Arrow Video March Highlights: John Wayne's Swan Song and a J-Horror Spectacle 73

Arrow Video March Highlights: John Wayne’s Swan Song and a J-Horror Spectacle

This March, Arrow Video is set to captivate cinephiles with two monumental releases that traverse the landscapes of classic Westerns and Japanese horror.

The Legacy of a Legend: “The Shootist” in Blu-ray Brilliance

Kicking off the releases on March 12th, Arrow Video pays homage to the legendary John Wayne with a new 2K remaster of Don Siegel’s classic Western, The Shootist. In what would become his final film appearance, Wayne delivers a poignant performance as J.B. Books, a former sheriff and gunfighter facing his twilight days. With rumors of his impending death swirling, Books finds himself targeted by outlaws seeking to carve their names into history at his expense. Aided by a young protégé, portrayed by Ron Howard in an Academy Award®-nominated role, Books prepares for a last stand that mirrors the indomitable spirit he lived by. The film’s illustrious cast includes Lauren Bacall, James Stewart, Richard Boone, and more, making The Shootist a fitting farewell to a cinematic titan.

The Blu-ray release is laden with extras, featuring a new audio commentary, insightful essays and interviews, an archival featurette, the theatrical trailer, an image gallery, and a reversible sleeve adorned with original and newly commissioned artwork, among others.

Arrow Video March Highlights: John Wayne's Swan Song and a J-Horror Spectacle 76

“Dark Water” – A Pioneer of J-Horror arrives in 4K UHD on March 19th

Continuing its streak of premium releases, Arrow Video brings Hideo Nakata’s Dark Water to 4K UHD on March 19th, marking the film’s debut in this format. Nakata, the visionary director behind Ringu, revisits the eerie amalgamation of supernatural and psychological horror that propelled J-Horror to international fame.

The story follows Yoshimi, played by Hitomi Kuroki, a recently divorced mother fighting for custody of her daughter, Ikuko, as they move into a decrepit apartment building. What begins as a fresh start soon descends into a terrifying ordeal as Ikuko is lured into the building’s shadows, and Yoshimi experiences disturbing visions. Dark Water stands as a testament to Nakata’s mastery of the genre, weaving a tale that is as haunting as it is harrowing.

This release comes packed with special features, including interviews, the original making-of documentary, trailers, TV spots, and a reversible sleeve featuring original and commissioned artwork, ensuring that fans and newcomers alike can fully immerse themselves in the chilling depths of Dark Water.

Arrow Video’s March lineup is a tribute to the enduring impact of cinema across genres and eras, offering something for enthusiasts of groundbreaking Westerns and iconic horror alike.