Arrow Video are back with another month of DVD, Blu-ray and dual format releases. Below you will find the March release schedule for U.K., U.S.A. and Canada releases.
DEAD OR ALIVE TRILOGY
Release Date:
27th March 2017 (U.K. Release)
28th March 2017 (U.S.A./Canada Release)
Format: Blu-ray & DVD
Directed By: Takashi Miike
Beginning with an explosive, six-minute montage of sex, drugs and violence, and ending with a phallus-headed battle robot taking flight, Takashi Miike’s unforgettable Dead or Alive Trilogy features many of the director’s most outrageous moments set alongside some of his most dramatically moving scenes. Made between 1999 and 2002, the Dead or Alive films cemented Miike’s reputation overseas as one of the most provocative enfants terrible of Japanese cinema, yet also one of its most talented and innovative filmmakers.
In Dead or Alive, tough gangster Ryuichi (Riki Takeuchi) and his ethnically Chinese gang make a play to take over the drug trade in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district by massacring the competition. But he meets his match in detective Jojima (Show Aikawa), who will do everything to stop them. Dead or Alive 2: Birds casts Aikawa and Takeuchi together again, but as new characters, a pair of rival yakuza assassins who turn out to be childhood friends; after a botched hit, they flee together to the island where they grew up, and decide to devote their deadly skills to a more humanitarian cause. And in Dead or Alive: Final, Takeuchi and Aikawa are catapulted into a future Yokohama ruled by multilingual gangs and cyborg soldiers, where they once again butt heads in the action-packed and cyberpunk-tinged finale to the trilogy.
Each of them unique in theme and tone, the Dead or Alive films showcase Miike at the peak of his strengths, creating three very distinct movies connected only by their two popular main actors, each film a separate yet superb example of crime drama, character study, and action filmmaking.
SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS:
(Blu-ray Special Features)
High Definition digital transfers of all three films
Original uncompressed stereo audio
Optional English subtitles for all three films
New interview with actor Riki Takeuchi
New interview with actor Sho Aikawa
New interview with producer and screenwriter Toshiki Kimura
New audio commentary for Dead or Alive by Miike biographer Tom Mes
Archive interviews with cast and crew
Archive making-of featurettes for DOA2: Birds and DOA: Final
Original theatrical trailers for all three films
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Orlando Arocena
SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS:
(DVD Special Features)
High Definition digital transfers of all three films
Original stereo audio
Optional English subtitles for all three films
New interview with actor Riki Takeuchi
New interview with actor Sho Aikawa
New interview with producer and screenwriter Toshiki Kimura
New audio commentary for Dead or Alive by Miike biographer Tom Mes
Archive interviews with cast and crew
Archive making-of featurettes for DOA2: Birds and DOA: Final
Original theatrical trailers for all three films
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Orlando Arocena
First pressing only: Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the films by Kat Ellinger
Duration: 105 / 97 / 89 mins
Language: Japanese
Subtitles: English
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audio: Stereo
Colour
Discs: 2 (Blu-ray) 3 (DVD)
THE CREEPING GARDEN
Not a horror film or even a sci-fi but it sure plays out like one.
Release Date:
13th March 2017 (U.K. Release)
14th March 2017 (U.S.A./Canada Release)
Format: Dual Format DVD & Blu-ray
Directed By: Jasper Sharp, Tim Grabham
A REAL-LIFE SCIENCE-FICTION MOVIE EXPLORING A WORLD CREEPING RIGHT BENEATH OUR FEET, WHERE TIME AND SPACE ARE MAGNIFIED AND INTELLIGENCE REDEFINED.
The Creeping Garden is an award-winning feature-length creative documentary exploring the extraordinary world of the plasmodial slime mould as revealed through the eyes of the fringe scientists, mycologists and artists who work with them.
Long overlooked by biologists, in recent years this curious organism has become the focus of much research in such areas as biological-inspired design, emergence theory, unconventional computing and robot engineering, much of which borders on the world of science fiction. The film transports us from the laboratory into its natural habitat, depicting these otherworldly lifeforms using startling time-lapse macro-cinematography to reveal hidden facets of the world around us.
Co-directed by the artist film-maker Tim Grabham (KanZeOn) and author and film critic Jasper Sharp, with an original soundtrack composed by celebrated musician and producer Jim O’Rourke (Sonic Youth, Grizzly Man), The Creeping Garden is a unique exploration into a hitherto untapped subject matter, immersing the viewer within the worlds of the observers and the observed.
DIRECTOR-APPROVED SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS
High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
Original 2.0 audio (uncompressed on the Blu-ray)
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
Audio commentary by directors Tim Grabham and Jasper Sharp
Biocomputer Music, a short film by Grabham on the first biocomputer music system, allowing a two-way musical dialogue between man and slime mould
Return to the Fungarium, a featurette revealing further treasures of the fungarium at Kew Gardens
Feeding Habits of Physarum, a featurette on the feeding preferences and dislikes of slime moulds
Three cinema iloobia short films: Milk (2009), Rotten (2012) and Paramusical Ensemble (2015)
Angela Mele’s animated slime moulds
Gallery
US theatrical trailer
Reversible sleeve featuring two pieces of original artwork
THE CREEPING GARDEN SOUNDTRACK [Limited Edition Exclusive]
Bonus CD containing the rearranged soundtrack to The Creeping Garden by legendary producer and musician Jim O’Rourke
Plus… First pressing only: Illustrated collector’s booklet containing writing on the film by Jasper Sharp
Duration: 84 mins
Language: English
Subtitles: English SDH
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: Stereo 2.0
Colour
Discs: 2
HOUSE: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION
Release Date:
27th March 2017 (U.K. Only Release)
Format: Dual Format DVD & Blu-ray
Directed By: Steve Miner, Ethan Wiley, James Isaac, Lewis Abernathy
This Arrow Video release sees the House saga, brought together on Blu-ray for the first time in a spectacular Dual Format set. Scary, funny and downright entertaining, the four House films each tell a different tale of creepy old houses as the people living in them deal with undead Vietnam vets, zombie cowboys, murderers that refuse to die and, naturally, possessed pizzas. Lots of fun and utterly bonkers, House: The Complete Collection is a must for horror and cult fans alike.
Synopsis:
Step inside, we’ve been expecting you! At long-last, Arrow Video is proud to present the complete House saga, brought together on Blu-ray for the first time!
In the original House, William Katt (Carrie) stars as Roger Cobb, a horror novelist struggling to pen his next bestseller. When he inherits his aunt’s creaky old mansion, Roger decides that he has found the ideal place in which to get some writing done. Unfortunately, the house’s monstrous supernatural residents have other ideas…
House II: The Second Story sees young Jesse (Arye Gross) moving into an old family mansion where his parents were mysteriously murdered years before. Plans for turning the place into a party pad are soon thwarted by the appearance of Jesse’s mummified great-great-grandfather, his mystical crystal skull and the zombie cowboy who’ll stop at nothing to lay his hands on it!
In House 3 (released domestically as The Horror Show) Lance Henriksen (Aliens) stars as a detective who sends a sadistic serial killer to the electric chair, only to find himself stalked by the maniac from beyond the grave.
Meanwhile, House IV: The Repossession has William Katt returning to the fold for one last terrifying tale that mixes seedy mobsters, Native American spirits and a singing pizza in perhaps the barmiest House entry of all!
From the team that brought you Friday the 13th, the House films are era-defining horror classics – now newly restored and loaded with brand new extras!
There’s possibly not a barmier slice of late 80s and early 90s horror as the House series. Packed with brilliant visual effects, the four films tell tales of hauntings, magic, monsters and mayhem as their various characters get to grips with living in some of the creepiest houses around.
The four films star a host of cult faces including William Katt (Carrie), Arye Gross (TV’s Castle), Lance Henriksen (Aliens), Dedee Pfeiffer (Vamp) and Brion James (Blade Runner), and make for some seriously fun viewing with each film’s different theme. Whether it’s the shadow of Vietnam in House, the horror-comedy chops of House II: The Second Story, the all-out scares of House III: The Horror Show, or the downright craziness of House IV each film in the collection has something to keep horror and cult cinema fans happy.
House: The Complete Collection is a perfect piece of Saturday night fun, so grab a beer and a slice of (hopefully not singing) pizza, and settle in to enjoy one of the most entertaining US horror franchises of all time.
Special Features:
LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
Brand new 2K restorations of all four films
High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
The House Companion – limited edition 60-page book featuring new writing on the entire House franchise by researcher Simon Barber, alongside a wealth of archive material
HOUSE
Audio commentary with director Steve Miner, producer Sean S. Cunningham, actor William Katt and screenwriter Ethan Wiley
Ding Dong, You’re Dead! The Making of House – brand new documentary featuring interviews with Steve Miner, Sean S. Cunningham, Ethan Wiley, story creator Fred Dekker, stars William Katt, Kay Lenz, and George Wendt, composer Harry Manfredini, special make-up and creature effects artists Barney Burman, Brian Wade, James Belohovek, Shannon Shea, Kirk Thatcher, and Bill Sturgeon, special paintings artists Richard Hescox and William Stout, and stunt coordinator Kane Hodder
Stills Gallery
Theatrical Trailers
HOUSE II: THE SECOND STORY
Audio commentary with writer-director Ethan Wiley and producer Sean S. Cunningham
It’s Getting Weirder! The Making of House II: The Second Story – brand new documentary featuring interviews with Ethan Wiley, Sean S. Cunningham, stars Arye Gross, Jonathan Stark, Lar Park Lincoln, and Devin DeVasquez, composer Harry Manfredini, special make-up & creature effects artists Chris Walas, Mike Smithson, visual effects supervisor Hoyt Yeatman, and stunt coordinator Kane Hodder
Stills Gallery
Theatrical Trailer
HOUSE III: THE HORROR SHOW
Uncut Version, for the first time on Blu-ray!
Audio commentary with producer Sean S. Cunningham
The Show Must Go On – interview with actor/stuntman Kane Hodder
House Mother – interview with actress Rita Taggart
Slaughter Inc. – brand new featurette with special make-up effects creators Robert Kurtzman, Greg Nicotero and Howard Berger
Behind-the-Scenes Footage
Stills Gallery
Theatrical Trailer
HOUSE IV: THE REPOSSESSION
Audio commentary with director Lewis Abernathy
Home Deadly Home: The Making of House IV – brand new documentary featuring interviews with director Lewis Abernathy, producer Sean S. Cunningham, stars Terri Treas and William Katt, actor/stunt coordinator Kane Hodder, and composer Harry Manfredini
Stills Gallery
Theatrical Trailer
Language: English
Subtitles: English SDH
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audio: Mono
Colour
Discs: 8
HOUSE: TWO STORIES
NEW Release Date:
11th April 2017
(U.S.A./Canada Release Only)
Format: Blu-ray
Directed By: Steve Miner, Ethan Wiley
Step inside, we’ve been expecting you! At long-last, Arrow Video is proud to present the first two instalments of hit horror franchise House on Blu-ray for the first time!
In the original House, William Katt (Carrie) stars as Roger Cobb, a horror novelist struggling to pen his next bestseller. When he inherits his aunt’s creaky old mansion, Roger decides that he’s found the ideal place in which to get some writing done. Unfortunately, the house’s monstrous supernatural residents have other ideas…
Meanwhile, House II: The Second Story sees young Jesse (Arye Gross) moving into an old family mansion where his parents were mysteriously murdered years before. Plans for turning the place into a party pad are soon thwarted by the appearance of Jesse’s mummified great-great-grandfather, his mystical crystal skull and the zombie cowboy who’ll stop at nothing to lay his hands on it!
From the team that brought you Friday the 13th, House and House II are era-defining horror classics – now newly restored and loaded with brand new extras!
LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS:
• Brand new 2K restorations of House and House II: The Second Story
High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• The House Companion – limited edition 60-page book featuring new writing on the entire House franchise by researcher Simon Barber, alongside a wealth of archive material
HOUSE:
• Audio commentary with director Steve Miner, producer Sean S. Cunningham, actor William Katt and screenwriter Ethan Wiley
• Ding Dong, You’re Dead! The Making of House – brand new documentary featuring interviews with Steve Miner, Sean S. Cunningham, Ethan Wiley, story creator Fred Dekker, stars William Katt, Kay Lenz, and George Wendt, composer Harry Manfredini, special make-up and creature effects artists Barney Burman, Brian Wade, James Belohovek, Shannon Shea, Kirk Thatcher, and Bill Sturgeon, special paintings artists Richard Hescox and William Stout, and stunt coordinator Kane Hodder
• Stills Gallery
• Theatrical Trailers
HOUSE II: THE SECOND STORY:
• Audio commentary with writer-director Ethan Wiley and producer Sean S. Cunningham
• It’s Getting Weirder! The Making of House II: The Second Story – brand new documentary featuring interviews with Ethan Wiley, Sean S. Cunningham, stars Arye Gross, Jonathan Stark, Lar Park Lincoln, and Devin DeVasquez, composer Harry Manfredini, special make-up and creature effects artists Chris Walas, Mike Smithson, visual effects supervisor Hoyt Yeatman, and stunt coordinator Kane Hodder
• Stills Gallery
• Theatrical Trailer
DEATH WALKS ON HIGH HEELS
Release Date:
20th March 2017 (U.K. Release)
7th March 2017 (U.S.A./Canada Release)
Format: Blu-ray & DVD
Directed By: Luciano Ercoli
Although less celebrated than some of his better known giallo peers such as Dario Argento, Mario Bava and Sergio Martino, late producer-turned-director Luciano Ercoli contributed three hugely entertaining and memorable entries to the genre – including this, his 1971 sophomore effort, Death Walks on High Heels.
Spanish-born model and actress Nieves Navarro stars as Nicole, an exotic dancer who finds herself terrorized by a black-clad assailant determined on procuring her murdered father’s stolen gems. Fleeing Paris in hopes of evading her knife-wielding pursuer, Nicole arrives in England only to discover that death stalks her at every corner.
With the scene-stealing Navarro at its center, Death Walks on High Heels manages to subvert the conventions of the giallo film by having a ballsy, well-rounded female protagonist to root for – representing a welcome departure from the neurotic stereotypes found elsewhere within the genre.
SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS:
2K restoration from the original camera negative
Original Italian and English soundtracks in mono audio
Newly translated English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the English soundtrack
Audio commentary by film critic Tim Lucas
Introduction to the film by screenwriter Ernesto Gastaldi
From Spain with Love – featurette comprising newly-edited archive footage of director Luciano Ercoli and actress Nieves Navarro, interviewed at their home in Barcelona
Master of Giallo – screenwriter Gastaldi on Death Walks on High Heels and how to write a successful giallo
Death Walks to the Beat – a career-spanning interview with High Heels composer Stelvio Cipriani
Original Italian and English Trailers
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Gilles Vranckx
Duration: 108 mins
Language: Italian / English
Subtitles: English / English SDH
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: Mono
Colour
Discs: 1
DEATH WALKS AT MIDNIGHT
Release Date:
20th March 2017 (U.K. Release)
7th March 2017 (U.S.A./Canada Release)
Format: Blu-ray & DVD
Directed By: Luciano Ercoli
The second film in Luciano Ercoli’s Death Walks series (and his third directorial effort to feature his wife Nieves Navarro, aka Susan Scott), Death Walks at Midnight is arguably the director’s masterpiece – aided in no small part by the screenwriting talents of giallo master Ernesto Gastaldi (Your Vice is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key, Torso).
Navarro stars as Valentina – a model who, in the midst of a drug-fuelled photoshoot, witnesses a brutal murder in the apartment opposite hers. But when the authorities refuse to believe that a crime has been committed, Valentina is forced to assume the role of amateur sleuth in order to unravel the mystery.
Although Ercoli only made a small number of giallo films during his time as director, Death Walks at Midnight (with its ultra-stylized set-pieces and grisly murder sequences) would serve to forever cement his reputation within the genre.
SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS:
2K restoration from the original camera negative
Original Italian and English soundtracks in mono audio
Newly translated English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the English soundtrack
Audio commentary by film critic Tim Lucas
Introduction to the film by screenwriter Ernesto Gastaldi
Extended TV version of the feature
Crime Does Pay – screenwriter Gastaldi reflects on his career in the crime film-writing business, including a look at Death Walks at Midnight
Desperately Seeking Susan – visual essay by Michael Mackenzie exploring the distinctive giallo collaborations between director Luciano Ercoli and star Nieves Navarro
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Gilles Vranckx
Duration: 102 mins
Language: Italian / English
Subtitles: English / English SDH
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: Mono
Colour
Discs: 1
PIECES
Release Date:
27th March 2017 (U.K. Only Release)
Format: Dual Format DVD & Blu-ray
Directed By: Juan Piquer Simón
IT’S EXACTLY WHAT YOU THINK IT IS!
From Juan Piquer Simón, director of the equally unhinged Slugs, Pieces is the original sickening slasher classic, now restored in glorious 4K!
A Boston college campus is being terrorised by a black-clad maniac who collects body parts from his unfortunate co-ed victims. As the corpses (and red herrings) begin to pile up, can Professor Brown (genre veteran Jack Taylor) unmask the murderer before his morbid puzzle is complete?
Boasting some of the most outrageous gore set-pieces ever to splash their way across the screen (including a particularly memorable slow-motion evisceration atop a waterbed), Pieces is an essential slice of Spanish splatter and more gruesome than ever on Blu-ray.
LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS:
Brand new 4K transfer from the original camera negative
Two versions of the feature: Pieces, the US theatrical version, and Mil Gritos Tiene La Noche, the original uncensored director’s cut, presented in Spanish with original score by Librado Pastor [Blu-ray exclusive]
High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
Original English and Spanish Mono Audio
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
5.1 Vine Theater Experience
Alternate Re-score by composer Umberto
Brand new audio commentary with The Hysteria Continues
It’s Exactly What You Think It Is! – brand new featurette offering up an appreciation of Pieces by various filmmaker fans
Brand new interview with art director Gonzalo Gonzalo
Pieces of Juan – a career-spanning interview with director Juan Piquer Simón
The Reddest Herring – extensive interview with actor Paul Smith, including a discussion of Pieces
Audio Interview with producer Steve Minasian
Image Galleries
Theatrical Trailer
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Marc Schoenbach
Collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by critic Michael Gingold
Soundtrack CD featuring the entire original score
Duration: 86 mins
Language: English/Spanish
Subtitles: English SDH/English
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
Audio: Mono
Colour
Discs: 3