Starring: Dana Mackin, Hermione Lynch and Zach Tinker
Directed by: Kyle Butenhoff
Rated: NR
Running Time: 98 minutes
Dark Sky Films

Our Score: 3 out of 5 Stars

Molly (Dana Mackin) and Charlie (Kyle Butenhoff) appear to be having an intimate evening together. They share dinner in a remote cabin, surrounded by a record-breaking blizzard, and appear to have planned the whole thing. However, there’s no time for small talk, deep talk, cozying up by a roaring fire or even finishing the meal. That’s because Molly has poisoned Charlie.

I don’t want to say much more because “Laced” works purely on its performances and reveals. Sure, it doesn’t take us long to realize something is amiss and that Molly has intentionally poisoned Charlie. And sure, the initial exposition comes hot and heavy, or in the case of watching the trailer, almost too spoilery. We know things will continue to be complex and complicated, that’s why Molly has unexpected dinner guests that make “Laced” a rather effective winter thriller.

It’s an indie film so I can forgive the lack of style that could have made it more claustrophobic and made effective use of the blizzard. Seriously, I sometimes forgot a raging snowstorm was outside because of how much time is spent indoors in this singular setting without a peep. The howling wind seems like an afterthought as characters stab each other with icy dialogue. All of that being said, Mackin, Hermoine Lynch and Zach Tinker provide enough fireworks in their performances. Butenhoof, not so much, but I can’t fault an actor who dies about five minutes in.

However, Butenhoff serves as writer and director, showing a Hitchcockian knack for making the most of a simplistic story. In other hands, “Laced” would have just been another predictable murder film, but Butenhoff is creative with making us second guess the narrative, whether it’s from Molly’s perspective or the explanations of her unexpected dinner guests. While I certainly felt the film lacked that winter bite, “Laced” has enough creativity to entertain you for 90 minutes and has the potential to chill you to the bone.

 

 Some become legends through all-American grit and determination. For college football fans, the story of Dan “Rudy” Ruttiger is well known. Even if you’re not a sports fan. If you were a kid growing up in the 80s or if you didn’t read his book about his determination to play football for Notre Dame, he may have dropped by your school as a motivational speaker. Reuniting the team behind another classic sports drama Hoosiers, Director David Anspaugh and writer Angelo Pizzo with composer Jerry Goldsmith set out to tell the tale of how one poor working-class kid fought his way to play for the Fighting Irish.

We first meet Rudy (Sean Astin) as he’s finishing high school. From a steel-working family, his father Dan Senior (a lovely turn from Ned Beatty) loves Notre Dame football, but can’t believe his young son or any Ruttiger could ever attend the university. But little Rudy has a dream and he’s ready to prove himself to anyone and everyone that doubted him. Beyond getting accepted into one of the most prestigious universities in the country, he’ll also have to make it onto one of the hardest-hitting most competitive football teams in the country.

I personally come from Wolverine country and the sight of the Irish blue and gold is usually a rage-inducing eyesore. But for Rudy – I love this film. Rudy is to college football as Rocky is to boxing. It’s a human drama first with sports as a backdrop. A classic underdog story, it’s a movie that inspires you to try to achieve your dreams and then in the face of repeated failures – keep trying. I saw this film in theaters and I’ve watched it countless times since. It’s remained a rousing inspirational film three decades later. It also happens to feature one of my very favorite Jerry Goldsmith scores.

Now when this film was announced for 4K, I was just happy to have the version of the film I’ve known and loved for three decades (DVD). But to sweeten the pot, Sony includes Anspaugh’s new Director’s Cut (via seamless branching) for a longer and I have to admit more fulfilling film. Not just frivolous scene extensions, the new cut gives more weight to a variety of characters. We see more of Robert Prosky’s Father Cavenaugh, he doesn’t just disappear now in the second act. We see more of Rudy trying to fit in with the Notre Dame team setting up their antagonistic struggle earlier while also giving them more time to ease into their redemptive actions in the final stretch. More interesting and meaningful, we see more of Greta Lind’s Mary. Thankfully this cut doesn’t force Rudy and Mary into a silly weightless romance but instead bolsters a more valuable friendship through to the end.

 

The film looks and sounds absolutely wonderful for the age that it has. Skin tones come alive and the football field has never looked so green! The set comes with a Blu Ray copy as well but that only contains the theatrical version. The extras come with a bit of old and new features. For the new stuff, Director David Anspaugh and writer Angelo Pizzo team up for a new Director’s Cut exclusive audio commentary. It’s a lively discussion about making the film, their long working relationship, and comparing the versions of the film. Then we come to a little over three minutes of deleted scenes that are separate from the new cut. They’re interesting in their own right, but I can see why they wouldn’t make it on either cut. Then we have the film’s trailer all on the 4K disc. Then we come to the archival material that’s housed on the included Blu-ray. 

As big a fan as I am, in the crowded pantheon of sports films, Rudy may not be the greatest of the pack, but it’s an emotional heavy hitter. Truthfully one would need to be a pretty jaded individual to not connect to this story in some way. Sean Astin is amazing as he headlines an excellent cast for this true (mostly) story of grit and determination winning the day. I’ve loved this film for three decades now and it’s a genuine pleasure to see it look and sound this good in 4K – in two cuts no less! For fans of the film, this is a no-brainer essential pickup. Newcomers will need to invest in a few boxes of tissues.

Movie ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Extras ⭐️⭐️⭐️

(Out of five stars)

 

• MIGRATION
• Starring the voices of:  Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks and Danny DeVito
• Directed by:  Benjamin Renner and Guylo Homsy
• Rated:  PG
• Running time:  1 hr 32 mins
• Universal

 

When the animation company ILLUMINATION puts out a movie, you expect a well told story with beautifully rendered animation.  With “Migration,” those expectations are not only met, but they are also exceeded.

 

We meet the Mallard family as they leisurely relax in a beautiful, New England Pond.  Father Mack (Nanjiani) and mom Pam (Banks) spend their days watching their youngsters – Dax (Caspar Jennings) and Gwen (Trasi Gazal) – swim contently across the water.   When they are visited by a flock of ducks heading to Jamaica for the winter, they are encouraged to head south with the flock.  Mack is over-protective and prefers the safety and familiarity of the pond.  Yet Pam would like a little adventure in their lives and, with the help of the kids, convinces Mack to take flight.  Accompanied by Uncle Dan (DeVito), they head off to the adventure of a lifetime.

 

Ever since “Despicable Me,” ILLUMINATION has released a string of outstanding films that are funny, family friendly and, most of all, beautiful to watch.  I’m not sure what their secret is, but whatever it is, I hope they don’t change it.  Even mighty PIXAR has had a few duds in their past, making ILLUMINATION, in my opinion, THE leader in film animation.  “Migration” takes the Mallard family on a journey that takes them from big cities to rural countryside, with each location beautifully presented.  Often, it’s like looking at a photograph, so detailed is the animation.

The cast features both familiar names (besides Nanjiani, Banks and DeVito, the vocal talent includes Carol Kane, Keegan Michael Key and Awkwafina) and fresh, bright voices who bring the characters to life.  The script, by Benjamin Renner and Mike White – yes, “School of Rock” and “White Lotus” Mike White – is full of both fun and emotional moments.  Like other ILLUMINATION films, these are characters you want to spend time with and, most importantly, want to succeed.

 

As an added bonus, there is also a short film called “Mooned” which answers the pressing question from “Despicable Me” – What happened to Vector?

 

On a scale of zero to five, I give “Migration” ★★★★★

• DICKS: THE MUSICAL
• Starring:  Josh Sharp, Aaron Jackson, Megan Mullally and Nathan Lane
• Directed by:  Larry Charles
• Rated:  R
• Running time:  1 hr 26 mins
• A24

 

Imagine being young, handsome and, um, well equipped.  You’d sing about it, wouldn’t you?  I know I would!  You’d think you had the world on a string.  Now imagine you just discovered you have a twin.  It could happen.

Craig (Sharp) and Trevor (Jackson) are both living the good life, excelling both professionally and personally.  The one thing neither has, and desires, is a family.  Though they live a few doors apart, they are each unaware of the other until a department merger at their mutual employer pits them against each other to see who the best salesman in the company is.  Noticing that there is a very strong resemblance with each other, the two eventually share enough personal details to discover they are twins, separated by their parents.  One went to live with Dad (Lane) and the other with Mom (Mullally).  Each parent has their own baggage that the lads must work through as they plot to get their folks back together.

Written by stars Sharp and Jackson, the film is directed by long time “Seinfeld” producer Larry Charles, whose directing credits include films like ”Borat” and “The Dictator” as well as multiple episodes of television shows “The Comedians” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”  He knows his way around a punch line and he never allows the film’s humor to hit you over the head.  It’s funny without screaming at you, ”Hey, laugh at this!”

The cast is top shelf, and you can never go wrong when you have Nathan Lane and Megan Mullally in a musical.  I’ve seen them both on stage and that talent transfers easily to the big screen.  Sharp and Jackson are fun to watch.  They have a great chemistry with each other, and both are fine song and dance men. Supporting work by Megan Thee Stallion as the boy’s boss and Bowen Yang as God (yes, God) keep the fun going.  And then, of course, there’s the Sewer Boys!  The songs are well written and the musical numbers are well paced.

A fun, hilarious comedy, “Dicks: The Musical” is best described as “a fun and raucous Parent Trap.”  And that’s a good thing.

 

On a scale of zero to five I give “Dicks: The Musical” ★★★★

 

Jason Isaacs is known best for his roles including playing Colonel William Tavington in “The Patriot”, Captain Hook in Peter Pan, D.J. in Event Horizon and of course everyone’s favorite Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series. He also worked on TV series like “Star Trek: Discovery” and 2012’s “Awake” on NBC. Jason returns to TV with his new show on BritBox called “Archie: The Man Who Became Cary Grant”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Jason about his role in “Archie” and his love for playing a villain.

Official Premise: He was one of the twentieth century’s most iconic figures, who touched the world with his charm, wit and grace. Yet, few truly knew him. Jason Isaacs stars as Archie Leach, who would go on to become Hollywood’s greatest leading man, in this remarkable, little-known story from BAFTA-winner Jeff Pope.

Dermot Mulroney is known best for his role of Michael O’ Neal in “My Best Friend’s Wedding”. He has also appeared in horror films like “Insidious: Chapter 3” and “Scream VI”. Dermot also has well known TV appearances in shows like “New Girl” and “Shameless”.

Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Dermot about his latest thriller called “Ruthless” as well as the upcoming “Anyone but You” starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, he also commented on his hopes for “My Best Friend’s Wedding 2”.

David Keith is known for his breakthrough role of aspiring Navy pilot Sid Worley in “An Officer and a Gentleman, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award. He also played Elvis Presley in the 1988 film “Heartbreak Hotel”. Keith’s latest movie is “Walden” co-starring Emile Hirsch. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with David about his new film “Walden” and what he has planned next for 2024.

Considered a ‘lost’ Linnea Quigley movie, “Scream Queen” now enjoys it first ever wide release on home video. This super obscurity was shot in 1998 by indie horror stalwart Brad Sykes, and finally finished in 2002. “Scream Queen is not only a solid 1990s Shot-on-Video slasher that borrows from the Italian Giallo sub-genre, but also takes swift jabs at the US independent horror movie scene of the time. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Brad about the release of “Scream Queen” and his plans for 2024.

MG: Let’s start with the upcoming Blu-ray release of ‘Scream Queen’; how do you feel that this film is finally getting a release after 25 years?

BS: I’m thrilled! I honestly had given up hope that it would happen, after an attempted DVD release back in 2012 that fell through at the last minute. But in some ways, it’s for the best, because this release is better quality and has way more special features than we would have had ten years ago.

MG: How did you get involved with Visual Vengeance?

BS: I’ve been working with Wild Eye Releasing, Visual Vengeance’s parent company, since 2013 when they released my anthology movie Hi-8: Horror Independent Eight. Since then, Wild Eye has released my films Hi-Death, Plaguers, and, this past July, Hi-Fear. I like working with them so when they contacted me about Scream Queen back in 2020, I was happy to hear that they’d be releasing it through their new label, Visual Vengeance.

MG: Was Linnea Quigley always in mind for the role of Malicia Tombs? Tell us about your experience working with her?

BS: I literally wrote the character with Linnea in mind, but I didn’t think we’d actually get her. But thankfully my friend Courtney Joyner, who also has a small part in the film, made a phone call and set up a meeting between me and Linnea. It went well and after reading the script, she agreed to do it.
I had a great time working with Linnea on the movie. In fact, many of my favorite memories of the shoot involve working with her, and just hanging out before and after the shoot, and later directing a music video for her song “This Chainsaw’s Made for Cutting”, which you see in the film.

MG: Tell us about the inspiration with the Italian Giallo sub-genre in the film?

BS: Giallos and Eurohorror in general are two of my favorite genres, so it was fun to incorporate elements from both into the script. I tried to add these kinds of touches wherever I could (and if the budget would allow). The location is a house is Glendale, but we tried to treat it like the type of “old dark house” you’d find in a movie like The Devil’s Nightmare, with sconces on the walls and Gothic costumes and props. For example, the killer has the black gloves and “faceless” look of the killer in Bava’s Blood and Black Lace, and one of the murders is fashioned after scenes in Tenebre, where the girl has pages of a book shoved down her throat (in our film, it’s pages of a script). Scream Queen was always intended to be a murder mystery as opposed to a Halloween-type slasher, so the giallo homages fit well into the film.

MG: Tell us about your decision to release the film on Blu-ray with a 480p SD master?
BS: The producer and original distributor didn’t have any usable masters, so I provided the masters I had for this release. It wasn’t my “decision”, I just offered up the best elements I had available.

MG: The Blu-ray is jam packed with a ton of special features; give us a hint of what we can expect?
BS: My favorite special feature on the disc is “Once Upon a Time in Horrorwood”, which was produced through Nightfall Pictures, the production company I run with my wife/producer, Josephina. It’s an all-new, very comprehensive, half hour doc during which I take you through the entire process of making the movie, from the script to its rocky journey to finally getting released. There are interviews with Linnea and one of the editors, an audio commentary, behind the scenes stills and press materials, etc. which all give different perspectives on the making of Scream Queen. I had a hand in just about all the extras and it was nice to be so involved in the release of my first ‘pro’ movie.

MG: I am a big fan of the Witchcraft series; how did you get involved to write/direct the 12th installment in the series, Witchcraft XII: In the Lair of the Serpent?

BS: I had made three movies for Vista Street Entertainment before that: Babes in the Woods, Mad Jack and Lord of the Vampires. When they started moving ahead with Witchcraft XII, they approached me to write and direct it, which was funny, because I had a Witchcraft II poster on my wall when I was growing up. Be careful what you wish for! I honestly hadn’t seen all the films and I don’t think it mattered because there is very little connective tissue outside of one character, Will Spanner, who I had to bring back. But otherwise, I was allowed to take the series in a more crime/noir direction, because I’m a big fan of those types of films.

MG: It’s unbelievable that this series has lasted 16 films over 30+ years; why do you think it has stood the test of time?

BS: Everyone loves a good horror franchise, I guess. I haven’t seen any of the ones made after Part XII. I’m kind of amazed they’re still making them. I’ve also been on the other side of the table, with several films of mine, including Camp Blood, Death Factory and Zombie Chronicles, getting sequels. I also recently completed my own “Trilogy” with Hi-Fear, which is the third film in the Hi-8 series.

MG: Camp Blood was also a great franchise; how do you reflect working on the first couple of films in that series?

BS: Camp Blood was the third movie I directed, but the first to get released. The biggest challenge on that film was the 3D technology we had to use. There was a big learning curve involved and it posed restrictions on how we could shoot things. I wanted to make a simple slasher film like the ones I had always enjoyed, with a few twists. It was a short shoot, with some challenges for sure with shooting outdoors with inclement weather, but we had fun, too.

I never thought we would make a sequel, but we did the following year based on the first film’s success in foreign territories (it was especially popular in the UK for some reason). For Camp Blood 2, I went in a more comedic/satirical direction, like I had for Scream Queen. Both films are essentially satires of the movie business using my experiences I had up till that point. I didn’t have as good a time making the movie, but the FX came out great and we had a professional stuntman playing the Clown, which made things easier.

Camp Blood 3, which was later retitled Within the Woods by the distributor, was made a few years later and was the first film produced by my wife Josephina and I’s production company, Nightfall Pictures. So, there was a lot of pressure to deliver a good movie for our first time out. Again, I used the slasher genre to satirize the entertainment world, in this case reality TV which was getting big at the time (and has gotten bigger since). Very ambitious film for its budget but I loved the cast and the DP did a wonderful job. I like all three Camp Bloods for different reasons, and the fans seem to feel the same way, everybody has their favorite.

MG: What would you say has been your most difficult project to date?

BS: I had an awful experience making Loving Angelique, an erotic thriller in the Poison Ivy vein. It should have been fairly simple, with one main location, a limited number of characters, a decent schedule, etc. And I had made a movie for the production company before, Demon’s Kiss, which was also an erotic thriller (but much more ambitious), so I thought I knew what they wanted. But it was just one of those films where nothing and nobody clicked…the actors didn’t want to be there, the DP was a burned out veteran with a lot of credits but who didn’t give a damn about anything, the executive producer was hanging around trying to give ‘notes’ all the time, and the producer didn’t have my back. I gave it my best shot and the movie honestly didn’t turn out too bad, but it was a very unpleasant shoot and I had little involvement in the editing. I’ve made much more complex movies that were way more fun to make, despite the challenges.

MG: What do you have planned next for 2024?
BS: 2023 has been a big year with a lot of projects I’ve worked on for years, some dating to before the pandemic, finally getting released. Currently I am also promoting my book “Neon Nightmares: L.A. Thrillers of the 1980s” (available from BearManor Media, Amazon, B&N, etc.) and my anthology movie Hi-Fear, which is on DVD and can be streamed on iTunes, Amazon Video, etc. These both came out just a few months ago. Josephina and I are also producing special features for other upcoming Visual Vengeance releases of my films. And I have a new movie I plan on shooting next year. So, plenty going on at Nightfall Pictures right now and into 2024.

Pierce Bronson is no stranger to the action genre, he is known best for playing James Bond 007 in “Goldeneye”, “The World is Not Enough” and “Tomorrow Never Dies”. He also stars in comedies like “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Mamma Mia”. He also played Doctor Fate in last years superhero film “Black Adam”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Pierce about his new film “Fast Charlie”, which co-stars Morena Baccarin and the late James Cann.

Here is the premise for “Fast Charlie”: For twenty years, Charlie Swift has been a fixer and hitman for a mob boss named Stan. After a rival boss puts a hit on Stan and his crew, Charlie is the sole survivor. Charlie decides to avenge his friend and teams up with Marcie, the ex-wife of a mobster he killed.

Ryan Kwanten is known best for his role of Jason Stackhouse in HBO’s “True Blood”. He also stars in one of my favorite films, “Dead Silence”. Natalia Cordova-Buckley is known best for her role in “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” playing Elena “Yo-Yo” Rodriguez. Ryan and Natalia took out sometime to chat with Media Mikes to discuss their latest film “The Portrait”.

Here is the premise to “The Portrait”: After Sofia causes her husband Alex’s accident that leaves him with a brain injury, she becomes fixated on a mysterious portrait that bears a striking resemblance to his former self. However, as the portrait begins to haunt her, she must determine whether it is possessed or if she is having a mental breakdown

Starring: Mena Massoud, Olivia Scott Welch and Gus Kenworthy
Directed by: Jenn Wexler
Rated: Unrated
Running Time: 90 minutes
Shudder

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 Stars

My partner and I enjoy doing a Christmas movie marathon every year in December. Generally, she picks the Christmas movies and I find a horror Christmas film that she’ll actually enjoy. While any horror fan would think that’s easy, she’s not really the kind of person who would enjoy “Silent Night, Deadly Night” or “Black Christmas.” It needs to have a heartwarming element or some form of character redemption. Thankfully I may have found this year’s pick with “The Sacrifice Game.”

You wouldn’t think a film like “The Sacrifice Game” could be heartwarming after it’s opening minutes, where we witness the brutal murder of a happy couple three days before Christmas. Jude, played by Mena Massoud who I last saw play Aladdin in the 2019 live-action adaptation, and three others make-up the cult that’s traveling about the 1971 countryside, cutting the flesh off people as part of an ancient ritual to summon a demon. We cut to an all-girls boarding school where we find students, Clara (Georgia Acken) and Samantha (Madison Baines), along with a teacher and her boyfriend. Clara and Samantha bond over their abandonment. We learn that Samantha was intentionally left behind at the school for holidays and that the loner Clara suffers from self-harm. The unlikely duo become friends as teacher tries to make things cheery for the two, even getting them gifts. Then the cult shows up for Christmas and all hell, quite literally, breaks loose.

Despite the gruesome kills, yuletide bloodlust and viciousness of the cult, I will reiterate that “The Sacrifice Game” is surprisingly heartwarming, much like how “Bad Santa” found humanity in a booze-soaked Santa. While the film may feel familiar, it does a fantastic job of twisting the narrative in the latter half of the film. “The Sacrifice Game” does an admirable job of warming your heart after forcing you to endure nearly an hour of brutality. It also helps that it’s one of those films where you can just tell that the group of murderers will get their comeuppance.

The film is also bolstered by the performances of the killers, specifically Massoud who chews on the scenery so ravenously, you begin to hate him for how good he is at portraying a sociopath. Acken and Baines work well with each other. I’m always impressed how horror films can find good child actors that don’t outstay their welcome or get on your nerves. Acken and Baines play such a delightful budding duo as they bring their own outcast misery to the table. Acken outshines Baines when it counts though.

While the movie does feel a tad too long, director/writer Jenn Wexler squeezes out of every drop of blood from her cast and every ounce of Christmas cheer from the ending exclamation point. There’s also a hint of girl power throughout the film, mainly because I would describe the male characters as all muscle and no brain while the women manage to be both. While “Sacrifice Game” may not become a yearly holiday watch, you won’t be disappointed if it winds up under your Christmas tree.

 

Brett Kelly is known for his work in the shark genre for films like “Jurassic Shark”, “Raiders of the Lost Shark” and even “Puppet Shark”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Brett about his latest upcoming movie “Kaiju Glam Metal Shark Attack”, which looks amazing and recently just completed a very successful Indiegogo campaign.

Starring: Thomas Sainsbury, Hayden J. Weal and Tawanda Manyimo
Directed by: Thomas Sainsbury
Rated: NR
Running Time: 96 minutes
Dark Sky Films

Our Score: 3 out of 5 Stars

At the opening of “Loop Track,” Ian (Thomas Sainsbury) is ignoring call after call as he parks his car at the edge of a New Zealand wilderness. Sweat percolates his head even though it doesn’t appear to be hot outside. Once he sets out on a hike, to who knows where, he avoids hikers as best as he can. It’s obvious that something is going on with Ian, but we don’t know what it is. Is he outrunning somebody? Is he worried about running into someone he knows? Why is he seemingly escaping into the woods for a hike?

The potential answers are sidelined when Ian runs into the overly talkative Nicky (Hayden J. Weal). Instead of revealing what bugs him with the Nicky, who overshares about everything, Ian doubles down on the awkwardness and sweating. Stuck together, the duo stops at a hiking trail cabin for the night, encountering a honeymooning couple, Monica (Kate Simmonds) and Austin (Twaanda Manyimo). Just like the viewer, they realize something is off with Ian, but no one can figure out what it is. Oddly enough, they have a lot of patience for his panicky shenanigans.

“Loop Track” is a near masterclass in suspense, making you wonder if Ian is experiencing stress-induced delusions, if he’s legitimately seeing something distant and foreboding in the surrounding woods, or if he’s the true terror. I give major props to Sainsbury, who also wrote and directed the film. So much of the film is carried through his embarrassingly shy, self-loathing cringe character. Sainsbury also writes a perfect counter balance to Ian through Nicky, an unnaturally cheery, comic relief who seems more focused on getting laid by every female he encounters, rather than Ian’s growing paranoia. The newlyweds play as a middle ground between the two, reacting with nuance and grounded reality to Nicky’s horniness and Ian’s fears.

The payoff in the film is unpredictable, truly. Is it a good payoff though? It’s something I’ve been struggling with. My emotions in the final act ranged from genuine surprise to disappointment. That being said, the movie is crafted in such a way, even if the payoff doesn’t work for you, it has it’s claws in you and you can’t turn away. While Sainsbury may be known more for his comedic chops and talents, he has a keen sixth sense for horror. If “Loop Track” is a sign of Sainsbury’s prowess for horror, I can’t wait to see what he has in store next.

Welcome to our Shout! Studios 2023 Holiday Gift Guide!!! We some great titles to showcase for you this year. First up we have one of my favorite underrated films from Laika Studios, “Kubo and the Two Strings”. This film has great replay value and looks absolutely gorgeous in this Limited Edition SteelBook 4K UHD release.

TITLE: Kubo and the Two Strings (Limited Edition SteelBook 4K UHD)

RELEASE DATE: February 28, 2023

RELEASE FORMAT: 4K UHD

SRP: $34.98 each (Limited SteelBook Edition)

Kubo and the Two Strings is available in 4K for the first time ever, allowing fans to experience this cherished films in the highest possible fidelity. Supervised by LAIKA’s visionary filmmaking team, this dazzling 4K remaster features HDR and Dolby Vision plus Dolby Atmos for the ultimate entertainment experience.

The scrupulous remastering process for this title was overseen by the team at LAIKA, led by LAIKA CEO (and Kubo and the Two Strings Director) Travis Knight, and Visual Effects Supervisor Steve Emerson, who pored over each film shot-by-shot, paying close attention to every last detail and color to present these groundbreaking films in the most dynamic format. 

The SteelBook™ release features new hand drawn art from acclaimed illustrators: the Kubo and the Two Strings cover art was drawn by Kevin Tong, an artist living and working out of Austin, TX.

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Next up for up fellow anime fans, there is “Evangelion:3.0+1.11 Thrice upon a Time”, which is coming from legendary director Hideaki Anno, “Evangelion:3.0+1.11 Thrice upon a Time” is the fourth and final installment of the REBUILD OF EVANGELION films, bringing an epic conclusion to the story of Shinji and his fellow Eva pilots, with the stunning visuals and thought-provoking storytelling that has made EVANGELION a global pop culture phenomenon.

TITLE: EVANGELION: 3.0 + 1.11 THRICE UPON A TIME (Collector’s Edition) from GKIDS

RELEASE DATE: October 17, 2023

RELEASE FORMAT: 4K UHD + Blu-Ray™

SRP: $79.98

The 4K UHD Collector’s Edition of EVANGELION:3.0+1.11 THRICE UPON A TIME is a three-disc set that includes one 4K UHD disc featuring the film, a Blu-Ray™ of the feature film, and a disc of brand-new bonus features encased in a rigid box case. Featuring both the original Japanese language version and an English dub, the set includes a 28-page book, art cards, and a poster, as well as bonus features including EVANGELION:3.0(-46h), EVANGELION:3.0(-120min.), character promotion reels, stage greeting, trailers, and more!

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This next one is one of my favorites from 2023, I had the privilege of seeing this stage presentation of “Spirited Away” on the big screen and it was absolutely stunning. This Blu-ray features not one but two performances featuring both Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi as Chihiro.

TITLE: SPIRITED AWAY: LIVE ON STAGE from GKIDS

RELEASE DATE: November 7, 2023

RELEASE FORMAT: Blu-Ray™

SRP: $32.98

Hayao Miyazaki’s Academy Award®-winning* animated feature film comes to life in this first-ever stage adaptation full of dazzling sets, captivating musical numbers, and wondrous puppets of beloved characters. Adapted and directed by Tony Award® winner John Caird (Les Misérables), SPIRITED AWAY: Live on Stage features two unique casts and performances filmed during the show’s acclaimed 2022 run at Tokyo’s historic Imperial Theatre, featuring Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi as Chihiro.

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Growing up in the 80’s (I know I am dating myself), I would look forward to watching “ALF” all the time on the TV with my family. It always have been a favorite of mine. The deluxe edition DVD set includes not only every episode of the hit series, it also includes the 1996 film Project: ALF starring Martin Sheen, and all episodes from Saturday morning’s ALF: The Animated Series and ALF Tales! 

TITLE: ALF: The Complete Series (Deluxe Edition) + Bundle

RELEASE DATE: October 17, 2023

RELEASE FORMAT: DVD

SRP: $239.97 (Shout Exclusive Bundle), $89.99 (Box Set)

Everyone’s favorite wise-cracking alien from Melmac, Gordon Shumway — better known to Earthlings as ALF crash-lands onto DVD in this definitive 24-disc collection. The collection includes every episode of this interstellar hit series, restored to their original broadcast length for the first time in 30 years. It also includes the 1996 film Project: ALF starring Martin Sheen, and all 47 episodes of Saturday morning’s ALF: The Animated Series and ALF Tales! 

Never has a collection been so out of this world! This ShoutFactory.com Exclusive includes the NEW DVD release of ALF, an exclusive 18” x 24” rolled poster featuring new artwork, a retro prism sticker, a 7″ vinyl, an enamel pin set, a lunch box, and an authentic Melmac rock.

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Following ALF comes another TV series that I was completely obsessed with in the late 90’s/early 00’s, “Farscape”. The show was produced by The Jim Henson Company and they were responsible for the various alien make-up and prosthetics, and two regular characters (the animatronic puppets Rygel and Pilot) were entirely Creature Shop creations.

TITLE: Farscape: The Complete Series (25th Anniversary Edition)  + 3 Prism Stickers + Poster + Enamel Pin Set

RELEASE DATE: November 21, 2023

RELEASE FORMAT: Blu-Ray™

SRP: $305.98 (Shout exclusive bundle), $219.98 (Box Set)

A fusion of live action, state-of-the-art puppetry, prosthetics and CGI, Farscape features mind-boggling alien life forms, dazzling special effects, edge-of-your-seat thrills, irreverent humor and unforgettable characters all brought to life by the creative minds at Jim Henson’s Creature Shop in this definitive 22-Disc set. The ShoutFactory.com Exclusive bundle contains the new BLU-RAY BOX SET of FARSCAPE, an EXCLUSIVE 18” X 24” ROLLED POSTER featuring a brand new design from artist Joe Corroney, a set of three retro prism stickers, and a LIMITED EDITION ENAMEL PIN SET via Gutter Garbs.

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TITLE: Shaw Brothers Classics, Vol. 3

RELEASE DATE: Volume 3: October 24, 2023

RELEASE FORMAT: Blu-Ray™

SRP: $169.98 each

Jam-packed with epic kung-fu tales from the legendary Hong Kong studio, this box sets make the classic films available on Blu-Ray™ in North America for the first time, with the action-packed Volume 3 further houses the classic martial art films, including Killer Clans, The Shaolin Avengers, The Web of Death, The Vengeful Beauty, Death Duel, Life Gamble, Soul of the Sword, The Deadly Breaking Sword, Clan of the White Lotus, Shaolin Abbot and Shaolin Rescuers.

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TITLE: Night of the Demon (Collector’s Edition)

TITLE: Night of the Demon 2 (Collector’s Edition)       

TITLE: Night of the Demon 3 (Collector’s Edition)

RELEASE DATE: October 3, 2023

RELEASE FORMAT: 4K UHD + Blu-Ray™ 

SRP: $36.98 each

Just in time for Halloween, horror enthusiasts and collectors can experience bone-chilling suspense, ancient dark rituals, and terrifying horror like never before when SCREAM FACTORY™ unleashes three creepy supernatural cult hits with NIGHT OF THE DEMONS Collector’s Edition in a 4K UHD™+ Blu-Ray™ combo pack, NIGHT OF THE DEMONS 2 Collector’s Edition Blu-Ray™, and NIGHT OF THE DEMONS 3 Collector’s Edition Blu-Ray™. For the first time ever in 4K UHD™ format, NIGHT OF THE DEMONS Collector’s Edition includes a 2023 restoration from an earlier 4K scan of the unrated negative, as well as special content and new interviews.

Celebrating the iconic 1984 classic The NeverEnding Story, formerly called “Life After Atreyu”, LIFE AFTER THE NEVERENDING STORY stars Noah Hathaway (Atreyu), Tami Stronach (the Childlike Empress), Deep Roy, Limahl & Klaus Doldinger, Katja Eichinger, Herman Weigel, Renato Casaro, Jason James Richter, Keith Coogan and more!

This NeverEnding Story documentary will be premiering around September 2023 at film festivals, then will be released on REGION FREE BLURAY early 2024.

PRE-ORDER your copy NOW from www.lifeaftertheneverendingstory.com

Your pre-order helps cover the post production costs and with indie film, it all helps. All discs ship worldwide, and come with your very own limited edition collectors patch!