May and June 2025 are set to be a treasure trove for home media enthusiasts, with a fantastic lineup of new DVD and Blu-ray releases from esteemed distributors like Radiance Films, Imprint Films, and the BFI. For those looking to expand their collections with classic cinema, cult favorites, and meticulously restored masterpieces, this period offers an array of compelling choices. Before you make your purchase, consider using a Dvd Compare resource to ensure you’re getting the best edition and value for your film investment.
Radiance Films: Cult Classics and Restored Gems
Radiance Films is bringing a diverse slate of films to UK and US audiences in May, showcasing their commitment to both cult cinema and high-quality restorations.
Themroc: An Urban Caveman’s Rebellion (May 19th/20th)
Claude Faraldo’s Themroc, a unique and anarchic satire starring Michel Piccoli, is finally arriving on Blu-ray in the UK and US. This cult classic, known for its lack of intelligible dialogue and sharp social commentary, depicts a blue-collar worker’s primal rebellion against the mundane modern world. The film, previously infamous for its “adults-only” Red Triangle showings on Channel 4, has been newly restored in 4K, promising a stunning visual experience for fans. When considering adding Themroc to your collection, a dvd compare search will highlight the value of this restored edition.
The Limited Edition Blu-ray boasts a 4K restoration from the original negative, uncompressed PCM mono audio, and a wealth of bonus features. These include new interviews with film critic David Thompson and actress Manuela Lazic, alongside archival interviews with Michel Piccoli and director Claude Faraldo. The release also features reversible artwork and a booklet with new writing, making it a must-have for cinephiles.
Pre-order Links:
The Rapacious Jailbreaker: True Crime from 70s Japan (May 19th/20th)
Another May release from Radiance Films is The Rapacious Jailbreaker, a raw and gripping crime film based on the true story of a seven-time prison escapee. Starring Hiroki Matsukata, this 1970s Japanese cinema gem offers a visceral look at post-WWII chaos and one man’s relentless pursuit of freedom. Directed by a genre master, this film is considered a standout in the cycle of Japanese true-account crime films. Before purchasing, a dvd compare check can help you assess different editions if available.
The Limited Edition Blu-ray features a High-Definition digital transfer, original uncompressed PCM mono audio, and an insightful audio commentary by yakuza film expert Nathan Stuart. A visual essay by Tom Mes and a new English subtitle translation further enhance this release, alongside reversible artwork, a booklet with new writing, and premium packaging.
Pre-order Links:
The Railroad Man: Neorealist Tragedy on the Tracks (May 19th)
Rounding out Radiance Films’ May releases is Pietro Germi’s The Railroad Man, a poignant neorealist classic starring Germi himself. This affecting drama tells the story of a train driver whose life is irrevocably changed after witnessing a suicide on the tracks. Narrated from the perspective of his young son, the film explores the repercussions of tragedy on an ordinary family. For those building a neorealist film collection, a dvd compare search will confirm this edition’s quality.
This Limited Edition Blu-ray features a new 4K restoration from Cineteca di Bologna, original uncompressed PCM mono audio, and new interviews with Pietro Germi expert Mario Sesti and actor Edoardo Nevola. The release is completed with reversible artwork based on original posters and a booklet containing new and archival writings.
Pre-order Links:
Imprint Films: April Archive Adventures
While technically released in April, Imprint Films’ new releases deserve attention for their impressive breadth of classic Hollywood and genre cinema. Their April lineup offers a deep dive into the 40s, 50s, and 60s, with a remarkable number of worldwide Blu-ray premieres. When considering these extensive collections, using a dvd compare tool can be helpful in assessing bundle deals versus individual purchases.
Imprint’s April releases include:
- It Came From Outer Space (1953): A 4K UHD and Blu-ray Limited Edition of the beloved sci-fi classic, including the 3D version and the TV sequel.
- Flesh and Fantasy (1943) / Dead of Night (1945): Two classic anthology horror films from the 40s, packaged together with new special features.
- Tales of Adventure – Collection 5 (1954-1957): A five-film sci-fi collection featuring worldwide Blu-ray premieres like The Night The World Exploded and The Gamma People.
- Tales of Adventure – Collection 6 (1945-1969): Four epic adventure films, including worldwide Blu-ray debuts for Counter-Attack, Abandon Ship!, and King Rat.
- Bride of Vengeance (1949): A worldwide Blu-ray premiere of this historical romantic drama, from a 4K scan.
- Ivy (1947): Another worldwide Blu-ray premiere, starring Joan Fontaine in a Golden Age Hollywood thriller.
These Imprint releases are strictly limited to 1500 copies each and are available individually or in a discounted bundle.
BFI: April to June Highlights – 4K Restorations and Flipside Delights
The British Film Institute (BFI) continues its tradition of releasing significant and diverse titles with their April to June lineup. Featuring 4K UHD editions of iconic films and the latest in their Flipside series, the BFI’s upcoming releases cater to a wide range of cinephile tastes. For collectors, a dvd compare search across retailers might reveal the best pre-order deals.
LA HAINE and THRONE OF BLOOD in 4K UHD
April sees the 4K UHD release of Mathieu Kassovitz’s groundbreaking LA HAINE, timed to celebrate its 30th anniversary. This edition will include all extras from the previous Blu-ray and a reprint of the anniversary booklet.
In May, Akira Kurosawa’s masterpiece THRONE OF BLOOD also gets a 4K UHD release, continuing the BFI’s commitment to Kurosawa restorations. This cinematic adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth is considered a landmark of world cinema. Both films are essential additions to any serious film lover’s library, and a dvd compare of editions can help you make informed choices.
BFI Flipside and Blu-ray Premieres
The BFI Flipside series welcomes ECLIPSE (1976) in April, a previously neglected and unsettling film starring Tom Conti in a double role. This worldwide Blu-ray premiere is a significant rediscovery for fans of obscure and unique cinema.
May brings SLADE IN FLAME to Blu-ray, a cult classic described as ‘the Citizen Kane of British pop movies’, featuring the band Slade. June sees the Blu-ray premiere of Shane Meadows’ TwentyFourSeven, a black and white film starring Bob Hoskins, and BROTHER (2000), Takeshi Kitano’s first English language film, also debuts on UK Blu-ray in April.
Furthermore, June offers CHANTAL AKERMAN VOLUME 2: 1985-2015, a 5-disc Blu-ray set covering the later career of the influential filmmaker, and FOUR MOTHERS (2024), a heartwarming comedy-drama.
Each BFI release includes extra features and an illustrated booklet, adding further value to these carefully curated editions.
Conclusion: Prepare Your DVD Compare Toolkit
With such a rich selection of upcoming DVD and Blu-ray releases, May and June 2025 promise to be exciting months for film collectors. From cult classics and genre gems to restored masterpieces and important rediscoveries, Radiance Films, Imprint Films, and the BFI are delivering a wealth of cinematic treasures. Before making your purchases, be sure to utilize a dvd compare website to find the best prices, compare editions, and ensure you’re making the most informed decisions for your home media library. Happy collecting!
