THE ABYSS. (Digital Artwork). ©20th Century Home Entertainment.

Movies

The Abyss (Adventure, Drama, Mystery)

Writer-director James Cameron’s “The Abyss” is now available to own on Digital for the first time in 4K UHD from 20th Century Home Entertainment. The film will also debut as a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on March 12, 2024.

In the underwater sci-fi adventure, a nuclear sub mysteriously sinks and a private oil rig crew, led by foreman Bud Brigman (Ed Harris, “Apollo 13”), is recruited to join a team of Navy SEALs on a search and rescue effort. The group soon finds themselves on a spectacular life-and-death odyssey 25,000 feet below the ocean’s surface, where they find a mysterious force that could either change the world — or destroy it.

Bonus features on the release include two new documentaries, “Deep Dive: A Conversation with James Cameron” and “The Legacy of ‘The Abyss,’” as well as several previously released extras. Legacy bonus content includes the documentary “Under Pressure: Making ‘The Abyss,’” a still gallery, trailers and more.

Aliens (Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi)

The chilling, critically acclaimed sequel to “Alien,” writer-director James Cameron’s “Aliens” is now available to own on Digital for the first time in 4K UHD from 20th Century Home Entertainment. The film will also debut as a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on March 12, 2024.

Ripley (Sigourney Weaver, “Gorillas in the Mist”), the sole survivor of the space tug Nostromo’s deadly encounter with the monstrous Alien, is found after drifting through space in hypersleep for 57 years. She agrees to accompany a team of Colonial Marines back to LV-426 — and this time it’s war.

“Aliens” comes loaded with previously released special features, including an introduction from Cameron introducing the Special Editon version of the film, a Special Edition commentary track, a theatrical version commentary track, two isolated scores, 11 featurettes that deconstruct everything that went into the making of the film, direct access to 16 new scenes from the Special Edition, a deleted scene depicting Carter Burke’s (Paul Reiser, “Mad About You”) fate, still galleries and more.

Avatar (Action, Adventure, Fantasy)

Fans can bring home “Avatar” as a 4K Collector’s Edition or a 3D Blu-ray on Tuesday, Dec. 19, from 20th Century Home Entertainment. The hit film will also be available to purchase as a 4K Limited Edition SteelBook exclusively at Best Buy, and is currently available to own on Digital.

Written and directed by James Cameron, “Avatar” is set on the lush alien world of Pandora, home of the Na’vi — beings who appear primitive but are highly evolved. Because the planet’s environment is poisonous, human/Na’vi hybrids called Avatars must link to human minds to allow for free movement on Pandora. Jake Sully (Sam Worthington, “Clash of the Titans”), a paralyzed former Marine, becomes mobile again through one such Avatar and falls in love with a Na’vi woman (Zoe Saldaña, “Guardians of the Galaxy”). As a bond with her grows, he is drawn into a battle for the survival of her world.

The 4K Collector’s Edition of “Avatar” comes loaded with previously released extras as well as a new still gallery and two new bonus features. Fans can get an inside look into the RDA (Resources Development Administration) with the in-universe Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang, “Don’t Breathe”) RDA Promos and join producer Jon Landau (“Titanic”) as he unlocks the cinematic secrets behind the making of the film during a behind-the-scenes presentation. Other extras include the four-part “Capturing ‘Avatar’” feature-length documentary; 17 behind-the-scenes featurettes; 28 deleted scenes; “Memories From ‘Avatar’” where Landau leads a spirited conversation with cast members Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver (“Aliens”) and Stephen Lang recalling warm memories from production and reflecting on the extraordinary success of the film; the retrospective “‘Avatar’: A Look Back” where the cast and filmmakers reflect on their extraordinary journey making “Avatar,” the groundbreaking technologies they used to create an unparalleled cinematic experience and the profound effect the movie had on audiences worldwide; and much more.

Avatar: The Way of Water (Action, Adventure, Fantasy)

James Cameron’s “Avatar: The Way of Water” debuts as a 4K Collector’s Edition on Tuesday, Dec. 19, from 20th Century Home Entertainment. The hit film is also currently available to own on Digital.

Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, “Avatar: The Way of Water” launches the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive and the tragedies they endure. All of this happens against the breathtaking backdrop of Pandora, where audiences are introduced to new Na’vi cultures and a range of exotic sea creatures.

The 4K Collector’s Edition of “Avatar: The Way of Water” comes packed with exciting new extras, including 12 deleted/extended scenes, a production design panel and a behind-the-scenes presentation hosted by producer Jon Landau, the “Memories from ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’” featurette, the film’s Monday Night Football TV spot, James Cameron and Jon Landau’s hand and footprint ceremony in front of the world-famous Chinese Theater in Hollywood, 11 scene deconstructions and more. Viewers can also enjoy more than 3 hours of previously released bonus content, including a series of 14 featurettes (“Inside Pandora’s Box”) that detail the challenges facing the cast and crew as “Avatar: The Way of Water’s” filmmakers devise new technologies to push the limits of cinema; four additional featurettes that highlight various special teams within the production, including casting and stunts; the film’s teaser and standard trailer; and multi-Grammy-winning music superstar The Weeknd’s “Nothing is Lost (You Give Me Strength)” music video.

Five Nights at Freddy’s (Horror, Mystery, Thriller)

Blumhouse’s “Five Nights at Freddy’s” is now available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The haunting horror film is also currently streaming on Peacock.

Recently fired and desperate for work so that he can keep custody of his little sister, Mike (Josh Hutcherson, “The Hunger Games” franchise) agrees to take a position as a night security guard at an abandoned theme restaurant: Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria. But Mike soon discovers that nothing at Freddy’s is what it seems. Mike’s nights at Freddy’s will lead him into unexplainable encounters with the supernatural and drag him into the black heart of an unspeakable nightmare.

Produced by Jason Blum (“Get Out”) and based on the video game series created by Scott Cawthon, “Five Nights at Freddy’s” also stars Matthew Lillard (“Scream”), Elizabeth Lail (“You”), Kat Conner Sterling (“The Gifted”), Piper Rubio (“Unstable”) and Mary Stuart Masterson (“Fried Green Tomatoes”). Three “Secret Menu Items” are included with the release (“‘Five Nights at Freddy’s:’ From Game to Big Screen,” “Killer Animatronics” and “‘Five Nights’ in Three Dimensions”) that give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the iconic animatronics and recreating the immersive world of the game.

The Ghost Station (Horror, Mystery, Thriller)

The horror-mystery based on the Korean urban legend, “The Ghost Station” debuts on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Tuesday, Dec. 19, from Well Go USA Entertainment.

After a young reporter covers a suspicious accident, she learns from police that her source was supposedly already dead at the time of their interview. As more mysterious deaths occur, she and her partner dig deeper into the case and come face to face with a horrifying truth.

Directed by Jeong Yong-Ki (“The Doll Master”) from a screenplay by Takahashi Hiroshi (“The Ring,” “The Ring 2”) and Lee So-Young (“Robot Sound”), “The Ghost Station” stars Kim Bo-Ra (“Ghost Mansion”), Kim Jae-Hyun (“Love You as the World Ends”) and Shin So-Yul (“A Violent Prosecutor”). The film is presented in Korean, with optional English subtitles.

Pet Sematary: Bloodlines (Fantasy, Horror)

Find out why sometimes dead is better when “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines,” the terrifying prequel to “Pet Sematary,” debuts on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday, Dec. 19. from Paramount Home Entertainment. The film is also now available to own on Digital and is currently streaming on Paramount+.

In 1969, young Jud Crandall dreams of leaving his hometown behind, but soon discovers sinister secrets buried within and is forced to confront a dark family history that forever binds him to Ludlow. Banding together, Jud and his childhood friends must fight an ancient evil that has gripped the town since its founding, and, once unearthed, has the power to destroy everything in its path.

Based on the untold chapter from Stephen King’s bone-chilling novel “Pet Sematary,” “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” stars Jackson White (“Ambulance”) as Jud and features an outstanding ensemble cast, including Pam Grier (“Jackie Brown”) and David Duchovny (“The X-Files”). Viewers who purchase the film on Digital, 4K Ultra HD or Blu-ray will have access to nearly an hour of behind-the-scenes bonus content. Fans can explore sinister origins and haunting secrets alongside David Duchovny and the cast in “Origins;” watch as new talent embraces the “Pet Sematary” legacy in “Fresh Blood;” unearth the chilling secrets and hidden Easter eggs that breathe life into “Pet Sematary’s” terrifying designs in “Death’s Designs;” go behind the scenes with Jack Mulhern (“The Boys in the Boat”) and Isabella LaBlanc (“Long Slow Exhale”), who share how they prepped for their roles as Timmy and Donna — including bonding with their four-legged costars — in “Method to the Madness;” and enter the chilling realm of “Pet Sematary” as filmmakers and cast dissect the final scene, revealing the innovative technology behind its terrifying realization, in “War Comes Home.” A 2-Movie Collection featuring “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” and 2019’s “Pet Sematary” will also be available for purchase on DVD or Digital.

True Lies (Action, Comedy, Thriller)

An exhilarating mix of non-stop action-adventure and romantic comedy, writer-director James Cameron’s “True Lies” is now available to own on Digital for the first time in 4K UHD from 20th Century Home Entertainment. The film will also debut as a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on March 12, 2024.

Secret agent Harry Tasker (Arnold Schwarzenegger, “The Terminator”) is a top spy in the ultra-secret Omega Sector — although to his wife Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis, “Halloween”), he’s just a dull computer salesman. But while Harry’s been busy saving the world, Helen’s been gathering secrets of her own. When their two lives unexpectedly collide, Harry and Helen find themselves in the clutches of international terrorists, fighting to save not only their marriage, but also the world.

Bonus features on the release include the film’s theatrical trailer as well as an all-new documentary that unveils the explosive behind-the-scenes secrets of the film with the cast and crew (“Fear is Not an Option: A Look Back at ‘True Lies’”). Viewers can also dive into the production secrets of the film with “Archives: Script, Artwork, Marketing.”

The Wandering Earth II (Action, Adventure, Drama)

The sci-fi action-adventure “The Wandering Earth II” debuts on Blu-ray Tuesday, Dec. 19, from Well Go USA Entertainment.

In the near future, after learning that the sun is rapidly burning out and will obliterate Earth in the process, humans build enormous engines to propel the planet to a new solar system, far out of reach of the sun’s fiery flares. However, the journey out into the universe is perilous, and humankind’s last shot at survival will depend on a group of young people brave enough to step up and execute a dangerous, life-or-death operation to save the earth.

The much-anticipated prequel to the 2019 sci-fi blockbuster “The Wandering Earth” — the fifth highest-grossing non-English film of all time — “The Wandering Earth II” has the same director, Frant Gwo, and welcomes back stars Wu Jing (“Wolf Warrior 2”) and Wang Zhi (“Drug War”). New cast members include Li Xuejian (“Home Coming”), Ning Li (“Myth of Love”), legendary superstar Andy Lau (“Infernal Affairs”), Zhu Yanmanzi (“The Guilt” series), Sha Yi (“My Own Swordsman”) and Zhang Yi (“Wolf Pack”). The film is presented in Mandarin, with an English language track also available.

The giving season isn’t over yet! That’s why Front Row Features is giving away not only three copies of “The Ghost Station” on Blu-ray, but also three Blu-ray copies of “The Wandering Earth II.” To enter the contest, simply email socalmovieeditor@aol.com by Dec. 25 with the title of which film you want to win in the subject line. Only one entry per movie, please. Good luck!