Don’t miss HUNT, the new feature from the co-director of the Cannes award-winning and Academy nominated PERSEPOLIS! Starring Lucie Debay (THE CONFESSION) and Arieh Worthalter (GIRL). Check out the terrifying trailer:
What started as a flirtatious encounter at a bar turns into a life-or-death struggle as Eve (Lucie Debay) becomes the unknowing target of a misogynistic plot against her. Forced to flee as two men pursue her through the forest, she’s pushed to her extremes while fighting to survive in the wilderness—but survival isn’t enough for Eve. She will have revenge.
A modern and radical take on the Little Red Riding Hood fable, HUNTED is an exhilarating, transcendent, and frequently brutal survival tale that elevates itself with the power of myth and magic, while still holding an exacting mirror to present-day society.
The live-action, English-language, and solo directorial debut for acclaimed French filmmaker and comic artist Vincent Paronnaud (Cannes Jury Prize Winner PERSEPOLIS, CHICKEN WITH PLUMS), HUNTED is a relentless thriller supercharged by Paronnaud’s stylized vision. Co-written by Paronnaud alongside Léa Pernollet, the film stars Magritte Award-winning actors Lucie Debay (THE CONFESSION) and Arieh Worthalter (GIRL), with Ciaran O’Brien rounding out the intimate main cast.
HUNTED is produced by Benoit Roland (FILTH, THE HOLE IN THE GROUND) and Alexandre Perrier (SWAGGER), and is a Kidam & Wrong Men production, and co-production with Savage Production, Charades, Longride, BNP Paribas Fortis, VOO, and BeTV.
Available in Blu-ray & DVD, the1958 Science-Fiction Cult Classic GIANT FROM THE UNKNOWNReturns in Limited-Edition. Giant Cult Film Collector’s Box Set for the Holidays; General Release Scheduled for Jan. 19th. Check out the Trailer:
The Film Detective (TFD), a classic media streaming network and film archive that restores and distributes classic films for today’s cord-cutters, announces the release of Richard E. Cunha’s science-fiction classic, Giant from the Unknown(1958),on limited-edition Blu-ray and DVD. The Giant from the Unknownrelease comes as the latest in a series of restorations in collaboration with The Wade Williams Collection.
For the first time ever, TFD presents film fans with the ultimate cinematic experience, offering Giant from the Unknown in a Limited-Edition Giant Cult Film Box Set,available to order now through Nov. 13 from TFD store via Imagen, delivered by Dec. 17 in time for the holidays.
Cult classic fans who order the Limited-Edition Giant Cult Film Box Set will receive the stunning 4K restoration of Giant from the Unknown, available on Blu-ray ($64.95) or DVD ($59.95), and rare collectibles … More than a month before the Giant from the Unknown’s general release. TFD will release the stand-alone special-edition restoration of Giant from the Unknown on limited-edition Blu-ray ($24.95) and DVD ($19.95) Jan. 19.
In Giant from the Unknown, Dr. Frederick Cleveland (Morris Ankrum) and his daughter Janet (Sally Fraser) are joined by scientific researcher Wayne Brooks (Ed Kemmer) in the pursuit of ancient artifacts from Vargas, a giant 500-year-old Spanish conquistador. When a lightning storm interrupts their search, the team finds much more than artifacts when the long-lost Vargas returns to life, with a murderous rage and an axe to grind!
Giant from the Unknown has been resurrected from the original camera negative with a stunning 4K transfer and includes exclusive special features: Never-before-seen interviews with author C. Courtney Joyner and actor Gary Crutcher and commentary from historian Tom Weaver, directed by Daniel Griffith at Ballyhoo Motion Pictures.
Inspired by the film, the Limited-Edition Giant Cult Film Box Set features exclusive collectibles that will thrill any cult classic film fan, including a 13-month cult film calendar, bookmark, magnet, custom playing card deck and lapel pin inspired by Vargas the Giant himself. And that’s not all! Each box set will also include a surprise, TFD Vault cult film, recently restored from the original camera negative in stunning 4K and a one-year subscription to The Film Detective app, unlocking thousands of classic film and television titles available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV.
At an $120+ value, the Limited-Edition Giant Cult Film Box Set is the perfect holiday treat. And if this giant offer at giant savings wasn’t incentive enough, the first 100 Blu-ray box set orders will receive their copy of Giant from the Unknown in a special blood-red Blu-ray case.
The Limited-Edition Giant Cult Film Box Set dealwon’t last long! The Film Detective store will be available now through Nov.13, with box sets to arrive by December 17. To order, visit https://thefilmdetective.imagenorders.com For more information on the general Jan. 19thGiant from the Unknownrelease, visit www.TheFilmDetective.com
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Audio commentary with author/historian Tom Weaver and guests
Audio commentary with co-star Gary Crutcher
You’re a B-Movie Star, Charlie Brown, an all-new interview with actor/screenwriter Gary Crutcher
The Man With A Badge: Bob Steele in the 1950s, an all-new interview with author/film historian C. Courtney Joyner
Original trailer
Blu-ray collector’s booklet with still gallery and liner notes by Tom Weaver.
Well, it looks like you’ve exercised your culinary skills and finally finished off the last of the leftovers from last week’s big holiday meal. It must be time to move on to the next big holiday looming in the not-so-distant future. After the decorations are all in place, the gift list can be tackled. Since we’re being told that it still won’t be safe enough to gather in big groups, that list may be a tad shorter this year. Perhaps instead of wrapping up ‘merch’ that would be tossed in the back of the closet…or re-gifted…or returned to the store, you may want to consider helping those in need. But where should you start? A terrific new documentary should provide you with loads of inspiration, all sparked by hundreds, no thousands, of letters and cards scrawled in pencil and crayon whose content begins with DEAR SANTA.
This delightful doc is really a celebration of Operation: Santa, a charity effort begun over a hundred years ago by the US Postal Service, another organization that’s heroically “stepped up’ during the ongoing pandemic. Yes, there’s a good deal of history, but the film really focuses on their most current efforts with several stories swirling about a recent Christmas season, perhaps in the “before times” of 2019. We get to meet several honorary “elves” from all over America, from the big burgs of NYC and Chicago, to dusty towns in rural California, and even in snowy Alaska, not far from the “big guy’s” HQ. There’s an early sequence in the home of the charity, the Farley Post Office in the “Big Apple” where groups sift through boxes and bags of letters addressed to Mr. Claus, Almost at the same time in the “Windy City” returning “helpers” zero in on which kids to help. A man in his early 30’s who was helped by the program as a child, is followed as he tirelessly tries to gather funds and items from different companies and businesses. There’s a similar story out west as a postal carrier (she still loves toys) puts in lots of personal time with co-workers as she tries to rekindle her own Yule-time wonder just months after losing everything (including, yes, toys) in the horrific fire that destroyed Paradise, CA. And then there are those heart-tugging and often adorable letters and lists. Most are for clothes (the hottest shoes) and toys (all the newest electronic gadgets), though many are a bit beyond the elves (baby brothers and sisters, and even a real live dinosaur). There’s a really unique request for a limo tour of downtown NY. And there are those future pet owners, whose “gifts” need special care and planning with the parents (puppies and bunnies, oh my). Although the film’s length we’re told of the rapidly approaching “big day” as the elves (including a grade-school class) along with the USPS pull out all the stops to make the “big day” one that the families will never forget.
Veteran documentary filmmaker Dana Nachman has lovingly crafted a truly heart-warming ode to the joy of giving. She keeps the storylines flowing at a brisk pace, limits the “talking heads” and archival footage to a minimum, and never hammers home the “holly and ivy” clichés of the season. Nor does she shy away from the personal tragedies of the various elves (other than Paradise, a few were survivors of Hurricane Katrina), but never forgets the childhood wonder as we hear lots of “special Santa stuff” from his biggest, but also smallest fans and admirers. The subtle score from Dave Tweedie builds and “swells” at just the correct moments for prime emotional impact. This is especially true on the magical wintery morning when those dreams come true (or awfully close for some). Keep those hankies at hand because if you don’t get a bit “misty-eyed” you may need to check your veins for ice water. It’s a sweet 90-minute reminder of what the holiday is really all about. If you want to warm your insides on a frigid day, the next best thing to a steaming mug of hot cocoa from Mom is experiencing the delicious delights of DEAR SANTA.
3.5 Out of 4
DEAR SANTA is playing at select theatres and is available as a Video On Demand via most streaming apps and platforms
So, who could use a little magic? This year, who couldn’t, even with just a few weeks left in 2020? We’re not talking about luck or “good fortune”, but rather the sprinkly, sparkly spells that come straight from witches, pixies, and wizards. Sure, that’s the stuff of faerie tales, but wouldn’t it be great if that mythology had some real-life basis? Sweet, huh? Now other than big blue “motor-mouthed” genies, who’s the big “wish-granter”? Just ask the dazzling blonde rockin’ those glass slippers. She’ll tell you from first-hand knowledge that it’s pretty great to be GODMOTHERED. But would that “fly” today, even using lotsa’ pixie dust?
That question is answered in the new film by taking a trip to another dimension. Where do faerie godmothers come from? Why Motherland, of course. But things are pretty dismal there, as 21st century Earth folk just don’t believe like they used to. The “GMs’ in the magic classes are pretty downbeat, except for the youngest one “in training”, the bubbly smiling Eleanor (Jillian Bell). But she’s even dismayed by the unexpected appearance in class by the “queen mum” and ruler of the land Moira (Jane Curtin). Unless some human is helped, the whole place will shut down and cease to exist. Things seem hopeless, but Eleanor won’t give up. Scouring the “request files” she finds one lonely letter, from little Mackenzie Walsh in Boston, USA. Without Moira’s knowing (she wouldn’t approve), Eleanor, with the aid of her roomie Agnes (June Squibb), dashes through a mystical portal to our world. Thing is, she’s still getting the hang of her wand, so she hitchhikes to “Bean-town” only to discover that her last chance isn’t a child (that letter had been there a while). Mackenzie (Isla Fisher) is the single mother of two young women, Jane (Jillian Shea Spaeder) and Mia (Willa Skye) who’s working as a news segment producer for a struggling TV station. Of course, she thinks Eleanor, in her frilly pink ball gown, is a tad “touched” in the head. Can Eleanor possibly get her “spell-casting act” together and get the Walsh family to believe in magic before that portal closes and Motherland is no more?
After stealing scenes in several studio ensemble comedies (22 JUMP STREET, ROUGH NIGHT, THE NIGHT BEFORE) and headlining an indie (BRITTANY RUNS A MARATHON), Bell looks to expand into family flicks as the simple sunny Eleanor. She succeeds for the most part, due to her fearless comic commitment (getting pelted with pumpkin mush while in that pink hoop dress) and slapstick skills (trying to control a wand that seems to have a mind of its own). It’s a smooth stroll from the hard-partying gal-pal to the sweet, clueless, and clumsy conjuror. Luckily the character has a superb straight-man, er…woman, and “reality buffer” in Fisher as the sour, cynical Mackenzie whose tough “outer layer” is slowly melted away by Eleanor’s optimism. She’s got great support at home with the two talented young actresses playing her daughters. Skye’s Mia hasn’t quite shaken her sense of joy and wonder, while Spaeder as big sis Jane is still haunted by the family’s past tragedy which almost stifles her creative musical talents (she’s been given the big solo at the holiday pageant). As for “Mack’s” work “fam”, Santiago Cabrera is an affable encouraging “chum’, who may become something more, as her “roving reporter” Hugh Prince (hmmm…that last name). Much of that applies to Mack’s BFF Duff played with a subtle sense of snark by Artemis Pebdani. Of course, not everybody can be nice and helpful (although both certainly apply to the always fun Squibb as Agnes). Bell’s BRITTANY love interest Utkarsh Ambudkar provides a smidge of comic villainy as Mack’s rating and publicity (“Gotta’ go viral!”) desperate boss Grant. And though she’s tart and intimidating, Curtin as Moira proves to be the “tough love” matriarch that Eleanor needs, though she has a real scary regal vibe about her.
A veteran of two BRIDGET JONES films, director Sharon Maguire does a fairly good job of keeping the story from collapsing under excess whimsy while eliciting great comic work from the cast (would love to see Bell and Fisher teamed again for a more adult romp). Unfortunately, her efforts are often undone by a script that begs too many comparisons to the superior fantasy /modern-day comedy mash-ups ELF and ENCHANTED. Some of the plot machinations are predictable (somehow the station’s ratings skyrocket due to Eleanor’s mishaps) and inconsistent (that wand seems to work correctly when needed for the story). And the attempts at pathos are somewhat heavy-handed, especially in the big musical finale. The various locales around Boston are lovely, as is the “faerie-world” of Motherland (still too many historical problems with that word, though). Big kudos however for the charming “2-D” animated prologue which would be a great medium for a modest follow-up (a bit of a long-shot). Though it’s doubtful that this film could become a perennial fave like the aforementioned flicks, the smallest tykes may be entertained for a bit as their folks indulge in some “cyber-shopping” rather than getting GODMOTHERED.
2 Out of 4
GODMOTHERED streams exclusively on Disney+ beginning December 4th, 2020.
Today, the Warner Bros. Pictures Group announced that it has committed to releasing its 2021 film slate via a unique, consumer-focused distribution model in which Warner Bros. will continue to exhibit the films theatrically worldwide, while adding an exclusive one month access period on the HBO Max streaming platform in the U.S. concurrent with the film’s domestic release.
The hybrid model was created as a strategic response to the impact of the ongoing global pandemic, particularly in the U.S. Following the one month HBO Max access period domestically, each film will leave the platform and continue theatrically in the U.S. and international territories, with all customary distribution windows applying to the title. All films will be available in 4K Ultra HD and HDR on HBO Max. This announcement was made today by Ann Sarnoff, Chair and CEO, WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group (of which Warner Bros. is part) and Jason Kilar, CEO, WarnerMedia.
Warner Bros. Pictures Group’s 2021 expected* release slate currently includes The Little Things, Judas and the Black Messiah, Tom & Jerry, Godzilla vs. Kong, Mortal Kombat, Those Who Wish Me Dead, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, In The Heights, Space Jam: A New Legacy, The Suicide Squad, Reminiscence, Malignant, Dune, The Many Saints of Newark, King Richard, Cry Macho and Matrix 4.
“We’re living in unprecedented times which call for creative solutions, including this new initiative for the Warner Bros. Pictures Group,” said Sarnoff. “No one wants films back on the big screen more than we do. We know new content is the lifeblood of theatrical exhibition, but we have to balance this with the reality that most theaters in the U.S. will likely operate at reduced capacity throughout 2021. With this unique one-year plan, we can support our partners in exhibition with a steady pipeline of world-class films, while also giving moviegoers who may not have access to theaters or aren’t quite ready to go back to the movies the chance to see our amazing 2021 films. We see it as a win-win for film lovers and exhibitors, and we’re extremely grateful to our filmmaking partners for working with us on this innovative response to these circumstances.”
“After considering all available options and the projected state of moviegoing throughout 2021, we came to the conclusion that this was the best way for WarnerMedia’s motion picture business to navigate the next 12 months,” said Kilar. “More importantly, we are planning to bring consumers 17 remarkable movies throughout the year, giving them the choice and the power to decide how they want to enjoy these films. Our content is extremely valuable, unless it’s sitting on a shelf not being seen by anyone. We believe this approach serves our fans, supports exhibitors and filmmakers, and enhances the HBO Max experience, creating value for all.”
“This hybrid exhibition model enables us to best support our films, creative partners and moviegoing in general throughout 2021,” said Toby Emmerich, Chairman, Warner Bros. Pictures Group. “We have a fantastic, wide ranging slate of titles from talented and visionary filmmakers next year, and we’re excited to be able get these movies in front of audiences around the world. And, as always, we’ll support all of our releases with innovative and robust marketing campaigns for their theatrical debuts, while highlighting this unique opportunity to see our films domestically via HBO Max as well.”
Deliver us from evil in the new trailer and poster for the upcoming horror drama, starring Maxine Peake (The Theory of Everything), Charles Dance (Game of Thrones), Freddie Fox (King Arthur: Legend of the Sword), and Tanya Reynolds (Sex Education).
After debuting in the UK with a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score, Quiver Distribution will release THE DELIVERED on VOD January 15th, 2021.
Watch the trailer now.
Set on an isolated farm in Shropshire in 1657, The Delivered tells the story of Fanny Lye, a woman who learns to transcend her oppressive marriage and discover a new world of possibility – albeit at great personal cost. Living a life of Puritan stricture with husband John and young son Arthur, Fanny Lye’s world is shaken to its core by the unexpected arrival of two strangers in need, a young couple closely pursued by a ruthless sheriff and his deputy.
“This gun is my judge, my jury… and my executioner!”
Robert Forster and Fred Williamson in VIGILANTE is coming to 4K UHD and Blu-ray December 15th from Blue Underground’s. Check out the retsoration trailer:
New York City factory worker Eddie Marino (Robert Forster, Oscar® nominee for JACKIE BROWN) is a solid citizen and regular guy, until the day a sadistic street gang brutally assaults his wife and murders his child. But when a corrupt judge sets the thugs free, Eddie goes berserk and vows revenge. Now there’s a new breed of marauder loose on the city streets, enforcing his own kind of law. His justice is swift. His methods are violent. He is the VIGILANTE.
Fred Williamson (FROM DUSK TILL DAWN), Richard Bright (THE GODFATHER), Rutanya Alda (AMITYVILLE II: THE POSSESSION), Carol Lynley (THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE), Woody Strode (SPARTACUS), Joe Spinell (MANIAC) and Salsa legend Willie Colón co-star in this hard-hitting exploitation classic from director William Lustig (MANIAC COP 2) that many critics consider to be better – and more shocking – than the original DEATH WISH. Now Blue Underground is thrilled to present VIGILANTE in a pristine new restoration, scanned in 4K 16-bit from the original 35mm camera negative, with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio, fully loaded with exclusive new and archival Extras!
BONUS FEATURES:
Audio Commentary #1 with Co-Producer/Director William Lustig and Co-Producer Andrew Garroni
Audio Commentary #2 with Co-Producer/Director William Lustig and Stars Robert Forster, Fred Williamson and Frank Pesce
NEW! Audio Commentary #3 with Film Historians Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson
NEW!Blue Collar DEATH WISH – Interviews with Writer Richard Vetere, Star Rutanya Alda, Associate Producer/First A.D./Actor Randy Jurgensen, and others
NEW!Urban Western – Interview with Composer Jay Chattaway
Theatrical Trailers
TV Spots
Radio Spot
Promotional Reel
Poster & Still Galleries
BONUS! Collectible Booklet with new essay by Michael Gingold
20th Century Studios and BOOM! Studios announced today that “The Empty Man,” based off the acclaimed graphic novels, will be available to own digitally and on Movies Anywhere beginning Jan. 12, 2021, along with an all-new softcover collection set to arrive in comic stores, bookstores and online in January 2021.
“The Empty Man Movie Edition”softcover collectioncomes from the superstar team of writer Cullen Bunn (“Magneto,” “Bone Parish”), artist Vanesa R. Del Rey (“Redlands,” “Hit”), colorist Michael Garland and letterer Ed Dukeshire. As the inspiration for the motion picture, “The Empty Man Movie Edition”will feature the haunting film poster as its new cover. To celebrate the film’s digital release, BOOM! Studios has made the entire debut issue of “The Empty Man Movie Edition”available to read for free on its website. Please visit https://www.boom-studios.com/wordpress/archives/empty-man-will-find-you/.
“20th Century Studios’ adaptation of ‘The Empty Man’ has allowed new audiences to discover this horrifying story and we are thrilled that it’ll be available for consumers to watch at home come January,” said Filip Sablik, President of Publishing & Marketing, BOOM! Studios. “By releasing ‘The Empty Man Movie Edition’softcover collection, we hope new fans will discover comics and enjoy all three volumes of the hit series.”
Directed by David Prior, this supernatural horror film centers on shocking events originating in a small Midwestern town. After the mysterious disappearance of a group of teenagers, James Lasombra (James Badge Dale), a troubled retired cop, is thrust into action to investigate. Following leads that may tie a secretive occult-minded group to a terrifying local legend, he soon realizes that his life — and the lives of those close to him — are in terrible danger. The screen story and screenplay are by David Prior.
In the world of “The Empty Man”comics, it’s been one year since the first reported case of the titular disease, and no drug has been able to slow its progress. The cause is unknown, and the symptoms include fits of rage, hideous hallucinations and suicidal dementia, followed by death or a near lifeless, “empty” state of catatonia. As cults rise nationwide, the FBI and CDC enter a joint investigation of the Empty Man, racing against the clock to piece together clues to stop the cult and uncover a cure.
Add “The Empty Man”to your digital collection Jan. 12 and grab a print copy of “The Empty Man Movie Edition”later that month at your local comic book shop (visit comicshoplocator.com to find the one nearest you), local bookstore or at the BOOM! Studios webstore. Digital copies of “The Empty Man Movie Edition” will be available from content providers such as comiXology, iBooks, Google Play and Madefire.
Francis Coppola has re-edited his little-loved THE GODFATHER Pt 3 and has retitled this as THE GODFATHER, CODA: THE DEATH OF MICHAEL CORLEONE. It opens this Friday December 4th in select theaters.
Check out the trailer:
Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of The Godfather: Part III, director/screenwriter Francis Ford Coppola brings a definitive new edit and restoration of the final film in his epic Godfather trilogy—Mario Puzo’s THE GODFATHER, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone. Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), now in his 60s, seeks to free his family from crime and find a suitable successor to his empire. That successor could be fiery Vincent (Andy Garcia)… but he may also be the spark that turns Michael’s hope of business legitimacy into an inferno of mob violence. The film’s meticulously restored picture and sound, under the supervision of American Zoetrope and Paramount Pictures, includes a new beginning and ending, as well as changes to scenes, shots, and music cues. The resulting project reflects author Mario Puzo and Coppola’s original intentions of The Godfather: Part III, and delivers, in the words of Coppola, “a more appropriate conclusion to The Godfather and The Godfather: Part II.”’
HE GODFATHER CODA: THE DEATH OF MICHAEL CORLEONE (still) stars Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Andy Garcia, Franc D’Ambrosio, Bridget Fonda, George Hamilton, Joe Mantegna, Talia Shire, Eli Wallach, Sofia Coppola, Raf Vallone
It has been announced by director Patty Jenkins that WONDER WOMAN 1984 will become the first title on HBO Max available in 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos when it premieres December 25.
This premium viewing experience will be available on supported devices including Apple TV 4K, Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, Amazon Fire TV Cube and 4K Fire TV Edition smart TVs, Chromecast Ultra, AT&T TV and supported Android TV devices.
HBO Max will expand these capabilities to further films and TV series, as well as adding support for additional devices, throughout 2021.
Fast forward to the 1980s as Wonder Woman’s next big screen adventure finds her facing two all-new foes: Max Lord and The Cheetah.
With director Patty Jenkins back at the helm and Gal Gadot returning in the title role, “Wonder Woman 1984” is Warner Bros. Pictures’ follow up to the DC Super Hero’s first outing, 2017’s record-breaking “Wonder Woman,” which took in $822 million at the worldwide box office. The film also stars Chris Pine as Steve Trevor, Kristen Wiig as The Cheetah, Pedro Pascal as Max Lord, Robin Wright as Antiope, and Connie Nielsen as Hippolyta.
Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, Patty Jenkins, Gal Gadot and Stephen Jones are producing the film. Rebecca Steel Roven Oakley, Richard Suckle, Marianne Jenkins, Geoff Johns, Walter Hamada, Chantal Nong Vo and Wesley Coller are the executive producers.
Patty Jenkins directed from a screenplay she wrote with Geoff Johns & David Callaham, story by Jenkins & Johns, based on characters from DC. Joining the director behind the scenes are several members of her “Wonder Woman” team, including director of photography Matthew Jensen, Oscar-nominated production designer Aline Bonetto (“Amélie”), and Oscar-winning costume designer Lindy Hemming (“Topsy-Turvy”). Oscar-nominated editor Richard Pearson (“United 93”) is cutting the film.
The music is by Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer (“Dunkirk,” “The Lion King”).
