Yasuzô Masumura’ BLACK TEST CAR (1962) is currently available on Blu-ray from Arrow Video.
Japanese maverick director Yasuzo Masumura (Blind Beast) helms a bitingly satirical espionage thriller set in the heart of the Japanese auto industry in his 1962 landmark Black Test Car, which launched a series of similarly themed Black films.
In a bitter, take-no-prisoners corporate war between the Tiger Motorcar Company and their competitors, the Yamato Company, undercover spies have infiltrated both sides. As Tiger prepares to launch its newest Pioneer car and a prototype bursts into flames, Toru (Hideo Takamatsu, The Last Emperor) heads a secretive task force to root out Yamato s spy, and find out what they can about the competitor’s familiar-looking new model.
Making its worldwide Blu-ray debut, Black Test Car is paired here with the English-language video premiere of its follow-up The Black Report, also directed by Masumura.
SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS
High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation of Black Test Car and The Black Report
Original uncompressed Japanese mono audio on both films
Optional newly translated English subtitles on both films
Newly recorded critical appreciation by Jonathan Rosenbaum
Theatrical trailers for both films
Image galleries for both films
Reversible sleeve featuring newly commissioned artwork by Tony Stella
FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector s booklet with new writing on the films by Mark Downing Roberts
When a tragedy strikes the world’s most unique skatepark, a group of old school skaters, BMX riders and street artists team up to fight for its survival.
Check out the Trailer for ROM BOYS : 40 YEARS OF RAD:
Fifteen years in the making with archive material going back forty years, this feature length documentary looks at a totally unique aspect of British sub-culture – the first generation of skateboarders and BMX freestyle riders in the world’s most unique skatepark. Built in a suburb of east London in the late 1970’s, Rom is the only skatepark in the world to have official historic protection. The film looks at the users of the park and not only what it means to them but the influence it has had on their lives. Shot in full DCI 4K and Featuring over 30 interviews with architects, historians, entrepreneurs, street and graffiti artists, professional skaters and BMX riders as well as the old school locals who have been visiting the park since it opened; this is the first time a feature length documentary has taken an in-depth look at this scene, and its participants, from a uniquely British perspective. When the park suffers a major tragedy during the middle of filming, the story then shifts focus to how these skaters and riders rally together to try and save the park from closure for a new generation of Rom Boys AND Girls.
Produced and directed by Matt Harris, and premiering in September at the prestigious Paris Surf and Skate festival, ROM BOYS : 40 YEARS OF RAD arrives on digital October 13 from 1091 Films.
Kinji Fukasaku’s GRAVEYARD OF HONOR (1975) and Takashi Miike’s 2002 Remake will be available together on Blu-ray September 8th from Arrow Video
Two peerless masters of Japanese cinema Kinji Fukasaku (Battles without Honor and Humanity, Battle Royale) and Takashi Miike (Dead or Alive, Audition) present their own distinctive adaptations of yakuza expert Goro Fujita s gangster novel Graveyard of Honor, each tapping into the zeitgeist of a distinct period of Japanese history.
Set during the turbulent post-war years, Fukasaku s original 1975 film charts the rise and fall of real-life gangster Rikio Ishikawa (Tetsuya Watari, Outlaw Gangster VIP). Shot through with the same stark realism and quasi-documentarian approach as Fukasaku s earlier Battles Without Honor and Humanity, Fukasaku nonetheless breaks new ground through his portrayal of a gangster utterly without honor or ethics, surviving by any means necessary in a world of brutal criminality.
Meanwhile, Miike s 2002 retelling transplants the story to Tokyo at the turn of the millennium. Less a direct remake of Fukasku s film than a radical reimagining of the same overarching premise, Miike s film captures both the hedonism and nihilism of the modern Japanese crime scene in deliriously stylish fashion, resulting in a fascinating companion piece to the original that nonetheless stands as its own entity.
With both films making their High Definition debut in a sumptuous limited edition packed with new and archival bonus content, Arrow Video is proud to present these two intertwined but unique crime thrillers from two celebrated filmmakers at the peak of their creative powers.
LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
Exclusive two-disc set featuring two different versions of Graveyard of Honor: the 1975 film by Kinji Fukasaku and the 2002 film by Takashi Miike
Limited edition packaging featuring newly commissioned artwork by Ian MacEwan
Illustrated collector s booklet featuring new writing on both films by Jasper Sharp
DISC ONE GRAVEYARD OF HONOR (1975)
High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
Original lossless Japanese PCM 1.0 mono soundtrack
Optional English subtitles
New audio commentary by author and critic Mark Schilling
Like a Balloon: The Life of a Yakuza, a new visual essay by critic and Projection Booth podcast host Mike White
A Portrait of Rage, an archival appreciation of Fukasaku and his films, featuring interviews with filmmakers, scholars, and friends of the director
On the Set with Fukasaku, an archival interview with assistant director Kenichi Oguri
Theatrical trailer
Imagery gallery
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Ian MacEwan
DISC TWO GRAVEYARD OF HONOR (2002)
High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
Original lossless Japanese PCM 2.0 stereo soundtrack
Optional English subtitles
New audio commentary by Miike biographer Tom Mes
New visual essay by author and critic Kat Ellinger
Archival interview special featuring Miike and cast members Goro Kishitani and Narimi Arimori
Archival making-of featurette
Archival making-of teaser
Archival press release interviews featuring Miike, Kishitani and Arimori
Archival premiere special featuring Miike, Kishitani and Arimori
Theatrical trailer
Imagery gallery
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Ian MacEwan
“This is gold, Mr. Bond. All my life I’ve been in love with its color… its brilliance, its divine heaviness.”
The Skyview Drive-in in Belleville (5700 N Belt W, Belleville, IL 62226) will be hosting the Sean Connery 007 Double Feature of FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE (1963) and GOLDFINGER (1964) starting Friday September 11th. The other screen at the Skyview will be showing TENET and 42. The Skyview’s site can be found HERE
JESUS SHOWS YOU THE WAY TO THE HIGHWAY will be available on Blu-ray September 15th From Arrow Video
What do you get when you cross Afro-futurism, Cold War paranoia, the dystopian world of Philip K. Dick and 60s exploitation cinema, along with a hefty dose of Lynchian surrealism? The answer: Jesus Shows You the Way to the Highway, the second feature by Miguel Llansó (Crumbs) and one of the most striking and original films you ll see all year.
The year is 2035, and Special Agent Gagano (Daniel Tadesse, Crumbs) dreams of leaving the CIA to open a business with his wife Malin (Gerda-Annette Allikas). Before he can hand in his resignation, however, a strange cyber virus attacks Psychobook, the CIA s operating system, forcing Gagano to enter cyberspace via virtual reality to combat the threat. Before long, however, the virus starts to reach out into the real world, destabilising the fragile socio-political order for its own ends, and Gagano, trapped in the VR world, must find a way out before it s too late.
Featuring encounters with an Irish-accented Joseph Stalin, a kung-fu-fighting Batman, and Jesus Christ himself, to name but a few, Jesus Shows You the Way to the Highway is absurd, audacious and like nothing you ve ever experienced before.
2-DISC LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
New audio commentary by critics Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Anton Bitel
From Talinn with Love, a new visual essay by critic Will Webb exploring the influence of exploitation cinema on Jesus Shows You the Way to the Highway
Exclusive audio interview with director Miguel Llansó, conducted by critic Josh Hurtado
Crumbs (2015), Miguel Llansó s feature directorial debut and spiritual predecessor to Jesus Shows You the Way to the Highway (Limited Edition Exclusive)
Chigger Ale (2013) and Night in the Wild Garden (2015), two short films by Miguel Llansó
Original proof-of-concept trailer
Theatrical trailer
Image gallery
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Austin Hinderliter
Double-sided fold-out poster
Limited Edition illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on Jesus Shows You the Way to the Highway by Barry Forshaw and Crumbs by Anton Bitel
Danny Huston in IVANSXTC will be available on Blu-ray September 29th From Arrow Video
Danny Huston, Peter Weller and Lisa Enos star in this biting satire on the behind-the-scenes of the Hollywood film industry, with all its drink and drug-fueled excess, from director Bernard Rose (Candyman, Paperhouse).
Opening with the death of its titular protagonist, ivansxtc goes back in time to chart the final days of hot-shot Tinseltown agent Ivan Beckman (Huston) and his fast-paced, wheeler-dealer lifestyle, which will ultimately lead him to an early grave after a shock cancer diagnosis.
Loosely based on Leo Tolstoy’s celebrated 1886 novella The Death of Ivan Ilyich, and featuring a searing performance by Danny Huston at its core and wonderfully sleazy turn from Peter Weller as Ivan s biggest client, ivansxtc is a powerful meditation on life, death and morality set against the glitzy backdrop of La La Land.
SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS
High-Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
Original uncompressed Stereo and 5.1 DTS-HD MA options
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
Q&A with director Bernard Rose, actress/producer/co-writer Lisa Enos, actors Danny Huston, Peter Weller and Adam Krentzman from a 2018 screening at the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles
Original Theatrical Trailer
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly-commissioned artwork by Peter Strain
FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Collector s booklet featuring new writing by Robert J Simpson
Artsploitation Films is pleased to announce the upcoming release of The Dead Ones, an American independent film directed by Jeremy Kasten. Named “The Best Horror Film of the Year” by Film School Rejects, the film will be released on DVD/Blu-ray and VOD/Digital on September 29, 202.
For four outcast teens, summer detention means being assigned to
clean their high school after a horrific incident. But they are not alone; a
macabre gang wearing guises of The Four Horsemen of The Apocalypse – Famine,
Pestilence, War and Death – has locked them inside and is hunting them through
the school’s ravaged hallways. As the four students battle to survive, each
must confront the supernatural echoes of past traumas they have struggled to
forget – and may be condemned to relive.
About the Director: Jeremy Kasten is an American film director, producer, screenwriter and editor, best known for his visceral, cerebral, and often psychedelic approach to modern horror. His 2001 directorial debut THE ATTIC EXPEDITIONS, starring Seth Green, Alice Cooper, and Ted Raimi, has been hailed by Dread Central as “one of the best mind-f#@k movies ever.” His 2007 neo-noir re-imagining of Herschell Gordon Lewis’ splatter classic THE WIZARD OF GORE starred Crispin Glover, Brad Dourif, and Jeffrey Combs was called “one of the most shocking, entertaining and best horror films of the year” by Film Arcade. Kasten has also contributed to the acclaimed horror anthology films THE THEATRE BIZARRE and THE PROFANE EXHIBIT. His other features include the 2005 zombie thriller ALL SOULS DAY: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS and the 2006 ‘vampirism as addiction’ shocker THE THIRST, which was called “the bloodiest vampire movie ever” (DVD Crypt).
A PURELY SENSORY HORROR
FILM… Kasten reveals the unease of a generation through gripping visions that
do not skimp on gory effects.”
– Alan Deprez, Mad Movies
“Bound to remain in the
minds of those who see it for a good while…The Dead Ones is
destined to be a controversial slice of horror cinema, and it is certainly one
that cannot be easily forgotten.”
– Joseph Perry, Horror Fuel
“The Dead Ones is a juddery, disorienting trip into the psyche of the school shooter, as well as a catabasis into the mor(t)ality of crime, punishment, and maybe even redemption.” – Anton Bitel, Rue Morgue
Gravitas Ventures, a Red Arrow Studios company, has acquired the North American distribution rights to the horror adventure film SHORTCUT. Directed by Alessio Liguori and written by Daniele Cosci, SHORTCUT stars Jack Kane, Zak Sutcliffe, Andrei Claude, Sophie Jane Oliver, Terence Anderson. The film is produced by Simona Ferri, Marco Tempera and Robert Cipullo. SHORTCUT will open nationwide across North America (USA/Canada) at drive-in’s and indoor theatres on September 25th (with Thursday night previews), followed by a VOD & digital release on December 22nd.
The Trailer looks terrifying:
SHORTCUT follows a group of five classmates trapped inside their school bus after a mysterious creature invades the road. Every passing minute decreases their survival chances against the constant threats of that unknown entity.
The deal was negotiated on behalf of Brett Rogalsky on behalf of Gravitas Ventures and by Monica Ciarli on behalf of Minerva Pictures International.
“Gravitas is thrilled to be able to share with audiences SHORTCUT. This is a film that audiences are sure to be drawn to as it will not only be an exciting theatrical experience, but should also be an iconic entry into the horror genre for years to come.” – Brett Rogalsky, Gravitas Ventures Acquisitions
Available for the First Time on 4K Ultra HD™in a 3-Disc Combo Pack, In Celebration of Its 30th Anniversary
Paul Verhoeven’s sci-fi classic gets the ultimate high-definition treatment when Total Recall arrives as a 3-disc 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray™ and Digital) and Digital 4K Ultra HD December 8 from Lionsgate. Restored in 4K from a scan of the original 35mm negative, the visionary film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger (Terminator franchise, Predator, The 6th Day), Rachel Ticotin (Con Air, Falling Down, The Eye), Oscar® nominee Sharon Stone (1995, Best Actress, Casino), and Michael Ironside (Starship Troopers, Scanners, Top Gun).
Undertaken by STUDIOCANAL, the restoration was supervised by Paul Verhoeven himself. The restoration crew paid particularly high attention to preserving special-effects continuity, as Total Recall was one of the earliest films to use computer-generated images for special effects winning the Special Achievement Award for Visual Effects at the 1990 Academy Awards®.
Available for the very first time in this absolutely stunning format, the Total Recall 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack will include a never-before-seen exclusive documentary feature as well as two brand-new featurettes. Experience four times the resolution of full HD with the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, which includes Dolby Vision, bringing entertainment to life through ultra-vivid picture quality. When compared to a standard picture, Dolby Vision can deliver spectacular colors never before seen on a screen, highlights that are up to 40 times brighter, and blacks that are 10 times darker. Additionally, the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack features Dolby Atmos, which will transport viewers from an ordinary moment into an extraordinary experience with moving audio that flows all around them. Fans will feel like they’re inside the action as the sounds of people, places, things, and music come alive with breathtaking realism and move throughout the space.
The Total Recall 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack will be available for the suggested retail price of $22.99.
Inspired by the Short Story “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale” by Philip K. Dick ● Screen Story by Ronald Shusett & Dan O’Bannon and Jon Povill ● Screenplay by Ronald Shusett & Dan O’Bannon and Gary Goldman ● Directed by Paul Verhoeven
Fully reimagined in stunning 4K for its 30th anniversary — and remastered in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos — Paul Verhoeven’s out-of-this-world sci-fi thrill ride can now be experienced like never before! In this splintered-reality mind-bender, it’s the year 2084, and construction worker Quaid (Schwarzenegger) is haunted by dreams of Mars, a place he’s never been. Against his wife’s (Sharon Stone) wishes, Quaid goes to Rekall, a memory-implant company that promises a thrilling virtual trip to the red planet. But what Quaid “remembers” is that he’s a secret agent whose cover has been blown…and that he must return to Mars at any cost.
4K ULTRA HD / BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES:
Disc 1 (4K Feature Film and Special Features):
Total Excess: How Carolco Changed Hollywood Documentary
“Open Your Mind: Scoring Total Recall” Featurette
“Dreamers Within the Dream: Developing Total Recall” Featurette
Audio Commentary with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Paul Verhoeven
Theatrical Trailer
Disc 2 (Blu-ray Feature Film and Special Features):
“Open Your Mind: Scoring Total Recall” Featurette
“Dreamers Within the Dream: Developing Total Recall” Featurette
Audio Commentary with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Paul Verhoeven
Disc 3 (Blu-ray – Special Features):
Total Excess: How Carolco Changed Hollywood Documentary
“Total Recall: The Special Effects” Featurette
“The Making of Total Recall” Featurette
“Imagining Total Recall” Documentary
Theatrical Trailer
CAST Arnold Schwarzenegger Terminator franchise, Predator, The 6th Day Rachel Ticotin Con Air, Falling Down, The Eye Sharon Stone Basic Instinct, Casino, The Quick and the Dead Michael Ironside Starship Troopers, Scanners, Top Gun
Winner of 24 awards, including Best Film at the New York Cinematography Awards and Best Original Screenplay at the Indie X Film Festival, Wives of The Skies is a romantic dramedy, set in 1965, starring two stewardesses, Fran and Marcy from Fine Air, a well-appointed airline. One evening after work, at their stewardess’ hotel, they befriend Derrick, a British photojournalist who wants to interview them as “subjects” for his “documentary film”.
As Fran and Marcy are interviewed, they are revealed as very different than Derrick hoped for or could possibly have expected… As they get to know each other, Wives Of The Skies makes a contemporary socio-cultural statement regarding the meme of “the good girl, drawn bad”. Wives of The Skies clarifies the impact of the overarching “men’s gaze” which objectifies women as carnal sex objects men seek, while they look for love… along the way, addressing the primitive issue of Trust vs. Mistrust, Wives of The Skies displays the Japanese art of Kinbaku.
A soaring success on the festival circuit, the short film is directed by Honey Lauren and features a superlative cast including Rachel Alig, Maddison Bullock, Sebastian Fernandez, and Drew Brandon Jones.
Director Honey Lauren : When someone I know sent me a link to vintage 1960’s Stewardess outfits for sale on EBAY, I was blown away at not only the popularity and high prices, but that these outfits are sold, collected and bid on, by what looked like mostly men. I recognized that these uniforms have become a fetish… for me, at the very least unexpected. Curious, I researched the history of stewardesses during this particular era.
The stewardesses were sporting uniforms by top fashion designers like Pucci, Mary Wells and Yves Saint Laurent. The fabrics, which “hugged” as they stretched, were considered revolutionary for their ability to display the stewardesses. During the flights, the layers of clothing came off at different altitudes. Dramatic designs were all the rage, with geometric patterns and stripes; bold pinks and lavenders topped off with tangerine go-go boots!
As I read the famous COFFEE, TEA OR ME, the tell all book by two “randy Stewardesses”, something about these “sexy Stewardesses”, seemed pushed and insincere. It seemed a marketing ploy by the airlines to sell tickets. Ok. We’ve seen this before. Sex sells. These ladies, and only ladies, were dressed, weighed, packaged and displayed. One airline even advertised the suggestive “Does your wife know you’re flying with us?” Another display of the pattern of woman being sexualized and sold. Only after I wrote WIVES OF THE SKIES, did I find out that COFFEE, TEA OR ME was indeed a hoax, written by a man hired by the airline industry.
I have long recognized that where there is a pattern, there is a story. WIVES OF THE SKIES, is a story. And a question… ‘Sex sells, but at what cost?’
