DVDBeaver Newsletter
for the Week of June 21st, 2021
THIS WEEK RELEASES
include a delightful mix with Arrow's five film Poliziotteschi box, Paul
Schrader on a mental institution for Holocaust survivors, Paul Verhoeven
erotic-thriller in 4K UHD arriving Stateside, Hammer Studios by Val Guest,
Terence Fisher et all, Criterion releases a Blu-ray package of film work by
the fearless artist Marlon Riggs, a mammoth Christopher Lee Collection,
Sammo Hung's light Wushu horror fun, Nicolas Roeg's take on a meeting of
1950s icons, an Edo period 'femme fatale', Elvis at the World's Fair,
Silent-Era and sultry Anna May Wong, Johnnie To actioner, Mira Nair showing
life in the back alleys and gutters of India, Criterion Olympics with the
dream-team of directors, and sexy ghost stories out of Hong Kong...
THIS WEEK's CALENDAR
UPDATES include Akira Kurosawa comes to 4K
UHD!, Criterion does 4 films by Melvin Van Peebles, Nicholas Ray, Billy
Wilder, Danièle Huillet, Jean-Marie Straub, Stephen Frears, Raoul Walsh,
Indicator offer Columbia Noir #4 on Blu-ray (yes!) and more...
THIS WEEK'S REVIEWS:
Ray Milland as Mephistopheles in Film-Noir territory, more Mae West, Robert
Forster and Nancy Kwan team up for some 80's style revenge, Sidney J. Furie
does 'kitchen sink' cinema, a bevy of Italian crime thrillers, murder-aura
felines, Johnnie To ('nuff said), John Hughes and Jennifer Connelly fun,
Martin Landau, José Ferrer and Dorothy Malone slum-it with horror, sci-fi of
the 80s..
Enjoy,
Gary
RELEASES the WEEK of
June 21st, 2021 (Recommended titles have "**")
Adam Resurrected
[Blu-ray] (Paul Schrader, 2008) MVD
US:
https://amzn.to/3c23a1j
CAN: https://amzn.to/3iUfgyw
COMMENTS: Tormented in a World War II concentration death camp by a
high-ranking Nazi officer (Academy Award® Nominee* Willem Dafoe, The Florida
Project), Adam spends the next fifteen years tucked away in a remote
experimental insane asylum with fellow Holocaust victims. Clinging to the
remains of his sanity, Adam uses his amazing magic and comic skills to
entertain the residents and develops a relationship with an attractive nurse
(Ayelet Zurer, Man of Steel). But only when he reaches out to a mentally
scarred young boy does he begin to confront his own pain and guilt and start
to heal in this extraordinary testament to the fierce resilience of the
human spirit. Also starring Derek Jacobi (Murder on the Orient Express) and
directed by Academy Award** Nominee® Paul Schrader (First Reformed, Taxi
Driver).
_________________________________________
**Basic Instinct [4K
UHD Blu-ray]** (Paul Verhoeven, 1992) Studio
Canal (US)
US:
https://amzn.to/3gFD5bL
COMMENTS: A stunning new restoration of Paul Verhoeven's classic 1992 erotic
thriller BASIC INSTINCT. Starring Michael Douglas as Nick Curran, a
hardboiled detective with a weakness for beautiful women and dangerous
relationships and Sharon Stone as Catherine Tramell, a stunning, enigmatic
novelist with a talent for seduction and a history of relationships that end
in death. As the only suspect in a controversial murder case that the
detective is investigating, Catherine ignites Nick's suspicion and his
passion, and he soon becomes involved in his most dangerous liaison yet.
Featuring one of the most talked about scenes in film history, Basic
Instinct is blistering portrayal of sexual obsession, murder and betrayal.
All region!
_________________________________________
**The Camp on Blood
Island** [Blu-ray] (Val Guest, 1958) R0 UK
Indicator
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/blu-ray_reviews51/the_camp_on_blood_island_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Val Guest is a director who has received sparse attention from
scholars, but in the 1950’s he directed and wrote many films for Hammer.
Unlike Terence Fisher, Guest was able to leap easily from genre to genre,
but for me Guest is at his best when dealing with gritty and realistic
material. He is a filmmaker who worked particularly well with black and
white, and much of the resonance and reality of this film is evoked through
the beautiful monochrome cinematography of Jack Asher. It gives the film a
sense of immediacy and a brightness which indicates the brutal toll of a
blazing sun. The film sets its stall out instantly with an opening sequence
which sees an under nourished man digging what turns out to be his own
grave.
_________________________________________
Career Opportunities
[Blu-ray] (Bryan Gordon, 1991) Kino
_________________________________________
**Chain Lightning**
[Blu-ray] (Stuart Heisler, 1950) Warner Archive
US:
https://amzn.to/3wqaL2b
CAN: https://amzn.to/2SOsAK3
COMMENTS: Matt Brennan knows how to open eyes to the potential of the
experimental jet, the JA-3. He'll pilot it from Nome over the North Pole to
Washington DC and land it on the Pentagon's lap. The distance is beyond the
JA-3's tested range. Nor can the craft provide the pressurization needed for
flight at 80,000 feet. But Brennan has some modifications in mind. And the
courage to put them to the test. Humphrey Bogart plays Brennan in Chain
Lightning's lofty mix of adventure and romance. Eleanor Parker, as a World
War II flame who reenters Brennan's life, helps fuel the romance. And the
adventure takes wing with a story that, like Breaking the Sound Barrier, The
McConnell Story and other postwar films, taps into the era's fascination
with jet aviation. Cleared for takeoff.
_________________________________________
**The Eurocrypt Of
Christopher Lee Collection** [Blu-ray] The
Castle of the Living Dead (1964), Challenge the Devil aka Katarsis (1963),
Crypt of the Vampire (1964), Sherlock Holmes and the Deadly Necklace (1962),
Theatre Macabre (1971-1972), The Torture Chamber of Dr. Sadism (1967) -
Severin
US:
https://amzn.to/3vgyFNT
CAN: https://amzn.to/3xxBkmE
COMMENTS: 8 BLU-RAY COLLECTION FEATURING 5 CLASSIC EUROPEAN FILMS, A TV
ANTHOLOGY, DISC OF RARE INTERVIEWS + BOOK \ SOUNDTRACK CD. He remains one of
the most beloved horror\fantasy icons in US\UK pop culture history, but
Christopher Lee delivered several of the most compelling, acclaimed and
bizarre performances of his entire career in 1960s Europe. THE EUROCRYPT OF
CHRISTOPHER LEE brings together five of these Lee classics - the 1964 gothic
shocker CRYPT OF THE VAMPIRE; the 1964 cult hit CASTLE OF THE LIVING DEAD
co-starring an unknown Donald Sutherland; 1962s celebrated SHERLOCK HOLMES
AND THE DEADLY NECKLACE; 1967's lurid favorite THE TORTURE CHAMBER OF DR.
SADISM and the rarely-seen 1963 oddity CHALLENGE THE DEVIL - with the 24
surviving episodes of the 1971 Film Polski anthology series THEATRE MACABRE
hosted by Lee, all remastered from original negative materials with over 10
hours of trailers, rare promos, audio commentaries, vintage interviews, plus
the CASTLE OF THE LIVING DEAD soundtrack and an all\-new 88-page book by Lee
biographer Jonathan Rigby.
_________________________________________
**Encounters of the
Spooky Kind** [Blu-ray] (Sammo Kam-Bo Hung,
1980) RB UK Eureka
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_139/encounter_of_the_spooky_kind_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Fans of Sammo Hung will be very pleased to finally have this
classic horror/comedy film on Blu-ray in the UK. Eureka's brand new 2K
restoration showcases the film in a flattering light, with lots of detail
and a fine smooth grain. Frank Djeng's commentary is quite enjoyable, and
you have a ton of options as far as the audio is concerned. Recommended to
fans. - Colin Zavitz
_________________________________________
Erotic Ghost Story
[Blu-ray] (Ngai Choi Lam, 1990) RB UK 88 Films
UK:
https://amzn.to/3qW3XXF
COMMENTS: Our ghosts are a trio of saucy spirits with nothing better to do
than to deceive unwary (and/ or horny) men, but that's until all three of
them get the hots for a hunky scholar. They settle down to show him the
pleasures of the flesh. Except the path of true lust does not run smooth...
Branded with Hong Kong's infamous Category III rating for its commitment to
carnality and starring amply endowed icon of Sino sex cinema Amy Yip (Sex
and Zen), the supernatural studs at 88 Films are proud to present the UK Blu
Ray premier of this soft-core classic - completely uncut.
_________________________________________
Feed the Gods
[Blu-ray] (Braden Croft, 2014) MVD Marquee Collection
US:
https://amzn.to/3bSY1Zx
CAN: https://amzn.to/3gN2bnZ
COMMENTS: Two brothers (Resident Evil: Afterlife's Shawn Roberts and The
Killing's Tyler Johnston) return to a small mountain town in search of their
long lost parents only to discover that the place has a monstrous ''taste
for tourists.'' Rumors of a Bigfoot creature at first seem silly, but soon
the unthinkable becomes real and the town's insidious past emerges.
Writer-director Braden Croft (Hemorrhage) delivers horror, blood and laughs
in equal measure in a nod to Sam Raimi's early films.
_________________________________________
For Those Who Think
Young [Blu-ray] (Leslie H. Martinson, 1964)
Kino Lorber/Scorpion
US:
https://amzn.to/3uErQo9
CAN: https://amzn.to/3zFSlx2
COMMENTS: When some kids’ after-school hangout, the Silver Palms Club, is
threatened with closure, a group of teenagers will do anything to keep it
open, even blackmail. This classic “Beach Party” movie was directed by
Leslie H. Martinson (Batman: The Movie, PT 109, Fathom) and features an
all-star cast that includes James Darren (Gidget), Pamela Tiffin (One, Two,
Three), Nancy Sinatra (Speedway), Tina Louise (The Wrecking Crew), Paul
Lynde (Bye Bye Birdie), Bob Denver (TV’s Gilligan’s Island), Susan Hart (Dr.
Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine) and Ellen Burstyn (The Exorcist). Featuring
songs by James Darren, Jimmy Griffin and Bob Denver.
_________________________________________
Forbidden City Cop
[Blu-ray] (Stephen Chow, 1996) RB UK 88 Films
UK:
https://amzn.to/3aQueBk
COMMENTS: Amongst the four Imperial Guards of China is Fat (Stephen Chow) a
hapless gadget inventor operating under the cover of a gynaecologist - who
must protect His Majesty from dark forces of the Jin Dynasty, despite not
bearing any martial arts skills himself. Hong Kong box office winner and
King of Comedy Stephen Chow (Kung Fu Hustle, Shaolin Soccer) stars and
co-directs this hilarious parody of the espionage genre.
_________________________________________
Friendship's Death
[Blu-ray] (Peter Wollen, 1987) RB UK BFI
UK:
https://amzn.to/382Z0TD
COMMENTS: Friendship's Death is a bizarre and absorbing story of the
relationship between a British war correspondent (Bill Paterson, Comfort and
Joy) and a female extra-terrestrial, named Friendship (Tilda Swinton, We
Need to Talk About Kevin) who on a peace mission to Earth misses her
intended destination of MIT, and instead lands inadvertently in Jordan
during the events of Black September in 1970. The film's intelligent wit,
coupled with outstanding performances from its two leads makes this a truly
compelling film.
_________________________________________
**Insignificance**
[Blu-ray] (Nicolas Roeg, 1985) RB UK Network ()
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDReviews24/insignificance.htm
COMMENTS: An artistic tour de force from iconoclastic auteur Nicolas Roeg,
Insignificance remains one of Roeg's most compelling and idiosyncratic
films. A distinctive adaptation of Terry Johnson's acclaimed play, it
features bravura performances from Theresa Russell, Michael Emil, Gary Busey
and Tony Curtis and is featured here as a High Definition remaster from
original film elements. On a hot night in 1954, a professor, an actress, a
senator and a ballplayer converge in a New York hotel, their interactions
moving fluidly through time in a post-war fable that ends in destruction. Or
does it?
_________________________________________
Invaders of the Lost
Gold [Blu-ray] (Alan Birkinshaw, 1982)
Severin Films
US:
https://amzn.to/3duq5Dh
CAN: https://amzn.to/3gOUptM
COMMENTS: From producer Dick Randall - whose international trashterpieces
include ESCAPE FROM WOMEN'S PRISON, THE WILD WILD WORLD OF JAYNE MANSFIELD
and PIECES - comes perhaps the most notorious all-star Philippine
productions of the '80s: In the last days of WWII, a Japanese platoon is
attacked by headhunters while attempting to hide millions in gold. 36 years
later, a grizzled guide (onetime Academy Award® nominee Stuart Whitman) is
hired to lead an expedition - including Woody Strode (SPARTACUS), Harold
'Oddjob' Sakata and Laura 'Emanuelle' Gemser - into a jungle inferno of
greed, violence, nudity and murder.
_________________________________________
**Irezumi**
[Blu-ray] (Yasuzô Masumura, 1966) Arrow
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_139/irezumi_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Yasuzô Masumura's Irezumi puts the 'fatale' in 'femme fatale'.
It's an Edo period film but disimilar to Arrow's previous Blu-rays of 'Toei
pinky violence' (Inferno of Torture, Orgies of Edo or Horrors of Malformed
Men, although I am really looking forward to their Blind Beast Blu-ray,)
although there is less-obvious sexual assault and other, more pronounced,
violence - occasionally against women. The premise is extremely appealing;
"A seductive woman gets kidnapped into prostitution. After getting a spider
tattoo made on her back, she grows vengeful, leaving several men in her
path." Delicious. I would say it is very satisfying especially with the
Desser commentary, Rayns introduction and Miyao visual essay. The Arrow
Blu-ray a/v is at their exceptional level and it is filled with appreciated
supplements. Strongly recommended!
_________________________________________
It Happened at the
World's Fair [Blu-ray] (Norman Taurog, 1963)
Warner Archive
US:
https://amzn.to/3wn4Z1p
CAN: https://amzn.to/3iRW6ta
COMMENTS: Fun, music and Elvis all happen in this romp boasting one of the
best backdrops of any Elvis Presley movie: the 1962 Seattle World's Fair,
with its showpiece Space Needle, monorail and more. The King plays
pilot-for-hire Mike, whose hope of starting his own flying business is
grounded by the gambling of his co-pilot Danny (Gary Lockwood). The pair
hitch to Seattle, where Mike finds romance, Danny finds easy marks and both
find problems prior to a Happy Ending. Kurt Russell, star of 1979's Elvis
biopic, plays the child who wallops Mike in the shins.
_________________________________________
Nobody
[Blu-ray] (Ilya Naishuller, 2021) Universal Pictures
US:
https://amzn.to/3iUWlno
CAN: https://amzn.to/3cVBRH0
COMMENTS: Sometimes the man you don't notice is the most dangerous of all.
Emmy winner Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul, The Post, Nebraska) stars as
Hutch Mansell, an underestimated and overlooked dad and husband, taking
life's indignities on the chin and never pushing back. A nobody. When two
thieves break into his suburban home one night, Hutch declines to defend
himself or his family, hoping to prevent serious violence. His teenage son,
Blake (Gage Munroe, The Shack), is disappointed in him and his wife, Becca
(Connie Nielsen, Wonder Woman), seems to pull only further away. The
aftermath of the incident strikes a match to Hutch's long-simmering rage,
triggering dormant instincts and propelling him on a brutal path that will
surface dark secrets and lethal skills. In a barrage of fists, gunfire and
squealing tires, Hutch must save his family from a dangerous adversary
(famed Russian actor Aleksey Serebryakov, Amazon's McMafia)—and ensure that
he will never be underestimated as a nobody again
_________________________________________
The Paper Tigers
[Blu-ray] (Quoc Bao Tran, 2020) Well Go Usa
US:
https://amzn.to/3wGhLbm
CAN: https://amzn.to/2SgaH6Q
COMMENTS: As teenagers, kung fu disciples Danny (Alain Uy), Hing (Ron Yuan)
and Jim (Mykel Shannon Jenkins) were inseparable. Fast forward 25 years, and
each has grown into a washed-up middle-aged man seemingly one kick away from
pulling a hamstring―and not at all preoccupied with thoughts of martial arts
or childhood best friends. But when their old master is murdered, the trio
reunites, soon learning that avenging their sifu will require conquering old
grudges (and a dangerous hitman still armed with ample knee cartilage) if
they are to honorably defend his legacy.
_________________________________________
**Piccadilly**
[Blu-ray] (Ewald André Dupont, 1929) RB UK BFI
UK:
https://amzn.to/3pROrf0
COMMENTS: Valentine Wilmot, the owner of the popular Piccadilly Club finds
his lead male attraction, Victor Smiles (Cyril Ritchard) has quit and that
the public has judged Victor's partner Mabel as over the hill. Though they
are lovers, Valentine must find another dancer to replace Mabel or face an
uncertain future. When a customer (Charles Laughton in his first feature
film) complains of a dirty dish, Valentine discovers the answer to all his
problems down in the club's scullery… After many years of supporting roles
in Hollywood, Anna May Wong left for Europe in search of better roles. And
did she find one. Her electric, sexually-charged performance in Piccadilly
is a revelation. The camera adores her, and against Alfred Junge's
astonishing set design, her beauty glows in every frame, Piccadilly was the
brilliant apex to Dupont's trilogy of backstage life (Varieté and Moulin
Rouge), showcasing the director's signature mix of great acting, amazing
imagery ad astonishing camera movements.
_________________________________________
**PTU**
[Blu-ray] (Johnnie To, 2003) RB Uk Masters of Cinema
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_139/PTU_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Johnnie To's PTU is more of the director's classic Hong Kong
crime-thriller, and exceptional, pieces of action cinema. Certainly there
are Neo-noir elements - the Police Tactical Unit is having a bad and busy
night. We run the gamut of illegal activities, intensely tough characters
and an over-the-top climax that is both fascinating and riveting. The
Masters of Cinema Blu-ray get a very strong recommendation - for the kinetic
film, their pristine a/v transfer and supplements including a revealing
Frank Djeng commentary and multiple interviews. We rate it very highly,
indeed. For fans of director To, or his brand of Hong Kong cinema, we give
our highest recommendation!
_________________________________________
**Salaam Bombay!**
[Blu-ray] (Mira Nair, 1988) RB UK BFI
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film5/blu-ray_reviews_70/salaam_bombay_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Banished from his home and abandoned by the travelling circus he
sought refuge in, 11-year-old Krishna (Shafiq Syed) joins the swathes of
dispossessed Mumbai street children struggling to survive. To earn the money
he needs to get back into his mother's good graces and return home, Krishna
finds work as a tea boy – a job that brings him into contact with an array
of local characters, including prostitutes, pimps and drug-dealers.
_________________________________________
Siberia
[Blu-ray] (Abel Ferrara, 2019) Artisan / Lionsgate
_________________________________________
**The Signifyin'
Works of Marlon Riggs** [Blu-ray] (Ethnic
Notions/Tongues Untied / Affirmations / Anthem / Color Adjustment / Non, Je
Ne Regrette Rien (No Regret) / Black Is . . . Black Ain’t) Criterion
Ethnic Notions (1981),
Tongues Untied (1986), Affirmations (1989), Anthem ( 1991), Color
Adjustment (1991), No Regret (1992) and Black Is... Black Ain't (1993)
COMMENTS: Criterion's
inclusion of Marlon Riggs' filmography into their Blu-ray canon is a welcome
one. Using a mish-mash of media as part of his tools of expression, Riggs
achieves something very rare and powerful. This is an important release for
many, and I would encourage the uninitiated to experience Riggs's art, which
is just as powerful today as it ever was. - Colin Zavitz
_________________________________________
**The Stranglers of
Bombay** [Blu-ray] (Terence Fisher, 1959) R0
UK Indicator
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/dvd_reviews53/the_stranglers_of_bombay_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: The Stranglers of Bombay is a peculiar relic from another era.
What can now be seen as an exotifying exploitation film, is not without its
merits. The picture is able to create a strange atmosphere with a limited
budget and few sets. As with the other Hammer films in this set, the film is
given a lovely treatment with a slew of extras, and various versions of the
film. More of Indicator's desirable work - Hammer film fans should be very
pleased. This strange film is now on stand-alone Blu-ray! - Colin Zavitz
_________________________________________
The Strangeness
[Blu-ray] (Melanie Anne Phillips, 1985) Code Red
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_138/the_strangeness_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Code Red's Blu-ray of "The Strangeness" (remastered from the
original 16mm vault elements) should be something for genre fans to pick up
after the original Blu-ray is out-of-print. The slightly improved image may
make this a worthy upgrade for some that already have the 2009 out-of-print
DVD from years back. It's been quite hard to see on digital or video
releases. The film works wonders with its limited budget and setting, I
could almost swear that Neil Marshall's "The Descent" may even have a few
nods to this picture. Recommended. - Colin Zavitz
_________________________________________
**The Terror of the
Tongs** [Blu-ray] (Anthony Bushell, 1961)
Indicator UK
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/blu-ray_reviews55/the_terror_of_the_tongs_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: The Terror of the Tongs is an exotic divergence from the Studio.
It seems more like a pulpy novel put to screen but still retains the Hammer
charm with Christopher Lee, sultry women, murder and adventure. It works and
seemed primed for sequels. As with the other Hammer films in this set, the
film is given a fabulous treatment with extensive extras, including a
commentary. More of Indicator's fan-satisfying work. Hammer film fans have
our whole-hearted endorsement. Another super Blu-ray that is certainly
recommended!
_________________________________________
**Visions of Eight**
[Blu-ray] (Milos Forman, Kon Ichikawa, Claude Lelouch, Yuriy Ozerov, Arthur
Penn, Michael Pfleghar, John Schlesinger and Mai Zetterling, 1973)
Criterion
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film6/blu-ray_reviews_79/visions_of_eight_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: There is plenty to like about Criterion's individual Blu-ray
release of Visions of Eight; notably improved video, a new commentary and a
wonderful extensive documentary. Those who hesitated on Criterion's
Thirty-Two Blu-ray Special Edition should definitely consider this large
upgrade for a brilliant Olympic documentary by eight renowned filmmakers.
Strongly recommended!
_________________________________________
**Years of Lead:
Five Classic Italian Crime Thrillers 1973 - 1977**
[Blu-ray] - Savage Three (1975), Like Rabid Dogs (1976), Colt 38 Special
Squad (1976) Stelvio Massis Highway Racer (1977) and No, the Case is Happily
Resolved (1973) - UK Arrow
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_140/years_of_lead_5_classic_Italian_crime_thrillers_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Firstly, I was shocked at how very good these films are in Arrow's
Blu-ray package of Years Of Lead: Five Classic Italian Crime Thrillers
1973-1977. It is book-ended by two strong and entertaining efforts; Savage
Three from 1975 and the less typical No, the Case is Happily Resolved from
1973. The latter being the least violent (after the initial brutal beating
of a half-naked woman) and becomes a mystery/thriller with efforts to expose
the real killer. Colt 38 Special Squad should get a nod to as a dynamic
Dirty Harry-style of cops ending criminal activity (and often the
perpetrators!) without going by the book. A solid cop-actioner. This films
are a strong reflection of the social and political attitudes of 70's Italy.
The genre does have similarities to Giallo, with less infused style
(dissimilar to Pasta westerns but in-line with the gratuitous violence), and
you may require a thick skin to accept the extensive, and less-explained,
misogynistic angles. Political / police corruption is not as heavy as themes
in some other efforts I have seen in the genre and era, and only moderate
focus on organized crime, police procedural - more involving terrorism and
senseless serial killing. This follows in the wake of other Blu-rays like
Brothers Till We Die (Umberto Lenzi), Luciano Ercoli's Killer Cop, Sergio
Martino's Silent Action, and Syndicate Sadists (also Lenzi). Perhaps an
acquired taste but I thought these were an excellent, varied, initiation for
many to dive into Poliziotteschi and Arrow is continuing their stacked,
detailed and efficient Blu-ray boxsets - one of the very best production
companies in existence. For fans who embrace this, or are even neophytes,
this is strongly recommended to both groups!
_________________________________________
**Yesterday's
Enemy** [Blu-ray] (Val Guest, 1959) Indicator
UK (BEAVER REVIEW)
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/blu-ray_reviews52/yesterdays_enemy_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Indicator have given us a great package here in this Hammer Volume
3 set, and "Yesterday's Enemy" is certainly an exemplary disc. Though the
image can look a little soft, the contrast is wonderful. This is a powerful
film that was unknown to me before this release. Indicator continues to
consistently release quality products with great transfers and useful
extras. This Blu-ray is recommended to fans of war films. - Colin Zavitz
_______________________________
LATEST CALENDAR
UPDATES:
July 5th, 2021
**Dr. Strangelove
or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb 4K UHD**
(Stanley Kubrick, 1964) Sony Pictures
Howard the Duck 4K
UHD (Willard Huyck, 1986) Universal Pictures
**New Battles
Without Honor and Humanity** (New Battles
Without Honour and Humanity, The Boss’s Head, Last Days of the Boss) Arrow
US
Rentadick
(Jim Clark, 1972) RB UK Network
**West 11**
(Michael Winner, 1963) RB UK Studio Canal
Young Wives' Tale
(Henry Cass, 1951) RB UK Network
July 12th, 2021
**Objective,
Burma!** (Raoul Walsh, 1945) Warner Achive
**Sicilia!**
(Danièle Huillet, Jean-Marie Straub, 1999) Grasshopper Film
July 19th, 2011
**I Wouldn't Be in
Your Shoes** (William Nigh, 1948) Warner
Archive
**Ran 4K UHD**
(Akira Kurosawa, 1985) RB UK Studio Canal
Spiral 4K UHD
(Darren Lynn Bousman, 2021) Lionsgate Home Entertainment
**Step by Step**
(Phil Rosen, 1946) Warner Archive
July 26th, 2021
**The Grifters**
(Stephen Frears, 1990) MiraMax
Treasure of the Ninja (William Lee, 1987)
American Genre Film Archive
August 16th, 2021
**The Emperor
Waltz** (Billy Wilder, 1948) Warner Archive
August 23rd, 2021
**Deep Cover**
[Blu-ray] (Bill Duke, 1992) Criterion UK
**Gandhi 4K UHD**
(Richard Attenborough, 1982) Sony UK
Thoroughly Modern
Millie (George Roy Hill, 1967) Warner Archive
August 30th, 2021
Double Jeopardy
(Bruce Beresford, 1999) Imprint
**Le gang / Three
Men to Kill** (Jacques Deray, 1977 / 1980)
Cohen
Master of the World
(William Witney, 1961) Kino
**The Straight
Story** (David Lynch, 1999) Imprint
September 13th, 2021
**Columbia Classics
4K Ultra HD Collection Volume 2** (Anatomy of
a Murder / Oliver! / Taxi Driver / Stripes / Sense and Sensibility / The
Social Network) - Sony
September 20th, 2021
**Columbia Noir #4**
(Walk East on Beacon!, Pushover, Chicago Syndicate and The Brothers Rico) RB
UK Indicator
**Johnny Guitar**
(Nicholas Ray, 1954) RB UK Masters of Cinema
**Love &
Basketball** (Gina Prince-Bythewood, 2000)
Criterion
**Sweet Charity**
(Bob Fosse, 1969) RB UK Indicator
September 27th, 2021
**Melvin Van
Peebles: Four Films** (The Story of a Three
Day Pass, Watermelon Man, Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, Don’t Play Us
Cheap) Criterion
Photo Archives" for
Patrons:
Gloria Grahame:
Monica Vitti:
Paul Newman:
Susan George:
Jacqueline Bisset:
Suzanne Pleshette:
THIS WEEK'S REVIEWS:
"Career
Opportunities" Blu-ray - Jennifer Connelly @KinoLorber
___________________________
**John Farrows
"Alias Nick Beal"** Blu-ray - Ray Milland @KinoLorber
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_140/alias_nick_beal_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: John Farrow's Alias Nick Beal is a unique entry - retelling of the
Faust myth using great sets (seedy bars the lavish apartment) and plenty of
fog and shadows. I have actually grown to appreciate it more - each time I
view it. The Kino Blu-ray. is stand-alone and gives a marginally higher
video, plus keeps the Eddie Muller commentary. Strongly recommended if you
don't have Imprint's Essential Film Noir: Collection 1 set.
___________________________
**Norbert Meisel's
"Walking the Edge"** Blu-ray - Robert Forster
/ Nancy Kwan @FunCityEdition
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_140/walking_the_edge_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Norbert Meisel's Walking the Edge is a dated genre film - but we
love the nostalgia, Forster and lovely Kwan. It holds up to be an enjoyable
thriller with a drifting 'hack' teaming with a women bent on revenge. It is
films like this, with simple involved characters standing up to criminals,
that we reflect back on today with a great appreciation. I wish there were
100 more like this with Robert Forster (RIP.) The Fun City Editions' Blu-ray
is top-shelf material; 4K restored, two commentaries, interviews, a video
essay and a booklet. Strongly recommended!
___________________________
Henry Hathaway's "Go
West Young Man" Blu-ray - Mae West @KinoLorber
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_140/go_west_young_man_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Kino Lorber's Blu-ray of Go West Young Man is a worthy addition to
any Mae West fan's collection. The 1080p transfer easily bests the old SD
DVD release, and the addition of Lee Gambin's audio commentary makes it that
much more desirable. Recommended to both Mae West, and vintage era, film
fans. - Colin Zavitz
___________________________
**Sidney J. Furie's
"The Leather Boys"** Blu-ray - Rita
Tushingham @filmarchive
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_140/the_leather_boys_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: The Leather Boys is a fascinating entry into the 'kitchen sink'
films that were gaining popularity in Britain at the time. The film deals
with some rather heavy subject matter (both explicit and implied) while
sporting some gorgeous black & white cinematography. AGFA (American Genre
Film Archive) and Shout! Factory's joint Blu-ray release is something to
behold, not only is this release from the original 35mm camera negative, but
the handful of extras provide a great context to the film and the early 60's
zeitgeist. AGFA have a winner on their hands with this release. Highly
recommended.
___________________________
**Years Of Lead:
Five Classic Italian Crime Thrillers 1973-1977**
Blu-ray @ArrowFilmsVideo
Savage Three (1975) Like
Rabid Dogs (1976), Colt 38 Special Squad (1976) Highway Racer (1977), No,
the Case is Happily Resolved (1973)
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_140/years_of_lead_5_classic_Italian_crime_thrillers_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Firstly, I was shocked at how very good these films are in Arrow's
Blu-ray package of Years Of Lead: Five Classic Italian Crime Thrillers
1973-1977. It is book-ended by two strong and entertaining efforts; Savage
Three from 1975 and the less typical No, the Case is Happily Resolved from
1973. The latter being the least violent (after the initial brutal beating
of a half-naked woman) and becomes a mystery/thriller with efforts to expose
the real killer. Colt 38 Special Squad should get a nod to as a dynamic
Dirty Harry-style of cops ending criminal activity (and often the
perpetrators!) without going by the book. A solid cop-actioner. This films
are a strong reflection of the social and political attitudes of 70's Italy.
The genre does have similarities to Giallo, with less infused style
(dissimilar to Pasta westerns but in-line with the gratuitous violence), and
you may require a thick skin to accept the extensive, and less-explained,
misogynistic angles. Political / police corruption is not as heavy as themes
in some other efforts I have seen in the genre and era, and only moderate
focus on organized crime, police procedural - more involving terrorism and
senseless serial killing. This follows in the wake of other Blu-rays like
Brothers Till We Die (Umberto Lenzi), Luciano Ercoli's Killer Cop, Sergio
Martino's Silent Action, and Syndicate Sadists (also Lenzi). Perhaps an
acquired taste but I thought these were an excellent, varied, initiation for
many to dive into Poliziotteschi and Arrow is continuing their stacked,
detailed and efficient Blu-ray boxsets - one of the very best production
companies in existence. For fans who embrace this, or are even neophytes,
this is strongly recommended to both groups!
___________________________
Sammo Kam-Bo Hung's
"Encounter of the Spooky Kind" Blu-ray -
Sammo Kam-Bo Hung @Eurekavideo
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_139/encounter_of_the_spooky_kind_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Fans of Sammo Hung will be very pleased to finally have this
classic horror/comedy film on Blu-ray in the UK. Eureka's brand new 2K
restoration showcases the film in a flattering light, with lots of detail
and a fine smooth grain. Frank Djeng's commentary is quite enjoyable, and
you have a ton of options as far as the audio is concerned. Recommended to
fans. - Colin Zavitz
___________________________
**David Lowell
Rich's "Eye of the Cat"** Blu-ray - Michael
Sarrazin @indicatorseries
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_139/eye_of_the_cat_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: I really enjoyed my viewing of the quirky Eye of the Cat. David
Lowell Rich's film was badly panned by many critics upon its initial
release. I found it an inventive, sexy horror that is realized in very
clever ways. I can envision it having a niche following with its unbalanced
premise and obtuse dialogue that actually adds to the film's mystery
qualities. Gayle Hunnicutt underplays the cold, scheming, sexually desirable
girlfriend, Eleanor Parker as the classy but desperately lonely aunty, and
Sarrazin as the ailurophobic (fear of cats), carefree, playboy whose looks
and hollow charm have carried him through most of his drifting existence.
It's a darn interesting mix with the murder plot being almost blasé as
compared to the interpersonal conflicts that arise. Then there's the
ever-present specter of felines slinking around throughout with creepy
possibilities. Now I feel like watching it again. The Indicator Blu-ray
continues announcing that they are at the top of their game with disc
production, transfer and supplements - the best BD company we have. Eye of
the Cat is an odd film but the commentary and extras helped me appreciate it
significantly more. Absolutely recommended!
___________________________
**Johnnie To's
"PTU"** Blu-ray - Simon Yam @mastersofcinema
@Eurekavideo
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_139/PTU_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Johnnie To's PTU is more of the director's classic Hong Kong
crime-thriller, and exceptional, pieces of action cinema. Certainly there
are Neo-noir elements - the Police Tactical Unit is having a bad and busy
night. We run the gamut of illegal activities, intensely tough characters
and an over-the-top climax that is both fascinating and riveting. The
Masters of Cinema Blu-ray get a very strong recommendation - for the kinetic
film, their pristine a/v transfer and supplements including a revealing
Frank Djeng commentary and multiple interviews. We rate it very highly,
indeed. For fans of director To, or his brand of Hong Kong cinema, we give
our highest recommendation!
___________________________
Jackie Kong's "The
Being" Blu-ray - Martin Landau / José Ferrer
/ Dorothy Malone @CODEREDDVD
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_139/the_being_blu-ray.htmCOMMENTS:
Code Red's Blu-ray re-release of The Being hopefully introduces more people
to the underappreciated work of director Jackie Kong. Kong's brief but
entertaining body of work always played with genre tropes while showcasing a
unique sense of humor. This Blu-ray from Code red features a great audio
commentary from Kong, as well as one with Johnny Dark that is worth a
listen. While the A/V here is nothing to write home about, the movie is
still a joy, and hopefully more will discover it now on physical media. -
Colin Zavitz
_________________________