Author: Tom Stockman

Marvel Studios’ BLACK WIDOW Lands Early on Digital August 10 and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD September 14th

“We’re family. We fight with you!”

The Wait is Over When Marvel Studios’ BLACK WIDOW Lands Early on Digital August 10 and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD September 14th Includes Nine Deleted Scenes, Bloopers and More…

Marvel Studios’ Black Widow arrives early on all major digital platforms on August 10 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on September 14. Black Widow fans can enjoy the film in stunning Ultra HD quality and immersive Dolby Atmos audio along with never-before-seen bonus footage, including nine deleted scenes, bloopers and featurettes. The aspect ratio is 2.39:1. Additionally, the 4K Blu-ray will be released in high dynamic range on the HDR10 format

In Marvel Studios’ action-packed spy thriller Black Widow, Natasha Romanoff — aka Black Widow — confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises. Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must deal with her history as a spy and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger. Scarlett Johansson reprises her role as Natasha/Black Widow, Florence Pugh stars as Yelena, David Harbour portrays Alexei/The Red Guardian, and Rachel Weisz is Melina. Black Widow — the first film in Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe — is directed by Cate Shortland and produced by Kevin Feige.

Marvel Studios’ Black Widow Bonus Features*

  • Bloopers – Take a look at some of the fun mishaps on set with the cast and crew of Black Widow.
  • Deleted Scenes
    • Grocery Shopping – Natasha heads into a grocery store to prepare for her journey through Norway. After a long drive, she arrives at her destination: a mysterious trailer in the middle of nowhere.
    • Bike Chase – Tailed by assailants, Natasha and Yelena speed through the city in order to escape their nemeses.
    • Gulag Fight – Alexei squares up against several enemies and is quickly overpowered. When all hope seems lost, Natasha leaps in to lend a hand in the fight.
    • Smile – The Taskmaster protocol is activated in a tense moment, and an iconic helmet is unveiled.
    • Come After Me – Secretary Ross and Mason discover an important message Natasha left behind.
    • Walk and Talk – Alexei and Melina have a playful exchange. The Taskmaster arrives and faces off with Alexei.
    • Widows in Training – Yelena and Alexei awaken in captivity. Melina hands the Taskmaster vials while the Widows train.
    • Kiss – Alexei and Melina reunite after the action. Natasha grieves over an untimely demise in the brutal aftermath.
    • Ohio – Natasha witnesses the carefree nature of the Ohio suburbs through the neighborhood children.
  • Filmmaker Introduction Featurette – Director Cate Shortland introduces the film and her vision for it.
  • Sisters Gonna Work It Out Featurette – Watch Scarlett and Florence as they train, fight, and bond to become the sister duo in Black Widow. Listen as the cast and crew discuss the characters, rigorous training, and building the dynamic between the two fearsome siblings.
  • Go Big If You’re Going Home Featurette – Step back to appreciate the size and scale of Black Widow’s solo film. Shot around the world, the film balances family and drama with mind-blowing action. The cast and crew reveal the intricacies of stunts that made the film so action-packed.

 *bonus features vary by product and retailer



Cast:                                      

Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff/Black
                                                Widow
Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova
Rachel Weisz as Melina
David Harbour as Alexei/Red Guardian
Ray Winstone as Dreykov
O-T Fagbenle as Mason
William Hurt as Secretary Ross

Judy Garland in IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME Available on Blu-ray August 17th From Warner Archive

“Psychologically, I’m very confused, but personally I feel just wonderful.”

Judy Garland in IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME will be available on Blu-ray August 17th from Warner Archive

Judy Garland, Van Johnson and silent comedy icon Buster Keaton star in this delightful musical when love can bloom between the most unlikely of couples In the Good Old Summertime.

It’s turn of the century America when Andrew and Veronica first meet – by crashing into each other. They develop an instant and mutual dislike which intensifies when, later on, Andrew is forced to hire Veronica as a saleslady at Oberkugen’s music store. What the two don’t know is that while they may argue and fight constantly throughout the day, they are actually engaged in an innocent, romantic and completely anonymous relationship by night, through the post office.

Ken Russell’s ALTERED STATES Screens August 4th at the Arkadin Cinema & Bar – “Strange Brew”

“You’re supposed to be reputable scientists! Not two dorm kids freaking on Mexican mushrooms!”

The Strange Brew Cult Movie night returns at their new home, the Arkadin Cinema & Bar, with a nostalgic screening of Ken Russell’s ALTERED STATES (1980) on Wednesday, August 4th at 8:30 pm (movie starts at sundown on the backlot Patio). The Arkadin is located at 5228 Gravois Ave, St Louis, MO 63116. Following the film will be an all-acoustic set by local musicians Burnt Pizza performing songs inspired by the film. The Strange Brew Cult Movie night takes place the first Wednesday of every month at Arkadin Cinema. Films are currently showing on the Backlot Patio (Enter through the Heavy Anchor) and bringing extra lawn chairs is strongly encouraged. Admission: $9.00. Tickets can be purchased in advance HERE

It’s the late 1960’s. Just for a lark, graduate student Eddie Jessup, known for being unconventional, brilliant and slightly mad, conducts experiments with an isolation chamber, using himself as the subject. His experiences in the chamber cause him to hallucinate, much of the imagery being religious-based despite his not being a religious man. Seven years later, he is a respected full professor in the Harvard Medical School. Believing he has lost his edge and has fallen into an unwanted state of respectability, Eddie decides to resume his work with sensory deprivation, this time using hallucinogens, specifically untested ones used in mystical Mexican rituals, to enhance the experience of being in the isolation tank. After initial tests, he claims he entered an alternate physical and mental state. Although unbelieving of Eddie’s claims, his colleagues Arthur Rosenberg and Mason Parrish, as well as Eddie’s wife, Emily, who is in her own right a respected academic, are concerned for Eddie’s well being. However, if Eddie’s claims are indeed true, he could do irreparable harm to himself and others around him, especially if his altered states are uncontrollable

“You’re Killing Me Smalls!” The Cast of THE SANDLOT Will be Signing Autographs August 7th in Belleville, IL

“Remember kid, there’s heroes and there’s legends. Heroes get remembered but legends never die, follow your heart kid, and you’ll never go wrong.”

Eight members of the cast of THE SANDLOT (1993) will be signing autographs from Beginning at 11am on Saturday August 7th at the Collectibles Corner in Belleville, IL That’s located at 120 East Main Street. The Collectibles Corner Facebook page with updates, prices, preorders, and more info can be found HERE.

sandlot

Come meet:

Tom Guiry “Scotty Smalls”

Chauncey Leopardi “Michael ‘Squints'”

Marty York “Yeah-Yeah’ McClennan”

Brandon Quintin Adams “Kenny DeNunez”

Grant Gelt Bertram “Grover Weeks”

Shane Obedzinski “Tommy ‘Repeat’ Timmons”

Victor DiMattia Timmy Timmons

Patrick Renna Hamilton ‘Ham’ Porter

THE SANDLOT is a beloved film that over the last 23 years has gained quite a cult following thanks its joyous nostalgia that’s along the lines of A CHRISTMAS STORY. Unlike many movies that claim to be family films, THE SANDLOT actually is a “family film”. Kids like it for the  situations and dialogue, while adults relate to it as well. Young Scotty Smalls (Tom Guidry) moves into a new town and desperately wants to fit in with the rest of the neighborhood boys and in the summer of 1962, a bat and a ball is all it takes. A solid swing will send the ball sailing over the fence to never be seen again for it lands in Mr. Mertle’s (James Earl Jones) backyard, which is guarded by a humongous dog…a super slobbering “beast” that devours anything and everything. The high drama and dilemma of the summer is trying to retrieve a Babe Ruth autographed ball from the beast. Other cast members of note: Patrick Renna, Mike Vitar, Chauncey Leopardi, Denis Leary and Karen Allen. THE SANDLOT is nostalgic, sentimental and stuffed full of innocence and humor.

Sandlot-tom-guiry-24442971-1360-768

The Island That Changed Music Forever – UNDER THE VOLCANO On Demand and Digital August 17th

On 17 August 2021, UNDER THE VOLCANO, the untold story about the studio that changed the world from an isolated island paradise, will be on available on digital release in the U.S. Directed by Gracie Otto (The Last Impresario) and produced by Cody Greenwood, UNDER THE VOLCANO charts the rise and fall of AIR Studios Montserrat, the recording studio at the center of the pop universe in the 1980s. Here’s the trailer:

Built by Beatles’ producer Sir George Martin in 1979, AIR Studios Montserrat was a custom-built, state-of-the-art recording facility tucked away on a Caribbean paradise. In the shadow of an active volcano, the studio not only attracted the biggest musical talent on the planet but was the birthplace of mega-hits such as Money for Nothing and Every Breath You Take.

Some of the notable albums recorded on Montserrat:

YEARMONTHARTISTALBUM
1979MayJimmy BuffettVolcano
1979DecRoger DaltreyMcVicar
1980 Earth, Wind & FireFaces
1981FebruaryPaul McCartneyTug of War
1981JuneThe PoliceGhost In The Machine
1982JanElton JohnJump Up
1982JanuaryDuran DuranRio
1982AprilRoger DaltreyParting Should Be Painless (parts)
1982SeptemberElton JohnToo Low For Zero
1982DecemberThe PoliceSynchronicity
1983MarchJames TaylorThat’s Why I’m Here
1983JuneDuran DuranSeven and the Ragged Tiger
1983DecElton JohnBreaking Hearts
1984MarchEric Clapton/Phil CollinsBehind The Sun
1984NovemberDire StraitsBrothers In Arms
1985AugustArt Garfunkel 
1986MarchStingBring On The Night
1986AugBoy George and Culture ClubFrom Luxury to Heartache
1986SeptemberBlack SabbathEternal Idol
1987MayStingNothing Like The Sun
1989MarchThe Rolling StonesSteel Wheels

For a decade, AIR Montserrat formed the backdrop to monumental events in music history including the break-up of The Police, the reunion of The Rolling Stones, and the reinvigoration of Paul McCartney after the tragic murder of John Lennon. After a decade of hits, and at the peak of its popularity, the studio was destroyed when the island was hit by a series of devastating natural disasters.

Through personal accounts and backed by a blistering soundtrack, UNDER THE VOLCANO is the definitive account of Sir George Martin’s studio at the end of the world, a place that generated a perfect storm of talent, technology and isolation, ushering in music that would live on long after the last tape rolled.

UNDER THE VOLCANO is the electrifying story of musical powerhouse and the secluded hit factory that produced some of the 70s and 80s most iconic records from the world’s most famous artists.

Yasuzô Masumura’s BLIND BEAST Available On Blu-ray August 24th From Arrow Video

Yasuzô Masumura’s BLIND BEAST (1969) will be available on Blu-ray August 24th from Arrow Video

Blind Beast is a grotesque portrait of the bizarre relationship between a blind sculptor and his captive muse, adapted from a short story from Japans foremost master of the macabre, Edogawa Rampo (Horrors of Malformed Men, The Black Lizard, Caterpillar).

An artists model, Aki (Mako Midori), is abducted, and awakens in a dark warehouse studio whose walls are decorated with outsized womens body parts eyes, lips, legs and breasts and dominated by two recumbent giant statues of male and female nudes. Her kidnapper introduces himself as Michio (Eiji Funakoshi), a blind sculptor whom she had witnessed previously at an exhibition in which she featured intently caressing a statue of her naked torso. Michio announces his intention of using her to sculpt the perfect female form. At first defiant, she eventually succumbs to his intense fixation on her body and finds herself drawn into his sightless world, in which touch is everything.

Blind Beast is a masterpiece of erotic horror that explores the all\-encompassing and overwhelming relationship between the artist and his art and the obsessive closed world that the artist inhabits, with maestro director Yasuzo Masumura (Giants and Toys, Irezumi) conjuring up a hallucinogenic dreamworld in which sensual and creative urges combine with a feverish intensity.

SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS

High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
Original uncompressed Japanese mono audio
Optional English subtitles
Brand new audio commentary by Asian cinema scholar Earl Jackson
Newly filmed introduction by Japanese cinema expert Tony Rayns
Blind Beast: Masumura the Supersensualist, a brand new visual essay by Japanese literature and visual studies scholar Seth Jacobowitz
Original Trailer
Image Gallery
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tony Stella

FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated booklet featuring new writing by Virginie Sélavy

Christmas in July Ralphie! A CHRISTMAS STORY Screening at The Wildey Theater in Edwardsville July 27th

“Only I didn’t say fudge… I said THE WORD. The big one. The queen mother of all dirty words… the F-dash-dash-dash WORD!!!!”

Christmas-Story-a-christmas-story-17409000-900-506

It’s Christmas in July when A CHRISTMAS STORY screens at The Wildey Theater in Edwardsville, IL ( 252 N Main St, Edwardsville, IL 62025) at 7:00pm Tuesday July 27th. $3  Tickets available starting at 3pm day of movie at Wildey Theatre ticket office.  Cash or check only. (cash, credit cards accepted for concessions)  Lobby opens at 6pm.

christmas_story2_500x322_121320061111

I used an air rifle I got one Christmas growing up, but I never had a mail-in decoder ring which required me to consume mass quantities of Ovaltine, I never ran into bullies with yellow eyes, and I never took a dare to stick my tongue to an aluminum pole in the middle of winter. Of all the holiday films that have been released in the last 34 years, did anyone envision that the sleepy low budget film from 1983, generically titled A CHRISTMAS STORY, would be at the top of the almost everyone’s list? It actually bombed when first released in theater (though I saw it there twice) but has developed such an enormous following over the years, mostly through cable TV airings, that it probably is #1 on more favorite Christmas movies list than anything. Who would have thought Bob Clark, director of terrifying low-budget horror movies such as BLACK CHRISTMAS and DEATHDREAM (as well as the raunchy comedy hit PORKY’S) could capture such an innocent and nostalgic slice of life? Don’t miss A CHRISTMAS STORY when it screens at The Wildey Theater.

christmas_story2

Small Town Monsters Looks to the Final Frontier in ON THE TRAIL OF UFOS: DARK SKY – Landing on VOD August 3rd – Check Out the Trailer

Small Town Monsters Follows Leads for Extraterrestrial Life ON THE TRAIL OF UFOS: DARK SKY Lands August 3rd on VOD. This Latest Doc Investigates Connections Between Unidentified Objects and Energy Sources. Here’s the trailer:

Cryptid documentarian Seth Breedlove and paranormal researcher Shannon LeGro continue their search for the truth behind the enigma of unidentified flying objects in the latest Small Town Monsters release: On the Trail of UFOs: Dark Sky. Dark Sky explores the UFO topic from the point of view of LeGro; a podcast host and author, and focuses more heavily on eyewitness accounts than typical alien fare. “This project excited us because we were able to look into reports from real people in real places that still connect what they’re seeing to what is being talked about in the mainstream media today,” Breedlove said. “Particularly, this idea of why these objects or lights in the sky might actually be here on earth and how they might be closer connected to us than we think.” On the Trail of UFOs: Dark Skywill be available to purchase or rent on August 3rd on a number of platforms from 1091 Pictures, including iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu and FandangoNOW.


On the Trail of UFOs: Dark Sky, is a follow-up to 2020’s On the Trail of UFOs: Season 1″, an episodic series created by Breedlove and LeGro and distributed by 1091. “On the Trail of UFOs” explored the long history of the topic and became one of the most-viewed independent UFO documentary series in history, racking up nearly 10 million views on Amazon, alone. Dark Sky goes beyond the history of the subject, exploring modern-day accounts, with additional filming taking place as recently as early May.

Dark Sky explores decades of reports of unusual craft and lights seen in the skies, and delves into some of the more overlooked aspects of the subject such as men in black, the connection between UFOs and energy sources and encounters with a mysterious being called “Cold”. The new project took LeGro and Breedlove to West Virginia, allegedly a hotbed for UAP activity for over a century, where they investigated a series of sightings around the northern panhandle of the state, and found a link between sightings and energy sources that has gone overlooked. Dark Sky also takes a look at “West Virginia’s Area 51”, and a series of sightings of the same object taking place near the town of Davis, West Virginia that lead to the film crew having an encounter of their own.

David Lynch’s DUNE Available 2-Disc Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray August 31st From Arrow Video

“Father! The sleeper has awakened!”

David Lynch’s DUNE (1984) will be available in a 2-Disc Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray August 31st from Arrow Video

Following a notorious aborted attempt by Alejandro Jodorowsky in the 1970s, Frank Herbert’s bestselling sci-fi epic Dune finally made it to the big screen as the third film by emerging surrealist wunderkind David Lynch, featuring an all-star cast that includes several of Lynch’s regular collaborators.

The year is 10,191, and four planets are embroiled in a secret plot to wrest control of the Spice Melange, the most precious substance in the universe and found only on the planet Arrakis. A feud between two powerful dynasties, House Atreides and House Harkonnen, is manipulated from afar by ruling powers that conspire to keep their grip on the spice. As the two families clash on Arrakis, Duke Atreides’ son Paul (Kyle MacLachlan, in his screen debut) finds himself at the center of an intergalactic war and an ancient prophecy that could change the galaxy forever.

Though its initial reception ensured that Lynch largely eschewed mainstream filmmaking for the rest of his career, Dune has since been rightly re-evaluated as one of the most startlingly original and visionary science fiction films of the 1980s. Its astonishing production design and visual effects can now be appreciated anew in this spellbinding 4K restoration, accompanied by hours of comprehensive bonus features.

4K ULTRA HD LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

  • Brand new 4K restoration from the original camera negative
  • 60-page perfect-bound book featuring new writing by Andrew Nette, Christian McCrea and Charlie Brigden, an interview with sound designer Alan Splet from 1984, excerpts from an interview with the director and a Dune Terminology glossary
  • Large fold-out double-sided poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Dániel Taylor
  • Six double-sided, postcard-sized lobby card reproductions
  • Limited edition packaging with reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Dániel Taylor

DISC 1: FEATURE & EXTRAS (4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY)

  • 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
  • Original uncompressed stereo and DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio
  • Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
  • Brand new commentary by film historian Paul M. Sammon
  • Brand new commentary by Mike White of The Projection Booth podcast
  • Impressions of Dune, a 2003 documentary on the making of the film
  • Designing Dune, a 2005 featurette on the work of production designer Anthony Masters
  • Dune FX, a 2005 featurette on the film’s effects
  • Dune Models & Miniatures, a 2005 featurette on the film’s model effects
  • Dune Costumes, a 2005 featurette on the film’s costume designs
  • 11 deleted scenes, with a 2005 introduction by Raffaella de Laurentiis
  • Destination Dune, a 1983 featurette
  • Theatrical trailers and TV spots
  • Image galleries

DISC 2: BONUS DISC (BLU-RAY)

  • Beyond Imagination: Merchandising Dune, a brand new featurette on the film’s promotional merchandise
  • Prophecy Fulfilled: Scoring Dune, a brand new featurette on the film’s music score, with interviews with members of Toto and film music historian Tim Greiving
  • Brand new interview with make-up effects artist Giannetto de Rossi
  • Archive interview with production coordinator Golda Offenheim
  • Archive interview with star Paul Smith
  • Archive interview with make-up effects artist Christopher Tucker

*EXTRAS STILL IN PRODUCTION AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE*

Strother Martin in THE BROTHERHOOD OF SATAN Available on Blu-ray August 31st From Arrow Video

“Not your baby, OUR baby, SATAN’S BABY!”

Strother Martin in THE BROTHERHOOD OF SATAN (1971) will be available on Blu-ray August 31st from Arrow Video

A small rural town and a family of outsiders, both trapped in the demonic grip of The Brotherhood of Satan!

Recently widowed Ben, his glamourous girlfriend Nicky and his small daughter K.T. are on a road trip across the Southwest, which comes to a screeching halt when they witness an accident. Heading to the nearby isolated desert town of Hillsboro to report it to the Sheriff (played by L.Q. Jones), they are met with a hostile reaction from the locals, who are gripped by paranoia and fear due to a series of gruesome deaths, as well as the mysterious disappearance of eleven of the communitys children. As the bodies continue to pile up around them, Ben and his family find themselves joining the sheriff, a local priest and the towns enigmatic physician Doc Duncan (Strother Martin, Cool Hand Luke) in the midst of a mystery that points towards a deadly satanic cult…

Produced by Alvy Moore and L.Q. Jones, a veteran character actor best known for his work with Sam Peckinpah, The Brotherhood of Satan is an atmospheric and chilling tale of terror that provides a crucial missing link between Rosemarys Baby (1968) and The Devils Rain (1975) in the cycle of turn-of-the-seventies shockers involving sinister devil-worshipping cults lurking within the dark shadows of modern-day America.

SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS

  • High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
  • Original uncompressed mono audio
  • Optional English subtitles
  • Brand new audio commentary by writers Kim Newman and Sean Hogan
  • Satanic Panic: How the 1970s Conjured the Brotherhood of Satan, a brand new visual essay by David Flint
  • The Children of Satan, exclusive new interview with actors Jonathan Erickson Eisley and Alyson Moore
  • Original Trailers and TV and Radio Spots
  • Image Gallery
  • Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Richard Wells
  • FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated booklet featuring new writing by Johnny Mains and Brad Stevens