Congo

⍟ Vinegar Syndrome Ultra ⍟

1995 | 108 min | 1.85:1 | English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Directed by Frank Marshall
Starring: Laura Linney, Dylan Walsh, Ernie Hudson, Tim Curry, Grant Heslov, Joe Don Baker

This special limited edition deluxe magnet box + slipcover set (designed by JJ Harrison and Haunt Love), includes a 40-page perfect bound book and is limited to 10,000 units. It is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

TraviCom owner, and multimillionaire, R.B. Travis (Joe Don Baker, Walking Tall) sends his son Charles (Bruce Campbell, The Evil Dead) and his friend Jeffrey (Taylor Nichols, Metropolitan) to the Congo to search for rare blue diamonds that can work as powerful conduits for telecommunications lasers. When Charles and Jeffrey are ambushed, his ex-fiance Dr. Karen Ross (Laura Linney, The Truman Show), who observes the attack via remote video feed, is sent by R.B. Travis to follow in his son’s footsteps back to the Congo to finish what was started and, hopefully, find Charles alive. Upon embarking, Karen encounters Dr. Peter Elliot (Dylan Walsh, Nobody’s Fool), his assistant (Grant Helsov, True Lies) and a gorilla named Amy, who can communicate with humans via a sign language-controlled glove that translates her movements into audible dialogue (voiced by Shayna Fox, Reggie Rocket on Nickelodeon’s Rocket Power). Dr. Elliot is on a poorly-funded expedition to bring Amy back to the Congo, which ends up being made financially viable by a Romanian philanthropist (Tim Curry, Clue) and Karen, who opts to tag along. Once in Africa, they meet up with their guide (Ernie Hudson, Ghostbusters) and find themselves targets of various local militaries, tribes, and a race of gray, killer apes along the way to find the Lost City of Zinj. 

Based on a long-gestating 1980 novel by Michael Crichton (Jurassic Park, Disclosure), CONGO started its adventure to movie screens well over a decade before it hit theaters in the summer of 1995. A similar mash-up of tech-heavy sci-fi and roaring adventure to blockbuster juggernaut Jurassic Park two years prior, Frank Marshall’s (Arachnophobia) screen adaptation of Crichton’s unclassifiable genre amalgam comes to vivid life with a script by noted playwright and screenwriter John Patrick Shanley (Moonstruck, Joe Versus the Volcano), lush cinematography by Spielberg collaborator Allen Daviau (E.T., The Color Purple) and a suitably bombastic score by Jerry Goldsmith (Alien, Poltergeist). Vinegar Syndrome Ultra is proud to present this undeniable staple of mid-90s blockbuster filmmaking in its world UHD debut with a brand new 4K restoration from its original 35mm camera negative alongside a robust assortment of new extras.

Additional info:

• 2-disc Set: 4K Ultra HD (High Bitrate UHD100) / Region A Blu-ray
• 4K UHD presented in Dolby Vision High-Dynamic-Range
• Newly scanned & restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative
• Commentary track with author/screenwriter Kelly Goodner and film historian Jim Hemphill
• “A Crash Course in Ape School. Looking Back at the Creation of Congo’s Gorillas” (50 min) – a new making-of documentary featuring interviews with Stan Winston Studio crew: Christian Colquhoun, Richard Landon, J. Alan Scott, and gorilla suit performers Misty Rosas and Nicholas Kadi
• “Withstand the Test of Time: A Conversation with Congo’s Make-up FX Team” (13 min) – a featurette with artists Matthew Mungle and Michael McCracken 
• “Journey into the Unknown” (25 min) – an archival making-of featurette 
• Extensive behind-the-scenes photo gallery (7 min) 
• Original teaser trailer
• Original theatrical trailer
• 40-page perfect bound book with essay by Simon Abrams, Matt Singer, and Justin LaLiberty (exclusive to the limited deluxe case edition)
• Reversible sleeve artwork
• English SDH subtitles

Blood Tracks

⍟ Vinegar Syndrome ⍟

1985 | 88 min | 2.35:1 | English DTS-HD Master Audio Stereo
Directed by Mats Helge Olsson & Derek Ford
Starring: Jeff Harding, Michael Fitzpatrick, Naomi Kaneda, Brad Powell, Peter Merrill, Harriet Robinson, Tina Shaw, Frances Kelly, Karina Lee, Helena Jacks

This special limited edition spot gloss slipcover (designed by Suspiria Vilchez) is limited to 6,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Heavy metal band Solid Gold are heading up into the snowy mountains to shoot their latest music video, accompanied by their crew and a host of scantily-clad dancers. However, it’s not long before a huge avalanche rocks the area, trapping the rockers and their glamorous entourage on the mountain. The group attempts to radio for help, unaware that its troubles have only just begun – for nearby, a feral, disfigured family has been hiding out in an abandoned factory for decades, and it doesn’t take kindly to strangers. As, one by one, the members of the group wander off to explore the factory, the carnage begins as the crazed family resorts to every possible bloodthirsty measure in an attempt to protect its territory.

Helmed by the enigmatic and extremely prolific Swedish director Mats Helge Olsson (The Ninja Mission), with additional directorial duties being handled by notorious British sexploiter Derek Ford (whose horror writing credits include Don’t Open Till Christmas and The House That Vanished), and starring the then-members of real-life Swedish glam metal band Easy Action, BLOOD TRACKS is a satisfyingly gruesome slasher outing offering up a surprising variety of gory thrills – including impalements, bisections and burnings – plus plentiful bare skin. Now newly restored in 4K from its original 35mm film elements and presented in stunning scope for the very first time, Vinegar Syndrome is delighted to crank up BLOOD TRACKS for its world Blu-ray debut, accompanied by a rocking selection of both new and archival extras!

Additional info:

• Region Free Blu-ray
• Scanned and restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative
• Commentary track with author and film historian Amanda Reyes, film historian Rickard Gramfors and special features producer Ewan Cant
• “Playing It Straight” (16 min) – an interview with actor Jeff Harding
• “I’m with the Band” (20 min) – an interview with actress Naomi Kaneda
• “Bang for Your Buck” (21 min) – an interview with actress Harriet Robinson
• “This Is Going Too Far!” (21 min) – an interview with actor Frederick Offrein Audio interview with actress Tina Shaw (28 min) Archival featurette with Easy Action band members Peo Thyrén and Bo Stagman (aka Zinny Zan) (27 min) Original video trailer Production still gallery Reversible sleeve artwork
• English SDH subtitles

Black Eyed Susan

⍟ Vinegar Syndrome Pictures ⍟

2024 | 84 min | 1.85:1 | English DTS-HD Master Audio Stereo
Directed by Scooter McCrae
Starring: Damian Maffei, Yvonne Emilie Thälker, Marc Romeo, Scott Fowler, Kate Kiddo, Vito Trigo

This special limited edition spot gloss side loading slipcase + slipcover (designed by Luke Insect) is limited to 3,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Derek’s life has taken a turn for the worse. Barely surviving off of ride-share income and living in his car, a chance encounter with childhood friend Gil offers new hope in the form of an unusual job offer: serving as a live tester for a highly sophisticated and unsettlingly realistic AI-powered sex doll named Susan; one specifically designed to handle extreme physical abuse. Initially concerned about how working on such a project might affect his already fragile mental health, the allure of a regular salary is too hard to resist, and Derek agrees. As their sessions become increasingly intense and personal, Derek begins feeling an unexpected emotional attachment towards Susan, which forces him to confront more of his submerged inner demons…

From acclaimed underground writer/director Scooter McCrae (Shatter Dead) comes BLACK EYED SUSAN. Starring Damian Maffei (The Strangers: Prey At Night) and newcomer Yvonne Emilie Thälker in her captivating screen debut as Susan, this unsettling exploration of contemporary sexuality and moral posturing, set against a science-fiction backdrop, offers a stark glimpse at a future that is likely just around the corner. Scored by renowned Italian composer Fabio Frizzi (The Beyond, Zombie) and photographed entirely on 16mm film, Vinegar Syndrome Pictures is proud to present BLACK EYED SUSAN on Blu-ray, loaded with engrossing interviews and commentaries with the cast and crew.

Additional info:

Cannibal! The Musical

⍟ Degausser Video ⍟

1993 | 96 min | 1.33:1 | English DTS-HD Master Audio Stereo
Directed by Trey Parker
Starring: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Dian Bachar, Stan Brakhage, Stephen Blackpool, Toddy Walters, Jon Hegel

Degausser Video is a brand new label created by several of the devious minds behind VS, which will bring to Blu-ray deluxe editions of both canonical and under-seen shot on video (SOV) genre cinema, in addition to work shot on film, but edited on tape, wherein the original film materials are believed to be lost or destroyed. Similar to Vinegar Syndrome’s focus on FILM preservation, Degausser will work only from original analogue tape materials with an emphasis on maintaining the aesthetics inherent to each respective video format. Additionally, each title released by Degausser will be made available in an ultra limited “new” VHS edition, fitted in a custom designed hard shell light box.

This special limited edition 2-disc Blu-ray set comes with a spot gloss hard slipcase + slipcover combo (designed by Brianna Miller), includes a 40-page perfect bound book and is limited to 5,000 units. It is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Alferd Packer, awaiting his execution on the charge of cannibalism, recounts his harrowing story of survival in the snow-covered Colorado mountains while on an ill-fated quest for riches. After being convinced by a group of gold prospectors to join their expedition, Alferd loses his beloved horse, Liane, which unwittingly sets the men on an unplanned adventure, including encounters with a group of very unusual Indians, facing off with ultra-manly fur trappers, and, of course, fudge packing, all before becoming stranded in the freezing winter with no provisions. As tempers flare and stomachs growl, the posse is forced to make the only logical decision: eat each other!

From the deranged and brilliant minds behind the international TV sensation South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s legendary feature filmmaking debut CANNIBAL! THE MUSICAL is the over-the-top, all-singing, and all-dancing story of real-life Colorado cannibal Alferd Packer! Starring Parker as Packer and featuring a guest appearance from legendary experimental filmmaker Stan Brakhage, this unpredictable and thoroughly unhinged musical memoir through one of the grislier footnotes in American history comes to Blu-ray from Degausser Video, newly restored from the best-surviving video and film materials; presented both from the video master plus, for the first time ever, from the only existing 35mm print, and featuring an exclusive and all new feature-length making-of documentary in addition to loads of archival extras and revealing new interviews!

Additional info:

• 2-disc Region Free Blu-ray Set
• Presented in two high-bitrate viewing options:
  • Brand new video restoration from the best-surviving Betacam tape master
  • Brand new 4K restoration from the only surviving film material, a 35mm theatrical print
• Archival ‘inebriated’ commentary with Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Jason McHugh, Dian Bachar and Andy Kemler
• Archival ‘Colorado’ commentary with producers Ian Hardin and Alexandra Kelly, costume designer Elki Neiberger and actors Robert Muratore, Jon Hegel and Toddy Walters
• Brand new cast and crew commentary track with Jon Hegel, Alex & Ian Keldin, Andy Kemler, Elki Neiberger, Robert Muratore and Toddy Walters
• “Fudge, Packer? The True Story of Cannibal! The Musical” (67 min) – a making-of documentary featuring interviews with the cast and crew
• “Nineteen and Horny” (20 min) – a brand new interview with actor Dian Bachar
• “Despite All the Cannibalism” (17 min) – a brand new featurette on adapting Cannibal! The Musical to the stage
• Still gallery from producer Jason McHugh’s personal archive
• Interviews from the 2008 Troma DVD with Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Jason McHugh
• “A Tromatic Visit with the Creators of Cannibal! The Musical” – an archival featurette with Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Jason McHugh
• Behind-the-scenes footage
• Various Troma introductions
• Original Alferd Packer: The Musical trailer
• Cannibal! The Musical trailer
• Deleted scene
• Archival gallery
• Alternate Alferd Packer: The Musical titles
• South Park & Cannibal! The Musical VHS promo video
• “Cannibal! The Musical: Close Ups!” – a look at homegrown productions
• Compiled footage from Cannibal! The Musical stage productions
• Lloyd Kaufman live on stage in a production of Cannibal! The Musical
• 40-page perfect bound with rare photos and ephemera from producer Jason McHugh’s personal archive and an essay by Walter Chaw
• Reversible sleeve artwork
• English SDH subtitles

Ron Sullivan: The Early Years

⍟ Distribpix ⍟

1967, 1968, 1970 / 220 min (combined) / 1.37:1, 1.37:1, 1.33:1 / English DTS-HD MA 1.0
Directed by Ron Sullivan
Starring: Claire Adams, John Keeler, Mary Lamay, Eva Piatkowitz, Claire Eclaire, Cherrie Winters, Steve Treadwell, Gary West, Sagg Taras, Jennifer Welles, Stacey Michaels, Michael Hanes, Hollis Solomon, Blaine Quincy, Iris Brooks, Jessica Stuart and Tomba

From nudies to roughies to ultra weird regional curiosities, the sexploitation world welcomed any filmmaker working in any genre, so long as the limits of nudity and sex on screen were pushed as far as they could go – but never all the way. DISTRIBPIX, one of the legendary names in the genre (and whose extensive library will be the backbone of this line), will offer single, double, and even triple feature Blu-rays highlighting works from every corner and crevice of softcore smut, from the dawn of nudie cuties to the all-but-hard 70s, with plentiful lost and never on disc films along the way.

This special limited edition Blu-ray comes with a spot gloss hard slipcase + slipcover combo (designed by Richard Hilliard), includes a 40-page perfect bound book and is limited to 2,000 units. It is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Before becoming known as one of the masters of big budget theatrical hardcore under the name Henri Pachard, Ron Sullivan cut his teeth making dark, brooding, and often outrageous sexploitation thrillers which reveled in the macabre as much as they did eroticism. Presented here are a trio of Sullivan’s finest early efforts, all newly scanned and restored from 35mm negative materials and on Blu-ray for the first time, from Distribpix. In LUST WEEKEND (1967), Sullivan’s directing debut, a naive couple are lured by a group of sadistic perverts to a large country manor where they are subjected to increasingly depraved and violent acts of torture. An unflinchingly grotesque and sublimely weird roughie, Sullivan expertly merges sex and horror through an underground filmmaking aesthetic, which decades later still packs plenty of squirm-inducing jolts. In THE BIZARRE ONES (1968), Sullivan continues his fascination with sexual perversions, focusing on man-hating Deirdre who picks up a young male hitchhiker and lures him to her country dungeon wherein he is subjected to the torments of Dierdre and her equally vicious friends. Featuring appearances from Warhol superstars Taylor Mead and Louis Waldon, this trippy and unusual roughie more than lives up to its title. In SCORPIO 70 (1970), Sullivan tries his hand at a more transitional narrive in this flashback structured story of smuggling, sexual indiscretions, and ultimately murder, all aboard a boat. Featuring an early starring role for Jennifer Welles (Career Bed) in addition to a catchy original soundtrack by James Taylor, this softcore thriller produced by Sam Lake (The Nesting) is at last making its home video debut.

Additional info:

20,000 Species Of Bees

⍟ Film Movement ⍟

2023 | 128 min | 1.85:1 | Spanish DTS-HD MA 5.1, 2.0
Directed by Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren
Starring: Sofía Otero, Patricia López Arnaiz, Ane Gabarain, Itziar Lazkano

Founded in 2002 as one of the first-ever subscription film services with its DVD-of-the-Month Film Club, Film Movement is now a North American distributor of award-winning independent and foreign films based in New York City. In 2015, Film Movement launched the reissue label Film Movement Classics featuring new restorations released theatrically as well as on home video, with an emphasis on films by auteur directors such as Eric Rohmer, Peter Greenaway and Takeshi Kitano.

This special limited edition slipcover (designed by Beth Morris) is limited to 500 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

In a small, sleepy village in the Basque Country, a sculptor named Ane and her three children arrive at her mother Lita’s home for summer vacation where they are surrounded by extended family and nosy neighbors. Ane and her mother’s relationship is strained — Lita disapproves of her daughter’s frayed marriage, career as an artist, and the way she parents her obstinate and mischievous children. Chief among them is eight-year-old Aitor, nicknamed Coco after it becomes clear that being referred to by the name Aitor elicits feelings of distress in the child. Born biologically male, neither birth name nor the genderless nickname feel quite right, and Ane’s concern for her child grows as Coco becomes more withdrawn. The child’s only respite lies in the Basque hills, where Ane’s aunt Lourdes tends to the family’s beekeeping farm. Among the peaceful humming of bees and Lourdes’ open-minded guardianship, Coco slowly begins to confide in family and friends her discomfort in her body, eventually voicing a desire to be treated as a girl. As Coco explores her own developing identity over the summer, Ane and the rest of her family in turn must learn to accept the child as she is.

Basque director Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren’s assured debut feature is a wonderfully sensitive work carried by the Berlinale Silver Bear winning lead performance of newcomer Sofía Otero. An authentic and heart-wrenching story of transition, 20,000 Species of Bees is “a landmark in the filmic discussion of gender, sexuality and identity,” (The Film Verdict).

Additional info:

• Region Free Blu-ray
• Bonus Short: Cuerdas by Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren
• English subtitles

Adam Green’s Aladdin

⍟ Cartuna ⍟

2016 | 82 min | 1.90:1 | English DTS-HD MA 5.1
Directed by Adam Green
Starring: Adam Green, Alia Shawkat, Natasha Lyonne, Macaulay Culkin, Jack Dishel, Francesco Clemente, Nicole LaLiberte, Bip Ling

Cartuna is a cartoon company and indie film distributor focused on animation, puppetry, DIY art, and alt-comedy. Please enjoy our personal collection of films, our artists will thank you for it!

This special limited edition slipcover is limited to 1,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

A hyper-sensory, poetic, and humorously modern take on the Arabian Nights Classic tale. Shot entirely on papier mache sets like a Jodorowsky film made out of cardboard, the film revolves around Aladdin’s dysfunctional family, who live in a “”Regular Town”” ruled by a corrupt Sultan with a decadent socialite daughter. When Aladdin finds a 3-D printing lamp, we are taken on a journey that explores technology, government repression, greed, and true love.

Additional info:

• Region A Blu-ray
• Trailer
• Cut Lines and Outtakes Reel 
• Behind The Scenes Documentary
• Me From Far Away (Music Video)
• Nature of the Clown (Music Video)
• Never Lift a Finger (Music Video)
• Köln Q&A
• Kickstarter Promo #1 – Taking A Leak In Amsterdam
• Kickstarter Promo #2
• Rejected Trailer
• English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian subtitles

Adult Swim Yule Log

⍟ Dekanalog ⍟

2022 | 91 min | 1.78:1 | English DTS-HD MA 2.0
Directed by Casper Kelly
Starring: Brendan Patrick Connor, Andrea Laing, Justin Miles, Hannah Alline, Skye Passmore

Dekanalog is a film and soundtrack distribution company dedicated to the release of the most unique filmmaking voices and musical scores from around the world. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!

This special limited edition spot gloss lenticular slipcover is limited to 2,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Get in the holiday spirit with this cozy, crackling fire.

Additional info:

• Region A Blu-ray 2 Feature length audio commentaries with cast and crew
• Select scene commentaries
• FX Show-&-Tell
• Yule Log (For Real This Time)
• Booklet with an essay by Grady Hendrix & a conversation with Casper Kelly and Rodney Ascher English SDH subtitles

Bent

⍟ Film Movement Classics ⍟

1997 | 105 min | 1.85:1 | English DTS-HD MA 2.0
Directed by Sean Mathias
Starring: Clive Owen, Mick Jagger, Ian McKellen, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Jude Law, Rachel Weisz, Lothaire Bluteau, Brian Webber, Paul Bettany

Founded in 2002 as one of the first-ever subscription film services with its DVD-of-the-Month Film Club, Film Movement is now a North American distributor of award-winning independent and foreign films based in New York City. In 2015, Film Movement launched the reissue label Film Movement Classics featuring new restorations released theatrically as well as on home video, with an emphasis on films by auteur directors such as Eric Rohmer, Peter Greenaway and Takeshi Kitano.

This special limited edition spot gloss slipcover (designed by Steak Mtn.) is limited to 1,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

In 1930s Berlin, Max (Clive Owen) sleeps with German SA officer Wolf (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), only to see him killed by his fellow Nazis the next morning as part of the Night of the Long Knives. Refusing an offer of new papers from his Uncle Freddie (Ian McKellan) for fear of leaving his boyfriend Rudy behind, Max and Rudy are found by the Gestapo, to whom Max lies about his homosexuality and his relationship with Rudy. Bound for the Dachau concentration camp, Max will have to reckon with his identity, and his dignity, in the face of terrible persecution.

Additional info:

• Region Free Blu-ray
• Cast and Crew Interviews
• Mick Jagger music video Streets of Berlin
• Behind the Scenes footage
• New essay written by Steven Alan Carr

Better Than Something: Jay Reatard

⍟ Factory 25 ⍟

2012 | 88 min | 1.78:1 | English Dolby Digital 2.0
Directed by Alex Hammond & Ian Manciewicz
Starring: Jimmy Lee Lindsay, King Louie Bankston, Scott Bomar, Chad Booth, Alix Brown, Shawn Foree, Eric “Oblivian” Friedl

Factory 25, a Brooklyn-based independent film distribution company was founded in 2009 by Matt Grady. F25 is a home for conceptually provocative narratives and documentaries. Its mission is to deliver specialized film and music titles in an aesthetically captivating way while exposing the indie world to under-the-radar films, music, and other curiosities in various ways and formats — theatrically, digitally, on TV, VOD, via subscription, limited edition DVDs, Blu-ray’s, books and vinyl. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!

This special limited edition slipcover is limited to 1,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

For Jimmy Lee Lindsay, known to his fans and detractors as Jay Reatard, life was a race against time. After growing up fast among Memphis crack addicts, he managed to blaze a path through the rough-and-tumble underground rock scene of the early aughts, releasing over 100 singles, EPs and full-length records in fourteen years.  Then on January 13, 2010, not yet 30, he died.

With their feature documentary Better Than Something, filmmakers Alex Hammond and Ian Markiewicz let Jay tell his own story: a poverty-stricken childhood, teen years spent as a two-fisted tunesmith battling fans and band mates alike, and a short-lived adulthood of focused and relentless productivity.

Jay said “I just try to make as much as I can with the time that I have.” By any measure, that is exactly what he did.  Better Than Something is both a testament to Jay Reatard’s indisputable legacy and a tribute to his vital, thrilling, and all-too-brief life.

Additional info:

• Region Free Blu-ray
• Deleted scenes
• 2024 interviews with cast
• Film and deleted scenes commentary tracks by Eugene Kotlyarenko and Drew Tobia
• 32 page booklet with essays by Andrew Earles, King Khan, King Louie Bankston, Jeffrey Novak, Cole Alexander, TV Smith, Alicja Trout, Scott Bomar
• English subtitles

The Book Of Birdie

⍟ Yellow Veil Pictures ⍟

2017 | 91 min | 2.35:1 | English DTS-HD MA 5.1
Directed by Elizabeth E. Schuch
Starring: Suzan Crowley, Ilirida Memedovski, Kymberly Mellen, Kathryn Browning, Holly Stanfield, Kathryn Haynes, Kati Brazda

Yellow Veil Pictures is a New York City and Los Angeles-based film sales and distribution company focusing exclusively on boundary pushing genre cinema, seeking to highlight filmmakers who exist on the cusp of commercial and arthouse cinema.

This special limited edition slipcover is limited to 1,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Birdie is a fragile and introverted teenager with a dark imagination. When her worried grandmother sends her to a dying convent, Birdie develops unusual obsessions that will mark her as either a saint or a heretic.

Additional info:

• Region A Blu-ray
• Introduction by Director Elizabeth E. Schuch
• The Book of Birdie Documentary Featurette
• Commentary Track with Elizabeth E. Schuch and Rachel and Ariel from the More Deadly Podcast
• Interview with Actress Katie Haynes
• The Look of Birdie: A Video Essay on the Design behind the Book of Birdie
• Elizabeth E. Schuch Introduction for the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival
• Behind the Scene Slideshow
• Deleted Scenes
• The Book of Birdie Outtakes
• Story Board to Scenes
• Auditions Tests
• US Trailer
• The Book of Birdie Team Thank You’s
• The Book of the Book of Birdie with essays from Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, Valeria Villegas Lindvall, Directors Notes and Writers Notes
• New Slipcase Art
• English SDH subtitles

Have A Nice Life

⍟ The Film Desk ⍟

2021 | 82 min | 2.39:1 | English DTS-HD MA 5.1
Directed by Prashanth Kamalakanthan
Starring: Jagathi Kamalakanthan, Lucy Kaminsky, Onur Tukel

The Film Desk is a theatrical and disc distributor founded in 2007 by Jake Perlin, dedicated to releasing masterpieces of international cinema, with a focus on titles never before released in the United States, or long out of circulation, primarily in new 35mm prints.

This special limited edition slipcover (designed by Brandon Schaefer) is limited to 1,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

On two sides of Durham, North Carolina are two very different women: Jyothi, an Indian housewife in an arranged marriage, and Sophie, an unemployed stoner musician. After they both hit dead ends in life, they meet by chance at a pawn shop, and soon find themselves on the run from the law, together on a wild, surreal American road trip to French Canada.

Additional info:

• Region A Blu-ray
• Audio Commentary (2024)
• Behind-the-scenes teaser (2019)
• “Between-the-scenes” featurette (2024)
• Houseplants (2017)
• A Hand (2019)
• English SDH subtitles

Hercules Returns

⍟ Umbrella Entertainment ⍟

1992 | 72 min | 1.77:1 | English DTS-HD MA 2.0
Directed by David Parker
Starring: Bruce Spence; David Argue; Mary Coustas; Michael Carman

Umbrella Entertainment has been a 100% Australian-owned and operated distributor for over 20 years. Their vast home entertainment catalogue features an extensive range of Australian classic, cult and exploitation films restored under the eyes of the original filmmakers. All sourced from national archives, underground collectors and local basements.

This special limited edition spot gloss and embossed slipcover (designed by Robert Sammelin) is limited to 2,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Hercules Returns is the story of Brad McBain (David Argue, Razorback), a frustrated employee of Australia’s largest cinema chain. Brad decides to quite his job and sets about re-opening the Picture Palace, a disused cinema in the Melbourne suburb of St Kilda, to show classic old films.An act of the sabotage on the opening night sees their first film, the 1964 Italian film Samson and His Mighty Challenge, swapped out for a non-subtitled print. As a desperate measure, Brad rallies his projectionist Sprocket (Bruce Spence, Mad Max II) and publicist Lisa (Mary Coustas, TVs Acropolis Now) to improvise voice-overs for the entire film, with hilarious results, to avert disaster.

The North American premiere of Umbrellas 2023 restoration of the original 35mm materials. Also includes the english dub of the original Italian film ‘Samson and His Mighty Challenge’.

Starting off in the late 80s as a live comedy show from the Melbourne troupe Double Take, re-voicing B-grade masterpieces such as Astrozombies and Gene Autry, Hercules Returns is the screen adaptation of the popular show.

Cinematographer David Parker (Malcolm) makes his directorial debut, with a screenplay by original Double Take star Des Mangan, also known for his curation of Cult Movies on SBS Australia, and featuring the voice talents of the original Double Take team.

Move over Mystery Science Theatre, this classic riff from the Double Take team will have you in stitches!

Additional info:

• Region Free Blu-ray
• Audio Commentary with Cast & Crew
• English dub of the Original Italian film ‘Samson and the Mighty Challenge’ [SD]
• Hercules Rap film clip
• Double Take meets Hercules
• Hercules Returns Soundtrack
• Hercules Returns Extended trailer
• Australian Trailer
• US Trailer
• English SDH subtitles

Hitman Hart: Wrestling With Shadows

⍟ Canadian International Pictures ⍟

1998 | 94 min | 1.33:1 | English DTS-HD MA 1.0
Directed by Paul Jay
Starring: Bret Hart, Vince McMahon, Steve Austin, Blade Hart, Helen Hart, Julie Hart, Owen Hart, Stu Hart, The Honky Tonk Man, Mankind, Dave Meltzer, Shawn Michaels, Jim Neidhart, Tammy Sytch, The Undertaker

From arthouse to Canuxploitation, Canadian International Pictures (CIP) is devoted to resurrecting vital, distinctive, and overlooked triumphs of Canadian cinema. This label is focused on the country’s original cinematic boom years – spanning the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s – occasionally venturing past that period (and the country’s borders) to highlight the films of Canada’s most inspired actors and filmmakers. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing CIP’s brand new line of home video releases!

This special limited edition variant slipcover is limited to 1,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them. The original limited edition slipcover (designed by Gary Pullin) was limited to 2,000 units and is sold out.

25th anniversary special edition!

It’s 1997, and the World Wrestling Federation is facing fierce competition from Ted Turner’s World Championship Wrestling. When the legendary Bret “The Hitman” Hart is offered a lucrative opportunity to jump ship to the WCW, WWF mastermind Vince McMahon appeals to his sense of loyalty and lures him back with a 20-year contract. But when McMahon abruptly reneges on the deal, Hart reconnects with the competition, paving the way for one of the most notorious events in the history of professional wrestling: the Montreal Screwjob.

Widely hailed as the greatest wrestling documentary of all time, Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows is an engrossing look at the life and career of Bret Hart and the Hart dynasty. Granted unprecedented access to the secret world of wrestling, director Paul Jay presents a real-world narrative far more dramatic than any story created for the ring. Expanding on the film’s eye-opening perspective, this disc also includes the potent companion doc, The Life and Death of Owen Hart – co-directed by Jay and Sally Blake – which explores the tragic death of Bret’s brother Owen.

Additional info:

• Region A Blu-ray
• Transferred and restored from the Betacam master
• Audio commentary featuring Bret Hart and Wrestling Observer Newsletter editor Dave Meltzer
• Anatomy of a Screwjob (2022, 23 min.) – New interview with Bret Hart
• Directing with Shadows (2022, 23 min.) – New interview with director Paul Jay
• Screwjob-specific commentary (2022, 13 min.) featuring Bret Hart
• Archival interview with Bret Hart (2008, 22 min.)
• Archival interview with Paul Jay (2008, 22 min.)
• The Life and Death of Owen Hart (1999, 47 min.) with an intro by co-director Paul Jay
• Booklet featuring an interview with producer Sally Blake
• Reversible cover artwork
• English SDH subtitles for both films

I Am Santa Claus

⍟ ETR Media ⍟

2014 | 89 min | 1.78:1 | English DTS-HD MA 5.1, 2.0
Directed by Tommy Avallone
Starring: Mick Foley, Santa Claus, Russell Spice, Jim Stevenson, Bob Gerardi, Jerry Lawler, Roddy Piper

ETR Media is the brand new film distribution arm of Enjoy the Ride Records, a Long Island based record label, specializing in cult following reissues through a variety of genres. ETR Media releases will adhere to the same quality standards as fans have come to associate with their lavish LP reissues. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this new and unique home video line!

This special limited edition slipcover is limited to 500 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Everyone thinks of Santa Claus as a magical figure without flaws, but the men who keep his legend alive, real-bearded professional Santa’s, are nothing like the jolly ol’ Saint Nick we’ve all grown up knowing. In reality, the mall Santa in your cherished children’s photo has problems just like the rest of us. Even the jolliest of men fall victim to divorce, job loss, insecurity and even the occasional hangover. ‘I Am Santa Claus’ is a documentary that follows the lives of four real- bearded professional Santa Clauses and one notable (Mick Foley) aspiring Santa as they anticipate and prepare the coming holiday season while showing them for who they actually are; flawed, flesh and blood men who feel an overbearing responsibility to protect the integrity of the spotless, untarnished reputation of the “Red Suit”.  A documentary of an entire year in the lives of five real-bearded professional Santa Clauses to find out what the rest of the year is like for a man who perpetually looks like Jolly Saint Nick.

Additional info:

• Region Free Blu-ray
• Trailer
• Audio Commentary from the Director and Mick Foley
• New Interviews with the Santas
• Film Threat Watch Party
• Extended and Deleted Scenes
• New Mick Foley content
• Behind the Scenes and never before scene footage of the Santas
• English SDH subtitles

Moral

⍟ Kani ⍟

1982 | 157 min | 1.85:1 | Tagalog DTS-HD MA 2.0
Directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya
Starring: Lorna Tolentino, Gina Alajar, Sandy Andolong, Anna Marin, Juan Rodrigo

Named after Yasujiro Ozu’s custom-made, tatami-level, crab-like tripod, Kani is a new home video label dedicated to leveling the gaze and furthering the understanding of Asian cinema in North America. Focused on genre-defying films, Kani aims to expand the canon, bolster up-and-coming filmmakers and reintroduce repertory classics in context. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!

This special limited edition slipcover is limited to 1,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Four best friends are graduating from the University of the Philippines Diliman, their paths diverging in significant, if inevitable ways. Joey (Lorna Tolentino) bounces from lover to lover, couch to couch. Kathy (Gina Alajar), a mediocre singer, is intent on making it at all costs. Sylvia (Sandy Andolong) separates from her husband, while he sets up house with another man. Maritess (Anna Marin) gets married and sees her life reduced to the role of mother and housewife. Over the course of three years, the life of four friends intersects at the vanguard of wider societal changes.

Unhurried, rich with character development, and unlike any ensemble in international cinema, Moral, the midpoint film in Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s landmark feminist trilogy, is often considered one of the best Filipino films ever made. Miraculously restored from near-unsalvageable elements in 2017, it remains an essential film for its bold structure and epic portrait of womanhood in the time of Martial Law. From anti-Marcos resistance to American culture creeping to new values being put in practice, Moral is a novelistic examination of an evolving Philippines society heading into the 80s with updated definitions.

Additional info:

• Region A Blu-ray
• 2K restoration
• Interview with Ricky Lee
• Interview with Laurice Guillen
• Featurette about the restoration
• Booklet with new writing by Jason Tan Liwag
• New cover artwork by Louis-Alexandre Beauregard
• English subtitles

The Owners

⍟ Big World Pictures ⍟

2019 | 96 min | 2.35:1 | Czech DTS-HD MA 5.1
Directed by Jiří Havelka
Starring: Tereza Ramba; Vojta Kotek; Dagmar Havlová; Jiří Lábus

Founded in 2013, Big World Pictures is a non-profit distribution outfit dedicated to bringing the best in world cinema to film enthusiasts across the United States. Previous releases include films by Radu Jude, Tamer El Said, Maya Vitkova, Jean-Gabriel Périot, Julia Murat, Tsai Ming-liang and Eric Rohmer. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!

This special limited edition slipcover (designed by Beth Morris) is limited to 500 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

A timely metaphor for failing democracy, THE OWNERS takes a seriocomic look at the most local form of self-governance: the co-op apartment building meeting. It includes a curious cast of characters, all of whom own apartments in the same building in Prague, as they attempt to tolerate each other’s presence long enough to make some important decisions about the building’s future. Mrs. Zahrádková wants to save the old crumbling house she shares with other owners of the flats located in it. She might find supporters for her plan in young newlyweds with their idealistic enthusiasm, who have just moved in and are astonished by the co-owners’ inability to agree on anything.  Mrs. Zahrádková wants to save the old crumbling house she shares with other owners of the flats located in it. She might find supporters for her plan in young newlyweds with their idealistic enthusiasm, who have just moved in and are astonished by the co-owners’ inability to agree on anything.  Mrs. Roubíčková vigilantly controls the proper course of the meeting, not allowing the slightest deviation from the rules; Mrs. Procházková and her proclaimed business partner Mr. Novak are looking for ways to increase the value of their property, including by subletting an apartment to African students; Mr. Nitranský tries to get hold of the attic to expand his flat; and frustrated Mr. Kubát sabotages any decision. 

Additional info:

• Region A Blu-ray
• Other Big World Pictures trailers
• English subtitles

Red Rooms

⍟ Utopia ⍟

2023 | 118 min | 1.78:1 | French Canadian DTS-HD MA 5.1, 2.0
Directed by Pascal Plante
Starring: Juliette Gariépy, Laurie Babin, Elisabeth Locas, Maxwell McCabe-Lokos, Natalie Tannous, Pierre Chagnon, Guy Thauvette

Utopia is a film acquisitions, sales, and technology company with a ‘filmmaker first’ approach. Utopia focuses on creating new revenue and monetization opportunities, improving the direct-to-consumer experience, and helping filmmakers maintain a global presence. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing Utopia’s brand new line of home video releases!

This special limited edition spot gloss slipcover (designed by Chris Barnes) is limited to 2,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Kelly-Anne wakes up every morning by the courthouse to secure a seat at the high-profile trial of Ludovic Chevalier, a serial killer she is obsessed with. As days go by, the young woman bonds with another friendly groupie, which momentarily breaks her out of her loneliness. But as the proceedings drag on and she spends more and more time in the courtroom with the victims’ families, Kelly-Anne finds it increasingly difficult to maintain her psychological balance and assume her morbid fixation with the killer. She will then do whatever it takes to get her hands on the final piece of the puzzle: the missing video of a murdered 13-year-old girl, to whom Kelly-Anne bears a disturbing resemblance.

Additional info:

• Region A Blu-ray
• Audio Commentary with Director Pascal Plante
• Live show at the Rivière-du-Loup in Quebec with Red Rooms composer Dominique Plante
• Trailer
• Behind the Scenes Featurette
• Booklet with essay by Jourdain Searles
• English subtitles

Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical

⍟ Dark Star ⍟

2005 | 109 min | 1.78:1 | English DTS-HD MA 5.1
Directed by Andy Fickman
Starring: Kristen Bell, Christan Campbell, Neve Campbell, Alan Cumming

Dark Star Pictures is a new-age North American distribution company, focused on bringing unique and targeted content to audiences across the country and is committed to releasing auteur-driven, original cinema in the theatrical, digital and home video space. In partnership with OCN Distribution, new Dark Star titles – along with celebrated features in their back catalog – will receive features packed blu-ray editions that will maintain the OCN standard of quality and Dark Star’s deft curation.

This special limited edition spot gloss and embossed slipcover (designed by Brianna Miller) is limited to 2,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Based on the propaganda film from 1936 that has become a cult hit, Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical is the height of camp entertainment! Framed as a documentary, a straight-laced high school principal (Alan Cumming) seeks to impart his wisdom about the demon weed by telling a frightful tale about the fate of two innocent teens who fall under the spell of the drugs. Filled with outrageously funny musical performances by Neve Campbell, Christian Campbell, Kristen Bell and Steven Weber, Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical is the feel good event of the year!

Additional info:

• Region A Blu-ray
• Trailers
• English SDH subtitles

Saloum

⍟ Shudder ⍟

2021 | 84 min | 2.39:1 | French, Wolof DTS-HD MA 5.1
Directed by Jean Luc Herbulot
Starring: Yann Gael, Evelyne Ily Juhen, Roger Sallah

Called “one of the best streaming services in the world” by RogerEbert.com and described by Thrillist as “pretty much everything a horror fan could want,” Shudder is a premium streaming service offering the best selection of horror, thriller and supernatural movies, series and specials.

This special limited edition spot gloss slipcover (designed by Adam Maida) is limited to 2,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Shot down after fleeing a coup and extracting a drug lord from Guinea-Bissau, the legendary mercenaries known as the Bangui Hyenas must stash their stolen gold bounty, lay low long enough to repair and refuel their plane and escape back to Dakar, Senegal. When they take refuge at a holiday camp in the coastal region of Sine-Saloum, they do their best to blend in with their fellow guests; but one Hyena is hiding a dark secret. He has brought them there for a reason and once his past catches up to him, his decisions have devastating consequences, threatening to unleash hell on them all.

Additional info:

• Region A Blu-ray
• Audio Commentary with writer/director Jean Luc Herbulot
• Trailer
• Booklet with new writing by Madelyn Sutton
• English subtitles

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians and Other Holiday Hallucinations

⍟ American Genre Film Archive ⍟

1964 | 282 min (combined) | 1.33:1 | English DTS-HD MA 2.0
Directed by Various
Starring: Various

The American Genre Film Archive (AGFA) represents the world’s largest theatrical catalog of exploitation cinema. Their home video line presents a diverse selection of movies, ranging from new preservations of classics from the vast library of Something Weird to the wildest in shot-on-video (SOV) titles. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!

This special limited edition spot gloss slipcover is limited to 2,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Walking in a winter weirdoland! SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS & OTHER HOLIDAY HALLUCINATIONS is a blizzard of mid-century kitsch that will make your holiday dreams come true—especially if you’re a Martian. Preserved from Something Weird’s colorful 16mm print and presented in a brand new “roadshow” edition with ads and trailers, SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS (1964) is the infamous, ultra-cheap mindmelter starring young Pia Zadora (HAIRSPRAY) that follows the kidnapping of Santa and two Earth children by Martians. From there, our visit to the North Pole continues with SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE DRIVE-IN (60 minutes of snipes and trailers) and over two hours of delirious shorts.

Additional info:

• Region Free Blu-ray
• SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS (1964, 88 mins): “Roadshow” version preserved from Something Weird’s 16mm print
• SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE DRIVE-IN (60 mins): Preserved from original Something Weird S-VHS masters
• Shorts preserved from Something Weird S-VHS masters:
  • A CHRISTMAS DREAM
  • A CHRISTMAS FANTASY
  • CHRISTMAS IN TOYLAND
  • CHRISTMAS JOURNEY
  • CHRISTMAS TREE
  • THE CHRISTMAS VISITOR
  • THE LIBERACE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
  • MERRY CHRISTMAS
  • THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
  • A PRESENT FOR SANTA CLAUS
  • SANTA IN ANIMAL LAND
  • THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
  • A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS
  • A VISIT TO SANTA
• Insert with writing by Something Weird’s Lisa Petrucci
• English SDH subtitles

Takeshi Kitano Double Play: Violent Cop & Boiling Point

⍟ Film Movement Classics ⍟

1989, 1990 | 200 min (combined) | 1.85:1 | Japanese DTS-HD MA 2.0
Directed by Takeshi Kitano
Starring: Takeshi Kitano

Founded in 2002 as one of the first-ever subscription film services with its DVD-of-the-Month Film Club, Film Movement is now a North American distributor of award-winning independent and foreign films based in New York City. In 2015, Film Movement launched the reissue label Film Movement Classics featuring new restorations released theatrically as well as on home video, with an emphasis on films by auteur directors such as Eric Rohmer, Peter Greenaway and Takeshi Kitano.

This special limited edition spot gloss slipcover (designed by Poochamin) is limited to 2,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

In his explosive directorial debut Japanese renaissance man-cum-comedian-extraordinaire Takeshi “Beat” Kitano plays vicious rogue homicide Detective Azuma who takes on a sadistic crime syndicate only to discover widespread internal corruption in the police force. Facing criminal charges for his unorthodox “Dirty Harry” type methods, Azuma finds himself caught in a web of betrayal and intrigue that sends him on a bloody trail of vengeance. But when his sister is kidnapped by a sadistic drug lord, Azuma’s tactics escalate towards an apocalyptic climax.

In enfant terrible Takeshi Kitano’s explosive second feature film, Masaki (Yûrei Yanagi) is an unassuming gas station attendant and amateur baseball player for underdog team The Eagles. After he enrages a local yakuza, setting off a feud between the gangsters and his coach, Masaki heads to Okinawa on a haphazard quest for guns with his friend Kazuo (Dancan). There they are befriended by the uber-eccentric yakuza boss Uehara (played by Kitano), who initiates them into the strange and brutal world of organized crime.

Additional info:

• Region Free 2-disc Blu-ray
• That Man is Dangerous; The Birth of Takeshi Kitano featurette
• Okinawa Days: Takeshi’s Second Debut featurette
• Original Boiling Point trailer
• Violent Cop HD re-release trailer
• Collector’s Booklet, featuring film essay by Tom Vick, Asian Film Curator for the Freer and Sackler Galleries (The Smithsonian’s Museums of Asian Art)
• English subtitles