The Physical Cut

Krloz Ruben | The Physical Cut
  • 5.0 (4)
  • TV & Film
  • Updated Biweekly

The Physical Cut is a podcast about physical media, movie collecting, and the culture behind Blu-ray, 4K Blu-ray, and boutique labels like Criterion Collection, Arrow Video, and more. Hosted by Krloz Ruben, each episode explores film preservation, collector culture, limited editions, restorations, and the stories behind the movies we choose to own in a streaming-first world. From deep dives into boutique Blu-ray releases to conversations about physical media collecting, film preservation, horror, and home video history, The Physical Cut celebrates the collectors, creators, and community keeping physical media alive.

  1. 2d ago

    GALICIA!: Found Footage, Natural Wine & the Apocalypse with STUPID CO

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. What happens when a holiday in Galicia, natural wine, friendship, and the end of the world become one film? On this episode of The Physical Cut, Krloz sits down with Kyle Greenberg and Anna Maguire of STUPID CO to talk about their new hybrid documentary GALICIA!, a found-footage film that began with a simple idea: visit friends in Spain, experience their wine harvest, and imagine what would happen if the apocalypse arrived while you were there. We start with the story behind STUPID CO, from its beginnings as a playful creative label to the filmmaking company it has become. Kyle and Anna talk about making films together, wearing nearly every hat on their productions, and why keeping their work independent allows them to experiment. We get into GALICIA! and the unusual way it was made. The film combines travel, dark humor, friendship, natural wine, and an increasingly unsettling sense that something has gone very wrong. Kyle and Anna explain how much of the film was planned, what happened organically during their trip, the real-life nightmare of lost luggage, and why the film deliberately moves between comedy, anxiety, documentary, and horror. We also talk about Purrela Wines, the Galician winemakers at the center of the film's harvest, how wine became part of the story from the beginning, the culture and landscapes they encountered while traveling through Galicia. GALICIA! premieres in New York on October 13 at the Roxy Cinema as part of the Downtown Festival, with additional U.S. festival dates to be announced. In this episode: The origins of STUPID COMaking independent films outside the traditional systemGALICIA! and its found-footage approachNatural wine and Purrela WinesTraveling through Galicia and capturing local cultureBalancing comedy, anxiety, horror, and documentaryMaking a film about the apocalypse in the real worldPolitics and contemporary reality in independent filmmakingBuilding an experience around a film and its wineThe future of GALICIA! and its physical releaseFollow STUPID CO: stupidco.biz / @stupidcobiz Follow The Physical Cut on Instagram: @thephysicalcutpod Check our website krpodlab.com You can support our indie shows by buying us a coffee.

    GALICIA!: Found Footage, Natural Wine & the Apocalypse with STUPID CO

  2. Sep 14

    Inside Independent Horror: Gare-Scare on Filmmaking & Hishkenstien: After Dark

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. What does it take to make an independent horror film, and what happens when you start looking at movies differently because you're the one making them? On this episode of The Physical Cut, I sit down with filmmaker Gare-Scare to talk about the movies, influences, and experiences that shaped his approach to filmmaking. We get into what makes a movie stick with you, the elements of filmmaking audiences don't always notice, and the realities of making independent films when budget, time, locations, and equipment aren't always on your side. We also take a Scene Break into Fortunato's Descent, with Gare-Scare walking us through one scene from the film—from the original idea and visual approach to what was happening behind the scenes and whether the finished scene matched what he originally envisioned. And because this is The Physical Cut, we close by talking about Hishkenstien: After Dark, which is getting both a streaming release and a Blu-ray release through CoffinMaker Video. We discuss what it means for an independent film to become a physical release and get a second life with an audience that can actually own it. In this episode: Gare-Scare's path into filmmakingThe movies that influenced his approach to filmWhat makes a movie stay with youThe overlooked elements of filmmakingThe realities of independent horror filmmakingWorking within creative and production limitationsScene Break: Inside Fortunato's DescentGetting independent films in front of audiencesFestivals and the challenges of finding an audienceHishkenstien: After Dark and its upcoming streaming releaseThe film's upcoming Blu-ray release from CoffinMaker VideoThe future of Hishkenstien, including a potential sequel/experimental art projectWhy independent filmmakers continue making moviesFollow Gare Scare on Instagram, Youtube and visit Wicker Sticks Entertainment. Follow The Physical Cut, subscribe, and share the episode with someone who loves independent horror and physical media. Visit our website KRPodLab.com to supoort our show by buying us a coffee.

    Inside Independent Horror: Gare-Scare on Filmmaking & Hishkenstien: After Dark

  3. Sep 5

    From Letterboxd to the Shelf: Movie Discovery, Ratings & Film Culture with Chris Higgins

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. When does watching a movie become something we feel like we have to document? Krloz sits down with Chris Higgins, AKA Bearded Film Guy, for a conversation about Letterboxd, movie discovery, ratings, film culture, and the increasingly complicated relationship between watching movies and creating content about them. We start with Chris's podcast Beyond the Blood, a show built around using physical-media audio commentaries as the starting point for deeper conversations about genre films. From there, the conversation moves into Letterboxd and the pressure that can come with logging, rating, reviewing, and comparing your movie-watching habits to everyone else's. Chris talks about why he had to rethink the way he uses Letterboxd, how ratings can affect the way we actually experience a movie, and why having a different opinion from the crowd shouldn't turn into a fight. We also dig into “contentification” — the idea that movies can become content to be consumed, ranked, reviewed, posted, and monetized rather than simply experienced. Where does genuine film discussion end and content creation begin? And what happens when social media incentives start influencing how we talk about movies? Physical media naturally enters the conversation through movie discovery, ownership, bonus features, and the idea that learning more about a film can completely change how you see it. In this episode: Chris Higgins and the origins of Beyond the BloodWhy audio commentaries can change how you experience a movieLetterboxd and the pressure to constantly log and rateWhen movie watching starts feeling like a competitionRating movies vs. simply enjoying themThe pressure to agree with popular opinionFilm criticism, disagreement, and having your own perspectiveThe “contentification” of moviesSocial media, movie influencers, and authenticityWhen physical media can lead to deeper movie discoveryWhy bonus features and film history matterChris's Letterboxd Top Four and the movies he owns physicallySCREAM AT 30: Scream, Letterboxd, ratings, reputation, and the horror canonFollow Chris: @beardedfilmguy Listen to Beyond the Blood. Listen to the episode "Short Night of Glass Dolls'' Follow Steve: @afterhoursvideo Follow or subscribe to The Physical Cut. Check out KRPodLab.com and support our little show by buying us a coffee.

    From Letterboxd to the Shelf: Movie Discovery, Ratings & Film Culture with Chris Higgins

  4. Sep 4

    Bonus Cut: Obsession’s Oscars Campaign: Which Categories Can It Actually Win?

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. Obsession is going to the Oscars; or at least Focus Features is going all in on an Oscar campaign. With the studio submitting Curry Barker’s Obsession in a long list of categories, the question isn't simply whether the movie deserves to be nominated. How does it actually stack up against the competition? In this special episode of The Physical Cut, I go category by category through Obsession’s Oscar campaign, comparing its chances against movies that have already arrived and some of the biggest contenders still coming later this year. From makeup and cinematography to acting, screenplay, directing and eventually Best Picture, we're looking at where Obsession has a legitimate path, and where the campaign might be stretching a little too far. And yes, there are some categories where I think Focus Features should absolutely be putting its money. There are others where I'm wondering what the hell they're doing. In this episode: Obsession’s Oscar campaign and the 15 submitted categoriesMakeup & HairstylingSound and the horror advantageOriginal ScoreCostume DesignProduction Design vs. Project Hail MaryCinematography and why this might be Obsession’s strongest craft categoryCasting and the importance of Inde Navarrette to the campaignSupporting Actor: Cooper Tomlinson and Andy RichterWhy Michael Johnston may have a better chance in Supporting ActorFilm Editing and the Curry Barker/Sean Baker comparisonOriginal Screenplay vs. The Invite, Mother Mary and other contendersBest ActorInde Navarrette and the Best Actress raceCurry Barker vs. Christopher Nolan and the Javis for La Bola NegraThe crowded Best Picture raceMy final Obsession Oscar scorecardThe Oscar race is still developing, and plenty of major 2026 releases haven't even arrived yet. So this isn't about pretending we know exactly what will happen on Oscar night. It's about where Obsession stands right now. Find us on Instagram: @thephysicalcutpod More from the network: KR PodLab Support the show by buying us a coffee!

    Bonus Cut: Obsession’s Oscars Campaign: Which Categories Can It Actually Win?

  5. Aug 26

    Asterisk Video: VHS Collecting, Physical Media & the Collector Community

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. On this episode of The Physical Cut, Krloz sits down with Matt from Asterisk Video, a small physical media business based in West Virginia that grew out of Matt and his wife's own collecting habits. What started with trying to downsize duplicate VHS tapes eventually became a business built around hunting, restoring, cleaning, testing and selling physical media at events across the country. Matt talks about what it actually takes to source vintage VHS tapes and other physical media, and why the work behind the table is often much more complicated than collectors realize. The conversation also dives into the current state of VHS collecting, the rise of younger collectors discovering the format, collecting for nostalgia versus aesthetics, horror's relationship with physical media, boutique labels and artwork, and where Matt thinks the physical media market is heading. And because no episode with a VHS collector would be complete without it, Matt shares the story of the time his rental copy of Scream broke at the worst possible moment. In This Episode How Asterisk Video grew from downsizing a personal collection into a physical media businessBuilding a business around VHS, DVDs, Blu-rays, 4Ks and other physical mediaHunting for inventory through flea markets, yard sales, thrift stores and collectionsThe work involved in cleaning, repairing, testing and restoring VHS tapesWhy horror collectors have become such a major part of the physical media communityThe new generation of VHS collectors and the appeal of the formatNostalgia vs. collecting for aestheticsWhy movie artwork can be just as important as the movie itselfOriginal artwork, boutique labels and the debate over new cover designsWhat collectors often misunderstand about the physical media communityThe emotional stories and memories behind people's collectionsRewind Rolodex and resources for VHS collectorsWhere Matt sees the future of physical media headingAdvice for anyone starting a physical media collectionScream at 30: Matt's unforgettable story about renting Scream on VHSFollow Asterisk Video on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with their inventory, upcoming events and latest finds. Follow The Physical Cut on Instagram and visit KRPodLab.com to learn how to support our show by buying us a coffee.

    Asterisk Video: VHS Collecting, Physical Media & the Collector Community

  6. Aug 26

    Criterion Collection, Film Deep Dives & Physical Media with Ron (Why This Film?)

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. What makes a film worthy of the Criterion Collection? Krloz sits down with Ron from Why This Film? to talk about Criterion, physical media collecting, and the idea behind his podcast: exploring the collection one spine at a time. Ron shares how his curiosity about Criterion led him to start Why This Film?, where conversations with critics, historians, writers, professors, and filmmakers go beyond simply asking whether a movie is good or bad. We talk about how those conversations have changed the way he watches films, the importance of Criterion's supplements and essays, and the experience of discovering films outside the mainstream. We also get into Criterion collecting, blind buys, Letterboxd, underrated releases, and what makes a film worth revisiting. Plus, Ron takes on a quick Criterion rapid-fire round. In this episode: Why Ron created Why This Film?Criterion Collection and physical media collectingFilm deep dives, criticism, and the value of supplementsHow conversations can change the way you watch moviesDiscovering lesser-known and international filmmakersCriterion blind buys, underrated releases, and collecting regretsFilms Ron would love to see join the Criterion CollectionFind Why This Film? Website: whythisfilm.com Instagram: @whythIsfilmpod If you enjoy the episode, follow, subscribe, and share The Physical Cut wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also follow us on Instagram for more physical media, collecting, and movie culture. Visit KRPodLab.com and support us by buying us a coffee.

    Criterion Collection, Film Deep Dives & Physical Media with Ron (Why This Film?)

  7. Jul 23

    Why the Criterion Collection Matters: Film Discovery, Physical Media & the Barnes & Noble Criterion Sale

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. Every movie collector remembers their first Criterion. In this episode of The Physical Cut, Krloz sits down with Derick McDuff, host of the Underrated Movie Podcast, longtime Barnes & Noble bookseller, and WatchMojo contributor, to explore why the Criterion Collection has become one of the most respected names in physical media. From working the legendary Barnes & Noble Criterion Sale to recommending hidden cinematic gems every day, Derick shares what it's really like helping collectors build their libraries, introducing newcomers to classic cinema, and discovering films that deserve far more attention. Together, they discuss how physical media creates deeper connections with movies than streaming ever can, why film recommendations matter, and how Criterion continues to preserve cinema through outstanding restorations, special features, and collector editions. Whether you're buying your very first Criterion release or have hundreds on your shelf, this conversation celebrates the joy of film discovery and the culture behind collecting. In this episode: Why the Criterion Collection is so importantInside the Barnes & Noble Criterion SaleHow to start collecting Criterion the right wayFilm recommendations for first-time Criterion buyersHow social media influences movie collectingPhysical media vs. streamingThe value of special features and film preservationWhy collectors still love browsing physical storesUnderrated movies every film fan should discoverWhy owning movies still matters in the streaming eraWe also dive into conversations about John Waters, David Lynch, Godzilla, The Red Shoes, The Princess Bride, Scream, Scream 2, Scream 3, The Elephant Man, and many more films that continue to shape film culture. 🎙 Guest: Derick McDuff – Host of the Underrated Movie Podcast Follow Derick: Website: underratedmoviepodcast.comInstagram: @underratedmoviepodcastFollow The Physical Cut Instagram: @thephysicalcutpod Website: KRPodLab.comIf you enjoy conversations about physical media, boutique labels, film preservation, Criterion Collection releases, movie collecting, Blu-rays, 4K UHD, horror, cinema history, and collector culture, be sure to subscribe and leave a review.

    Why the Criterion Collection Matters: Film Discovery, Physical Media & the Barnes & Noble Criterion Sale

  8. Jul 11

    Obsession (2026): How an Indie Horror Film Became a Horror Phenomenon

    Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. Why did Obsession (2026) become one of the biggest horror success stories of the year? In this episode of The Physical Cut, Krloz is joined by special guest John (Spky_Szn95) to break down the unexpected rise of Cory Barker's breakout indie horror film and why audiences can't stop talking about it. Together, they explore how a film made for under $1 million became a box office phenomenon through word of mouth, social media, and passionate horror fans. Is Obsession simply the most talked-about horror movie of 2026, or has it already earned cult classic status? The conversation covers the film's psychological horror, atmosphere, cinematography, performances, marketing strategy, collector appeal, and the growing importance of original independent horror in a franchise-driven industry. They also discuss physical media, the upcoming 4K release, and why movies like Obsession prove collectors and horror fans can help shape a film's legacy. The episode concludes with a special transition into The Physical Cut's year-long celebration of the 30th anniversary of Scream, where Krloz and John reflect on what Wes Craven's classic means to horror fans and collectors nearly three decades later. In This Episode Why Obsession (2026) became a surprise horror phenomenonCan word of mouth outperform million-dollar marketing campaigns?Psychological horror vs. modern franchise horrorCory Barker's breakout successThe performances of Indy Navarrette and Michael JohnstonHorror collecting and the upcoming Obsession 4K releaseWhy physical media still mattersIs Obsession the next cult classic?Celebrating 30 Years of ScreamFavorite Ghostface killers and the legacy of Wes CravenSupport the show by following us on Instagram and sharing the episode with your friends! Visit KRPodLab for all episodes and to leave us voicemails, we would love to feature you in the show!

    Obsession (2026): How an Indie Horror Film Became a Horror Phenomenon
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Physical Cut is a podcast about physical media, movie collecting, and the culture behind Blu-ray, 4K Blu-ray, and boutique labels like Criterion Collection, Arrow Video, and more. Hosted by Krloz Ruben, each episode explores film preservation, collector culture, limited editions, restorations, and the stories behind the movies we choose to own in a streaming-first world. From deep dives into boutique Blu-ray releases to conversations about physical media collecting, film preservation, horror, and home video history, The Physical Cut celebrates the collectors, creators, and community keeping physical media alive.

Information

  • Creator
    Krloz Ruben | The Physical Cut
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 KR PodLab
  • Show Website
    The Physical Cut

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