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‘Perfect Blue’ Finally Recieves Official US Blu-ray Release

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Perfect Blue

In March 1991, Yoshikazu Takeuchi released his first novel Perfect Blue: Complete Metamorphosis, a terrifying story about Japanese pop-star sensation Kirigoe Mima choosing to leave behind her career and fans to venture down the path of acting, but one unnervingly obsessed fan uses their hatred to hatch a revenge scheme that could end Mima’s new career, and possibly her life. Takeuchi’s novel caught the eye of a prodigal director who is famous for telling stories using relentless psychological deception: Satoshi Kon (PaprikaTokyo Godfathers, and Paranoia Agent).

Perfect Blue

Image via IMDB

Released in Japan on February 28th, 1997, Kon’s film based Perfect Blue would become a critically well-received and revered film, depicting the horrifying aspects of not only having an obsessive stalker, but the terrifyingly real occurrence lines between reality and fantasy drastically blurring. Accompanying the no-holds-bar psychological horror, Perfect Blue is praised for using contrasting colors in its presentation and to subtly highlight important elements, objects, and characters crucial to the film’s plot. Additionally, Mashirio Ikumi’s work on the soundtrack is entrancing yet unsettling, as if someone combined the styles of Shoji Yamashiro (Akira) and Colin Stetson (Hereditary). Unfortunately, the west’s access to the film outside of pirating has been limited.

With the passing of Satoshi Kon, and the multiple buyouts of original distributor Manga Entertainment, Perfect Blue has not been sold on DVD’s in the US since 2005 and was only released on Blu-Ray in the UK and African regions in 2015 by Anime Limited. Western distributor of anime remasters and rereleases GKIDS was able to bring over a national theatrical release on September 6th of this year, but no word of a Blu-ray release has been confirmed until yesterday.

GKIDS has confirmed through their Twitter that Perfect Blue will finally receive its western Blu-ray release on March 26, 2019! The 2-disc set will be released unrated with both remastered English and Japanese dubs (with English subtitles) and is available for pre-order purchase at $21.99Perfect Blue‘s Blu-ray will also contain a phenomenal collection of bonus features, which includes:

  • NEW Digital Remastered Presentation Of The Film
  • Original SD Version Of Feature (Japanese Mono Dolby Digital 2.0 With English Subtitles)
  • NEW Lectures By Satoshi Kon Featurette
  • NEW Into The Blue Featurette – New Interviews
  • Angel Of Your Heart Recording Sessions
  • Angel Of Your Heart Full English Version
  • Theatrical Trailers And TV Spots – Includes New Trailers From the US And UK Re-releases
  • Cast And Crew Interviews
Perfect Blue

Image via IMDB

As both an avid horror and anime fan that has only been able to watch this movie through my Ebay bought Greek subtitled copy, certain streaming sites, or the official theatrical release, it’s spectacular to see GKIDS making sure that die-hard fans will get to finally own and watch Perfect Blue proper. Having an official copy with tons of bonus features trumps scavenging through second-hand dealers at conventions asking $90 barebones DVD copies of Perfect Blue.

If you’re wanting to get your fix of animated violence and horror right now though, then you can check out the new Netflix Castlevania series, and read up on our reviews of seasons 1 and 2. It’s also worth mentioning that the producer of Castlevania, Adi Shankar, will be the showrunner for the new Devil May Cry animated series, which you can read our article covering further detail on his announcement.

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New Poster Reveal For Nicolas Cage’s Survival Creature Feature ‘Arcadian’ [Trailer]

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Nicolas Cage Arcadian

In the latest cinematic venture featuring Nicolas Cage, Arcadian emerges as a compelling creature feature, teeming with suspense, horror, and emotional depth. RLJE Films has recently released a series of new images and a captivating poster, offering audiences a glimpse into the eerie and thrilling world of “Arcadian”. Scheduled to hit theaters on April 12, 2024, the film will later be available on Shudder and AMC+, ensuring a wide audience can experience its gripping narrative.

Arcadian Movie Trailer

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has given this film an “R” rating for its “bloody images,” hinting at the visceral and intense experience awaiting viewers. The film draws inspiration from acclaimed horror benchmarks like “A Quiet Place,” weaving a post-apocalyptic tale of a father and his two sons navigating a desolate world. Following a catastrophic event that depopulates the planet, the family faces the dual challenge of surviving their dystopian environment and eluding mysterious nocturnal creatures.

Joining Nicolas Cage in this harrowing journey are Jaeden Martell, known for his role in “IT” (2017), Maxwell Jenkins from “Lost in Space,” and Sadie Soverall, featured in “Fate: The Winx Saga.” Directed by Ben Brewer (“The Trust”) and penned by Mike Nilon (“Braven”), “Arcadian” promises a unique blend of poignant storytelling and electrifying survival horror.

Maxwell Jenkins, Nicolas Cage, and Jaeden Martell 

Critics have already begun to praise “Arcadian” for its imaginative monster designs and exhilarating action sequences, with one review from Bloody Disgusting highlighting the film’s balance between emotional coming-of-age elements and heart-pounding horror. Despite sharing thematic elements with similar genre films, “Arcadian” sets itself apart through its creative approach and action-driven plot, promising a cinematic experience filled with mystery, suspense, and relentless thrills.

Arcadian Official Movie Poster

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‘Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3’ Is a Go with Enhanced Budget and New Characters

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Winnie the Pooh 3

Wow, they’re churning things out fast! The upcoming sequel “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3” is officially moving forward, promising an expanded narrative with a larger budget and the introduction of beloved characters from A.A. Milne’s original tales. As confirmed by Variety, the third installment in the horror franchise will welcome Rabbit, the heffalumps, and the woozles into its dark and twisted narrative.

This sequel is a part of an ambitious cinematic universe that reimagines children’s stories as horror tales. Alongside “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” and its first sequel, the universe includes films such as “Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare”, “Bambi: The Reckoning,” and “Pinocchio Unstrung”. These movies are set to converge in the crossover event “Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble,” slated for a 2025 release.

Winnie the Pooh Poohniverse

The creation of these films was made possible when A.A. Milne’s 1926 children’s book “Winnie-the-Pooh” entered the public domain last year, allowing filmmakers to explore these cherished characters in unprecedented ways. Director Rhys Frake-Waterfield and producer Scott Jeffrey Chambers, of Jagged Edge Productions, have led the charge in this innovative endeavor.

The inclusion of Rabbit, heffalumps, and woozles in the upcoming sequel introduces a new layer to the franchise. In Milne’s original stories, heffalumps are imagined creatures resembling elephants, while woozles are known for their weasel-like characteristics and a penchant for stealing honey. Their roles in the narrative remain to be seen, but their addition promises to enrich the horror universe with deeper connections to the source material.

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How to Watch ‘Late Night with the Devil’ from Home: Dates and Platforms

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Late Night With The Devil

For fans eager to dive into one of this year’s most talked-about horror films from the comfort of their own home, “Late Night with the Devil” will be available for streaming exclusively on Shudder starting April 19, 2024. This announcement has been highly anticipated following the film’s successful theatrical release by IFC Films, which saw it earning rave reviews and a record-breaking opening weekend for the distributor.

“Late Night with the Devil” emerges as a standout horror film, captivating audiences and critics alike, with Stephen King himself offering high praise for the 1977-set film. Starring David Dastmalchian, the movie unfolds on Halloween night during a live late-night talk show broadcast that disastrously unleashes evil across the nation. This found footage-style film not only delivers scares but also authentically captures the aesthetic of the 1970s, drawing viewers into its nightmarish scenario.

David Dastmalchian in Late Night with the Devil

The film’s initial box office success, opening to $2.8 million in 1,034 theaters, underscores its wide appeal and marks the highest opening weekend for an IFC Films release. Critically acclaimed, “Late Night with the Devil” boasts a 96% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 135 reviews, with the consensus praising it for rejuvenating the possession horror genre and showcasing David Dastmalchian’s exceptional performance.

Rotten Tomatoes score as of 3/28/2024

Simon Rother of iHorror.com encapsulates the film’s allure, emphasizing its immersive quality that transports viewers back to the 1970s, making them feel as if they are part of the eerie “Night Owls” Halloween broadcast. Rother lauds the film for its meticulously crafted script and the emotional and shocking journey it takes viewers on, stating, “This whole experience will have viewers of the Cairnes brothers’ film glued to their screen… The script, from beginning to end, is neatly sewn together with an ending that’ll have jaws on the floor.” You can read the full review here.

Rother further encourages audiences to watch the film, highlighting its multifaceted appeal: “Whenever it is made available to you, you must attempt to view the Cairnes Brothers’ latest project as it will make you laugh, it will creep you out, it will amaze you, and it might even strike an emotional cord.”

Set to stream on Shudder on April 19, 2024, “Late Night with the Devil” offers a compelling blend of horror, history, and heart. This film is not just a must-watch for horror aficionados but for anyone looking to be thoroughly entertained and moved by a cinematic experience that redefines the boundaries of its genre.

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