2022 found the entertainment landscape in relatively robust shape after a rough couple of years on the production side of the equation. With a mixture of exciting new favorites and beloved classics on 4K UHD, Blu-Ray and DVD, it has never been a better time to be a fan of physical media. We know it can be overwhelming trying to find that perfect gift for a loved one, so this year we decided to take the stress out of shopping by providing a helpful list of some of our favorite movies and television shows that dropped in 2022. Regardless of where you find these gifts, a great place to start and help you save a bunch of money is ShipTheDeal. They have all sorts of up-to-date and audited coupon codes, discounts, and more
We approached this list assuming that everyone has some of the bigger new releases, so no Top Gun: Maverick or Everything Everywhere All At Once here, but instead we focused on highlighting the hidden gems of the year that might have slipped by your radar. Without further ado, we present the 2022 GVN Holiday Gift Guide…
Out Of This World
Everything Star Trek!
For every era of Star Trek fan…
It is one heck of a special time to be a Star Trek fan. Fans of the original iteration with Kirk and Spock can now own the original six films with that crew in sparkling 4K UHD with Dolby Vision and hours upon hours of special features. Not to mention, the Director’s Edition of Star Trek: The Motion Picture has been remastered for the first time since the DVD era in unparalleled quality. This collection is not to be missed!
Those who have a fondness for more recent iterations of the franchise are not being left out in the cold. Next Generation fans can see their beloved captain continue his adventures in the second season of Picard on Blu-Ray. Want a complete break from the past? Star Trek: Discovery continues to blaze new trails in the recently released season four on Blu-Ray. Star Trek: Lower Decks may take a slightly less serious approach to the lore, but this animated series shows the utmost respect for everything that has become before in its second season on Blu-Ray.
Finally, the wonderful documentary Trekkies from Denise Crosby celebrated its 25th anniversary with a new Blu-Ray which lovingly shows the fandom that surrounds this long-running series. No matter what you go with, any of these releases will make the Star Trek fan in your life shed a happy tear on Christmas morning.
A review of Star Trek: The Original Motion Picture 6-Movie 4K UHD Collection can be found here.
A review of the Blu-Ray release of Star Trek: Picard – Season 2 can be found here.
A review of the Blu-Ray release of Star Trek: Lower Decks – Season 2 can be found here.
A review of the Blu-Ray release of Trekkies: 25th Anniversary Edition can be found here.
Supergirl: The Complete Series
For those who are tired of the same old Superman lore…
After six seasons and two different networks, DC’s Supergirl finally hung up her cape at the end of last year. Melissa Benoist radiated with glee from the first episode to the last, which always made us want to return week after week. When the show was good, it was really good with its balance of good-natured humor, interesting villains and emotional stakes. Now fans can own all 126 exhilarating episodes, as well as countless hours of bonus features, in the Complete Series Blu-Ray collection. The journey had its bumpy moments, but the show really made an effort to send the show out on a high note with a compelling arc and really emotional character moments.
A review of the Blu-Ray release of the final season can be found here.
DC’s Legends Of Tomorrow: The Complete Series
For viewers who love when a show chooses chaos…
After seven zany seasons, everyone’s favorite gang of time-traveling heroes was shamefully cancelled by the new regime at The CW. While it is not the ending that any fan wanted, the memories we have with all of favorite characters will never be soured. The series has always been one of our favorite corners of the Arrowverse, confidently marching to the beat of its own drum with its wild and unforgettable adventures through time. Relive all 110 unbelievable episodes that takes you to the Old West, Ancient Rome, the Golden Age of Hollywood, a puppet universe and so much more that is even more fun than it sounds. The Legends are gone, but they are not forgotten.
A review of the Blu-Ray release of the final season can be found here.
Strawberry Mansion
For those who keep a dream journal…
Strawberry Mansion is equal parts beautiful, joyful and heartbreaking. In a future where the government records dreams and taxes them, a dream auditor forms a unique relationship with one of his older subjects. Filmmakers Kentucker Audley and Albert Birney craft a singular world that uses the magic of dreams to unlock the wonders of being alive. The way these two blend a striking, playful aesthetic with a deeply moving story makes you deeply invested in these two working together more in the future. The duo tackle many big ideas and themes within this tightly constructed narrative in a way that never feels overstuffed or messy. It is truly one of the gems of the year. The Blu-Ray releases offers a substantial amount of special features which will make you appreciate this one even more.
A review of the Blu-Ray release can be found here.
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial 40th Anniversary 4K UHD Blu-Ray
For the sci-fi fan who gets weepy when they see Reese’s Pieces…
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is a stone cold classic which has endured for four decades without signs of slowing down. Steven Spielberg knows how to deliver effective sentimentality and wonder on screen like no one else. He truly believes in this world, and by extension the audience completely invests in this larger than life adventure. While elements such as the special effects and thrilling sequences stand out, it always comes back to the emotional depth of the narrative which really cements it as an everlasting piece of cinema. This 40th anniversary release sports a fantastic A/V presentation and an eye-popping amount of special features including two new exclusives to this release.
A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release can be found here.
Life, Animated
Coraline & ParaNorman (4K UHD Blu-Ray SteelBook)
For those who want a safety net for young future horror fans…
LAIKA is one of the most creative studios working in animation today, and every film they release is like a little gift to the world. This may seem hyperbolic, but there are too few creative forces that shape practical animation in the magnificent way this company does. Coraline and ParaNorman are not only the perfect blend of creepy and daring perfect for a spooky family-friendly movie night, but they are rich with themes that will enrich your life. Under their new partnership with Shout! Factory, these two films have been painstakingly remastered utilizing HDR and Dolby Vision plus Dolby Atmos for the ultimate entertainment experience. Add in a host of engrossing special features, and you have the recipe for two of the most exciting new releases of the year.
A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray SteelBook release of Coraline can be found here.
A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray SteelBook release of ParaNorman can be found here.
Groundbreaking Anime From GKIDS
For those who feel that American animation is too vanilla…
The public at large always seems positively shocked when something like Dragon Ball comes to theaters and rakes in money with little promotion. That is because anime fans are a passionate bunch. We have been really thriving this year due to a good mixture of brilliant new works coming to our screen and old gems getting the respect they finally deserve. The crown jewel of the year just might be Mamoru Hosoda’s critically-acclaimed Belle receiving a 4K UHD Collector’s Edition set. Not only is it one of our favorite new anime films in recent years, the collection is gorgeous and stacked with special features.
Another modern master of the artform, Makoto Shinkai, had three of his earliest films released to Blu-Ray with The Place Promised In Our Early Days, 5 Centimeters Per Second and Children Who Chase Lost Voices. Want to unearth an early Studio Ghibli gem before that company officially existed? Be sure to check out Panda, Go Panda! Is television more your speed? The classic series Nadia: The Secret Of Blue Water was newly remastered and released on Blu-ray this year. This is honestly just the tip of the iceberg, but rest assured there is something for all flavor of anime fan in your life.
A review of the 4K UHD Collector’s Edition of Belle can be found here.
A review of the Blu-Ray release of Nadia: The Secret Of Blue Water – Complete Series can be found here.
A review of the Blu-Ray release of Summer Ghost can be found here.
A review of the Blu-Ray release of Panda! Go Panda! can be found here.
A review of the Blu-Ray releases of a trio of films from Makoto Shinkai can be found here, here and here.
FernGully: The Last Rainforest & Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon
For those who love the strange places that animation can go when Disney is not involved…
Shout! Factory really brought out some heavy hitters for the young-at-heart or parents looking to deliver some quality storytelling to their young ones. FernGully: The Last Rainforest has been a favorite for three decades, and it is a love that has seldom gone away. The message is clear and not especially innovative, but it has the possibility to inspire people to approach their lives differently. Yet, this is more than just a message film with its charming humor from an energetic Robin Williams and sense of true terror from the malevolent ooze voiced by Tim Curry. The new 30th anniversary Blu-Ray comes from a new 4K restorations and features some fun new special features.
A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is a more recent love, but it is a terrifically fun and hilarious adventure that entertains more than a lot of modern animation. Aardman Animations never phones it in when it comes to crafting an inventive and joy-filled tale, and this is no exception. This is the type of animated tale which both adults and kids can enjoy in equal measure.
A review of the 30th Anniversary Blu-Ray release of FernGully: The Last Rainforest can be found here.
A review of the Blu-Ray release of A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon can be found here.
Delta Space Mission
For those who delight in the occasional fever dream…
Imagine an early Eighties Eastern European space-prog album high on sugary breakfast cereal, “Heavy Metal” magazine, Hanna-Barbera cartoons and 8-bit arcade games like Galaxian and Asteroids, and you have some idea of the otherworldly weirdness of this Romanian animated sci-fi film. An incredibly strange and strangely beautiful work of galactic eye candy, this film defies all rules of perspective and logic, like M.C. Escher and Moebius teaming up on a Romanian Saturday morning cartoon.
Not only is it notable from a historical context, but it is also immensely entertaining and thematically resonant even for a modern sensibility. The animation is free-flowing and gorgeous, and the characters make an impression during the deftly paced tale. Deaf Crocodile has released a terrific Blu-Ray in conjunction with Vinegar Syndrome which sports a top-tier A/V presentation and a nice assortment of special features.
A review of the Blu-Ray release can be found here.
The Batman: The Complete Series
For those who welcome creative takes on the Caped Crusader…
The Batman has often been overlooked in favor of the beloved Batman: The Animated Series, but this new take on the character is not unworthy of praise for what it accomplishes. While not quite as narratively daring or aesthetically pleasing, Batman is always a fascinating character with plenty of unique adversaries and important figures in his life that provide a striking evolution over these five seasons. The voice cast is memorable across the board with certain performances changing what you think of specific characters.
The new Blu-Ray set features all 65 episodes of the series remastered for the first time in high definition with a nice array of legacy special features.
A review of the Blu-Ray release can be found here.
The Golden Age of Television
The Six Million Dollar Man & The Bionic Woman On Blu-Ray
For those whose favorite Daft Punk song is “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger”…
Back in the day, if you wanted a superhero, you had to BUILD one! Well, kind of… The ’70s was a bustling time for episodic television, and two our our favorites featured some technologically enhanced protagonists. Few will top Lee Majors in The Six Million Dollar Man. When an aircraft crash leaves him barely alive, Colonel Steve Austin is rebuilt with cutting-edge bionic technology. Now, atomic-powered limbs propel him at speeds of 60 mph, giving him the ability to overturn massive objects and take on the world’s most nefarious villains and their evil plans. This 33-Blu-ray set includes all 99 episodes, the 3 pilot films, 3 reunion films and bonus crossover episodes of The Bionic Woman – all remastered in HD.
Continuing the fun was Lindsay Wagner as The Bionic Woman. She can hear things undetectable to the human ear. She can crush steel in one hand. She can run faster than a sports car. She is The Bionic Woman: the world’s first female cyborg … and the role model who inspired an entire generation. This new complete series Blu-Ray set features all 58 action-packed episodes from the riveting, iconic series on 18 discs along with a plethora of special features.
An unboxing video of both of these releases can be found here.
Charmed (Original Series & Reboot) Complete Series (Blu-Ray)
For those who seek magic in everything…
Those who love a bit of magic in their lives have had two opportunities to fall under the spell of The Charmed Ones. In the original series with Holly Marie Combs, Shannen Doherty, Alyssa Milano and Rose McGowan, a group of sisters discover they are witches. Luckily for the world, they’re of the good variety. Banding together in their ancestral home in San Francisco, they work together to fight evil, with each having a specific special power. Although outwardly they are average women, with jobs, relationships and friends, they are also powerful witches, but when they work together, their powers are enhanced. As The Charmed Ones, their destiny is to protect innocents from evil. With this new Blu-Ray release you get all eight seasons on 39 discs for hours of witchy fun.
A few years ago, The CW rebooted the show with sisters Macy (Madeleine Mantock), Mel (Melonie Diaz) and Maggie (Sarah Jeffery), a powerful trio of witches taking on the role of The Charmed Ones. The series just wrapped earlier this summer after four seasons and 72 episodes, and it proved to hold its own alongside the legacy of the original series. Not only do you get every episode on this 16-disc set, but you get some bonus features which makes the experience even more special.
A review of the Blu-Ray release of Charmed: The Complete Original Series can be found here.
Get more information about Charmed: The Complete Reboot Series on Blu-Ray here.
Hogan’s Heroes: The Complete Series (Blu-Ray)
For those who want to give a middle finger to fascism…
Join Colonel Hogan and his crew in this classic comedy! All six seasons of the award-winning sitcom are now available in this one-of-a-kind collection. Hogan’s Heroes follows the hilarious adventures of a ragtag team of POWs who turn a German prison camp into the secret headquarters for their outrageous espionage missions. Starring Bob Crane as the iconic Robert E. Hogan and Werner Klemperer in his Emmy award-winning role as the hapless Colonel Klink. This classic collection contains 168 unforgettable episodes on 21 discs!
Get more information about Hogan’s Heroes: The Complete Series on Blu-Ray here.
Dexter: The Complete Series + Dexter: New Blood
For those who never dulled their dark edge…
Few things are as iconic as the opening theme song of Showtime’s most popular series. All eight seasons of the award-winning television series are now available alongside the sequel miniseries in this one-of-a-kind Blu-ray collection. Starring Michael C. Hall in his award-winning role as Dexter Morgan, a serial killer with his own twisted sense of justice. Don’t miss a single thrilling episode of the shocking drama that broke all the rules and changed television forever!
This release includes all 106 episodes on 28 discs plus hours of special features that are not to be missed. Time to commune with your dark passenger and settle in for an epic binge.
A review of the Blu-Ray SteelBook release of Dexter: New Blood can be found here.
Acclaimed Series From Showtime & Paramount+
For those who think HBO is too mainstream…
Networks like HBO and streaming services such as Netflix often get an overwhelming amount of the cultural attention, but if you are sleeping on Showtime, you are missing out on some high quality programming. You might be most familiar with the buzzy Yellowjackets, which rightfully got a slew of Emmy nominations. This show is simply one of the best new shows to come out in the last year, if not the last several years. With a new season coming in a few months, now is the perfect time to pick up the first season on Blu-Ray and get yourself caught up.
Elsewhere on the network, in his first return to television since Breaking Bad, Bryan Cranston stars as respected New Orleans Judge Michael Desiato in the limited series Your Honor. After his teenage son is involved in a hit-and-run incident, Judge Desiato must tread carefully through a high-stakes game of lies, deceit and impossible choices. This series is a twisty one that will have you gripping your seat. You can pick it up now on DVD or MOD Blu-Ray.
On the sister streaming network Paramount+, the beloved video game franchise Halo finally got a substantial live action adaptation. This first season tells the epic story of humanity’s struggle against the Covenant, an alien threat seeking to destroy the human world. As the infamous Master Chief (Pablo Schreiber, “Orange is the New Black”) uncovers the true ambitions of the Covenant, he realizes he must find a way to stop it once and for all. CBS Home Entertainment has went all out and released this debut season on 4K UHD Blu-Ray with an optional SteelBook option which is perfect for collectors.
A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray SteelBook release of Halo: Season 1 can be found here.
A review of the Blu-Ray release of Yellowjackets: Season 1 can be found here.
Rocco Schiavone: Ice Cold Murders
For those who love hot crimes in cold times…
Based on the best-selling series of novels by Antonio Manzini, Rocco Schiavone: Ice Cold Murders is a devilishly entertaining Italian crime series that follows the idiosyncratic adventures of cranky and unorthodox detective Rocco Schiavone (Marco Giallini). The series may seem like it could just be another in a long line of European crime shows that follows a basic formula, and admittedly there are aspects of this. More important, though, is the importance placed on getting to know the inner-workings of the lead characters and his colorful team. The cases are interesting, especially since each case is given two episodes to breathe, but it is the characters and their interactions that will have you pressing play episode after episode.
Each season has built upon the previous one in a way that has culminated in some truly exciting ways in the latest third and fourth season set. This one only gets better as you get further along the journey.
A review of the Blu-Ray releases can be found for Rocco Schiavone – Ice Cold Murders: Season 1 and Season 2.
This Is A Time For Action
The Woman King
For those who want a fresh take on historical epics…
Check out our review of The Woman King from its theatrical release here.
The Sonny Chiba Collection
For Tarantino fans who want to see what shaped his obsession with film…
Get ready for some of the wildest action films from the impressive legacy of Sonny Chiba! This box set comprises just a small collection from his incredibly successful career. Some of these films are making their North America Blu-ray debut. Shinichi “Sonny” Chiba will be greatly missed by his legion of fans.
The Sonny Chiba Collection is an incredible dive into the world of one of the most formidable Japanese film stars who has always deserved even more recognition than he has gotten. These seven films offer a good cross-section of his career from the period epics to supernatural-tinged showdowns to grimy modern gangster pictures. Every film is worth exploring and will prove to be a favorite of different segments of the audience.
A review of the Blu-Ray release can be found here.
Vikings: The Complete Series
For people who need to scratch their Game Of Thrones itch…
Vikings follows the adventures of the great hero Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), a Viking chieftain seeking to fulfill his destiny as a conqueror, alongside his ambitious brother Rollo (Clive Standen) and loyal wife Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick). Throughout his quest, Ragnar faces a path of betrayals and temptations to protect his freedom, family, and life. When Ragnar teams up with his boat builder friend Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard) to craft a new generation of intrepid ships capable of conquering the rough northern seas, the stage is set for conflict.
Vikings did not have a prestige home network like HBO to bolster its profile, but that did not keep audiences from discovering that it was one of the most exciting shows on television for six seasons. The series did a truly tremendous job with building up its world and expanding what we knew about this society in measured but satisfying ways. It was easy to become committed to these characters through their chaotic and violent journey due to the captivating performances from everyone involved. This 27-disc set features all 89 episodes from the six-season run, plus more special features than you will know what to do with.
A review of the Blu-Ray release can be found here.
Journey To Shiloh
For your uncle who shed a tear when James Caan passed away…
At the onset of the Civil War, seven young Texans hope to join up with General Hood’s Confederate forces. Calling themselves the Concho County Comanches, the eager cowboys embark on a long and arduous journey eastward and encounter class prejudice and mounting danger along the way. They end up at the bloody Battle of Shiloh, where their courage is tested beyond their wildest expectations. The fresh-faced Wild Bunch are played by James Caan (Misery), Michael Sarrazin (They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?), Paul Petersen (Houseboat), Don Stroud (Joe Kidd), Michael Burns (Stranger on the Run), Jan-Michael Vincent (Defiance) and Harrison Ford (Force 10 from Navarone) in one of his earliest roles.
Brenda Scott (Simon, King of the Witches), John Doucette (One More Train to Rob), Noah Beery (Wings of the Hawk), Tisha Sterling (Coogan’s Bluff), James Gammon (The Milagro Beanfield War), Rex Ingram (Anna Lucasta) and Albert Popwell (Charley Varrick) round out the cast of this rousing western from director William Hale (S.O.S. Titanic) and novelist Heck Allen a.k.a. Will Henry (Young Billy Young). This new release is derived from a new 2K master along with a nice selection of new special features.
Information on the Blu-Ray release can be found here.
F/X | F/X 2 (Double Feature)
For your dad who says “they don’t make them like they used to”…
F/X (1986) – Bryan Brown (Tai-Pan) and Brian Dennehy (Gorky Park) command the heart-pounding action in this first-class thriller, crackling with excitement. Rollie Tyler (Brown) is the best special effects artist in showbiz, but this time it’s not the studios seeking him out… it’s the Justice Department. His assignment: to stage the assassination of an important underworld witness. And after he pulls the illusion off—making the informant disappear—Tyler is dumbfounded to learn that he’s being pinned for the murder. Double-crossed and now hunted by those who hired him, Tyler quickly learns that he can trust no one… and the only thing left that can save his life is his unequaled mastery of illusion. This top-notch actioner features wonderful performances by Diane Venora (Heat), Cliff De Young (Blue Collar), Mason Adams (The Final Conflict), Jerry Orbach (TV’s Law & Order) and Tom Noonan (Manhunter) and great direction by Robert Mandel (The Substitute).
F/X2 (1991) – Bryan Brown (Cocktail) and Brian Dennehy (Legal Eagles) are back as Rollie and Leo in an all-new action-thriller that continues the F/X saga with stylish wit, unrelenting suspense and amazing high-tech action. Five years after his first deadly adventure, Rollie Tyler (Brown) has left the special effects business and now designs sophisticated electronic toys for a living. But when his girlfriend’s ex-husband, a police detective, persuades him to devise an illusion to capture a serial killer, Rollie is once again lured into the lethal world of make-believe. And soon, he finds himself trapped in a murderous maze of deceit and treachery in which he must depend on his ingenious tricks and his friendship with detective Leo McCarthy (Dennehy) to expose a terrifying underworld conspiracy… but only if he can stay alive. Cult filmmaker Richard Franklin (Psycho II, Link) directed this top-notch sequel, featuring wonderful performances by Rachel Ticotin (Total Recall), Joanna Gleason (Boogie Nights), Philip Bosco (The Dream Team) and Kevin J. O’Connor (Deep Rising).
Information on the Blu-Ray release can be found here.
Old Henry (4K UHD Blu-Ray)
For those who need convincing that the modern western is not dead…
Starring Tim Blake Nelson (Watchmen), Stephen Dorff (True Detective), Trace Adkins (The Outsider) and Gavin Lewis (Little Fires Everywhere), Old Henry tells the story about a widowed farmer and his son who warily take in a mysterious, injured man with a satchel full of cash. When a posse of men claiming to be the law come for the money, the farmer must decide whom to trust. Defending a siege of his homestead, the farmer reveals a surprising talent for gunslinging that brings his true identity into question.
Old Henry is an immensely satisfying western that goes out of its way to elevate and transcend the genre. The script itself is a solid piece of work, but the outstanding performances make the character dynamics really sizzle on screen. Tim Blake Nelson is one of the most underrated performers working today, and he makes the most of this leading role. Director Potsy Ponciroli makes a strong argument in his gorgeous filmmaking for why he needs to be on your radar with future projects. This new 4K UHD Blu-Ray from Shout! Factory takes this visually splendid movie and elevates it to wonderful new heights.
A review of the Blu-Ray release can be found here.
Laughter Is The Best Medicine
Russell Simmon’s Def Comedy Jam Collection (DVD)
For your cousin who forgot not to swear in front of grandma…
It’s the “biggest, blackest, ground-breaking, star-making, dopest, deffest comedy show of all time.” And now…it’s back! All the best episodes from across all nine seasons of Russell Simmons’ history-making show, featuring the biggest names in comedy — Cedric the Entertainer, Dave Chappelle, Tiffany Haddish, Kevin Hart, Martin Lawrence, Bernie Mac, Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock, Chris Tucker and more! It’s not clean, it’s not correct, and it’s still dangerously funny! .
This 12-DVD collector’s set includes 36 of the best episodes from all nine seasons, bonus material too raw for television, and much more that comedy fans will really appreciate.
For more information about this collection, please check out the details here.
The Little Rascals: The Complete Collection (Centennial Edition)
For those who want to take Kids Say The Darndest Things to the next level…
In 1922, producer Hal Roach introduced the kiddie troupe known as “Our Gang” to theater audiences and kicked off one of the most popular and prolific franchises in the field of short subjects, with 220 one- and two-reel comedies released over a twenty-two year period.
By the late 1920s, the series (later re-titled “The Little Rascals” for TV syndication) made the transition from silents to “talkies” and would soon embark on its most revered and best remembered period–the 80 sound shorts made at Hal Roach Studios between 1929 and 1938–all of which are included in this one-of-a-kind collection.
Over nearly a decade, the quality of the shorts remained extremely high as you had a rotating array of burgeoning stars getting into the most ridiculous, hilarious situations. There are elements that are a product of the time in which they were made, but it is easy to admire what was created and how it has endured over the decades. A must-have for any true Our Gang fan, this 6-disc set also includes over 4 hours of bonus material. These beautifully restored shorts would have been enough on their own, but the care put into bringing great special features to this release puts it over the top.
A review of the Blu-Ray release can be found here.
Warner Bros Holiday Classics (4K UHD Blu-Ray)
For those who are their fourth glass of eggnog…
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has released four Christmas classics on 4K UHD Blu-Ray to make your holiday season a bit brighter: A Christmas Story (1983), Elf (2003), National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989), and The Polar Express (2004). Holiday movies such as these often tend to be the ones that get the most replay since they are a staple of the household every year. With such frequent viewings, you really want the high quality possible for these quotable favorites.
Every one of these titles has been remastered with HDR to look better than you ever might have hoped. Considering many of these originally came out early in the Blu-Ray lifespan, the leap in quality is more dramatic than you might imagine. All of the legacy special features have been ported over for the most comprehensive release possible. Grab the eggnog and kick back!
A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray releases can be found for A Christmas Story, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Elf and The Polar Express.
Francis The Talking Mule 7-Film Collection
For those who frequently fall down a YouTube hole of animal videos…
From 1950 to 1956, America crowned an unexpected new star of the silver screen: Francis The Talking Mule. From his humble beginnings helping young Army officer Peter Stirling (Donald O’Connor, Singin’ In The Rain) make it through his time in the war to a jaunty outing with Mickey Rooney in a haunted house, Francis got into some mighty interesting situations which always left him the smartest ass in the room.
The series is a harmless bit of kitschy fun from the past which gets a lot of mileage from a relatively simple premise. While none of them are certifiable classics, each film provides an amiable experience filled with consistent laughs. This collection includes all the 7 films from the hilarious film series newly remastered in 2K with a new commentary track for every film. If you love a good talking animal film, this is the set for you!
A review of the Blu-Ray release can be found here.
The Classic Christmas Specials 4K UHD Collection
For those who have always had their holidays shaped by Rankin/Bass…
‘Tis the season to enjoy the timeless holiday classics in THE CLASSIC CHRISTMAS SPECIALS COLLECTION featuring 3 classic stories. Produced by Rankin/Bass, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town feature iconic “Animagic” stop-motion animation and Frosty the Snowman is beautifully animated. Starring the voice talents of Fred Astaire, Jimmy Durante, Mickey Rooney, Burl Ives and many more, these favorites also feature some of the most beloved songs of the season and are sure to entertain audiences of all ages for generations to come.
This new release features all three specials in 4K UHD with HDR and an array of legacy special features. This is the perfect way to enhance your holiday spirit each end every year.
For more information about this set, please check out the details here.
Gambit
For classic dads who just want a lazy weekend of peace…
Starring screen icons Michael Caine and Shirley MacLaine, Gambit is a delightful yet deadly game of international cat-and-mouse. The fast-paced caper takes off in Hong Kong where a dapper English cat burglar (Caine) enlists the aid of a Eurasian dancer (MacLaine) to help him in an elaborate scheme to grab an age-old artifact from the heavily secured palace of a powerful Middle Eastern tycoon (Herbert Lom, The Pink Panther Strikes Again). Unfortunately, the foolproof scheme begins to backfire shortly after it starts and the duo must pull out all the stops if they hope to come out on top.
Dazzling music by Maurice Jarre (Lawrence of Arabia) and Technicolor cinematography by Clifford Stine (Bedtime Story) highlight this classic heist comedy from the incomparable Ronald Neame, director of Golden Salamander, The Horse’s Mouth, The Chalk Garden, The Poseidon Adventure, Meteor and Hopscotch. This new release comes from a new 4K restoration along with a pair of audio commentary tracks not to be missed.
For more information about this set, please check out the details here.
So Dramatic
Oscar-Winning Modern Classics On 4K UHD
For those who want the best of modern filmmaking…
The shift in distribution trends has led to many of the most lauded films in recent years to be produced or acquired by streaming services. While this has resulted in more creative movies to be available to a wider variety of audience members, it has also led to many of these films no longer receiving a release on physical media for fans to add to their collection. Thankfully, certain boutique labels such as The Criterion Collection have been able to release some heavy-hitters in recent years.
Sound Of Metal is a miraculous breakthrough for director Darius Marder, who delivers one of the best films of the last several years. The narrative journey that the characters must go through is one filled with soaring beauty and crushing disappointment. There are many layers of themes to unpack, but at its core the characters themselves offer a lot to consider even on a surface level. Riz Ahmed elevates this film ever further with a career-best in a young career filled with jaw-dropping turns. The new 4K UHD Blu-Ray from the Criterion Collection features flawless A/V quality and a great selection of special features.
The Power Of The Dog is one of the finest movies to be released in the current decade. Jane Campion displays a command of the artform which few filmmakers are able to even come close to. The source material is brought to life with great care and creativity that reveals a stunning amount of depth and subtext. From a purely visual standpoint, the film is beyond reproach as Ari Wegman effortlessly translates the vision in Campion’s head to the screen for all to appreciate. The performances from the main quartet of actors are terrific and represent some of our favorite performances in recent memory. With every viewing of this film, it gets more impactful and further cemented as a modern classic. The Criterion Collection has released a 5-star new 4K UHD Blu-Ray with a tremendous A/V presentation and some rewarding special features.
A 4K UHD Blu-Ray review can be found for Sound Of Metal and The Power Of The Dog.
To Kill A Mockingbird 60th Anniversary 4K UHD Blu-Ray
For the lit fan in your life who just went 4K…
Experience one of the most significant milestones in film history like never before. Gregory Peck stars as courageous Southern lawyer Atticus Finch—the Academy Award®-winning performance hailed by the American Film Institute as the Greatest Movie Hero of All Time. Based on Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel about innocence, strength and conviction and nominated for eight Academy Awards, this beloved classic includes the film newly restored in 4K with HDR and hours of unforgettable bonus features. Watch it and remember why “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”
For more information about this set, please check out the details here.
The Douglas Sirk Collection Double Feature
For those who want the deep cuts from a filmmaking master…
Douglas Sirk is commonly credited with transforming the American melodrama into high art. What less commonly known is that, prior to fleeing Germany in the 1930s, he was already exploring the boundaries of the genre, and refining the sophisticated visual style and emotional complexity that would become his trademarks in the 1950s.
The Girl from the Marsh Croft is an adaptation of Selma Lagerlöf’s popular novel, a tale of shame and superstition set in an insular farming community in the northern region of Germany. Hansi Knoteck stars as a moral outcast who is willing to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of the man she loves (Kurt Fischer-Fehling). Female self-sacrifices also the theme of The Final Chord, a lavish drama set in the classical concert halls of Germany. Maria von Tasnady is a woman who gives up her child for adoption, only to become its nursemaid years later. But even that tenuous happiness is threatened by the influence of a domineering nanny (Lil Dagover). Both films have been provided with new audio commentary track from respected film historians.
For more information about this set, please check out the details here.
Kino Classics On 4K UHD
For anyone who wants to be excited about the possibilities of physical media again…
If 2022 is known for anything in the land of physical media, it might be the explosion in releases of 4K UHD Blu-Ray titles for movies all across the spectrum. Many labels are treating film fans right, but Kino Lorber Studio Classics just might be our MVP in this regard. Where else can you find a label that boasts optimal new releases for indelible classics such as The Great Escape and In The Heat alongside oddball comedies such as Tropic Thunder and Mystery Men? It truly does not get much better in our eyes.
The company has made some very savvy choices when it comes to their 4K UHD acquisitions. A major coup was getting three early Stanley Kubrick classics – Killer’s Kiss, The Killing and Paths Of Glory – and shining them up to look like a million bucks in Dolby Vision. The company also rounded out the Sergio Leone Dollar’s Trilogy with A Fistful Of Dollars and For A Few Dollars More, two releases which fixed some color grading issues that plagued previous Blu-Ray releases. With the sheer amount of top-tier titles the company is pumping out each month, it is a wonder they have achieved the level of consistency they have. Take a look at any of their 4K UHD releases and buy with confidence!
For old school classics, check out a review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray releases for Some Like It Hot, The Apartment, Touch Of Evil, The Great Escape, A Fistful Of Dollars, For A Few Dollars More, Paths Of Glory and In The Heat Of The Night.
For more modern favorites, check out a review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray releases for Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind, Tropic Thunder, Out Of Sight, Mystery Men, In Bruges, Dressed To Kill, The Usual Suspects and The Score.
Casablanca 80th Anniversary 4K UHD Blu-Ray
For the cinephile in your life who has been experimenting with fedoras…
Celebrating the 80th anniversary of its 1942 release, the legendary Warner Bros. film starring Academy Award winners Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman has been released newly restored and remastered in 4K UHD with HDR. This visually sumptuous film has never looked or sounded better, and it is loaded with hours of special features fans will love digging into.
Casablanca is heralded as a classic for a reason: it is a knockout. There is high stakes drama, there is a stirring romance, and there are characters you fall in love with – everything is firing on all cylinders. Couple this with the peerless direction of Michael Curtiz and you cannot be beat. It is easy to take this film for granted given how iconic so many of the lines and scenes are, but to take for granted its contributions to cinematic history would be a grave mistake.
A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release can be found here.
Quentin Tarantino On 4K UHD Blu-Ray
For those who do not want to be a square…
Quentin Tarantino is one of the most distinct voices in cinema today, and he has been so for the past three decades. The final stretch of this year has really brought out the big guns with the one-two punch of the 4K UHD releases of the director’s first two films: Reservoir Dogs & Pulp Fiction.
Reservoir Dogs is one of the more exciting debuts committed to screen the past few decades. It has many of the elements we have come to associate with Tarantino, and the script itself is written with the prowess of a much more seasoned creative figure. This entire ensemble is doing some terrific work, every performer bouncing effortlessly off their scene partner. No matter how many times you return to this one, it never gets old. The new 4K UHD Blu-Ray improves tremendously upon the dated Blu-Ray with its new Dolby Vision presentation.
If Reservoir Dogs was Tarantino knocking at the door, Pulp Fiction is the director knocking it down with a battering ram. This deftly woven tale has some of the best exchanges of dialogue ever committed performed by a peerless ensemble cast. It is everything you want from early ’90s independent cinema, but it something that imitators could never get quite right. Once again, the new 4K UHD Blu-Ray completely blows any previous release out of the water with its color, clarity and absence of print damage. These two are essential additions to any collection.
A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of Reservoir Dogs can be found here.
Sleep With A Light On
The Halloween 4K UHD Collection (1995-2002)
For your horror friend who has never stopped dressing as Michael Myers for Halloween…
This box set comprises three terrifying films from one of the longest running horror series in cinema history.
The 8-Disc set contains 4 UHD discs and 4 Blu-ray discs, on which are new 4K scans of the films Halloween: The Curse Of Michael Myers, Halloween: H20, and Halloween: Resurrection, as well as both the theatrical cut and producer’s cut of Curse of Michael Myers in 4K UHD, and all of the previously released extras plus some brand-new surprises, including new commentaries and interviews.
Michael Myers takes on Tommy Doyle and Dr. Loomis with help from a mysterious cult, comes face to face with Laurie Strode again and slashes his way through the cast of a reality TV show! After releasing the first five films in 4K UHD last year, Scream Factory returns to deliver the next three chapters in spectacular new restorations. Fans of the franchise will be delighted with the care that has been taken here.
For more information about this set, please check out the details here.
The Child’s Play Series On 4K UHD
For anyone who nopes out of a situation when they see a creepy doll…
For more information about these releases, please check out the details here.
Universal Classic Monsters: Icons Of Horror 4K UHD Collection Vol. 2
For those who just want to Monster Mash…
From Universal Pictures, home of the monsters since the era of silent movies, comes a second volume of Universal Classic Monsters: Icons of Horror Collection with collectible packaging, showcasing four more of the most iconic monsters in motion picture history: The Mummy, which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, The Bride of Frankenstein, Phantom of the Opera, and Creature from the Black Lagoon. Starring Boris Karloff, Elsa Lanchester and Claude Rains in the roles they made famous, these iconic films set new standards for horror with groundbreaking makeup, cinematography and special effects that have withstood the test of time.
For more information about this set, please check out the details here.
Nosferatu
For the Spongebob obsessive in your life…
A cornerstone of the horror film, F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror is resurrected in an HD edition mastered from the acclaimed 35mm restoration by the Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau-Stiftung. Backed by an orchestral performance of Hans Erdmann’s 1922 score, this edition offers unprecedented visual clarity and historical faithfulness to the original release version.
An unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Nosferatu remains to many viewers the most unsettling vampire film ever made, and its bald, spidery vampire, personified by the diabolical Max Schreck, continues to spawn imitations in the realm of contemporary cinema.
For more information about this set, please check out the details here.
Uncle Sam 4K UHD Blu-Ray
For your friend who is a little TOO into the 4th of July…
Master Sergeant Sam Harper (David Fralick) is tragically killed in a horrible accident in Kuwait after his helicopter is shot down by friendly fire. Sam’s charred remains are shipped back to his hometown of Twin Rivers, just as the town is preparing for its annual Fourth of July celebration. While being stored at his sister’s house, Sam’s dead body becomes reanimated and goes on a patriotic killing spree over the course of the holiday weekend. Uncle Sam is an over-the-top, tongue-in-cheek satire about American’s obsession with military dominance and the great lengths the nation will go in order to appeal to the country’s youth.
Uncle Sam is way better than it has any reason to be given its ridiculous logline. Director William Lustig and Writer Larry Cohen nail the satiric tone they set out to execute in a very memorable fashion. The movie is outrageous much of the time, but it is not dumb when it comes to the message it is trying to convey. The new 4K UHD Blu-Ray is derived from a great new 4K restoration with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos audio.
A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release can be found here.
Play It Loud
The Beatles: Get Back
For the Beatlemaniac who always wanted to hang out with the lovable lads…
Directed by Peter Jackson, The Beatles: Get Back is a three-part documentary series that takes audiences back in time to the band’s intimate recording sessions. The documentary showcases the warmth, camaraderie and creative genius that defined the legacy of the iconic foursome, and is compiled from 60 hours of unseen footage shot in January 1969 and more than 150 hours of unheard audio, all of which has been brilliantly restored.
The Beatles: Get Back is simply one of the most exciting historical documents to be unleashed upon the world in many years. The draw is obvious if you are a fan of The Beatles, as you get to see the steady creation of some of the best music ever created. Yet, you do not have to be a superfan to appreciate what is being accomplished in this documentary. There is something very special about seeing the creative process in action, slowly chipping away at the mental impediments to get to a catharsis known as a complete song. There is more to this than just the music, though; the interplay between four deeply connected friends is fascinating to watch as you get to witness little throwaway jokes and moments that will stick with you forever. Everything about this documentary is magical.
A review of the Blu-Ray release can be found here.
Time Life Music Collections
For those who think Spotify has no soul…
Time Life is a specialty label which flies a bit under the radar thanks to its very targeted sales initiatives through its website and by phone. If you are paying attention, you will see that they are actually unearthing rare, often-forgotten treats and curating a set ready to impress all around. Just this year, we have gotten two terrific music-focused box sets which gives us something we did not even know we needed.
From the late ’50s through the early ’70s, The Ed Sullivan Show broadcast the music revolution live, straight into every living room in America. Every Sunday night, we gathered in our living rooms to see the biggest stars performing their greatest hits; from rock ‘n’ roll legends to shimmering soul superstars, The British Invasion to Folk Rock, psychedelic pop, and so much more. Ed Sullivan showcased them all on his Sunday Night variety show, week after unforgettable week. Ed Sullivan’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Classics contains 128 historic performances from the likes of The Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, The Supremes, and more. The 10-disc set also delivers never-before-released full interviews, spotlights some classic comedians and more.
Inspirational songs have always been an important part of country music. Now for the very first time, you can enjoy live performances of the greatest country artists performing songs of faith and hope, all in one collection. Amazing Grace – Country Stars Sing Songs Of Faith And Hope features George Jones and Loretta Lynn to Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire and Randy Travis and so many more. This 10-disc collection features live performances of gospel songs, beloved hymns, inspirational pop songs, and patriotic favorites by top country stars plus interviews with many of these artists. Music is one of the great unifiers, and this set is sure to please so many fans of the genre.
For more information about Ed Sullivan’s Rock and Roll Classics, please check out the details here.
For more information about Amazing Grace – Country Stars Sing Gospel Songs Of Faith and Hope, please check out the details here.
The Last Waltz 4K UHD Blu-Ray
For those who miss the magic of live music…
The Last Waltz is one of the most moving music performances ever committed to film. The feature is not simply a band playing great music, but also an event loaded with emotion and thematic weight that elevates the material to something essential. Martin Scorsese shows his command of the camera even when he is not shooting a straight narrative, somehow finding the exact moments that create an indelible image in your mind. Even beyond the artistry of the film, these are simply incredible songs that sound better than any studio can capture. The Criterion Collection has delivered a new 4K UHD Blu-Ray that offers a 5-star A/V presentation and some very cool special features. If you are not already a fan of The Band, I have a feeling you are about to become one.
A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release can be found here.
Dirty Dancing 35th Anniversary 4K UHD Blu-Ray
For your sister who dropped you when you tried to recreate THE lift…
Dirty Dancing is one of the defining films of the ‘80s, and it is a story that should not be dismissed due to that popularity. While it would be easy to throw out iconic lines or attempt notorious dance moves and call it a day, the deeper thematic resonance at the source is key to its creative success. The film swims in nostalgic waters without allowing itself to be pulled down by the undercurrent. It is difficult to find a movie that is so deliciously entertaining that deals so confidently with class disparity, women’s reproductive rights, sex positivity and more. Writer Eleanor Bergstein wanted to make the audience swoon, but she also wanted to say something of substance. Sprinkle in the magical chemistry of Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, and you have a classic that will be remembered forever.
The new 35th anniversary 4K UHD Blu-Ray features a really lovely Dolby Vision presentation with Dolby Atmos audio and more special features than you know what to do with. This is sure to be a big hit with longtime fans of the film.
A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release can be found here.
100 Years Of Judy Garland
For those who realize we really did have it all…
June 10, 2022 marked the centennial of the one and only Judy Garland, a singular performer whose presence is still keenly felt to this day. To celebrate her historic life, Warner Archive released a trio of new titles – For Me And My Gal, Ziegfeld Girl and The Clock – on Blu-Ray for the first time from 4K restorations.
In these films you have a quintessential classic that introduced none other than Gene Kelly, the kind of colossal entertainment only M-G-M could bring to the screen and a drama that let Judy Garland exhibit her extraordinary acting talents without the need for song. These films along with some previous Warner Archive releases of the legendary actress made June an incredible month, and now you have the chance to share that joy with another person
A review of the Blu-Ray releases can be found for For Me And My Gal, Ziegfeld Girl, The Clock, The Pirate and Strike Up The Band.
Singin’ In The Rain 70th Anniversary 4K UHD Blu-Ray
For your partner who likes to talk the whole night through…
Singin’ In The Rain is simply one of the greatest musicals to ever grace the silver screen. For the sheer spectacle alone, Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen deliver a tremendous bang for your buck with number after number that will leave your jaw on the floor. The deeply talented ensemble impress without fail as their chemistry bleeds over into their musical performances, selling the emotion that much more. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray sporting a tremendous A/V presentation and a nice array of legacy special features. If you are a fan of the film, you should consider this release a must-own simply to experience it the best it has ever been shown outside of a theater.
A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release can be found here.
The Bigger The Better
Claude Chabrol Box Sets
For the person in your life who pretends to be cultured and you want to call their bluff…
Too often overlooked and undervalued, Claude Chabrol was the first of the Cahiers du Cinema critics to release a feature film and would be among the most prolific. The sneaky anarchist of the French New Wave, he embraced genre as a means of lifting the lid on human nature. Nothing is sacred and nothing is certain in the films of Claude Chabrol. Anything can be corrupted, and usually will be.
Both the five film Lies & Deceit and Twisting The Knife’s four-film set from Arrow Video contains a diverse array of really effective and enrapturing dramas that show different facets of human psychology. There is not a bad film in the bunch if you are one who enjoys carefully crafted tales of mystery and deception. Each set features some marvelous restorations and hours of special features that will keep fans busy for a while.
A review of the Blu-Ray releases can be found for Lies & Deceit: Five Films By Claude Chabrol and Twisting The Knife: Four Films By Claude Chabrol.
The Godfather Trilogy 50th Anniversary 4K UHD Collection
For anyone who is taking the cannoli…
Widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, this mob drama, based on Mario Puzo’s novel of the same name, focuses on the powerful Italian-American crime family of Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). When the don’s youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino), reluctantly joins the Mafia, he becomes involved in the inevitable cycle of violence and betrayal. Although Michael tries to maintain a normal relationship with his wife, Kay (Diane Keaton), he is drawn deeper into the family business.
The Godfather Trilogy is simply a masterpiece of American cinema, and there is not much more to be said about it that has not been covered in the last fifty years. Even the weakest chapter has many moments of brilliance, and Francis Ford Coppola has brought even more respect to it with his recent preferred version. Every element from the storytelling to the performances to the craftsmanship is truly a marvel. The new 4K UHD Blu-Ray set from Paramount Home Entertainment offers a spectacular A/V presentation and an impressive array of new and legacy special features. Fans will be happy to own these classic films on the best format possible.
A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release can be found here.
Film Noir: The Dark Side Of Cinema
For that person in your life who is dark and brooding…
One of most exciting ongoing series for classic film fans is Film Noir: The Dark Side Of Cinema from Kino Lorber Studio Classics, which first started in 2016 but really ramped up its output in 2022. The line went from slowly getting maybe two or three volumes a year out to putting out six fresh volumes along with a re-release of the initial volume which started off the whole endeavor. Kino has hit on a formula of offering three dark, compelling gems per set which usually find some unique thematic connection.
From the boxing dramas of Volume X to the politically corrupt tales of Volume VII, these sets have kept things fresh while showcasing undeniable talent such as Fred MacMurray, Ava Gardner, Shelley Winters, Tony Curtis, Ella Raines, William Powell, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson and more. We have yet to experience a set that was a complete bust, so dive confidently into these well-curated collections of the the darkness of yesteryear.
A review of the Blu-Ray releases can be found for Volume I, Volume VII, Volume VIII, Volume IX, Volume X and Volume XI.
Columbia Classics 4K UHD Collection: Volume 3
For those who only want the best of the best…
Continuing the fan-favorite and award-winning series, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is proud to debut six more acclaimed and iconic films from its library on 4K Ultra HD disc for the first time ever, exclusively within the COLUMBIA CLASSICS 4K ULTRA HD COLLECTION VOLUME 3. This must-own set includes films that have resonated and endured, with stars and stories that have reverberated through cinema history: IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT, FROM HERE TO ETERNITY, TO SIR, WITH LOVE, THE LAST PICTURE SHOW, ANNIE and AS GOOD AS IT GETS. Each film is presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision High Dynamic Range, and four of the films have all-new Dolby Atmos mixes.
The Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection: Volume 3 is an absolute must-own for film fans. This latest collection provides a well-rounded journey through the history of the studio with classics for almost every taste. From the screwball antics of It Happened One Night to the hilariously bittersweet triumph that is As Good As It Gets, and everything in between, each film is an absolute treasure. Not only are the films some of the best cinema has to offer, but the new 4K UHD Blu-Rays showcases why Sony is one of the best in the business. This is what every collector dreams of when they think about how they want their favorite films to be treated. If you even passingly enjoy these films, you owe it to yourself to pick up this collection before it goes out of print.
A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release can be found here.
Sony Pictures Classics 30th Anniversary 4K UHD Collection
For the cinephile in your life who radiates joy during film festival season…
In celebration of Sony Pictures Classics’ 30-year anniversary, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is proud to bring eleven of their acclaimed library favorites to 4K Ultra HD disc, exclusively within the SONY PICTURES CLASSICS 4K ULTRA HD COLLECTION. This must-own set includes iconic award-winning masterpieces from world-renowned filmmakers, unforgettable performances from global luminaries, and fan-favorite stories that have resonated across the years: ORLANDO, THE CELLULOID CLOSET, THE CITY OF LOST CHILDREN, RUN LOLA RUN, SLC PUNK, CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON, THE DEVIL’S BACKBONE, VOLVER, SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK, STILL ALICE and CALL ME BY YOUR NAME. Each film is presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision High Dynamic Range.
The Sony Pictures Classic 30th Anniversary 4K Ultra HD Collection is an absolute must-own for fans of arthouse cinema. This collection provides a well-rounded overview of one of the absolute best specialty distributors in the business. From crucial documentaries such as The Celluloid Closet to pulse-pounding experiences such as Run, Lola, Run or SLC Punk, the visual majesty of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon or the gentle heartbreak of Call Me By Your Name, there is something for all flavor of cinephile. Not only are the films some of our favorites over the past few decades, but the new 4K UHD Blu-Rays showcase them with a level of perfection we never expected.
A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release can be found here.
Disclaimer: Some studios have supplied copies of these releases free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this post are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.