Spring forward into an incredible batch of new releases that feature everything from iconic films to inventive new releases. We think that you’ll love the DVDs and Blu-rays that are now in bloom. Here’s a rundown of titles that are now available!
The Great Caruso (1951)
In his best-remembered role, Philadelphia’s own Mario Lanza portrays early-20th-century opera star Enrico Caruso, who many say was the world’s finest voice. Selections from famous operas highlight this beautiful screen biography that loosely follows Caruso’s life from Naples, Italy, to New York City’s renowned Metropolitan Opera. Songs include “The Loveliest Night of the Year,” “Celeste Aida,” “La Donna è Mobile,” and many more. Ann Blyth, Dorothy Kirsten, Jarmila Novotna also star.
Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (1974)
That’s the million-dollar bounty demand that a Mexican crime lord has placed upon the man who seduced his daughter, and nothing-to-lose Americano barkeep Bennie (Warren Oates) thinks he’s got the inside track on filling it. Though nothing proves to be as it seems in his quest for the payoff, in Sam Peckinpah’s outrageous, violence-packed allegory. Isela Vega, Gig Young, Robert Webber, and Kris Kristofferson co-star.
Adverse (2020)
Scuffling L.A. ride-share driver Ethan (Thomas Ian Nicholas) didn’t have control over much, least of all his addicted and in-hock kid sister Mia (Kelly Arjen). One night, she didn’t come home, and he thereafter found new purpose: Work his way into the operations of the crime boss (Mickey Rourke) who held her marker, become his wheel man…and pick off all responsible one by one. Atmospheric revenge thriller also stars Penelope Ann Miller, Lou Diamond Phillips, Sean Astin, Matt Ryan.
The Choirboys (1977)
A hardened klatch of Los Angeles cops worked out the pressures of the job and their respective private demons through the drunken after-hours get-togethers they cynically referred to as “choir practice.” The laughs abruptly end, though, after one of their sprees ends in homicide and a cover-up. Robert Aldrich’s controversial, seriocomic take on the Joseph Wambaugh novel stars Charles Durning, Louis Gossett, Jr., Randy Quaid, James Woods, Perry King, Tim McIntire, Don Stroud.
Vanguard (2020)
Equal parts martial arts actioner and political thriller, this pulse-pounder from China focuses on the international security outfit Vanguard. Jackie Chan stars as Vanguard’s honcho, whose team has their hands full making sure an accountant (Jackson Lou) isn’t snatched up by the Arctic Wolves, a deadly band of mercenaries hired to turn their number-crunching quarry over to the terrorist organization the Brotherhood of Vengeance. With Yang Yang, Lun Ai.
The Dam Busters (1955)
Thrilling British WWII drama, directed by Michael Anderson from two non-fiction books, follows a scientist who comes up with a way to use “bouncing bombs” to destroy a series of German dams vital to the Nazi war effort, as well as the RAF crew charged with carrying out the dangerous mission. Richard Todd, Michael Redgrave, Basil Sydney, Ursula Jeans star; look quickly for Robert Shaw and Patrick McGoohan.
Dunkirk (1958)
His lieutenant killed, British soldier Cpl. “Tubby” Binns (John Mills) must lead what’s left of his unit to Dunkirk in order to be evacuated along with British and French forces following the Battle of France in May of 1940. Assisting in that daring rescue attempt were many civilian boaters, including reporter Charles Foreman (Bernard Lee) and buckle manufacturer John Holden (Richard Attenborough). Robert Urquhart, Ray Jackson also star in this engaging wartime actioner.
Ice Cold in Alex (1958)
A thousand square miles of blazing, pitiless desert, and a story so unusual, so gripping that it could spring only from life itself. The Mediterranean of 1942; along the barren North African coast where war has turned towns into smoking ruins, and the grim struggle surges to and fro. But that is just the background; the story is about people, not war – and it happens to be true. John Mills, Sylvia Syms, Anthony Quayle star.
Queens of Evil (1970)
After a road-rage incident with a middle-aged motorist ended with a fatal crash, young cyclist David (Ray Lovelock) opted to hide for the night in a deserted barn. He woke up to find himself offered shelter by the homestead’s three sumptuous sibling mistresses (Haydée Politoff, Silvia Monti, Evelyn Stewart)…and while not believing his luck at first, he wouldn’t realize the seductive sisters’ unholy agenda until it was far too late. Long-sought Eurohorror co-stars Gianni Santuccio.
Follow Me to Daisy Hills (2020)
Small-town shopkeeper Jo (Cindy Busby) thought she was upset when her dad (Paul Essiembre) told her the family general store was in danger of going under. It got worse after he called in Blake (Marshall Williams)–her high school ex, now a Manhattan business consultant–to come salvage matters. Her nostalgic notions wind up on a collision course with his bottom-line bombast…but the compromise might find more than the commerce rekindled. Jade Michael, Sharon Bajer co-star.
Touki Bouki (Criterion Collection)(1973)
Having met in Dakar and fallen deeply in love, cycle-riding cowherd Mory (Magaye Niang) and university student Anta (Myriam Niang) dreamed of fleeing Senegal and starting afresh in Paris. As the disaffected duo embark on a ill-fated string of petty thefts to pay for passage abroad, their bid for escape will have a stunning payoff. Director Djibril Diop Mambéty’s landmark of New African Cinema also stars Christoph Colomb, Ousseynou Diop. AKA: “Journey of the Hyena.”
Riviera: Season Two (2021)
Art curator Georgina Clios (Julia Stiles) had no qualms with adjusting to a posh Cote d’Azur lifestyle in the year after she wed billionaire collector Constantine (Anthony LaPaglia). Those would come after Constantine’s death in a suspicious yacht explosion…and she came to understand the shady dealings underpinning his fortune, and the ruthlessness of his family in maintaining what’s theirs. Lavish suspense drama from Sky co-stars Lena Olin, Dimitri Leonidas, Roxane Duran, Iwan Rheon, Igal Naor.
10 episodes on 2 discs.
Ruth: Justice Ginsburg in Her Own Words (2021)
Beating unimaginable odds, Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s accomplishments in the male-dominated legal landscape have been nothing short of spectacular. This bittersweet documentary employs photos, animated sketches, audio clips, video footage, and interviews to explore RBG’s singular career, primarily zeroing in on her work in the 1970s on gender discrimination cases and her appointment to the United States Supreme Court.
The Don Is Dead (1973)
The boss of all the bosses has gone to his reward…who’s going to ascend to the throne of power? The streets will erupt in a bloody gangland showdown before the question is ultimately decided, as the war becomes dangerously personal for two vicious mobsters (Anthony Quinn and Robert Forster) who clash not only over control of the criminal empire, but also over the love of the same woman (Angel Tompkins). Frederic Forrest co-stars in Richard Fleischer’s gripping crime epic. AKA: “Beautiful But Deadly.”
American Skin (2019)
Iraq War vet turned school janitor Linc Jefferson (Nate Parker, who wrote and directed) was trying to do right by his teenage son KJ (Tony Espinosa) when both were involved in an L.A. traffic stop that went tragically sideways. After the arresting cop (Beau Knapp) gets acquitted by a grand jury, riots ensue–and Linc leads service buddies and family on a courthouse raid and hostage-taking in search of his own measure of justice. Controversial effort co-stars Omari Hardwick, Theo Rossi.
Panic Beats (1983)
In this semi-sequel to “Horror Rises from the Tomb,” Paul Naschy (who also wrote and directed under the alternate name Jacinto Molina) plays Paul Marnac, a scheming husband who returns with his ailing wife (Julia Saly) to his familial estate. Marnac plans to kill his spouse and claim her inheritance, but an ancient evil is awakened in his family’s mansion, leading to a bloody vengeance. With Lola Gaos, Silvia Miró, Frances Ondiviela.
Rent-A-Pal (2020)
Back in 1990, aging bachelor David (Brian Landis Folkins) didn’t have much in his life beyond caring for his infirm mother, so he was up for snagging a cutout-bin VHS tape featuring Andy (Wil Wheaton), an amiable host ready to be his buddy. David’s growing dependency on his prerecorded pal, however, leads to uncanny consequences once he strikes genuine sparks with dating service match-up Lisa (Amy Rutledge). Disturbing and darkly amusing opus co-stars Kathleen Brady.
Tourist Trap (Uncut)(1979)
When their car breaks down in the proverbial middle of nowhere, four young people are aided by the proprietor of a roadside wax museum. There’s more to the owner and his eerie mannequins than meets the eye, however, as his “guests” soon discover…to their everlasting terror! Moody horror outing stars Chuck Connors, Tanya Roberts, Jocelyn Jones, and Robin Sherwood.
For a complete overview of all of this week’s new releases, click here.