Squid Ink

Welcome back to the latest episode of Slipped Discs, where I give you a head’s up on what nerdy stuff is available to come home with you, because I still believe in physical media!

Once more, all this information comes from Blu-Ray.com, but they list everything that will be in the stores, whereas I shall provide you with what I feel is the interesting genre fare.

Well, apparently some AMC theaters are reopening soon, my Physical Medians, and will be showing The New Mutants. I was starting to think that movie would never get released, and to be honest, I’m still not sure. But if it does, that means more new movies coming out, which means more new movies coming out on disc! So, we’ll hopefully have more than the assortments of previously released media.

Which, don’t get me wrong, I love, but I want some new stuff!

Speaking of new stuff, lets get started with our filthy business.

Flash Gordon (1980) “When energy waves pull the moon out of orbit, New York Jets quarterback Flash Gordon unexpectedly finds himself heading for the planet Mongo, where, with assistance from the beautiful Dale Arden and the noble Prince Barin, he will face Emperor Ming the Merciless and rescue humanity.” Yes, this just recently came out on Steelbook, but this is a 4K release for the masses! So if you missed getting Ming in metal, pick it up now! Especially as it’s only the offering from our fine friends at Arrow Video this week, and they know how to give a movie the deluxe treatment.

Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons – The Movie (2020) “Ten years ago, Slade Wilson – aka the super-assassin called Deathstroke – made a tragic mistake and his wife and son paid a terrible price. Now, a decade later, Wilson’s family is threatened once again by the murderous Jackal and the terrorists of H.I.V.E. Can Deathstroke atone for the sins of the past – or will his family pay the ultimate price?” Another animated offering from DC, this one looks pretty cool, and has everyone’s favorite merc without an eye.

Gamera: The Complete Collection (1965-2006) “The original hero in a half-shell returns! For the first time ever worldwide, all twelve tales of the adventures of everyone’s favorite titanic terrapin are collected together in one deluxe Blu-ray boxset. This limited edition collectors’ set traces the decades-long evolution of Gamera, from the “friend of all children” in his more lighthearted earlier films, to the Guardian of the Universe in the groundbreaking 1990s reboot series, often hailed as three of the best kaiju films ever made.” The best known kaiju that wears a shell, it’s nice to see Gamera getting some respect. If you want a good run down on all of his movies, Movie Bob actually did a good two part retrospective on the Friend to All Children, and his movies, here and here. And with all the extra goodies that come in this box set, it’s my Pick of the Week.

Pitch Black (2000) “In the not-too-distant future, a docking pilot makes a forced crash-landing of her spacecraft on a distant planet. As the survivors explore the uncomfortably hot planet, they must band together. The planet is eerie, arid, and lifeless. But as the sun sets and the planet plunges into total darkness, other inhabitants emerge — including a fiendish murderer with a nose for blood.” Still one of my favorite movies, and the one that launched Vin Disel into the stratosphere. This is our second release from Arrow Video this week, and one I really want to get my hands on.

Cursed Films (2020) “Cursed Films is a five part documentary series which explores the myths and legends behind some of Hollywood’s notoriously “cursed” horror film productions.” I love a good documentary, especially on things that might be supernatural. Even if everything just was a tragic accident or coincidence, it’s still a fascinating subject.

Screaming in High Heels (2011) “Three actresses “accidentally” became cult horror film icons in the late 1980s and created the modern interpretation of the “Scream Queen” image.” Another documentary, this one covers the careers of Linnea Quigley, Brinke Stevens, Michelle Bauer, who all are horror royalty. Though how you discuss Scream Queens and not talk about Jamie Lee Curtis is beyond me.

The Barge People (2018) “Set on the canals amid the glorious British countryside, two sisters and their boyfriends head off for a relaxing weekend away on a barge, unaware of the flesh-eating fish mutants lurking in the water, ready and waiting to feed.” So Deep Ones head to England. I’ll check it out.

Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell (1974) “Last of the Hammer Frankenstein films, this one deals with the Baron hiding out in an insane asylum, so that he may continue his experiments with reanimating the dead, along with inmate Dr. Helder, who has been institutionalized for conducting such experiments.” A Hammer film that’s not coming out from Scream Factory? I’m shocked. But it will be worth a look.

The Last House on the Left (1972) “On their way to a rock concert, two teenagers are kidnapped by a gang of escaped convicts. Although they put up the fight of their lives, the girls are drugged, tossed in a car trunk and driven into the woods by the savage, murderous gang… only to wake up to a horror they could not have imagined.” Another classic, one that launched Wes Craven as a horror icon, this movie for the longest time was considered to be the most brutal, difficult to watch horror movie ever made. 48 years later, it’s still a strong contender for that title. This is our third release from Arrow Video this week, and no, they’re still not paying me.

Thrills & Chills! 4-Movie Collection (Pet Sematary (2019), A Quiet Place, Crawl, Overlord) (2018-2019) “See individual titles for their synopses.” Thanks a lot, B-R.com. So, these are three really good or really fun movies, and Pet Sematary, which is ok. If you don’t own any of them, or only own one or two, this is a good way to get them all.

Prevenge (2016) “Widow Ruth is seven months pregnant when, believing herself to be guided by her unborn baby, she embarks on a homicidal rampage, dispatching anyone who stands in her way.” A pregnant lady as a serial killer? I’m so in.

Other titles of note: Batwoman: The Complete First Season (2019-2020), A Dog’s Courage (2018), Open 24 Hours (2018), Those Who Deserve to Die (2019), Curve (2015), Notzilla (2020), Dreamworks 6 Spooky Stories Collection (Scared Shrekless; Shrek’s Thrilling Tales: Shrek: The Pig Who Cried Wolf, – Shrek: The Ghost of Lord Farquaad; Monsters vs Aliens: Night of the Living Carrots; Monsters vs Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space) (2003-2011)

An interesting week overall, my Physical Medians. Let me know, will you be braving returning to movie theaters, if they open? Or will you be sensible and stay home? And, as always, let me know which of these are a must-buy for you, a pass, or which ones I missed!