Tag: 30th Anniversary

Gotta Watch Them All. Fantasia Film Festival 2026’s Pearl Jubilee Top Selections! (Part Two)

In part two of our Fantasia Film Festival 2026 pre-event coverage, we dive into the zany and also include a blast of the past where needed.

Fantasia Film Festival 2026 poster
Event runs from July 16 to August 2, 2026. Montreal, Quebec.

When certain must-see lists get way too large, it’s best to split things up or subsection. This fact is especially true when planning on what to see at Fantasia Film Festival 2026; when this year has a lot more short film programs added to the party, it’s safe to say some people won’t be sleeping. Some enthusiasts may well be running frantically to catch the next work on their itinerary.

No big intro is needed, and that’s because with this part, I’ve included two movies freely available on YouTube that are required viewing before part three is viewed on the big screen!

The Fox

The FoxSet in a parallel world where animals talk, hustle, swear, and scheme, The Fox opens with Nick (Jai Courtney, Dangerous Animals, The Suicide Squad) discovering that his fiancée, Kori (Emily Browning, American Gods, Sleeping Beauty), is cheating on him. Forced to accept that their relationship has run its course, he’s devastated.

Everything changes when Nick captures a fox (Olivia Colman, The Favourite, The Lobster), who offers him some unconventional marital advice in exchange for her freedom.

Her suggestion? Push Kori into a magical hole, where she’ll emerge transformed into a woman who adores him unconditionally and will never leave. Not exactly a man known for making wise decisions, Nick thinks it sounds like the perfect solution, completely unaware that a much bigger plan may already be unfolding. – Fantasia Film Festival

Continue reading “Gotta Watch Them All. Fantasia Film Festival 2026’s Pearl Jubilee Top Selections! (Part Two)”

Fantasia Film Festival at 30 Glorious Years! So What’s Worth Watching? (Part One)

There’s less than a week to get ready for Fantasia Film Festival 2026! Not only is it their pearl jubilee but also there may be cake to find too!

Fantasia Film Festival 2026 poster
Event runs from July 16 to August 2, 2026. Montreal, Quebec.

When I think of Montreal, there are only a few words that pop into mind: Fantasia Film Festival. This year’s celebration promises to be huge because it’s their Pearl anniversary, and I’m sure not everything is being advertised. Some surprises must be in store for those attending this summer celebration of pop culture cinema.

As for what defines my top twenty works to see, this list comes after considering all of the short film programs. Since they also make up part of my overall picks, it felt important to cover them first before narrowing everything down to this final selection. The links go to Fantasia’s webpage, with showtimes and advance ticket purchase options.

Ancestral Beasts

Ancestral Beasts Movie PosterFour years after losing her mother, Elyse (Morgan Holstrom) still hasn’t recovered, and what she now has to face are the shadows of her past. That’s the gist I get from the marketing for this film. Not only is there an Indigenous angle, but also the idea of intergenerational trauma returning from beyond the grave. It may sound like a familiar haunted house tale on paper, but there’s clearly much more going on, including mental illness within local communities. To say more would reveal too much about why this film is a must-see.

Continue reading “Fantasia Film Festival at 30 Glorious Years! So What’s Worth Watching? (Part One)”

Maaya Sakamoto, Fate/Grand Order Top Hits and 30 Years in the Business….

Celebrations continue for Jpop fans who adore Maaya Sakamoto’s music. Not only is there a new release for Fate/Grand Order fans but also they can hear her unplugged.

Maaya Sakamoto Fate_Grand OrderCurrently in the midst of her 30th anniversary as an artist, Maaya Sakamoto continues to shine. The concert held April 18 and 19 at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena ended to great acclaim. And for those who missed the show or want a greatest hits, this artist is releasing a greatest hits album of sorts, titled Yoin. This album collects all six theme songs she performed for the smartphone JRPG and there’s a lot more to be included!

From The Press Release

Disc one features all six theme songs from the smartphone role-playing game Fate/Grand Order, from “Shikisai,” which was released alongside the official game launch in 2015, to “Tokei,” the theme song for the final chapter released in 2025.

“Tokei” was released digitally last year and will be recorded on CD for the first time.

Continue reading “Maaya Sakamoto, Fate/Grand Order Top Hits and 30 Years in the Business….”

Alex Proyas’ The Crow 30 Years Later. Just ‘Knowing’ is Half the Battle.

Whether we need a reboot of The Crow depends on who you ask, but while we’re waiting for that Summer release, fans can enjoy the classic.

The Crow 30th Anniversary Steelbook Collection
Available to purchase on Amazon USA

To say when a home video release can reach me in advance to review depends on how fast the crow flies to bring me that gift. But often, the last mile is at truck’s (a snail) pace. The reference is apt to describe why I wanted to see The Crow again in 4K; fans of this cult film will want the steelbook and the bling that comes with. It’s excellent and the package is well designed. Myself, I really wanted to check out the new bonus material.

What’s provided is definitely a fond look back. And when this year marks this film’s 30th anniversary, there’s a reason to celebrate! Not only are we remembering Brendon Lee‘s passing but also acknowledging this movie’s contribution to trying to make movies a safer place. There were protocols that weren’t adhered to which resulted in this actor’s death. As for whether this accident could’ve been avoided, it’s possible when considering the details revealed during the trial.

Continue reading “Alex Proyas’ The Crow 30 Years Later. Just ‘Knowing’ is Half the Battle.”

Regarding Brandon Lee’s The Crow Anniversary. The 4K Edition is Ready to Land on Home Video!

Not many comic book movie adaptations are worth revisiting time and time again, but with The Crow, there’s lots to like, especially when remastered!

The Crow 30th Anniversary 4K
Available to pre-order on Amazon USA

Originally released on May 13, 1994, The Crow entranced audiences and critics alike with its gothic aesthetic, breathtaking action, and Brandon Lee’s soulful performance at the center of director Alex Proyas’ revenge fantasy. Now 30 years later, it’s busting out again with this anniversary 4K release! Not only is it newly remastered but also, there’s all new content!

From the Press Release:

In addition, there will be a limited-edition SteelBook™ with a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc, featuring an o-sleeve with a cutout of a crow that lifts to reveal a portrait of Brandon Lee with his guitar.  This film developed a passionate cult following that spawned three sequels, a television series, a video game, toys, and novels.  Based on the comic book saga of the same name by James O’Barr, The Crow delivers an action-packed thriller bursting with hypnotic style and dazzling visuals.

Continue reading “Regarding Brandon Lee’s The Crow Anniversary. The 4K Edition is Ready to Land on Home Video!”

Disney’s Gargoyles. Ready to Burst at the Seams Again!

At long last, casual fans of Disney’s Gargoyles can pick up reprints of the comic books released by other publishers prior to Dynamite Comics’ acquisition!

Disney's GargoylesBack the commerative editions here.

Fans of Disney’s Gargoyles can rejoice! The elusive comic books from yesteryears are getting a digital cleanup and will be reprinted! After Dynamite Comic‘s Kickstarter campaign to publish the 30th anniversary editions is over, it may head to stores next.

Whatever the background drama wase to finally make this happen, at least the wait will be worth it. I imagine that because this new publisher has been doing very well with reimaging a lot of Disney properites recently, to visit this particular 90s Disney Afternoon favourite was inevitable. Back in the last decade, fans have been patient and campaigning to get the animated series out on home video.

Continue reading “Disney’s Gargoyles. Ready to Burst at the Seams Again!”