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: 4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVD.

• SYNOPSIS: After being expelled from Barbieland for being a less-than-perfect-looking doll, Barbie (Margot Robbie) sets off for the human world to find true happiness.

• SPECIAL FEATURES: All of the content below can be found on the 4K UHD disc.

• It's A Weird World (5:03) - Greta Gerwig and various cast members talk about Kate McKinnon's "Weird Barbie" character.
• All-Star Barbie Party (4:57) - Cats and crew discuss the casting process and the fun on-set vibe.
• Musical Make-Believe (9:11) - A breakdown of the dance party sequence early in the film.
• Becoming Barbie (6:29) - Margot Robbie and others talk about her role and physical transformation into Barbie.
• Welcome to Barbie Land (12:01) - The film's production design is discussed.
• Playing Dress-Up (7:27) - Cast and crew members discuss the film's costume design.

• RATING: PG-13 for suggestive references and brief language.

• NOTES: The trailers and TV spots for Barbie made it seem like a fun and fluffy diversion. The actual film was anything but. Yeah, on the surface it was light and fluffy, but it actually tried to put forth a message. What kind of message, I don't know, and neither did writers Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach. At first, it tries to be a social commentary about matriarchal and patriarchal societies, having Barbieland being a place where the women are in charge and the men are worthless attractive accessories. Once Ken gets a glimpse of the real world, he brings patriarchy to Barbieland, and the Barbies are "brainwashed", which happens suddenly and without much explanation. The Kens are bumbling fools with zero understanding of governance, and Barbieland falls into disarray. The movie's solution to this is for the Barbies to give a lot of Ted talks on the patriarchy, fool the Kens into war with each other, and rule once again. But isn't the point if gender equality... equality? The feminist messaging could have been so much more effective if it wasn't laid on so THICK. The story gets lost, the real world characters don't add much, and not much changes in the end. If Barbie can't learn what gender equality is, what chance do us humans have?

On the positive side, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling are perfect as Barbie and Ken, and the film is a visual treat. It's just a shame the story doesn't know what it wants to be.

Finally, as is (unfortunately) the case with Warner 4K releases these days, no Blu-ray disc is also included. You're out of luck if you want to watch the film in another room or at a friend's house where there is only a Blu-ray player. (The first print run includes a slipcover.)

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



• BUY IT: 4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVD.

• SYNOPSIS: Recent college grad Jaime Reyes (Xolo Mariduena) returns home full of aspirations for his future, only to find that home is not quite as he left it. As he searches to find his purpose in the world, fate intervenes when Jaime unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology: the Scarab. When the Scarab suddenly chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he is bestowed with an incredible suit of armor capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the superhero Blue Beetle.

• SPECIAL FEATURES: All of the content below can be found on the 4K UHD disc.

• Generations: Blue Beetle - This four-part documentary includes "Origins" (7:28), "Production Begins" (16:12), "In Full Flight" (9:03), and "A Hero's World" (13:24). Explore the journeys of actors and filmmakers bringing Blue Beetle to the big screen for the first time ever. Audiences will be immersed in the POV of filmmakers who showcase their experiences on set and in their creative studios making the story of this DC character a reality.
• Scarab Vision - This two-part featurette includes "Initiation" (6:35) and "Mastery" (6:50). Xolo Mariduena hosts this series of scene study walkthroughs that showcases how the scarab works and the role it plays in some of Blue Beetle's most epic moments.
• Nana Knows Best (4:21) – Witness Nana's transformation from an adorable 'abuelita' into a machine gun-wielding revolutionary, and stop in for a few of her most fun moments on set throughout production.

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

• NOTES: I think I can now say that I have seen the Worst Superhero Movie of All-Time. When I saw the ads for this movie on TV, my first thought was that someone in a Warner Brothers boardroom thought they needed a superhero movie to cater to the Latino community. While the film is truly that, I can't imagine any intelligent Latinos enjoying the cartoonish stereotypes their people are portrayed as. Whites won't like it, either, as the only two white characters in the entire movie are both are racist, and one is also evil. The story, which could best be described as The Greatest American Hero meets Venom meets Iron Man, might be the most cliched trope-filled story I've ever seen in a film. There is not one original thought to be found, lots and LOTS of plot holes, and at a bit over two hours in length, it's at least 45 minutes too long. Oh, and if you don't understand both English AND Spanish, don't bother. About 75% of the dialog is in Spanish, and 25% of that isn't even subtitled! Characters will switch back and forth between languages in a single conversation! Also, the protagonist is the most pathetic superhero I've ever seen. Things happen TO him, not BECAUSE of him, and he is saved by something or someone an absurd number of times. I was rooting for the baddie played by Susan Sarandon to win.

Finally, as is (unfortunately) the case with Warner 4K releases these days, no Blu-ray disc is also included. You're out of luck if you want to watch the film in another room or at a friend's house where there is only a Blu-ray player. (The first print run includes a slipcover.)

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



• BUY IT: 4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVD.

• SYNOPSIS: Get ready for the ultimate adrenaline rush as Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) and Jiuming Zhang (Wu Jing) lead a daring research team in a high-stakes battle for survival against massive Megs and ruthless environmental plunderers in the deepest depths of the ocean.

• SPECIAL FEATURES: All of the content below can be found on the 4K UHD disc.

• The Making of Meg 2: The Trench (13:02) - Cast and crew revisit the making of the film and working with new and returning cast members, then highlight the beauty and challenges of working with a Meg they can't see!?
• Up From the Depths: Even More Beasts (9:40) - Director Ben Wheatley, cast, and producers guide fans through the creation and design of the new creatures seen in the film.

• RATING: PG-13 for action/violence, some bloody images, language and brief suggestive material.

• NOTES: What's better than ripping off one Spielberg classic? How about two! Managing to grab inspiration from both Jaws and Jurassic Park - and perhaps some of the Tremors sequels - Meg 2: The Trench (no "The" in the title anymore) is a mindless montage of fun action sequences, CGI creatures, and some nonsensical plot about corporate espionage that feels like two movies in one. In the first half, a sub goes kaput while taking a deep-dive in the titular trench, leaving our hapless heroes to take a walkabout on the trench floor. The second half sees the titular Megs - which the movie sometimes forgets exist - terrorizing vacationers on Fun Island (yes, it's call that) with the help of some land-walking creatures (dinosaurs?) and a giant squid! I would explain why all of those creatures are there, but I must have missed it, or the movie just didn't care to explain. The Meg 2 is like the Sharknado films; just shut off your brain and enjoy the sights. I do wish that Warner Brothers would have opted to go for an R-rating because the bloodlessness of the PG-13 rating dampens some of the fun.

Finally, as is (unfortunately) the case with Warner 4K releases these days, no Blu-ray disc is also included. You're out of luck if you want to watch the film in another room or at a friend's house where there is only a Blu-ray player. (The first print run includes a slipcover.)

The first film, The Meg (which I reviewed), is available on 4K UHD Combo Pack, Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack, 3D Blu-ray, and individual DVD. Yeah, it was released back when Warners was including a second disc with each 4K and Blu-ray release. I wish they would go back to doing that because I hate these "4K disc only" releases. If you don't already have the first film, and don't need 4K, you can buy a 2-Movie Collection on Blu-ray and DVD.

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



• BUY IT: DVD.

• SYNOPSIS: On Eternia, the first planet of creation, a demonic tyrant rises: Skeletor! With dark armies at his command, Skeletor (Ben Diskin) is on the march, obsessed with capturing Eternia's kingdoms, and its ultimate prize: Castle Grayskull, the ancient fortress of mystery said to contain the greatest power in the universe. It's up to He-Man (Yuri Lowenthal) and his brave squad of rookie heroes to stop Skeletor and restore peace! Both sides come armed with Enchanted Power Weapons - transforming them into Masters of the Primal Powers of the Universe. It's Master vs. Dark Master, He-Man vs. Skeletor - fighting for control of Eternia, Castle Grayskull, and the fate of us all.

• SPECIAL FEATURES: There are no special features.

• RATING: Not Rated

• NOTES: This four-disc set includes all 26 episodes (running 22-23 minutes each) of the Netflix series in 16:9 anamorphic widescreen, with a slipcover over the case. This computer-animated series is a re-imagining of the original 1983 series, with some futuristic flash, and I found it highly entertaining. Masters of the Universe purists may not like it, but not everything different is bad. The only negative I have is that the series isn't available on Blu-ray. I assume this is because Netflix wants the HD version to be available exclusively through its streaming service.

Here is a quick list of other Masters of the Universe media. Some of these may not be the definitive releases with ALL of the extras, but they are the ones that are most easily available with the complete series on them. Some series may not have been released on DVD, or are out-of-print and unavailable on Amazon. Available for purchase are the original 1983 series and the 2002 series. The 1987 live-action movie starring Dolph Lungren is available on Blu-ray and DVD. He-Man's sister She-Ra had her own series in 1985, which was re-imagined for Netflix in 2018 (only 3 of the 5 seasons are available). Back in the 1980s, there was the He-Man & She-Ra: A Christmas Special, which may or may not be in one of the 1980s complete series sets.

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



• BUY IT: Blu-ray, DVD.

• SYNOPSIS: When Toula (Nia Vardalos) plans a trip to Greece to honor her late father Gus' (Michael Constantine) final wish, the family's reunion becomes complicated with the reveal of a deep family secret. With non-stop laughter at every twist and turn, the highly anticipated third installment of the franchise brings a heartwarming reunion that honors the essence of what makes the original so unique.

• SPECIAL FEATURES: All of the content below can be found on the Blu-ray and DVD discs.

• Audio Commentary - with writer/director Nia Vardalos.
• Gag Reel (7:43)
• Deleted And Extended Scenes (2:11) - A few scenes with no identifiable titles.
• On Set With Nia Vardalos (3:21) - The My Big Fat Greek Wedding franchise comes full circle as writer and star Nia Vardalos adds a new role, and takes Toula's ongoing adventure to another level, by taking a seat in the director's chair.
• Opa! The Making Of My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 (7:00) - Enjoy even more fabulous fun with the Portokalos family as the cast and crew takes you to Greece for revealing behind-the-scenes interviews, sneak peeks of beautiful locations and inside stories on the film's creation.
• Wedding Drum Song - Extended Take (1:00) - A longer version of the performance seen in the film.

• RATING: PG-13 for suggestive material and some nudity.

• NOTES: When the first film came out 20 years ago, I never thought that it would have spawned a trilogy. Here we are with the third installment and, simply put, if you've seen the first two films, this is more of the same. That's not necessarily a bad thing. It's a "comfort food" movie, and is good for the entire family. If you don't already have the first two films, a 3-Movie Collection is available on Blu-ray and DVD. (The first print run includes a slipcover.)

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



• BUY IT: Blu-ray, DVD.

• SYNOPSIS: Plucky pup Reggie (Will Ferrell) thought he and his owner Doug (Will Forte) were playing an innocent game of fetch. It isn't until he meets Bug (Jamie Foxx), a streetwise stray who says only suckers have owners, that Reggie realizes his miserable master intentionally abandoned him in the big city. With two more pooches, Maggie (Isla Fisher) and Hunter (Randall Park), adding fuel to his furry fire, Reggie goes from cute to cunning as he and Bug concoct a crazy scheme to get back to Doug and give him a big bite between his legs. Revenge has never been this riotous, or this irreverent, as the hilariously absurd antics of these four furballs turn typical animal adventures totally upside down. Forget everything you know about "dog movie" drama because this is one journey home that's off its leash and over the top.

• SPECIAL FEATURES: All of the content below can be found on the Blu-ray and DVD discs.

• Audio Commentary - with Director/Producer Josh Greenbaum and Screenwriter/Producer Dan Perrault
• Talk Like a Dog (7:10) - Meet the humans behind the dogs as Will Ferrell, Jamie Foxx, Isla Fisher, and Randall Park discuss how they got into the canine mindset to voice their roles.
• The Ultimate Treat: Making Strays (6:34) - Go on a journey with filmmakers and cast and share in their joy at bringing this unique film to the big screen.
• Poop, Booms, and Shrooms (6:41) - You'd be surprised how challenging it is filming big scenes with non-human actors. In this piece we take a look at how the filmmaking team executed some of the film's most memorable sequences.
• Will Forte: Stray Actor (5:57) - Sit down with Will Forte and learn what it's like playing someone we all hate. Filmmakers and his castmates join in to reveal why Will was the best man for the job.
• Training to be Stray (5:30) - Sit, stay, pee, hump? Take a look at the creative methods used by trainers to get the canines to perform.
• A New Best Friend (3:36) - The bond between human and dog is undeniable. So much so that director Josh Greenbaum couldn't resist bringing a stray from set home with him.

• RATING: R for pervasive language, crude and sexual content, and drug use.

• NOTES: This film could best be described as an R-rated Homeward Bound, that tries a little too hard to be "raunchy" and "adult". Apparently, writer Dan Perrault felt that the F-Bomb needed to be dropped in every other line of dialog. As such, the language tends to become grating and annoying quite quickly. If you can look past that, it's a rather charming film with more genuine heart than a lot of the family-friendly films I've seen. Will Ferrell, Jamie Foxx, Isla Fisher, and Randall Park all do a fantastic job giving voice to our main quartet of canines, each getting a chance to shine. It's also commendable that actual dogs were used for the vast majority of scenes, with computers only being used to create the effect of the dogs speaking their dialog, as well as for a few minor dog actions (explained in the featurettes). (The first print run includes an embossed slipcover.)

I'd also like to thank Universal and their PR firm for sending along this great red Frisbee (flying disc) emblazoned with the movie's title and slogan, "Go Fetch Yourself".


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



• BUY IT: 4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVD.

• SYNOPSIS: Optimus Prime (voice of Peter Cullen) and the Autobots take on their biggest challenge yet! When a new threat capable of destroying the entire planet emerges, they must team up with a powerful faction known as the Maximals. With the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, Noah (Anthony Ramos) and Elena (Dominique Fishback) will do whatever it takes to help the Transformers as they engage in the ultimate battle to save Earth.

• SPECIAL FEATURES: All of the content below can be found on the 4K UHD disc.

• Human Affairs (7:32) - In a world of robots, machines, and aliens, we explore the humans who help save the world.
• Life in the 90s (6:14) - The filmmakers discuss how the music, set design, fashion, and cultural references transport viewers to New York in the 90s.
• Heroes (10:12) - Get an inside look at the inspiration and thought process behind designing the Autobots and the Maximals.
• Villains (8:36) - Watch as the filmmakers bring the Terrorcons and Predacons to life.
• The Chase (5:35) - Meet Mirage, a new Autobot that converts into a 1993 Porsche, and experience the adrenaline-filled car chase through New York City.
• The Battle of Ellis Island (7:07) - Join the cast and crew as they go behind-the-scenes of the epic battle sequence between the Autobots and the Terrorcons at the museum.
• Into the Jungle (10:20) - The Transformers franchise has been filmed all over the globe. This time, join the cast and crew as they explore the new and exotic location of Peru.
• The Switchback Attack (7:11) - Witness the wild, intense driving sequences filmed on location in Peru where the Autobots fight the Terrorcons through a town square and into the mountains 15,000 feet up.
• The Final Conflict (10:46) - Get a behind-the-scenes look at the film's epic climax. Watch as the Autobots, Maximals, Noah, and Elena attempt to save the world.
• Extended/Deleted Scenes (13:45) - The seven scenes are "The Transit Depot Alternate Opening - Deleted", "This Can't Be Real - Extended", "Noah Comes Home - Extended/Deleted", "The Maximal Creed - Extended", "The Cave/Switchback - Alternate/Extended", "Are You Ready? - Deleted", and "Alternate Ending - Deleted".

• RATING: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, and language.

• NOTES: Four years ago, when I reviewed Bumblebee, the last Transformers film, I praised it for being "the live-action Transformers movie we've been waiting for!" This was because, instead of being mindless action like the five live-action films before it, it chose to be a smaller-scale character piece. I've read other reviews that praised it for those very same reasons, which is why I find it odd that one of the Rise of the Beasts producers, in one of the featurettes on the disc, claims that fans hated Bumblebee because of its more intimate story, and that they actually wanted the franchise to return to the dumb mindless action of before. I call bullshit... which is also an apt word to use to describe Rise of the Beasts.

The film seems to have been designed to be the most boring, blandest, and annoying action film ever made; and certainly the worst in the now seven-film-long franchise. Someone, somewhere thought it would be wise to pair the bland male lead with the obnoxious Pete Davidson as the voice of Mirage. His quips are cringey, and he comes off as the guy who thinks he's the funniest dude in the room, but definitely isn't. The plot is cliched and, at 2 hours 7 minutes, is way too long. It's a HUGE step down from Bumblebee, which was actually turning the franchise in the right direction. Speaking of Bumblebee... In the original Michael Bay Transformers films, he was a Camaro, even though in the original animated series he was a Volkswagen Beetle. In Bumblebee, which is set in the 1980s, he was properly a Volkswagen Beetle. In this film, set in 1994, he's a Camaro again! At one point in Rise of the Beasts, he "dies", only to come back because he's in the films that take place later. Had he started off as a Volkswagen Beetle, then "died" and came back as a Camaro, it would have been a great way for them to explain the change. They missed that opportunity.

Writers Joby Harold, Darnell Metayer, Josh Peters, Erich Hoeber, and Jon Hoeber - Jesus, it took FIVE people to write a movie this generic?!? - also missed the opportunity to make the film feel like it's actually taking place in 1994. I lost track of all of the obvious anachronisms. Digitally re-inserting the Twin Towers into the New York City skyline doesn't automatically make it "1994". Also, I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that all of the white characters are presented horribly. There is not a single positive white character because that would steal the shine off the Latino and Black leads. That's now how you write positive "minority" characters.

The only positives I can give is that the CGI characters look nice, and are voiced by a great array of talented actors: Peter Cullen (as Optimus Prime), Ron Perlman (as Optimus Primal), Peter Dinklage (as Scourge), Michelle Yeoh (as Airazor), Liza Koshy (as Arcee), John DiMaggio (as Transit & Stratosphere), and Colman Domingo (as Unicron).

Finally, as is (unfortunately) the case with Paramount 4K releases these days, no Blu-ray disc is also included. You're out of luck if you want to watch the film in another room or at a friend's house where there is only a Blu-ray player. (The first print run includes a slipcover.)

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



• BUY IT: 4-Disc 4K+Blu-ray (Steelbook) [BestBuy], 4-Disc 4K+Blu-ray, 2-Disc Blu-ray, 2-Disc DVD.

• SYNOPSIS: After a mysterious mist envelops a small New England town, a group of locals trapped in a supermarket must battle a siege of otherworldly creatures... and the fears that threaten to tear them apart.

• SPECIAL FEATURES: Discs 1 & 2 are 4K UHD discs, Discs 3 & 4 are the previously-released Blu-ray discs. The movie in color with audio commentary is on Discs 1 & 3. Discs 2 & 4 contain the movie in black & white, but the commentary is only on the 4K disc. However, the Blu-ray disc of the black & white version includes an introduction that isn't on the 4K disc. All of the other special features are on Disc 3 (the color Blu-ray disc).

• DISCS 1/2/3: Audio Commentary - by writer/director Frank Darabont and producer Denise Huth.
• DISC 3: Deleted and Extended Scenes (14:47) - Includes these eight scenes with optional audio commentary by Frank Darabont: "Steph Says Goodbye", "After the Loading Dock", "Carmody's First Speech", "Carmody and Amanda", "Norton Holds Court", "Hattie and David", "Jim and Myron", and "Confronting Jessup".
• DISC 3: A Conversation with Stephen King and Writer/Director Frank Darabont (12:17)
• DISC 3: When Darkness Came: The Making of The Mist (37:27)
• DISC 3: Taming the Beast: The Making of Scene 35 (12:10)
• DISC 3: Monsters Among Us: A Look at the Creature FX (12:44)
• DISC 3: The Horror of it All: The Visual FX of The Mist (16:02)
• DISC 3: Drew Struzan: An Appreciation of an Artist (7:31)
• DISC 3: Webisodes (10:13) - Includes "Day 10: Earthquake", "Day 18: Burn Man", and "Day 34: Franny, the Flamethrower".
• DISC 3: Original Theatrical Trailer (2:29)
• DISC 3: Theatrical Trailer #2 (2:31)
• DISC 3: Theatrical Trailer #3 (2:16)
• DISC 4: Black and White Introduction by Frank Darabont (3:16)

• RATING: R for violence, terror and gore, and language.

• NOTES: I should start by pointing out that the four discs are not really labeled as "Disc 1", "Disc 2", etc. Instead, they rely on being in color or black and white, with the same artwork, which is problematic for color blind people; something that nobody at Lionsgate considered. Technically, if you look at the legal text on the edge of the disc, you'll see an item number ("61225.1.A", "61225.2.A", etc.) that can serve as a "disc number", but it's not really meant as such. Would it have killed Lionsgate to just clearly label the discs?

The film itself is a fantastic pice of modern day Horror that harkens back to the Science Fiction films of the 1950s, which is likely why director Frank Darabont prefers the black and white version. A few years after making this film, Darabont would be the first showrunner on The Walking Dead. So, it should come as no surprise to find a few of the actors from that show's first two seasons appearing in The Mist, namely Laurie Holden (Andrea), Jeffrey DeMunn (Dale), and Melissa McBride (Carol). Much has been made of the film's gut-punch shocker ending. I won't spoil it for you, though it's primarily the result of the main protagonists making a really dumb and rash decision without taking any time to see if things would play out better. Given the nature of what's waiting in the mist and how it got there, I have to wonder if this film takes place in the Stranger Things universe. I also wonder if this could be part of an unintended "trilogy": first there was The Fog, then The Mist, will The Dew be next?

This Best Buy-exclusive Steelbook features new artwork by Sara Deck. A clear plastic slipcover goes over the Steelbook case, which adds the title and some mist. When removed, it reveals our intrepid heroes and heroines in the store, looking out toward an uncertain future. The inside shows a "reverse shot", with the characters on the inside of the store looking out.

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



• BUY IT: 4K+Blu-ray (Steelbook) [BestBuy], Final Cut Blu-ray, Theatrical Cut DVD, UK 5-Disc 4K+DVD+CD (the Blu-ray discs may be Region B locked).

• SYNOPSIS: When a young girl mysteriously vanishes, Police Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) travels to a remote Scottish island to investigate. But the seemingly quiet community is not as it appears, as the detective uncovers a secretive pagan society led by the strange Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee). While the townsfolk tempt and threaten him with bizarre rituals and wanton lust, Howie must race to discover the truth behind the girl's disappearance before his clash with Lord Summerisle builds to a terrifying conclusion - one that has cemented this cult shocker as a modern horror masterpiece.

• SPECIAL FEATURES: The 4K UHD disc has been newly-created for the 50th Anniversary in 2023. The Blu-ray disc is the one that was previously-released in 2013 for the 40th Anniversary. As such, all of the new extras (the first five items listed below) can be found on the 4K disc only, while the only exclusive extra on the Blu-ray disc is a restoration featurette.

• Revisiting the Locations of The Wicker Man (12:18) - Dominic Hardy, son of director Robin Hardy, visits some of the main locations in Dumfries and Galloway where The Wicker Man was shot fifty years ago.
• The Wicker Man at 50 (11:12) - Justin Hardy, son of director Robin Hardy, asks several critics why the film is still so beloved.
• Robin Hardy's Script: The Lost Ending (11:18) - Tim Plester and Justin Hardy discuss the original screenplay.
• Britt Ekland Interview (10:27) - Britt Ekland recalls her time working on the film.
• Stills Gallery (1:04) - A slideshow of a mere 13 images presented in full 4K resolution (3840x2160).
• Worshiping The Wicker Man (23:40) - Filmmakers and critics Ben Wheatley, James Watkins, Eli Roth, Larushka Ivan-Zadeh, Chris Tilly, and Frances Morgan explain why the film is considered a cult horror film.
• The Music of The Wicker Man (16:06) - Associate musical director Gary Carpenter and Johnny Trunk discuss the unique qualities of Paul Giovanni's soundtrack.
• Interview with Robin Hardy (2013) (17:02) - Director Robin Hardy recalls making the film, and addresses The Final Cut.
• Interview with Robin Hardy and Christopher Lee (25:57) - This 1979 interview by critic Sterling Smith for the New Orleans TV show "Critic's Choice" features director Robin Hardy and star Christopher Lee discussing the production of the film.
• Trailers (3:42) - The 2013 trailer for The Final Cut, followed by the original 1973 theatrical trailer. (The Blu-ray disc only has the 2013 trailer.)
• BLU-RAY ONLY: Restoration Comparison (1:55) - Some quick before-and-after shots from the original film negative and the final restored version.

• RATING: R.

• NOTES: This release only contains The Final Cut, at a runtime of 1:34:49 on the 4K disc, and 1:34:09 on the Blu-ray disc. The time difference is because the 4K includes the StudioCanal logo and restoration notes at the start, which runs for 40 seconds. The previous Theatrical Cut and Director's Cut are not to be found here. (The Movie Censorship site has comparisons of the Theatrical & Final Cuts and the Theatrical & Director's Cut if you want to know the differences.) There is a five-disc "50th Anniversary" set released in the UK that includes all three cuts (see link in the Buy It section above), but you may need a region-free player in order to play the Blu-ray discs (4K & CD discs are not region-coded).

The Wicker Man (1973) is considered a Horror classic, and with good reason. In addition to one hell of a shocking ending, it never fails to make the viewer feel uneasy as a stranger in a town where the citizens don't adhere to polite society's rules and things are never what they seem. Special features port over most of the content from the aforementioned 5-disc UK set, but a few things are missing. In one of the pre-2006 archival featurettes, some of the interview subjects celebrate the fact that no one had been stupid enough to try to remake the film. Of course, in 2006, a remake was made starring Nicholas Cage, and it was ironically hilarious in a "so bad, it's good" kind of way. Midsommar (2019) and Death of Me (2020) are much better Wicker Man-like films to watch after seeing the 1973 original.

This Best Buy-exclusive Steelbook features new artwork by Richey Beckett. A clear plastic slipcover goes over the Steelbook case, which adds the title and some flowery imagery. Underneath, some of the female pagan worshippers are dancing around, while inside we see the "man" himself on the left and the two overlapped discs on the right (there is no additional imagery underneath the discs).

• CREDIT: This item has been provided by Lionsgate 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.