DVDBeaver Newsletter for the Week of
January 4th, 2021
http://www.dvdbeaver.com
Things are starting to pick up - getting back
into the swing of things today.
Great news about the Inner Sanctum Mysteries by
Eureka, out of the UK, we have a Terence Fisher Hammer classic done up
right, truly bizzare Pre-code exploitation, Frank Darabont's first feature -
a psychological thriller and horror aspects, one of Frankenheimer best, Dino
as a nasty badass - 60's western genre, Cornel Wilde's very different war
film and a 70's Euro-trash horror, that has some merit.
OUR YEAR END POLL is here:
Gary
RELEASES the WEEK of January 4th,
2021 (Recommended titles have "**")
________________
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_132/beach_red_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Cornel Wilde's Beach Red is a very different war film. It gets
deep into the psychology of the soldiers - their fears, pining for lovers,
morality... Like Peter Bowman's novel it is described as "uniquely
constructed". Refreshing. The Kino Blu-ray. is a rare bare-bones effort from
them, but this is a film that deserves examination, I believe. Recommended!
________________
The Black Gestapo
[Blu-ray] (Lee Frost, 1975) Code Red
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_132/the_black_gestapo_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: The Black Gestapo is a prime example of the Blaxploitation genre.
Low production values focusing on urban black survival with crime as central
to the plot. There is an obvious Nazisploitation cross-over attempt in The
Black Gestapo with a few posterized black and white shots of Hitler and
storm troopers (as in the title sequence.) It's all very indicative of the
genre - some graphic, harsh, violence, nudity and conflicts with jive
turkeys as they battle the oppressive system. Despite being 'all over the
place' in terms of the plot, I am really gaining an appreciation for these -
the more I see of them. Baaaad cinema like this has a very appealing
historical context. The Code Red Blu-ray is definitely recommended either
for fans of the genre - or for new suckers to dive-in.
________________
**Captain Newman, M.D.**
[Blu-ray] (David Miller, 1963) Kino
US:
https://amzn.to/3kRfWTG
COMMENTS: From David Miller, the outstanding director of Sudden Fear,
Midnight Lace, Lonely Are the Brave and Executive Action, comes this
realistic look at life and love inside a stateside military hospital’s
psychiatric ward during World War II, starring screen great Gregory Peck
(Yellow Sky, The Big Country, On the Beach). This classic comedy-drama
follows the affable Captain Newman (Peck) as he uses both humor and
compassion to reach patients whose wartime injuries plague their minds
instead of their bodies. Co-starring Tony Curtis (The Great Impostor), Angie
Dickinson (The Art of Love), Eddie Albert (Attack), Robert Duvall (Tender
Mercies), Dick Sargent (TV’s Bewitched) and Bobby Darin (Come September),
this critically acclaimed film is just what the doctor ordered! Captain
Newman, M.D. was nominated for three Oscars: Best Actor in a Supporting Role
(Darin), Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium
(Richard L. Breen, Phoebe Ephron, Henry Ephron) and Best Sound (Waldon O.
Watson).
________________
**Ingagi**
[Blu-ray] (William Campbell, 1930) Kino
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_132/ingagi_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Ingagi exploits the unsavory suggestion of sex between a woman and
a gorilla, while showing violence and nudity. It's really bad, but has a
fascinating, if highly uncomfortable, edge - especially after indulging in
the commentaries. These 'Forbidden Fruit' films on Kino Blu-ray are at their
own 'unusual' exploitation level and most suitable to curious film, or
history, students who might be the target market. It's pretty hard to
believe these films were ever made - or that the market flourished at all
for it to thrive. From that respect - highly fascinating. The commentaries
offer essential value.
________________
Love and Monsters
[Blu-ray] (Michael Matthews, 2020) Paramount
US:
https://amzn.to/2IIqzdA
COMMENTS: Dylan O’Brien stars in this thrilling adventure delivering epic
action and laughs. After monsters take over the world, Joel (O’Brien, The
Maze Runner) and the rest of humanity are forced to live underground.
Believing he’s lost everyone he has ever loved, Joel finds his high school
sweetheart Aimee (Jessica Henwick, “Game of Thrones”) living just 80 miles
away. Facing unknown dangers that stand in his way, Joel must discover his
inner hero as he makes the impossible journey across a monster-infested land
to be with the girl of his dreams. Also starring Michael Rooker (Guardians
of the Galaxy) and Ariana Greenblatt (Avengers: Infinity War).
________________
**The Man Who Would Be King**
[Blu-ray] (John Huston, 1975) Warner Archive
ALT-REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/blu-ray_reviews54/man_who_would_be_king_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Based on a Rudyard Kipling story and packed with spectacle, humor,
excitement and bold twists of fate, John Huston's film of The Man Who Would
Be King earns its crown as "an epic like no other. One of the screen's great
adventure yarns" (Danny Peary, Guide for the Film Fanatic). Sean Connery and
Michael Caine - chins out, shoulders squared and with a sly wink - star as
British sergeants Danny Dravot and Peachy Carnehan. The Empire was built by
men like these two. Now they're out to build their own empire, venturing
into remote Kafiristan to become rich as kings.
________________
The New Mutants
[4K UHD Blu-ray] (Josh Boone, 2020) Walt Disney UK
UK:
https://amzn.to/2IqKgGt
COMMENTS: In this action-filled film, five young people who demonstrate
special powers are forced to undergo treatment at a secret institution —
allegedly to cure them of the dangers of their powers. But it’s soon clear
that their containment is part of a much bigger battle between the forces of
good and evil!
________________
**Rough Night in Jericho**
[Blu-ray] (Arnold Laven, 1967) Kino
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_132/rough_night_in_jericho_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Rough Night in Jericho is a tough western - no cattle, land or
gold grabs - but uncompromised violence. I was surprised at its intensity
and the depth of the thriller aspects. Well realized. Dean was very
effective as the ruthless town-owner and great to see Jean Simmons still
looking sweet and sassy at almost 40. I'm really glad I saw this on Kino
Blu-ray and Samm's commentary adds excellent value.
________________
Savage Streets
[Blu-ray] (Danny Steinmann, Tom DeSimone, 1984) Code Red
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/dvd_reviews54/savage_streets_blu-ray.htm
COMMENT: We can confirm that Code Red's January 2021 Blu-ray of "Savage
Streets" is the exact same package (minus the LE Josh Eckert slipcover of
the 2018 Blu-ray release). It is now Region FREE as opposed to Region 'A'
and has all the same supplements (3 commentaries, interviews, reversible art
etc.) and same a/v transfer. Still no subtitles.
________________
**The Secret War of Harry Frigg**
[Blu-ray] (Jack Smight, 1968) Kino
US:
https://amzn.to/2IFeXaS
COMMENTS: From Jack Smight, the acclaimed director of Harper, Kaleidoscope,
No Way to Treat a Lady and The Traveling Executioner, comes this wacky
comedy starring screen legend Paul Newman (The Hustler, The Sting). The
Secret War of Harry Frigg tells the story of a good-for-nothing goldbrick
whose only talent is escaping from the Army stockade. Sent behind enemy
lines to free five Allied generals held prisoner in an Italian villa, Harry
Frigg (Newman), hardly the dedicated type, becomes sidetracked from his zany
mission by a sexy Italian Contessa (Sylva Koscina, Hornets’ Nest, Lisa and
the Devil). He finally uses his talent to escape, and his new rank of Major
General to create havoc in this wild and brilliantly satirical tale of World
War II. Beautifully shot in CinemaScope by the great Russell Metty
(Spartacus) and featuring a hilarious supporting cast that includes Tom
Bosley (Love with the Proper Stranger), Norman Fell (Charley Varrick) and
Buck Henry (Old Boyfriends).
________________
**Shirley**
[Blu-ray] (Josephine Decker, 2020) RB UK Curzon Artificial Eye
UK:
https://amzn.to/3naCHT3
COMMENTS: Elisabeth Moss gives a tour-de-force performance as Shirley
Jackson, one of the greatest horror writers of the 20th Century, in this
unconventional biopic from the brilliant mind of director Josephine Decker
(Madeline’s Madeline) and executive producer Martin Scorsese.
________________
Texas Across the River
[Blu-ray] (Michael Gordon, 1966) Kino
US:
https://amzn.to/3k95zdr
COMMENTS: From Michael Gordon, the outstanding director of An Act of Murder,
The Lady Gambles, Woman in Hiding, Cyrano de Bergerac, Pillow Talk and
Portrait in Black, comes this wonderful comedy-western starring screen icons
Dean Martin (Rio Bravo, Something Big) and Alain Delon (The Sicilian Clan,Un
Flic). The Louisiana wedding of debutante Phoebe Ann Naylor (Rosemary
Forsyth, The War Lord) to Don Andrea de Baldasar, El Duce de la Casala
(Delon) is stopped by the cavalry over a matter of honor. Don Andrea flees
across the river to Texas, where he meets up with Sam Hollis (Martin) and
his Indian sidekick, Kronk (Joey Bishop, Ocean’s 11), who are carrying
rifles to the town of Moccasin Flats. Don Andrea rescues an Indian maiden,
Lonetta (Tina Aumont, Man, Pride & Vengeance), tames some longhorns,
competes with Sam for Phoebe’s affections, eludes a Comanche war party and
the cavalry (who have come to Moccasin Flats to celebrate Texas statehood)
and ultimately saves the town and gets his girl. Co-starring Peter Graves
(Robbers’ Roost), Michael Ansara (The Pink Jungle) and Andrew Prine (They’re
Playing with Fire).
________________
**Three Films by Luis Buñuel**
[Blu-ray] (The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, The Phantom of Liberty,
That Obscure Object of Desire) - The Criterion Collection
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_132/three_films_by_luis_bunuel_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Luis Buñuel's cinema is totally unique - politically and
intellectually brazen "in which his renegade, free-associating surrealism
reached its audacious, self-detonating endgame" with these three final films
and Criterion's package of endless extras make their 3 Blu-ray set an
essential. You can revisit these masterworks for the rest of your life
seeing new details in each viewing. Humorist, moralist, and revolutionary
who lead the avant-garde surrealism movement and cemented himself in the
legacy of world cinema. Seven of Buñuel's films are included in Sight &
Sound's 2012 critics' poll of the top 250 films of all time (which includes
The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie) and he ranks number 13 on the list of
the top 250 directors. This iconoclast can be examined endlessly. Our
highest recommendation!
________________
Tintorera: Killer Shark
[Blu-ray] (René Cardona Jr., 1977) - Kino
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_132/tintorera_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: René Cardona Jr.'s Tintorera: Killer Shark is mostly what you
expect; exploitation nudity - a fair amount - with the shark attacks coming
in less-prominently. Susan George fans may appreciate her 1/2 hour's worth
onscreen - 27-years old at the time. There is some graphic shark attacks -
bloody and sudden - that are shocking. Cheesy? of course but the commentary
included on the Kino Blu-ray makes the viewing experience all the more
interesting. There is some nostalgia appeal here as well. It may be a little
better than you might anticipate for a sexy summer-tease /
nature-strikes-back 70's shark thriller.
________________
**The Train**
[Blu-ray] (John Frankenheimer, 1964) Kino
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film4/blu-ray_reviews_62_/the_train_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: John Frankenheimer's adventure opus remains incredibly impacting
with hypnotic back and white visuals. It is based on an actual World War II
incident brought to realism by Burt Lancaster, Paul Scofield, Jeanne Moreau,
Michel Simo, Albert Rémy etc. and a juggernaut fortress of the train.
Absolutely brilliant and the new Kino Blu-ray with its commentaries and
stellar image is highly desirable.
________________________________________________
NOTABLE NEW CALENDAR UPDATES:
March 8th
**Touki bouki**
(Djibril Diop Mambéty, 1973) Criterion
March 15th
**Celine and Julie Go Boating**
(Jacques Rivette,1974) Criterion
March 22nd
**Gattaca 4K UHD**
(Andrew Niccol, 1997) Sony Pictures
**World of Wong Kar Wai**
(The Criterion Collection) (As Tears Go By / Days of Being Wild / Chungking
Express / Fallen Angels / Happy Together / In the Mood for Love / 2046) -
Criterion
March 29th
The Day of the Beast
(Álex de la Iglesia, 1995) Severin Films
**Defending Your Life**
(Albert Brooks, 1991) Criterion
Perdita Durango
(Álex de la Iglesia, 1997) Severin Films
**Secrets & Lies**
(Mike Leigh, 1996) Criterion
April 12th,
Hercules And The Captive Women
(Vittorio Cottafavi, 1961) Film Detective
Photo Archives" for Patrons:
Gloria Grahame:
Monica Vitti:
Paul Newman:
Susan George:
Jacqueline Bisset:
Suzanne Pleshette:
THIS WEEK'S REVIEWS:
**The Curse of Frankenstein**
BD
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_132/the_curse_of_frankenstein_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: The Curse of Frankenstein was Hammer's first color horror film,
and the first of their 'Frankenstein' series that produced many sequels
helping establish "Hammer Horror's beloved brand of Gothic cinema. It's very
satisfying to have this in such a complete Warner Archive Blu-ray form - a
great cover (utilizing the Belgian poster), the essential commentary and
featurettes, and easily the best presentation in 1080P. Hammer fans don't
require my encouragement. Strongly recommended!
________________
**Buried Alive**
BD
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_132/buried_alive_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Frank Darabont's Buried Alive obviously isn't as polished as his
later features (although has atmosphere evocative of The Mist), but you can
see some of the director's effective storytelling - even in this slap-dash
quickly produced TV movie. I liked the 'mood' and the lead performances;
Matheson, Jason Leigh, Atherton and Axton. The Kino Blu-ray was a popcorner
viewing - expectations were low and it was pleasing, if purposely lacking
back-story details. It's a relatively satisfying keeper for me - there is
certainly value here.
________________
**Rough Night in Jericho**
BD
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_132/rough_night_in_jericho_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Rough Night in Jericho is a tough western - no cattle, land or
gold grabs - but uncompromised violence. I was surprised at its intensity
and the depth of the thriller aspects. Well realized. Dean was very
effective as the ruthless town-owner and great to see Jean Simmons still
looking sweet and sassy at almost 40. I'm really glad I saw this on Kino
Blu-ray and Samm's commentary adds excellent value.
________________
**Beach Red**
BD
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_132/beach_red_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Cornel Wilde's Beach Red is a very different war film. It gets
deep into the psychology of the soldiers - their fears, pining for lovers,
morality... Like Peter Bowman's novel it is described as "uniquely
constructed". Refreshing. The Kino Blu-ray. is a rare bare-bones effort from
them, but this is a film that deserves examination, I believe. Recommended!
________________
**The Train**
BD
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film4/blu-ray_reviews_62_/the_train_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: John Frankenheimer's adventure opus remains incredibly impacting
with hypnotic back and white visuals. It is based on an actual World War II
incident brought to realism by Burt Lancaster, Paul Scofield, Jeanne Moreau,
Michel Simo, Albert Rémy etc. and a juggernaut fortress of the train.
Absolutely brilliant and the new Kino Blu-ray with its commentaries and
stellar image is highly desirable.
________________
**Ingagi**
BD
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_132/ingagi_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Ingagi exploits the unsavory suggestion of sex between a woman and
a gorilla, while showing violence and nudity. It's really bad, but has a
fascinating, if highly uncomfortable, edge - especially after indulging in
the commentaries. These 'Forbidden Fruit' films on Kino Blu-ray are at their
own 'unusual' exploitation level and most suitable to curious film, or
history, students who might be the target market. It's pretty hard to
believe these films were ever made - or that the market flourished at all
for it to thrive. From that respect - highly fascinating. The commentaries
offer essential value.
________________
**The Devil's Wedding Night**
BD
________________
**Inner Sanctum Mysteries**
(Eureka added) BD
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_131/inner_sanctum_mysteries_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Lon Chaney, Jr. starred in these six horror yarns made for
Universal and based on the popular "Inner Sanctum" suspense radio program.
Chaney plays a respected neurologist who can't remember if he's responsible
for his unfaithful wife's murder, in "Calling Dr. Death" (1943). Next, based
on Fritz Leiber's "Conjure Wife," "Weird Woman" (1944) stars Anne Gwynne as
the island-raised new wife of professor Chaney, who comes to believe his
bride is using voodoo to get rid of his enemies. Blinded by acid thrown by
jealous model Acquanetta, artist Chaney's only chance at seeing again is a
transplant...but does he resort to murder to gain "Dead Man's Eyes" (1944)?
A stage hypnotist (Chaney) is accused of killing an audience member and
takes a job in a wax museum, in "The Frozen Ghost" (1945). Chemist Chaney
returns from South America looking for revenge on boss J. Carrol Naish, in
"Strange Confession" (1945). And, Chaney is a murder suspect again, accused
of smothering his victims with the "Pillow of Death" (1945).
***
Well, the Eureka is the Blu-ray set to own. The
Pillow of Death upgrade is notable and Kim Newman, the booklet and on-disc
radio programs. No question.
________________
http://www.dvdbeaver.com