By ANGELA DAWSON

Front Row Features

Movies

Candyman (Horror)

Oscar winner Jordan Peele unleashes a fresh take on the blood-chilling urban legend when “Candyman,” arrives on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday Nov. 16, from MGM and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Filmmaker Nia DaCosta (“Little Woods,” 2022’s “The Marvels”) directs this contemporary incarnation of the cult classic.

For as long as residents can remember, the housing projects of Chicago’s Cabrini-Green neighborhood were terrorized by a word-of-mouth ghost story about a supernatural killer with a hook for a hand, easily summoned by those daring to repeat his name five times into a mirror. In present day, a decade after the last of the Cabrini towers were torn down, visual artist Anthony McCoy (Emmy winner Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, “Watchmen,” “Us”) and his partner, gallery director Brianna Cartwright (Teyonah Parris, “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “WandaVision”), move into a luxury loft condo in Cabrini, now gentrified beyond recognition and inhabited by upwardly mobile millennials.

With Anthony’s painting career on the brink of stalling, a chance encounter with a Cabrini-Green old-timer (Colman Domingo, “ Zola,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”) exposes Anthony to the horrific true story behind Candyman. Anxious to maintain his status in the Chicago art world, and spurred on by his art dealer, Anthony begins to explore these macabre details in his studio as fresh inspiration for paintings, unknowingly opening a door to a complex past that unravels his own sanity and unleashes a terrifying wave of violence that puts him on a collision course with destiny.

Experience more of “Candyman’s” ever-evolving story with a never-before-seen alternate ending and more than an hour of bonus features.

“Candyman” is produced by Ian Cooper (2022’s “Nope,” “Us”), Win Rosenfeld and Peele. The screenplay is by Peele, Rosenfeld and DaCosta.

Curiosa (Drama)

The steamy period drama “Curiosa” arrives on DVD/Digital Tuesday Nov. 16, from Film Movement.

Set in Paris 1895, Pierre Louys, a young poet on the verge of fame, is madly in love with Marie de Herdia (Noemie Merlant, “Portrait of a Lady on Fire”). Despite her mutual feelings for Pierre, Marie agrees to a marriage of convenience with his friend, Henri de Regnier. Driven by jealousy and regret, Marie (now Marie De Regnier) returns to Pierre and enters a world of passion and desire played out in front of his camera. Inspired by the erotic photography of its real-life subjects, “Curiosa” reveals the love affair between these two famed poets.

The Deceivers (Drama)

A new digital restoration of “The Deceivers,” a Merchant Ivory classic starring Pierce Brosnan, arrives on Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday Nov. 16, from the Cohen Film Collection.

In the early 1980s, Ismail Merchant first set in motion a project of which he had long dreamed, and that he was to do outside of his usual collaboration with Ruth Prawer Jhabvala and James Ivory, the making of “The Deceivers.” Michael Hirst (“Elizabeth: The Golden Age”) wrote the screenplay.

“The Deceivers” is adapted from the John Masters novel, set in India in 1825, which depicts the exploits of William Savage (based on William Sleeman of the Indian Political Service), who disguises himself as an Indian in order to expose and destroy a secret cult whose members, the infamous Thugees, ritually murdered and robbed travelers in the name of the goddess Kali. Merchant had read the novel years before, been struck by it, and later decided to film it. The movie was slow in getting into production, however, and once into that stage presented such an array of problems as to stagger even Merchant. An entire book, “Hullabaloo in Old Jeypore: The Making of ‘The Deceivers,’” was needed for Merchant to set down all that occurred.

Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (Fantasy)

Celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the groundbreaking epic adventure “Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within,” when it arrives for the first time on 4K Ultra HD Tuesday Nov.16, from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

Set in 2065, a meteor has crashed onto Earth unleashing millions of alien creatures who roam the earth, decimating field and city alike, threatening to extinguish life itself. Prepare to be spellbound by an amazing woman, the brave individuals at her side and an astounding mission to save the Earth.

Newly remastered in 4K and featuring immersive Dolby Atmos audio, this special anniversary edition includes several bonus features: two feature-length commentaries, “The Making of ‘Final Fantasy,’” an interactive documentary, the original opening, Aki’s Dream Reconstruction, On the Set with Aki, character profiles, joke outtakes, vehicle scale comparisons, and much more. This release also will initially include a limited edition –ring, featuring iconic alternate key art.

“Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within” is directed by Hironobu Sakaguchi who also conceived the story. The screenplay is by Al Reinert and Jeff Vintar.

It’s a Wonderful Life: Platinum Anniversary Edition (Holiday Classic)

This holiday season take a trip to Bedford Falls to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of one of the most beloved films in cinema history: director Frank Capra’s timeless classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.”   Named the No. 1 most inspiring film of all time by the American Film Institute, the 1946 classic has touched generations of viewers with its uplifting and life-affirming message of hope.

On Tuesday Nov. 16, Paramount Home Entertainment will release a collectible, limited-edition two-disc Blu-ray set with a beautifully colorized version of the film in high definition as well as the original, digitally remastered black-and-white movie in high definition, and access to a digital copy of the film.

The set also includes 10 collectible recipe cards from Insight Editions’ “It’s a Wonderful Life: The Official Bailey Cookbook” with cuisine inspired by the film.

Additionally, the set includes over 45 minutes of previously released bonus content exploring the meticulous process of preserving and revitalizing this iconic masterpiece, a look at the movie’s extraordinary sound, music, cinematography and visual effects, and vintage footage from the film’s wrap party.

Starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell and Henry Travers, “It’s a Wonderful Life” has made an indelible impact on popular culture and continues to be a cherished part of many families’ holiday traditions.

Jungle Cruise (Comedy Adventure)

Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt star in the action adventure based on the popular Disney theme parks ride “Jungle Cruise,” which docks on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday Nov. 16, from Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution.

Seeking an ancient tree with healing abilities, Dr. Lily Houghton (Blunt) and wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff (Johnson) team up for the adventure of a lifetime on Disney’s Jungle Cruise, a rollicking ride down the Amazon. Amidst danger and supernatural forces lurking in the jungle, secrets of the lost tree unfold as their fate—and mankind’s—hangs in the balance.

“Jungle Cruise” arrives in stunning Ultra HD quality and immersive Dolby Atmos audio, with never-before-seen bonus footage, including 11 deleted scenes, bloopers and featurettes. In addition, families can watch the adventure in a fun, exciting new way with Expedition Mode.

Overrun (Action Thriller)

Strike Back Studios release of the Turbo Panda Productions action thriller “Overrun,” the feature film directorial debut from filmmaker Josh Tessier (“The Mandalorian,” “The Walking Dead: Red Machete”) will be available on Blu-ray/DVD Tuesday Nov. 16.

Former military extraction specialist Marcus Lombardi (Omid Zader, “Three Days to Kill”) has only one chance of saving his informant sister and their family is to track down a mysterious briefcase.

“Overrun,” loaded with martial arts action work and epic gun fights, stars Zader alongside Johnny Messner (“Tears of the Sun”), Bruce Dern (“The Hateful Eight”), William Katt (“The Greatest American Hero”) and Nicholas Turturro (“The Longest Yard”).

The film was directed by Josh Tessier and written by Josh Tessier, Roberto Ahumada (“Vampire Dad”), Victoria Gonzalez (“Diary of a Future President”) and Craig R. Key (“Irrational”).

Prisoners of the Ghostland (Crime Drama)

RLJE Films will release “Prisoners of The Ghostland” on 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray SteelBook and on DVD Tuesday Nov. 16.

Directed by the acclaimed Japanese director, Sion Sono (“Why Don’t You Play in Hell”), the film was written by Aaron Hendry and Rexa Sixo Safai (“Western Wonderland”). The film stars Nicolas Cage (“Mandy”), Sofia Boutella (“The Mummy”), Nick Cassavetes (“Face/Off”), Bill Moseley (“Texas Chainsaw” franchise), Tak Sakaguchi (“Tokyo Tribe”) and Yuzuka Nakaya (“The Forest of Love”). Joseph Trapanese (“Tron: Legacy,” “The Greatest Showman”) composed the original score.

Set in the treacherous frontier city of Samurai Town, “Prisoners of the Ghostland” follows a ruthless bank robber (Cage), who is sprung from jail by wealthy warlord The Governor (Moseley) whose adopted granddaughter Bernice (Boutella) has gone missing. The Governor offers the prisoner his freedom in exchange for retrieving the runaway. Strapped into a leather suit that will self-destruct within three days, the bandit sets off on a journey to find the young woman—and his own path to redemption.

The DVD will be available for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $29.96, the Blu-ray for $29.97 (SRP) and the 4K UHD/Blu-ray SteelBook for $35.97 (SRP). The DVD, Blu-ray and UHD/Blu-ray SteelBook include the bonus feature, “The Making of ‘Prisoners of the Ghostland.’”

Ragtime: 40^th Anniversary Edition (Drama)

Oscar-winning director Milos Forman’s cinematic epic “Ragtime” arrives for its 40^th anniversary in a Limited-Edition two-disc Blu-ray as part of the Paramount Presents line on Nov.16, from Paramount Home Entertainment. The film was originally released on Nov. 20, 1981.

Based on E.L. Doctorow’s best-selling novel, “Ragtime” tells an unforgettable story of disparate characters in New York City in the early 1900s. From the emerging New York suburb of New Rochelle to the flashy spectacle of Atlantic City, a family faces racial tensions, scandals, and violence that will test everything they believe in. With music by Randy Newman, the film features a spectacular cast including James Cagney, Brad Dourif, Moses Gunn, Elizabeth McGovern, Kenneth McMillan, Pat O’Brien, Donald O’Connor, James Olson, Mandy Patinkin, Howard E. Rollins, Jr., Mary Steenburgen, Debbie Allen, Jeff Daniels, Fran Drescher, Samuel L. Jackson, Norman Mailer and John Ratzenberger.

The film has been remastered from a 4K film transfer and is presented in collectible packaging featuring a foldout image of the film’s theatrical poster and an interior spread with key movie moments.  The two-disc Blu-ray includes a newly discovered director’s cut work print version of the film (along with the theatrical version), deleted and extended scenes, a look back at “Ragtime” with Larry Karaszewski and screenwriter Michael Weller, access to a Digital copy of the theatrical version, and the additional legacy bonus content.

Vanilla Sky (Drama)

Tom Cruise, Penélope Cruz and Cameron Diaz star in Cameron Crowe’s “Vanilla Sky,” arriving on Blu-ray as part of the Paramount Presents line Tuesday Nov. 16, from Paramount Home Entertainment.

Written for the screen and directed by Crowe and newly remastered from a new 4K film transfer under his supervision, the sexy drama is presented in a limited-edition Blu-ray disc with collectible packaging featuring a foldout image of the film’s theatrical poster and an interior spread with key movie moments. The English-language film was inspired by the Spanish-language “Abre Los Ojos (Open Your Eyes)”, in which Cruz also starred. The Blu-ray includes a new “Filmmaker Focus” with Crowe, access to a Digital copy of the film and the extensive legacy bonus content such as a commentary by Cameron Crowe and Nancy Wilson, a Kurt Russell single take with optional commentary by Crowe, an interview with Paul McCartney, who wrote the Academy Award nominated “Vanilla Sky” song expressly for the film, a gag reel and much more.

White as Snow (Drama)

“White as Snow” is available now on Blu-ray, from Cohen Media Group.

When Claire (Lou de Laâge, “The Innocents”), a beautiful but reserved young woman unwittingly provokes the furious jealousy of her evil stepmother Maud (Isabelle Huppert, “The Piano Teacher”), life as she knows it is over. Sent far away from home, Claire awakens, both figuratively and literally, in a small village in the French mountains.

As if by magic, her formerly shy demeanor is gone and she is suddenly aware of her feminine power. It’s the beginning of a radical emancipation. As Claire meets the locals and starts to take joy in her sexuality, soon seven men fall under her charm. For the first time in her life she allows herself to indulge in no-strings sex, taking pride in belonging to no one. But then Maud arrives wanting to reconnect, and Claire must decide who to trust—her sophisticated but cold stepmother, or the circle of adoring men that now surround her. Directed by Anne Fountain, the period drama is in French with English subtitles.

Who You Think I Am (Psychological Thriller)

The psychological thriller “Who You Think I Am” is available now on Blu-ray, from Cohen Media Group.

Academy Award winner Juliette Binoche (“The English Patient”) balances cunning and vulnerability in this romantic cyber-drama turned psychological thriller from writer-director Safy Nebbou. Ghosted by her hunky twentysomething lover, Claire (Binoche), a middle-aged professor and single mom, creates a fake Facebook profile to do a little undetected online snooping. But when her 24-year-old avatar “Clara” is friended by her ex’s equally attractive roommate (François Civil), superficial correspondence quickly escalates towards intense intimacy and uncontrollable obsession. Adapted from Camille Laurens’ best-selling novel—and co-scripted by Julie Peyr, a regular collaborator of Arnaud Desplechin, “Who You Think I Am” blends genres and bends reality to dizzying effect. The film is in French with English subtitles, and includes a making-of featurette as well as the trailers.

Wildland (Crime Thriller)

The coming-of-age crime thriller “Wildland” lays bare those questions as it arrives on DVD/Digital Tuesday Nov. 16, from Film Movement.

Declared Denmark’s answer to “Animal Kingdom,” “Wildland” is Jeanette Nordahl’s lauded directorial debut, and was an Official Selection at the Berlinale.

Following the tragic death of her mother, 17-year-old Ida (Sandra Guldberg Kampp) falls into the care of her estranged aunt Bodil (Sidse Babett Knudsen), and Bodil’s three grown sons. Ida initially finds comfort in her new home, which is filled with physical tenderness and a strong sense of unity, but the darker reality of her family’s criminal way of life and toxic dynamics slowly pushes her to accept violence, addiction and intimidation as normal. Doubting if she really belongs with this loyal, but dangerous matriarch and a brotherhood on the edge, Ida faces the same question her mother previously faced: how far are you willing to go for your family?

“Wildland” will be available on DVD/Digital for $24.95 (SRP). The Danish short film, “Riders,” directed by Jesper V. Rasmussen is included. Both films are in Danish with English subtitles.

TV Shows

Future Boy Conan: The Complete Series (Anime)

On Tuesday Nov. 16, GKIDS, the producer and distributor of animation for adult and family audiences, with distribution by Shout! Factory, will release the anticipated box set, “Future Boy Conan: The Complete Series” on Blu-ray.

The four-disc set contains all 26 episodes of the show, and an exclusive 16-page booklet featuring character artwork. The full series will additionally be available on digital download-to-own.

The 1978 directorial debut of Academy Award winner Hayao Miyazaki (“Spirited Away”), “Future Boy Conan,” is a landmark in animation history. This legendary sci-fi adventure series, beloved worldwide but never before released in North America, features a new English language dub version and 4K digital restoration.

Twenty years ago, a terrible war fought with magnetic weapons caused the earth’s axis to tilt, and earthquakes and tidal waves destroyed civilization. Conan is born into this new world, raised by his adopted grandfather on an isolated island. But his life is forever changed when a mysterious girl named Lana washes ashore, pursued by shadowy operatives who seek to use her in a new scheme to control what’s left of the world.

Kevin Can F**K Himself (Comedy)

RLJE Films, a unit of AMC Networks, will release Season 1 of the dark comedy series “Kevin Can F**K Himself” on DVD and Blu-ray Tuesday Nov.16. The series originally aired on AMC Networks in June. It has been renewed for season 2 and will release on AMC+ and AMC in 2022.

Allison McRoberts is the prototypical Sitcom Wife married to Kevin, her self-centered husband. When she learns that the perfect future she envisioned is impossible, she teams up with her neighbor Patty as she attempts to escape her confines and take control of her life. A completely original new dark comedy, “Kevin Can F**K Himself” shows what happens when you leave the brightly lit sitcom set and see the reality behind the laugh track.

Created by Valerie Armstrong (“Lodge 49″), “Kevin Can F**K Himself” is directed by Anna Dokoza (“Up All Night”) and Oz Rodriguez (Vampires vs. the Bronx”). The series stars Emmy winner Annie Murphy (“Schitt’s Creek”), Mary Hollis Inbodin (“The Righteous Gemstones”), Eric Peterson (“Kirstie”), Alex Bonifer (“Superstore”), Brian Howe (“Vice Principals”), and Raymond Lee (“Here and Now”).

RLJE Films will release Kevin Can F**K Himself on DVD and Blu-ray for $39.98 (SRP) each.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment will release the hit horror movie, “Candyman,” on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday Nov. 16. One lucky Frontrowfeatures.com reader will win a Blu-ray copy of the film. Just send an email to frontrowfeatures@gmail.com. A winner will be selected Nov. 24. Good luck!