Newsletter - FOR THE WEEK

OF November 25th, 2019

  This Week's Highlights
 
 

A HUGE thanks to all who support us - especially all the generous donations and Patreon subscribers as well as positive messages. I will always be indebted to you, my friends.

What do you get? OUR Patreon Benefits Page is HERE.

Gamarjoba! Barnes and Noble's 50% OFF SALE is ON for Criterion, Cohen and Arrow! This has been a 'Bette' week of Blu-ray reviews in this newsletter of packages from Criterion, Warner Archive, Masters of Cinema, BFI, Gypsyroot, Arrow, Universal, of films directed by William Wyler, Samuel Fuller, Fritz Lang, John Huston, Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Leo McCarey, Hideo Nakata, Irving Rapper, John Badham etc. .Our Calendar has LAST WEEK's updates of Blu-rays (including February Criterion) by directors Alfonso Cuarón, Karel Zeman, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Hiroshi Teshigahara, Henri-Georges Clouzot, David Mamet, Joseph Losey , Charles Crichton, James Ivory, Basil Dearden, King Hu, Preston Sturges, Robert Siodmak, Fritz Lang, Ernest B. Schoedsack, Jack Clayton, Enzo G. Castellari, Franklin J. Schaffner, Lewis Gilbert, Robert Aldrich, William Wyler, Arthur Hiller,... and more. We also have our Feature Blu-ray and 4K UHD posted for NOVEMBER Enjoy!!

LISTING AND LARGE REVIEW PAGES:

Godzilla: The Showa-Era Films, 1954–1975 (on Blu-ray), Cinema of Japan, Discs of the Year for 2018,  The TOP 100 DISCS Ingmar Bergman's Cinema HAGSPloitation, BLAXPloitation, OZPloitation, 'WOMEN IN PRISON' CINEMACREATURE-FEATURES (on Blu-ray!), PRE-CODE FILMs (on Blu-ray!), SILENT ERA FILMs (on Blu-ray!), HAMMER Studios (on Blu-ray!) The 100 BEST Neo-Noirs (on Blu-ray!), The GREATEST 100 Westerns (on Blu-ray!), Giallo on Blu-ray!, ESSENTIAL NOIR on Blu-ray!, Shopping Guide for Blu-rays at Amazon.FR (France), Shopping Guide for Blu-rays at Amazon.DE (Germany) and our LATEST ARTICLES: Movies From... the End of the World The Beauties of Star Trek (TOS)

Feature Blu-ray and 4K UHD chosen for the Month of NOVEMBER!

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NOTE: If there are DVD or Blu-ray titles you'd like us to cover - please feel free to recommend!

Gary at 2ze dot com

LATEST ADDITIONS TO THE RELEASE CALENDAR:

Roma [Blu-ray] (Alfonso Cuarón, 2018) Criterion

Three Fantastic Journeys by Karel Zeman [Blu-ray] (Journey to the Beginning of Time, Invention for Destruction, The Fabulous Baron Von Munchhausen) Criterion (ALT Blu-ray REVIEW)  (ALT Blu-ray REVIEW)  (ALT Blu-ray REVIEW)

An Elephant Sitting Still [Blu-ray] (Bo Hu, 2018) Kimstim

Paris Is Burning [Blu-ray] (Jennie Livingston, 1990) Criterion

Teorema [Blu-ray] (Pier Paolo Pasolini, 1968) Criterion (ALT Blu-ray REVIEW)

Antonio Gaudí [Blu-ray] (Hiroshi Teshigahara, 1984) Criterion

Manon [Blu-ray] (Henri-Georges Clouzot, 1949) Arrow

The Amazing Mr. Blunden [Blu-ray] (Lionel Jeffries, 1972) RB UK Second Sight Films

Heist [Blu-ray] (David Mamet, 2001) Sony Pictures

X the Unknown [Blu-ray] (Leslie Norman, Joseph Losey , 1956) Shout! Factory

Rasputin: The Mad Monk [Blu-ray] (Don Sharp, 1966) Shout! Factory

Passport to Pimlico [Blu-ray] (CHenry Cornelius, 1949) Film Movement

The Titfield Thunderbolt [Blu-ray] (Charles Crichton, 1953) Film Movement

Paranoia aka "A Quiet Place to Kill" [Blu-ray] (Umberto Lenzi, 1970) RB UK 88 Films

Macabre [Blu-ray] (Lamberto Bava, 1980) RB UK 88 Films

The Remains of the Day [Blu-ray] (James Ivory, 1993) Sony Pictures

The Square Ring [Blu-ray] (Basil Dearden, 1953) RB UK Network

Come Drink with Me [Blu-ray] (King Hu, 1966) RB UK 88 Films

Downton Abbey: The Movie [Blu-ray] (Michael Engler, 2019) Universal

Downton Abbey: The Movie (Special Edition) [Blu-ray] (Michael Engler, 2019) Universal

ONE VOICE (not Ellsworth Monkton Toohey): With the newsletter in a kind of limbo life-support, we're going to try a shorter-sweet method of exporting info... we hope you agree:

 

Dracula (1979) BD - This is coming to Shout! Factory on Blu-ray in a 2-disc 'Collector's Edition' that will offer both the 'desaturated color timing' (the Universal we reviewed) and the original 'theatrical' color timing. This Universal is the former and has some greenish hues to it and is greyish and with, mostly, muted colors - the dull appearance is... unfortunate. So much to like; Laurence Olivier as Prof. Abraham Van Helsing, Donald Pleasence, a stunning Kate Nelligan although I realize Frank Langella was reprising his stage play role - I find him the weak link but still some nice 'classic Dracula' visuals, overall.

The Bells of St. Mary's BD - New 4K-restored Blu-ray transfer from Olive for this Holy classic - commentary, Extras, Father Bing, and angelic Ingrid Bergman. For fans of the film, this is the way to go. We need to compare to the UK Arrow Blu-ray though.

Now, Voyager BD - More' Top Tier' Bette Davis, It's hard to deny Now, Voyager the 'masterpiece' status labelling. It gets the Criterion Blu-ray treatment and this is from a "New, restored 4K digital transfer," and towers above the single-layered DVD from way back in 2001. The 1080P has 7X the bitrate of the SD transfer. An immense image and audio quality upgrade and substantial supplements. A very strong recommendation!50% OFF at Barnes and Noble HERE!

The Ringu Collection BD - Bona-fide J-Horror franchise. 3 Arrow Blu-ray - 4 films. Commentaries and extras out the wazoo, 60-page booklet. A gigantic leap over the 3 compared DVDs (see for yourself). Fans of the genre can unquestionably indulge. 50% OFF at Barnes and Noble HERE!

All About Eve BD - More Bette. More Criterion. More "4K digital restoration". Commentaries, the old extras, new extras. Unfortunate rubber disc-holder hubs. A towering example of Hollywood not lowering itself to mediocrity. Blu-ray endorsement of the week! 50% OFF at Barnes and Noble HERE!

Tennessee Gothic BD - Indie genre mix of horror-comedy, plenty of 'adult'-ness. I enjoyed the diversion. Blu-ray has value.

Moulin Rouge BD - BFI bring a Film Foundation restoration of this John Huston film to Blu-ray. Fascinating bio-pic of impressionist Toulouse-Lautrec starring José Ferrer, Zsa Zsa Gabor, and some exciting musical/dance numbers. All good.

Moonfleet BD - Another of the many, endlessly, re-watchable Fritz Lang films - combining young boys adventure, swashbuckling pirates, beautifully costumed gals and a hidden treasure. Moonfleet is well worth this impressive Blu-ray a/v upgrade. You can give away the DVD-R if it still even plays. Otherwise into the yellow snow with HD Cinema Classics catalogue.

Forty Guns (Fuller at Fox, Five Films 1951-1957) BD - Queen Stanwyck in the saddle with fearless auteur Sam Fuller at the helm. The result is a less-even style over substance classic of the western genre. Available in Masters of Cinema's Fuller at Fox Blu-ray set with hours of extras and a 100-page book.

Hell and High Water (Fuller at Fox, Five Films 1951-1957) BD - Fulfilling the director deep pessimism using interpersonal Cold war-based conventions (scientists, misplaced honor, nuclear weapon etc.) Studly Widmark and alluring Bella Darvi. This set is 'year-end' Blu-ray Poll material.

The Letter BD - Another of my favorite Bette Davis/ Wyler efforts - a manipulative seductress trying her best to dodge a murder conviction in steamy Singapore. The Letter comes to Warner Archive Blu-ray with a rehash of the past supplements, but is an irresistible must-own. We shake our fists, but still covet.

 

“Old age is no place for sissies..” - Bette Davis

 

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Next 2 weeks on the Calendar

November 25th, 2019

 

 

All About Eve [Blu-ray] (Joseph L. Mankiewicz, 1950) Criterion (BEAVER REVIEW)

Aya of Yop City [Blu-ray] (Marguerite Abouet, Clément Oubrerie, 2013) G Kids

The Bells of St. Mary's [Blu-ray] (Leo McCarey, 1945) Olive Signature (BEAVER REVIEW)

Catherine the Great [Blu-ray] (Philip Martin, 2019) RB UK Spirit

Christmas in July [Blu-ray] (Preston Sturges, 1940) Kino (BEAVER REVIEW)

Coincoin and the Extra-Humans [Blu-ray] (Bruno Dumont, 2018) Kino

Das Boot - Season One [Blu-ray] (Johannes W. Betz, Tony Saint, 2018) RB UK Spirit

Dracula [Blu-ray] (John Badham, 1979) Shout! Factory (ALT-BEAVER REVIEW)

Eegah [Blu-ray] (Arch Hall Sr., 1962) Film Detective

Great Day in the Morning [Blu-ray] (Jacques Tourneur, 1956) Warner Archive

Hammer Volume Four: Faces of Fear [Blu-ray] (THE REVENGE OF FRANKENSTEIN, THE TWO FACES OF DR. JEKYLL, TASTE OF FEAR, THE DAMNED) (Various, 1958-1962) Region Free Indicator UK (BEAVER REVIEW)  (BEAVER REVIEW)  (BEAVER REVIEW)  (BEAVER REVIEW)

Hammer Volume Four: Faces of Fear [Blu-ray] (THE REVENGE OF FRANKENSTEIN, THE TWO FACES OF DR. JEKYLL, TASTE OF FEAR, THE DAMNED) (Various, 1958-1962) Region Free Indicator UK (BEAVER REVIEW)  (BEAVER REVIEW)  (BEAVER REVIEW)  (BEAVER REVIEW)

The Holly and the Ivy [Blu-ray] (George More O'Ferrall, 1952) Kino (BEAVER REVIEW)

Horrible Histories: The Movie - Rotten Romans [Blu-ray] (Dominic Brigstocke, 2019) RB UK Altitude Film Distribution

Hotel by the River (aka Gangbyeon hotel) [Blu-ray] (Sang-soo Hong, 2018) Cinema Guild

Mary [Blu-ray] (Michael Goi, 2019) Image Entertainment

The Name of the Rose [Blu-ray] (Giacomo Battiato, 2019) RB UK Spirit

Now, Voyager [Blu-ray] (Irving Rapper, 1942) Criterion (BEAVER REVIEW)

Olivia [Blu-ray] (Jacqueline Audry, 1951) Distrib Films

Prophecy [Blu-ray] (John Frankenheimer, 1979) Shout! Factory

The Protector [Blu-ray] (James Glickenhaus, 1985) RB UK 88 Films

RoboCop [Blu-ray] (Paul Verhoeven, 1987) Arrow UK

RoboCop - Steelbook [Blu-ray] (Paul Verhoeven, 1987) Arrow UK

RoboCop [Blu-ray] (Paul Verhoeven, 1987) Arrow Video US

Secret Ceremony [Blu-ray] (Joseph Losey, 1968) RB UK Indicator (BEAVER REVIEW)

Watchmen - The Ultimate Cut [Blu-ray] (Zack Snyder, 2009) Region Free UK Paramount (ALT-BEAVER REVIEW)

Where'd You Go, Bernadette [Blu-ray] (Richard Linklater, 2019) 20th Century Fox

 

December 2nd, 2019

 

 

Arctic (Steelbook) [Blu-ray] (Joe Penna, 2018) RB UK Signature Entertainment

Betrayed [Blu-ray] (Costa-Gavras, 1988) RB UK BFI

Big Trouble in Little China [Blu-ray] (John Carpenter, 1986) Shout! Factory (ALT-BEAVER REVIEW)

Camille Claudel [Blu-ray] (Bruno Nuytten, 1988) Kino Lorber

Candy [Blu-ray] (Neil Armfield, 2006) Shout! Factory

Dog Day (aka Canicule) [Blu-ray] (Yves Boisset, 1984) Kino Lorber

Easy Rider [4K UHD Blu-ray] (Dennis Hopper, 1969) Region Free UK Sony

A Fistful of Dynamite (aka Duck, You Sucker!) [Blu-ray] (Sergio Leone, 1971) RB UK Masters Of Cinema Eureka (ALT-BEAVER REVIEW)

Glorifying the American Girl [Blu-ray] (Millard Webb, 1929) Kino Lorber

The Goldfinch [Blu-ray] (John Crowley, 2019) Warner

Gwendoline (aka The Perils of Gwendoline in the Land of the Yik Yak) [Blu-ray] (Just Jaeckin, 1984) Severin UK

The Holly and the Ivy [Blu-ray] (George More O'Ferrall, 1952) RB UK Studiocanal (ALT-BEAVER REVIEW)

Ironweed [Blu-ray] (Hector Babenco, 1987) RB UK Eureka

Jake Speed [Blu-ray] (Andrew Lane, 1986) Arrow US

Joan the Maid [Blu-ray] (Jacques Rivette, 1994) Cohen

Konga [Blu-ray] (John Lemont, 1961) Kino Lorber (BEAVER REVIEW)

The Magic Sword [Blu-ray] (Bert I. Gordon, 1962) Kino Lorber

Model Shop [Blu-ray] (Jacques Demy, 1969) RB UK Arrow (ALT-BEAVER REVIEW)

On the Waterfront [Blu-ray] (Elia Kazan, 1954) Criterion UK (BEAVER REVIEW)

Operation Petticoat [Blu-ray] (Blake Edwards, 1959) RB UK Eureka(ALT-BEAVER REVIEW)

Ready or Not [Blu-ray] (Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett, 2019) 20th Century Fox

Savage [Blu-ray] (Siwei Cui, 2018) Well Go Usa

She [Blu-ray] (Avi Nesher, 1984) Kino Lorber

Slaughterhouse-Five [Blu-ray] (George Roy Hill, 1972) Arrow US

Spetters [Blu-ray] (Paul Verhoeven, 1980) RB UK BFI

Spider-Man Set (Spider-Man: Far from Home / Spider-Man: Homecoming / Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse / Venom) [Blu-ray] (Various) Region Free Sony US

The Story of Temple Drake [Blu-ray] (Stephen Roberts, 1933) Criterion (BEAVER REVIEW)

Tunes of Glory [Blu-ray] (Ronald Neame, 1960) Criterion (BEAVER REVIEW)

Watchmen - The Ultimate Cut [4K UHD Blu-ray] (Zack Snyder, 2009) Region Free UK Paramount (ALT-BEAVER REVIEW)

Waterworld [Blu-ray] (Kevin Reynolds, 1995) Arrow US (ALT-BEAVER REVIEW)

What's New Pussycat [Blu-ray] (Clive Donner, 1965) RB UK Eureka (ALT-BEAVER REVIEW)