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Discussed in this episode:
8/12 (1963): Read the Canonically Weird entry! A true classic of cinema gets its 4K UHD upgrade from the Criterion collection. Alternate Blu-ray included for the UHD-impaired. Buy 8/12.
Abruptio (2023): Read Giles Edwards’ Apocrypha Candidate review. An all-puppet tale of a man forced into heinous deeds due to the threat of a bomb implanted in his neck. The Blu-ray includes cast interviews and two commentary tracks, one with the director and producer and one with the puppeteer. We’re planning on interviewing director Evan Marlowe on next week’s Pod 366. Buy or rent Abruptio.
The Addiction (1995): Read Alice Stoehr’s Apocrypha Candidate review. Abel Ferrara‘s arty b&w vampire metaphor gets a 4K UHD upgrade from Arrow. A new transfer, but note that this package is UHD only, no Blu-ray. Buy The Addiction.
Adult Swim Yule Log 2: Branchin’ Out (2024): Just like they did in 2022, Adult Swim and Casper Kelly drop a Yule Log without advance warning. In this one, apparently, survivor Zoe attempts to move past her Christmas trauma, but the evil log is still out there causing mischief. It’s available for free at Adult Swim’s website until Jan. 8.
The Beast (2023): Read Gregory J. Smalley’s review. Not related to The Beast, this is Bertrand Bonello‘s time-tripping (loose) adaptation of a Henry James story, but with doomed lovers reincarnated in belle epoque France, turn of the millennium Los Angeles, and a blandly dystopian future. This Janus Contemporaries Blu-ray release includes an interview with the director as its only special feature. Buy The Beast.
Bradlee (est. Feb. 2025): A “surreal and nightmarish journey through the mind of a serial killer” (the logline could use some fleshing out) needs post-production funds. Director Zak Ferguson describes his previous work as “mad-cap, seizure-inducing, hallucinatory, nightmarish, experimental short films,” and the sample stills suggest he ain’t kidding. Executive-produced by Fang director Richard Burgin. The campaign ends on Dec. 15 and, as we write this, has surpassed its modest $1000 goal (but I’m sure they’d appreciate more, and put it to good use). Bradlee at Indiegogo.
Daft Punk & Leiji Matsumoto’s Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem (2003): This is the story of an alien band who are abducted and forced to perform for Earthlings; a visual album (but with a narrative) done anime-style. This cinematic rerelease is supposed to be in theaters one night only (and that would be yesterday night), but we found screenings listed on the official site through Dec. 15 (and there could be more in your locality). At any rate, this event likely presages a VOD/physical media release to come. Check for dates and theaters at Daft Punk & Leiji Matsumoto’s Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem official site.
The Escapees (1981): Two girls escape from a mental institution and drift across the French countryside. This is a minor film from Jean Rollin, with no vampires and less nudity than usual (what’s left in a Rollin film when you take out the vampires and nudity?) At any rate, Indicator continues their rollout of Rollin’s catalog on jam-packed 4K UHD editions (identical Blu-ray sold separately). Buy The Escapees.
It’s Not Me (2024): An experimental autobiography/essay film from Leos Carax, remixing his own oeuvre (and other media) in a style reminiscent of late Godard. It’s under 50 minutes long, is in some theaters, and simultaneously on VOD (at premium prices). It’s Not Me official site.
Requiem for a Vampire (1973): Read Gregory J. Smalley’s List Candidate review. One of Jean Rollin’s crazier movies, which starts out as an arty surrealist picture about lesbian clowns and eventually turns into a sadomasochistic vampire orgy with a vagina bat. Indicator’s 4K (UHD or Blu-ray) release has the usual wealth of features, including the original French cut of the film and alternate sequences. Buy Requiem for a Vampire.
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979): Read Shane Wilson’s review. The teenage rebellion cult comedy joins the 4K UHD ranks this week (Blu-ray included); haven’t checked every feature, but it’s at least substantially identical to Shout’s 2019 40th anniversary release. Buy Rock ‘n’ Roll High School.
WHAT’S IN THE PIPELINE:
Next week’s Pod 366 guest will be Abruptio auteur Evan Marlowe (see above). In written content, Shane Wilson finds a hidden gem in the reader-suggested queue in Xan Price’s nonsensical Nitwit; Giles Edwards unravels the 2024 psychological thriller The Unraveling; and Gregory J. Smalley zones out in front of Adult Swim Yule Log 2: Branchin’ Out (see above). Onward and weirdward!