DVDBeaver Newsletter
for the Week of April 19th, 2021
http://www.dvdbeaver.com
THIS WEEK RELEASES
releases include George Sidney and Busby Berkeley, Mucho Bong Joon Ho, Hugh
Hudson Best Picture Oscar, Anthony Mann Criterion, 30's Bounty Mutiny, 60's Brit
Murder Thriller with a young Jenny Agutter courtesy of BFI, early John Ford and
more.
THIS WEEK'S REVIEWS: We
get iconic Film Noir by Criterion, Double Brit-Noir from Cohen, 6 Karloff films
on BD for the first time ever, Norman Jewison Roller Derby in 4K UHD, Jack Hill
Exploitation Sisters, Terence Fisher Hammer, John-Boy laments over losing James
Dean...
Enjoy,
Gary
RELEASES the WEEK of April 19th,
2021 (Recommended titles have "**")
Annie Get Your Gun
[Blu-ray] (George Sidney, Busby Berkeley, 1950) Warner Archive
US:
https://amzn.to/3d9LAZK
CAN:
https://amzn.to/32DaQD3
COMMENTS: Betty Hutton (as Annie Oakley)
and Howard Keel (as Frank Butler) star in this sharpshootin funfest based on the
1,147-performance Broadway smash boasting Irving Berlins beloved score,
including Doin What Comes Naturlly, I Got the Sun in the Morning and the
anthemic Theres No Business Like Show Business. As produced by Arthur Freed,
directed by George Sidney, and seen and heard in a digital transfer from
restored elements, this lavish, spirited production showcases songs and
performances with bulls-eye precision, earning an Oscar®* for adaptation
scoring. The story is a brawling boy-meets-girl-meets-buckshot rivalry. But love
finally triumphs when Annie proves that, yes, you can get a man with a gun!
____________________
At Night Comes Wolves
[Blu-ray] (Tj Marine, 2021) Gravitas Ventures
US:
https://amzn.to/3cavpfx
COMMENTS: In this unnerving tale about
misogyny, fate, and sexism comes a story about a woman who is about to change
the world forever. After Leah Shaffer finally leaves her emotionally
manipulative husband, she finds a friend in a drifter whom she quickly feels a
deep connection with. The drifter introduces Leah to a prodigal chemist, and
Leah learns her new friends are all that is left of a doomsday cult that
disbanded years earlier. Together, the new trio is about to change the world,
but before they can reveal their secrets, they have to tie up loose ends with
Leah’s husband-- and their ex-leader.
____________________
Austin Powers: International Man
of Mystery [Blu-ray] (Jay Roach, 1997) RB UK Icon Film Distribution
UK:
https://amzn.to/30QNJ6O
COMMENTS: It's a smashing shagadelic
party as Mike Myers (Wayne's World 1 & 2, So I Married an Axe Murderer) and
Elizabeth Hurley (Dangerous Ground) star in a non-stop, hilarious comedy
adventure. Frozen in the 60's, secret agent Austin Powers (Myers) is thawed back
into action to once again battle his archenemy Dr. Evil. With his sexy sidekick
Ms. Kensington (Hurley), Austin must stop Dr. Evil's outrageous plot to control
the world. But first, this time-warped swinger must get hip quick and discover
that there's no free love in the 90's! An all-star supporting cast including
Michael York, Robert Wagner, Mimi Rogers and Carrie Fisher make Austin Powers a
wacky, far-out trip you won't forget.
____________________
**Bong Joon Ho Collection**
[Blu-ray] - Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000), Memories of Murder (2003), The Host
(2006), Mother (2009), Snowpiercer (2013), Parasite (2020) and Parasite B&W
(2020) RB UK Curzon Artificial Eye
UK:
https://amzn.to/3laYsCs
COMMENTS: This collection from the
acclaimed South Korean director tracks the trajectory of his impressive and
successful career. It includes his first feature Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000),
which garnered a cult following before achieving critical acclaim and commercial
success with his subsequent three films, also included in the boxset: the
subversive and darkly comic crime thriller Memories of Murder (2003), his
breakout monster film The Host (2006) and his first majority-English language
film, the sci-fi action thriller Snowpiercer (2013), starring Chris Evans, Tilda
Swinton and Ed Harris. And of course, no Bong Joon Ho boxset would be complete
without the BAFTA and Oscar Award-winning Parasite (2020) which took the world
by storm becoming the first non-English language film ever to win Best Picture
at the Academy Awards. That’s why we’ve not only included the original feature,
but Parasite Black and White (2020) as well.
____________________
**Chariots of Fire**
[Blu-ray] (Hugh Hudson, 1981) Warner Archive
US:
https://amzn.to/3cq50dO
CAN:
https://amzn.to/3vdwaLF
COMMENTS: In this Academy Award winner
for Best Picture, two very different men on the same team vie to win Olympic
gold to demonstrate to the world the worth of their deeply held--and strongly
opposing--convictions. Yet a friendship builds between the two in this true
story that is as strong as their desire to win in Chariots of Fire. Paris
Olympics, 1924. Scotsman Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson--Gandhi) competes to prove
the superiority of this Christian faith, while his teammate, Harold Abrahams
(Ben Cross--Exorcist: The Beginning), a Jewish Englishman, is driven to win to
show the world that Jews are not inferior people. But as different as they two
competitors are, the bond that develops between them reveals to both how complex
their true motives are . . . and how much they really have in common.
____________________
County Lines [Blu-ray]
(Henry Blake, 2019) RB UK BFI
UK:
https://amzn.to/3rksmqn
COMMENTS: County Lines is a powerful and
moving coming-of-age film about a 14-year-old boy who is groomed into a county
lines criminal network. Inspired by the stories he heard while mentoring young
people at an east London pupil referral unit, writer director Henry Blake's
powerful feature debut boasts a compelling central performance by Conrad Khan as
14-year-old Tyler, with strong supporting performances from Ashley Madekwe (The
Umbrella Academy, Tell Me A Story) and Harris Dickinson (Maleficent: Mistress of
Evil).
____________________
Flight of the Navigator
[Blu-ray] (Randal Kleiser, 1986) RB UK Second Sight Films
UK:
https://amzn.to/2NtzXUQ
COMMENTS: It's 1978 and 12-year-old
David Freeman is mysteriously knocked unconscious while out playing. He wakes up
and heads for home only to find strangers living there. It's now 1986 and he's
been missing for eight years. He discovers a top-secret spaceship and with the
help of MAX the computer sets off on an incredible mission to get back to the
past where he belongs.
____________________
**The Furies**
[Blu-ray] (Anthony Mann, 1950) Criterion
US:
https://amzn.to/3r8xOeR
CAN:
https://amzn.to/3sbpkF3
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_136/the_furies_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: An Anthony Mann western with
Barbara Stanwyck on Criterion Blu-ray. It's a substantial upgrade over the
picture-boxed DVD - that was suitable fro cathode ray tube viewing - but we have
new larger TVs and this looks film-like and brilliantly thick and rich in 1080P.
I loved the new Imogene Sara Smith piece and revisiting the Kitses commentary.
Our highest recommendation!
____________________
**I Start Counting**
[Blu-ray] (David Greene, 1969) RB UK BFI
UK:
https://amzn.to/3qDjqvV
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_131/i_start_counting_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: So, it looks like the BFI have
advanced upon the Fun City Blu-ray edition with a slightly improved video and
more supplements. Double-dipping would depend on how you fele about the film,
but the big bonus is the Samm Deighan commentary, which is available on both.
Region 'B'-locked audiences should definitely indulge. Great film, super Blu-ray
package.
____________________
Ip Man: Kung Fu Master
[Blu-ray] (Liming Li, 2019) RB UK Dazzler Media
UK:
https://amzn.to/3wnqUWR
COMMENTS: Decades before becoming Bruce
Lee's legendary teacher, the young Ip Man, then a police officer in Foshan and
soon to become a father for the first time, is targeted for vengeance by Qing
Chuan, the dangerous daughter of a ruthless but honorable mobster who’s been
killed under mysterious circumstances while in custody at the police station.
Soon, Ip Man must also contend with the arrival of the Japanese army in
Guangdong province.
____________________
**Memories of Murder**
[Blu-ray] (Bong Joon Ho, 2003) Criterion
US:
https://amzn.to/3vWO1Yl
CAN:
https://amzn.to/31lbLqK
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_136/memories_of_murder_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Bong Joon Ho's Memories of
Murder is a fascinating film - part horror, part crime investigation, part dark
comedy. The Rayns commentary and translated director commentaries add immensely
to appreciating the film experience. It's easy to call this a masterpiece.
Criterion have left no stone unturned in regards to supplements in their double
Blu-ray. The intentionally darker image and green bias was very easy to accept
and may, also, enhance your viewing. This stacked release with cinematographer
and director approved 4K digital restoration gets our highest recommendation!
____________________
The Mortuary Collection
[Blu-ray] (Ryan Spindell, 2019) - Image Entertainment
US:
https://amzn.to/2Zkv5mZ
CAN:
https://amzn.to/3sqDfXb
COMMENTS: Mimi and Luke unwittingly
resurrect an ancient alien overlord who was entombed on Earth millions of years
ago after a failed attempt to destroy the universe. They nickname the evil
creature Psycho Goreman (or PG for short) and use the magical amulet they
discovered to force him to obey their childish whims. It isn’t long before PG’s
reappearance draws the attention of intergalactic friends and foes from across
the cosmos, and a rogues’ gallery of alien combatants converges in small-town
suburbia to battle for the fate of the galaxy.
____________________
**Mutiny on the Bounty**
[Blu-ray] (Frank Lloyd, 1935) Warner Archive
US:
https://amzn.to/3rexxXG
CAN:
https://amzn.to/3v0wz3P
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/blu-ray_reviews52/mutiny_on_the_bounty_1935_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: HMS Bounty sails for Tahiti by
way of Cape Hornand into movie lore. Grandly filmed, Mutiny on the Bounty
captured the 1935 Best Picture Academy Award and eight nominations total.*
Charles Laughton portrays Captain Bligh, a seafaring monster ruling with the law
of fear. Clark Gable is first officer Fletcher Christian, whose will to obey
erodes under Blighs tyranny. And Franchot Tone plays idealistic midshipman Byam,
torn by his allegiance to both. That all three portrayals are vividly memorable
is accented by the fact that for the only time in Oscar history, three stars
from the same film were Best Actor nominees.
____________________
**The Revenge of Frankenstein**
[Blu-ray] (Terence Fisher, 1958) RB DE Anolis
DE: https://amzn.to/3srT67V
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film6/blu-ray_reviews_77/revenge_of_frankenstein_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Okay, this Anolis is a very
handsome package and, currently the Indicator Boxset is waaay out-of-print
without their individual Blu-ray release of Terence Fisher 's The Revenge of
Frankenstein scheduled yet. The a/v may be a notch below the UK transfer but is
far ahead of the Millcreek, and it is loaded with extras including the valuable
Haberman / Nasr commentary, Impressive Diabolique Films documentary and more.
The packages themselves have appealing covers. It's very desirable - no doubt.
Collectors and devout Hammer lovers will want to get their hands on this Anolis
Blu-ray.
____________________
**Straight Shooting & Hell Bent:
Two Films By John Ford** [Blu-ray] - RB UK Masters of Cinema
UK:
https://amzn.to/3k6ZWgt
COMMENTS: Straight Shooting is landmark
in the history of the Western. The first feature directed by Ford, it revived
the career of Harry Carey who gives a rough and tumble performance here as a
hired gun who turns on his employers to defend an innocent farmer and his
family.
In Hell Bent,‘Cheyenne Harry’ (Harry
Carey playing the same character from Straight Shooting) flees the law after a
poker game shootout, and arrives in the town of Rawhide, where he becomes
friendly with local cowboy Cimarron Bill (Duke Lee) and dance hall girl Bess
Thurston (Neva Gerber). When gang leader Beau Ross (Joseph Harris) kidnaps Bess,
Harry goes to desperate lengths travelling across the deadly desert in order to
free Bess from the hard-bitten Ross.
____________________
**Switchblade Sisters**
[Blu-ray] (Jack Hill, 1975) Arrow
US:
https://amzn.to/3a7YmqU
UK:
https://amzn.to/3uNFsOc
CAN:
https://amzn.to/32alcKb
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_137/switchblade_sisters_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Jack Hill's Switchblade
Sisters is a quintessential classic of the exploitation genre. A decently made
film with some sub-themes, good dialogue and a supremely attractive premise.
There is a lot here to enjoy from the beautiful a/v transfer, the pairing of the
Deighan / Ellinger commentary, documentary, interviews and delightful cover(s).
Fans of this niche of films will be very pleased with this exceptional Arrow
Blu-ray package. We wish all films were as completely and competently put to
this home video format. A very strong recommendation!
____________________
Urban Legend Trilogy
[Blu-ray] (Urban Legend, Urban Legend: Final Cut, and Urban Legend: Bloody Mary)
RB UK 88 Films
UK:
https://amzn.to/3snWD85
COMMENTS: Camp fire stories aren't real
– are they? Someone thinks they are and, in Urban Legend, they pick off their
victims using those apparently apocryphal yarns as a template. The killing
continues in Urban Legend: Final Cut, with a new killer – and new inspirations.
And if your nerves can handle it, Urban Legend: Bloody Mary places a fresh,
terrifying, spin on some old, old tales. Even better than listening to spooky
old stories (“...the call is coming from INSIDE the house...”), these three
films are modern slasher classics. 88 Films are proud to present the complete
Urban Legend trilogy on UK Blu-ray for the first time, completely uncut.
____________________
Willy's Wonderland
[Blu-ray] (Kevin Lewis, 2021) RB UK Signature Entertainment
UK:
https://amzn.to/3ahMaVd
COMMENTS: Nicolas Cage takes on a set of
violent animatronic amusement park mascots in this action packed, nail-biting
tale of terror that will take you on the ride of your life! Stranded in a remote
town with a car that won't work and no way to pay the local repair shop, THE
JANITOR (Nicolas Cage - Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse) agrees to spend the
night in an abandoned theme park full of animatronic characters that were once a
joy to the kids of the town, but now hold a dark secret. As night falls, these
once happy mascots come to life and they're out for blood. Survive at any cost,
it's only one night!
________________________________________________
NOTABLE NEW CALENDAR UPDATES:
May 10th, 2021
Bachelor in Paradise
(Jack Arnold, 1961) Warner Archive
https://amzn.to/2Qvph9o
**They Won't Believe Me**
(Irving Pichel, 1947) Warner Archive
https://amzn.to/3trXqVT
**The Yearling**
(Clarence Brown, 1946) Warner Archive
https://amzn.to/32B104B
________________________________
May 31st, 2021
Backdraft 4K UHD (Ron
Howard, 1991) Warner UK
https://amzn.to/3n2HIOL
Smokey and the Bandit
[4K UHD Blu-ray] (Hal Needham, 1977) Universal UK
https://amzn.to/2Q2r7Pd
________________________________
June 7th, 2021
**Under the Sand**
(François Ozon, 2000) Kino
https://amzn.to/3dqIW39
**The Woman One Longs For**
(Curtis Bernhardt, 1929) Kino
https://amzn.to/2QxM4RM
________________________________
June 14th, 2021
**Gattaca 4K UHD**
(Andrew Niccol, 1997) Sony
https://amzn.to/3giZcVW
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_136/gattaca_4K_UHD.htm
In the Line of Fire 4K UHD
(Wolfgang Petersen, 1993) Sony
https://amzn.to/2OXOOHR
________________________________
June 28th, 2021
**In Harm's Way** (Otto
Preminger, 1965) Paramount
https://amzn.to/3doIvWX
**Le Mans** (Lee H.
Katzin, 1971) Paramount
https://amzn.to/2QvvUs7
**Poison** (Todd
Haynes, 1991) Kino Lorber/Zeitgeist
https://amzn.to/3x3oVaJ
________________________________
July 5th, 2021
**Bringing Up Baby**
(Howard Hawks, 1938) Criterion
https://amzn.to/3dslouK
**Mirror** (Andrei
Tarkovsky, 1975) Criterion
https://amzn.to/3e4XEvS
________________________________
July 12th, 2021
**Deep Cover** (Bill
Duke, 1992) Criterion
https://amzn.to/3efaqbn
Working Girls (Lizzie
Borden, 1986) Criterion
https://amzn.to/3n2Cvqb
________________________________
July 19th, 2021
**The Big Fix** (Jeremy
Kagan, 1978) Indicator UK
https://amzn.to/2Qeotpk
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDReviews20/the_big_fix_blu-ray.htm
**The Day of the Dolphin**
(Mike Nichols, 1973) Indictaor UK
https://amzn.to/3srVvj9
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film8/blu-ray_review_101/day_of_the_dolphin_blu-ray.htm
Invincible (Werner
Herzog, 2001) Indicator UK
https://amzn.to/3spkqDF
Ishtar (Elaine May,
1987) Indicator UK
https://amzn.to/2Q9NqSZ
**The Swimming Pool aka La
piscine** (Jacques Deray, 1969) Criterion
https://amzn.to/3svAu70
________________________________________________
Photo Archives" for Patrons:
Gloria Grahame:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/gloria_grahame_photo_archive.htm
________________
Monica Vitti:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/monica_vitti_photo_archive.htm
________________
Paul Newman:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/paul_newman_photo_archive.htm
________________
Susan George:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/susan_george_photo_archive.htm
________________
Jacqueline Bisset:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/jacqueline_bisset_photo_archive.htm
________________
Suzanne Pleshette:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/suzanne_pleshette_photo_archive.htm
________________________________________________
THIS WEEK'S REVIEWS:
**Nightmare Alley** BD
US:
https://amzn.to/3tr23Qi
CAN:
https://amzn.to/3tuWbFC
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_137/nightmare_alley_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Nightmare Alley is one of the
most beloved, important, grimmest and cult-promoting of all Noirs. The latter
because of its lack of availability for years over a legal dispute between
Producer George Jessel and 20th Century Fox. It remains a fascinating part of
the 'dark cinema' cycle with a touching, complex, anti-hero in the mysterious
intriguing world of carnival life and 'mentalists'. Nightmare Alley is one of
the most desirable of Noirs to finally come to a legitimate Blu-ray. Kudos to
Criterion for its valuable extras and the best the film has ever looked and
sounded on digital. Absolutely recommended!
________________
**"Cast a Dark Shadow" / "Wanted
for Murder"** BD
US:
https://amzn.to/2QpTBlC
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_137/cast_dark_shadow_wanted_murder_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: I really enjoyed both films,
probably Cast a Dark Shadow more. Bogarde is excellent as the charming playboy
fortune-hunter. Kudos to Kay Walsh as the pragmatic second sugar-lady. Wanted
for Murder was more of a police procedural but still a fascinating serial-killer
hunt. Both work well as thrillers carrying enough dark cinema conventions to
please Noir fans on both sides of the pond. Notably Kathleen Harrison is in both
films in small roles. While commentaries would be warranted for both - having
these rarities together on one stellar Cohen Media Blu-ray is a must-own for
vintage film fans. Brilliant with plenty of value here. Strongly recommended!
________________
**Karloff at Columbia**
BD
UK:
https://amzn.to/3tprtxu
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_137/karloff_at_columbia_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Eureka's Karloff at Columbia
Blu-ray package is a joy for fans of these slap-dash vintage horror cinema
crackers with our protagonist usually playing an errant Doctor utilizing
unaccepted methods to help humanity. With their short running times, generally
just over an hour each, but packed with gripping storylines they reminded me of
The Inner Sanctum Mysteries. Like that package, the vastly improved a/v and
addition of new commentaries by mssrs. Lyons, Rigby, Jones and Newman, plus the
radio programs and booklet give this immense value. I love the fashion and decor
of this time period and could watch this all over again... after having just
seen them! I really enjoyed my viewings, even the outlier comedy effort with
Peter Lorre and Boris; The Boogie Man Will Get You. Eureka knows how to do it
right - very strongly recommended.
________________
**Rollerball 4K** UHD
DE:
https://amzn.to/3mXS2aZ
DE (5-disc):
https://amzn.to/3mOqNzb
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_137/rollerball_4K_UHD.htm
COMMENTS: Norman Jewison's Rollerball
can appeal to a varied viewer-ship of both science-fiction aficionados and
machismo sports enthusiasts who can both appreciate the director's versatility
and excellent storytelling ability. We see a Dystopian world through excellent
art direction with an icy pristine atmosphere of corporate fascism,
objectification of women and in Jewison's words "the sickness and insanity of
contact sports and their allure." The theme of 'bread and circuses' was never so
aptly conveyed in a futuristic film, imo. I loved this 4K UHD package and it was
fabulous to revisit the film looking so amazingly bright, detailed, colorful and
with healthy grain. New adopters and fans of Rollerball are strongly encouraged
to nab this one.
________________
**Switchblade Sisters**
BD
US:
https://amzn.to/3a7YmqU
UK:
https://amzn.to/3uNFsOc
CAN:
https://amzn.to/32alcKb
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_137/switchblade_sisters_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Jack Hill's Switchblade
Sisters is a quintessential classic of the exploitation genre. A decently made
film with some sub-themes, good dialogue and a supremely attractive premise.
There is a lot here to enjoy from the beautiful a/v transfer, the pairing of the
Deighan / Ellinger commentary, documentary, interviews and delightful cover(s).
Fans of this niche of films will be very pleased with this exceptional Arrow
Blu-ray package. We wish all films were as completely and competently put to
this home video format. A very strong recommendation!
________________
**September 30, 1955** BD
US:
https://amzn.to/3thTtmM
CAN:
https://amzn.to/3tc7EKd
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_137/september_30_1955_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: James Bridges' September 30,
1955 is a far better film than I was anticipating and the Tonguette commentary
definitely advanced my appreciation. It captures the spirit of the era very
well. Richard Thomas is excellent and you can spot a young Tom Hulce and Dennis
Quaid. I am glad to have seen the film on the Scorpion Releasing / Kino Blu-ray.
This is very pleasant surprise and is definitely recommended!
________________
**The Revenge of Frankenstein**
BD
DE:
https://amzn.to/3srT67V
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film6/blu-ray_reviews_77/revenge_of_frankenstein_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Okay, this Anolis is a very
handsome package and, currently the Indicator Boxset is waaay out-of-print
without their individual Blu-ray release of Terence Fisher 's The Revenge of
Frankenstein scheduled yet. The a/v may be a notch below the UK transfer but is
far ahead of the Millcreek, and it is loaded with extras including the valuable
Haberman / Nasr commentary, Impressive Diabolique Films documentary and more.
The packages themselves have appealing covers. It's very desirable - no doubt.
Collectors and devout Hammer lovers will want to get their hands on this Anolis
Blu-ray.
________________
http://www.dvdbeaver.com