5.1 DTS MA) includes director commentary and an interview with Veslemes, featurettes and notes from Alexandra Heller-Nicholas…William Instone and Matt Riley’s BUTCHERS BLUFF (123 mins., 2023) comes to Blu-Ray from Dark Star, chronicling what happens to group of college film students who decide to find out if “The Hogman” really exists (turns out he does!). A concept trailer and video are included in the upcoming release (2.39, 5.1 DTS MA).

A shapeshifter finds himself with one last mission on the table in LIFECHANGER (84 mins., 2018), Justin McConnell’s thriller which offers a new director interview and commentary plus extensive archival extras and the debut of McConnell’s 2012 film “The Collapsed” for the first time in the U.S. on Blu-Ray (2.35, 5.1 DTS MA)…Depraved thrills comprise the excitement in Jack Clark and Jim Weir’s Aussie import BIRDEATER (115 mins., 2025), a picture about what happens when a bride-to-be’s bachelor party brings her along on a trip to hell in the Outback. Shabana Azeez, who viewers may recognize from the hit series “The Pitt,” stars in this grizzly affair, on Blu-Ray (2.39, 5.1) with extras including commentary, deleted scenes, outtakes and an alternate ending.

Delirium Home Video: New from Delirium is a restoration of an uncut version of SATANIC SISTERS (87 mins., 1977), yet another collaboration between the prolific Jess Franco and Swiss producer Erwin C. Dietrich, this one starring Pamela Stanford as a “Countess” who searches the streets at night for men to satiate her needs – plus those of her even more wacked-out sister (Karine Gambier). Stephen Thrower offers a look at “Satanic Sisters” while a commentary by historian Dennis Daniel is also on tap in Delirium’s Blu-Ray (1.85, 1.0)…Coming in June from Delirium is another Dietrich affair, ROLLS ROYCE BABY (87 mins., 1975), where the producer took Franco’s main leading lady, Lina Romay, for a wild set of couplings in a Rolls-Royce, all backed by a score by Walter Baumgartner. Commentary by Chris Alexander and an interview with writer David McGillivray comprise the extras in Delirium’s Blu-Ray (1.78, 5.1/2.0).

ETR Media: Arcade fans should love ETR’s stacked SLOPE’S GAME ROOM: THE COMPLETE HISTORY VOLUME 1 (aprx. 5½ hours, 2017-25), a series of fantastic documentaries from the Youtube Channel. Included are individual docs into the creation of “Paperboy” (my favorite arcade game), “Pac-Man,” “Galaga,” “Burger Time” and even “Elevator Action.” Extensive extras, commentaries and more are included with many visuals reworked for this Blu-Ray (1.78, 2.0 Dolby Digital) release…Joe Clarke’s SABU (81 mins., 2025) is a new profile of the professional wrestling favorite, who passed away three weeks after his final bout. Commentary and bonus interviews are on-hand in ETR’s Blu-Ray (1.78, 2.0 Dolby Digital)…A sheriff does battle with a cult of serial killer clowns in BEWARE OF THE KLOWNS (68 mins., 2015), a relatively brief experiment in horror-”comedy” from director Tim Wolak. ETR’s Blu-Ray (1.78, 2.0) includes a new commentary, Making Of and other extensive extras.

Factory 25: An Iowa transplant in L.A. disastrously tries to make a disaster movie, and produces a literally very real one, in MICRO BUDGET (88 mins., 2024), an acclaimed indie from director Morgan Evans that Factory 25 (1.78, 5.1) has unleashed on disc sporting deleted scenes, outtakes, a commentary by Evans and a 32-page booklet…Winnie Cheung’s RESIDENCY (75 mins., 2023) profiles ten female artists as they accept their respective titles at an eclectic arts collective in Brooklyn. Eventually murder becomes part of the story, but is it just part of Cheung’s show? A mix of documentary and creative art play a role in Cheung’s film, on Blu-Ray (1.78, 5.1) later in June with extras including four other shorts and a 20 page booklet.

IFC: I SELL THE DEAD (85 mins., 2009, R) is a commendable, if only partially successful, attempt by writer-director Glenn McQuaid to make an atmospheric, outlandish period horror film for genre devotees. “I Sell the Dead” offers Dominic Monaghan as a British grave robber who tells his life story to a priest (Ron Perlman), recounting his run-ins with the undead, vampires, zombies and even alien babies! Angus Scrimm and Larry Fessenden, who also co-produced the picture, co-star in a fanciful tale that produces a few laughs but is too uneven and peculiar to really work with anyone except hard-core genre fans. IFC’s Blu-Ray includes a 1080p (2.35, 5.1 DTS MA) transfer with a brand-new commentary with McQuaid and producer Larry Fessenden, plus a fresh commentary by critic Simon Abrams. These join extensive extras (Making Of, VFX featurettes, etc.) plus two other archival commentaries: one featuring McQuaid solo, with another commentary with Monaghan and Fessenden (making it four commentaries altogether!)…HOLLER (91 mins., 2021) is set in a dilapidated piece of the Midwest where a young woman joins her brother in stealing from scrap yards at night. Director Nicole Riegel provides a commentary alongside star Jessica Barden while executive producer Paul Feig is on-hand to introduce the film in IFC’s Blu-Ray (1.78, 5.1 DTS MA), which also includes behind-the-scenes videos, deleted scenes and more…Not to be confused with the Pauly Shore flop “Biodome” is BIOSPHERE (106 mins., 2022), another movie about two men – Sterling K. Brown and co-writer Mark Duplass – who have to adapt in order to save humanity. Mel Eslyn directed this two-character, offbeat affair – that regrettably doesn’t having an ending – with IFC’s Blu-Ray (1.78, 5.1) including commentary, a featurette, and writing by critic Claira Curtis.

Kani Releasing: Mabel Cheung’s THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT (98 mins., 1985) follows the struggle of Ching Yong-Cho’s protagonist, trying to make it on the streets of New York City without a green card. Cheung shot the picture on location, funded by Shaw Brothers but as a graduation project from her time at NYU. Interviews, select-scenes commentary, and notes by Chiarina Chen are included in Kani’s Blu-Ray (1.85, 2.0)…MY NAME AIN’T SUZIE (96 mins., 1985) offers a realistic response to films like “The World of Suzie Wong,” with Patricia Ha starring in a follow-up to director Angie Chen’s “Maybe It’s Love.” A new 2K scan from the OCN and best surviving elements (1.85) is included with Mandarin sound in Kani’s upcoming Blu-Ray along with new interviews with Chen, writer John Chan, and assorted cast members.

KimStim: FAUST (97 mins., 1994) is Czech director Jan Svankmajer’s contemporary take on the oft-told legend with live-action elements mixed with puppets and stop-motion for a unique cinematic experience. Kimstim’s Blu-Ray offers commentary with historian Adrian Martin and booklet notes by Irena Kovarova (1.37, 2.0).

Magnolia: Olivier Assayas’ BOARDING GATE (106 mins., 2007, R) features Asia Argento as an ex-hooker with Michael Madsen as her former boss – now a straight businessman – in a 2007 erotic thriller. Magnet’s Blu-Ray includes a number of interviews with Argento (2.39, 5.1 DTS MA).

Memory: When a music video director and father-to-be decides he can’t do it all, he hires a lookalike to participate in the charade in Pasqual Gutierrez and Ben Mullinkosson’s satire SERIOUS PEOPLE (86 mins., 2025). Memory’s Blu-Ray (1.5, 2.0/5.1) includes commentary by the directors, a deleted scene, live Q&A with the filmmakers, a bonus short and behind-the-scenes booklet.

Muscle: THERE ARE NO MORE CLOSETS: THE FILMS AND VIDEOS OF WAKEFIELD POOLE (382 mins., 1974-84) includes a trio of works from the groundbreaking gay filmmaker: “Moving” (1974), “Take One” (1977), “Hot Shots” (1981), “Split/Image” (1984) and “The Hustlers” (1984), all presented here in 1080p (1.33) with multiple versions of “Take One”, commentaries on “Moving” and “Take One” by the director, outtakes, interviews and notes by Elizabeth Purchell and K Shepherd.

Music Box Selects: Crispin Glover seems to be enjoying something of a renaissance lately, with his lead role in the oddball mystery MR. K (96 mins., 2024) being one of the recent examples. Tallulah Schwab’s film comes to Blu-Ray from Music Box (2.39, 5.1) featuring an interview with Glover and Schwab, the director’s short movie “The First Cut,” plus the trailer and an image gallery.

Several Futures: Sho Miyake’s SMALL, SLOW BUT STEADY (99 mins., 2022) chronicles a semi-pro deaf boxer whose future is threatened by COVID closing the gym where she’s been trained and cared for. A booklet with a director interview is on-hand in Several Futures’ Blu-Ray (1.66, 5.1) along with a 45-minute Making Of…Ghassan Salhab’s PHANTOM BEIRUT (117 mins., 1998) receives a new restoration from Several Futures, offering Salhab’s debut film set in Lebanon during the late ‘80s and how its fractured setting impacts its main protagonist. A booklet and short film from Jalal Toufic are included in the upcoming Blu-Ray (1.85, 5.1).

Shudder: Philip Gelatt and Morgan Galen King’s labor of love animated fantasy THE SPINE OF NIGHT (94 mins., 2021) returns to 4K UHD from Shudder and OCN as a Special Edition featuring Dolby Vision HDR and extras including commentary, a Making Of, deleted scene, short films and the trailer…Coming late June is the Shudder original TEDDY (89 mins., 2021), the story of a foster home resident in his 20s who’s scratched by a nearby beast and begins to “turn.” Ludovic and Zoran Boukherma’s film receives a special edition (1.78, 5.1 DTS MA) from the label with deleted scenes, storyboards and a booklet note by Kat Hughes on-hand…A Yiddish vampire (age 115) meets the daughter he never knew he had in writer-director Noah Segan’s BLOOD RELATIVES (90 mins., 2022), which debuts on Blu-Ray (1.78, 5.1) in June with a commentary by Segan and actress Victoria Moroles; a documentary, photos, and deleted scenes.

Umbrella: Mark Egerton’s CROSSTALK (78 mins., 1982) stars Gary Day as a computer programmer trying to fix an error in a surveillance system that’s growing a mind – and a homicidal tendency – all its own. Umbrella’s Blu-Ray of this 1982 Aussie thriller includes a 1080p (2.35, 2.0) master with loads of interviews, a talk with cinematographer Vincent Morton, trailers and more…Coming in June is DESOLATION ANGELS (85 mins., 1982), another wild, early ‘80s Australian cult title about a trio of teens who decide to rent a private beach home, only to run afoul of two horrendous men who eventually get their comeuppance in a memorable climax. A 2024 commentary and visual essay by Stephen Vagg comprise the extras in Umbrella’s Blu-Ray (1.78, 2.0).

Wild Eye: Not half-bad low-budget entry features Victoria Pratt as a vampire hunter working with a vamp gang to take down a reborn vampire-demon king (got all that?) in the 2007 indie effort BROTHERHOOD OF BLOOD (88 mins., 2007). One of the first films chosen by Sam Raimi to start his Ghosthouse Underground imprint, OCN and Wild Eye bring the film to Blu-Ray (1.85) sporting a new commentary, director interview and a number of archival extras (Sid Haig commentary, interviews, etc.).

NEXT TIME: Alliance Blu-Ray wrap, Arrow new releases 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!