The Corner Penthouse

Join me as I do a quick review round-up for the best of this month's new home video releases...

All of the items below have already been released and are available for purchase from Amazon at the links provided. The Corner Penthouse will earn a very tiny commission from your purchase using these links.



• BUY IT: DVD.

• SYNOPSIS: Two one-hour stand-up specials: The Homecoming Show (2014) - Anjelah Johnson-Reyes has been dazzling audiences on the big screen, on television and during her live performances across America with her hysterical characters and ironic humor. With a huge female following and the ability to cross over to both Mid-western mainstream and Hispanic fan-bases, Anjelah's new show leaves you smiling after an evening full of belly-laughs. A new comic super-star has emerged! Mahalo & Goodnight (2017) - Filmed at the Hawaii Theater in Honolulu, Hawaii, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes' fourth stand-up comedy special dishes on awkward massages, home invasions, spiders, and being a full-grown child.

• SPECIAL FEATURES: None.

• RATING: Not Rated

• NOTES: I've seen Anjelah in various movies and television shows, but never got to see any of her stand-up routines until now. She's quite funny and these two specials were a joy to watch.

• CREDIT: This item has been provided by Mill Creek Entertainment for review on this site.



• BUY IT: DVD, 3-Movie Blu-ray + Transformania Blu-ray.

• SYNOPSIS: Join Drac (Adam Sandler), Mavis (Selena Gomez), and all of your favorite monsters for fun and adventure in their lavish five-stake resort, on the high seas, and as they are transformed into humans. This 4-film family-friendly monster franchise bundles hilarious comedy and exciting adventure.

• SPECIAL FEATURES: Disc 1 is Hotel Transylvania (2012), Disc 2 is Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015), Disc 3 is Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (2018), and Disc 4 is Hotel Transylvania 4: Transformania (2022). These are the same discs that were released individually over the past 10 years.

• DISC 1: Audio Commentary - with director Genndy Tartakovsky, producer Michelle Murdocca, and visual effects supervisor Daniel Kramer.
• DISC 1: Goodnight Mr. Foot (4:08) - An animated short.
• DISC 1: Deleted Scenes (6:25) - Includes "Prologue", "Shadows", and "Caught in the Act".
• DISC 1: "Problem (Monster Remix)" Music Video by Becky G. featuring Will.I.Am (3:28)
• DISC 1: Behind The Scenes of "Problem (Monster Remix)" (2:22)
• DISC 2: Audio Commentary - with director Genndy Tartakovsky.
• DISC 2: Audio Commentary - with voice actors/writers/executive producers Adam Sandler and Robert Smigel, and executive producer Allen Covert.
• DISC 2: "I'm In Love With a Monster" Music Video by Fifth Harmony (3:42)
• DISC 2: Character Sketch Gallery - Contains 90 images.
• DISC 3: Audio Commentary - with director Genndy Tartakovsky, production designer Scott Wills, and visual effects supervisior Michael Ford.
• DISC 3: Puppy! (4:54) - An animated short from 2017.
• DISC 3: Goodnight Mr. Foot (4:08) - An animated short from 2012. (Also on Disc 1)
• DISC 4: Audio Commentary - with directors Jen Kluska & Derek Drymon, editor Lynn Hobson, and head of character animation Alan Hawkins.
• DISC 4: Monster Pets: A Hotel Transylvania Short (5:51)
• DISC 4: Monster Mash-Up: Making Hotel Transylvania: Transformania (6:08)
• DISC 4: Hotel Transyl-Trivia (2:56) - Selena Gomez and Adam Samberg quiz each other about the movie series.
• DISC 4: Monster Box Challenge! (0:55) - Selena Gomez and Adam Samberg play a game against each other.
• DISC 4: "Love Is Not Hard to Find" Lyric Video (2:37) - Music video for the song by Yendry featuring clips from the movie with song lyrics woven in.

• RATING: All four films have been rated PG. The first film for some rude humor, action and scary images. The second film for some scary images, action and rude humor. The third film for some action and rude humor. The fourth film for some action and rude humor including cartoon nudity.

• NOTES: I saw Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation in the theater back in 2018, and when Dracula wanted to play "the most brain-dominating, top-tappinating song in the history of all the universe", I knew instantly that it was going to be the "Macarena". A few seconds later, I was proven right. These are a fun series of films that introduce the Classic Universal Monsters in a family-friendly way. On the four-film DVD set, all four movies are anamorphic widescreen. That's great. What would be even better is if Sony were to have released the four-film set on Blu-ray set. Since they didn't, you'll have to buy the three-film Blu-ray set and the latest film, Hotel Transylvania 4: Transformania, separately on Blu-ray.

• CREDIT: This item has been provided by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment for review on this site.



• BUY IT: Blu-ray.

• SYNOPSIS: Includes these six films on three discs; two films per disc in this order:

Shout (1991) - Jesse Tucker's (James Walters) rebellious ways eventually land him in the Benedict Home for Boys in a sleepy Texas town in the '50s. But when Jack Cabe (John Travolta) breezes in as the new music teacher, he introduces Jesse and the boys to the fresh and dangerous new sounds of rock 'n' roll. Cabe encourages Jesse to redirect his emotions into music, and to trust his love for Sara (Heather Graham), the beautiful young daughter of the repressive headmaster (Richard Jordan).

Connie and Carla (2004) - Best friends Connie (Nia Vardalos) and Carla (Toni Collette) have always dreamed of fame and fortune, but their careers in show business are going nowhere fast. After witnessing a crime, they are forced to go on the run and keep their true identities secret. The dazzling duo stumble on an ingenious way to let their many talents shine. Now with a little luck - and lots of beauty products - they're going straight to the top, with plenty of side-splitting twists and turns along the way!

Captain Corelli's Mandolin (2001) - Captain Antonio Corelli (Nicolas Cage) is an Italian officer whose company of soldiers is sent to Cephalonia, a beautiful Greek island untouched by war. A free spirit with a passion for music and romance, Corelli is enchanted by Cephalonia and its people - especially Pelagia (Penelope Cruz), the gorgeous, proud daughter of the island's doctor (John Hurt). Engaged to a local fisherman (Christian Bale), Pelagia resists Corelli's attentions, but the kind and charming captain weakens her defenses. Surrendering their hearts, Corelli and Pelagia begin a heated affair. But before love can grow, the war crashes on Cephalonia's shores, forcing Corelli and Pelagia to make dangerous sacrifices for country and home...and risk losing each other forever.

The Man Who Cried (2001) - Set against a romantic Parisian backdrop, the lives of four strangers - an innocent young woman with a dangerous secret (Christina Ricci), a seductive cabaret dancer (Cate Blanchett), a mysterious stranger (Johnny Depp) and an unscrupulous operatic tenor (John Turturro) - collide on one fateful evening when secrecy is a matter of survival!

The Caveman's Valentine (2001) - Romulus Ledbetter (Samuel L. Jackson) is a misunderstood musician turned recluse, hiding from personal demons in a New York City cave. When Romulus finds the frozen body of a young drifter in a tree, the authorities - including his police officer daughter (Annjanue Ellis) - claim the death is accidental. Romulus is convinced the man was murdered by prominent art photographer David Leppenraub (Colm Feore). But how can he prove he's right when everyone thinks he's insane?

Madame Sousatzka (1988) - Madame Sousatzka (Shirley MacLaine) is a flamboyant piano instructor who teaches gifted students how to play, and how to live. In her dark London flat that serves as a shrine to her troubled musical past, Madame Sousatzka begins teaching a charismatic young prodigy named Manek (Navin Chowdhry). Pulling Manek away from Madame's disciplined teachings are his ambitious mother, a relentless talent agent, and his own desire to follow the reckless whims of a teenage life. When her talented young protege decides to debut at a prestigious concert against her wishes, Madame Sousatzka once again faces the pain of losing a cherished part of her life to the changing world around her.

• SPECIAL FEATURES: None.

• RATING: Shout (1991) has been rated PG-13. Connie and Carla (2004) has been rated PG-13 for thematic elements, sexual humor and drug references. Captain Corelli's Mandolin (2001) has been rated R for some violence, sexuality and language. The Man Who Cried (2001) has been rated R for sexuality. The Caveman's Valentine (2001) has been rated R for language, some violence and sexuality. Madame Sousatzka (1988) has been rated PG-13.

• NOTES: A rather interesting collection of movies, some of which I'm sure are making their Blu-ray debuts in this collection. Sadly, unlike last month's releases, none of these films have any special features, even though some of them did on previous DVD or Blu-ray releases.

• CREDIT: This item has been provided by Mill Creek Entertainment for review on this site.



• BUY IT: Blu-ray, DVD.

• SYNOPSIS: Asteroid City is a fictional American desert town, circa 1955. Junior Stargazers and Space Cadets from across the country assemble for the annual Asteroid Day celebration -- but the scholarly competition is spectacularly upended by world-changing events. Equal parts comedy, drama, and romance (with a touch of science-fiction).

• SPECIAL FEATURES: The only special feature is The Making of Asteroid City (7:20) - With Wes Anderson as your guide, take a personal tour behind the scenes of Asteroid City and get insider's access into set creation, performer preparation, music rehearsals and more. Broken up into four parts: "Desert Town", "Doomsday Carnival", "Montana and the Ranch Hands", and "The Players".

• RATING: PG-13 for brief graphic nudity, smoking and some suggestive material.

• NOTES: Another quirky Wes Anderson film, which won't be to everyone's liking, but I enjoyed it. As usual, Wes fills the film with a plethora of stars including Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Tilda Swinton, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Maya Hawke, Steve Carell, Margot Robbie, and Jeff Goldblum. Comes with an embossed slipcover.

• CREDIT: This item has been provided by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment for review on this site.



• BUY IT: 4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVD. (see Notes below for entire series buying options)

• SYNOPSIS: Ever since their saga started on the streets of L.A.'s underground racing scene, Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his family have overcome impossible odds to outsmart, out-nerve and outdrive every foe. Yet when the team took down a nefarious kingpin back in Brazil, they had no idea his son Dante (Jason Momoa) was watching from the shadows. More lethal than any other enemy they've faced, Dante now rises as a terrifying new nemesis who's fueled by revenge and determined to shatter their family and destroy everything and everyone that Dom loves. From London and Brazil to Antarctica and Rome, new alliances are forged and old enemies resurface. But everything changes after Dom discovers his eight-year-old son is Dante's ultimate target.

• SPECIAL FEATURES: All of the content listed below can be found on the Blu-ray disc. The DVD only includes the Commentary, Gag Reel, Fast Breaks, and Jason Momoa featurette.

• Audio Commentary - with director Louis Leterrier.
• Gag Reel (4:56)
• This is Family (35:13) - Family bonds are always the strongest. Reunite with your favorite Fast family members as we introduce new characters, travel across continents, reveal intimate views of epic stunts, and get personal about the beginning of the end of the Fast franchise.
• Fast Breaks: Scene Breakdowns with Louis Leterrier (7:46) - Director Louis Leterrier gives insight into some of the magic that went into making Fast X, breaking down how he filmed these unforgettable action scenes in legendary locations around the world.
• Xtreme Rides of Fast X (12:54) - In Fast, we cast cars like we cast characters. Take a closer look at how classic Fast cars were rebuilt for Fast X, and which new vehicles are customized and introduced to enhance the lifeblood of the franchise.
• Belles of the Brawl (7:14) - The women of Fast X are not to be messed with. Watch as they add their special talents to huge fight scenes, from rehearsal to the real thing.
• Tuned Into Rio (5:06) - Revisit Fast's past as our story takes us back to Rio de Janeiro, where we'll experience a non-stop party, exotic cars, and a classic Fast quarter mile street race.
• Jason Momoa: Conquering Rome (3:02) - Jason Momoa joins the Fast franchise to portray a villain that pushes the team to the brink of disaster. Watch as Momoa discusses his approach to the character, biking down the narrow streets of Rome, and performing his own stunts.
• Little B Takes the Wheel (3:05) - Get to know the youngest member of the Toretto family as we dive into Little B's journey in Fast X and introduce Leo Abelo Perry.
• A Friend in the End (1:29) - The Fast franchise has a history of shocking end-credit tags, and Fast X is no different. We take a special look at this scene and why, if you're watching a Fast movie, you never want to get up before the end credits are finished!
• "Toretto" by J Balvin Music Video (3:16)
• "Angel Pt. 1" by Kodak Black & Nle Choppa featuring Jimin of BTS, Jvke & Muni Long Music Video (3:05)

• RATING: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, language and some suggestive material.

• NOTES: Yes, this film series is already on its tenth installment; eleventh if you count the spin-off film Hobbs & Shaw. What started out as a film about street racing (the first three films) has changed into a series of global heist films (the fourth film to the latest). If you've seen any of the films from the fourth one onward, you'll have a good idea of what to expect with Fast X. Lots of big and unbelievable stunts with lots of A-list stars including Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, John Cena, Jordana Brewster, Helen Mirren, Brie Larson, Rita Moreno, Jason Statham, Jason Momoa, and Charlize Theron. Comes with an embossed slipcover. If you don't have the other films in the series, you can get the base 10-films in the "10-Movie Collection" on 4K UHD and Blu-ray, and then add the Hobbs & Shaw 4K UHD or Blu-ray to complete the set. Some of the earlier film collection Blu-ray sets include a DVD bonus disc that doesn't seem to be in the 10-film set. If you want that bonus disc, you should buy the 9-Movie Collection Blu-ray + Fast X (see links in the Buy It section above) + Hobbs & Shaw (see links in previous sentence).

• CREDIT: This item has been provided by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment for review on this site.



• BUY IT: Blu-ray, DVD.

• SYNOPSIS: On the day of his scheduled execution, convicted serial killer Edward Wayne Brady (Sean Patrick Flanery) gets a last-minute court-ordered psychiatric evaluation. The killer surprises psychiatrist Dr. James Martin (Jordan Belfi) with his claim that instead of trying to avoid his fate, he is a demon who wants the execution to go forward... and further claims that before their brief time together is over, the doctor will have committed three murders of his own.

• SPECIAL FEATURES: Everything can be found on the one Blu-ray disc.

• Audio Commentary - with directors Cary Solomon & Chuck Konzelman, and producer Chris Jones.
• Audio Commentary - with actors Sean Patrick Flanery and Jordan Belfi.
• The Making of Nefarious (32:42)
• Interview With An Exorcist with Father Carlos Martins (15:50)
• Speak of the Devil: Demonic Manifestations and Attacks in Making the Film (24:57)
• Nefarious Easter Eggs (14:36)

• RATING: R for some disturbing violent content.

• NOTES: This is a dialogue heavy film, so it's more Man From Earth than The Exorcist. It won't be for everyone, but I enjoyed it. The Blu-ray comes with a slipcover.

• CREDIT: This item has been provided by Mill Creek Entertainment for review on this site.



• BUY IT: 4K UHD, Blu-ray, 50th Anniv. Lmtd. Coll. Ed. Blu-ray, 2-Disc Spec. Ed. DVD.

• SYNOPSIS: Bruce Lee, in his final film, plays a martial arts expert determined to take down the ruthless gang leader, Han, who was responsible for the death of his sister. Recruited by an intelligence agency, he poses a student and attends a tournament at a remote island fortress. His goal is to gather evidence that will prove Han's involvement with drug trafficking and prostitution. With one man focused on crime and the other bent on revenge, the two engage in the now-classic fight-to-the-death finish. They both enter a mirrored maze and deadly battle. Only one will exit.

• SPECIAL FEATURES: As there is no Blu-ray disc, all of the previous DVD and Blu-ray special features are missing here, except for these two vintage items.

• Audio Commentary - with producer Paul Heller and writer Michael Allin. (Available on the Special Edition only)
• Introduction by Linda Lee Cadwell (2:11) - A DVD-era special feature in which Bruce Lee's widow discusses the Special Edition's reinstated "philosophical" footage and why it was important to her late husband's vision for the film.

• RATING: R for martial arts violence and brief nudity.

• NOTES: This single 4K UHD disc includes two versions of the movie: the Theatrical Cut (1:39:02) and the Extended/Special Edition Cut (1:42:32). The differences between them is few, mainly the Special Edition includes two exorcised scenes that expand the philosophical aspects of the story. Warner's 4K presentation of the film is fantastic, but like their recent UHD releases of Rio Bravo, East of Eden, and National Lampoon's Vacation, the studio has not included a Blu-ray disc, which makes it far from a definitive package. You'll need to either retain your old DVD or Blu-ray discs (see the Buy It section for the two best previous DVD and Blu-ray releases if you want the HOURS of special features they include), or Frankenstein them together to have everything.

• CREDIT: This item has been provided by Warner Brothers for review on this site.



• BUY IT: 4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVD.

• SYNOPSIS: Worlds collide when Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod (Michael Shannon) has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no superheroes to turn to. That is, unless Barry can coax a very different Batman (Michael Keaton) out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian (Sasha Calle)... albeit not the one he's looking for. Ultimately, to save the world that he is in and return to the future that he knows, Barry's only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe?

• SPECIAL FEATURES: As there is no Blu-ray disc, all of this content is on the 4K UHD disc.

• Making the Flash: Worlds Collide (36:55)
• Flashpoint: Introducing the DC Multiverse (6:21)
• Let's Get Nuts: Batman Returns, Again! (8:31)
• The Bat Chase (6:50)
• Saving Supergirl (6:49)
• Battling Zod (5:36)
• Fighting Dark Flash (7:14)
• The Flash: The Saga of the Scarlet Speedster (38:26)
• Supergirl: The Last Daughter of Krypton (16:00)
• Deleted Scenes (14:13) - A collection of 10 scenes, individually chaptered, only titled with scene numbers.
• The Flash: Escape the Midnight Circus Trailer (1:03) - A trailer for the audio series.
• The Flash: Escape the Midnight Circus (1:33:43) - A six-part original scripted audio series featuring Max Greenfield as The Flash. The episodes include "Priorities" (19:13), "The Inherent Dangers of Time Travel" (12:51), "Fully Torqued" (15:22), "The Psychodrome" (20:41), "Cyclotron Don" (13:11), and "Blackout" (12:21). The first two parts were released on Monday, July 10, 2023 on Apple Podcasts, with the remaining episodes released weekly on each subsequent Monday.
• The Flash in Session: Escape the Midnight Circus (1:58) - A brief behind the scenes look at the making of the audio series.

• RATING: PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, some strong language and partial nudity.

• NOTES: Even with some questionable CGI, the movie was hella fun, with Michael Keaton's return to the cape and cowl, and newcomer Sasha Calle's appearance as Supergirl, as the clear highlights. There are also other cameos, from other DC superheroes past and present, that brought a smile to my face. Overall, I would very much recommend this film except for one big thing: there is no Blu-ray disc included with the 4K disc!

I really hate Warner Brothers current trend, both with current releases like The Flash and the upcoming The Meg 2, and library titles like Rio Bravo, East of Eden, and National Lampoon's Vacation, of just putting one disc format in the case. A 4K disc by itself does not have as much use to me as a 4K disc plus a Blu-ray disc. Sometimes I need that Blu-ray disc in order to be able to watch it with friends, or watch it in my computer, or other players that I have. Not to mention that with library titles, they used to include the previously-released Blu-ray disc, which would have all of the special features on it. The 4K disc usually has nothing other than the movie. I would much rather have a 4K disc plus a Blu-ray disc, then a 4K disc plus a useless digital copy (which Warner Brothers will expire in six months to a year).

I hope Warner Brothers goes back to "two disc formats per release" like they used to. Really, at this point, all of the studios should just release their films as "4K UHD + Blu-ray Combo Packs" and nothing more. There is no need to release each disc separately, and there is no need to produce DVDs for films and television shows created in high definition. It really sucks when the studios release HD content on DVD only, such as Nickelodeon's recent Are You Afraid of the Dark? series, and other "children's shows". Again, kids aren't watching these DVDs. Their parents will just plop them in front of a streaming service where they don't have to worry about changing discs or the kids breaking discs.

Just one single 4K UHD + Blu-ray release is all that is needed. The videophiles who still buy physical media aren't buying DVDs anymore, so why are they still being produced for content that isn't best suited to the format? The mainstream customers have moved on to streaming, so the studios are wasting money producing DVDs (and "Blu-ray + DVD Combo Packs") for a market that isn't there anymore? I really don't understand it.

• CREDIT: This item has been provided by Warner Brothers for review on this site.

If you're looking for more cool stuff to buy, check out all of the other items I've reviewed over the years. I'm sure you'll find something you'll love.