Blu Tuesday is a weekly column where we review the newest Blu-ray and 4K releases, along with a brief rundown of the included bonus material, to determine whether they’re worth buying, renting or skipping.
Pick of the Week: “Predator: Badlands”
Dan Trachtenberg might just be one of the most exciting genre directors working today. In addition to the underrated “10 Cloverfield Lane” and his fan-favorite episode of “Black Mirror,” Trachtenberg has single-handedly revived the Predator franchise in just three short years. Though 2022’s “Prey” remains the best film in the series, 2025’s “Predator: Badlands” doesn’t fall too far behind. Much like his first entry, “Badlands” marks another major departure for the franchise, this time by centering its story on a young, exiled Yautja who teams up with an immobilized Weyland-Yutani synthetic to survive a hostile planet and claim his first hunt. It’s the first time that the titular Predator has been the main character, and though that may anger some fans who would prefer the Predator remain the menacing antagonist, it’s an enjoyable shift that allows for an expansion of the Yautja mythos while also creating a more fun, lighthearted sci-fi adventure that still delivers the intense action that fans crave.
Extras include an audio commentary by Trachtenberg, producer Ben Rosenblatt, director of photography Jeff Cutter and stunt coordinator Jacob Tomuri, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at making the film and some deleted scenes. FINAL VERDICT: RENT
Also Out This Week:
“Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” — The “Now You See Me” franchise seemed dead in the water after the 2016 sequel, so it came as a bit of a shock when Lionsgate announced a new film in the series nearly a decade later. The first two movies aren’t exactly groundbreaking cinema, but they’re fun heist-style thrillers that thrive off their star-studded ensembles and clever set pieces — something director Ruben Fleischer doubles down on for “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” by pushing the series even further into “Fast & Furious” territory with its swelling cast and globe-trotting escapades. And honestly, I’m here for it. The script does an admirable job of juggling its large ensemble (even if some characters inevitably get lost in the shuffle), and the “magic” sequences are delightfully ludicrous. Granted, it’s also incredibly flawed, but that never stood in the way of a good guilty pleasure, which is exactly the level that this movie is operating on. Extras include an audio commentary by Fleischer and producer Bobby Cohen, as well as a collection of behind-the-scenes featurettes and some deleted scenes. FINAL VERDICT: RENT
“Song Sung Blue” — Based on the 2008 documentary of the same name, which recounts the true story of a Milwaukee-based Neil Diamond tribute band named Lightning & Thunder, “Song Sung Blue” is a pretty standard musical biopic that is filled with all the typical highs and lows that audiences have come to expect from the genre. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson are both solid in their roles, and the musical sequences are all fantastic, but the middle section really drags and sucks the fun out of the proceedings. Though “Song Sung Blue” is certainly an interesting true-life story, it’s not unique or extraordinary enough to warrant an entire film, especially when a documentary already exists. Extras include an audio commentary by writer/director Craig Brewer, a trio of behind-the-scenes featurettes, and extended versions of “Crunchy Granola Suite” and “Sweet Caroline.” FINAL VERDICT: RENT
“Rental Family” — Brendan Fraser experienced one of the best career comebacks in recent memory with his Oscar-winning turn in “The Whale,” so it’s nice to see the actor build on that moment with another great performance, this time in Hikari’s wholesome family drama, “Rental Family.” Fraser’s performance is especially impressive considering he spends half the movie speaking Japanese, though it’s his affable, puppy-dog charisma that makes him such a perfect fit for the role. Though the film’s supporting cast is equally as delightful, “Rental Family” lives and dies on the shoulders of its leading man, whose everyman performance carries this slight but endearing exploration of loneliness and companionship in the modern age. Extras include a making-of featurette and some deleted scenes. FINAL VERDICT: RENT
“Sisu: Road to Revenge” — This sequel to the criminally underseen WWII action flick “Sisu,” once again helmed by Finnish director Jalmari Helander, isn’t quite as memorable as its predecessor, but it delivers the same level of over-the-top violence — via some inventive and increasingly ridiculous set pieces — that made the first film such a sleeper hit. “Road to Revenge” throws all logic out the window, with gravity-defying feats that make it feel more like a Looney Tunes cartoon than a war movie. However, it’s all part of the film’s charm, as it’s imbued with the kind of giddy, midnight-movie energy that is hard to ignore. Though the decision to cast Stephen Lang as the film’s villain comes off as a bit lazy, “Road to Revenge” is a more than adequate sequel that understands the assignment and doesn’t disappoint. Extras include a short making-of featurette and an alternate ending. FINAL VERDICT: RENT
“Cloud” — Director Kiyoshi Kurosawa has jumped between so many different genres over the course of his career — from psychological horror to domestic drama — that you never quite know what to expect from him, but if there’s a prevailing theme to his work, it’s the idea of isolation in a technology-driven society. His latest film, “Cloud,” explores the parasitic world of online resellers and how the toxicity of internet culture can escalate into real-world violence. Though the movie starts out as a relatively low-key character study of an internet reseller who ruthlessly exploits a network of buyers and sellers for financial gain, “Cloud” springs to life in its final hour as it shifts dramatically into a violent revenge thriller that serves as a chilling and timely commentary on the dangers of digital anonymity. Extras include an interview with Kurosawa and a short essay by film critic Sean Gilman. FINAL VERDICT: RENT
Disclosure: Bullz-Eye was provided a copy of the above titles for review purposes.
