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Eclipse Series 29: Aki Kaurismäki's Leningrad Cowboys
Leningrad Cowboys Go America (1989)
Leningrad Cowboys Meet Moses (1994)
Total Balalaika Show (1994)
In the late eighties, Aki Kaurismäki, a master of the deadpan, fashioned a waggish fish-out-of-water tale about a U.S. tour by “the worst rock-and-roll band in the world.” Leningrad Cowboys Go America’s posse of fur-coated, outrageously pompadoured hipsters struck such a chord with international audiences that the fictional band became a genuine attraction, touring the world. Later, Kaurismäki created a sequel, Leningrad Cowboys Meet Moses, and filmed a gigantic outdoor concert that the band put on in Helsinki, for the rollicking documentary Total Balalaika Show. With this Eclipse series, we present all three crackpot musical and comic odysseys, along with five Leningrad Cowboys music videos also directed by Kaurismäki. |
Titles
Leningrad Cowboys Go America |
Posters
Theatrical Releases: 1989 - 1994
DVD Review: Eclipse Series 29: Aki Kaurismaki's Leningrad Cowboys (3-disc) - Region 1 - NTSC
DVD Box Cover |
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Distribution | Eclipse / Criterion Collection - Region 1 - NTSC | |
Bitrates: | Respective bitrates - 7.27, 6.10, 6.67 mb/s | |
Time: | Respectively - 1:19:06, 1:34:00, and :57:02 | |
Bitrate: Go America |
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Bitrate: Meets Moses |
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Bitrate: Total Balalaika Show |
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Audio | 2.0 channel Dolby | |
Subtitles | English, None | |
Features |
Release Information: Edition Details:
• one page (for each film) of liner notes in the
transparent case
• 5 Music Videos (8:39,
5:47, 4:39, 4:47, 5:15)
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Comments: |
The 3 features of this boxset are housed in individual slim transparent keep cases and they are not sold separately by Criterion or in NTSC at this time. All three DVDs are single-layered, progressive in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio and are coded for Region 1 in the NTSC standard. The audio is flat but acceptable and there are optional English subtitles. The Eclipse, then Janus, logos precede each film. We have compared to existing frames of Sandrew Metronome versions of Leningrad Cowboys Go America and Total Balalaika Show previously reviewed by Henrik. The individual transfers match up well with the PAL ones - as good as or slightly better. Bitrates vary from about 6-7.5 mbps. Meet Moses probably looks the best but the image quality on all three is acceptable and make the films completely watchable.
Aside from one page liner notes for each film (visible on the inner case sleeve through the transparent case cover) the last disc, Total Balalaika Show, has five Leningrad Cowboys music videos also directed by Kaurismäki running almost 1/2 hour in total. With the kitschy appeal of the Leningrad Cowboy films - this package is a great idea. No fuss, no muss - and pure entertainment. The pleasure factor is quite high and in the right mood these can be watched any evening for some belly laughs. Once you get into this - you only want more. I applaud the Eclipse decision to package these gems in one set. Strongly recommended! |
DVD Menus
Comparison
Eclipse - Region 1 - NTSC vs. Sandrew Metronome - Region 2 - PAL- reviewed HERE
Case Covers
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The Leningrad Cowboys, one of the most iconographic cult
bands, along with The Blues Brothers and Spinal Tap, were formed in the late
eighties. The ten man band is despite their name from Helsinki, Finland. Their
music have roots in Polka, Finnish and Russian folk music, and their sound is
unique, as they blend electric guitar with instruments as the harmonica and
tuba. Equally unique is their look: black suits (mostly) and huge unicorn
hairstyles, matching their long pointed shoes. |
Screen Captures
Eclipse - Region 1 - NTSC TOP vs. Sandrew Metronome - Region 2 - PAL - reviewed HERE - BOTTOM
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Eclipse - Region 1 - NTSC TOP vs. Sandrew Metronome - Region 2 - PAL - reviewed HERE - BOTTOM
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More Eclipse Captures
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Slim Transparent Keep Case Cover
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Screen Captures
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Comparison
Eclipse - Region 1 - NTSC vs. Sandrew Metronome - Region 2 - PAL- reviewed HERE
Case Covers
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"Make tractors, not war"
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Eclipse - Region 1 - NTSC TOP vs. Sandrew Metronome - Region 2 - PAL - reviewed HERE - BOTTOM
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Eclipse - Region 1 - NTSC TOP vs. Sandrew Metronome - Region 2 - PAL - reviewed HERE - BOTTOM
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