On the Shelf: ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle’ trilogy, ‘Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,’ ‘David Byrne’s American Utopia,’ ‘Walking Tall’ and the ‘Babe’ Films Arrive on 4K Blu-ray Releases for Week of December 15
It’s ten days before Christmas and there is still plenty of time to get those last minute gifts for the cinema fan in your life; and with that in mind, let our good friends at Arrow video, the Criterion Collection, and Kino Lorber help you out with some fantastic, wide ranging 4K Blu-ray releases this week. Starting with Arrow, they are behind the new restoration of a 1990s classic children’s film trilogy that will make any kid want to put them on and make more millennials get nostalgic quickly; the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Trilogy. Featuring the original three films from the early 1990s, they feature the adventures of four teenage mutant ninja turtles emerge from the shadows to protect New York City from some of the worst villains the city has ever seen, all the while enjoying a nice slice of pizza in their downtime. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles trilogy brought comic book grit, practical effects wizardry and pizza-fueled fun to a generation of moviegoers, helping turn four sewer-dwelling brothers into global pop culture icons. Restored in glorious 4K, the box-set includes new audio commentaries from the film’s directors, comic book experts, as well as conversations with the original casts, a double-sided foldout poster featuring original artwork from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the “Map of the Kappa Realm”, a stylized re-creation of the ancient scroll that appears in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III. It also includes eight-character trading cards, a Roy’s Pizza loyalty card, four character stickers, and tons of more special features, making this the ultimate gift for a TMNT fan this holiday season.
Over at Criterion, they have two major titles that feature two iconic cultural figures that love to wear a grey suit in Pee-wee Herman and musician David Byrne. In Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, we get one of the most eccentric, electric comedies of the 1980s, as Pee-wee (played by the late, great Paul Reubens) must embark on a road trip to recover his beloved stolen bicycle, and along the way, he stumbles up all slices of life with a gallery of memorably wacky characters with colorful, kitschy Americana spirit that chines in every frame. Director Tim Burton established his distinctive style with this wonderful directorial debut that features audio commentary by Burton and actor-cowriter Paul Reubens, as well as a commentary by the film’s composer Danny Elfman, and new interviews with Burton and the film’s producer Richard Abramson.
It’s an essential film that’s made its way home to the collection, much like 2020’s concert documentary from director Spike Lee, David Byrne’s American Utopia. Transcendent in almost every way, Byrne and his musicians use his former and newer music and set it into motion to creation one of the most blistering, energetic, vital pieces of political commentary we’ve seen in some time. Set within a minimalistic set and Byrne’s signature live, wild, inventive performance lies the heart of the piece, which is a warm hug at the time of Covid but an important reminder of the urgent need for protest, change, and unity we need in our country. It’s one of the best films of the decade so far and a must-own this week.
Lastly, we have three new titles from Kino Lorber, two of which belong in the same cinematic universe with Babe and Babe: Pig in the City. Following the tales of a young, curious little piglet, Babe overcomes the odds to become a “pig of destiny,” leading everyone on the farm to be warmed over by his special heart. In the sequel, we see the three musketeers Babe, Ferdy and Mrs. Hoggett on a crusade in the midst of a bustling metropolis where despite incredible obstacles, they’re able to turn enemies into friends, raise enough money to save the farm and combine the two worlds into one. Once again, it’s Babe’s kind and steady heart that achieves the miracles in this beloved motion picture that’s bursting at the seams with high-spirited fantasy and wonderment! Both films are masterpieces, from the brilliant mind of Oscar winner George Miller, and are some of the greatest children’s films of all time (with Pig in the City being a surprisingly dark film for a kid’s movie sequel).
While you are buying these films, pick up Walking Tall starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as a former military man who comes back to his hometown to become the sheriff and take down the local corruption led by the guys he grew up with. Funny and action-packed, if you want to see a good movie featuring Johnson this year after the bad taste in our mouths from The Smashing Machine, buy this film featuring an audio commentary with Johnson and have some fun.
Other Notable Releases for the Week of December 15, 2025 include:
Awakenings (1990, 4K Blu-ray, Sony Pictures)
Hong Kong New Wave Essentials (1985-1990, Blu-ray, Shout Factory)
Jarhead (2005, 4K Blu-ray, Universal Studios)
Leaving Las Vegas (1995, 4K Blu-ray, Shout Factory)
Shawscope Volume Four (1975-1983, Blu-ray, Arrow)
- AwardsWatch Podcast Ep. 319 – Oscars Retrospective of the 93rd Academy Awards - December 15, 2025
- On the Shelf: ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle’ trilogy, ‘Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,’ ‘David Byrne’s American Utopia,’ ‘Walking Tall’ and the ‘Babe’ Films Arrive on 4K Blu-ray Releases for Week of December 15 - December 15, 2025
- Rian Johnson on How Faith and Humanity Make Peace Within His Latest Mystery ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ [AUDIO INTERVIEW] - December 11, 2025
New York Film Critics Online (NYFCO) Winners: Ethan Hawke, Jacob Elordi, Jessie Buckley, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas and More 
AwardsWatch Podcast Ep. 319 – Oscars Retrospective of the 93rd Academy Awards 
USC Scripter Nominations: ‘Hamnet,’ ‘Train Dreams,’ ‘Slow Horses,’ ‘Death by Lightning’ and More 
Retrospective: Worst Picture/Best Picture – ‘Basic Instinct 2’ and ‘The Departed’ (2006)