Displaying items by tag: Richard Lester

Today’s update will be quick, because we’re all neck-deep in new disc reviews, myself included. I’ve just completed an in-depth look at Richard Donner’s Superman: The Movie, as newly-released in Warner’s Superman: 5-Film Collection in 4K Ultra HD. This a slightly different disc than the version released back in 2018 (and reviewed here) so be sure to check out the new review for all the relevant details.

FYI, I’m going to be working my way through every film in the set. In fact, I was up until 2 AM last night watching Richard Lester’s Superman II and also Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut in 4K Ultra HD back to back. So watch for the next reviews in the series here at The Bits tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Tim has turned in his thoughts on Nick Castle’s The Last Starfighter (1984) in 4K Ultra HD from Arrow Video, along with Norman Jewison’s original Rollerball (1975) in 4K Ultra HD from Scream Factory.

Stuart has taken a look at Frank Tuttle’s Lucky Jordan (1942) on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber Studio Classics.

And Stephen—working jointly with Tim—has offered his take on Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) again, this time has released in regular and Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD from Second Sight Films in the UK. [Read on here...]

We’ve got a couple of things we’re tracking here at The Bits today, news wise...

First, it looks like Paramount has listed Scream VI for pre-order on 4K Ultra HD, 4K Steelbook, and Blu-ray on Amazon. We haven’t got the street date (which is still TBA), but we do have pre-order links and artwork below the break.

While we’re talking Paramount, F. Gary Gray’s The Italian Job (2003) and Antoine Fuqua’s Shooter (2007) are now available for pre-order in 4K UHD on Amazon with a street date of 5/16. The former is new to the format, while the latter was originally released as a 4K Steelbook edition last year—this is the regular Amaray version. Click on the title links for each to visit their respective Amazon pages.

Paramount and CBS have also just listed Star Trek: Lower Decks – Season 3 for release on Blu-ray on 4/25, as expected. As some of you may recall, the DVD was listed first by itself and now the Blu-ray SKU has been added to online pre-orders on Amazon. You can see the BD artwork below.

Also now available for pre-order from Warner Bros. (street date TBA) is Michael B. Jordan’s Creed III on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD (click here and here). [Read on here...]

We’re closing out the week today here at The Bits with a bit of announcement news, word of a few 4K title delays, and more new disc reviews.

First up, Tim has turned in reviews of Stephen King’s Children of the Corn (1984), directed by Fritz Kiersch and newly released on 4K Ultra HD by Arrow Video, as well as Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds which is new on 4K Ultra HD from Universal.

Also, Stephen has reviewed Nick Murphy’s The Awakening (2011) on Blu-ray from the Cohen Media Group, along with Nadia Tass’ Malcolm (1986) on Blu-ray from Umbrella Entertainment.

More reviews are on the way, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for them.

Now then, the big announcement news today is that Criterion has just revealed their January 2022 release slate, which is set to include Thomas Vinterberg’s The Celebration (Spine #1108 – Blu-ray) on 1/11, Garrett Bradley’s Time (Spine #1109 – Blu-ray and DVD) and Richard Lester’s A Hard Day’s Night (Spine #711 – Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K) on 1/18, and Kirsten Johnson’s Dick Johnson Is Dead (Spine #111 – Blu-ray and DVD) and Jane Campion’s The Piano (Spine #1110 – Blu-ray and 4K) on 1/25. We’ve updated our 4K Ultra HD Release List and Criterion Spines Project pages accordingly. [Read on here...]

“Clark Kent’s alley transformation into Superman and Superman’s flight to the White House to return the American Flag are two of the best moments; they are just as chill-inducing and magical today as they were 40 years ago!” — Jim Bowers, CapedWonder.com

The Digital Bits and History, Legacy & Showmanship are pleased to present this multi-page retrospective commemorating the 40th anniversary of the release of Superman II, the 1980/1981/2006 follow-up to 1978’s Superman: The Movie and featuring Christopher Reeve reprising his legendary dual role of Superman and alter ego Clark Kent.

Taking over from Richard Donner midway through production, Richard Lester (The Three Musketeers, Help!) directed and re-shot much of the Saturn Award-winning sequel, which focused on the three Kyptonian outlaws (Terrence Stamp, Sarah Douglas and Jack O’Halloran) breaking free from their cosmic imprisonment and seeking revenge on the Man of Steel.

The first Superman sequel—also starring Clifton James as Sheriff and E.G. Marshall as The President—featured reprisal performances by Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor, Ned Beatty as Otis, Jackie Cooper as Perry White, Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, Valerie Perrine as Miss Teschmacher, Susannah York as Superman’s biological mother Lara, and Marc McClure as Jimmy Olsen. [Read on here...]