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, my Physical Medians, we’ve hit the doldrums, both of Summer, and of the release schedule. The last few weeks were quite full of cool stuff, but not so much this week. Which is good, because with all the prep work that I’m having to do for Dragon Con, I’m a busy squid, so let’s jump right into our filthy business.
Inception (2010) “Dom Cobb is a professional thief with a difference: the spoils he goes after are not material objects but the thoughts, dreams and secrets buried in the minds of other people. This rare talent has cost him dear, rendering him a solitary fugitive stripped of everything he ever really cared about. When he is offered a chance for redemption by reversing the process and planting an idea rather than stealing it, he and his team of specialists find themselves pitted against a dangerous enemy that appears to pre-empt their every move.” Another finely crafted work by Christopher Nolan, this one gets the patented Best Buy 4K Steelbook treatment, most likely because Tenet was supposed to be out right around now. Sigh. I miss going to the movies.
His Dark Materials: The Complete First Season (2019) “Two children embark on a magical adventure through parallel universes.” AKA the Atheist Narnia. Ok, ok, yeah, that’s a cheap joke that downplays the books, but even the writer said that was kind of his goal. Anyway, this new adaptation of the books by HBO looked interesting, but I haven’t watched it yet. I only have so much time, people. I’m also thrown by swapping Sam Elliot for Lin. I mean, I love Lin, but that’s quite a change. Still this is supposed to be good, and I will get to it eventually. It’s out on Blu, and a Steelbook in the UK.
Doctor Who: Tom Baker – Complete Season Three (1976-1977) Once again, for these Doctor Who seasons, I can’t use Blu-Ray.com for the gist, and have to use Wikipedia: “The fourteenth season of British science fiction television series Doctor Who began on 4 September 1976 with The Masque of Mandragora, and ended with The Talons of Weng-Chiang.” This is the last year of Sarah Jane, the first year of Leela, and aside from some cringe-y “Yellow Peril” stuff in Talons, it’s a pretty solid set of stories. Go check out the Timestamps Project‘s look at the season, starting here, for a run down on the episodes, and the season overall. It’s my Pick of the Week.
Coma (2019) “After a colossal and mysterious accident a young talented architect comes back to his senses in a very odd world that only resembles the reality. This world is based on the memories of the ones who live in it – people who are currently finding themselves in a deep coma. Human memory is spotty, chaotic and unstable. The same is the COMA – odd collection of memories and recollections – cities, glaciers and rivers can all be found in one room. All the laws of physics can be broken. The architect must find out the exact laws and regulations of COMA as he fights for his life, meets the love of his life and keeps on looking for the exit to the real world which he will have to get acquainted with all over again after the experience of COMA.” Another odd Russian production that looks interesting. I kinda want to check it out.
Better Off Dead (1985) “Lane Meyer is a depressed teen who loses his girlfriend Beth. Her given reason for breaking up is: “Lane, I think it’d be in my best interest if I dated somebody more popular. Better looking. Drives a nicer car.” Anyway, poor Lane is left alone and thinks up treacherous ways of killing himself. He finally meets a French beauty called Monique and falls for her. Simultaneously, he must endure his mother’s terrible cooking which literally slides off the table and his disgusting next door neighbour Ricky (and his mum) while he prepares for the skiing race of his life – to get his old girlfriend back!” Yeah, FYE pushed this back. Again. I’ll believe that it’s released when I have finished watching the movie on my player.
Nothing But the Blood (2020) “A controversial cult moves into a small town, sparking a series of violent events.” No pic of the cover art, no one I’ve heard of involved with the movie, so it could be good. Or not. We’ll see.
Other titles of note: Satan’s Slaves (2017), The Soul Collector (2019), Dispatches from Elsewhere: Season 1 (2020)
Like I said, my Physical Medians, it’s another thin week. And I’m afraid that will continue until new stuff gets digital releases, or, you know, we fix the world. Until then, let me know which of these are a must-buy for you, a pass, or which ones I missed!