Physical Film Files

In the third episode of Physical Film Files, Jesse pulls Pi (1998) from the shelf to find out whether Darren Aronofsky’s experimental psychological thriller—and its physical release—is worthy of a place in your collection.

Starring Sean Gullette, Pi follows a brilliant mathematician obsessed with uncovering the numerical patterns behind the world, whose search for answers draws the attention of Wall Street and religious groups alike. Jesse watches the film for the first time, exploring its unsettling atmosphere, experimental cinematography, performances and themes of obsession, religion, mathematics and the dangers of pushing yourself too far.

Then it's time to inspect the disc itself. From the Australian DVD packaging and its striking black-and-white artwork to director and actor commentaries, deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes footage, this release offers considerably more than expected. Is this a case of the film being good, but the DVD being even better?

In this episode:

• Jesse's first impressions of Pi
• Darren Aronofsky's experimental filmmaking and visual style
• Performances, characters and standout scenes
• Themes of obsession, mathematics, religion and control
• A closer look at the Australian DVD release
• Director and actor commentaries, deleted scenes and special features
• Is it worth owning physically?
• Final ratings for both the film and the disc

Whether you're a physical media collector or simply love discovering great films, Physical Film Files is your monthly deep dive into the movies we choose to keep on our shelves.

Make sure you join us next month as Physical Film Files heads back to the shelf for High School Musical 2 (2007).

In the second episode of Physical Film Files, Jesse pulls Days of Thunder (1990) from the shelf to find out whether this high-octane racing film—and its physical release—is worthy of a place in your collection.

Starring Tom Cruise, Robert Duvall and Nicole Kidman, Days of Thunder sees cocky young driver Cole Trickle take on the world of NASCAR, learning that winning takes more than raw talent and ambition. Jesse watches the film for the first time, exploring its characters, spectacular racing sequences, themes of ego, teamwork, fear and redemption, and some very questionable 1990s moments along the way.

Then it's time to inspect the disc itself. From the Australian Paramount DVD packaging and cover art to its complete lack of special features, is this a release worth holding onto, or is it simply the film on a disc?

In this episode:

• Jesse's first impressions of Days of Thunder
• Tom Cruise, Robert Duvall and the film's characters
• Favourite scenes and moments from the film
• Themes of ambition, ego, teamwork and redemption
• The dangers and realities of racing
• A closer look at the Australian DVD release
• Is it worth owning physically?
• Final ratings for both the film and the disc

Whether you're a physical media collector or simply love discovering great films, Physical Film Files is your monthly deep dive into the movies we choose to keep on our shelves.

Make sure you join us next month as Physical Film Files heads back to the shelf for Pi (1998).

In the debut episode of Physical Film Files, Jesse pulls Pillion (2025) from the shelf to find out whether it's a film—and a physical release—worthy of a place in your collection.

Starring Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård, Pillion is a bold romantic drama that explores power, identity, grief and vulnerability through an unconventional relationship. Jesse shares his first-time reactions to the film, breaks down its performances, standout scenes and themes, and discusses why it's one of the year's most surprising discoveries.

Then it's time to inspect the disc itself. From the Australian DVD packaging and cover art to the complete lack of special features, does this release do the film justice, or is it simply a bare-bones release for collectors?

In this episode:

• First impressions of Pillion
• Film analysis and favourite moments
• Themes of control, identity and love
• A closer look at the Australian DVD release
• Is it worth owning physically?
• Final ratings for both the film and the disc

Whether you're a physical media collector or simply love discovering great films, Physical Film Files is your monthly deep dive into the movies we choose to keep on our shelves.

Make sure you join us next month for 'Days of Thunder'

Welcome to Physical Film Files, a monthly podcast where I pull one film from my physical media collectionand take a closer look at what makes it worth shelf space.

From the film itself, to the artwork, the packaging,and the special features—this is about celebrating movies the physical way.

If you’re a collector, a film fan, or someone whostill loves opening a case and pressing play, this show is for you.