Streaming might be the future, but physical media is still the present. It’s also awesome, depending on the title, the label, and the release, so each week we take a look at the new Blu-rays and DVDs making their way into the world. Welcome to this week in Home Video for November 22nd, 2022 ! This week’s home video selection includes High Plains Drifter in 4K, Bros, and more. Check out our picks below.
Pick of the Week
What is it? A mysterious cowboy arrives in a desperate town.
Why see it? Clint Eastwood’s career is long and somewhat varied, but this early 70s gem is arguably his only horror film. (Yes, Play Misty for Me probably counts too, so consider this his only horror western…) It seems familiar at first as Eastwood’s cowboy rides into town and quickly finds trouble — before being asked to help. It’s a mean, thrilling, and highly satisfying western with a tease of the supernatural, and it’s a great spin on Eastwood’s other films with similar setups where he winds up a hero of sorts. Kino’s new 4K UHD release highlights the beautiful, desolate landscape well.
[Extras: New HDR master from 4K scan, commentaries, interviews]
The Best
What is it? The third and final season of an anthology show classic.
Why see it? Rod Serling is best known for The Twilight Zone, but he chased it in the 70s with an equally terrific anthology show. Night Gallery typically leans more horror and less sci-fi, but Serling’s smart observations and a blend of tones ensure it feels every bit as fresh. All seventeen episodes of the third and final season are collected here from new 2K scans, and the discs are loaded with commentary tracks offering anecdotes and information on the productions. Co-stars include the likes of Sally Field, Leonard Nimoy, Bill Bixby, Burl Ives, Burgess Meredith, and many more.
[Extras: Commentaries, featurette]
What is it? Two travelers become unlikely companions on a trip home.
Why see it? Steve Martin is the straight man forced to endure time spent with a goofy but endearing John Candy. The trip becomes a series of misadventures as Martin tries to get home for Thanksgiving, and a lot of it is funny stuff as the two personalities collide. As funny as it is, though, the film’s highpoint is the ending that just melts your heart. Seriously, if you don’t tear up you are a fucking monster. The film comes to 4K UHD with a whole other reason to buy — over an hour of never-before-seen deleted scenes. There’s some great stuff in there, and if nothing else it gives us more time with the late, great Candy.
[Extras: Featurettes, interviews, deleted scenes]
The Rest
The Blood Beast Terror [KL Studio Classics]
What is it? A human insect is sucking people dry!
Why see it? Peter Cushing in horror flicks is always a good time (even when the film itself isn’t), and this late 60s silliness is no different. This time out he plays a Scotland Yard inspector investigating a series of grisly murders at the hands (proboscis?) of a moth woman. It’s played straight but is obviously and unavoidably silly, and while it’s no lost classic it’s a good time for Cushing fans.
[Extras: 2K restoration, commentary]
Bros
What is it? A man realizes the elusive feeling of love may be right around the corner.
Why see it? Billy Eichner headlines this romantic comedy about a gay man who’s never felt love was for him — until it is. It succeeds as a rom-com by being both romantic and funny, and while it never reaches the highs of the genre’s best it’s an entertaining time. The marketing push around it being the first gay studio rom-com makes a compelling case for a watch, but the film itself earns the attention by actually delivering a fun, sweet movie about letting down your guard and falling in love.
[Extras: Deleted scenes, gag reel, featurettes, interviews]
Mystery Men [4K UHD, KL Studio Classics]
What is it? A group of low-rent superheroes get the chance to step up.
Why see it? Champion City has long been protected by Captain Amazing, but when he goes missing it’s a moment to shine for a group of heroes aching for the chance to shine. Of course, they’re somewhat inept so good luck with that. Ben Stiller headlines an ensemble that also includes Greg Kinnear, Hank Azaria, William H. Macy, Janeane Garofalo, and more. There are plenty of laughs here, and just as many gags that don’t quite land (the farting gets a bit out of control), but everyone is game making for an entertaining time.
[Extras: New HDR master from 4K scan, commentary, featurette, interviews]
The Scent of Night [Raro Video]
What is it? A cop finds more satisfaction as a crook.
Why see it? This Italian thriller introduces viewers to a violent criminal whose actions reveal him to be a smart guy. Surprise, he’s also a cop using his on the job knowledge to help keep himself in the clear. Unfortunately, he’s a thrillseeker too, and soon his increasingly violent and dangerous desires land him behind bars. But his story’s not over yet. Maybe more character study and drama than thriller, the film does a good job pulling viewers into one man’s descent. It’s never surprising or exciting, though, and that ultimately leaves it as more of a drama.
[Extras: None]
Also out this week:
The Company of Wolves [4K UHD, Scream Factory], Hatching, Hold Me Tight, Malcolm X [Criterion Collection], Wall-E [Criterion Collection]