We may not be able to bask in the air-conditioned environs of our local movie theatre any time soon, but that doesn't mean there are plenty of ways to view classic movies at home. And while most of us flock to streaming services to get our fix, there's another faithful format that's been here for us all along. We're talking, of course, about Blu-rays.
Whether you're collecting them for the cover art, the special features or the fact that they're displaying films in eye-popping 4K UHD, there's no denying that there's something special about collecting physical Blu-ray releases. They're almost like the vinyl of the film world, offering a tactile way to experience our favourite films. Below, you'll find a handful of must-have Blu-rays that have recently been released.
Jaws (1975)
It's hard to believe it's been 45 years since we first heard the line "We're going to need a bigger boat," especially since Steven Spielberg's larger than life shark movie continues to thrill and terrify audiences to this date. While the rest of the world continues to fight over whether or not they should reopen the beaches, we've got this perfect reminder that maybe staying home isn't so bad after all. Considering Jaws was the first-ever summer blockbuster, you owe it to yourself to revisit the film on 4K UHD for the first time ever. The home release includes plenty of must-see bonus features, including a making-of featurette, a piece about the film's legacy and plenty of other supplemental details. Plus, there are plenty of bloody shark attacks.
Blues Brothers (1980)
We could all use a good laugh, particularly when it's presented in 4K UHD for the first time in history. Fortunately, John Landis's classic adventure comedy The Blues Brothers is getting that special treatment for its 40th birthday. The comedy, which stars SNL vets Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, is a stone-cold classic whether it's your first or your 100th viewing. The special package includes numerous featurettes as well two versions of the film — the theatrical cut, and an extended version with 15 minutes of additional footage.
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Directed by James Foley and adapted for film by David Mamet (from his own play), Glengarry Glen Ross is the kind of timeless classic that deserves repeat rewatches. Featuring career-best turns from Alec Baldwin, Al Pacino and Jack Lemmon, among others, this classic drama about the inner workings of a real estate office is a must-own for any true film buff. The brand new Collector's Edition Blu-ray from Shout! Factory includes an interview with Foley alongside numerous other special features.
Escape from L.A. (1996)
John Carpenter's cult classic Kurt Russell vehicle offers plenty of ridiculous, apocalyptic fun, and it's especially great on this brand new 4K transfer of the film. This set offers all the extras we could possibly need along with a reversible sleeve that includes newly commissioned art as well as the original theatrical design. The more things change, the more they seem to stay the same….
47 Ronin (2013)
We're well into the second or third wave of the Keanussance and we couldn't be happier about it. Still, while the actor continues to bless us with new content, it's important to remember the greatness he's already unleashed on the world. That's why there's never been a better time to dig into Carl Rinsch's 47 Ronin, which sees Keanu lead a band of samurai on a revenge mission.
Parasite (2019)
The newest film on the list is also one of the most historic. Not only was Bong Joon-ho's masterpiece the first-ever foreign language film to take the top honours and win Best Picture at the Oscars, but it's also just a damn good thriller that explores timely issues of class and injustice. The Blu-ray edition includes a Q&A with Joon-ho, and serves as a must-have release for repeat viewings in your home theatre.
For more must-have home viewing releases, follow Universal Home Entertainment Canada on Facebook.
Whether you're collecting them for the cover art, the special features or the fact that they're displaying films in eye-popping 4K UHD, there's no denying that there's something special about collecting physical Blu-ray releases. They're almost like the vinyl of the film world, offering a tactile way to experience our favourite films. Below, you'll find a handful of must-have Blu-rays that have recently been released.
Jaws (1975)
It's hard to believe it's been 45 years since we first heard the line "We're going to need a bigger boat," especially since Steven Spielberg's larger than life shark movie continues to thrill and terrify audiences to this date. While the rest of the world continues to fight over whether or not they should reopen the beaches, we've got this perfect reminder that maybe staying home isn't so bad after all. Considering Jaws was the first-ever summer blockbuster, you owe it to yourself to revisit the film on 4K UHD for the first time ever. The home release includes plenty of must-see bonus features, including a making-of featurette, a piece about the film's legacy and plenty of other supplemental details. Plus, there are plenty of bloody shark attacks.
Blues Brothers (1980)
We could all use a good laugh, particularly when it's presented in 4K UHD for the first time in history. Fortunately, John Landis's classic adventure comedy The Blues Brothers is getting that special treatment for its 40th birthday. The comedy, which stars SNL vets Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, is a stone-cold classic whether it's your first or your 100th viewing. The special package includes numerous featurettes as well two versions of the film — the theatrical cut, and an extended version with 15 minutes of additional footage.
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Directed by James Foley and adapted for film by David Mamet (from his own play), Glengarry Glen Ross is the kind of timeless classic that deserves repeat rewatches. Featuring career-best turns from Alec Baldwin, Al Pacino and Jack Lemmon, among others, this classic drama about the inner workings of a real estate office is a must-own for any true film buff. The brand new Collector's Edition Blu-ray from Shout! Factory includes an interview with Foley alongside numerous other special features.
Escape from L.A. (1996)
John Carpenter's cult classic Kurt Russell vehicle offers plenty of ridiculous, apocalyptic fun, and it's especially great on this brand new 4K transfer of the film. This set offers all the extras we could possibly need along with a reversible sleeve that includes newly commissioned art as well as the original theatrical design. The more things change, the more they seem to stay the same….
47 Ronin (2013)
We're well into the second or third wave of the Keanussance and we couldn't be happier about it. Still, while the actor continues to bless us with new content, it's important to remember the greatness he's already unleashed on the world. That's why there's never been a better time to dig into Carl Rinsch's 47 Ronin, which sees Keanu lead a band of samurai on a revenge mission.
Parasite (2019)
The newest film on the list is also one of the most historic. Not only was Bong Joon-ho's masterpiece the first-ever foreign language film to take the top honours and win Best Picture at the Oscars, but it's also just a damn good thriller that explores timely issues of class and injustice. The Blu-ray edition includes a Q&A with Joon-ho, and serves as a must-have release for repeat viewings in your home theatre.
For more must-have home viewing releases, follow Universal Home Entertainment Canada on Facebook.