Arrow Set to Release Books on GHOST IN THE SHELL and MEIKO KAJI

Following the success of their lavish debut book last year, Cult Cinema: An Arrow Video Companion, in August Arrow Books are releasing two brand new film books: Asian cinema expert Tom Mes explores the extraordinary world of the queen of Japanese action cinema in Unchained Melody: The Films Of Meiko Kaji, while Anime authority Andrew Osmond examines the the story behind the visionary 1995 classic Ghost In The Shell.

With specially commissioned cover artwork, and jam-packed with new interviews and illustrated with colour stills and promotional materials, the books are a genuinely exciting and highly collectable addition to any self-respecting film fan's bookshelves.

Unchained Melody: The Films Of Meiko Kaji by Tom Mes (August 15)

MEIKO KAJI - QUEEN OF THE JAPANESE ACTION FILM!

The first ever book devoted to the iconic Japanese actress, star of Lady Snowblood and Female Prisoner Scorpion, who defined a decade of cult cinema, creating an archetype of female strength that was equal parts ferocious and mysterious.

Written by Japanese cinema expert, Tom Mes, one of the founders of Midnighteye.com, and author of books on cult filmmakers Takashi Miike and Shinya Tsukamoto, the book traces Kaji's extraordinary career from teen model to critically-lauded and versatile actress for master directors including Kinji Fukasaku and Kon Ichikawa; as well as looking at a singing career that would introduce her to an international audience as the musical cornerstone to Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill.

It can be pre-ordered at the MVD Shop or on Amazon.

Ghost In The Shell by Andrew Osmond (August 15)

A visionary science fiction classic that was largely overlooked on release, Ghost In The Shell has grown in stature with the support of such Hollywood fans as James Cameron and the Wachowskis, and in 2017 was controversially remade as a live-action blockbuster, starring Scarlett Johansson.

Anime authority Andrew Osmond traces the paths of the Japanese talents who came together to make the original 1995 film, including maverick director Mamoru Oshii, as well as the original manga creator, Masamune Shirow; explores the figure of Kusanagi, the film's iconic cyborg heroine who's both a James Bond-style killer and a contemplative philosopher; and examines Ghost In The Shell's debts to Blade Runner and Japan's intriguing tradition of robot fantasies.

It can be pre-ordered at the MVD Shop or on Amazon.

Explaining the Ending of MULHOLLAND DRIVE

MULHOLLAND DRIVE is a complex and surreal film directed by David Lynch, known for its non-linear narrative and dreamlike sequences. The ending is open to interpretation and has been the subject of much debate among viewers. Here's a breakdown of the ending: Diane's Dream vs. Reality: Throughout the film, there are two main narrative threads: one follows Betty/Diane's dreamlike experiences in Hollywood, and the other delves into Diane's harsh reality. The ending reveals that the majority of the film has been a dream constructed by Diane Selwyn, a failed actress, as a means to escape the guilt and pain of her actions. Betty/Diane's Descent into Madness: Betty, played by Naomi Watts, represents Diane's idealized self—a hopeful and innocent aspiring actress. However, as the film progresses, it becomes clear that Betty's story is unraveling, and her identity begins to merge with Diane's. This culminates in the revelation that Betty is merely a construct of Di...

Final Destination Bloodlines Set to Bring Fresh Horrors to the Franchise

The long-running and fan-favorite horror series Final Destination is set to make its return with Final Destination Bloodlines, bringing a new chapter of supernatural terror to the big screen. Scheduled for a theatrical and IMAX release on May 16, 2025, in the U.S. (and internationally beginning May 14), the film promises to continue the franchise’s tradition of chilling premonitions and inescapable fate. The upcoming installment features a fresh ensemble cast, including Kaitlyn Santa Juana (The Friendship Game, The Flash), Teo Briones (Chucky, Will vs. The Future), Richard Harmon (The 100, The Age of Adaline), Owen Patrick Joyner (Julie and the Phantoms, 100 Things to Do Before High School), and Anna Lore (They/Them, Gotham Knights). Also joining the cast are Brec Bassinger (Stargirl, Bella and the Bulldogs) and horror icon Tony Todd, who reprises his role from the original Final Destination films. Todd, best known for his chilling portrayal of the titular character in the Candyman fra...

4K Blu-ray Review: Drop (2025) — A Tense, Tech-Driven Thriller That Mostly Sticks the Landing

In Drop, director Christopher Landon (Freaky, Happy Death Day) crafts a nerve-wracking thriller centered on a devastating dilemma: would you take a life to save the ones you love? The story follows Violet, a widowed single mom attempting to re-enter the dating world after years of grief and recovery. Played with emotional precision by Meghann Fahy, Violet finds herself on a promising first date with the affable and seemingly genuine Henry (Brandon Sklenar) in an elegant, glass-walled Chicago restaurant. But their evening takes a sinister turn when Violet receives a disturbing message via a sleek, anonymous app called DigiDrop: if she doesn’t kill her date before the check arrives, her son and sister will die. What unfolds is a tightly wound 95-minute thriller that feels both classic and timely. The film builds its suspense through confinement, not action. Most of the story unfolds in real-time at their dinner table, creating a pressure-cooker environment that reflects Violet’s psycholo...

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