Yorgos Lanthimos doesn't do "normal." If you saw Poor Things, you already know that. But his latest flick, Kinds of Kindness, is a whole different beast. It’s a triptych—three separate stories played by the same actors—and honestly, it’s a lot to process in one sitting at a theater. That’s exactly why the Kinds of Kindness DVD and Blu-ray release ended up being such a big deal for fans of the "Greek Weird Wave" director.
Physical media is having a moment. People are tired of movies vanishing from streaming services because of licensing tiffs or tax write-offs. When you hold the Kinds of Kindness DVD in your hand, you own that absurdity. You own Emma Stone’s frantic dancing and Jesse Plemons’s unsettling desperation.
The Three-Headed Monster of a Movie
Most movies follow a path. Boy meets girl. Boy loses girl. You know the drill. This movie? Not so much. It’s a three-act anthology. First, there’s a guy trying to take back control of his life from a boss who dictates everything he eats and does. Then, a policeman becomes convinced his wife—who just returned from being lost at sea—is an impostor. Finally, a cult member searches for a woman with the power to resurrect the dead.
It’s bleak. It’s funny in a way that makes you feel a little guilty for laughing.
The cast is basically a Lanthimos repertory company. Emma Stone is back, obviously. Jesse Plemons actually won Best Actor at Cannes for his roles here, and he absolutely earns it. Then you’ve got Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, and Joe Alwyn. They all play different characters in each segment.
Watching it on the Kinds of Kindness DVD lets you catch the subtle threads. Did you notice the same character name appearing in different segments? Or the way a specific prop shows up twice? You can’t really do a deep dive like that when you’re just scrolling past a thumbnail on a streaming app.
Why Physical Media Beats Streaming for This One
Let’s talk about bitrates. Streamed 4K is fine, sure. But it’s compressed. When you watch the Kinds of Kindness DVD or the high-def Blu-ray, the grain is real. Robbie Ryan, the cinematographer, shot this on film. It has a specific texture. It looks "crunchy." On a stream, that grain often turns into digital "noise" or blocks of grey. On a disc, it looks like cinema.
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Plus, there’s the menu. Remember DVD menus? They used to be art pieces. The Kinds of Kindness DVD keeps that spirit alive. It sets the mood before the movie even starts.
Technical Specs and What’s in the Box
If you’re picking up the North American release, you’re usually looking at a standard Amaray case. The transfer is 1.85:1, which fills up most of your widescreen TV without those huge black bars at the top and bottom.
- Audio: You get a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. It’s loud when it needs to be—especially that jarring piano score.
- Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, and French are standard.
- Special Features: This is where it gets a bit lean. Searchlight hasn't been loading these discs with three-hour documentaries lately, but you do get some deleted scenes that give more context to the "R.M.F." character.
Honestly, the deleted scenes are the main reason to grab the disc. There’s a bit more of Willem Dafoe’s cult leader character that didn't make the theatrical cut. It doesn't change the plot—nothing really "explains" a Lanthimos movie—but it adds more flavor to the world-building.
Breaking Down the Segments
You’ve gotta approach this movie like a short story collection.
The first story, "The Death of R.M.F.," is arguably the strongest. It feels like a corporate nightmare turned into a thriller. Jesse Plemons is terrifyingly pathetic.
The second, "R.M.F. is Flying," is the "horror" segment. It deals with paranoia and body dysmorphia. If you have a weak stomach for kitchen scenes... maybe look away for a bit.
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The third, "R.M.F. Eats a Sandwich," is the weirdest. It’s about faith and purity. It’s also where Emma Stone gets to go full-tilt with her performance.
Watching these back-to-back on the Kinds of Kindness DVD is an endurance test. It’s nearly three hours long. But because it’s broken into three parts, the DVD format is actually perfect. You can watch one story, hit stop, go make a sandwich, and come back for the next "chapter" the next night. It’s how the movie is meant to be digested—slowly.
The "R.M.F." Mystery
Who is R.M.F.? He’s the guy credited in the title of every segment. He’s played by Yorgos Stefanakos. He doesn't say much. He just is.
Fans have spent hours on Reddit and Letterboxd trying to figure out if he’s God, a producer, or just a random guy Lanthimos likes. Having the Kinds of Kindness DVD allows you to frame-step through his appearances. Is he wearing the same watch in every scene? (Spoilers: No, but the details matter).
Expert Perspective: Why Collect Now?
I’ve been tracking home media trends for a decade. We are currently in a "Goldilocks" zone for DVDs. They are cheap, they don't require an internet connection, and they are immune to "digital editing." Sometimes, studios go back and edit movies on streaming services to remove controversial scenes or change music rights.
A physical Kinds of Kindness DVD is a time capsule. It is the movie exactly as it was released in 2024. No stealth edits. No "content updates."
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Comparison of Formats
If you're wondering which version to buy:
- The DVD: Great for casual fans or people with older setups. It's affordable. The colors are still punchy, but you lose the fine detail in the dark scenes.
- The Blu-ray: This is the sweet spot. 1080p resolution makes the 35mm film grain look gorgeous.
- The Digital Buy: Convenient, but you don't "own" it. You own a license to watch it until the platform decides otherwise.
Common Misconceptions About the Release
People think that because it’s an "indie" film, the DVD won't be available at big retailers. Not true. You can find the Kinds of Kindness DVD at most major online shops and the few remaining brick-and-mortar media stores.
Another myth? That there’s a "Director’s Cut." Lanthimos is famous for his tight editing process. The version on the disc is his version. There isn't a secret four-hour cut lurking in a vault. What you see is exactly what he wanted you to experience—discomfort and all.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Viewing
Don't watch this with your parents. Unless your parents are into avant-garde Greek cinema, in which case, go for it. But for most, this is a "solo" or "film buff friend" kind of movie.
- Check your settings: Make sure your TV's "Motion Smoothing" is turned OFF. Lanthimos uses specific camera pans that look like a soap opera if you leave that setting on.
- Sound matters: If you have a soundbar, use it. The silence in this movie is just as important as the dialogue.
- Read the liner notes: Sometimes these boutique releases include small inserts or booklets. They are worth the two minutes it takes to read them.
Final Practical Steps for Collectors
If you're looking to add the Kinds of Kindness DVD to your shelf, keep an eye on regional coding. Most US players are Region 1 or Region A. If you're importing a special edition from Europe, make sure your player is "region-free."
Also, check for the "Searchlight Pictures" hologram on the back of the case. It’s a small detail, but it ensures you’re getting an official press and not a low-quality bootleg.
To truly appreciate the film, watch the segments out of order. Try starting with the third story and ending with the first. The Kinds of Kindness DVD makes this easy to navigate. You’ll find that the themes of power and submission hit differently when you scramble the narrative.
Go grab a copy, dim the lights, and get ready to feel very, very uncomfortable. It's great.