STACK #255 January 2026

EXTRAS HIGHLIGHTS

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THE LATEST

Words Michael Caverzan

From heroic slimes to daring quests and scheming villains, this month’s anime picks have something for every fan. Seal away Dragon Gods, navigate life with Rimuru, or outwit the heroine in a dating RPG. Here’s three of this month’s anime highlights…

I’LL BECOME A VILLAINESS WHO GOES DOWN IN HISTORY SEASON 1 What would you do if you were

THAT TIME I GOT REINCARNATED AS A SLIME SEASON 3 PART 2 Reincarnated as a Slime returns

FAIRY TALE: 100 YEARS QUEST SEASON 1 (JB EXCLUSIVE STEELBOOK) Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest doesn’t try

to reinvent the wheel, instead delivering a fresh adventure that leans into everything fans love about the original Fairy Tail series. The humour remains sharp, the soundtrack is as energetic as ever, and the show’s playful tone is firmly intact. This new chapter follows the Fairy Tail Guild as they take on the daunting 100 Years Quest, setting their sights on sealing away the powerful Dragon Gods. Standing in their way is a rival guild intent on consuming the dragons to steal their power, while a mysterious new recruit’s dark secret threatens to complicate the mission. Blu-ray | Jan 7

reincarnated as your favourite video game villain, armed with all the knowledge from playing the game beforehand? You would use that knowledge to make sure you come out on top, of course. In I’ll Become a Villainess , Alicia Williams is reborn as the villain of a dating RPG and quickly sets her mind on ensuring her ultimate success, determined to outwit the “heroine” and shape her own destiny. The series is fun, clever, and beautifully animated, offering plenty of humour, twists, and charm that will delight longtime fans of this subgenre. Blu-ray | Jan 7

and is far from as frivolous as the title suggests. While the humour remains, Rimuru’s life as a slime brings unexpected twists with serious consequences. The story’s pace quickens as his plans begin to take shape and his newly founded nation seems poised for success. However, rival forces from the Harlequin Alliance and the Western Holy Church pursue their own goals of domination. Peace is possible but far from guaranteed, and as conflicts escalate it becomes unclear who will ultimately hold power. This season balances comedy, intrigue, and high-stakes adventure with finesse. Blu-ray | Jan 7

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ESSENTIAL BLU-RAYS you need to catch up on

There’s a lot of good stuff on the horizon, and we’ve hand-picked some Blu-rays to help catch you up.

Five Nights at Freddys Five Nights at Freddy’s is Blumhouse’s highest grossing film and a must-have for any serious horror collection. Based on the beloved video game series, it’s a fun, quirky, and sinister ride that perfectly balances oddball humour with scares, making it a standout for fans of unconventional horror. Grab it before the sequel drops!

Anora With the Oscars

The Black Phone

The Bad Guys The Bad Guys 2 hits on January 14, and now is the perfect excuse to revisit the original. Based on Aussie author Aaron Blabey’s best-selling books, it’s a high-energy, family-friendly crime caper brought to life with the stunning animation style behind Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse .

Drive-Away Dolls

Apocalypse Now: The Final Cut Arguably one of the most influential war films ever, Apocalypse Now: The Final Cut is Francis Ford Coppola’s definitive version, adding new depth to his 1979 classic. With the iconic companion documentary Hearts of Darkness set for a remastered release next month, now is the perfect time to experience this Vietnam masterpiece.

approaching, it’s the perfect time to catch up on last year’s ‘Best Picture’ winner, Anora . This mesmerising indie drama is a masterclass in minimalist filmmaking from acclaimed director Sean Baker. Set against neon-lit Las Vegas nights, it’s a visually stunning experience that shines on Blu-ray.

Director Scott Derrickson has done the remarkable with a sequel that surpasses the original. So, if you haven’t seen The Black Phone yet, now’s the perfect time to grab a copy before Part 2 hits physical media next month. One of 2021’s best films, it’s essential viewing for horror fans.

Cult Hollywood director Ethan Coen is keeping busy with his wife Tricia Cooke while his long time collaboration with brother Joel is on hiatus. Drive-Away Dolls , the first in his “Lesbian Road Movie” trilogy, offers a perfect fix for Coen Brothers fans, followed by Honey Don’t , with a third film on the way.

14 JANUARY 2026

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