‘The Substance,’ Four Quentin Tarantino Films and Michael Mann’s ‘The Keep’ Arrive in 4K in January

As we move more towards streaming services in this current era, physical media such as DVDs or Blu-rays often become sought-after collector’s items due to their rarity. Even when filmmakers collaborate with companies that promise to produce copies of their work on discs, the final products consumers find on store shelves usually lack the elaborate packaging and extensive special features they used to have.

It’s worth noting that an increasing number of companies, some even independent from major studios, have taken the lead in promoting these everlasting, portable mementos. Moreover, they have established their own creative teams to gather and generate supplementary content, providing fresh perspectives on the making and enduring impact of various projects, while also ensuring top-notch visual and auditory quality.

For film enthusiasts, collectors, and those who just can’t part with their movies, we’ve picked 10 noteworthy releases from this month that are worth a look – even if they might not be at the very top of your must-have list. While we’ve already highlighted the excellent 4K release of David Fincher’s “Se7en” coming out on January 7th, keep reading to discover what other titles are getting an upgrade, extension or rediscovery in January 2025.

The Canyons (IFC Films)

The Canyons

The controversial 2013 movie by Paul Schrader, known for its daring cast pairing Lindsay Lohan and James Deen, has been re-released by IFC Films. This fresh version includes updated packaging, a new commentary track by film historian Adrian Martin, and an interview with Schrader himself. The movie provides a glimpse into a specific group of Los Angeles residents, aligning well with Schrader’s overall work. However, its place within his body of work is subjective; you be the judge whether it stands out as a masterpiece, a mediocre piece, or somewhere in between.

The Cell (Arrow)

The Cell

Tarsem Singh’s visually captivating first movie, titled “The Cell,” tells the tale of a psychologist (Jennifer Lopez) and a police officer (Vince Vaughn) who physically delve into the mind of a serial killer (Vincent D’Onofrio) to locate his latest victim. Since its premiere in 2000, this film has sparked varying opinions among viewers. The director’s unique perspective for the movie is thoroughly showcased in a brand-new 4K version of the film, personally endorsed by Singh, along with three distinct editions of the film (one previously unseen), new commentaries, behind-the-scenes clips, and numerous additional features.

The Grifters (Criterion Collection)

The Grifters

The film adaptation by Stephen Frears of the novel “The Grifters” by Jim Thompson is one of the underrated masterpieces in modern crime thrillers. Now available in 4K thanks to Criterion, it may be late, but it certainly doesn’t disappoint with its superior quality and abundant additional features. These include commentary tracks featuring John Cusack and Anjelica Huston, a fresh interview with co-star Annette Bening, behind-the-scenes footage, documentaries, and much more.

Inglourious Basterds (Arrow Video), Jackie Brown, Kill Bill Vol. 1, Kill Bill Vol. 2 (Lionsgate)

Inglourious Basterds, Jackie Brown, Kill Bill Vol. 1, Kill Bill Vol. 2

This month, four of Quentin Tarantino‘s movies will make their debut in 4K resolution, enhancing films that have always been visually impressive and worthy of being treasured by collectors. Among these releases, Arrow Video’s version of “Inglourious Basterds” stands out as the most enticing, boasting exceptional packaging from renowned home video distributor Arrow Video, and a host of fascinating featurettes centered on Tarantino’s collaborators. Previous versions of “Jackie Brown” included similar behind-the-scenes tidbits like the trivia track featured in the upgraded edition of “Pulp Fiction” last year. Both volumes of “Kill Bill” have also joined the 4K ranks, but it remains uncertain when Tarantino might create additional extras for those films or fulfill his promise of releasing the long-awaited “Whole Bloody Affair” cut.

The Keep (Vinegar Syndrome)

The Keep

Michael Mann’s films have garnered a wealth of discussion, with one exception – his 1983 horror movie, which is relatively unknown compared to his other works. Due to its limited availability in print since its release four decades ago, it has been somewhat overlooked. However, Vinegar Syndrome’s two-disc release rectifies this by offering a newly restored 4K UHD transfer, commentary track, new interviews, and an abundance of additional features. These additions ensure that if it has remained obscure until now, those who discover it will have plenty of information to understand its place within the broader context of Mann’s esteemed filmography.

Opera (Severin Films)

Opera

Dario Argento’s 1987 horror movie “Opera,” which hasn’t received enough recognition, is now available in 4K format. This release includes two remastered versions of the film – Dario Argento’s director’s version and the U.S. version. The three-disc package offers approximately eight hours of additional content, such as commentaries on both versions, discussions with Argento and his cast members, and a plethora of other extras.

Russ Meyer titles (Vixen, Supervixens, Beneath the Valley of the Ultravixens) (Severin Films)

Vixen, Supervixens, Beneath the Valley of the Ultravixens

For years, the iconic sexploitation films by Russ Meyer were unavailable and hadn’t been updated for modern viewing formats. However, that’s about to change. Severin Films has secured a groundbreaking deal with Meyer’s estate to create 4K remastered versions of three of his most notorious movies, plus additional content. The packaging echoes their previous releases, showcasing the voluptuous actresses, but it’s all updated to feel contemporary, enticing new viewers to be amazed all over again. These films are a unique cinematic oddity or sociological curiosity – they need to be seen to be believed. They push boundaries not just in exploitation, but also achieve artistic greatness.

Sliver (Vinegar Syndrome)

Sliver

Originally penned by Joe Eszterhas, who also wrote “Basic Instinct,” “Sliver” is a notable contribution to the ’90s erotic thriller genre. Whether it’s considered excellent or poor is subjective. Directed by Phillip Noyce, this movie has been remastered in 4K by Vinegar Syndrome, who oversaw the process. The new collection includes the unrated version of the film, along with extra featurettes, bonus materials, original electronic press kit interviews, and alternate scenes from the R-rated cut.

The Substance (Mubi)

The Substance

In 2024, Coralie Fargeat’s second movie has emerged as one of the most successful breakthroughs, garnering nominations for Fargeat, Demi Moore, and Margaret Qualley, along with other recognitions (including a Golden Globe award for Best Actress for Demi Moore). The film, distributed by Mubi, is poised to further thrive in its post-cinema life with the release of this disc, offering versions in both high definition and 4K. This first edition includes only one featurette, but if you’re not a subscriber to the carefully selected streaming service, this will likely be your best opportunity to rewatch the movie and its extravagant delights.

Venom: The Last Dance (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)

Venom: The Last Dance

The spin-off series based on ‘Spider-Man’ character ‘Venom’ thrived, but it concluded in 2024 with the movie ‘The Last Dance’. To honor its lasting impact, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) is releasing a 4K edition of that title packed with additional content. This special box set also includes the first two Venom films and comes with a Venom action figure. Some of the extra features include behind-the-scenes segments on actor Tom Hardy’s portrayal of the title character, director Kelly Marcel’s move from screenwriting for the franchise to directing its final installment, as well as collections of deleted scenes and bloopers.

2025-01-07 22:17