The Priest – Severin Films (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Spain, 1978
Director: Eloy de la Iglesia
Writer: Enrique Barreiro
Cast: Simón Andreu, Emilio Gutiérrez Caba, José Franco, Ramón Repáraz, Ramón Pons, Queta Claver, África Pratt, Esperanza Roy

Release Date: February 3rd, 2026
Approximate Running Time: 100 Minutes 6 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: NR
Sound: DTS-HD Mono Spanish
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region Free
Retail Price: $219.95 (Exorcismo: Defying A Dictator & Raising Hell In Post-Franco Spain)

Video: 4.5/5

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfer, “HD master provided by Grupa W. Associates.”

The Priest comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 45.9 GB

Feature: 20.5 GB

The source looks excellent; flesh tones look healthy, colors are nicely saturated, image clarity and black levels are solid, there are no issues with compression, and the image retains an organic look.

Audio: 4.25/5

This release comes with one audio option, a DTS-HD mono mix in Spanish with removable English subtitles. The audio sounds clear and balanced, and ambient sounds and the score are well represented.

Extras:

Extras for this release include an interview with actor Emilio Gutiérrez Caba titled The Socialist Priest (14 minutes 31 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Spanish with removable English subtitles), an interview with actor Martín Garrido Ramis titled A Provocative Filmmaker (8 minutes 30 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Spanish with removable English subtitles), and a short film directed by Alejo Loren titled El otro Luis (21 minutes 24 seconds, 1.66:1 aspect ratio, Dolby Digital mono Spanish with removable English subtitles).

El otro Luis: A young straight man hides his secret life of having sex with men for money from his family.

Alejo Loren was a friend and collaborator of Eloy de la Iglesia, who would use cues from the score of El otro Luis for his film Confessions of a Congressman. Thematically, El otro Luis has themes that Eloy de la Iglesia's Quinqui films would explore.

The Priest is currently only available as part of a collection of films titled Exorcismo: Defying A Dictator & Raising Hell In Post-Franco Spain. That release comes with 17 additional films, a documentary about Spanish cinema titled Exorcismo: The Transgressive Legacy of Clasificada "S," and a 168-page book.

Summary:

Eloy de la Iglesia directed The Priest. He's known for The Glass Ceiling, The Cannibal Man, No One Heard the Scream, Murder in a Blue World, The Creature, and El pico.

A priest overwhelmed by his sexual desires goes to his fellow priests for help. When they are unable to offer him solutions, he takes drastic measures to curb his libido.

Eloy de la Iglesia was a filmmaker who always pushed boundaries, even when faced with strict censorship laws. After the passing of Francisco Franco, censorship of cinema would cease to exist and for the decade that followed, cinema in Spanish would have an anything-goes approach to it. While other filmmakers might exploit the premise of a film like The Priest, Eloy de la Iglesia offers a nuanced exploration of a man torn between his commitment to God and his sexual desires.

The narrative excels at developing the protagonist's character. It is propelled by two main factors: his struggle to resolve his inner conflicts and the absence of empathy from those around him. The narrative effectively builds momentum by introducing a series of temptations for the protagonist, which build to a point that pushes him over the edge. That said, when the moment of truth finally arrives, the protagonist has finally become comfortable with who he is and moved on from temptation.

While there is no doubt that Eloy de la Iglesia was an extraordinary filmmaker known for his exploration of the human condition, it is important to acknowledge the contributions of his collaborators. Simón Andreu (The Blood Spattered Bride) is cast in the role of Padre Miguel, a priest unable to control his sexual desires. Over the course of his career, he would work with Eloy de la Iglesia six times. While he delivers a remarkable performance that stands out from the rest of the cast, Esperanza Roy (Battered Flesh) delivers another performance of note in the role of a housewife who becomes emotionally attached to Padre Miguel.

Although Eloy de la Iglesia lets the performance take center stage, there is an ample number of visually arresting moments. The visuals are rich with symbolism, featuring striking moments such as a flashback that reveals why Padre Miguel chose the priesthood, scenes depicting his sexual fantasies, and instances where he self-mutilates to suppress his desires. Another area where The Priest excels is its score, which is mostly made up of classical music. Ultimately, The Priest is an extraordinary exploration of the conflict that arises from earthly desires and spirituality.

Severin Films gives The Priest an exceptional release that comes with a solid audio/video presentation and insightful extras; highly recommended.

 

Written by Michael Den Boer

Prison on Fire 1&2: Hong Kong Cinema Classics – Shout! Factory (UHD/Blu-ray Combo)

Theatrical Release Dates: Hong Kong, 1987 (Prison on Fire), Hong Kong, 1991 (Prison on Fire II)
Director: Ringo Lam (Both Films)
Writer: Nam Yin (Both Films)
Cast: Chow Yun-fat, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Roy Cheung, Frankie Ng, Shing Fui-on, William Ho (Prison on Fire), Chow Yun-fat, Chen Sung-young, Yu Li, Tommy Wong, Victor Hon, Elvis Tsui, Wan Yeung-ming (Prison on Fire II)

Release Date: February 24th, 2025
Approximate Running Times: 102 Minutes 15 Seconds (Prison on Fire), 102 Minutes 15 Seconds (Prison on Fire II)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Widescreen / 2160 Progressive / HEVC / H.265 / HDR10 Dolby Vision (Both Films)
Rating: NR
Sound: DTS-HD Mono Cantonese (Both Films)
Subtitles: English (Both Films)
Region Coding: Region Free (4K UHD), Region A (Blu-ray)
Retail Price: $39.99

Prison on Fire: "An explosive crime drama that caused a sensation upon its release, Prison on Fire made audiences in Hong Kong both gasp for breath at its uncompromising violence and cry at the brotherly bond between the two leads (Chow Yun-Fat and Tony Ka Fei Leung, riveting as the inmates navigating the prison system)." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Prison on Fire II: "Ching is a prisoner in a Hong Kong jail that has a large population of Mainland Chinese prisoners. When he escapes to see his young son, who's been put in an orphanage, he's set up by the vengeful chief of security, Zau, who arranges for Ching's downfall at the hands of the Mainlanders and their leader, Dragon. Little does he know how much Ching and Dragon have in common." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 4.5/5 (4K UHD), 4.25/5 (Blu-ray)

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfers, "4K Scan from the Original Camera Negative."

Prison on Fire comes on a 100 GB triple layer 4K UHD.

Disc Size: 69.7 GB

Feature: 69.4 GB

This is a solid restoration; flesh tones and colors look correct, image clarity, black levels, and compression are solid, and the image always looks organic.

Prison on Fire comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 43.3 GB

Feature: 28 GB

This Blu-ray uses the same master that is used for the 4K UHD disc.

Prison on Fire II comes on a 100 GB triple layer 4K UHD.

Disc Size: 77.2 GB

Feature: 76.9 GB

This is a solid restoration; flesh tones and colors look correct, image clarity, black levels, and compression are solid, and the image always looks organic.

Prison on Fire II comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 42.4 GB

Feature: 31.2 GB

This Blu-ray uses the same master that is used for the 4K UHD disc.

Audio: 4.5/5 (Both Audio Tracks)

Each film comes with one audio option, a DTS-HD mono mix in Cantonese with non-removable English subtitles. Both audio tracks sound clean, clear, balanced, and robust when they should.

Extras:

Extras on Prison on Fire’s 4K UHD disc include an audio commentary with James Mudge, a Hong Kong film critic at easternKicks.

Extras on Prison on Fire’s Blu-ray disc include a theatrical trailer (5 minutes 16 seconds, DTS-HD mono Cantonese with non-removable English subtitles), an archival interview with director Ringo Lam (7 minutes 25 seconds, DTS-HD stereo Cantonese with non-removable English subtitles), an interview with author and film critic David West titled Convicts and Convictions (16 minutes 11 seconds, DTS-HD stereo English with non-removable English subtitles for Cantonese film clips), an interview with author Grady Hendrix titled Hong Kong Confidential: Inside Prison on Fire (10 minutes 9 seconds, DTS-HD stereo English with non-removable English subtitles for Cantonese film clips), an interview with production manager Chan Lam titled Burning Ambitions (16 minutes 46 seconds, DTS-HD stereo English with non-removable English subtitles for Cantonese film clips), an interview with post-production manager Tony Chow titled Bravery Behind Bars (13 minutes 16 seconds, DTS-HD stereo Cantonese with non-removable English subtitles), and an audio commentary with James Mudge.

Extras on Prison on Fire II’s 4K UHD disc include an audio commentary with James Mudge.

Extras on Prison on Fire’s Blu-ray disc include a theatrical trailer (2 minutes 58 seconds, DTS-HD mono Cantonese with non-removable English subtitles), an archival audio interview with director Ringo Lam (8 minutes 18 seconds, DTS-HD stereo Cantonese with non-removable English subtitles), an interview with David West titled Stars Behind Bars (16 minutes 12 seconds, DTS-HD stereo English with non-removable English subtitles for Cantonese film clips), an interview with Grady Hendrix titled Hong Kong Confidential: Inside Prison on Fire II (7 minutes 26 seconds, DTS-HD stereo English with non-removable English subtitles for Cantonese film clips), an interview with editor Tony Chow titled A Fiery Follow-up (14 minutes 53 seconds, DTS-HD stereo Cantonese with non-removable English subtitles), and an audio commentary with James Mudge.

Summary:

Ringo Lam followed his breakout film City on Fire with Prison on Fire, an unflinching portrayal of the harsh realities faced by inmates in Hong Kong prisons. The screenplay was written by Nam Yin (Ringo Lam’s brother) and it is based on his prison experiences. While Prison on Fire thematically shares many elements with City on Fire, it leans more into melodrama, whereas City on Fire fits firmly in the heroic bloodshed crime genre. That said, Ringo Lam’s one-two punch of City on Fire and Prison on Fire in 1987 is arguably his greatest year as a filmmaker. Both films redefined their genres, and their impact continues to this day.

While there are intermittent moments of violence, the narrative is exposition-heavy, with the bulk of it focusing on everyday and, in many instances, mundane moments. Another strength of the narrative is how much time it devotes to its characters; these are not just stereotypical personas; they feel like real, in-the-flesh people. Flashbacks very effectively flesh out character backstories by detailing how they ended up in prison. The common link among all the key characters is the choices they have made, which continue to derail their lives.

All around, the performances are outstanding, especially the two leads, Chow Yun-Fat (The Killer) in the role of Chung Tin-ching and Tony Leung Ka-fai (Center Stage) in the role of Lo Ka-yiu. While Chow Yun-Fat's performance is going to command a lot of the attention, the heart and soul of Prison on Fire is Tony Leung Ka-fai’s performance. His character, Lo Ka-yiu, is a victim of circumstance; a man accidentally died after he confronted him for robbing his father's business. Another factor contributing to the excellence of Chow Yun-fat's and Tony Leung Ka-fai’s performances is their remarkable onscreen chemistry.

Although Hong Kong cinema is known for its action sequences, Prison on Fire leans more into violent set pieces that have a rawness to them, which adds authenticity. While the majority of the violence is perpetrated by inmates against one another, the most vicious acts are carried out by the prison's head of security, a character known as 'Killer' Hung. He believes that commanding respect and keeping the inmates in line can only be achieved through brute force. The narrative effectively builds tension, culminating in a prison riot where inmates unleash their pent-up rage on their tormentors.

Ringo Lam was a filmmaker who did not like to repeat himself. While he would often work in the same genre, crime/action films, he only made one sequel, Prison on Fire II. The narrative follows a similar path to its predecessor, and it even culminates with a cathartic finale where characters meet their tormentors head-on. Despite any of these similarities, it never feels like a retread and has an ample amount of surprises that breathe new life into a familiar scenario.

Chow Yun-Fat (Hard Boiled) returns in the role of Chung Tin-ching. And this time around, his character's backstory takes on a more prominent role in the story that unfolds. He’s forced to make the difficult choice to send his son to an orphanage when no other relatives are alive to take care of him. Although both films showcase Chung Tin-ching’s empathy for others, it is ultimately the moments with his son where he shines the brightest. Prison on Fire II affords Chow Yun-Fat an opportunity to showcase his comedic talents.

While mostly known as an action director, Ringo Lam proves with Prison on Fire and Prison on Fire II that he was very adept at crafting dramatic moments. Despite their linkage, each film stands incredibly well on its own. Ultimately, Prison on Fire and Prison on Fire II are two exemplary crime dramas that are among Ringo Lam’s best films.

Prison on Fire and Prison on Fire II get an exceptional release from Shout Factory that comes with a solid audio/video presentation and a wealth of insightful extras. Highly recommended.

Note about the 4K screenshots: It is not possible to make Dolby Vision or HDR10 screenshots that faithfully match the experience of watching a film in motion on a TV. Instead of not having any screenshots, all of the 4K screenshots are m2ts taken with a MPC-HC player and lossless PNGs.

Written by Michael Den Boer

Sakuran – 88 Films (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Japan, 2006
Director: Mika Ninagawa
Writer: Yuki Tanada
Cast: Anna Tsuchiya, Kippei Shîna, Yoshino Kimura, Hiroki Narimiya, Miho Kanno, Masatoshi Nagase, Renji Ishibashi, Masanobu Andô, Minami, Hiroshi Yamamoto, Ken'ichi Endô, Ayame Koike, Kyôko Koizumi

Release Date: March 23rd, 2026 (UK), March 24th, 2026 (USA)
Approximate Running Time: 110 Minutes 40 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: 18 (UK), NR (USA)
Sound: LPCM Stereo Japanese, DTS-HD 5.1 Japanese
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region A,B
Retail Price: £20.00 (UK), $39.95 (USA)

"Anna Tsuchiya (Kamikaze Girls) is Kiyoha, sold into a brothel at a tender age and put to training as a courtesan. As Kiyoha’s rebellious spirit and renowned beauty provoke the jealous rivalry of the other girls in the establishment, the possibility of romance raises its head, but can love provide a genuine possibility of escape for a young woman in her position, in a refined, sensual world where looks and deportment are everything?" - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 5/5

Here’s the information provided about the transfer, "High-Definition Blu-ray presentation in 1.85:1 aspect ratio."

Sakuran comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 41.6 GB

Feature: 33.1 GB

The source looks excellent; flesh tones look healthy, colors are vivid, and image clarity, black levels, and compression are solid.

Audio: 5/5 (Both Audio Tracks)

This release comes with two audio options, a LPCM stereo mix in Japanese and a DTS-HD 5.1 mix in Japanese. Both tracks sound excellent; dialogue always comes through clearly, and everything sounds balanced and robust when it should. Included are removable English subtitles.

Extras:

Extras for this release include a stills gallery with music from the film playing in the background; a teaser #1 (34 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Japanese with removable English subtitles), teaser #2 (40 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Japanese with removable English subtitles), a DVD trailer (2 minutes 27 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Japanese with removable English subtitles), a theatrical trailer (41 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Japanese with removable English), theatrical teaser #1 (19 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Japanese with removable English), theatrical teaser #2 (35 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Japanese with removable English), an introduction by Amber T. (22 minutes 58 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), an audio commentary with Josh Slater-Williams, reversible cover art, removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings, and a 24-page booklet (limited to the first pressing) with cast & crew information, an essay titled Disruption in the Floating World Noe-Japansme in Mika Ninagawa's Sakuran written by Jasper Sharp.

Summary:

For her directorial debut, Mika Ninagawa adapts Moyoco Anno’s manga of the same name. Before directing, she first rose to prominence as a photographer and she was one of the key figures of a 1990s photographic movement in Japan. In her first feature film, she incorporates many elements that were foundational to her photography, particularly the use of vibrant color schemes. This choice enhances the visual storytelling and conveys the emotional depth of the characters.

Set in the Edo era, Sakuran is the story of Kihoya, a woman who was sold as a child into the world of courtesans by her mother. Initially definite, she quickly learns that her only way out is to rise to the top of her profession and marry a man with wealth. From there, she’s a quick learner who becomes one of the most in-demand courtesans. When her mentor commits suicide, she is elevated to the coveted Oiran.

A key reason why Sakuran works as well as it does is because of Anna Tsuchiya's (Kamikaze Girls) portrayal of Kihoya. She delivers an extraordinary performance that perfectly captures her character's rebellious and gentle sides. In the case of the latter, her strongest moments are when she interacts with new girls, showing them an empathy her mentor was lacking. Another performance of note is Miho Kanno (Tomie) in the role of Kihoya’s mentor. She displays cruelty toward Kihoya, which fuels the passion Kihoya needs to ultimately surpass her.

The narrative does an excellent job fleshing out Kihoya’s backstory, and pacing and momentum are never issues. Another strength of the narrative is its ebb and flow between key moments. Although Sakuran employs a vivid color scheme that extends to its costume and production design, it is not a flashy film visually, with the focal point being on the performances. Ultimately, Sakuran is a well-crafted melodrama that quickly draws you into the world it depicts, and its exemplary climax stays with you.

Sakuran gets an excellent release from 88 Films that comes with a solid audio/video presentation and informative extras. Highly recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer

Helter Skelter – 88 Films (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Japan, 2012
Director: Mika Ninagawa
Writer: Arisa Kaneko
Cast: Erika Sawajiri, Nao Ômori, Shinobu Terajima, Gô Ayano, Kiko Mizuhara, Hirofumi Arai, Anne Suzuki, Susumu Terajima, Shô Aikawa, Kaori Momoi, Mariko Sumiyoshi, Narumi Konno, Mieko Harada

Release Date: March 23rd, 2026 (UK), March 24th, 2026 (USA)
Approximate Running Time: 126 Minutes 56 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: 18 (UK), NR (USA)
Sound: DTS-HD Stereo Japanese, DTS-HD 5.1 Japanese
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region A,B
Retail Price: £20.00 (UK), $39.95 (USA)

"Top model and fashion idol Lilico (Erika Sawajiri) is used to being the center of attention—the living epicenter of her own universe and of a multimedia-saturated hyperreality in which everything is airbrushed and color-adjusted to perfection. When she begins to suffer traumatic side effects from her repeated illegal cosmetic surgery sessions, she finds fame comes at a cost, as she is plunged into a nightmarish world where her sense of self-image and identity begins to fracture." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 5/5

Here’s the information provided about the transfer, "High-Definition Blu-ray presentation in 1.85:1 aspect ratio."

Helter Skelter comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 45.6 GB

Feature: 37.5 GB

The source looks excellent; flesh tones look healthy, colors are vivid, and image clarity, black levels, and compression are solid.

Audio: 5/5 (Both Audio Tracks)

This release comes with two audio options, a DTS-HD stereo mix in Japanese and a DTS-HD 5.1 mix in Japanese. Both tracks sound excellent; dialogue always comes through clearly, and everything sounds balanced and robust when it should. Included are removable English subtitles.

Extras:

Extras for this release include a stills gallery music from the film playing in the background, a theatrical teaser (50 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Japanese with removable English), a theatrical trailer (1 minute, Dolby Digital stereo Japanese with removable English), original rehearsal footage (12 minutes 54 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Japanese with removable English), Taipei Film Festival introduction by Mika Ninagawa (5 minutes 19seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Japanese with removable English), Opening Day Stage Greeting (15 minutes 40 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Japanese with removable English), Japanese Premiere Stage Greeting (10 minutes 49 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Japanese with removable English), behind-the-scenes footage of the making of Helter Skelter (12 minutes 3 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Japanese with removable English), an interview with actress Erika Sawaji (5 minutes 50 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Japanese with removable English), an interview with Mika Ninagawa (6 minutes 22 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo Japanese with removable English), an audio commentary with Tori Potenza and Amber T., reversible cover art, removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings, and a 24-page booklet (limited to the first pressing) with cast & crew information, an essay titled Desire Doesn’t Care; It Just Keeps on With Another Face written by Violet Burns.

Summary:

A highly popular celebrity experiences a mental breakdown as a result of the consequences of her numerous plastic surgeries.

Helter Skelter is an exploration of celebrities and how they have contributed to the eroding of society. The protagonist, a model named Lilico, appears outwardly beautiful, but internally she is deeply flawed. She craves being the center of attention, and when anyone diverts the spotlight from her, her insecurities begin to surface. That said, Helter Skelter is a psychological drama with body horror elements.

The narrative quickly grabs your attention with a montage of glamour shots with Lilico. Although the narrative begins at the height of her fame, her mental and physical decline has already begun. From there the narrative does a superb job fleshing out Lilico’s backstory, notably the extensive amount of plastic surgery she’s had done. Running parallel with Lilico’s story is a narrative that revolves around a police investigation into her plastic surgeon and their controversial procedures.

The heart and soul of Helter Skelter is Erika Sawajiri’s extraordinary portrayal of Lilico. Not only does she fulfill the physical attributes of her character exceptionally well, but she also skillfully conveys her state of mind. Another performance of note is Kiko Mizuhara’s portrayal of Kozue Yoshikawa, the new It girl. Where Lilico is motivated by her desire to maintain her status, Kozue is indifferent to her sudden fame. Additionally, Shô Aikawa (Rainy Dog) makes a brief appearance as a movie producer who has an affair with Lilico.

While there is no aspect in which Helter Skelter fails to excel, it is truly a beautifully photographed film, featuring vibrant colors and exemplary production design that creates an utterly tangible world. Mika Ninagawa's background as a photographer greatly aids her direction, especially when she frames compositions. The most memorable moment visually is the scene where Lilico’s hallucinations reach their apex while she’s on a TV show and the use of Beethoven's 9th symphony and striking images creates a perfect fusion. Ultimately, Helter Skelter is an extraordinary cinematic experience about self-identity and how the world sees you.

Helter Skelter gets an excellent release from 88 Films that comes with a solid audio/video presentation and informative extras. Highly recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer