THIS WEEK's RELEASES: Żulawski triple feature, George Cukor, Vincente Minnelli, André De Toth, William Dieterle, Alan Clarke, Sydney Pollack, Terry Gilliam, 70's vampires... in 4K UHD, Richard Linklater, Sam Raimi, Cauleen Smith, Beth B, Cate Blanchett as the Tudor Queen in 4K UHD, 60's creature-feature in 4K UHD, more Jean Rollin blood-suckers in 4K UHD, Elvis, Black Emanualle's box, Silent Negri...
THIS WEEK's CALENDAR UPDATES (OLDER!): Nicolas Roeg in 4K, Mario Bava in 4K, more Orson Welles in 4K, more Brian De Palma in 4K, Jesús Franco, Oliver Stone in 4K, more Dario Argento in 4K, Katsuhito Ishii, Bo Widerberg, Wesley Ruggles, Robert Wise, Raoul Walsh, Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, Sam Peckinpah, Christopher Nolan, Film Noir Collections, Ida Lupino, Audie Murphy, René Clément, , Ernst Lubitsch, William Wyler, Paul Schrader, Louis Malle, Sydney Pollack, Jacques Deray, Rob Reiner, Black Emanualle, Count Yorga, Fatal Femmes, Craig Brewer, Irwin Allen, Spielberg's first....
THIS WEEK'S REVIEWS: Pola Negri!, evil Jean Simmons, new Cronenberg, DIY 90's gem, exploitive revenge-based violence against... Taxi Drivers, Gorgo’s mother takes out her anger against London in 4K UHD...
Enjoy,
Gary

RELEASES the WEEK of August 28th, 2023 (Recommended titles have "**")

**Andrzej Żulawski: Three Films** Blu-ray - Andrzej Seweryn @mastersofcinema
The Third Part of the Night (1971), The Devil (1972) and On the Silver Globe (1988)
UK PURCHASE LINK
BONUS CAPTURES
OUR REVIEW
COMMENTS: Masters of Cinema's Blu-ray package of three Andrzej Żulawski films is highly anticipated. He is known as the enfant terrible and a maverick of Polish Cinema. The Third Part of the Night is a psychological drama / horror set in Nazi-occupied Poland. It was inspired by the experiences of Zulawski's father, and involves an 'illegal vaccine' using lice (see the Rudolf Weigl's Institute in Lwow,) second chances, hallucinations and is totally haunting in its viewing impact. The Devil is a historical drama with plenty of horror and starts with the bloody Prussian invasion of Poland in the 1790s. It has a frantic prison break, satanic character, symbolic nun, nymphomaniacs and the film was banned for 17 years in Poland as the government didn't take kindly to be represented as Beelzebub. The dystopian epic science-fiction On the Silver Globe is as fascinating as its production history being 'interrupted' by Janusz Wilhelmi, vice-minister of cultural affairs. It has dissident astronauts, a new human race, telepathic bird-like humanoids, partially feral inhabitants, false messiahs and is a visual wonder. A masterful Blu-ray boxset from Masters of Cinema of a mind-bending filmmaker. It is one of the most notable sets of the year. Strongly recommended!
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Battlestar Galactica [4K UHD Blu-ray] (Richard A. Colla / Alan J. Levi, 1978) Universal
US PURCHASE LINK
CANADIAN PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: The movie that launched the phenomenon! In the deepest reaches of space, it is a fight to save all human life from extinction in this sci-fi adventure that launched the Battlestar Galactica phenomenon! After the Cylons launch a devastating surprise attack on the Twelve Colonies, a lone flagship battlestar, the Galactica, remains to aid the surviving colonists on their epic journey for a new home to a far-off legendary planet—Earth. They must survive the pursuing Cylons in a series of epic battles that will determine the fate of the human race in this non-stop action-packed classic filled with cutting-edge special effects by Academy Award® winner John Dykstra (Star Wars, Spider-Man 2).
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Black Magic Rites [4K UHD Blu-ray] (Renato Polselli, 1972) Indicator
US Blu-ray PURCHASE LINK
US 4K UHD PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: When beautiful Laureen throws a wild party at the castle which she has just inherited, she is blissfully unaware that its dark cellar harbours an occult sect that is hellbent on avenging the death of Isabel, who was burned at the stake 600 years earlier as a witch. The occultists’ satanic rituals call for the blood of virgins… Could Laureen be next?
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Crime and Punishment [Blu-ray] (Menahem Golan, 2002) Allied Vaughn
US PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: Crispin Glover, John Hurt and Vanessa Redgrave star in this powerful, modern re-telling of Dostoyevsky’s classic novel when a student, driven mad by debt, murders a pawnbroker and tries to justify his crime by imagining that he’s above the law.
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Crimewave [Blu-ray] (Sam Raimi, 1985) RB UK Indicator
UK PURCHASE LINK
BEAVER REVIEW
COMMENTS: After the colossal success of The Evil Dead, director Sam Raimi teamed up with the Coen brothers (fresh from Blood Simple) to make his next film, Crimewave, an unusual mixture of screwball comedy, film noir and B-movie homage.
Raimi’s film tells the bizarre story of a security-system installer, Vic (Reed Birney), who finds himself in the electric chair when he falls in love with Nancy (Sheree J Wilson), a femme fatale on the run from two bumbling exterminators ‘of all sizes’ (Paul L Smith, Popeye, and Brion James, Blade Runner). A notoriously troubled production which flopped upon its original release, Crimewave can now be enjoyed as a riotously entertaining showcase for Raimi and the Coens, which also benefits from a highly amusing performance from cult-horror star Bruce Campbell.
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**Dazed and Confused** [Blu-ray] (Richard Linklater, 1993) Criterion
US PURCHASE LINK
CANADIAN PURCHASE LINK
BEAVER REVIEW
COMMENTS: "The movie that inhales" is a fractured farce set on the last day of school in 1976 in which a diverse group of Austin, Texas, high school students get stoned, partake in hazing pranks, find romance, and contemplate the future. Writer/director Richard Linklater's far-out flashback stars Jason London, Milla Jovovich, Joey Lauren Adams, Ben Affleck, Parker Posey, and Matthew McConaughey, and features a great period soundtrack. 102 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English DTS HD 5.1 Master Audio; Subtitles: English (SDH); audio commentary by Linklater; "making of" documentary; interviews; behind-the-scenes footage; bonus footage; deleted scenes; theatrical trailer; booklet.
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**Cauleen Smith's "Drylongso"** Blu-ray - Toby Smith @Criterion
US PURCHASE LINK
CANADIAN PURCHASE LINK
BONUS CAPTURES
OUR REVIEW
COMMENTS: Cauleen Smith's Drylongso is her only feature film to date. It's a wonderful 1990's portrait of Oakland with protagonist Pica, a rebellious art-school student, maturing through an emotional journey juxtaposing female friendship and a dangerous serial killer as she works her nighttime wall-postering job. There are themes that touch on racism, gender (her new friend disguises herself as a man to evade an abusive relationship), independence and domestic violence. 'Drylongso' is derived from the Gullah (African American ethnic group from South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida) term meaning "ordinary" which this film is anything but. Absolutely the Criterion Blu-ray is recommended.
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**Elizabeth [4K UHD Blu-ray]** (Shekhar Kapur, 1998) Allied Vaughn
US PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: Academy Award winners Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush and Richard Attenborough lead a distinguished cast in Elizabeth the critically acclaimed epic of the queen's turbulent and treacherous rise to power. Before the Golden Age, Elizabeth was a passionate and naive girl who came to reign over a land divided by bloody turmoil. Amid palace intrigue and attempted assassinations, the young queen is forced to become a cunning strategist while weighing the counsel of her mysterious advisors, thwarting her devious rivals and denying her own desires for the good of her country.
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**Father's Little Dividend** [Blu-ray] (Vincente Minnelli, 1951) Warner Archive
US PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: Academy Award winners Elizabeth Taylor and Spencer Tracy return in their starring roles from "Father of the Bride" in this delightful comedy of battling in-laws--Father's Little Dividend. Stanley and Ellie Banks (Tracy and Joan Bennett) have barely had time to recover from their daughter's (Taylor) wedding when they learn they are to be grandparents. Their dreams of peace and quiet are soon shattered by baby wails and dirty diapers!
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Gay Purr-ee [Blu-ray] (Abe Levitow, 1962) Warner Archive
US PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: Judy Garland and Robert Goulet lend their voices to a pair of star-crossed cats in this delightful, musical, romantic adventure. It's 1890 in France. Young feline Mewsette (Garland) announces to Jaune Tom (Goulet), the cat who truly loves her, the she is leaving the farm and boarding the next train to Paris. But once in the City of Lights, the naïve Mewsette is easy prey for the devious Meowrice (Paul Frees) and his nefarious plan to marry the young beauty to a rich American ... for a commission. Undaunted, Jaune Tom travels to Paris to find Mewsette--and no evil plot that Meowrice and his dastardly minions can devise will stop the heroic Tom from rescuing Mewsette.
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**Eugène Lourié's "Gorgo" 4K UHD** - William Sylvester / Bill Travers @VinegarSyndrome
US PURCHASE LINK
CANADIAN PURCHASE LINK
UK PURCHASE LINK
BONUS CAPTURES
OUR REVIEW
COMMENTS: Eugène Lourié's "Gorgo" to 4K UHD is quite a reason for the film's fans to celebrate. Gorgo was originally intended to be set in Japan recognizing the appeal of the original Godzilla but the creature's destruction of easily recognizable landmarks (Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus etc.) for Gorgo to mangle may have tipped the scales to have it set in the British Isles. Gorgo's name is derived from the Gorgons of Greek mythology... with the advertisement that their sight might turn you to stone! Themes of motherly love and our place in the animal kingdom, including cruelty, can give pause for reflection. It's really a wonderful juvenile creature-feature and Gorgo has had plenty of novel and comic book adaptations. Vinegar Syndrome's 4K UHD is a very easy recommendation to nostalgic viewers!
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**"Gray Lady Down"** Blu-ray - Charlton Heston @indicatorseries
UK PURCHASE LINK
BONUS CAPTURES
OUR REVIEW
COMMENTS: David Greene's Gray Lady Down is certainly a notable notch above the more salacious and common 'disaster flics' of Hollywood's 70s with wonderful ensemble cast support and adept realization from director David Greene. Charlton Heston calls it a 'rescue' film as opposed to a disaster effort. I was very entertained and the Indicator Blu-ray is at their definitive level with stellar, authentic, a/v and stacked new extras with a new wonderful commentary that bolstered by appreciation. Indicator stand heads and tails above their competitors -and Gray Lady Down is absolutely recommended!
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**Richard Marquand's "Jagged Edge"** Blu-ray Jeff Bridges / Glenn Close @indicatorseries
UK PURCHASE LINK
BONUS CAPTURES
OUR COMPARISON
COMMENTS: Richard Marquand's Jagged Edge was part of a mid-80's wave of solid murder thrillers that had a romance angle - following after 1981's Body Heat, before Fatal Attraction (with Glenn Close contrastingly playing the 'murderous paramour') and Sea of Love while prefacing 90's efforts like Paul Verhoeven's Basic Instinct. This also could be viewed as a suspenseful courtroom drama as we spend ample time there with surprise revelations. It's certainly above-average entertainment and part of our neo-noir listing. Jagged Edge has strong performances from Bridges, Close, Coyote and Loggia. It's one of those film you love to tuck into - with twists and turns - adeptly realized by Marquand. So nice to see Indicator provide a real Blu-ray package in their usual complete fashion. Easily, it is the one to own. Absolutely recommended!
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**The Life of Emile Zola** [Blu-ray] (William Dieterle, 1937) Warner Archive
US PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: The story of one of the world's greatest writers, a man who proved that one voice can overcome injustice and change the course of a nation is immortalized in The Life of Emile Zola. From his days as a struggling writer in Paris to his first success with the publication of Nana and his brilliant J'accuse, which exposes the Dreyfuss affair as a gross miscarriage of justice to cover up government incompetence, Emile Zola grows into an important voice for art, truth and justice. Winner of three Academy Awards, including Best Picture!
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**Little Women** [Blu-ray] (George Cukor, 1933) Warner Archive
US PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: Academy Award winner Katharine Hepburn stars in Academy Award-winning director George Cukor's adaptation of an enduring American classic novel--Little Women. 1860s New England. As four sisters grow from girls to young adults during the hard times of the United States' Civil War, the difficulties, tragedies and joys they experience tear at--but cannot break--the deep bonds of sisterhood and family in this timeless and heartwarming tale of growth and self-discovery.
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The Night of the Hunted [Blu-ray] (Jean Rollin, 1980) Indicator US
US Blu-ray PURCHASE LINK
US 4K UHD PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: One of Jean Rollin’s least-seen and most underrated works, The Night of the Hunted (La Nuit des traquées) finds the director moving away from his signature tales of vampirism to explore a nightmarish, dystopian world. In the dead of night, Elisabeth is rescued from unknown pursuers by Robert and taken to safety. But, after she is kidnapped and taken to an austere clinic whose distressed and abused patients are suffering from progressive memory loss, Robert sets out to find her and discover what is taking place in the clinic. Shot at night on a shoestring budget, with a cast mostly drawn from France’s adult-film industry, The Night of the Hunted stars Rollin regulars Brigitte Lahaie (Fascination) and Natalie Perrey (Lips of Blood), and offers a stark and melancholic take on contemporary society.
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Nobody's Fool [Blu-ray] (Evelyn Purcell, 1986) Allied Vaughn
US PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: Small-town Cassie has made a few errors in love...errors like an attempted stabbing. Basically, she’s an oddball. But when a theatre troupe arrives, she meets the handsome – and equally unstable – Riley. Has Cassie finally found her perfect match?
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Play Dirty [Blu-ray] (André De Toth, 1969) Allied Vaughn
US PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: They had no rules, no plan and no way out! This riveting adventure stars Michael Caine as a fuel expert hired to aid a renegade troop on a sure-fire suicide mission: Cross the unforgiving Sahara Desert and destroy a strategic Nazi oil reserve.
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The Postman Fights Back [Blu-ray] (Ronny Yu, 1982) 88 Films UK
UK PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: When courier Ma (Ka-Yan Leung) alongside three other mismatched allies, is sent on a mission to deliver a secret cargo to a rebel leader, he soon finds himself on a patriotic quest to save the country and himself. Also starring Cho Yun-Fat (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), this historic Chinese action movie by Ronny Yu (Bride of Chucky, Freddy vs. Jason) from legendary Hong Kong studio Golden Harvest, is sure to pack a powerful punch.
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The Rape of the Vampire [4K UHD Blu-ray] (Jean Rollin, 1968) Indicator
US Blu-ray PURCHASE LINK
US 4K UHD PURCHASE LINK
ALT-DVDBEAVER Blu-ray REVIEW
COMMENTS: Jean Rollin’s startling debut feature, introduces his unique take on vampirism, establishing the blend of surrealism, passion, and horror that would become his brand. In the film's first part, four strange women living in a decrepit château – and all believing themselves to be ancient vampires – are visited by a psychoanalyst who attempts to rid them of their apparent delusion. In the second, the Queen of the Vampires presides over a diabolical clinic, unaware that the head doctor is plotting against her. With its surreal black-and-white images and riveting free-jazz score by François Tusques, the movie was released in Paris to a scandalised response during the chaos of May ’68, heralding the arrival of a major new talent in fantastique cinema.
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**Scum** [Blu-ray] (Alan Clarke, 1979) Region FREE UK Indicator
UK PURCHASE LINK
BEAVER REVIEW
COMMENTS: "After the banning of their original 1977 BBC TV version, director Alan Clarke (The Firm) and writer Roy Minton (Funny Farm) set out to remake their drama for the big screen to ensure that their vision got the audience it deserved. The resulting film was an even more vitriolic portrait of a corrupt and violent institution which stunned cinema audiences and caused outrage. Uncompromising in its depiction of everyday violence, retribution, suicide and sexual assault, Scum remains a cornerstone of the British realist cinema movement, and a savage and still shocking indictment of institutionalised violence and abuse."
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The Sensual World of Black Emanualle Collector's Set [Blu-ray] (15 Discs, 24 Feature Films, 2 Soundtrack Compilation CDs, 40+ Hours of Special Features, 356-Page Book) Severin Films
US PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: She was the pleasure-seeking photojournalist - forever embodied by the exquisite Indonesian actress Laura Gemser, most frequently in collaboration with writer/director Joe D'Amato - who would uncover an increasingly lurid world of sex cults, snuff films, cannibal jungles, women's prisons, white slavers, depraved convents, and beyond to become the premier feminist icon in genre history. This landmark collection produced by award-winning writer/director Kier-La Janisse now brings together 21 BLACK EMANUELLE films, 2 adjacent titles starring EuroCult heroine Ajita Wilson, and the D'Amato documentary INFERNO ROSSO, most newly scanned, restored, and on Blu-ray for the first time in America. The journey continues with 2 soundtrack CDs curated exclusively for this release encompassing music by Nico Fidenco and more, the lavishly illustrated 356-page THE BLACK EMANUELLE BIBLE designed by Luke Insect and featuring new writings by noted film scholars and historians as well as Laura Gemser's in-depth 1996 Nocturno Magazine interview, and over 40 hours of Special Features that include alternate versions, audio commentaries, video essays, a documentary on Gemser's husband/co-star Gabriele Tinti, the '80s Gemser workout video Looking Good, and much more.
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Sex, Power, and Money: Films by Beth B [Blu-ray] - Kino
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CANADIAN PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: After defining the No Wave film movement of the New York underground of the 1970s and ’80s, Beth B emerged in the 1990s as a provocative multi-disciplinary artist, creating a series of confrontational visual works that explore the dynamics of sex, power, and money. Beth B’s stylistically adventurous work seduces the eye even as it shocks the mind with an emotional nakedness seldom found in contemporary cinema. With every film, Beth B challenges the viewer to hold her cinematic gaze as she explores themes of sexual desire, the justice system, gender identity, the Vietnam War, or the female body. Derived primarily from analog video elements, the films in this two-disc collection have been restored under the filmmaker’s supervision, and adapted to HD for theatrical and Blu-ray release.
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**Herbert Brenon's "The Spanish Dancer"** Blu-ray - Pola Negri @MilestoneFilms @KinoLorber
US PURCHASE LINK
CANADIAN PURCHASE LINK
UK PURCHASE LINK
BONUS CAPTURES
OUR REVIEW
COMMENTS: Herbert Brenon's The Spanish Dancer has the distinction of starring the expressive icon Pola Negri. As Wikipedia described her: "She achieved worldwide fame during the silent and golden eras of Hollywood and European film for her tragedienne and femme fatale roles. She was also acknowledged as a sex symbol." Every time we have Pola Negri in an HD presentation it is time to celebrate. The Spanish Dancer is full of action, has witty humorous interludes, and a romantic melodrama edge. There are extensive sets and a cast of thousands - truly an 'epic'. It is so gratifying to have this restored film in 1080P with new Bill Ware score to Milestone Films Blu-ray with the revealing commentary and other extras. Strongly recommended!
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Spinout [Blu-ray] (Norman Taurog, 1966) Warner Archive
US PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: Elvis Presley stars as racecar driver and rock singer Mike McCoy, who is being pursued by three very determined young women. Pert, spoiled, rich Cynthia always gets what she wants, and she wants Mike ... Diana St. Clair, a best-selling author doing research for her next book, The Perfect American Male, thinks he fits the title and wants him for the book--and for herself ... And sexy drummer Les hears wedding bells whenever she thinks of the handsome young singer. Now, Mike must solve his problem of too many beautiful women chasing him in this romantic musical comedy.
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Herman Yau's "Taxi Hunter" Blu-ray - Anthony Chau-Sang Wong @88_Films
US PURCHASE LINK 
CANADIAN PURCHASE LINK
UK PURCHASE LINK
BONUS CAPTURES
OUR REVIEW
COMMENTS: Herman Yau's Taxi Hunter is a "Category III" film produced in Hong Kong. This means that "No persons younger than 18 years of age are permitted to rent, purchase, or watch this film in the cinema." It does push a few boundaries of exploitive revenge-based violence. Less-so by today's standards. It's easy to see Schumacher's 1993 Falling Down here - and we, likewise, have empathy for the, initially harmless, protagonist who is pushed over the edge. Subtle themes of corruption and helplessness in the face of overcrowded metropolitan existence are less-demonstratively prevalent. There is quite a bit to like here and the 88 Films Blu-ray is a stacked package with a commentary, interviews and cool package / poster. Yes, I would recommend this one.
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**They Made Me a Fugitive** [Blu-ray] (Alberto Cavalcanti, 1947) RB UK Indicator
UK PURCHASE LINK

BEAVER REVIEW
COMMENTS: "Directed by Alberto Cavalcanti (Went the Day Well?, Dead of Night), They Made Me a Fugitive is a prime example of British film noir. Trevor Howard (Who?, The Missionary) plays Clem Morgan, an RAF officer during the war, now unemployed since demobilisation. Turning to the black market, he finds himself embroiled in a life of crime that will lead to prison, a daring escape, and a deadly manhunt. Boasting striking cinematography by Otto Heller, whose later credits would include Michael Powell's Peeping Tom and classic Cold War thriller The Ipcress File, They Made Me a Fugitive is accompanied by two rare short films, made during Howard's own time in the RAF during WWII, featuring his earliest known on-screen appearances."
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**Three Days of the Condor** [Blu-ray] (Sydney Pollack,1975) Kino
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CANADIAN PURCHASE LINK
ALT-BEAVER REVIEW
COMMENTS: In this classic conspiracy thriller, screen icon Robert Redford (Tell Them Willie Boy is Here, The Sting, All the President’s Men, Indecent Proposal) stars as CIA Agent Joe Turner. Code name: Condor. When his entire office is massacred, Turner goes on the run from his enemies…and his so-called allies. After reporting the murders to his superiors, the organization wants to bring Condor in—but somebody is trying to take him out. In his frantic hunt for answers, and in a desperate race for his life, Turner abducts photographer Kathy Hale (Faye Dunaway, The Thomas Crown Affair, Eyes of Laura Mars), eventually seducing her into helping him. Every twist leads Condor to the end of his nerves…and will take you to the edge of your seat. And as he zeroes in on the staggering truth, he discovers there are some secrets people would kill to keep. Masterfully directed by Sydney Pollack (Jeremiah Johnson, Tootsie, Out of Africa, Havana) and also starring Cliff Robertson (Charly), John Houseman (The Paper Chase) and the icy Max von Sydow (Needful Things), 3 Days of the Condor endures as one of Hollywood’s finest tales of political paranoia.
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**Time Bandits [4K UHD Blu-ray]** (Terry Gilliam, 1981) Arrow UK
UK PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: The film that established Terry Gilliam as more than just Monty Python’s resident animator, this delightfully inventive children’s fantasy is about young Kevin (Craig Warnock) who finds himself travelling through holes in the space-time continuum in the company of half a dozen fractious dwarfs. Along the way, he encounters Agamemnon (Sean Connery), Robin Hood (John Cleese), Napoleon (Ian Holm) and winds up as a passenger on the Titanic, although not necessarily in that order. But is this just random entertainment laid on for history fan Kevin’s benefit, or part of a wider struggle between the forces of Good (Ralph Richardson) and Evil (David Warner)? This is a rare example of an independent British film taking on American blockbusters. Now, it’s a much-loved fantasy classic bursting with inspired images and ideas: Gilliam and co-writer Michael Palin (who also appears) are clearly enjoying themselves as much as their audience.
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LATEST CALENDAR UPDATES (CLICK TITLES FOR MORE INFORMATION):

September 4th, 2023

Black Circle (Adrian Garcia Bogliano, 2018) Synapse Films

Borsalino (Jacques Deray, 1970) Arrow US

Night of the Comet 4K UHD (Thom Eberhardt, 1984) Shout! Factory

**The Princess Bride 4K UHD** (Rob Reiner, 1987) Criterion

The Sensual World of Black Emanualle Collector's Set (15 Discs, 24 Feature Films, 2 Soundtrack Compilation CDs, 40+ Hours of Special Features, 356-Page Book) Severin Films
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September 11th, 2023

Between Two Worlds (Emmanuel Carrère, 2021) Cohen Media

**The Count Yorga Collection** Count Yorga, Vampire, & The Return of Count Yorga - Arrow
ALT-DVDBEAVER REVIEW

Fatal Femmes: Neige (1981) + The Bitch (1984) Fun City

Flowers in the Attic (Jeffrey Bloom, 1987) Arrow US
ALT-DVDBEAVER REVIEW

**Hustle & Flow 4K UHD** (Craig Brewer, 2005) Paramount UK

**Irwin Allen: Master of Disaster Collection** (Flood! / Fire! / Beyond the Poseidon Adventure / Hanging by a Thread / When Time Ran Out... / Cave-In! / The Night the Bridge Fell Down) Shout! Factory

Magnum Cop (Poliziotto Senza Paura) (Stelvio Massi, 1978) Kino

The Pack (Robert Clouse, 1977) Shout! Factory

The Prodigal Son (Sammo Kam-Bo Hung, 1981) Arrow US

**Walkabout 4K UHD** (Nicolas Roeg, 1971) Criterion
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September 18th, 2023

**Blood and Black Lace** (Mario Bava, 1964) Arrow UK
4K UHD
Blu-ray
ALT-DVDBEAVER REVIEW

Brief Encounters (Kira Muratova, 1967) RB UK Studiocanal

The Dead Mother (Juanma Bajo Ulloa, 1993) Radiance Films
US Blu-ray
UK Blu-ray

Long Farewells (Kira Muratova, 1971) RB UK Studiocanal

**Scream and Scream Again** (Gordon Hessler, 1970) RB UK Radiance Films
ALT-DVDBEAVER REVIEW

She Shoots Straight (Corey Yuen, 1990) RB UK Eureka

**The Trial** (Orson Welles, 1962) Criterion
4K UHD
Blu-ray
ALT-DVDBEAVER REVIEW
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September 25th, 2023

La Bamba (Luis Valdez, 1987) Criterion

**Carlito's Way 4K UHD** (Brian De Palma, 1993) Arrow US
US 4K UHD
UK 4K UHD

The Girl from Rio 4K UHD (Jesús Franco, 1969) Blue Underground

Lorenza Mazzetti Collection (The Country Doctor, K. Together, Together with Lorenza Mazzetti) RB BFI

Moonage Daydream (Brett Morgen, 2022) Criterion
4K UHD
Blu-ray

**Natural Born Killers 4K UHD** (Oliver Stone, 1994) Shout! Factory

**Piccadilly** (Ewald André Dupont, 1929) Milestone Films

The Psycho Collection Limited Edition (Psycho, Psycho II, Psycho III and Psycho IV) Arrow
UK 4K UHD
UK Blu-ray

Storied of a Cloistered Nun (Domenico Paolella, 1973) Severin

**Tenebre 4K UHD** (Dario Argento, 1982) Synapse Films

**Touch of Evil 4K UHD** (Orson Welles, 1958) UK Masters of Cinema

**Universal Noir #2** (Lady on a Train, Time Out of Mind, Singapore, A Woman's Vengeance, An Act of Murder and The Lady Gambles) RB UK Indicator
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October 23rd, 2023

**The Horrible Dr Hichcock** (Riccardo Freda, 1962) RB UK Radiance Films
ALT-DVDBEAVER REVIEW

Visible Secret (Ann Hui, 2001) Radiance Films
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November 13th, 2023

**Duel 4K UHD** (Steven Spielberg, 1971) Universal UK
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REVIEWS / COMPARISONS:

**Herbert Brenon's "The Spanish Dancer"** Blu-ray - Pola Negri @MilestoneFilms @KinoLorber
US PURCHASE LINK
CANADIAN PURCHASE LINK
UK PURCHASE LINK
BONUS CAPTURES
OUR REVIEW
COMMENTS: Herbert Brenon's The Spanish Dancer has the distinction of starring the expressive icon Pola Negri. As Wikipedia described her: "She achieved worldwide fame during the silent and golden eras of Hollywood and European film for her tragedienne and femme fatale roles. She was also acknowledged as a sex symbol." Every time we have Pola Negri in an HD presentation it is time to celebrate. The Spanish Dancer is full of action, has witty humorous interludes, and a romantic melodrama edge. There are extensive sets and a cast of thousands - truly an 'epic'. It is so gratifying to have this restored film in 1080P with new Bill Ware score to Milestone Films Blu-ray with the revealing commentary and other extras. Strongly recommended!
____________________________________
**Otto Preminger's "Angel Face"** Blu-ray - Robert Mitchum / Jean Simmons
US PURCHASE LINK
CANADIAN PURCHASE LINK
UK PURCHASE LINK
BONUS CAPTURES
OUR REVIEW
COMMENTS: The reputation of Otto Preminger's Angel Face has only grown over the decades. Preminger's economical short shooting time, the specter of producer Howard Hughes torturing Jean Simmons, Mitchum defending her during the production, the Diane Tremayne Jessup character of a pure femme fatale psychopath and the boldest surprise ending in the history of the 'dark cinema' cycle. It's a noir masterwork and the Warner Archive Blu-ray a/v improvement, essential Muller commentary make this a must-own. Don't hesitate.
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David Cronenberg's "Crimes of the Future" Blu-ray - Viggo Mortensen / Lihi Kornowski @SecondSightFilm
UK Blu-ray PURCHASE LINK
UK 4K UHD PURCHASE LINK
UK LE 4K UHD PURCHASE LINK
BONUS CAPTURES
OUR REVIEW
COMMENTS: Crimes of the Future is not a remake David Cronenberg's own 1970 film, also titled Crimes of the Future, that has an unrelated story and concept, although "creative cancer" appears in both. 2022's Crimes of the Future marked Cronenberg's return to the science fiction / horror genres since 1999's Existenz. It understandably divided and confused some critics. Crimes of the Future is surreal bordering on conceptual with nightmarish visions of unnatural organs hinting at the next step in a bizarre sexual revolution or, simply, layering a transgressive examination of the artistic process. It's Cronenberg through and through - meaning it will not be to all tastes. Second Sight have gone the extra mile with their stacked Blu-ray and the director's fans will greatly appreciate their efforts. A commentary, multiple interviews, a video essay and the LE 4K UHD has a booklet making this as grandiose a package as I have seen this year. 'WOW' means a recommendation to the select niche who certainly know who they are.
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**Cauleen Smith's "Drylongso"** Blu-ray - Toby Smith @Criterion
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COMMENTS: Cauleen Smith's Drylongso is her only feature film to date. It's a wonderful 1990's portrait of Oakland with protagonist Pica, a rebellious art-school student, maturing through an emotional journey juxtaposing female friendship and a dangerous serial killer as she works her nighttime wall-postering job. There are themes that touch on racism, gender (her new friend disguises herself as a man to evade an abusive relationship), independence and domestic violence. 'Drylongso' is derived from the Gullah (African American ethnic group from South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida) term meaning "ordinary" which this film is anything but. Absolutely the Criterion Blu-ray is recommended.
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Herman Yau's "Taxi Hunter" Blu-ray - Anthony Chau-Sang Wong @88_Films
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COMMENTS: Herman Yau's Taxi Hunter is a "Category III" film produced in Hong Kong. This means that "No persons younger than 18 years of age are permitted to rent, purchase, or watch this film in the cinema." It does push a few boundaries of exploitive revenge-based violence. Less-so by today's standards. It's easy to see Schumacher's 1993 Falling Down here - and we, likewise, have empathy for the, initially harmless, protagonist who is pushed over the edge. Subtle themes of corruption and helplessness in the face of overcrowded metropolitan existence are less-demonstratively prevalent. There is quite a bit to like here and the 88 Films Blu-ray is a stacked package with a commentary, interviews and cool package / poster. Yes, I would recommend this one.
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**Eugène Lourié's "Gorgo" 4K UHD** - William Sylvester / Bill Travers @VinegarSyndrome
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BONUS CAPTURES
OUR REVIEW
COMMENTS: Eugène Lourié's "Gorgo" to 4K UHD is quite a reason for the film's fans to celebrate. Gorgo was originally intended to be set in Japan recognizing the appeal of the original Godzilla but the creature's destruction of easily recognizable landmarks (Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus etc.) for Gorgo to mangle may have tipped the scales to have it set in the British Isles. Gorgo's name is derived from the Gorgons of Greek mythology... with the advertisement that their sight might turn you to stone! Themes of motherly love and our place in the animal kingdom, including cruelty, can give pause for reflection. It's really a wonderful juvenile creature-feature and Gorgo has had plenty of novel and comic book adaptations. Vinegar Syndrome's 4K UHD is a very easy recommendation to nostalgic viewers!
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DVDBeaver Newsletter for the Week of August 28th, 2023