st234

MOVIE FEATURE

visit jbhifi.com.au/stack

This month marks the debut of Imprint Asia, a fresh sub-label highlighting both contemporary and classic Asian cinema. Additionally, enthusiasts can delight in the arrival of three sought-after box sets and world-first releases, as well as several standard edition reissues, catering to those who may have missed them previously. Words Glenn Cochrane

STANDARD EDITION BLU-RAYS

Lost in the Stars (2022) - April 10 Making its Blu-ray debut, this award-winning Chinese blockbuster has garnered praise from critics who liken its style to Hitchcockian crime mysteries. The plot revolves around the disappearance of a wife, and her husband's suspicions upon her return, leading to an investigation that unravels deeper mysteries and revelations where appearances are deceiving.

The Sea Is Watching (2002) - April 10 Adapted from a screenplay by the legendary Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, The Sea Is Watching narrates the tale of a young brothel worker who forms a bond with a fleeing young samurai, risking her safety and eventually falling in love with him, despite cautionary advice from her colleagues. This remarkable film release is accompanied by a behind-the scenes featurette.

The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi (2003) - April 10 Japanese director Takeshi Kitano is one of cinema’s great all-rounders. The actor-filmmaker directs and stars in this revival of the classic Zatoichi samurai franchise, which tells the story of a blind swordsman turned masseur who helps villagers fight off hordes of ruthless gangs who have been terrorising locals. The film is a feast for the eyes, and can be compared with greats such as Yojimbo (1961) and the Lone Wolf and Cub series. This stunning release also features a new audio commentary by film historian Sean Redmond, a ‘making of’ documentary, interviews, and more.

Let’s Scare Lisa to Death (Standard Edition) - April 17

Body Parts (Standard Edition) - April 17

Jacob’s Ladder (Standard Edition) - April 17

The Brotherhood of Satan (Standard Edition) - April 17 The Mothman Prophecies (Standard Edition) - April 17

The John Farrow Collection - April 24 This six-disc limited edition hard box is a worldwide first, and comprises five classic films from an Australian director who later became an Oscar-winning Hollywood figure (and the father of actress Mia Farrow). Among them, four films make their debut on Blu-ray: Commandos Strike at Dawn (1942), The Hitler Gang (1944), Submarine Command (1951), and Botany Bay (1953), which are joined by Night Has a Thousand Eyes (1948). The collection also includes a swag of bonus features, including commentaries and documentaries.

The Kim Novak Collection - April 24 This collection boasts three films from the starlet best known for her performance in Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo (1958), two of which are worldwide firsts on Blu-ray. The set begins with Pal Joey (1957), followed by Jeanne Eagels (1957) and Middle of the Night (1959), both making their Blu-ray debut. Each film is loaded with bonus content, making it a highly sought after release. But be sure to get in quickly, as it’s a limited edition.

Tales of Adventure Collection 3 - April 24 Be transported to the heart of the

action in the third collection of Tales of Adventure . These high-stakes thrills are infused with heroism, danger, and tenacious bravery at every turn with Ten Tall Men (1951) and Lost Command (1966) being

worldwide firsts on Blu-ray. They're accompanied by The Heroes of Telemark (1965) and Sands of Kalahari (1965). This box is also a limited edition, so you best beat others to the punch!

32 APRIL 2024

jbhifi.com.au