New on Blu is a new column from film pundit Chase Whale, exploring arthouse, underground, exploitation and cult cinema released on Blu-ray and DVD from some of the most cutting-edge independent distributors around the U.S.

*Note: More titles release every Tuesday, but I only am able to review what I am sent.

THE WITCH is a film that I didn't lose my shit over when I first saw it, but it kept itching at me, so I gave it two more viewings when I got my press copy on Blu-ray. It's well crafted, and even though I didn't live during the time it takes place (that I know of -- Chase Whale could be the second or fifth reincarnation), the time setting and atmosphere feels surgically accurate. THE WITCH is a mood piece that doesn't rely on jump scares, which is nice for a change. This movie wants to get inside your head and dance. And it does. The sound mix (English 5.1 DTS HD-MA) is also perfected to help the visuals already creeping through your brain.

There aren't many special features for THE WITCH but it does come with a cool featurette on the folklore during the Puritan era.

BUY.

I didn't receive a copy of this, but I love IP MAN, and with my review last month's wild IP MAN 3, I wanted to give it some love. A must-own for IP MAN enthusiasts.

There are quite a few reasons why you need to see SONGS OF LAHORE. The first being it's one of the few films with a 100% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The second is that it's still making festival rounds and racking up well-deserved awards. The final is the documentary itself, about music. How many rock docs about musicians you know have you seen? A lot, I would guess.

Time for something new.

SONGS OF LAHORE is a refreshing take on the music documentary subgenre. A bonus is it doesn't run of 90 minutes, which seems to be the trend for documentaries these days, which can be overbearing and tiring.

Step outside the Metallica docs, the White Stripes docs, and give a doc on profound music you've never heard of a chance. You'll be glad you did.