October is on its way out with a bang! As the month winds down, you’ll notice that there’s a huge assortment of new releases now available, with titles for every taste. Take a look at the following film and TV offerings that are now available and revel in the vitality of physical media. Here’s a look at the latest titles hitting home video!
The Suicide Squad (2021)
That team of bad guys and gals that takes on the jobs no one else wants gears up for another assignment in director James Gunn’s over-the-top sequel. Can Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), the mercenary Bloodsport (Idris Elba), uber-patriotic Peacemaker (John Cena), half-human/half-fish King Shark (voiced by Sylvester Stallone), and a host of other expendable convicts destroy a one-time Nazi lab from where the deadly and mysterious Project Starfish is being launched? With Joel Kinnaman, Viola Davis.
Stillwater (2021)
For troubled Oklahoma oil rigger Bill Baker (Matt Damon), it took all available time and resources to even visit his daughter Allison (Abigail Breslin), serving time in Marseille for the murder of her girlfriend. When a lead came up that could exonerate her, Baker’s choice to stay in town and pursue it will take him down some dangerous paths. Tom McCarthy’s compelling mystery-drama co-stars Camille Cottin, Lilou Siauvaud, Deanna Dunagan, Idir Azoughi.
Don’t Breathe 2 (2021)
Eight years after his brutal dispatch of a home invasion, blind Gulf War vet Norman Nordstrom (Stephen Lang) found his own brand of enhanced security–the orphaned girl (Madelyn Grace) he took in, named “Phoenix,” and trained in martial combat. However, their combined skills might not be able to subvert another break-in from a gang of punks, spearheaded by a ruthless meth dealer (Brendan Sexton III) with a stunning agenda. Shock sequel also stars Stephanie Arcila, Bobby Schofield.
Dinner at Eight (1933)
As a Manhattan society matron (Billie Burke) scrambles to bring off a formal dinner party, the private peccadilloes and hidden agendas of her family and their guests simmer behind the genteel facade. M-G-M’s all-star adaptation of the George S. Kaufman-Edna Ferber stage hit, a feast for lovers of Hollywood’s Golden Age, also stars John Barrymore, Marie Dressler, Wallace Beery, Jean Harlow, Lionel Barrymore, Lee Tracy, Edmund Lowe. George Cukor directs.
Hot Saturday (1932)
Diligent small-town bank clerk Ruth Brock (Nancy Carroll) had looked forward to the lake house shindig thrown by wealthy playboy Romer Sheffield (Cary Grant), and didn’t mind being the focus of his attentions. However, it only took a few gossiping tongues in the aftermath for her reputation to be in tatters, and leaving her to a desperate decision. Pre-Code potboiler co-stars Randolph Scott, Jane Darwell, Edward Woods.
Devil and the Doll (1932)
Intense drama stars Charles Laughton as mentally unstable naval officer Cmdr. Charles Sturm, whose jealousy forces wife Diana (Tallulah Bankhead) into the arms of Lt. Sempter (Gary Cooper). When Sempter shows up for duty aboard his submarine, Sturm goes off the deep end and collides the vessel with a freighter. A struggle for command between the two men ensues as stowaway Diana attempts to convince the crew that her spouse is insane. Cary Grant co-stars.
The Cheat (1931)
Pampered Long Island socialite Elsa Carlyle (Tallulah Bankhead) had a loving husband (Harvey Stephens)…and a compulsive gambling habit. Having dropped $10,000, she embezzles from a charity fund, and her scheme to make it all back on the market fails. An oily importer (Irving Pichel) is willing to bail her out…but is the marker going to be her marriage? Steamy remake of the 1915 DeMille silent co-stars Jay Fassett.
Torch Singer (1933)
Trying and failing to build a life for her illegitimate infant daughter, a young woman (Claudette Colbert) puts her up for adoption and ekes out a living as a cabaret thrush. Years later, she’s able to hide her checkered past and land an opportunity as a kids’ radio show host, and perhaps use her new forum to track down her child. Pre-Code sudser co-stars Ricardo Cortez, David Manners, Lyda Roberti.
Mary Stevens, M.D. (1933)
As Mary Stevens (Kay Francis) struggled to establish herself as a practicing physician, med school classmate and friend Don Andrews (Lyle Talbot) took the benefits that marrying into wealth could bring. A few short years found her having built a sterling reputation, and him on the run for embezzlement–and the fateful affair that followed left her with devastating decisions. Long-sought pre-Code potboiler also stars Glenda Farrell, Thelma Todd, Una O’Connor.
Eye of the Devil (1966)
After a series of failed harvests, London-based vineyard owner Philippe de Montfaucon (David Niven) is called back to his ancestral estate in France. Despite orders not to, his wife (Deborah Kerr) follows him to the French chateau, where she finds the employees engaged in black-magic rituals–and learns the terrifying truth about her husband’s family business. Sharon Tate, Donald Pleasence co-star in this eerie thriller.
Steel Dawn (Vestron Collector’s Series)(1987)
Patrick Swayze trades his dancing shoes for a broadsword in this futuristic action epic set on a barren, post-apocalyptic landscape. A community is besieged by a cruel warlord (Anthony Zerbe) intent on getting his hands on their precious water supply, and itinerant warrior Nomad (Swayze) may be the only one who can save them. Incredible fantasy thriller also stars Lisa Niemi (Swayze’s real-life wife), Christopher Neame, Brion James.
Star Trek: The Original Series: The Complete Series
Space…the final frontier was explored by the crew of the starship Enterprise in the classic sci-fi series that ran on NBC from 1966-69, spawned an enduring television and film franchise, and became an iconic piece of pop culture. William Shatner starred as the heroic Captain James T. Kirk, Leonard Nimoy was logical, half-Vulcan science officer Mr. Spock, and DeForest Kelley was the gruff Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy. With James Doohan, Nichelle Nichols, George Takei, Walter Koenig. 79 episodes on 20 discs.
The Incredible Hulk: The Complete Series
Action-packed series, based on the Marvel Comics hero, ran on CBS from 1978-82 and starred Bill Bixby as Dr. David Banner, a scientist whose accidental overexposure to gamma rays causes him to transform into a green-skinned, super-strong behemoth (Lou Ferrigno) when he becomes enraged. Believed to be dead, Banner sets out to find a way to control his inner beast, all the while pursued by tenacious reporter Jack McGee (Jack Colvin). All 83 episodes of the smashing series are included in this 19-disc set.
Children of the Damned (1964)
More of a remake than a sequel, this follow-up to 1960’s “Village of the Damned” follows the repercussions that erupt when six highly intelligent (and dangerous) super-children are discovered in various countries and brought to London for study. The youngsters slip their confinement and hole up together in an abandoned church–and a worried word witnesses their stand-off with the government and military. Ian Hendry, Barbara Ferris, Alfred Burke star.
Killer Party (1986)
In this campy horror classic, a co-ed who was recently accepted into a sorority where two of her friends are also pledging must prank a fraternity as an initiation stunt. Gathering a bunch of her fellow students at a creepy old house for a party, she soon discovers terror beyond belief when all the attendees encounter the angry spirit of a collegian who was murdered 20 years earlier. Sherry Willis-Burch, Joanna Johnson, and Paul Bartel star.
Ride the Eagle (2021)
Footloose Leif (Jake Johnson, who co-wrote) had long been estranged from his eccentric mom Honey (Susan Sarandon), and he was frankly surprised that she left him her picturesque Yosemite cabin in her will. Turns out there’re strings attached–as she also made a VHS tape detailing sundry unfinished business she wanted him to take care of. The oddball errands prove to be more than what they seem in this wistful effort; J.K. Simmons, D’Arcy Carden, Eric Edelstein co-star.
The Amazing Mr. X (aka The Spiritualist) (1948)
As waves hit the beach one evening, Christine Faber (Lynn Bari) swears she hears her husband Paul’s voice calling her name. But Paul’s been dead for two years. And when she meets Alexis (Turhan Bay), a mysterious supposed spiritualist who seems to know a lot about her, Christine is drawn into an unsavory scheme…but who’s really behind it? Suspenseful melodrama also stars Donald Curtis, Cathy O’Donnell, Richard Carlson, Virginia Gregg. AKA: “The Spiritualist.”
Christmas Cookies (2016)
In this Hallmark Channel holiday tale, Hannah Harper (Jill Wagner) is an executive with a large conglomerate that wants to buy Aunt Sally’s Christmas Cookie Company, a struggling operation and the backbone of the town of Cookie Jar. Sent to close the deal–and the factory–Hannah finds her job will be tougher than she thought when she falls for the company’s owner, Jake (Wes Brown), who wants to keep the business right where it is. Will the spirit of the season be enough to save Cookie Jar? With P. Lynn Johnson, Chris Gauthier.
A Nashville Christmas Carol (2020)
With her sights set on a promotion to L.A., workaholic TV producer Vivienne (Jessy Schram) was cracking the whip to make sure her country music holiday special went off without a hitch–even with the presence of ex and act manager Gavin (Wes Brooks). It takes an uncanny visit from the ghost of her late mentor (Wynona Judd) to give her priorities a needed reset. C&W spin on the seasonal classic also stars Sara Evans, RaeLynn, Kix Brooks, Kimberley Williams-Paisley.
Christmas She Wrote (2021)
New York romance columnist Kayleigh (Danica McKellar) found herself pink-slipped in time for the holidays by bottom-line new editor Tripp (Dylan Neal), so she headed to her West Coast hometown and reconnected with family. One fast wave of subscriber backlash later, Tripp’s flying out to plead for her return–and her stringing him along to teach him a lesson might bring unexpected benefits for both. Hallmark charmer also stars April Telek, Andrew Francis, Dan Payne.
USS Christmas (2020)
To mark the recent passing of her officer dad, Norfolk reporter and Navy brat Maddie Contino (Jen Lilley) finally joined her clan on a holiday tiger cruise. Encountering (and finding sparks with) old family friend Lt. Billy Jenkins (Trevor Donovan), a visit to the vessel’s archives uncovers clues to a generations-past shipboard romance–and their pursuit of the mystery might help Billy shake his long-standing disdain for the season. Barbara Niven, Stefanie Butler, Brett Rice also star.
If I Only Had Christmas (2020)
Kansas City PR firm exec Darcy (Candace Cameron Bure) pinned her future on image cleanup for under-siege and elusive Manhattan CEO William Austin, and she flew out over the holidays to manage a charity event personally. Meeting with doubtful Austin VP Glenn (Warren Christie) and his less than confident team, can she bring it off…and finally meet the mysterious client? Hallmark treat laden with “Wizard of Oz” homages co-stars Jordana Largy, Robert Markus, Lucia Walters, Brenda Crichlow.
Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas (2020)
Lost after closing the caseload of her late associate (and mom), lawyer Sarah Thomas (Lacey Chabert) didn’t kick when she was anonymously gifted a holiday weekend at a picturesque inn. Getting to meet handsome owner Ben (Stephen Huszar), she discovers that the handful of other guests–each nursing their own sorrows–were likewise invited by an unknown benefactor, and her pursuit of the truth makes for a heartwarming reveal. Leon, Lini Evans, Doron Bell also star.
Good Witch: Season Seven (2021)
The velvet pouches of soil discovered by Cassie, Abigail, and Joy mark the start of a new Merriwick mystery, one that leads them to reflect on their pasts. With the usual Middleton fun, new relationships, personal challenges and romance are in store.
“It’s a bird. It’s a plane.” It’s the Man of Steel, saving his adopted homeworld from such menaces as Lex Luthor, the Toyman, Brainiac, and others, in this stylish series from the creators of “Batman: The Animated Series,” which ran from 1996-2000. Tim Daly, Dana Delany, and Clancy Brown supply voices. 54 episodes on 6 discs.
Devi (The Goddess) (Criterion Collection)(1960)
Bengal, the mid-19th century: With his son (Soumitra Chatterjee) gone to pursue his studies in Kolkota, a wealthy old landowner (Chhabi Biswas) is seized by the delusion that his dutiful new daughter-in-law (Sharmila Tagore) is the goddess Kali reincarnate. His insistence that all around him go along with it begins to take her in as well–and lays a path toward ultimate tragedy, in Satyajit Ray’s subversive drama.
Shallow Grave (1987)
A mischievous quartet of convent college cuties had hit the road in order to enjoy spring break in Fort Lauderdale. It got bad when a backwoods Georgia restroom stop caused them to eyewitness a stranger murdering his mistress. It got worse when the killer turned out to be the local sheriff…and he’s about to deliver them his own brand of due process. Video store shelf staple stars Lisa Stahl, Tony March, Donna Baltron, Kevin Quigley.
Wild Tigers I Have Known (2006)
Powerful gay coming-of-age drama relates the story of lonely 13-year-old Logan, who obsesses over popular classmate Rodeo. After befriending his dream guy, he poses as a girl and makes erotic phone calls to him. But when Rodeo wants to meet the person behind the lusty conversations, Logan learns about his sexuality and the consequences of desire. Malcolm Stumpf, Patrick White, Fairuza Balk, and Kim Dickens star.
Frankenstein’s Daughter (1958)
Lab assistant Oliver Frank (Donald Murphy)–secretly the grandson of notorious mad scientist Dr. Frankenstein–carries on the gruesome family tradition by transforming a teenage girl into a grotesque creature with an experimental drug and creating a monster with a female brain because he believes (get this!) it will be more subservient. John Ashley, Sandra Knight, Sally Todd, Harold Lloyd, Jr. also star.
Walker: Season One (2021)
Having immersed himself in a nearly year-long undercover assignment following his wife’s murder, Texas Ranger Cordell Walker (Jared Padalecki) returns to regular duty. While attempting to rebuild his relationship with his teenage kids (Violet Brinson and Kale Culley), Walker and his new partner (Lindsey Morgan) take on some of the Lone Star State’s toughest cases. This CW reboot of the Chuck Norris series co-stars Molly Hagan, Keegan Allen, Coby Bell. 18 episodes on 5 discs.
Fritz the Cat (1972)
Cartoonist R. Crumb’s frisky feline comes to life in debuting director Ralph Bakshi’s landmark animated, adults-only satire. Follow the adventures of the conniving cool cat as he encounters 1960s culture and counterculture–including sex, drugs, Hell’s Angels, African American crows, and brutal cops–while turning into a full-blown leftist radical. Skip Hinnant, Rosetta LeNoire, John McCurry provide the voices; narrated by Bakshi.
The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat (1974)
R. Crumb’s Fritz returns in this sequel, minus the input of original director Ralph Bakshi. The cartoon cat finds himself in a catastrophic situation, on welfare, and living in the slums. He turns to stoned fantasies to make things better and imagines himself on Mars, working for Henry Kissinger, a soldier in Nazi Germany, living in a sewer, and more. Voiced by Skip Hinnant, Reva Rose, Bob Holt.
Devil Story (1986)
When their car broke down during their countryside vacation, a young couple sought the nearest available shelter in a creepy chateau. They should have heeded the warnings of their elderly host to steer clear of the local dangers–like a murderous, Gestapo uniform-clad mutant, his deranged gypsy mother, an angry mummy, and a possessed black stallion! Oddball shocker from France stars Veronique Renaud, Marcel Portier, Pascal Simon.
Blades (1989)
When a mangled corpse is found on the green of a posh Jersey golf club on the eve of a major tournament, the boss somehow put hard-drinking house pro Roy (Robert North) in charge of a quiet investigation. He soon finds that the trail of blood leads to a sentient and sinister power mower–and that the malevolent machine isn’t handing out any mulligans. Fore-most horror farce from Troma co-stars Victoria Scott, Jeremy Whelan, Holly Stevenson.
Time (2021)
Former teacher Mark Cobden (Sean Bean) reported to prison for a four-year stretch that he believed he deserved. The officer in charge of his wing, Eric McNally (Stephen Graham), had a family issue that could compromise his job. The challenges and choices that an unforgiving environment presented them are memorably chronicled in Jimmy McGovern’s intense lockup miniseries drama. Aneurin Barnard, Brian McCardie, James Nelson-Joyce, Siobhan Finneran, Hannah Walters, Paddy Rowan also star.
Boardinghouse (1982)
Having inherited a stately old home, psychic Jim Royce (writer/director John Wintergate) shrugged off the murders committed there a decade earlier and took on a flock of gorgeous young women as boarders. When a sinister presence starts picking them off in stunningly violent ways, it’ll be too late to get the security deposit back! VHS-era shock staple also stars Kalassu Kay, Lindsay Freeman, Joel Riordan.
Say Amen, Somebody (1982)
A moving mix of concert film and documentary, this singular exploration follows the rich history of gospel music in America through the testimony of two towering figures who lived it, composer Thomas A. Dorsey and singer Willie Mae Ford Smith. Add performances by such greats as Delois Barrett Campbell and The Barrett Sisters, Zella Jackson Price, and The O’Neal Twins, and the result is an acclaimed, joy-filled celebration.
Warning (2021)
In a not very distant future, an asteroid’s too-close brush with Earth will serve to knock out global communications. The extreme and uncanny repercussions that the event has for an over-wired culture is explored through a series of interconnected cautionary vignettes, in writer-director Agata Alexander’s fantasy ensemble parable; Thomas Jane, Alice Eve, Alex Pettyfer, Annabelle Wallis, Rupert Everett, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Kylie Bunbury, Benedict Samuel, and James D’Arcy star.
Retribution (1987)
George (Dennis Lipscomb) is a troubled artist who survives a suicide attempt on Halloween night. As he works through his issues with a young psychiatrist (Leslie Wing), he begins to have nightmares about killing people, only to wake up and find that they’ve become a reality. Could George be possessed by the spirit of a gangster, killed on Halloween, who’s exacting revenge from beyond the grave? Gory shocker co-stars Suzanne Snyder and Hoyt Axton.
An Angel for Satan (1966)
In the 19th century, an intrigued count (Claudio Gora) commissioned the restoration of a woman’s statue that washed ashore near his lakeside villa. His daughter (Barbara Steele) would also be fascinated by the lookalike figure–to the extent that she developed a malicious second personality, and set her manipulative wrath on the locals. Steele’s last “Italian gothic” effort co-stars Anthony Steffen, Marina Berti, Ursula Davis, Mario Brega.
For Love or Money (1993)
Frothy romantic comedy starring Michael J. Fox as Doug Ireland, a concierge at a posh New York hotel with hopes of opening his own luxury hotel. In order to secure the financing, Doug must take care of an unscrupulous investor’s gorgeous mistress (Gabrielle Anwar), but when he falls in love with her, it’s a choice between realizing his dream or the woman of his dreams. With Anthony Higgins.
On the Rocks (2020)
With marriage and upscale Manhattan life gone stale, stalled novelist Laura (Rashida Jones) started harboring suspicions that her entrepreneur husband Dean (Marlon Wayans) was having an affair. She’d find a suspiciously too-willing accomplice in her quest around town to prove it when her galavanting, glad-handing art dealer dad Felix (Bill Murray) stepped back in her life. Sofia Coppola’s dryly arch dramedy co-stars Jenny Slate, Jessica Henwick, Barbara Bain.
Click here for a complete overview of all of this week’s new releases.