Maybe you’ve just come back from watching Shazam! in the theaters or perhaps you’re simply biding your time waiting for Avengers: Engame to release later this month. Whatever your situation, we have some fantastic Blu-ray recommendations to fill the void. From big-budget blockbusters to retro re-releases and everything in between, there’s something for everyone in this month’s Blu-ray picks:
Bumblebee (4/2)
It’s hard to believe that I’m including a Transformers movie in my recommendations, but Bumblebee is actually worthy of praise. It’s not just “good for a Transformers movie,” but just a really fun movie. Comparisons to E.T. are not that far off as far as concept goes, but Hailee Steinfield carries more than her weight in this action comedy that steers the ’80s warring robot property back on track. Giant robots fighting in a 1980’s America with glimpses of the War on Cybertron that has every fanboy begging for more? Sign me up.
A Silent Voice (4/2)
The latest anime release from Shout! Factory, A Silent Voice is an eye-opening story about bullies, their victims, and what it feels like to be an outsider. I watched this one with my soon-to-be 14-year-old daughter, and although there we definitely some uniquely Japanese elements, it hit close to home. A coming-of-age movie, this one is best suited for adolescents or older viewers but is wonderfully moving and a fantastic conversation starter about teenage relationships.
A Dog’s Way Home (4/9)
A Dog’s Way Home is exactly what you think it will be, and that’s why you’ll enjoy it. In a time when politics and culture at large can be so toxic, who doesn’t want to watch a cute, adorably sappy movie that tugs at your heartstrings? If you’re like me and fondly remember movies such as Milo and Otis or Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, you’ll love this sweet, dog-lovers tale.
Hard Ticket to Hawaii (4/16)
Mill Creek Entertainment has been nailing the retro movie releases lately. Not only are they giving several classics the VHS-style treatment, but they’re remastering and releasing some long-lost and hard-to-find cult gems. The lastest? Hard Ticket to Hawaii. I would try to explain the plot, but there’s no need because you’re not watching this one for the plot. Just check out the trailer and you’ll know what I mean. Fans of other cult films such as Miami Connection will love this movie with excessive explosions, ridiculous acting, and more explosions.
Glass (4/16)
M. Night Shyamalan went back to the Unbreakable well to deliver another realistic superhero movie in his uniquely-visioned movie-verse with Glass. Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson wonderfully reprise their characters, but James McAvoy steals the show as The Beast (and his other 23 personalities). The Blu-ray includes an alternate opening, deleted scenes, plus some interviews with the stars, so it’s definitely worth picking up if you like special features.
The Kid Who Would Be King (4/16)
The buzz on this movie is far less than it deserves. Perhaps perspective audiences aren’t keen on another retelling of the Arthurian legend, but trust us, just see it! A fun, kid-centric adventure, The Kid Who Would Be King manages to entertain and inspire. Patrick Stewart is a nice addition, but young Merlin steals the show. You won’t want to miss watching this one with your family.
The Brain (4/30)
You may know by now that I’m a fan of cult cinema, and it doesn’t get more “cult cinema” than 1988’s The Brain.
With such stellar reviews as “Bad enough to be good,” The Brain may not be for everyone. However, if you love deliciously cheesy horror movies from the ’80s about a television show that increases the suicide rate of viewers and is hosted by a doctor being controlled by a gigantic alien brain intent on destroying humanity, then you’ve come to the right place.
If you’ve only ever known this movie by watching a degrading VHS copy like me, then you’ll enjoy the 4K scan of the original negative, interview with actors, and audio commentary tracks on the Scream Factory release.
