Revisiting THE 7TH VOYAGE OF SINBAD in 4K

THE 7TH VOYAGE OF SINBAD (4K UHD)

1958 / 88 min

Sony

Available at MovieZyng.com

Review by Mr. Paws😺

About a decade ago, I had the pleasure of reviewing a humble little B-picture called Queen Crab. The movie wasn’t any good, but I was charmed by its titular monster, rendered in good ol’ fashioned stop-motion animation. It was also a sad reminder that the process is largely a lost art these days (with only Laika Studios consistently carrying the torch).  

Even as a kid and thrilling to the likes of Mysterious Island & Earth vs. the Flying Saucers, I never thought stop-motion animation was all that convincing, but still appreciated the enormous effort it took to create such special effects. And convincing or not, they looked wonderful. To movie lovers of a certain age, they still do. 

The legendary Ray Harryhausen didn’t invent stop-motion (or, “Dynamation,” as his brand was known), but he was its rock star. Even today, you’d be hard pressed to name another special effects artist whose name was just as vital to a film’s creative success as the director and cast. In some cases, his wonderful work was the only reason to watch the film…such as The 7th Voyage of Sinbad. 

One could debate forever over what movies feature Harryhausen’s best work, but this one features a lot of his most iconic creations…the malevolent cyclops, the giant dragon, the vengeful flying Rocs, and of course, those resurrected swordfighting skeletons that provided nightmare fuel for a generation of kids (and they’re still kinda creepy looking). 

Not to nitpick, but does that skeleton actually need a shield?

The movie itself is standard ‘50s-era fantasy fluff with silly dialogue and forgettable performances (Kerwin Matthews as Sinbad makes a bland action hero), but who cares? For the time, it was an astounding technical achievement, with thrilling action, gorgeous production & costume design and - the icing on the cake - a rousing score by the great Bernard Hermann, which ranks among his all-time best.

It’s all brought back to vibrant life with this new 4K release, which features an excellent video transfer that improves on the comparatively lame Blu-ray edition (also included in this set). Even better is the DTS-HD Master Audio track, which is well mixed, particularly regarding the score. But aside from a digital copy, there are no new bonus features. Though there’s a lot of stuff of considerable historical interest (especially for Harryhausen fans), it’s all carried over from previous releases.

I had a childhood friend who loved this Sinbad stuff, and while we’ve since lost touch, I can’t help but think about how much he’d enjoy a release like this (even if he’s since outgrown it). The 7th Voyage of Sinbad’s inherent technical charms would probably be lost on those weaned on Jurassic Park, but for the generation(s) who grew up thrilling to Harryhausen’s groundbreaking creations, it’s a nostalgic blast. 

EXTRA KIBBLES

4K, BLU-RAY & DIGITAL COPIES

THE HARRYHAUSEN CHRONICLES - An hour-long retrospective documentary that’s previously been included on many other Harryhausen-related releases, but is always worth revisiting.

FEATURETTES - In Remembering The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, Ray Harryhausen recalls his efforts to get the film made; The Harryhausen Legacy features several filmmakers and effects arts who were influenced by Ray’s work; The Music of Bernard Herrmann looks at the legendary composer; A Look Behind the Voyage is very old short film about Harryhausen that plays like a distilled version of the Harryhausen Chronicles feature; Ray Harryhausen - Interviewed by John Landis.

“THIS IS DYNAMATION” is a promotional film touting the special effects. 

MUSIC VIDEO - “Sinbad May Have Been Bad, But He’s Been Good to Me” was a song used to promote the movies. Silly but catchy. 

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By Ray Harryhausen, Phil Tippet, Randall William Cook, Steven Smith, Arnold Kunert.

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THE POOP SCOOP: Movie, TV & Literary Classics

UPCOMING KIBBLES THAT MAKE US PURR!

GONE WITH THE WIND in 4K and Digital November 3 from Warner Bros. The film quickly became an “Instant Classic” when it was first released over eighty-five years ago and now returns newly remastered with extraordinary picture and sound and includes new bonus content. Three versions of the 4K UHD disc will be available for purchase: the standard 4K UHD, a 4K UHD SteelBook, and a special collector’s edition available exclusively at Walmart.com (see below). WaterTower Music will also release the film’s score on vinyl this fall. This re-pressing of the record is the first time the score has been released in over forty years.

Guillermo del Toro’s FRANKENSTEIN on 4K and Blu-ray October 27 from Criterion Collection. Guillermo del Toro’s spellbinding take on one of the most enduring of all modern myths, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, imbues the classic tale with new depths of humanity while pushing it toward dazzling heights of gothic grandeur. Shifting between the perspectives of the brilliant but callous Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac) and the creature (Jacob Elordi) he fashions from flesh and then cruelly mistreats, del Toro movingly reframes the legend as a story of fathers and sons struggling to break free from cycles of trauma. A decades-in-the-making triumph of darkly ravishing visual invention and operatic storytelling, Frankenstein is a deeply personal statement from a director who has long been drawn to the realm where men and monsters merge.  

STAR TREK: THE COMPLETE ORIGINAL SERIES 60th Anniversary Edition on Blu-ray and DVD September 8 from Paramount. Celebrate 60 years of the groundbreaking series that launched a global phenomenon. Star Trek: The Original Series follows Captain James T. Kirk, Spock, and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise as they embark on a five-year mission to explore strange new worlds, seek out new life and civilizations, and boldly go where no one has gone before. Blending action, philosophy, and visionary storytelling, the series remains one of the most influential sci-fi shows of all time. Star Trek: TOS will also be available as an Amazon Exclusive gift set (see below).

POWER BALLAD on Blu-ray (+DVD & Digital) August 25 from Lionsgate. When Rick (Paul Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny (Nick Jonas) during a gig, the two bond over music and a late-night jam session. But when Danny turns one of Rick’s songs into the hit that reignites his career, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves — even if it means risking everything he cares about. From writer-director John Carney (Sing Street, Once), POWER BALLAD is a feel-good story about music, self-respect, friendship, and the price of ambition. 

THE SHEEP DETECTIVES on Blu-ray and DVD August 25 from Alliance Entertainment. The film holds a staggering 95% ‘Certified Fresh’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics and audiences agreeing that The Sheep Detectives is a film the whole family will be coming back to for years to come. 

The Original PRACTICAL MAGIC on 4K August 25 from Warner Bros. The newly remastered film will be available ahead of the theatrical release of the highly anticipated sequel Practical Magic 2 on September 11. 

SEVEN SNIPERS on Blu-ray and DVD August 11 from Well Go USA. This action film is loosely inspired by the Akira Kurosawa masterpiece Seven Samurai.   

TROY Limited Edition on 4K and Blu-ray 8/18. Features brand new 4K remasters of both the Director’s Cut and Theatrical Cut of the film from the original 35mm camera negative by Arrow Films, hours of special features, and newly commissioned extras. A Blu-ray edition release will also be available. 

BARBARIAN Coming to 4K + Blu-ray August 11 from 20th Century Studios.  Released in September, 2022, shocking and captivating audiences with its bizarre twists, violence, carnage, and delightfully subversive sense of humor. "Barbarian," which stars Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård, and Justin Long and is written and directed by Zach Cregger (Weapons). 

FORBIDDEN PLANET Limited Edition on 4K September 28 from Arrow Video. For the very first time, Forbidden Planet is presented in its original Cinemascope aspect ratio of 2.55:1 with its theatrical "Perspecta" stereo soundtrack in an eye-popping brand new 4K restoration. 

PROJECT HAIL MARY on Blu-ray, 4K and DVD August 11 from Alliance Entertainment. Based on Andy Weir’s novel of the same name, screenwriter Drew Goddard adapted Project Hail Mary for the screen, and it was brought to life by directors Phil Lord & Christopher Miller. 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray releases of Project Hail Mary include out of this world bonus content.

THE COMPLETE KUBRICK Coming to 4K + Blu-ray October 20 from Criterion Collection. Collected here for the first time are Kubrick’s thirteen features and three shorts, all restored in 4K, over twenty-five hours of interviews, documentaries, and behind-the-scenes materials; and deluxe packaging.

MARS ATTACKS! on 4K August 11 from Warner Bros. The newly remastered film will also include new bonus content featuring the behind-the-scenes filmmakers reflecting on the making of Mars Attacks! 30 years later. 

SOYLENT GREEN, Proud Owner of the Second Greatest Plot Twist in Sci-fi History, Coming to 4K UHD and Blu-ray July 28 from Arrow Video.  The Limited Edition release features a brand new 4K restoration from the original 35mm camera negative by Arrow Films, hours of special features and newly commissioned extras. A Blu-ray edition will also be available. 

KILL BILL: THE WHOLE BLOODY AFFAIR 4K/Blu-ray Combo Pack Coming July 28 from Lionsgate. This release also comes with an assortment of physical extras, including posters, collectors cards and a 40 page booklet.

An Underseen Gem from the 70s, THE OUTFIT, on Blu-ray July 28 from Arrow Video. The Outfit is as tough, taut, and relentless as its protagonist. This release includes numerous new bonus features.

MORTAL COMBAT II on Digital Now and Blu-ray, 4K and DVD July 28 from Warner Bros. From New Line Cinema, the latest high-stakes installment in the blockbuster video game franchise in all its brutal glory.

THE CHRISTOPHERS: Another One That Sticks

THE CHRISTOPHERS (Blu-ray)

2025 / 100 min

NEON

Review by Princess Pepper😺

Hey, didn’t Steven Soderbergh retire at one time? 

I sure as hell didn’t need any coaxing when the opportunity came to hang up my spurs. Then again, I suppose it’s a lot easier to walk away from a quarter-century of babysitting educating middle schoolers than decades of directing whatever you want, however you want. For me, Soderbergh has always been hit-or-miss, but I admire his willingness to throw damn near anything at the wall to see what sticks. When it does stick, the results are memorable.

If he had stayed retired, we wouldn’t have gotten the likes of Logan Lucky and Black Bag, which would’ve been a shame because they’re among my favorites of his films. So I’m glad he’s back, and damn, he’s been prolific, cranking out one-to-two movies a year since 2017. As usual, not all of ‘em stick, but The Christophers is one that does.

Lori Butler (Michaela Coel) is a struggling artist who restores old paintings on the side. She’s approached by Sallie and Barnaby Sklar (Jessica Gunning & James Corden), two siblings whose ailing father, Julian (Ian McKellen), is an artist whose series of paintings, collectively called The Christophers, made him world famous. They want Lori to pose as Julian’s new assistant, find a batch of unfinished Christophers in his attic, and finish the paintings herself. The idea is that when Julian dies, Sallie and Barnaby will make millions from these newly “discovered” pieces.

"What I'm ultimately hoping to paint is this door."

Because of a past encounter with Julian that affected her own career for the worst, Lori agrees to do it. But while Julian may be old, weak and a shadow of his former artistic self, he’s still sharp as a tack and generally contemptuous of other artists (as well as his own kids). Though he discovers Lori’s ruse, they develop an interesting relationship that’s both professional and personal, friendly and adversarial. A lot of this is depicted through mostly one-sided conversations initiated by Julian, whose lengthy, cynical monologues are often very amusing - if somewhat cryptic - with Lori as a not-so-casual observer.

Oh, there’s still the plot to deal with, which takes a few unexpected turns, but the real crux of the film is the interaction between these two. Lori and Julian are very engaging, and not just through dialogue. In fact, the former probably has fewer lines in the entire film than Julian has in just one of his diatribes, yet Soderbergh, screenwriter Ed Solomon and especially Coel keep us invested in her. Still, the movie belongs to McKellen. Julian doesn’t initially come across as all that complex (though he’s quite funny). But beneath his blunt, cantankerous exterior is vulnerability and remorse, attributes that slowly reveal themselves as the narrative unfolds…and McKellen plays him perfectly.

One minor quip is that it doesn’t look like much effort was put into the film’s antagonists. Sallie and Barnaby are obnoxious caricatures, played with sitcom-level buffoonery by Gunning & Corden. They’re an annoying, lazily-conceived distraction in an otherwise rewarding and enjoyable film. It's yet another reason why it's a good thing Soderbergh chose not to retire.

EXTRA KIBBLES

FEATURETTE - Conversation with Screenwriter Ed Solomon and Charlie Kaufman.

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MICHAEL-pedia in 4K

MICHAEL (4K UHD + Blu-ray)

2026 / 127 min

Lionsgate

Review by Stinky the Destroyer😾

Because Michael has been so polarizing (for stupid reasons), I’d like to preface this review by saying that while I’ve never been a particular fan of Michael Jackson, I don’t dislike him either. There were some songs I enjoyed, but even though he once ruled the world and remains a cultural icon to this day, he simply wasn’t a vital part of my life or musical interests.

However, some of the best music biographies I’ve ever seen were about artists I don’t give a damn about. As much as I detest country music, 1980’s Coal Miner’s Daughter is excellent because it tells an engaging - and ultimately revealing - story about its subject. Even in movies about real life figures, characters and story matter, perhaps even more so than historical accuracy.

So before any of Jackson’s legions brand me a hater, keep in mind that I still think his status as a legend and musical genius - to say nothing of the man’s tumultuous personal and professional life - would make a phenomenally compelling film. But Michael ain’t it.

Not-so-much a biography as a Wikipedia article set to music, Michael is chock full of his songs (as a solo artist and part of The Jackson 5) and perfunctory depictions of career milestones. But as a meaningful exploration of the man’s life and what makes him tick, it makes Bohemian Rhapsody look like Straight Outta Compton (the latter being another example of a bio done right). It’s homogenized fluff that worships its subject as much as his fans do, refusing to acknowledge any flaws or controversy, and conveniently ends before the darker aspects of Jackson’s personal life began to emerge.

Michael discovers Slayer.

At the same time, I can understand why so many people absolutely love Michael. It plays like a living greatest hits album, intended for fans who find nostalgic comfort in music and imagery. As a gushing love letter to the man and his fans, I suppose it works brilliantly. But as a film in general, Michael is narratively jumpy, maddenly benign, and devoid of any real character complexity (despite earnest performances by Jaafar Jackson as Michael and Colman Domingo as his abusive father, Joe). To be honest, I kind of expected better from director Antoine Fuqua, whose work I generally admire. Though I could be wrong, I suspect he was more of a director-for-hire here, bending to the will of the Jackson family themselves (hence Michael’s squeaky clean life).

But despite my personal assessment of the movie itself, the music sequences - and there’s a ton of ‘em - are well done and Michael’s songs are used quite effectively, both as set-pieces and when underscoring certain scenes. For the legions who loved Michael to the tune of a billion dollars (making it Lionsgate’s biggest movie ever), this disc comes highly recommended. Both the 4K and Blu-ray transfers feature excellent picture and sound quality.  

EXTRA KIBBLES

4K, BLU-RAY & DIGITAL COPIES

DON’T STOP ‘TILL YOU GET ENOUGH: THE MAKING OF MICHAEL is a terrific hour-long documentary with plenty of interviews and on set footage. Even if one isn’t necessarily a fan of the movie, the doc is interesting.

FEATURETTES - Home is Where the Heart Is: Behind the Gates of Hayvenhurst looks at the Jackson mansion; In the Mirror: Becoming Michael & Joe Time Lapses focuses on the make-up work; Becoming Michael features Jaafar Jackson discussing the role, while others sing his praises; First Look and Before the Big Screen are short EPKs.

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OBSESSION: Horror Worth the Hype

OBSESSION (4K + Blu-ray)

2025 / 109 min

Universal

Review by Josey, the Sudden Cat🙀

Having seen thousands of horror movies over my life, I’ve generally become immune to hype and box office numbers (and Obsession has had plenty of both). At the risk of coming across as snooty or arrogant, there have been too many times over the years when a movie touted as some kind of gamechanger has left me shrugging. A recent example would be Longlegs, which I thought was pretty good, but hardly a groundbreaking masterpiece. 

Though I did eventually plan to see Obsession, I was already sick of hearing about it a week after it was released.

However, when my 22 year old daughter, Lucy, came home gushing over Obsession after seeing it in a theater with her boyfriend, I had to take notice (especially when she went and watched it again the following weekend). We generally share similar tastes in horror, and despite her years, she also tends to avoid the hype train. So a glowing endorsement from Lucy carries a lot more weight than a Rotten Tomatoes score.

She also did me a solid in refusing to give me any details about it - not even the basic plot - for which I was grateful because horror movies are generally more fun when you have no idea what to expect. And I’m gonna do the same here because Obsession is definitely one of those dishes that’s best served cold. What I will say is that this might be the most deliriously entertaining variation of “The Monkey’s Paw” I’ve seen in years. Maybe ever.

When your order comes with free bread sticks.

Does it live up to the hype? In many ways, yes. Considering it was written and directed by a relative newbie (YouTuber Curry Barker) for less than a million bucks, it’s extremely well made, both technically and narratively. After a fairly benign opening act, the film grows increasingly and methodically creepy. Though never flat-out terrifying, Barker does a tremendous job building dread throughout the story, which is occasionally punctuated by scenes of shocking violence (not necessarily in terms of what they show, but that they come without warning). 

In addition to effectively building tension and throwing in welcome doses of black comedy, Obsession’s success as a horror film lies in its characters, most notably Bear (Michael Johnston), whose morally questionable actions - despite his emotional sincerity behind them - renders him more complex than your average protagonist. However, it’s co-star Inde Navarette who steals the entire film as Nikki. By turns, she renders the character endearing, funny, sympathetic, unpredictable and menacing. In fact, much of the actual horror in Obsession stems from Navarette’s performance.

Though one particular scene sort-of foreshadows how things will turn out, the climax still manages to subvert expectations with an ironic (and morbidly amusing) turn of events that I personally didn’t see coming. While I’m not yet ready to declare Obsession a gamechanger within the genre, it’s the most wildly entertaining horror film I’ve seen so far this year. I’m still sick of hearing about it, though.

EXTRA KIBBLES

4K, BLU-RAY & DIGITAL COPIES

FEATURETTE - Obsession Unleashed is a solid 20 minute documentary, with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with writer-director Curry Barker and the main cast.

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By writer-director Curry Barker.

SOYLENT GREEN (4K) Deserves a Little Better

SOYLENT GREEN Limited Edition (4K UHD and Blu-ray)

1973 / 97 min

Arrow Video 

Review by Mr. Paws😺

For the two or three of you who aren’t aware of how this one ends, I feel compelled to offer a spoiler warning…and a suggestion that maybe you should get out more. As for fans of the film (such as yours truly), this new Limited Edition release from Arrow Video doesn’t quite do it justice.

Soylent Green is, of course, a science-fiction classic, and of all the dystopian nightmares unleashed in the 1970s, it’s easily the bleakest. The film also boasts one of the genre’s greatest plot revelations, which has become nearly as iconic as Charlton Heston discovering he’s been back on Earth the entire time. Speaking of ol’ Chuck, he was pretty-much Hollywood’s apocalypse poster-boy back then, starring in a lot of socially conscious catastrophes.

In 2022, the world is severely overpopulated. While the wealthy live in relative comfort in luxurious high-rise apartments (complete with young concubines), most poor bastards dwell in crowded squalor. Suicide is an option, and anyone sick of life can show up at their friendly neighborhood euthanasia clinic and peacefully end it all. Real food is nearly non-existent and reserved for those who can afford it. Everyone else survives on government issued crackers, Soylent Red, Soylent Yellow and everyone's new favorite, Soylent Green. In fact, Soylent Green proves to be so popular that people riot whenever food centers run out.

Frank Thorn (Heston) is a cop investigating the murder of a Soylent Corporation bigwig. With the help of his researcher & roommate, Sol (Edward G. Robinson), the investigation leads him to discover the Soylent Corporation's dark secret: the main ingredient of those delectable crackers isn't soy at all, but people who've been processed through the euthanasia clinics.

Soylent Green definitely ain't a feelgood film. In fact, it's downright depressing at times, such as when Sol finally decides to cash-in at one of those clinics. Elsewhere, the film is visually drab & grimy, the tone relentlessly downbeat and pessimistic, its environmental message sobering. We're subjected to so much self-perpetuated human misery that when the big twist is finally revealed, perhaps we really aren't all that shocked. But even though we made it through 2022 without making Grandpa part of our nutritious breakfast, the film remains a compelling vision of the future that might be more timely (and prophetic?) than it was in the 1970s. Only some aesthetic trappings really date it.

One of the most culturally significant sci-fi films of the era, Soylent Green is essential viewing, which is why I gotta say I’m kind of disappointed with this Limited Edition release from Arrow Video. Accentuating the positive, both the 4K and Blu-ray editions (available separately) boast excellent video restorations, nicely preserving the film’s bleak imagery, and are a significant improvement over Warner Bros’ previous Blu-ray release. However, the only audio option offered is the original mono track, which is merely adequate.

But the ball is really dropped with the supplemental material. With the exception of a new audio commentary, all the featurettes and interviews (outlined below) are more than 30 years old. Unlike many recent Arrow discs, there are no new video appreciations, critical analyses, documentaries or cast/crew bios. Surely a movie as iconic, influential and timely as Soylent Green warrants at least some kind of newly-produced retrospective. Ultimately, this one is recommended for those unhappy with the video quality of previous releases. But speaking as a longtime fan, it could've been a little more comprehensive.

EXTRA KIBBLES

NOTE: Free Kittens Movie Guide was provided with a promo disc for review purposes. Physical supplemental material included with the final product (booklets, artwork, inserts, etc) were not available for review. 

FEATURETTES - A Look at the World of Soylent Green and MGM Tribute to Edward G. Robinson’s 101st Film were originally created to promote the film’s theatrical release.

INTERVIEWS - Recorded in 1985 and 1994, Charlton Heston and director Richard Fleischer are interviewed on-stage at the British Film Institute. While interesting, neither focuses exclusively on Soylent Green, and Heston’s is audio only. 

2 AUDIO COMMENTARIES - 1) By historian Michael Brooke and author Johnny Mains (NEW); 2) By director Richard Fleischer and actor Leigh Taylor-Young.

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