What to look forward to this November on Physical Media!

In recent months, the big studios have been putting out amazing releases and re-releases. This coming month, the good people at Universal and Sony home entertainment have outdone themselves with one of the biggest months for releases in recent memory. We have a combination of new and old this coming month, with re-releases of ‘Raw Deal’, ‘The Running Man’, ‘Scream’. ‘Scream 2’ and ‘Highlander’ are all making their way to 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) for the first time here in Australia. In addition to these amazing re-releases, we are also getting ‘Nope’, ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, ‘Beast’, ‘The invitation’, ‘Bullet Train’ and ‘Orphan: First Kill’ also making their way to home media. To celebrate these releases, I will be breaking each of them down, telling you why you need to check these out and why they need to be in your collection. So, without further ado, let's get stuck into the hottest releases this November. Let’s go!

Nope 4K UHD (2022) – It goes without saying, writer/director/producer Jordan Peele is one of, if not, the most exciting talents working in Hollywood today. Peele’s ability to blend satire, heavy political and social themes, with fun, blockbuster entertainment, is to be admired. Few filmmakers are able to tow this line, but Peele does it seamlessly. His 2022 film ‘Nope’ may just be the best example of this. The film plays as a modern re-telling of M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘Signs’, with the film's setting, general premise feeling very reminiscent of that film, but with a few modern twists. Peele creates an atmospheric and thought-provoking sci-fi epic that is populated with great characters, brought to life by truly enthralling performances. Daniel Kaluuya is fantastic as always, Keke Palmer steals the show as Emerald, Steven Yeun’s character Jupe is suitably arrogant, but with layers, Brandon Perea’s Angel is great comedic relief and Michael Wincott is great as the grizzled, cinematographer after the impossible shot Antlers Holst. The interactions between these characters are amazing as well, Peele does a great job once again blending the horror aspect with comedy. ‘Nope’ looks and sounds fantastic as well, so if you’re a 4K UHD collector, you need this one! ‘Nope’ releases November 9.

Buy Nope on 4K UHD here!

Scream & Scream 2 4K UHD (1996 & 1997) – Headed to 4K UHD for the first time are Scream and Scream 2, Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson’s horror classics. It’s hard to quantify exactly how big the impact that the Scream films had on the genre, the industry and pop culture in general. The original film presented an intriguing mystery to the backdrop of a sleepy, small town. However, what sets this film apart from other slashers in the horror sub-genre Is the fact that the film is almost a comedy. It pokes fun at the genre and its pitfalls, in a clever and meta way. Wes Craven nails both of these films. They’re anchored by a fantastic lead turn from Scream queen, Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott. Whilst the killers behind the Ghostface mask change from film to film, the constant is Sidney. Both films look marvelous remastered in 4K UHD as well. As a horror fan, I have been waiting for these to get the 4K treatment, and I am very satisfied with how they both look. These are must own films for horror fans. Scream & Scream 2 on 4K UHD hit shelves November 9.

Buy The Scream Movies here!

The Invitation Blu-Ray (2022) – The vampire genre has been seeing a resurgence as of late. In 2022, we got ‘The Invitation’ which sees Evie (played by Nathalie Emmanuel) courted and swept off her feet, only to realise the family she has married into is not what they seem. The film is very reminiscent to 2019s ‘Ready or Not’ which ranks among my favourite’s films of 2019 respectively. ‘The Invitation’ is elevated by the amazing gothic setting. I have always been a fan of gothic horror and to see it still getting its turn in 2022 is promising. Nathalie Emmanuel is also amazing in the film, knocking it out of the park with her performance as Evie. Evie is one of the best horror heroines of 2022 so far. If you’re a fan of gothic horror films, or vampire films, then this is a must watch.  ‘The Invitation’ hits shelves on November 9.

Buy The Invitation on Blu-ray here!

Beast Blu-Ray (2022) – Idris Elba is one of the biggest movie stars on the planet right now. He is a fantastic lead and elevates every project he tackles. In 2022, he stars in ‘Beast’, which sees Idris Elba play Dr Nate Samuels, who takes his family over to Africa on a safari after the passing of his wife/their mother. A rogue lion is on the loose, and Idris must protect his family and escape the animal in the African outback. This film was a lot of fun. I am a huge monster movie fan, and we just don’t see enough of these films released today, so it was refreshing to see a big-budget monster film, with the likes of Idris Elba and Shartlo Copley in the cast. The African safari setting is also unique and different. ‘Beast is a great thriller, with fun action in the third act, and tense set pieces. It’s well worth your time, especially on Blu-Ray. ‘Beast’ hits shelves November 30.

Buy The Beast on Blu-ray here!

Top Gun: Maverick 4K UHD (2022) – One of the biggest films of all time, and now the highest grossing film of 2022, ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ hits physical media this November. The film sees Tom Cruise return as Maverick as he trains a new group of hot shots, to undertake a do or die mission, whilst also grappling with the death of his wingman Goose, 36 years later. ‘Top Gun: maverick’ is without a doubt, the most fun I have had in a cinema all year. The action in this film is palpable, jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring, all of the above. It is hands down one of the best action films of all time. Tom Cruise does not miss a single beat, returning as maverick. Whilst the actor has aged 36 years in the process, he still feels like the same character all these years later, which is a testament to Mr Cruise’s acting ability, but also his love and affinity for the franchise and the character. Newcomers Miles Teller, Lewis Pullman, Jennifer Connelly, John Hamm and Glen Powell also add a lot to the film, giving their characters a lot of depth and nuance. The film has some of the best action set-pieces I have ever seen put to film, accomplished through awe-inspiring stunt work and dedication from the cast and crew. The film looks and sounds incredible and needs to be seen on 4K UHD. This is a must own for everyone, young and old. ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ hits shelves November 2.

Buy Top Gun or Top Gun Maverick on DVD, Blu-ray & 4K UHD here!

Orphan: First Kill Blu-Ray (2022) – One of the biggest horror hits over the last 15 years, was 2009s ‘Orphan’ which saw a new horror villainous, Esther take centre stage as a ruthless, killing machine with a trauma induced past. In 2022, we got the prequel we didn’t know we needed with ‘Orphan: First Kill’. The film sees actress Isabelle Fuhrman return as Esther, some 15 years later, and once again, nails her performance. Esther is so scary, because she feels so real. She is manipulative and oh so, dangerous. The body count in this film is amped up from the 2009 original, which will appease horror fans, but may make the average movie goer look away. The film is very well directed, with clever camera techniques used to cleverly hide actress Isabelle Fuhrman’s actual height through forced perspective. It is inventive and works very well in the film. Overall, this is a must-watch for horror fans and a great follow-up to the 2009 modern horror classic. ‘Orphan: First Kill’ hits DVD and Blu-Ray November 30. Orphan: First Kill Blu-Ray (2022) – One of the biggest horror hits over the last 15 years, was 2009s ‘Orphan’ which saw a new horror villainous, Esther take centre stage as a ruthless, killing machine with a trauma induced past. In 2022, we got the prequel we didn’t know we needed with ‘Orphan: First Kill’. The film sees actress Isabelle Fuhrman return as Esther, some 15 years later, and once again, nails her performance. Esther is so scary, because she feels so real. She is manipulative and oh so, dangerous. The body count in this film is amped up from the 2009 original, which will appease horror fans, but may make the average movie goer look away. The film is very well directed, with clever camera techniques used to cleverly hide actress Isabelle Fuhrman’s actual height through forced perspective. It is inventive and works very well in the film. Overall, this is a must-watch for horror fans and a great follow-up to the 2009 modern horror classic. ‘Orphan: First Kill’ hits DVD and Blu-Ray November 30. 

Buy Orphan Kill on Blu-ray here!

Bullet Train 4K UHD (2022) – Director David Leitch has been making waves in Hollywood for near 10 years now, directing creative and fun action films such as; co-directing ‘John Wick’ and directing ‘Atomic Blonde’, Deadpool 2’, ‘Hobbs & Shaw’ whilst also doing stunt work for the ‘Oceans’, ‘XXX’ and ’Bourne’ franchises among others. In 2022, the director struck gold again, directing one of 2022s best action flicks with ‘Bullet Train’. ‘Bullet Train’ sees Brad Pitt play Ladybug, an assassin, who finds himself on a bullet-train with 4 other assassins who all have one thing in common with their missions. ‘Bullet Train’ is a lot of fun from start to finish. It is filled with amazing action, which is to be expected now from a David Leitch film. The supporting cast are all wonderful as well, with the likes of Bryan Tyree-Henry, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Sandra Bullock, Zazie Beats, Joey king and Michael Shannon among the other cast members who round out this all-star ensemble. The confined setting also amps up the tension, as there is nowhere to hide and no way of escape. The film doesn’t take itself overly seriously, which adds to the fun of the action and the overall enjoyment in the film. This is without a doubt, a must watch in 2022 and for collectors, a must own for your collection. ‘Bullet Train’ hits DVD, Blu-Ray and 4K UHD November 9.

Buy Bullet Train on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K UHD here!

Raw Deal 4K UHD (1986) – Arnold Schwarzenegger is without a doubt, one of the biggest movie stars of all time, period. His impact on action is still felt today, with some of his films ranking among the best in their respective genres. In recent years, his output has been limited, but thanks to the good team at StudioCanal, we have been receiving more and more 4K UHD classics remastered from his hay day. This month were treated to two of these films, the first is John Irvin’s 1986 action/thriller ‘Raw Deal’. ‘Raw Deal’ sees a former FBI agent, turned small-town sheriff, re-team with the FBI to infiltrate the Chicago mafia. The film is typical 1980s action fun, it never takes itself too seriously, giving audiences the big, badass action they come to expect from an Arnold Schwarzenegger lead film. If you’re a fan of 1980s action flicks and haven’t had a chance to check this one out, then you need to, it's well-worth your time, especially now that it has been given the classics remastered treatment. ‘Raw Deal’ classic remastered edition hits shelves November 9.

Buy Raw Deal on 4K UHD here!

The Running Man 4K UHD (1987) – The second Arnold Schwarzenegger title to get a 4K UHD remaster this month, is the 1987 Paul Michael Glaser film ‘The Running Man’. Based on Stephen King’s short story, ‘The Running Man’ sees a falsely convicted policeman who is given a shot at freedom, he is forcibly made to participate in a tv show where convicts must battle killers for their freedom. This is an underrated classic, and one of my favourite Arnold Schwarzenegger films. I have always admired the wacky premise and the creative dystopian setting. The action is a lot of fun as well, with Schwarzenegger bringing his trademark charm and muscle to the film. The film's 4K UHD remaster looks terrific as well, with the colours really popping and the sound improving from the film's previous release. If you’re an Arnie fan this is a must have. ‘The Running Man’ hits shelves on Blu-Ray and 4K UHD November 9.

Buy Running Man on 4K UHD here!

Highlander 4K UHD (1986) – One of the biggest cult classics of all time is the Russell Mulcahy directed ‘Highlander’, starring the late, great sir Sean Connery as Ramirez and Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod. This film was originally tossed aside by critics and audiences alike, but due to its immense success on physical media in the 1990s and even in the present day, the film has gained a new life. This November, the film is headed to 4K UHD for the first time here in Australia and audiences around the country are pumped to see this film in all its 4K glory. The film's set-up and fantastical elements were always begging for the 4K UHD treatment, with improved colour grading, high dynamic range enhancements and great sound, this is easily the best the film has ever looked on physical media. Highland hits shelves in classics remastered Blu-Ray and 4K UHD November 9.

Buy Highlander on 4K UHD here!

November may just be the biggest month for physical media so far this year, with plenty to love for everyone. If you haven’t already started saving so you can pick up these ones from Sanity either in store or online, but hurry and get in quick, you won’t want to miss them.

Christopher Pattison wrote this blog post for Sanity. See more from Chris here