POSSESSION, 4K, Andrzej Zulaski, director/Second Sight
The reputation of this bizarre cult arthouse-cum-horror film has grown over the years, and its hysterical appeal remains implacable (whether you like it or dislike it, you’re unlikely to be indifferent). Most striking are the scenes of Isabelle Adjani’s grotesque nonhuman lover – with which she is seen in naked embraces. This tentacled monstrosity is Carlo Rambaldi’s most persuasive creation outside a certain cute Steven Spielberg alien.
THE BIG BLUE 4K, Luc Besson. director/Studio Canal
Luc Besson’s spectacular aquatic odyssey looks breathtaking in StudioCanal’s new 4k iteration – earlier versions are now redundant.
DAUGHTERS OF DARKNESS, Harry Kumel, director/Radiance
The vampire film genre seems to lend itself with ease to a variety of reinventions, but few are more surreal and intriguing that this beautifully shot entry from director Harry Kumel which gives every impression of being more influenced by Alain Resnais’s Last Year in Marienbad than any of Hammer’s vampire outings. Resnais’s muse, Delphine Seyrig is mesmerising here.
SPINAL TAP 2: THE END CONTINUES, Rob Reiner, director/Sony/Elevation
Whatever your response to this belated sequel to the beloved original Spinal Tap movie, there is no question that the lovers of the original film will have to see it. With this silver disc, the viewer can now make their own minds up whether or not it was a good idea to revisit the trio of idiotic heavy metal headbangers from England, still played by the memorable original cast.
SHOGUN SAMURAI, Kinji Fukasaku director Eureka
One of the most watchable actors in all of martial arts cinema is Sonny Chiba, who has made his louring mark in almost every variety of the genre. He is typically compelling in Shogun Samurai, and the film makes an impact not just for his hard-edged performances but for its impressive production design. Along with The Fall of Ako Castle, this is director Kinji Fukasaku’s most impressive contribution to the samurai epic genre, sporting (along with Chiba) a remarkably accomplished cast.
SHAWSCOPE VOLUME 4, various directors/Arrow
The latest in a very collectable series of heavyweight set. These generously filled collections from Arrow have proved to be an absolute cornucopia of both familiar and unfamiliar films from the prolific Shaw Brothers studios, and there is now a coterie of collectors who await each new volume full of anticipation. The new set is overflowing with tempting items, but let’s look at just one film, Super Inframan, directed by Hua Shan. This oriental superhero series with its size-shifting, red Lycra-clad protagonist was once regarded as strictly kiddie fare, but has now achieved a cult following among many older aficionados. With a deliberately ridiculous special effects, they are great fun – as long as you don’t go expecting character development along with the monster bashing. And as for the other films here — and the host of extras – well, there simply isn’t room enough in this column to list them all. But, needless to say, Arrow aficionados will know what to expect.
THE BETRAYAL, Tokuzo Tanaka, director/Radiance
In Tokuzo Tanaka’s remarkable drama, a samurai who is trying to live according to the ideals he is devoted to finds himself estranged from his colleagues and, accordingly, vulnerable. Taking on his own shoulders the negative behaviour of others, he is exiled for a year before he may be allowed back into his clan’s embrace, but as the title suggests, betrayal is the name of the game, and he is soon a hunted quarry. This is a mesmerising piece with performances that are more understated than is customary for the genre. Visuals, too are skilfully realised.
FORTHCOMING FROM POWERHOUSE INDICATOR
THE MAN INSIDE, John Gilling, director
A tempting new disc for which I provided a commentary featuring the unusual casting of Jack Palance, Anita Ekberg and Nigel Patrick
FORTHCOMING FROM 88 FILMS
CRASH & BURN (1990) THE HYENA (1997) CRAZE (1974) OVER YOUR DEAD BODY (2014) DON’T OPEN TILL CHRISTMAS (1984) SAGA OF THE PHOENIX (1990)