Movies

The Crippled Masters (Action, Drama)

In honor of Disability Pride Month, the cult classic “The Crippled Masters” — newly restored from original 35mm archival elements — will be available to own as a special collector’s edition Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday, July 23, from Film Masters.

An unusual kung fu film from the grindhouse era, “The Crippled Masters” was originally released internationally in Mandarin in 1979 as “Tiān cán dì quē” and later released in the U.S. in 1982. Known for its inventive fight scenes, the film led to two sequels.

Directed by Chi Lo aka Joe Law (“Magic Swords”), the film tells the story of two martial arts artists, one who has lost both arms and the other who has lost both legs, as they seek revenge against the villainous master who disabled them. Portrayed by Sung-Chuan Shen aka Jackie Conn and Chao-Ming Kang aka Frankie Shum, who in real life are martial arts artists with disabilities, they endure rigorous training, forming a deep bond as they rely on resourcefulness and determination to master their unique fighting styles — and to avoid challenges from other martial artists and the master’s henchman.

An early version of the restoration debuted on Turner Classic Movies for their “Disability in the Movies” schedule during Disability Pride Month in July 2023, programmed by disability advocate Lawrence Carter-Long. The print was provided from the collection of author and film curator Jack Stevenson in Copenhagen, Denmark, where it was scanned in 2K. The scan was from a rare theatrical 35mm release print before extensive restoration that included color grading by Marc Wielege.

Bonus features on “The Crippled Masters” include a new documentary from Ballyhoo Motion Pictures, “Kings of Kung Fu: Releasing the Legends,” narrated by author/researcher Chris Poggiali; the original raw scan of the film, presented in HD; before and after examples of “The Crippled Masters’” restoration; liner notes in a full-color booklet provided by aforementioned disability advocate Lawrence Carter-Long; a commentary track by Will Sloan and Justin Decloux of The Important Cinema Club; an archival collection of martial arts film trailers, courtesy of Something Weird; a recut of the movie’s original theatrical trailer using restored film elements; the film’s original 1982 theatrical trailer; and a bonus Mandarin language track.

The Fall Guy (Action, Comedy, Drama)

The stunt-filled adventure “The Fall Guy” debuts on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday, July 23, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The movie is also now available to own on Digital with all-new bonus content.

From real-life stunt man and director David Leitch, the blockbuster director of “Bullet Train,” “Deadpool 2” and “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw,” comes his most personal film yet, full of over-the-top action and jaw-dropping, practical stunts. Three-time Academy Award nominee Ryan Gosling (“Barbie,” “La La Land,” “Half Nelson”) stars as Colt Seavers, a battle-scarred stuntman fresh off an almost career-ending accident. Colt is persuaded to return to his stunt career when he’s told his ex, Jody (Academy Award nominee Emily Blunt, “Oppenheimer”), is directing a film and asked for him specifically. With hopes of winning back the love of his life, Colt returns to set only to find the movie’s leading man missing and the production in peril. Ensnared in an increasingly wild conspiracy, he must solve the mystery to save Jody’s film and get one last shot with her. What could possibly go right?

Inspired by the 1980s TV series of the same name starring Lee Majors, “The Fall Guy” also stars Golden Globe winner Aaron Taylor-Johnson (“Nocturnal Animals”), Emmy winner Hannah Waddingham (“Ted Lasso”), Winston Duke (the “Black Panther” franchise) and Academy Award nominee Stephanie Hsu (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”). Bonus features on the release include alternate takes and a gag reel, while the Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD and Digital releases add to the extras seven featurettes that offer viewers everything from a behind-the-scenes look at filming in Australia with the all-star cast and crew (“Making a Meta Masterpiece”) to a breakdown of five different death-defying stunts from the movie (“Stunts on Stunts: Breaking Down the Action”). Additionally, the Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD and Digital releases feature an extended cut of the film boasting 20 minutes of extra footage with more laughs, more action and more stunts, and a feature commentary with director/producer David Leitch and producer Kelly McCormick (“Deadpool 2”) on both the theatrical and extended cuts of the movie.

The Last Kumite (Action)

Director Ross W. Clarkson (“Captured”) reunites some of the most iconic martial arts stars of the 1980s for “The Last Kumite,” now available to own on Blu-ray and DVD from Capelight Pictures.

When karate champion Michael Rivers (Mathis Landwehr, “Darth Maul: Apprentice”) wins the last tournament of his career, shady businessman Ron Hall (Matthias Hues, “Puppet Master: The Littles Reich”) offers him the opportunity to fight in an illegal, deadly kumite in Bulgaria with the world’s best martial artists. Michael declines, only to find out later that his daughter Bree has been kidnapped and that in order to rescue her, he is left with no other option but to fight in the deadly tournament. When he finally gets to Bulgaria, he finds out that he is not the only fighter whose loved one got taken. Now, in order to beat the undefeated kumite champion Dracko, Michael trains with Master Loren (Billy Blanks, “Kiss the Girls”) and Dracko’s former sensei, Julie Jackson (Cynthia Rothrock, “China O’Brien”). But will it be enough for him to win the tournament and save his daughter’s life?

Bonus features on the release include the Stan Bush “No Surrender” music video; interviews with actors Kurt McKinney (“No Retreat, No Surrender”), Mohammed Qissi (“Bloodsport”), Mathis Landwehr, Matthias Hues and composer Paul Hertzog (“Kickboxer”); “Sean and Mathis comment on Previs;” “Behind the Scenes;” and the film’s trailer and teaser.

Rocky Ultimate Knockout Collection (Action, Drama, Sport)

Relive every punch from one of the most iconic and beloved sports drama franchises in stunning 4K Ultra HD with the “Rocky Ultimate Knockout Collection,” now available to own from MGM and Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment. “Rocky V” and “Rocky Balboa” are also now available to own individually in SteelBook packaging.

Sylvester Stallone (“The Expendables” franchise) stars in the greatest boxing saga of all time and triumphs as one of the most inspirational characters in cinematic history. Witness every epic, action-packed fight and unforgettable moment as Rocky punches his way to the top against impossible odds.

The “Rocky Ultimate Knockout Collection” includes the MGM feature films “Rocky,” “Rocky II,” “Rocky III,” “Rocky IV,” “Rocky V” and “Rocky Balboa,” along with the “Rocky IV” ultimate director’s cut — “Rocky vs. Drago” — and the “Rocky Balboa” director’s cut featuring an additional 14 minutes of footage not seen in theaters. Additionally, the collection contains a Blu-ray disc featuring the hour-long behind-the-scenes documentary “The Making of ‘Rocky vs. Drago’: Keep Punching;” Sylvester Stallone’s commentary on “Rocky Balboa” along with an alternate ending, deleted scenes and four behind-the-scenes featurettes from the film; and a selection of previously released special features.