Returning to tantalize you with thoughts of lasers dancing through the air with bits of celluloid attached to neurons (or however it is that Blu-ray works), we have the prospect of ghosts, and other things that go bump in the night to tempt your wallet.
Most Notable New Releases
A Chinese Ghost Story (Region A; Panorama)
Wilson Yip's remake of the beloved original (by Ching Siu-Tung) "turns out to be a vacuous and tedious CGI-laden crapfest," according to James Marsh, our very own Man in Hong Kong. Louis Koo stars as a demon hunter.
Beauty and the Beast (Region A; Criterion Collection)
Jean Cocteau's classic fantasy stars Josette Day and Jean Marais. As to the Blu-ray transfer, DVD Beaver comments: "Some fans may have had higher expectations for the contrast. What it doesn't gain demonstratively in in detail, it does in texture and grain." Check the review for full details and screen caps.
The Funhouse (Region B; Arrow Video)
Tobe Hooper's 1981 horror flick is set, as you might have guessed, in and around a carnival funhouse, with the engaging Elizabeth Berridge taking the lead. In his review for ScreenAnarchy, James Dennis wrote: "The Funhouse isn't Hooper's finest moment but it's a strong runner-up, managing to embrace the pleasures of the slasher movie whilst creating a totally unique vibe - a twisted, playful and creepy treat. With some top drawer screaming, of course. " He says that Arrow has put together a "comprehensive" package with a "fantastic" picture.
The Music Room (Region A; Criterion Collection)
Another classic, this one from Satyajit Ray in 1958. "Incredible" is how DVD Beaver describes the Blu-ray, earning the site's strongest recommendation.
Potiche (Region A; Music Box Films Home Entertainment)
I rather enjoyed this fluffy French comedy, directed by Francois Ozon, in which Gerard Depardieu plays a union worker who romances old flame Catherine Deneuve after she takes over control of a factory when her husband takes ill. Set in 1977, it's gorgeously photographed in eye-popping colors, and altogether charming.
More Blu-rays Out This Week
Asia
(Region A, except where noted)
Sources: AsianBlurayGuide.com, YesAsia.com
Just Call Me Nobody (Region Free; Panorama)
Speaking of Ching Siu-Tung, he provided action choreography for this costume comedy, which was extremely popular in its native land of Mainland China. Xiaoshenyang stars as a shoemaking geek who sets off on an adventure in a martial arts world, where he encounters Zhao Benshan, Eric Tsang, Jacky Wu, and Kelly Lin. Directed by Chu Yen Ping (Kung Fu Dunk).
U.K.
(Region B)
Source: Amazon.co.uk
Deep End (Region B; BFI Video)
Jane Asher stars as the object of a teen boy's obsession in a 1970 drama by Jerzy Skolimowski (Moonlighting).
Unknown (Optimum)
Liam Neeson is confused in Berlin after a car crash; his wife (January Jones) denies knowing him and another man has taken his place. Small moments of grace are provided by Bruno Ganz in this otherwise routine thriller. With Diane Kruger. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra.
U.S.
(Region A)
Source: Amazon.com
Amelie (Miramax Lionsgate)
Audrey Tautou stars as the titular character in Jean-Pierre Jeunet's fantasy that warmed the hearts of millions, although it set my teeth on edge. Now you can be charmed all over again.
Limitless (20th Century Fox)
Better living through chemistry. Bradley Cooper stars as a loser who becomes a winner, with Robert DeNiro as a Wall Street power broker and Abbie Cornish as his ex-girlfriend. Scott Weinberg concluded that Limitless "may not stand as the most unique or exciting sci-fi flick of the year, but it does lots of things right, and in the realm of cinematic sci-fi, that's pretty impressive all by itself."
The Reef (Image Entertainment)
Two couples swim through shark-infested waters after their ship sinks in the middle of the ocean off Australia. The Reef just played at Fantasia, where Kurt Halfyard caught it and was not impressed: "The film is all craft and not so much else."
Tekken (Anchor Bay Entertainment)
Director Dwight Little brought a live-action version of the game to the screen in 2010. Our friend Stefan S wrote: "Strictly for the gaming fans only who want to see how their familiar characters get translated to the big screen."