Garv’s Pick of the Week: Kubo and the Two Strings (4K UHD, Shout! Factory)
For the release week of February 28th:
Garv’s Pick of the Week: Kubo and the Two Strings [4K UHD / Shout! Factory]: Over the past decade, I believe that the finest animated films have been produced by LAIKA Studios. The stop-motion animation, design work of the puppets, the beauty of the sets, and the excellence of the screenplays are unmatched (even by Pixar). Two of their very best films are getting a 4K UHD upgrade this week, and they should look spectacular in the format. Both films are worth owning, but if I had to select a single “pick of the week,” I’d have to go with Kubo and the Two Strings (2016), which is probably the best film yet released by the studio. If you love the exceptional animated films of Hayao Miyazaki, you’ll likely love the LAIKA films, which are the stop-motion equivalent.
Additional Titles of Interest —
The Boxtrolls [4K UHD / Shout! Factory]: While I consider Kubo LAIKA’s best film, I think The Boxtrolls is their most fun. I recommend you pick up this one too.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre [4K UHD / MPI]: Yes. It’s “Chain Saw” not “Chainsaw.” The film looked surprisingly good on Blu-ray. I’m not sure how much of a bump the image will receive from the upgrade to 4K UHD.
The Human Monster [Blu-ray/ ClassicFlix]: Bela Lugosi goes to the UK for this 1939 British horror film, also known as The Dark Eyes of London.
The Night Has Eyes [Blu-ray/ ClassicFlix]: This 1942 British horror, starring James Mason, is also known as Terror House and Moonlight Madness.
Obsessed [Blu-ray/ ClassicFlix]: ClassicFlix has a third British film on their roster this week. This 1951 suspense film, starring David Farrar and Geraldine Fitzgerald, is getting more of a prestige release with a new 4K restoration. It’s also known as The Late Edwina Black.
Secret of the Incas [Blu-ray/ Kino Lorber]: The costume for Indiana Jones was inspired by Charlton Heston’s garb in this 1954 adventure flick.
Marathon Man [4K UHD/ Kino Lorber]: Is it safe?
Millionaires’ Express [Blu-ray/ Arrow Video]: Sammo Hung stars in this Sammo Hung production, written and directed by Sammo Hung.
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