The Best New Blu-Ray Releases: Citizen Kane, Shang-Chi, And More

It's that time again, readers. Time for another Blu-ray round-up from yours truly. This latest round-up brings some heavy hitters, including what's considered by many to be the best movie ever made. That's right: I'm talking about "Malignant." But this round-up also includes the hot new 4K release of "Citizen Kane" from the Criterion Collection. Also included: one of this year's new Marvel offerings, a "naughty cut" of a holiday horror-comedy, and a masterpiece from Akira Kurosawa now in 4K. 

"Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings" is a big deal in the sense that it's the first Marvel Studios film with an Asian director and a predominantly Asian cast. Of course, you could argue that Marvel shouldn't be given too many kudos since it took them a considerably long time to get here. Still, better late than never. The story involves master martial artist Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), who was trained from childhood to be a master assassin, and his struggle against his father, Wenwu (Tony Leung), leader of the ancient Ten Rings organization. The set-up is rather basic, and it serves mostly as an excuse to stage some of the best fights in MCU history. All of that is good! Liu is good! And Tony Leung, a gosh darn international movie star, is even better. And yet ... "Shang-Chi" doesn't quite stick the landing. The real problem here is that everything looks appalling fake. Not a single background appears real; it's as if the characters have all wandered into Robert Rodriguez's "Sin City," where all the sets are rendered digitally. I understand that this is a big complex action movie with lots of moving parts, but there's really no excuse for it to look this phony. But those seeking some strong fight sequences will likely still find something to enjoy here. 

Special Features:

• Gag Reel – Take a look at some of the fun mishaps on set with the cast and crew of Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings.
• Deleted Scenes
  • They're Waiting – Shang-Chi and Katy connect with Xialing over a call.
  • Take a Shot – Katy has a moment of resolve during a battle.
  • Apology – Years after his sudden absence, Shang-Chi tries to apologize to Xialing.
  • I'm Here – Shang-Chi and Katy have a conversation in the alley. Katy reassures Shang-Chi that she will always be his support system.
  • Pep Talk – In order to turn the tide, Razor Fist encourages Katy during the middle of a battle.
  • Greatness – Trevor and Katy bond over passions in their getaway car.
  • Escape Tunnel – The gang slips out through Trevor's escape tunnel in order to secure a getaway vehicle.
  • Two Sons – Xu Wenwu compares Shang-Chi and Razor Fist during a tense dinner.
  • Postcard – Shang-Chi and Xu Wenwu reunite as father and son. Shang-Chi makes it clear he disagrees with Xu Wenwu's philosophy.
  • Just Friends – Katy and Xialing get to know each other. Xialing asks Katy some personal questions.
  • Do It Yourself – Xu Wenwu returns to his empire after the Iron Gang boss is captured.
• Building a Legacy – Go behind the scenes and explore Shang-Chi's explosive debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
• Family Ties – A deep dive into the rich but complicated legacy of Shang-Chi and Xu Wenwu.
• Audio Commentary – View the film with Audio Commentary by Destin Daniel Cretton and Dave Callaham.

I didn't quite take to Michael Dougherty's "Krampus" when it arrived in 2015. I love Christmas horror, but the film was just a little too ... silly for me. Now, Shout Factory has released "The Naughty Cut," which restores scenes that were trimmed to maintain the PG-13 rating. So is this new cut very R-rated? Not really! Honestly, it feels like the same movie. That said, I found myself more in tune with the Amblin-like tone Dougerthy is going for here, telling the tale of an evil Santa tormenting a suburban neighborhood. Whatever "Krampus" lacks it makes up for with inventiveness, including several great creature designs for all of Krampus' evil little minions. 

Special Features:

DISC ONE (4K UHD):

• NEW The Naughty Cut With Additional Scenes And Adult Language Cut To Get A PG-13 Rating (Transfer Supervised By Director Michael Dougherty)
• NEW Dolby Atmos Track
• Audio Commentary With Director/Co-Writer Michael Dougherty And Co-Writers Todd Casey And Zach Shields

DISC TWO (BLU-RAY):

• NEW The Naughty Cut With Additional Scenes And Adult Language Cut To Get A PG-13 Rating (Transfer Supervised By Director Michael Dougherty)
• NEW Dolby Atmos Track
• NEW A Dash Of Mischief – An Interview With Director/Co-Writer Michael Dougherty
• NEW Storm Of The Centuries – An Interview With Producer Todd Casey
• NEW The Great Protector – An Interview With Actor David Koechner
• NEW Something Bad Happened On Christmas – An Interview With Actress Allison Tolman
• NEW Max's Journey – An Interview With Actor Emjay Anthony
• NEW Lord Of The Things – An Interview With WETA's Richard Taylor
• NEW Mapping Mythology – An Interview With Storyboard Artist Simeon Wilkins
• NEW I, Krampus – An Interview With Performer Luke Hawker
• NEW A Winter Chorus – An Interview With Composer Douglas Pipes
• Audio Commentary With Director/Co-Writer Michael Dougherty And Co-Writers Todd Casey And Zach Shields
• Krampus Comes Alive! – A Five-Part Featurette On The Making Of The Film
• Behind-The-Scenes At WETA Workshop: Krampus
• Deleted/Extended Scenes, Not Seen In The Theatrical Cut
• Gag Reel
• Alternate Ending
• Theatrical Trailers
• Photo Galleries – Creature Art, Storyboards, And More