Even though mega-successful mogul Dino DeLaurentiis was often associated with producing expansive, star-driven vehicles, he also was responsible for making effective dramatic pictures on a much smaller scale. Among them were no less than four adaptations of books by New York City journalist/writer Peter Maas, including the inspiration for the Al Pacino classic “Serpico,” “The Valachi Papers” (which became a decent Charles Bronson picture), underrated Sissy Spacek drama “Marie,” and KING OF THE GYPSIES (112 mins., 1978, R), a little gem that receives a much-deserved 4K UHD remaster from Cinematographe.
“Gypsies” is Frank Pierson’s 1978 embellishment of Maas’ non-fiction book, one that profiled gypsies in the modern world. Eric Roberts stars as a young man who receives the title of King from his grandfather (Sterling Hayden), passing over his frustrated, hot-tempered father (Judd Hirsch) in the process. A marvelous cast – including Susan Sarandon, Brooke Shields (as Roberts’ younger sister), Annette O’Toole, Annie Potts, and Shelley Winters – makes this a taut and fascinating film with superb cinematography from Sven Nykvist and an infectious score by David Grisman featuring the great violinist Stephane Grappelli.
Olive’s 4K UHD (1.85, mono) boasts a brand new restoration of the OCN with Dolby Vision HDR that really restores the textures of Nykvist’s cinematography and is a substantial upgrade over the previous Paramount HD master seen on Olive and Imprint releases, respectively. A new interview with Eric Roberts is quite fascinating, detailing his work on the film and issues with Judd Hirsch, while Daniel Kremer offers a video essay on Nykvist’s arrival in the U.S. A new commentary with Adrian Martin, an archival two-hour interview with Pierson from 2001, and a talk with editor Paul Hirsch carried over from the Imprint release are also on-tap plus a “Trailers From Hell” segment and assorted text essays in Cinematographe’s hardbound, limited-edition package.
“King of the Gypsies” kicks off our big wrap of OCN titles for November and December, available now at Vinegar Syndrome’s site or at the usual retail haunts. Here’s a breakdown by label for your viewing pleasure!
Film Movement: Coming late December is a new 4K restoration of the Japanese hit SHALL WE DANCE? (137 mins., 1996), later to be remade as a mediocre Miramax vehicle for Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon and J Lo. The original is decidedly superior and hits Blu-Ray with a new transfer (1.85, 5.1/2.0 Japanese with English subtitles) and extras including an introduction with Suo, archival interviews with the cast and director, and a 16-page booklet with notes by Ariel Esteban Cayer…Also due out is Jim McKay’s well-reviewed independent drama GIRLS TOWN (90 mins., 1996, R) about a series of girls, living in mid 1990s New York City, who see their dreams for the future curtailed after one of them is assaulted and subsequently commits suicide. Lili Taylor leads the ensemble cast with Film Movement’s Blu-Ray (1.37, 5.1/2.0) sporting a featurette, selected-scene commentaries, a talk between Jim McKay and activitst Yasmeen Hassan, and a 20-page booklet with an essay by Julia Gunnison.
The Dutch import THE COLUMNIST (85 mins., 2020) is also new on Blu-Ray this month from Film Movement. Katja Herbers stars in this black comedy as a columnist who becomes obsessed with assorted social media posts, threats and commentary to the degree that she splits into a nighttime killer as a stress reliever, all the while keeping her day job. Film Movement’s Blu-Ray (2.39, 5.1/2.0) is new this month, in Dutch with English subtitles, featuring an exclusve introduction provided by Grady Hendrix and a 16-page booklet authored by Shelagh Rowan-Legg.
Emily Harris’ CARMILLA (94 mins., 2019) tries to stir up passions between a 16-year-old teen (Hannah Rae) and an enigmatic girl (Jessica Raine) who mysteriously arrives at her family’s country estate. Harris’ previous short “Threetowers” is included in Film Movement’s Blu-Ray (2.35, 5.1/2.0 DTS MA)…In Emir Ezwan’s ROH (83 mins., 2025),Malaysian folk horror comes to the foreground after a brother and sister encounter a young girl covered in clay who tells them they’re all about to die before the next full moon. Film Movement’s Blu-Ray (1.78, 5.1/2.0) offers a featurette and 16-page booklet with notes from Mary Beth McAndrews.
Factory 25: UNTIL THE LIGHT TAKES US (83 mins., 2012) hails from directors Aaron Aites and Audrey Ewell, providing viewers with a compellingly shot documentary profile of black metal and its assorted genre controversies. Factory 25’s Blu-Ray (1.33, Dolby Digital) includes an alternate ending, outtakes, deleted scenes, “Cutting Room” extras featuring musicians not in the movie, the duo’s short film “Memory Box” with Mackenzie Davis (a proof of concept for an unmade feature), and a 32 page booklet with notes by Tom Mes and more…BLOOD BROTHERS AND BAKED BABY JESUS: THE MIKE DIANA FILM COLLECTION (209/292 mins., 198-1990) features the zero-budget efforts of Mike Diana, aan aspiring fimmaker who shot on 8mm and home video formats – sometimes with kids, much less adults – in making a pair of (humorous) gross-out features “Blood Brothers” and “Baked Baby Jesus.” Extensive extras and a 32-page booklet comprise Factory 25’s jam-packed Blu-Ray.
IFC Films: Debuting on 4K UHD from IFC is a Special Edition of Larry Fessenden’s DEPRAVED (114 mins., 2019), a modern riff on the Frankenstein story with David Call as a PTSD-riddled army medic who creates a man from the dead in the form of “Adam” (Alex Breaux) in his Brooklyn lab. Fessenden’s new commentary with OCN’s Justin LaLiberty is included alongside another new commentary featuring Simon Abrams in IFC’s 4K, which includes an HDR10 transfer (2.39, 5.1 DTS MA). Additional extras include a feature-length doc on the production; archival interviews with Fessenden, Breaux, make-up artists Peter Gerner and Brian Spears, and Fessenden and the camera crew. Brandon Streussnig and Craig Ian Mann offer the liner notes in IFC’s now-available UHD/BD package…Toby Jones stars as a British sound engineer in the 1970s who works on a horror movie soundtrack, only to wonder whether the voices in his head are the real problem in Peter Strickland’s BERBERIAN SOUND STUDIO (92 mins., 2012). This well-acted little thriller/character study debuts on Blu-Ray (1.85, 5.1 DTS MA) from IFC sporting a new commentary by Kim Newman and Sean Hogan. There are also ample archival extras including Strickland’s older commentary, a Making Of, deleted scenes, and plenty more.
Coming later in December from IFC are CHRISTMAS EVE IN MILLER’S POINT (106 mins., 2024), Tyler Taormina’s ensemble drama set on Long Island, with a Blu-Ray (1.85, 5.1) sporting a director interview, the trailer, and notes by Brandon Streussnig; and SIGHTSEERS (88 mins., 2012), an independent comedy from Ben Wheatley in a new Special Edition Blu-Ray (2.35, 5.1) with extras including a fresh commentary by Wheatley and Kim Newman; two archival commentaries, plus outtakes and extensive interviews along with a booklet featuring notes by Heidi Honeycutt.
Cartuna: Off the wall humor abounds in AJ GOES TO THE DOG PARK (79 mins., 2024), a very offbeat, unusual comedy about a midwestern guy who goes on a comedic odyssey after his favorite dog park is taken away. Cartuna’s Blu-Ray (1.78, 5.1/2.0) includes commentaries, a documentary, animatics, a music video and is now available…Inspired by a 1905 story about a women-led “Ladyland,” Isabel Herguera’s SULTANA’S DREAM (86 mins., 2023) is an intriguing animated adaptation, debuting on Blu-Ray later this month from Cartuna. Writer/director commentary, a Making Of, and Herguera short films comprise the extras.
Dekanalog: James Sizemore’s “DIY” horror homage THE DEMON’S ROOK (103 mins., 2013) offers the kind of practical effects-driven zaniness that’s right up the OCN alley, and with good reason: while overlong and amateurish in many ways, genre fans can still get their share of Jodoworsky/Argento riffs with a bonkers plot to spare in this “homegrown horror” here given the deluxe treatment on Blu-Ray. Dekanalog’s disc (1.78, 5.1/2.0 DTS MA) sports a restored transfer, new and archival commentaries, a trio of deleted scenes, gag reel, shorts and music videos, premiere footage and plenty more…Due out later in December, THE LEGEND OF MEXMAN (89 mins., 2023) profiles Germán Alonso’s efforts to make his lifelong fantasy passion project about a Mexican immigrant cyborg in spite of obstacles ranging from meddling producers to a threadbare budget. This well-reviewed Josh Polon feature comes to Blu-Ray (1.85, 5.1) with loads of extras including deleted scenes, shorts, trailers, and commentary from Polon and Alonso, moderated by Elijah Drenner.
ETR Media: SKULL WORLD (100 mins., 2013) is a documentary about the Canadian chapter of “Box Wars,” an international underground arena for cardboard based combat! Justin McConnell’s film follows around a young man and his alter ego, “Skull Man,” as he looks to participate in various skirmishes of the boxed variety. ETR’s Blu-Ray (1.78, 5.1 DTS MA) offers an updated 2024 mini-documentary, commentary with McConnell, archival extras, deleted scenes, a 2024 “Hindsight Cut” and more…NEVERMORE: THE RAVEN AFFECT (118 mins., 2025) profiles wrestler Raven and his influence on the field, after being fired from the WWE and WCW, and hired at the fledgling ECW. Deleted scenes, extended interviews and more are included in the ETR Media (1.78, 5.1) Blu-Ray of Geordie Day’s documentary.
The Horror Section: Eli Roth “presents” Joe Begos’ JIMMY & STIGGS (79 mins., 2025), a predictably bombastic, gory tale of Jimmy, an unemployed filmmaker whose latest bender conjures up visions of aliens and other creatures only his pal Stiggs can relate to. This picture doesn’t overstay its welcome, which is good as a little is likely to go a long way for many; The Horror Section’s 4K UHD offers commentaries with Begos and two other tracks with cast/crew; a 2½ documentary on the production; promos, and trailers for two other Roth pictures (Blu-Ray disc only).
Icarus Films: Marc Allegret’s 1955 French filming of LADY CHATTERLEY’S LOVER (100 mins.) starring Danielle Darrieux has been newly restored in 2K via the Centre National du Cinema in Paris. The restoration debuts this month on Blu-Ray from Icarus sporting a crisp B&W transfer (1.33), in French with English subtitles – an early staging of D.H. Lawrence’s novel produced before later, obviously more explicit cinematic renderings…Another vintage French import, MARTIN ROUMAGNAC (108 mins., 1946), debuts on Blu-Ray from Icarus later this month (1.33, mono). Marlene Dietrich and Jean Gabin star in this post-war romantic tragedy, preserved in 2K here also with the support of the Centre National du Cinema (Paris).
Kani Releasing: Masatoshi Nagase starred as detective MAIKU HAMA in a trio of Japanese adaptations produced in the ‘90s after the star generated international fame as part of the cast of Jim Jarmusch’s “Mystery Train.” Included in Kani’s multi-disc set are the three Hama films: THE MOST TERRIBLE TIME IN MY LIFE (92 mins., 1993), THE STAIRWAY TO THE DISTANT PAST (101 mins., 1995), and THE TRAP (106 mins., 1996), with extras including interviews with director Kaizo Hayashi and producer Sunsuke Koga. Commentaries by Jasper Sharp and Samm Deighan grace the first and third films in the series, while director Edmund Yeo provides a select-scene commentary on “Stairway.” A video essay by James Balmont and writing from Ariel Esteban Caryer cap this superb-looking Blu-Ray trilogy (2.35, 2.0 Japanese with English subtitles).
Yoko Yamanaka’s DESERT OF NAMIBIA (132 mins., 2024) chronicles the life of a 21-year-old and her various anxieties, disaffected living and yearning for more in modern day Japan. This well-regarded character study debuts on Blu-Ray from Kani sporting a 1080p (1.33) transfer, 7.1 DTS MA Japanese sound with English subtitles, plus a featurette “Yoko in NYC,” an interview with the director, Q&A sessions featuring the director and star Yuumi Kawaii, commentary, and booklet writing by Katherine Connell…Due out in late December from Kani is TOP STRIPPER (67 mins., 1982), a provocative erotic film from director Yoshimitsu Morita. Kani’s Blu-Ray includes not just “Top Stripper” but also “Pink Cut: Love Me Hard, Love Me Deep” (1983), Morita’s follow-up feature, with introductions from the director on both, 1080p (1.85) transfers, 2.0 Japanese sound with English subtitles, and a booklet with on-set photos and writing by Aaron Gerow.
Eight strangers meet in an underground Japanese club looking for sex but find much more in LOVE’S WHIRLPOOL (123 mins., 2014; Film Movement), an adaptation of Daisuke Miura’s play brought to the screen by the director himself. An interview with Miura is included in the Film Movement Blu-Ray (1.85, 5.1/2.0 Japanese with English subtitles) along with notes from historian Samm Dieghan…Music Box Selects releases YOU ARE NOT ME (99 mins., 2023), a Spanish horror hit from Marisa Crespo and Moises Romera that finds a young woman wondering why an immigrant has taken refuge in her bedroom – and possession of her things along with them. Commentary by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, a deleted scene, two other shorts from the directors, and more comprise the Blu-Ray (2.39, 5.1 Spanish with English subtitles).
KimStim: Director Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s thriller CREEPY (130 mins., 2016) has been given the special edition treatment from Kimstim. The well-regarded serial killer/detective procedural suspenser includes a new commentary with historians Jasper Sharp and Amber T., plus a “MUBI Notebook” from Cristina Alvarez Lopez and Adrian Martin from 2017, and Kristen Kim’s writing in the now-available Blu-Ray (2.35, 5.1 Japanese DTS MA).
Shudder: Igor Legaretta’s ALL THE MOONS (102 mins., 2020) offers a period-set Spanish variation on the vampire tale, with a little girl being taken in by an older woman who gives her the “gift” of eternal life in order to save her. Her subsequent efforts to live “inside” her forever-young body inform this character-driven piece, on Blu-Ray from Shudder (2.39, 5.1 DTS MA) sporting a new commentary by critics Rebecca Wynee-Walsh and Shelagh Rowan-Legg and a booklet with notes from Scout Tafoya…In MOLOCH (99 mins., 2022), a woman tries to find out why she and her family are attacked by a stranger out in the isolated north of the Netherlands. This Dutch horror from writer-director Nico Van Den Brink comes to Blu-Ray (2.39, 5.1 DTS MA) with commentary, a deleted scene, VFX video/still galleries, and a booklet with notes from Simon Abrams and Becky Darke...THE ADVENT CALENDAR (104 mins., 2021) spins a bloody yarn about a paraplegic who receives a grizzly assortment of gifts for advent upon opening a mysterious calendar. Shudder’s Blu-Ray (2.39, 5.1) features a new commentary by critic Mary Beth McAndrews, a video intro by director Patrick Ridremont, and notes from Amber T.
Umbrella: Sam Neill and Susan Sarandon star with a young Emily Blunt in IRRESISTIBLE (103 mins., 2006, R), an Aussie import from writer-director Ann Turner about a housewife (Sarandon) who believes hubby Neill is being targeted by his younger co-worker Blunt. Twists and turns don’t add up to much, but the cast tries hard, in this 2006 release, presented by Umbrella on Blu-Ray (2.35, 2.0 DTS MA) with a film locations featurette, behind-the-scenes material and the trailer…George Miller staged some of the car chases and stunts in THE CHAIN REACTION (92 mins., 1980) with appearances from Mel Gibson, Hugh Keays-Byrne and others adding to Ian Barry’s Aussie sci-fi thriller. Loads of extras are on-tap in Umbrella’s Blu-Ray (1.85, 2.0) from deleted scenes to featurettes and extended interviews from “Not Quite Hollywood.”
Utopia: Director Olma Schnabel’s PET SHOP DAYS (109 mins., 2023) follows a young man who leaves Mexico to escape his father, ending up in New York City where he enters a gay romance with a younger pet store employee, he also suffering from issues involving his own parents. Willem Dafoe co-stars in Schnabel’s picture (2.39, 5.1 DTS MA), which Utopia brings to Blu-Ray this month sporting cast/crew Q&As from Los Angeles and New York…Coming in December, HOT SPRING SHARK ATTACK (77 mins., 2024) offers a ridiculously over-the-top Japanese riff on “Sharknado” and similarly absurd shark flicks with a knowing sense of humor and bombast to spare. Commentary and extensive extras adorn Utopia’s Blu-Ray (2.35, 5.1).
Wild Eye Entertainment: Sleazy low-budget shenanigans inform director Richard Griffin’s THE DISCO EXORCIST (80 mins., 2011), a pseudo-grindhouse effort taking viewers back to the low-budget (or micro-budget) thrills of ‘70s exploitation. A 2025 commentary with Griffin and producer Ted Marr leads a special features assortment that also includes a 2012 commentary, deleted scene, image gallery, and ample trailers (1.85, DTS MA).
Rachael Cain’s SOMNIUM (92 mins., 2024; Yellow Veil) follows a girl (Chloe Levine) who heads to L.A. after a break-up, hoping to score an acing job but instead finds herself drawn to a sleep clinic where dreams – and nightmares – become real. Yellow Veil’s Blu-Ray (2.35, DTS MA) includes a director commentary, deleted scene, interviews and more…Wildeye releases Debbie Rochon’s MODEL HUNGER (92 mins., 2016) later this month, preserving its grizzly study of a former model taking revenge on the younger models (pun intended) who replace her. Wildeye’s Blu-Ray (1.85, DTS MA) offers the director’s cut with new 2024 commentaries and loads of archival goodies from older commentaries to extensive interviews and behind-the-scenes materials…The gory, sensationalistic BRUTE 1976 (105 mins., 2025; Cinephobia) will definitely not be for every taste but Cinephobia’s Blu-Ray (2.35, 5.1 DTS MA) does feature commentary with director Marcel Walz and cast/crew; behind-the-scenes footage; interviews with the cast; and the trailer.
Brainstorm Media: French director Fabrice Eboue’s SOME LIKE IT RARE (87 mins., 2021) serves up black comedy with gore in its portrait of a butcher whose murder of a vegan causes him to discover a new set of recipes that prove to be quite popular. Brainstorm’s Blu-Ray (2.35, 5.1 DTS MA) includes a featurette, booklet with Kat Hughes notes, and French audio with English subtitles…”Stranger Things”’ Joe Keery stars in MARMALADE (99 mins., 2024), an indie drama about a young man (Keery) in prison who recalls his time with the title character (Camila Morrone) and their efforts to rob a bank in order to care for his ailing mother. Commentary from director Keir O’Donnell is included along with a photo and costume sketch gallery in Brainstorm’s Blu-Ray (1.85, 5.1).
NEXT TIME: Arrow’s December slate including SHAWSCOPE Volume 4 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!