STACK #247 May 2025

MOVIE FEATURE

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This month, Imprint is unleashing great stuff from each of their sub-labels - Imprint Films, Asia, and Television - which include worldwide firsts to Blu-ray, an abundance of exclusive bonus content, and more. From Shakespearean classics to hardcore Hong Kong horror, there’s something for everyone... Words Glenn Cochrane

DIRECTED BY DAVID LEAN VOLUME 1

FILM FOCUS: CARROLL BAKER (1961-1965)

LAURENCE OLIVIER’S SHAKESPEARE TRILOGY (1944-1955) Few screen legends rival Laurence Olivier, widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time. This collection features his three Shakespearean directorial triumphs - Henry V (1944), Hamlet (1948), and Richard III (1955) - alongside newly commissioned interviews, video essays, and other bonus contents. To grab this collection, or not to grab this collection? That is the question!

Before directing Lawrence of Arabia and The Bridge on the River Kwai , British filmmaker David Lean made six classics featured in this must-have box set: In Which We Serve, This Happy Breed, Blithe Spirit, Brief Encounter, Great Expectations, and Oliver Twist . Exclusive extras include part one of a new Imprint documentary on Lean.

Oscar nominee Carroll Baker, a ’60s Hollywood icon and screen siren, was celebrated for her risqué performances and versatility. This limited edition collection features Something Wild (1961), Sylvia (1965) (a worldwide first on Blu ray), and Harlow (1965), packed with exclusive content, including new commentaries, interviews, and more.

SHAW-SHOCK: SHAW BROTHERS HORROR COLLECTION (1976-1984) The iconic Shaw Brothers, who revolutionised Hong Kong cinema, were best known for martial arts films but also ventured into extreme horror, producing some of the genre’s most shocking exploits. This must-have collection includes The Oily Maniac (1976), Seeding of a Ghost (1983), and Sex Beyond the Grave (1984) (a worldwide Blu-ray first), packed with new bonus content, including interviews, commentaries, and more.

PORTRAIT IN CRYSTAL (1983) Being described as a kung-fu crime fantasy is all that really needs to be said (we’re sold). But to elaborate, A Portrait in Crystal is a brilliant fusion of genres, telling the story of a mystical mass murderer on the loose in the underworld. When victims are discovered encased in crystal, a skilled martial artist investigates the gruesome crimes, leading him to a sinister world of mysticism, ghosts, and deadly warriors. The film comes with a new exclusive audio commentary and more.

THE LOST BLADESMAN (2011) Martial arts superstar Donnie Yen teams up with the directors of Infernal Affairs for this historical epic about a power struggle in Ancient China. To unify the country, General Cao Cao – the true power behind the emperor – recruits the greatest warrior, Guan. But when Guan’s loyalty is questioned, he becomes a threat and must face forces set to destroy him. Special features include a new audio commentary, featurettes, trailers, and more.

Also making their way to Blu-ray this month are two iconic TV shows from the ‘60s, Gidget: The Complete Series and Bewitched: Seasons 3 & 4 - both featuring hardcover books. The Gidget set also includes the 1969 made-for-TV movie Gidget Grows Up .

• The new Imprint range is out on May 28 for a limited time only, while stocks last.

28 MAY 2025

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