New Blu-Ray Releases You Should Check Out: ‘Indiana Jones’ 4K Box Set, ‘Super 8’, ‘Godzilla Vs. Kong’, ‘In The Line Of Fire’
Welcome back, Blu-ray fans. It’s time for another round-up of new Blu-ray releases you should check out, including the must-haveIndiana Jones4K box set, the 4K 10th anniversary release ofSuper 8, MonsterVerse entryGodzilla vs. Kong, and the excellent ’90s thrillerIn the Line of Fire, which is also dropping on 4K for the first time.
Indiana Jones 4K Box Set
At last, theIndiana Jonesseries is on 4K.Steven Spielberg’s four films (yes, there are four, we’re not ignoringKingdom of the Crystal Skullaround these parts) have never looked better than they do here, cleaned up in a manner that makes them look brand new. But looks will only get you so far. The real draw of the series is just how damn fun the films are (yes, evenCrystal Skull).Raiders of the Lost Arkremains a perfect film – a crystallization of pulp adventure heroes, withHarrison Fordoozing charisma and Steven Spielberg firing on all cylinders. And while the sequels never reach the levels of perfection asRaiders, they each remain worthy in their own right. Yes,Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doomis a mess, and full of cringe-worthy xenophobia. But it also features some pure A-grade filmmaking – the opening sequence, with Indy in a nightclub, is some of the best cinematic work Spielberg has ever done.Last Crusadeis more or less a rehash of what everyone loved aboutRadiers, but the set pieces are a blast and the father-son relationship between Indy and his dad, played by Sean Connery, is wonderful. And then there’s the bastard stepchildKingdom of the Crystal Skull. It has issues, no argument there. But even that film is chock full of Spielbergian touches that elevate matters.
Own or Rent?
This should be a no-brainer: buy this immediately. Sure, they’re making a fifthIndiana Jonesmovie as we speak, and will probably release yet another box set with that entry included. But can you really wait that long? No, you can’t. You need to watchRaider of the Lost Arkon 4K right now so you can remember how amazing movies can truly be.
Special Features Include:On Set with Raiders of the Lost Ark
Making the Films
Behind the Scenes
Super 8 4K
Super 8isJ.J. Abrams' love letter toSteven Spielbergand the movies Spielberg produced under his Amblin banner, and these days, it feels like no one talks about it much anymore. I remember it being a big deal when it arrived in the summer of 2011, but since then, Abrams has moved on to even bigger things, andSuper 8has mostly faded into the background. I’m not sayingSuper 8is some forgotten masterpiece. But I do think it’s a (mostly) solid sci-fi thriller, and I’m pleased that it now has a 4K release to mark its anniversary. The premise involves a group of kids in 1979 who discover an alien monster is lurking in their town, and Abrams uses this setup to stage a bunch of Spielbergian tropes like neglectful fathers, childhood dangers, and kids riding their bikes into certain death. The movie kind of falls apart in the last ten or fifteen minutes, but getting there is still fun. It’s also kind of a baller move that Abrams said, “I’m going to make a tribute to Steven Spielberg and get the real Steven Spielberg to produce it.”
Own or Rent?Super 8is currently streaming on Paramount+, so I suppose you could watch it there – if you want to get yourself yet another streaming service. But the new 4K transfer is definitely worth checking out. I’m going to say buy this one. Besides, up-and-coming filmmaker J.J. Abrams could really use the money until he breaks into the big leagues!
Special Features Include:
Godzilla vs. Kong
The MonsterVerse has been on shaky ground. The 2014Godzillahad some amazing visuals, but the storytelling and character development was blah.Kong: Skull Islandwas fun, but also far too interested in referencing other movies. AndGodzilla: King of the Monsterstook a great premise and ruined it. With all that in mind, I approachedGodzilla vs. Kongwith caution. Iwantedto be entertained by two chonky boys smashing each other against skyscrapers, but based on everything that came before, I was worried. Thankfully,Godzilla vs. Kongdelivers. Sure, the character development remains atrocious in these movies, butGodzilla vs. Kongseems to finally be aware of that, so much so that all of the human characters feel as if their roles have been significantly reduced. But best of all, Kong makes for a much better protagonist than Godzilla. Godzillashouldfeel otherworldly and monstrous, and that’s how he remains here. He’s mostly a background player, popping up whenever the film needs an action scene. Most of the time, though, the film focuses on Kong, and the big ape feels like a real living creature here, not just another CGI creation. We can easily sympathize with Kong, especially since he mostly just wants to take naps, eat, and be left alone. Yes, there’s a nonsensical plot here about the hollow earth, but it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that at one point, Kong gets himself a giant ax, and Godzilla blasts his laser breath directly into the center of the planet. What more could you ask for?
Own or Rent?Godzilla vs. Kongwill probably eventually work its way back onto HBO Max, where it premiered in May. But if you read this column you know that I’m a firm believer in the idea that movies just look better on discs than they do on streaming. Is it all in my head to justify my unhealthy Blu-ray habit? Perhaps! But I’m sticking with it. If you digGodzilla vs. Kong, buy it.
In the Line of Fire
Once upon a time, Hollywood would get big stars to appear in adult-oriented movies that weren’t adapted from comic books, or old TV shows, or other movies. I know that’s hard to believe, but it’s true – and it wasn’t that long ago! One movie that fits this bill isIn the Line of Fire,Wolfgang Petersen’s satisfying thriller from 1993.Clint Eastwoodis a Secret Service agent who has been in the game since JFK was president. In fact, he was in Dallas the day Kennedy was assassinated – and he carries guilt around inside. If only he had acted quicker, JFK might be alive. Now, all these years later, Eastwood has to deal with a new potential assassin – a creepy lunatic played brilliantly byJohn Malkovich. Eastwood is his usual charming, carefree self as the lead, but Malkovich steals the show, making his would-be assassin slimy, nasty, and altogether fascinating.
Own or Rent?In the Line of Firemay not be the type of movie that screams “4K release!” But it now has one, and it’s definitely worth picking up to relive the glory days of ’90s thrillers. It’s a damn good movie all around, and the 4K transfer looks great.
