Get ready for some exciting news in the world of home entertainment! Scream Factory and Shout Factory have just unveiled their highly anticipated release schedule for December, and it’s packed with a variety of films that are sure to delight movie enthusiasts. But here's where it gets controversial: while some titles are beloved classics, others may spark debate among fans about their significance and impact.
According to Blu-ray.com, the lineup includes a mix of iconic films and hidden gems. Mark your calendars for December 2, when several noteworthy titles will hit the shelves, including the chilling horror film "Dawn of the Dead" (2004), the cult classic "The People Under the Stairs" (1991), and the action-packed "Wanted" (2008). Additionally, the Shaw Brothers Classics: Vol. Eight and "The Sword and the Sorcerer" (1982) will also be available on this date.
On December 9, horror aficionados can look forward to the release of the original "Black Christmas" (1974) and the gripping thriller "The Grey" (2011). Then, on December 16, fans can enjoy the critically acclaimed "Leaving Las Vegas" (1995) and the eerie "Rabid" (1977). Finally, the visually stunning "Cloud Atlas" (2012) will be released on December 23, alongside the nostalgic "Tales from the Darkside: The Movie" (1990).
Among these exciting releases, one title stands out: John Woo’s original masterpiece, "The Killer," featuring the legendary Chow Yun-Fat. This film tells the gripping story of a Hong Kong hitman who accidentally blinds an innocent woman during a job. Determined to help her regain her sight, he sets out to fund her surgery, but first, he must complete one last assignment. However, things take a dangerous turn when he finds himself ambushed by those who want him dead. Meanwhile, a clever and unconventional police detective is hot on his trail, adding layers of tension and intrigue to the narrative.
This release promises to be a treat for fans, as it comes packed with special features that delve deeper into the film's creation and legacy. The first disc, a 4K UHD version of the feature film, boasts a brand-new 4K scan from the original camera negative, presented in Dolby Vision. It also includes newly translated English subtitles and fresh audio commentaries featuring insights from director John Woo and film journalist Drew Taylor, as well as critic David West.
The second disc, a Blu-ray version of the feature film, mirrors the first disc's enhancements, ensuring that viewers can enjoy the film in stunning quality. The third disc is dedicated to special features, including a feature-length documentary titled "The Hero of Heroic Bloodshed: A John Woo Documentary," which features interviews with John Woo himself, stuntman Bruce Law, and other key figures in the film industry. Additional content includes interviews with the film's editor, David Wu, and author Grady Hendrix, along with deleted scenes, trailers, and an image gallery.
Moreover, this release comes with a beautifully designed 52-page booklet that contains four expert essays and a wealth of artwork, making it a must-have for collectors and fans alike.
In terms of technical specifications, the release features a video codec of MPEG-4 AVC with a native resolution of 1080p, maintaining the film's original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Audio options include Cantonese and English in DTS-HD Master Audio Mono, with subtitles available in English and English SDH. The packaging includes a slipcover and a booklet, and the discs are region-free for 4K Blu-ray and region A for 2K Blu-ray.
As we look forward to these releases, it’s worth pondering: which of these films are you most excited about? Do you think the inclusion of certain titles reflects a broader trend in the film industry, or do you believe some classics are being overlooked? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
