What’s New in Home Video & Pop Culture – September 30th, 2025 – Superman, Blumhouse, Life of Chuck, Night of the Living Dead, Rocky Horror, & More!

What’s New in Home Video & Pop Culture – September 30th, 2025

Wow! I love a pop culture week that’s filled with incredible releases. Even if there are a couple of movies that weren’t quite my cup of tea, I know they’re popular and have endless fans who will want them on their shelves. There are also some great book releases this week, so whether you want to watch something or read something, we’ve got you covered!

In This Week’s Column:

• Superman (4K Ultra HD + Digital)
• The Life of Chuck (Blu-ray) 
• Horror’s New Wave (Book)
• Night of the Living Dead (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital Steelbook)
• Corpse Bride (4K Ultra HD + Digital)
• Misericordia (Blu-ray)
• Mick Rock: Rocky Horror – A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Cult Classic (Book)
• Hero Bear and The Kid: The Inheritance (Graphic Novel)
• Raw Meat aka Death Line (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray)
• The Last Horror Film (Blu-ray)

Superman (4K Ultra HD + Digital)

Official Synopsis:

The newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind.

The Movie: 

So, listen, sometimes whatever I have to say about a movie doesn’t matter, and this is one of those cases. First of all, Superman was a smash hit worldwide, so my little review here isn’t going to affect Warner Bros.’s bottom line at all. Second of all, I’m really glad Superman did well. In fact, I WANT you to love this film. I’m a HUGE Superman fan; he’s one of my all-time favorite comic-book characters and I’ve been reading and watching his adventures since I was a kid. Anything that gets people back on board with Superman and helps them realize that he can be just as cool as Batman is a good thing as far as I’m concerned. 

Now, there’s one thing you need to know before I share my thoughts: I am not a James Gunn fan. At all. I think James Gunn is a terrible writer and a solidly okay director who generally makes films I can’t stand, and he accidentally made one incredibly perfect movie and that was Guardians of the Galaxy. And he has his tendencies and his tropes that he brings into every film he makes, and as I was afraid he would do, he brought them to Superman. So while I like the idea of this version of Superman, and I like that he is back to being what he should be: a big, blue shining beacon of hope, I didn’t actually enjoy the film. 

As far as I’m concerned, there are too many problems to go into here, most of which I can’t describe without going into spoiler territories, but a few things that stood out was that James Gunn’s mean streak continues to show through. Every character aside from Superman, Lois, and Lex Luthor is either a buffoon, a freak, or a miserable person. One of my biggest complaints about Gunn’s films is that they’re just people yelling at each other and fighting the entire time, and the very first scene we get with Clark and Lois and what are they doing…? Fighting. Also, could Superman have maybe won at least ONE battle without someone else saving the day? We saw a lot of the man but very little of the super. 

I could go on and on, but the one thing that Gunn gets right is that Superman is bright and shining and colorful and happy. And frankly, I’ll take that. I know I’m in the minority and most people loved Superman, and like I said earlier, I’m glad about that. But I honestly think upon repeat viewings people will realize it’s not a particularly good film. Or maybe not, James Gunn seems to have everyone else fooled this far, so why would that change now?

The 4K Video/Audio:

Superman looks absolutely beautiful in 4K Ultra HD. The film is bold and bright and filled with primary colors; color saturation is terrific, and this is an extremely vibrant and varied color palette to begin with, so you can really feel the pop of the colors come through. The imagery is razor sharp, and the print is pristine, with no artifacts or blemishes to catch your attention for even a second. Occasionally it can feel like you’re just watching a regular high-quality Blu-ray movie… and then a big special effects scene will come along and just blow you away. In those cases, the image has an almost 3D quality to it that you just don’t get on other formats. The surround soundtrack has a lot to work with and it makes the most of it, featuring strong directional effects and an immersive soundfield, plus a thumping low-end bass that really gives the action scenes some oomph. It’s a terrific A/V presentation from start to finish.

The Bonus Features: 

This release includes over 90 minutes of bonus features. There is an audio commentary with James Gunn, but it’s only available on the digital copy of the film, which is a terrible idea. I hope this is a short-lived trend. 

• Adventures in the Making of Superman (60 minutes)
• Breaking News: The Daily Planet Returns (5 minutes)
• Lex Luthor: The Mind of a Master Villain (5 minutes) 
• The Justice Gang (10 minutes) 
• Paws to Pixels: Krypto is Born (6 minutes)
• The Ultimate Villain (5 minutes)
• Icons Forever: Superman’s Enduring Legacy (6 minutes)
• A New Era: DC Takes Off (4 minutes)
• Kryptunes: The Music of Superman (6 minutes) 
• Krypto Short: School Bus Scuffle (5 minutes) – An animated short. 

Digital Copy Included: Yes

The Life of Chuck (Blu-ray) 

Official Synopsis:

From the hearts and minds of Stephen King and Mike Flanagan comes The Life of Chuck, the extraordinary story of an ordinary man. This powerful tale celebrates the life of Charles ‘Chuck’ Krantz as he experiences the wonder of love, the heartbreak of loss, and the multitudes contained in all of us.

The Movie: 

Mike Flanagan continues to make movies that very few people seem to see but that are just incredible. Doctor Sleep was an underseen masterpiece, and now we have The Life of Chuck, which is amazing. Telling you that it’s based on a Stephen King story is actually doing the film a disservice, because it’s not a horror film at all (despite a somewhat nerve-wracking first third.) And in fact, the less you know about the movie going in, the better it is. I hadn’t even seen so much as a trailer when I sat down to watch it, so the revelations that came throughout the movie were new to me, and I was absolutely blown away by it. 

So since I can’t really talk about the story, let’s focus on what I can talk about. All of the performances are excellent across the board, but Tom Hiddleston absolutely steals the show. Ostensibly he’s the main character in the film, but he really shows up mostly in the middle third of the film. Mark Hamill also turns in an amazing performance, and Karen Gillan and Chiwetel Ejiofor get to shine in their scenes together as well. 

But really, this is a film about life and living it to the fullest. You may not know what “I contain multitudes means now,” but you will by the end of the movie, and you’ll be better off for it. The Life of Chuck is one of my favorite movies of the year thus far, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. I just wish the Blu-ray came with a digital copy; what a bummer. 

The Bonus Features: 

• Audio commentary with Mike Flanagan 
• The Making of The Life of Chuck
• Cast Interviews with Tom Hiddleston, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Mark Hamill
• Teasers, trailers, and TV spots

Digital Copy Included: No

Horror’s New Wave (Book)

Official Synopsis:

Celebrate legendary horror studio Blumhouse’s legacy with this lavishly illustrated visual compendium that takes you behind the scenes of the films that have reshaped the horror genre, from The Exorcist to the Paranormal Activity and Halloween franchises. 

With Blumhouse celebrating its 15th anniversary throughout 2025, Horror’s New Wave captures the company’s journey to become a powerhouse in the horror and thriller film genres—taking you through the process of conception to premiere for films like Five Nights at Freddy’s, Sinister, Split, Get Out, M3GAN, now-classic franchises like The Purge, and so much more.

This definitive “Blumhouse book” delves into the behind-the-scenes processes that shaped Blumhouse’s iconic films and is perfect for cinephiles, pop culture enthusiasts, and lovers of horror. Featuring an introduction from CEO and founder Jason Blum, it also includes interviews with key filmmakers and writers like M. Night Shyamalan, Leigh Whannell, James Wan, and Mike Flanagan; actors, such as Allison Williams, Ethan Hawke, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Octavia Spencer; and Blumhouse executives like head of film Couper Samuelson and head of casting Terri Taylor. These interviews explore how each project came together, offering stories and insights into the creative process, such as directing, musical score, makeup, acting, cinematography, and more. You will get a birds-eye view of the triumphs and challenges of some of the most beloved and iconic horror films of all time. This book also includes film stills, on-set photographs, storyboards, creative briefs, and title treatments—giving you a true backstage pass to the making of your favorite films.

The Book: 

Usually, I get to my recommendations toward the end of my review, but let’s just get this out of the way right now: I can’t recommend buying Horror’s New Wave highly enough. (I know I literally just said the same thing about The Life of Chuck, but what can I do? They’re both amazing.)

This incredible hardcover book celebrates the 15^th anniversary of Blumhouse Films, who have worked to reshape the horror landscape over the last decade and a half. It’s an oral history of sorts, with an introduction to each of the two dozen or so movies it devotes chapters to followed by first person narratives from the writers, directors, and stars of each movie. Yes, you get in-depth reflections from people like Ethan Hawk and Octavia Spencer alongside creatives like Jason Blum himself, Oren Peli, Leigh Whannell, and Scott Derrickson. Then there are numerous behind-the-scenes photos, fun factoids, and box office breakdowns on top of that. 

But it’s the editing that really shines here, in a way; there isn’t an ounce of fat in the book. Every single commentary, every topic is fascinating. The editors really distilled each participant’s commentary down to the most interesting parts. So whether it’s about an unmade sequel and the reasons why a movie went unmade or how a particularly challenging sequence was created, you will find everything just fascinating. I literally couldn’t put the book down once I started reading it, it’s that good! And honestly, it doesn’t matter if you like the movie being discussed or not, you’ll still find it interesting. I generally am a fan of most of Blumhouse’s output, but even for the few films I’m lukewarm towards, the making-of stories were incredibly interesting. Like I said at the beginning of my review, I can’t recommend Horror’s New Wave highly enough!

The Specs: 

• Publisher: S&S/Simon Element
• Format: Hardcover
• Page Count: 320 pages
• Cover Price: $40.00

Night of the Living Dead (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital Steelbook)

Official Synopsis:

It’s a new night for terror – and a new dawn in horror moviemaking when special-effects genius Tom Savini (creator of the spectacularly gruesome make-up in Friday the 13th and Creepshow) brings modern technology to this colorful remake of George A. Romero’s 1968 cult classic. Seven strangers are trapped in an isolated farmhouse while cannibalistic zombies – awakened from death by the return of a radioactive space probe – wage a relentless attack, killing (and eating) everyone in their path. The classic for the 90s: graphic, gruesome and more terrifying than ever!

The Movie: 

Right off the bat, let me say that I’m not going to compare Tom Savini’s 1990 remake of Night of the Living Dead to George Romero’s 1961 original. What would be the point? Romero’s classic is a masterpiece and it’s also very reflective of the time it was made and the issues facing the world at the time, so while the story structure of the two films is the same, they’re very different works. 

So let’s look at 1990’s Night of the Living Dead (which hits shelves in an awesome 4K Ultra HD Steelbook this week) on its own merits, and on its own merits it’s a very enjoyable movie. It’s not quite a classic, but it’s one of the better zombie offerings out there, especially from the time period. One of the main reasons is the late, great veteran character actor Tony Todd. While he’s best known for playing the Candyman in that series of films and for guest starring in the various Final Destination movies, whenever he gets the chance to take on a lead role, he always impresses. (See the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode “The Visitor.”) Todd plays the lead role in the film, everyman Ben who’s just trying to keep everyone alive and protect them from threats both outside and inside the house. He’s outstanding in the role and really elevates the film. 

It’s also the perfect level of scary/gory. It’s a zombie film, so it’s not like it’s a PG-rated family film, but it also doesn’t revel in the gore to a ridiculous level. Frankly, I’m a little surprised that it doesn’t go more over-the-top, but I’m happy with where it lands. 

The 4K Video/Audio:

For an older-ish film, Night of the Living Dead looks and sounds very good in the premium format. The color saturation is quite vibrant, image clarity is sharp, and shadow delineation is very strong, helpful in a film that features many nighttime scenes. You won’t think it’s a brand-new movie, but the 4K remastering has worked its magic here. The soundtrack isn’t the most immersive ever, but it does a great job of maximizing what it has to work with and extending the sounds of zombie mayhem into your living room.

The Bonus Features: 

• Two Versions of the Film – Included are both the theatrical version and the uncensored cut, available for the first time ever.
• Audio Commentary with director Tom Savini
• Savini’s Night (28 minutes) – An interview with Tom Savini 
• Being Barbara (16 minutes) – An interview with Patricia Tallman 
• Oh Brother! (12 minutes) – An interview with actor Bill Moseley 
• Return to the Living Dead (21 minutes) 
• Time with Tom (16 minutes)
• Flesh and Blood (24 minutes)
• In Living Dead Color (18 minutes) 
• Cutting the Dead (20 minutes) 
• The Dead Speak! (17 minutes) 
• The Dead Walk (25 minutes) – An archival making-of featurette
• Original Theatrical Trailer

Digital Copy Included: Yes

Corpse Bride (4K Ultra HD + Digital)

Official Synopsis:

In a 19th-century village, Victor (Johnny Depp) is whisked to the underworld and wed to a mysterious Corpse Bride, while his true love, Victoria, waits above. In this stop-motion fantasy, Victor discovers the Land of the Dead is more vibrant than his strict life but learns that nothing—not even death—can keep him from his one true love.

The Movie: 

The nice thing about reviewing older movies again is that chances are pretty good I’m not going to be swaying your opinion of the film at this point. Part of the reason I love reviewing home video rather than theatrical releases – besides the fact that I’m obsessed with audiovisual quality and those sweet bonus features – is that I’m not trying to get people to hate on a certain film. But I can tell you whether a home video release is worth your time if you’re a fan of a movie or not. 

Somewhat famously, I’m not a fan of Tim Burton’s stop-motion movies. The Nightmare Before Christmas (which, of course, was actually directed by Henry Selick) is incredibly popular yet I strongly dislike it. Corpse Bride doesn’t have the same fan following as NBX, but Tim Burton devotees have obviously made a place for it in their heart, as evidenced by this week’s 4K Ultra HD release, available in standard or Steelbook editions. Me? I really don’t care for it. It’s not that I don’t like Tim Burton, but he can be very hit or miss for me and this one is a miss for me personally. Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter deliver good performances and the stop-motion animation is outstanding, naturally, but the story and aesthetics just don’t resonate with me. Your mileage may vary. 

The 4K Video/Audio:

I can say that this 4K Ultra HD edition of Corpse Bride is the best the film has ever looked in your living room. It looks and sounds great, as a stop-motion animated movie should on 4K. Blacks are deep and solid and image clarity is sharp, while colors are vibrant and backgrounds appear more vibrant than I’ve ever seen them. The surround soundtrack also bolsters the presentation, with a generous spreading out of surround effects through each satellite speaker. Dialogue is the focus here, and all of the voices sound crystal clear but also natural and lifelike. Music is full and powerful, and the low end bass channel gives a nice underlying oomph. It’s a terrific A/V presentation overall.

The Bonus Features: 

• NEW! Digging up the Past: The Minds Behind Corpse Bride
• NEW! ‘Til Death Do Us Art: A Corpse Bride Reflection
• Danny Elfman Interprets the Two Worlds
• Inside the Two Worlds of the Corpse Bride
• Making Puppets Tick
• The Animators: The Breath of Life
• The Corpse Bride Pre-Production Galleries
• Tim Burton: Dark vs. Light
• Voices from the Underworld
• The Voices Behind the Voice

Digital Copy Included: Yes

Misericordia (Blu-ray)

Official Synopsis:

A web of secrets, suspicions, and desires ensnares the inhabitants of an insular French village in this tantalizing comic thriller from ever-audacious auteur Alain Guiraudie. Returning to his rural hometown to attend the funeral of the mentor he loved, enigmatic, sexually fluid drifter Jérémie (Félix Kysyl) stirs up long-simmering feelings of lust, jealousy, and rage among those he left behind—including the dead man’s widow (Catherine Frot), her hot-tempered son (Jean-Baptiste Durand), and a curiously protective local priest (Jacques Develay) with whom Jérémie forges a twisted bond. Amid the evocatively earthy milieu, Guiraudie constructs a slippery, continuously surprising moral universe where love and hatred, eroticism and violence, spiritual grace and mortal sin, are intimately entwined.

The Movie: 

One of the reasons I started including the official synopsis for movies I’m reviewing is films like Misericordia (which is Latin for ‘mercy’, by the way. I had to look it up.) This new thriller/comedy/neo-noir/atmospheric treatise is the kind of movie that seems made to be discussed more than enjoyed. Written and directed by Alain Guiraudie (who made the critically acclaimed Stranger by the Lake a dozen years ago or so), the movie is hard to pin down, shifting genres and tones whenever it feels convenient. 

On the one hand, it’s a little frustrating, because you’re really not sure what kind of movie you’re watching. On the other hand, that’s part of the film’s charm; why does it need to be constrained just because I’m a mainstream-leaning viewer? That said, the fact that it’s in French and is not easily digestible might mean that it’s a harder sell to some viewers than ever. The fact that it has a gay lead character actually seems like less of a barrier to some closed-minded audience members than the fact that the movie is hard to define. Overall, I think I liked it, but it feels like the kind of experience I’ll need to sit on for a few days to really make my mind up about. 

The Bonus Features: 

• Meet the Filmmakers: Alain Guiraudie, a Criterion Channel original interview.
• Trailer
• Notes by critic Imogen Sara Smith

Digital Copy Included: Yes/No

Mick Rock: Rocky Horror – A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Cult Classic (Book)

Official Synopsis:

Step behind the curtain of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with photographer Mick Rock in this one-of-a-kind slipcased collection of rarely seen photographs and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Known as “the man who shot the seventies,” Mick Rock had exclusive access to the set during the original filming of the now-iconic 1975 movie—and now, in honor of its 50th anniversary, his personal archive is wide open.

This stunning volume captures the raw, behind-the-scenes magic of a film that would go on to become a cultural phenomenon. From candid moments with Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Richard O’Brien to intimate shots of the cast between takes, every page offers a glimpse into the bold, bizarre, and beautiful world of Rocky Horror as it was being brought to life.

Featuring a foreword by creator Richard O’Brien and hundreds of rare photographs, this stunning gift book is a visual love letter to the wild energy, fearless creativity, and sheer chaos that turned a low-budget musical into a beloved masterpiece. Alongside these vivid behind-the-scenes snapshots and anecdotes, readers also gain VIP access to interviews with members of the original cast and crew, as well as famous performers and creatives who are among the film’s most fervent fans, including Joan Jett, Billy Corgan, Courtney Love, Juliette Lewis, Jinkx Monsoon, Duff McKagan, Anna Sui, Karen O, Trixie Mattel, Peaches, Norman Reedus, Cassandra Peterson (aka Elvira, Mistress of the Dark), and many, many more.

Whether you’re a devoted fan or just discovering the Time Warp, Mick Rock’s Rocky Horror is dripping with the glam, grit, and rebellious spirit that made the movie a revolution in platform heels. Don’t just shiver with antici—pation; dive into this timeless tribute and celebrate the global phenomenon that continues to resonate with audiences, generation after generation.

The Book: 

Do I love The Rocky Horror Picture Show? I do not. (I don’t hate it either, I’m just kind of neutral towards it.) But do I love Mick Rock: Rocky Horror – A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Cult Classic? I absolutely do. 

If you don’t know who Mick Rock is, you might have been living under a – ahem – rock, because he was one of the preeminent pop culture photographers of the 1970s, having famously captured iconic photos of acts such as Queen, David Bowie, Waylon Jennings, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, The Sex Pistols, Ozzy Osbourne, Blondie and so many others. It turns out he had unfettered access to the set of The Rocky Horror Picture Show during filming. Chances are good most of the photos you associate with the movie are his. But he’s also had hundreds of unseen photos sitting in his personal vault for decades, which have now – on the film’s 50^th anniversary – been compiled into one amazing hardcover tome. 

Now, not content to just slap a bunch of pictures into a book, publisher HarperPop has also called on generational talents to share their reflections on the film. Names like Joan Jett, Billy Corgan, Courtney Love, Juliette Lewis, Duff McKagan, Norman Reedus, and Cassandra Peterson/Elvira all share their thoughts, alongside interviews with the film’s cast and crew. So while it’s not a full-on making-of book, it is a combination of oral history and retrospective appreciation. Any fan of Rocky Horror will absolutely want this on their shelves, and even if you’re not a fan per se, it’s a fascinating look behind the scenes of a pop culture icon. 

The Specs: 

• Publisher: HarperPop
• Format: Hardcover (with slipcover)
• Page Count: 256 pages
• Cover Price: $50.00

Herobear and The Kid: The Inheritance (Graphic Novel)

Official Synopsis:

Created by two time Eisner-award winner Mike Kunkel, Herobear and the Kid by Mike Kunkel is a nostalgic, all-ages comic book series that combines adventure, heart, and a touch of magic.

After his grandfather passes away, 10-year-old Tyler inherits an old stuffed toy bear and a broken pocket watch. If moving to a new town and dealing with bullies wasn’t enough, he soon learns that things aren’t always what they seem…and that you shouldn’t judge a bear by its cover. Join Tyler as he goes on his amazing childhood adventure and learns the truth about his family heritage. With animation-style, expressive artwork and a story that appeals to both kids and grown-ups alike, Herobear and the Kid is a fun, uplifting journey from two time Eisner-award winner Mike Kunkel, that celebrates the wonder of childhood and the magic of a best friend.

The Book: 

I’ve been a huge fan of Herobear and the Kid since its comic book debut back in the 1990s. Written and drawn by longtime animator Mike Kunkel, the book is a magical, charming, and heartfelt reflection on childhood, friendship, and imagination. The story is sort of a superhero-tinged update of Calvin and Hobbes, with young boy Tyler and his stuffed bear that was left to him by his grandfather and who transforms into the superhero Herobear. As Tyler navigates some major changes and upheavals in his life, Herobear comes around to change his world. 

Its Kunkel that’s the star of the show here. His writing is terrific, first of all, as he captures the voices of his characters in a way that is both authentic and endearing. But I’d be lying if I said it was anything other than his artwork that was the star of the show. It’s drawn in a way that captures the best of an animated cartoon style, but rendered in a way that feels rough and almost (but not quite) unfinished. You can effectively see all of Kunkel’s rendered lines, as if he erases nothing, and the entire book looks like it’s been pulled out of a sketchbook that lives in his brain. It’s utterly gorgeous. 

This new edition of the original Herobear and the Kid story, The Inheritance, is published by PaperCutz, the first new publisher of the series in over a decade. It’s a great jumping on point for new readers and it’s been released as either a paperback or a hardcover. Both editions are gorgeous, but the hardcover just feels better to me. Either way, though, you can’t go wrong, because Herobear and the Kid is utterly terrific. 

The Specs: 

• Publisher: PaperCutz
• Format: Softcover or Hardcover
• Page Count: 160 pages
• Cover Price: $19.99 (softcover) or $29.99 (Hardcover)

Raw Meat aka Death Line (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray)

Official Synopsis:

Beneath Modern London Lives a Tribe of Once Humans. Neither Men nor Women… They are the Raw Meat of the Human Race! When a prominent politician and a beautiful young woman vanish inside a London subway station, Scotland Yard’s Inspector Calhoun (Donald Pleasence of Halloween) investigates and makes a horrifying discovery. Not only did a group of 19th century tunnel workers survive a cave-in, but they lived for years in a secret underground enclave by consuming the flesh of their own dead. Now the lone descendant of this grisly tribe has surfaced, prowling the streets for fresh victims… and a new mate.

Norman Rossington (A Hard Day’s Night), David Ladd (The Wild Geese), Sharon Gurney (Crucible of Horror), and the legendary Christopher Lee (Horror of Dracula) also star in this heart-stopping horror classic co-written and directed by Gary Sherman (Dead & Buried). Blue Underground is thrilled to present Raw Meat (also known as Death Line) in a brand-new restoration, scanned in 4K 16-bit from the original uncensored camera negative, with Dolby Vision HDR and a new Dolby Atmos audio mix!

The Movie: 

I guess I’m a bit picky when it comes to horror movies. I can’t stand the current trend towards “elevated” horror – a misnomer if ever there was one – in films such as Hereditary, Midsommar, The Witch, and The Lighthouse. I’m also not a huge fan of most pre-1980s-era horror, largely because it was considered such a B-movie genre that the budgets and performances were most times pretty lacking. Raw Meat, more commonly known as Death Line, is one of the latter films; it’s a 1972 shocker about an underground cannibal wreaking havoc on the British subway. It’s not terrible, but it’s not great, either. However, if you are a fan of the movie, this week Blue Underground delivers a terrific 4K Ultra HD release of the cult classic. 

What works in the film is the presence of Donald Pleasance in the lead role with Christopher Lee alongside in a supporting role. What doesn’t work is pretty much most of the other actors, and the film’s internal logic. I get that a movie about underground cannibals isn’t exactly steeped in logic, but there are things that will just leave you scratching your head about how we got from the film’s backstory to the current events without things completely breaking down. I know, I know, I’m overthinking a genre schlockfest, but it’s hard to not go down that path once you start. Overall, the film is solidly okay but the home video release is pretty great. 

The 4K Video/Audio:

Raw Meat has been restored and remastered and this release comes with both a 4K Ultra HD disc and a Blu-ray Disc. The 4K Ultra HD adds some punch to the proceedings, notably in terms of the colors taking on more vibrant hues and the image clarity looking as good as a film from the late 1970s could. The audio is presented via Dolby Atmos Audio mix. This mix adds new life to the film; it wisely focuses mostly on dialogue, making sure it remains present in the mix and never sounding too hollow or tinny. There are some ambient sounds mixed into the satellite speakers as well, rounding things out. All in all, it’s a solid presentation for a film that probably didn’t have the best source material to work with.

The Bonus Features: 

• Audio Commentary #1 with Co-Writer/Director Gary Sherman, Producer Paul Maslansky, and Assistant Director Lewis More O’Ferrall
• NEW! Audio Commentary #2 with Film Historians Nathaniel Thompson and Troy Howarth
• Tales From the Tube – Interview with Co-Writer/Director Gary Sherman and Executive Producers Jay Kanter & Alan Ladd Jr.
• From The Depths – Interview with Star David Ladd and Producer Paul Maslansky
• Mind The Doors – Interview with Star Hugh Armstrong
• Trailers
• TV Spots
• Radio Spots
• Poster & Still Gallery

Digital Copy Included: No

The Last Horror Film (Blu-ray)

Official Synopsis:

A New York taxi driver stalks a beautiful actress attending the Cannes Film Festival, which coincides with a series of violent killings of the lady’s friends.

The Movie: 

Well, I feel like I could probably cut and paste my intro paragraph from the review above into the intro here and I wouldn’t really have to change anything. The big difference between The Last Horror Film and Raw Meat (reviewed above) is that The Last Horror Film is a Troma picture, which brings a certain kind of aesthetic to the proceedings. For those of you unfamiliar, Troma is the studio spearheaded by Lloyd Kaufman, who turned low budget genre filmmaking into an art form… minus the art. 

Let’s start with the good things here: Caroline Munro is a vision to look at (regardless of your sexual orientation) and the film’s Cannes Film Festival setting gives it a different feel than most other horror movies of the time. As it was filmed at the dawn of the 1980s, the movie also serves as something of a time capsule for a decade that is more memorable than many others.

Other than that, the film was clearly a pretty haphazard production; director David Winters (who also co-wrote the film) seemed like he was operating less from a script and more from a checklist of scenes they wanted to capture. It’s as if he went on location with the cast and crew and then went, “Hey, you know what would be cool…?” And then quickly shot whatever that idea was. It’s not a great movie by any stretch, but if you’re a Troma fan, you probably aren’t overly concerned with that level of quality. 

The Bonus Features: 

• Introduction by Lloyd Kaufman
• Audio Commentaries
• Interviews
• Mr. Robbie – A Short Film by Buddy Giovinazzo
• Highlights From the Tromadance Film Festival
• A Full Episode of Kabukiman’s Cocktail Corner

Digital Copy Included: No