The Best New Blu-Ray Releases: Candyman, Jungle Cruise, And More

MGM By Chris Evangelista/Nov. 10, 2021 4:14 pm EST

This column is called “the BEST new Blu-ray releases,” but I feel a little awkward using that title this week. Because, dear reader, this week’s offerings are a little hit or miss, and more miss than hit. But I have a duty to bring you these Blu-ray reviews, and I don’t want to let down the two or three people who actually read this column. Besides, just because I’m not a fan of something doesn’t mean you should completely avoid it. As always, I encourage you to draw your own conclusions. I am merely here as a guide to offer help, not to give you a mandate. Anyway, I now order you to read this column! 

Snake Eyes

Paramount

Will Hollywood ever stop trying to make “G.I. Joe” movies a thing? After the box office failure of “Snake Eyes,” they just might. To be fair, “Snake Eyes” is more sophisticated than the previous two “G.I. Joe” films, but that’s also kind of the problem. This movie takes itself too seriously. There’s a fine line between silly and serious, and any movie in the “G.I. Joe” world must walk that line precariously. Sadly, “Snake Eyes” never allows any trace of “fun” to seep in. Instead, everything is very dour and clearly trying to emulate the Christopher Nolan “Batman Begins” reboot method. 

But worst of all, “Snake Eyes” is boring. And I’m not even sure how that’s possible because, on a technical level, this movie is full of non-stop action. One big fight sequence follows another, chases ensue, bullets fly, swords swish. It’s relentless. And yet … none of it inspires anything close to excitement. It’s almost impressive to make a movie this action-packed still be so dull. Plot-wise, “Snake Eyes” follows a guy named Snake Eyes, played by Henry Golding, a handsome, talented guy who feels wrong for this part. Snake Eyes watched his father murdered when he was a kid, and the killer rolled some dice before he killed dad. The dice came up with a pair of snake eyes. And, for reasons that are never adequately explained, Snake Eyes decided to start going by the name of the thing that determined his father’s fate. Whatever. 

As an adult, Snake Eyes befriends Tomisaburo “Tommy” Arashikage (Andrew Koji), the leader of a ninja clan. The friendship is doomed, though, because one day, Tommy will become Storm Shadow, Snake Eyes’ sworn enemy. Meanwhile, the film keeps trying to cram references to other “G.I. Joe” crap into the narrative, and none of it works. Samara Weaving is completely wasted as “G.I. Joe” character Scarlett, and she only seems to be in the movie so characters can not-so-casually mention “the Joes.” Again: whatever.  Special Features:

Morning Light: A Weapon with Stories to Tell – Discover the secrets of Snake Eyes’ legendary sword, Morning Light, in this all-new short film Deleted Scenes – What you didn’t see in theaters Enter SNAKE EYES – Find out what it took to bring the iconic hero’s origin story to life A Deadly Ensemble – Meet fan-favorite heroes, villains, and new characters in the G.I. JOE franchise Arashikage – Dive into the elite ninja warrior world of the Arashikage clan

Candyman

MGM

The reaction to the new “Candyman” was considerably mixed, and that’s perfectly fine. I was positive about the film – I wrote in my review, “At times, “Candyman” gives off the air of something classic and old school; a movie cut from a different cloth than modern horror. Elegant; deliberate – much like the 1992 original.” But I also think many of the more negative criticisms levied at the flick are warranted. Still, I think there’s a lot here to appreciate. Nia DaCosta’s direction is incredibly solid, and the way the film expands on the “Candyman” myth is interesting. Is this as good as the original film? Nope! The original is a horror classic, and always will be. But this new “Candyman” packs a punch. 

Anthony McCoy (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) is an artist who has an unknown connection to the events of the original film (although every single trailer more or less gave this “twist” away ahead of time). As he begins investigating the Candyman legend, he finds his entire life spiraling out of control as the body count rises around him. All of this is handled well, but there are some things on the edges of the film that don’t quite work. The motivations of a mysterious character played by the always-welcomed Colman Domingo just don’t add up, and we’re never given enough time to buy into the relationship between Anthony and his girlfriend (Teyonah Parris), who has a complicated backstory of her own that’s quickly glossed over. The deleted and extended scenes included on the disc fleshes some of this out, but it would’ve been better if they had made their way into the final film. 

Special Features:

ALTERNATE ENDING DELETED AND EXTENDED SCENES SAY MY NAME: Filmmakers and cast discuss how the horror at the center of Candyman is both timely and timeless, which is a tragedy in and of itself. BODY HORROR: We explore director Nia DaCosta’s influences in the subgenre of body horror, and what Anthony’s physical transformation means to the story. THE FILMMAKER’S EYE: NIA DACOSTA: Take a closer look at director Nia DaCosta, and how her singular voice and perspective were perfect to tell this story. PAINTING CHAOS: Filmmakers reveal how Anthony’s artwork evolves throughout the film and how they strived for authenticity in recreating Chicago’s vibrant art scene. THE ART OF ROBERT AIKI AUBREY LOWE: Composer Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe reveals some of the unconventional methodology he used to create the unique and haunting soundscapes sounds of the film. TERROR IN THE SHADOWS: A behind-the-scenes look at how the analogue shadow puppetry scenes were created and an unpacking of why this ancient artistic medium was the most conceptually relevant for depicting the legends’ cycle of violence. CANDYMAN: THE IMPACT OF BLACK HORROR: A roundtable discussion moderated by Colman Domingo about the nuanced relationship Black Americans have with Candyman, the horror genre and the overall idea of monsters and victims.

Underworld 4K Collection

Sony

Did you know they made five “Underworld” movies? It’s true! And now all those movies are together in a new 4K box set. Does anyone need a 4K box set of all the “Underworld” movies? Yes, the answer is yes. Because you know what? For all their dour nonsense, these movies are kind of fun. The first film, which arrived in 2003, was clearly something put together to appeal to fans of “The Matrix.” It has the same gothy leather aesthetic, complete with bullet time-style slow-motion. But while “The Matrix” was dealing with sci-fi, “Underworld” dipped into the fantasy/horror world. 

The series chronicles the seemingly never-ending war between vampires and werewolves, or “Death Dealers” and “lycans” as the series calls them. Most of the flicks feature Selene (Kate Beckinsale), a Death Dealer who is very good at shooting guns and looking cool as hell. Throughout the course of the five films, a somewhat muddled mythology arises, jumping back and forth in time (for instance, the third film, “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans,” is actually a prequel and therefore chronologically the first entry in the overall story). I do wonder if we’re entering a period of late ’90s/early 2000s nostalgia that will excite people about a box set like this. Or maybe there are just hardcore “Underworld” fans who really, really want all these films collected in 4K. I’ll say this much: you won’t be bored watching these movies. 

Special Features:  UNDERWORLD BONUS FEATURES 4K ULTRA HD

Theatrical & Extended Versions of the Film (both 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos) Alternate Flashbacks (4K HDR) Theatrical Trailer

BLU-RAY

Extended Version of the Film Director & Cast Commentary Fang vs. Fiction Documentary 7 Featurettes Outtakes Storyboard Comparisons Music Video: “Worms of the Earth” by Finch

UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION BONUS FEATURES 4K ULTRA HD

Theatrical Trailer

BLU-RAY

Director & Filmmakers’ Commentary The Hybrid Theory The War Rages On Bloodlines: From Script to Screen Making Monsters Roar Building a Saga Music and Mayhem Music Video: “Her Portrait in Black” by Atreyu

UNDERWORLD: RISE OF THE LYCANS BONUS FEATURES 4K ULTRA HD

Rise of the Lycans: Inside the Castle Walls Theatrical Trailers

BLU-RAY

Behind the Castle Walls: Picture-in-Picture Experience Filmmaker Commentary 3 Featurettes Music Video: “Deathclub (Wes Borland / Renholder Remix)” by William Control feat. Matt Skiba And More

UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING BONUS FEATURES 4K ULTRA HD

Underworld: Endless War 3-Part Animated Series (with stereo DTS-HD MA English audio) Theatrical Trailers

BLU-RAY

Cracking the Underworld: Picture-in-Picture Experience Filmmakers’ Commentary 5 Featurettes Blooper Reel And More

UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WARS BONUS FEATURES 4K ULTRA HD

Franchise Recap Theatrical Trailers

BLU-RAY

Underworld: Blood Wars – The Official Movie Graphic Novel The Evolution of Selene Building a Blood War Old & New Blood The Evil Evolved

The Best New Blu-Ray Releases: Candyman, Jungle Cruise, And More

MGM

By Chris Evangelista/Nov. 10, 2021 4:14 pm EST

This column is called “the BEST new Blu-ray releases,” but I feel a little awkward using that title this week. Because, dear reader, this week’s offerings are a little hit or miss, and more miss than hit. But I have a duty to bring you these Blu-ray reviews, and I don’t want to let down the two or three people who actually read this column. Besides, just because I’m not a fan of something doesn’t mean you should completely avoid it. As always, I encourage you to draw your own conclusions. I am merely here as a guide to offer help, not to give you a mandate. Anyway, I now order you to read this column! 

Jungle Cruise

Disney

“Jungle Cruise” is charming enough, I suppose. But the entire endeavor feels so manufactured and so mercantile that it ends up not being nearly as fun as it should’ve been.

Special Features:

  • MacGregor Drives The Boat
  • MacGregor Water Skis
  • Joachim And Nilo On The Dock
  • Frank Talks To Proxima & Lily’s Nightmares
  • Sub Gets Stuck
  • Proxima Surprises MacGregor
  • Frank Gets The Cold Shoulder
  • Trader Sam And Lily Walk In The Jungle
  • MacGregor And Trader Sam Say Goodbye
  • Frank Makes Tea For Lily
  • The Backside Of Water

Snake Eyes

Paramount

Will Hollywood ever stop trying to make “G.I. Joe” movies a thing? After the box office failure of “Snake Eyes,” they just might. To be fair, “Snake Eyes” is more sophisticated than the previous two “G.I. Joe” films, but that’s also kind of the problem. This movie takes itself too seriously. There’s a fine line between silly and serious, and any movie in the “G.I. Joe” world must walk that line precariously. Sadly, “Snake Eyes” never allows any trace of “fun” to seep in. Instead, everything is very dour and clearly trying to emulate the Christopher Nolan “Batman Begins” reboot method. 

But worst of all, “Snake Eyes” is boring. And I’m not even sure how that’s possible because, on a technical level, this movie is full of non-stop action. One big fight sequence follows another, chases ensue, bullets fly, swords swish. It’s relentless. And yet … none of it inspires anything close to excitement. It’s almost impressive to make a movie this action-packed still be so dull. Plot-wise, “Snake Eyes” follows a guy named Snake Eyes, played by Henry Golding, a handsome, talented guy who feels wrong for this part. Snake Eyes watched his father murdered when he was a kid, and the killer rolled some dice before he killed dad. The dice came up with a pair of snake eyes. And, for reasons that are never adequately explained, Snake Eyes decided to start going by the name of the thing that determined his father’s fate. Whatever. 

As an adult, Snake Eyes befriends Tomisaburo “Tommy” Arashikage (Andrew Koji), the leader of a ninja clan. The friendship is doomed, though, because one day, Tommy will become Storm Shadow, Snake Eyes’ sworn enemy. Meanwhile, the film keeps trying to cram references to other “G.I. Joe” crap into the narrative, and none of it works. Samara Weaving is completely wasted as “G.I. Joe” character Scarlett, and she only seems to be in the movie so characters can not-so-casually mention “the Joes.” Again: whatever.  Special Features:

Morning Light: A Weapon with Stories to Tell – Discover the secrets of Snake Eyes’ legendary sword, Morning Light, in this all-new short film Deleted Scenes – What you didn’t see in theaters Enter SNAKE EYES – Find out what it took to bring the iconic hero’s origin story to life A Deadly Ensemble – Meet fan-favorite heroes, villains, and new characters in the G.I. JOE franchise Arashikage – Dive into the elite ninja warrior world of the Arashikage clan

But worst of all, “Snake Eyes” is boring. And I’m not even sure how that’s possible because, on a technical level, this movie is full of non-stop action. One big fight sequence follows another, chases ensue, bullets fly, swords swish. It’s relentless. And yet … none of it inspires anything close to excitement. It’s almost impressive to make a movie this action-packed still be so dull. Plot-wise, “Snake Eyes” follows a guy named Snake Eyes, played by Henry Golding, a handsome, talented guy who feels wrong for this part. Snake Eyes watched his father murdered when he was a kid, and the killer rolled some dice before he killed dad. The dice came up with a pair of snake eyes. And, for reasons that are never adequately explained, Snake Eyes decided to start going by the name of the thing that determined his father’s fate. Whatever. 

As an adult, Snake Eyes befriends Tomisaburo “Tommy” Arashikage (Andrew Koji), the leader of a ninja clan. The friendship is doomed, though, because one day, Tommy will become Storm Shadow, Snake Eyes’ sworn enemy. Meanwhile, the film keeps trying to cram references to other “G.I. Joe” crap into the narrative, and none of it works. Samara Weaving is completely wasted as “G.I. Joe” character Scarlett, and she only seems to be in the movie so characters can not-so-casually mention “the Joes.” Again: whatever. 

Special Features:

  • Morning Light: A Weapon with Stories to Tell – Discover the secrets of Snake Eyes’ legendary sword, Morning Light, in this all-new short film
  • Deleted Scenes – What you didn’t see in theaters
  • Enter SNAKE EYES – Find out what it took to bring the iconic hero’s origin story to life
  • A Deadly Ensemble – Meet fan-favorite heroes, villains, and new characters in the G.I. JOE franchise
  • Arashikage – Dive into the elite ninja warrior world of the Arashikage clan

Candyman

The reaction to the new “Candyman” was considerably mixed, and that’s perfectly fine. I was positive about the film – I wrote in my review, “At times, “Candyman” gives off the air of something classic and old school; a movie cut from a different cloth than modern horror. Elegant; deliberate – much like the 1992 original.” But I also think many of the more negative criticisms levied at the flick are warranted. Still, I think there’s a lot here to appreciate. Nia DaCosta’s direction is incredibly solid, and the way the film expands on the “Candyman” myth is interesting. Is this as good as the original film? Nope! The original is a horror classic, and always will be. But this new “Candyman” packs a punch. 

Anthony McCoy (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) is an artist who has an unknown connection to the events of the original film (although every single trailer more or less gave this “twist” away ahead of time). As he begins investigating the Candyman legend, he finds his entire life spiraling out of control as the body count rises around him. All of this is handled well, but there are some things on the edges of the film that don’t quite work. The motivations of a mysterious character played by the always-welcomed Colman Domingo just don’t add up, and we’re never given enough time to buy into the relationship between Anthony and his girlfriend (Teyonah Parris), who has a complicated backstory of her own that’s quickly glossed over. The deleted and extended scenes included on the disc fleshes some of this out, but it would’ve been better if they had made their way into the final film. 

Special Features:

ALTERNATE ENDING DELETED AND EXTENDED SCENES SAY MY NAME: Filmmakers and cast discuss how the horror at the center of Candyman is both timely and timeless, which is a tragedy in and of itself. BODY HORROR: We explore director Nia DaCosta’s influences in the subgenre of body horror, and what Anthony’s physical transformation means to the story. THE FILMMAKER’S EYE: NIA DACOSTA: Take a closer look at director Nia DaCosta, and how her singular voice and perspective were perfect to tell this story. PAINTING CHAOS: Filmmakers reveal how Anthony’s artwork evolves throughout the film and how they strived for authenticity in recreating Chicago’s vibrant art scene. THE ART OF ROBERT AIKI AUBREY LOWE: Composer Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe reveals some of the unconventional methodology he used to create the unique and haunting soundscapes sounds of the film. TERROR IN THE SHADOWS: A behind-the-scenes look at how the analogue shadow puppetry scenes were created and an unpacking of why this ancient artistic medium was the most conceptually relevant for depicting the legends’ cycle of violence. CANDYMAN: THE IMPACT OF BLACK HORROR: A roundtable discussion moderated by Colman Domingo about the nuanced relationship Black Americans have with Candyman, the horror genre and the overall idea of monsters and victims.

Anthony McCoy (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) is an artist who has an unknown connection to the events of the original film (although every single trailer more or less gave this “twist” away ahead of time). As he begins investigating the Candyman legend, he finds his entire life spiraling out of control as the body count rises around him. All of this is handled well, but there are some things on the edges of the film that don’t quite work. The motivations of a mysterious character played by the always-welcomed Colman Domingo just don’t add up, and we’re never given enough time to buy into the relationship between Anthony and his girlfriend (Teyonah Parris), who has a complicated backstory of her own that’s quickly glossed over. The deleted and extended scenes included on the disc fleshes some of this out, but it would’ve been better if they had made their way into the final film. 

  • ALTERNATE ENDING
  • DELETED AND EXTENDED SCENES
  • SAY MY NAME: Filmmakers and cast discuss how the horror at the center of Candyman is both timely and timeless, which is a tragedy in and of itself.
  • BODY HORROR: We explore director Nia DaCosta’s influences in the subgenre of body horror, and what Anthony’s physical transformation means to the story.
  • THE FILMMAKER’S EYE: NIA DACOSTA: Take a closer look at director Nia DaCosta, and how her singular voice and perspective were perfect to tell this story.
  • PAINTING CHAOS: Filmmakers reveal how Anthony’s artwork evolves throughout the film and how they strived for authenticity in recreating Chicago’s vibrant art scene.
  • THE ART OF ROBERT AIKI AUBREY LOWE: Composer Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe reveals some of the unconventional methodology he used to create the unique and haunting soundscapes sounds of the film.
  • TERROR IN THE SHADOWS: A behind-the-scenes look at how the analogue shadow puppetry scenes were created and an unpacking of why this ancient artistic medium was the most conceptually relevant for depicting the legends’ cycle of violence.
  • CANDYMAN: THE IMPACT OF BLACK HORROR: A roundtable discussion moderated by Colman Domingo about the nuanced relationship Black Americans have with Candyman, the horror genre and the overall idea of monsters and victims.

Underworld 4K Collection

Sony

Did you know they made five “Underworld” movies? It’s true! And now all those movies are together in a new 4K box set. Does anyone need a 4K box set of all the “Underworld” movies? Yes, the answer is yes. Because you know what? For all their dour nonsense, these movies are kind of fun. The first film, which arrived in 2003, was clearly something put together to appeal to fans of “The Matrix.” It has the same gothy leather aesthetic, complete with bullet time-style slow-motion. But while “The Matrix” was dealing with sci-fi, “Underworld” dipped into the fantasy/horror world. 

The series chronicles the seemingly never-ending war between vampires and werewolves, or “Death Dealers” and “lycans” as the series calls them. Most of the flicks feature Selene (Kate Beckinsale), a Death Dealer who is very good at shooting guns and looking cool as hell. Throughout the course of the five films, a somewhat muddled mythology arises, jumping back and forth in time (for instance, the third film, “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans,” is actually a prequel and therefore chronologically the first entry in the overall story). I do wonder if we’re entering a period of late ’90s/early 2000s nostalgia that will excite people about a box set like this. Or maybe there are just hardcore “Underworld” fans who really, really want all these films collected in 4K. I’ll say this much: you won’t be bored watching these movies. 

Special Features:  UNDERWORLD BONUS FEATURES 4K ULTRA HD

Theatrical & Extended Versions of the Film (both 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos) Alternate Flashbacks (4K HDR) Theatrical Trailer

BLU-RAY

Extended Version of the Film Director & Cast Commentary Fang vs. Fiction Documentary 7 Featurettes Outtakes Storyboard Comparisons Music Video: “Worms of the Earth” by Finch

UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION BONUS FEATURES 4K ULTRA HD

Theatrical Trailer

BLU-RAY

Director & Filmmakers’ Commentary The Hybrid Theory The War Rages On Bloodlines: From Script to Screen Making Monsters Roar Building a Saga Music and Mayhem Music Video: “Her Portrait in Black” by Atreyu

UNDERWORLD: RISE OF THE LYCANS BONUS FEATURES 4K ULTRA HD

Rise of the Lycans: Inside the Castle Walls Theatrical Trailers

BLU-RAY

Behind the Castle Walls: Picture-in-Picture Experience Filmmaker Commentary 3 Featurettes Music Video: “Deathclub (Wes Borland / Renholder Remix)” by William Control feat. Matt Skiba And More

UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING BONUS FEATURES 4K ULTRA HD

Underworld: Endless War 3-Part Animated Series (with stereo DTS-HD MA English audio) Theatrical Trailers

BLU-RAY

Cracking the Underworld: Picture-in-Picture Experience Filmmakers’ Commentary 5 Featurettes Blooper Reel And More

UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WARS BONUS FEATURES 4K ULTRA HD

Franchise Recap Theatrical Trailers

BLU-RAY

Underworld: Blood Wars – The Official Movie Graphic Novel The Evolution of Selene Building a Blood War Old & New Blood The Evil Evolved

The series chronicles the seemingly never-ending war between vampires and werewolves, or “Death Dealers” and “lycans” as the series calls them. Most of the flicks feature Selene (Kate Beckinsale), a Death Dealer who is very good at shooting guns and looking cool as hell. Throughout the course of the five films, a somewhat muddled mythology arises, jumping back and forth in time (for instance, the third film, “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans,” is actually a prequel and therefore chronologically the first entry in the overall story). I do wonder if we’re entering a period of late ’90s/early 2000s nostalgia that will excite people about a box set like this. Or maybe there are just hardcore “Underworld” fans who really, really want all these films collected in 4K. I’ll say this much: you won’t be bored watching these movies. 

Special Features: 

UNDERWORLD BONUS FEATURES

4K ULTRA HD

  • Theatrical & Extended Versions of the Film (both 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos)
  • Alternate Flashbacks (4K HDR)
  • Theatrical Trailer

BLU-RAY

  • Extended Version of the Film
  • Director & Cast Commentary
  • Fang vs. Fiction Documentary
  • 7 Featurettes
  • Outtakes
  • Storyboard Comparisons
  • Music Video: “Worms of the Earth” by Finch

UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION BONUS FEATURES

  • Theatrical Trailer

  • Director & Filmmakers’ Commentary

  • The Hybrid Theory

  • The War Rages On

  • Bloodlines: From Script to Screen

  • Making Monsters Roar

  • Building a Saga

  • Music and Mayhem

  • Music Video: “Her Portrait in Black” by Atreyu

UNDERWORLD: RISE OF THE LYCANS BONUS FEATURES

  • Rise of the Lycans: Inside the Castle Walls

  • Theatrical Trailers

  • Behind the Castle Walls: Picture-in-Picture Experience

  • Filmmaker Commentary

  • 3 Featurettes

  • Music Video: “Deathclub (Wes Borland / Renholder Remix)” by William Control feat. Matt Skiba

  • And More

UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING BONUS FEATURES

  • Underworld: Endless War 3-Part Animated Series (with stereo DTS-HD MA English audio)

  • Theatrical Trailers

  • Cracking the Underworld: Picture-in-Picture Experience

  • Filmmakers’ Commentary

  • 5 Featurettes

  • Blooper Reel

  • And More

UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WARS BONUS FEATURES

  • Franchise Recap

  • Theatrical Trailers

  • Underworld: Blood Wars – The Official Movie Graphic Novel

  • The Evolution of Selene

  • Building a Blood War

  • Old & New Blood

  • The Evil Evolved