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HEDY DAYS FOR BASE NOMINEES
THE SAGA CONTINUES
A CLOSE SHAVE FOR PICTUREHOUSE
SMILE’S AHEAD
WATERSHIP DOWN ON BLU-RAY WORTH MORE THAN A FIVER…
AND THE PRICE IS RIGHT…
CRITERION SINKS ITS TEETH INTO OCTOBER
FIREWORKS FOR RADIANCE IN NOVEMBER…
AS INDIE LAUNCHES ITS OWN PODCAST
FRIENDS AGAIN AS SITCOM GOES 4K
SPOTTED OUT AND ABOUT
END TIMES FOR BLUR
TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
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It was a good week for… Disney continues to power ahead, with Deadpool & Wolverine now past $1 billion and Inside Out 2 due in the UK on digital this Tuesday and physical media at the end of September…
It was a bad week for… Where have all the cinema lovers gone? asks Variety…
We have been watching… A quick trip to the BFI SOuthbankl to see the BFI's own release of the excellent UK indie film Sky Peaks, which gets a strong recommend…
More from BASE, with the awards looming – they’re taking place on September 25 at the Camden Roundhouse – and the organisation, alongside sister operation DEGI, has revealed the shortlist for the inaugural BASE & DEGI Hedy Lamarr Inspirational Women in Entertainment: Rising Star Award. In its announcement, the organisation said: “The introduction of these awards reflects important pillars of BASE and DEGI focus: positive impact, via the BASE & DEGI Positive Impact Programme launched in 2023, and training and development, via the BASE Induction Programme, launching in 2024, informed by the results of the first ever BASE Sentiment Study (to be shared H2 2024). In making their decision, the judges looked for candidates who embody excellence in their role, drive success and meaningful change in their organisation, and make a demonstrable and positive impact on their team, while inspiring others to do the same. The judging panel had sole discretion in selecting the winner. In addition, the winner of the BASE & DEGI Hedy Lamarr Inspirational Women in Entertainment: Rising Star Award will receive a period of Coaching from Monica Chadha, entertainment industry expert, Non-Executive Director of the British Film Institute (BFI), Board Advisor to Marlow Film Studios, and (previously) Chair of the British Independent Film Awards Advisory Board.” The shortlist, in alphabetical order, takes in Johanna Beaven, junior marketing manager, NBCUniversal; Sophie Fawcett, junior marketing manager, Lionsgate UK; Persia Humphreys, trade marketing executive, Elevation Sales; Jocelyn Liu, Senior Sales Manager, BBC Studios; Maria Marcolini, marketing manager, EMEA Paramount and Esme Pitts, commercial manager, SKY. The award will sit alongside another new gong, the The DEGI Hedy Lamarr Award for Inspirational Women in Entertainment – Leader, also due to be given out on the night.
This past week’s big release was Furiosa A Mad Max Saga and, despite some differing opinions (as someone noted this week elsewhere, there seems to be a wide range of viewpoints from physical media reviewers especially when it comes to 4K disc quality), the latest instalment in the ongoing story about the road warrior (although the eponymous character doesn’t appear in this latest outing) and a dystopian future seems to have wowed the experts, with many praising it as being a state of the art title to show off the benefits of ultra high-definition kit. Here’s what Inside Pulse had to say: “The HDR10/Dolby Vision visuals of Furiosa are exactly what fans would hope for when it comes to home viewings. While this movie is the type of film that begs for a theatrical viewing, the transfer of it to 4K makes watching it at home with a big TV and surround sound setting as close a setting as one could ask for. The film is heavy on orange and blue hues with the day and night scenes, and it works wonderfully. The details in the desert, and the feeling that this is a true wasteland ring true at every moment. Especially since the film starts in Furiosa’s homeland, where there’s actual plants and fruit growing, and things look alive and vibrant in comparison to what the majority of what the rest of this now desolate world has to offer. Details on characters and clothing are fantastic, and the action sequences are phenomenal. Everything about this home transfer is spot on and will only help the film gain a larger audience in the years to come. On the audio side of things, what else can you say about the Dolby Atmos mix other than it’s perfect.” More came from AV Nirvana, which enthused: “While it stylistically looks very similar to Fury Road, said prior film was a notoriously mediocre 4K UHD disc back in the day. It was one of the first attempts at the format years ago, and just never looked that great compared to the Blu-ray. However, the format is much more mature and the mastering process for this film (shot with a native 4K master) looks INCREDIBLE. Presented in its original 2.39:1 framing in HEVC, Furiosa is an incredibly sumptuous disc. Even though it really doesn’t peak more than 50 mbps on the bitrate meter, the film looks incredible as most of the time we’re at night with cool blues, or in the daylight with bright oranges and ruddy browns. The heavily stylised appearance will look very very similar to Fury Road, but incorporates more garishness in the outfits, as well as deeper saturation with the Dolby Vision. Fine details are razor sharp, and the overly colourful HDR application is used to the max. All in all, there’s a few minor soft spots here and there thanks to the CGI, but overall this is a fantastic looking disc."
 One of our favourite releases of the past week is the latest from Picturehouse Entertainment in the shape of Rosalie, a period romance with a difference, as the French film, loosely based on a true story, follows a bearded lady who refuses to be kowtowed by a shocked society. Commenting on the release, the company’s Alice Werdine said: “We're so proud to be releasing director Stéphanie Di Giusto's bold, tender and beautiful ROSALIE on Blu-Ray and digital. It's a refreshing and intriguing period romance full of hope, definitely not to be missed.”
Also just released, this time from Third Window Films, is the latest from the Asian film specialist in the form of Your Lovely Smile. The company’s Adam Torel said: “Third Window Films has always tried to help get independent films from unknown directors out there, especially focusing on Japanese films which would never get an international physical release otherwise. YOUR LOVELY SMILE is one of those; a funny and heartwarming tale about independent filmmakers in Japan, both a love-letter to cinema(s) and a cautionary tale about making independent films in Japan, it's a very entertaining look at something most don't know about. For those who want to see more about the ins-and-outs of Japanese indie cinema and want a laugh on the way, I hope they can check Your Lovely Smile out with this region free bluray release (the only physical release of the film in the world) which has loads of bonus features.”
Lots of news from the BFI, which has made a couple of recent an announcements that have excited collectors and film fans everywhere and have become big social media talking points. There’s a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release for perennial BFI bestseller Seven Samurai, with the Kurosawa classic getting its first run out in the ultra high definition format. It’s being premiered at the BFI IMAX in Waterloo, London, on September 21 as part of the BFI’s Art of Action season, before getting the physical media release later in October. The disc set comes with a new commentary and updated subtitles alongside other materials. It’s followed in October by a newly restored version of the classic British animation Watership Down, which will premiere at the London Film Festival followed by a theatrical re-release at the end of October ahead of the home entertainment release on November 11. The film, based on the bestselling book and feeling Art Garfunkel’s Bright Eyes, was originally announced and slated for a release two years ago, but was subsequently delayed.
Comment came from the BFI’s John Ramchandani on those two key titles. He said: “Q4 is shaping up to be one of our best with two UHDs and Blu-rays that we think are essential to every connoisseur's collection. Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai, hailed as one of the greatest films of all time, has influenced the work of directors from George Lucas to Steven Spielberg and spawned remakes, most notably John Sturges' The Magnificent Seven. The BFI is delighted to release this classic on UHD for the first time using Toho's 4K restoration. Both the UHD and Blu-ray releases will be available as limited edition two-disc sets on October 21. We are also thrilled to announce that after an unplanned delay of two years the 4K restoration of Watership Down will now be released on limited edition UHD and Blu-ray on November 11 following its world premiere at BFI London Film Festival. Martin Rosen's classic animated feature, based on the timeless novel by Richard Adams, will be accompanied by several brand new special features, a double-sided poster, postcards and a perfect-bound book. Despite our high forecasts for Seven Samurai and Watership Down the pre-orders for both have already exceeded our expectations so we advise all customers to place their orders now to avoid disappointment.”
 There’s been further announcements from the BFI too, with a raft of other titles due in the run-up to the end of the year, with other titles including some classic – and off the wall – Vincent Price action, as well as an eagerly awaited new release too. Here’s the BFI’s Phil Roberts on other autumn and winter titles. He said: “As well as our blockbuster 4K releases of Watership Down and Seven Samurai, we have other exciting releases scheduled for October/November 2024. Cooking Price-wise is a genuine rarity. Horror icon Vincent Price's 1971 cookery show has had a cult following for years but has never been previously released on any format. Marking the 50th release in our Flipside strand this might be the leftfield Christmas gift of the festive season. Vincent Prince also stars in The Oblong Box (alongside Christopher Lee), a gothic-horror from 1969 that has not been previously released on Blu-ray in the UK. Starve Acre is a contemporary folk-horror, starring Matt Smith and Morfydd Clark, set in 1973 and based on a popular cult novel by Andrew Michael Hurley. As well as fans of the two stars it will appeal to fans of films such as Don't Look Now and The Wickerman.”
Also announcing has been Criterion, with the boutique imprint revealing its October slate due via its now customary home of Spirit, as outlined here by Spirit’s Tracy Niland, who said: “Some lovely horrors arriving from Criterion just in time to celebrate Halloween later in the month – including some zombies! First up we have George A. Romero’s indie classic turned box office smash that became a template for all things zombie to this day – Night Of The Living Dead in stunning 4k for the first time in the UK. A group of terrified Pennsylvanians barricade themselves in a farmhouse to save themselves from flesh-eating ghouls intent on having a midnight snack. This three-disc box set has dual formats of the film plus another Blu-ray choc-full of extras including multiple commentaries, dailies and behind the scenes cast and crew interviews. The 4k restoration was supervised by director George A. Romero, John A Russo (co-screenwriter) Gary R. Steiner (sound engineer) and Russell W. Streiner (Producer) – so it’s had a lot of love put into it; releasing on October 7, it really is one to sink your teeth into. Just a week later, on October 14, we have a double bill of two corkers from Val Lewton’s time at RKO Pictures releasing on both 4k and Blu-Ray. I Walked With a Zombie – somewhat of a zombie version of Jane Eyre that looks at the creatures as being brought back to life via voodoo curses rather than some sort of virus or environmental cause. Directed by Jacques Tourneur (Cat People), it tells the story of a nurse who is tasked with caring for a plantation owner’s wife when she begins acting strangely. The Seventh Victim, the first film directed by Mark Robson (The Inn of the Sixth Happiness, Von Ryan’s Express) tells the story of an innocent young woman searching for her sister in New York who ends up stumbling upon a Satanic cult. The two-disc 4K includes dual formats of both films and a host of Blu-Ray extras including commentaries from Kim Newman and Steve Haberman plus a great documentary on Val Lewton’s legacy to the world of horror. The one-disc Blu-ray features both films and the same extras as the 4K. Get ready to chill your bones this Halloween.”
 Radiance has gone one step further, meanwhile, with its reveal of its titles due on November. The company’s Fran Simeoni said: “We are once again delighted with the reaction to our latest announcements. Fans continue to be highly engaged in our unique mix of titles and we are thrilled to be continuing to build collections of represented directors and actors in our range with directors Kinji Fukasaku, Francois Truffaut and star Gian Maria Volonte making return appearances in Japan Organized Crime Boss, The Story of Adele H and Slap the Monster On Page One respectively, while Ray Milland directs and stars in dystopian fantasy Panic in Year Zero. Each film is a UK Blu-ray premiere while two of them are world premieres and of course all come loaded with the usual extras, reversible sleeves, booklets and obi strips.”
Sticking with Radiance and Its November titles are laid out in full by label founder Fran Simeoni in the newly launched on the newly launched Radiance Podcast, which kicked off last week with the posting of its first episode timed to coincide with the November product announcement. It’s worth a listen, as Simeoni talks about the label and its work since formation and the current state of the market. He said: “It’s great we live in a world where companies like Radiance can exist. It’s a case of if you build it they will come to a point. We’re seeing a great time for collectors because Radiance has done what it’s done but you can look at someone like Third Window, doing really great obscure stuff. Everyone seems to be really enjoying that stuff, the more that is allowed to flourish, the more the discussion is going to increase, more awareness is going to be there for those labels to keep doing what they’re doing. I count myself very fortunate that this is happening just as the label launched. I honestly didn’t know when I launched the label that it would sustain. I went out with the initial 10 [titles] we announced as a bit of a statement, but I thought to myself I may have to fall back on safe bets, the kind of stuff I knew would sell. But The fact we’re still doing Slap The Monster On Page One which isn’t a safe bet but feels a bit more comfortable now, two years in, that the audience is there and just saying this is great, I definitely want this. It’s really exciting for me I’m more interested in doing the stuff that isn’t a safe bet that I know another label is not going to get to, that’s definitely my preference.” You can listen to it here…
Anyone who’s been in the industry for some time will know just how big Friends was on home entertainment – many would argue that it effectively changed the way the television category in home entrainment operated. It was certainly a huge success, from first VHS and then the nascent DVD format, buoyed by Warner’s buy-one-get-one-free promotions, Now the series is returning, with Warner Bros Discovery marking the 30th anniversary of the launch of the series with a 4K UHD box due on September 23. It will contain more than 110 hours of material, including all 236 (count ;em) episodes of the misadventures of the six New Yorkers, with over 20 hours of extra, including all-new material. In its announcement, Warner said: “As Friends marks its 30th anniversary this year, the beloved TV series continues to hold an enduring place in popular culture and hearts worldwide. With its witty humour, relatable characters, and memorable catchphrases, FRIENDS transcends generations with its universal appeal, making it a classic that continues to bring joy and laughter to fans around the world.” As well as the standard version, Warner is promising a “special UK limited edition collector’s 4K Friends boxset, featuring exclusive packaging and premiums” to be released later in the year, with pre-orders and more details due soon.
SPOTTED OUT AND ABOUT…
You've got to hand it to Netflix, announcing a second series of The Gentlemen no less, with a living, breathing, toking billboard in London…
  We mentioned it already when it played at cinemas, but the excellent blur documentary To The End, which simultaneously charts the former Britpoppers’ career and the lead-up to their record-breaking Wembley outing, has landed on digital formats and will be joined at the end of September by a physical release. The latter will pair not only the doc but the full Wembley gig in what is essentially a double-header. To mark the release, director Toby L has been talking about the doc he helmed, saying: “To The End is an intimate glimpse into relationships, motivation and mortality, the sights and sounds of longterm friendship unearthing a fresh new conquest to overcome together. On the subject of capturing a band that has been so well documented, we sat down at the start of the project and agreed that the film had to tell a new story, be shot entirely on location, and crucially, be honest. In To The End, that's what I hope people can see, and most importantly, feel. Working with blur on this documentary, over the past year has been the honour of a lifetime. They were the first band I ever saw - when I was 10 - at Wembley Arena. To consider that a little over 25 years later, I'd be making a film with the band that changed my entire world view on art, culture and music, remains utterly surreal. I hope that through watching it people feel a little closer to this incredible group of artists and friends, and have a richer insight for a life spent being in a band.”
 TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
Unveiled at Disney’s mammoth D23 event…
And more from D23…
And even more…
And more…
Film of the year, possibly. Also trailer of the year…
Mat Dillon returns…
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