DVDBeaver Newsletter for the Week of
February 22nd 2021
http://www.dvdbeaver.com
Firstly, our reviewer Colin has contracted COVID
- we wish him a speedy recovery.
This week's reviews still have more than there
usual share of 80's + Euro horror with four of each - debatably five. Some
intriguing; Castle of the Creeping Flesh and Queens of Evil...
some less so, but still entertaining. Add more Ramin Bahrani via Criterion,
a beautifully layered, period, Ang Lee with a great commentary, and our
second Silent Auction for February that ends Monday 22nd (11:59 PM EST)...
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/dvdcompare/patrons.htm
Somebody not gonna nab that Ed Wood set? Woooo....
Get better soon, Colin.
Gary
RELEASES the WEEK of February
22nd, 2021 (Recommended titles have "**")
________________
**2001: A Space Odyssey [4K UHD
Blu-ray]** (Stanley Kubrick, 1968) Warner
Bros UK
UK:
https://amzn.to/3iFe28i
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film5/blu-ray_reviews_72/2001_a_space_odyssey_4K_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Director Stanley Kubrick's heralded masterpiece '2001: A Space
Odyssey' immediately informs the viewers of its grandeur with a
realistically derived vision of human evolution. The first segment entitled
"The Dawn of Man" documents our ancestors maintaining sustenance through
clan support, and food foraging. The story, based on the Arthur C. Clarke
novel, naturally includes a strong fictional element proposing a single
event that initiated the turning point of the ascension of humankind.
Somewhere in the course of our history, a single ancestor came to the
realization of his ability to use a 'tool'. Initially it was effective as a
weapon in hunting and reacquisition of a watering-hole from neighboring
pre-hominids. This unexplainable cognitive step distinctly separates us from
every known living organism in the universe that we inhabit. To see it
transpire onscreen is one of the great moments of intellectually derived
cinema. To simply state that visually it is awe-inspiring is to diminish its
importance. What we are seeing is a recreation of the most important event
in human history.
________________
The Attic Expeditions
[Blu-ray] (Jeremy Kasten, 2001) Severin
US:
https://amzn.to/3boVFmg
COMMENTS: It's been called "imaginative and audacious" (Los Angeles Times),
"fantastic and surreal" (Classic Horror) and "an ideal film that verges
towards masterpiece" (Weird Wild Realm). Now experience the Blu-ray premiere
of the hallucinatory debut by director Jeremy Kasten about a young man
committed to an asylum where madness, mayhem and murder may rip apart his
mind forever. Seth Green, Jeffrey Combs, Andras Jones, Ted Raimi, Wendy
Robie and Alice Cooper star in the 2001 shocker Fangoria hailed as "an
ambitious first feature laced with a wonderful cast, quirky charms and cool
twists", scanned in 2k from the original negative with all-new Special
Features.
________________
Bad Boy Bubby
[Blu-ray] (Rolf de Heer, 1993) Umbrella
US:
https://amzn.to/3oXqK3H
COMMENTS: Bubby has spent thirty years trapped in the same small room,
tricked by his mother. One day, he manages to escape, and, deranged and
naive in equal measures, his adventure into the modern and nihilistic life
begins.
________________
**The Buddy Holly Story**
[Blu-ray] (Steve Rash, 1978) RB UK Fabulous Films
UK:
https://amzn.to/3jMOI0r
COMMENTS: Buddy Holly laid the foundations for a generation of popular music
with his ground-breaking combination of country music and rhythm & blues.
This film tells his story from its explosive beginning to its tragic end
with Gary Busey giving an electrifying, Oscar nominated performance (Best
Actor - 1978) as the young genius from Lubbock, Texas, who changed the tune
of rock n roll history. Young Buddys studious appearance gave no hint of the
new music which was about to take the world by storm. His unique brand of
rock n roll catapulted him and the Crickets to national stardom in just
three short years with hits such as Thatll Be The Day and Peggy Sue.
________________
**Castle of the Creeping Flesh**
[Blu-ray] (Adrian Hoven, 1968) Severin
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_135/castle_of_the_creeping_flesh_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: I put Castle of the Creeping Flesh in the same category as German
horror genre films like Horrors of Spider Island and Werewolf in a Girls'
Dormitory - both on Severin Blu-ray. Castle of the Creeping Flesh doesn't
seem to venture to delightful 'krimi' status (often German-produced crime
thrillers in black and white) but it has some of that charisma. It's a
strange, titillating/exploitive horror. I never understood the constant cuts
to the graphic surgical operation sequence?!? What I enjoyed was the
shifting personalities and attitudes once inside the castle wearing the
distinctive garb. This probably deserves a commentary. Kudos to Severin for
bringing this Blu-ray out and the effort they put into getting this uncut
version released. There isn't enough of these 50's and 60's genre films
available - warts and all - they are a lovable deviation. I find this
another valuable package from Severin and we absolutely endorse... to the
appropriate crowd.
________________
**Chop Shop**
[Blu-ray] (Ramin Bahrani, 2007) Criterion
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_134/chop_shop_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Ramin Bahrani's Chop Shop is absolutely brilliant - probably the
most Dardenne-esque cinema I have seen in a long while. It reminded me very
much of La Promesse. This is devastatingly pure and effective film
expression making it highly impacting and unforgettable. The Criterion
Blu-ray has a wonderful presentation, commentary and other extras of an
essential film - top 10 of the 2000s. Our highest recommendation!
________________
**The Duellists**
[Blu-ray] (Ridley Scott, 1977) Imprint
US:
https://amzn.to/39aCjQr
COMMENTS: Ridley Scott's gorgeously lensed directorial debut adapts Joseph
Conrad's story of two officers in Napoleon's army who carry on a fierce and
increasingly brutal series of duels that spans two decades. As French
officers D'Hubert (Keith Carradine) and Feraud (Harvey Keitel) fight each
other to preserve their honor, insight into each man's quest for personal
justice is revealed. With Albert Finney, Cristina Raines.
________________
**The Grand Budapest Hotel**
[Blu-ray] (Wes Anderson, 2014) Criterion UK (BEAVER REVIEW)
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film4/blu-ray_reviews_62_/the_grand_budapest_hotel_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Wes Anderson films are so... wonderful, fun, amusingly detailed,
complex, eclectic, while the visuals are rich evoking childhood memories.
All fitting comfortably into his, intricate, and civilized fantasy world.
The Grand Budapest Hotel is filled with wild, almost screwball-like,
adventure, endlessly amusing and peculiar but endearing characters -
comfortable in their own worlds (not unlike how I presume Wes Anderson,
himself, to be), subtly humorous dialogue... and questions. Namely - how do
you make a film that has so much? This is close to a masterpiece, if not one
deservedly outright, and the has immense revisitation value. The Criterion
Blu-ray offers a great a/v presentation, a new commentary, video essay and
more. It gets a very strong recommendation!
________________
Hard to Hold
[Blu-ray] (Larry Peerce, 1984) Kino
COMMENTS: From Larry Peerce, the acclaimed
director The Incident, Ash Wednesday, The Other Side of the Mountain and
Two-Minute Warning, comes this rock ’n’ roll drama starring Grammy-winning
superstar Rick Springfield (“Jessie’s Girl”) that heats up the screen with
rousing music and romance. An incredible soundtrack featuring seven
Springfield songs, including the hit, “Love Somebody,” as well as music by
Peter Gabriel, Graham Parker and Nona Hendryx. Jamie Roberts (Springfield)
is a rock star living the highlife when he falls for an intellectual child
psychologist (Janet Eilber, Romantic Comedy) who only has ears for classical
music. Opposites attract, but his jealous ex-girlfriend (Patti Hansen, They
All Laughed) isn’t ready to give up so easily. Love is hard to find when the
whole world is watching.
________________
Host
[Blu-ray] (Rob Savage, 2020) RB UK Second Sight Films
UK:
https://amzn.to/39zgSJ5
COMMENTS: Six friends hire a medium to hold a seance via Zoom during 2020's
lockdown. Some take it more seriously than others however and they get a lot
more than they bargained for when they inadvertently anger a demonic spirit.
________________
**I Married a Monster from Outer
Space** [Blu-ray] (Gene Fowler Jr., 1958)
Imprint
US: https://amzn.to/39b6c2W
OUR COMPARISON:
________________
John Hughes 5-Movie Collection
[Blu-ray] (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Pretty in Pink, Some Kind of Wonderful,
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, and She’s Having a Baby) Paramount
US:
https://amzn.to/389zFJ9
COMMENTS: From teenage heartache to adult comedy-of-errors, get all the
essential John Hughes movies including Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Pretty in
Pink, Some Kind of Wonderful, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, and She’s
Having a Baby in one awesome collection!
________________
**Lady Sings the Blues**
[Blu-ray] (Sidney J. Furie, 1972) Paramount
COMMENTS: The essence of Billie Holiday, one of
America's most loved and memorable blues singers, is captured brilliantly in
a tour-de-force debut performance by singer Diana Ross. This stunning
biography received 5 Academy Award nominations, including Diana Ross for
"Best Actress". Starring opposite Ross are Billy Dee Williams and Richard
Pryor.
________________
**Like Water For Chocolate**
[Blu-ray] (Alfonso Arau, 1992) Miramax
COMMENTS: From the hit novel comes a celebrated
romantic tale of a forbidden love in the midst of family tradition. After
the man she admires marries her sister, a young Mexican woman throws her
passion into cooking, discovering she can transfer her emotions through the
food she prepares. This Golden Globe nominee for Best Foreign Language Film
tells a magical story unlike any other.
________________
**Malena**
[Blu-ray] (Giuseppe Tornatore, 2000) UK Paramount
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCompare/malena.htm
COMMENTS: Nominated for two Oscars(Best Cinematography and Best Music),
Malena tells the story of the most beautiful woman in an Italian town during
World War II who becomes the subject of malicious gossip among the lustful
townsmen and their jealous wives. But only her most ardent admirer will
learn the untold true story of the mysterious and elusive Malèna, who
inspires new heights of compassion, courage, and independence.
________________
**Man Push Cart**
[Blu-ray] (Ramin Bahrani, 2005) Criterion
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_135/man_push_cart_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: While Ramin Bahrani's Man Push Cart is certainly recommended -
more wonderful Dardenne-esque cinema - I believe the director's Chop Shop is
a notably superior effort. Those uninitiated to Bahrani, I recommend
watching Man Push Cart via this director supervised and approved Criterion
Blu-ray followed by Chop Shop. This package also offers a revealing
commentary and valued supplements plus exposure to a fascinating modern
filmmaker. This is very strongly recommended!
________________
Mindwarp
[Blu-ray] (Steve Barnett, 1991) RB UK Eureka
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_135/mindwarp_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Well, you can't like everything. I do appreciate Apocalypse
films... but Mindwarp isn't my cup-of-tea. I found the goofy futurism pretty
lame, I enjoyed Bruce Campbell but overall it feels very dated. Although
there may be extensive nostalgia value and it being Fangoria Films label
first (or 3) efforts. The Eureka Blu-ray seems to have gone the extra mile
in terms of extras and a max'ed out a/v presentation.
________________
**Mogul Mowgli**
[Blu-ray] (Bassam Tariq, 2020) RB UK BFI
UK:
https://amzn.to/2HOAoFV
COMMENTS: British Pakistani rapper Zed (Riz Ahmed) is a rising star on the
cusp of his first world tour. But, struck down by an illness that threatens
to derail his big break, he's forced to confront his past, his family, and
the uncertainty of his legacy. The debut fiction feature from award-winning
documentary filmmaker Bassam Tariq (These Birds Walk), co-written, produced
by and starring Emmy award-winning Ahmed, Mogul Mowgli is a bold, vital and
electrifying exploration of heritage and identity.
________________
**My Dream Is Yours**
[Blu-ray] (Michael Curtiz, Friz Freleng, 1949) Warner Archive
COMMENTS: Talent agent Doug Blake (Jack Carson)
is giving 100% to earn his 10%. He walks away from his arrogant singing star
(Lee Bowman) and scrambles to discover another who will shine even brighter.
He finds effervescent songstress Martha Gibson. Doris Day plays Martha.
Think she has a chance? During the shooting of Days first film (Romance on
the High Seas), director Michael Curtiz was sure the sparkling newcomer had
much more than a chance and set the wheels in motion for My Dream Is Yours.
Curtiz dots his film with authentic Hollywood locales (including the fabled
Schwabs Pharmacy). And Bugs Bunny himself hops into a dream sequence.
Welcome to the Dream Factory. Make it yours.
________________
**On Moonlight Bay**
[Blu-ray] (Roy Del Ruth, 1951) Warner Archive
COMMENTS: Not since Judy met the boy next door
in St. Louis has there been a heaping of tuneful, romantic Midwestern
American life like this! Doris Day and Gordon MacRae team for spoonin,
croonin and swoonin On Moonlight Bay, based on Booth Tarkingtons Penrod
stories. Try not to walk like a first baseman, Mama (Rosemary DeCamp) tells
tomboy Marjorie (Day) as she prepares to date college man Bill (MacRae). The
advice takes. The lovebirds hear wedding bells ahead, just as soon as Bill
gets his sheepskin. But World War I rages over there. And Papa (Leon Ames)
rages at home after a flap with his prospective son-in-law. Will harmony
return to this Hoosier home? Surely Day and MacRae will make musical
harmony. And On Moonlight Bay will have you sailing along.
________________
The Other Side of the Mountain |
The Other Side of the Mountain Part II
[Blu-ray] Double Feature - Kino Lorber
US:
https://amzn.to/2GPBsJC
COMMENTS: THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN (1975) is the inspirational true
story of Olympic hopeful Jill Kinmont (Marilyn Hassett, The Bell Jar).
Kinmont, an up-and-coming world-class skier, faces her greatest challenge
when she is left paralyzed from the neck down after a tragic accident during
a pre-Olympic competition in the 1950s. Beau Bridges (The Landlord) and
Dabney Coleman (9 to 5) co-star in this critically acclaimed story of human
courage and a champion determined to find the other side of the mountain.
Directed by Larry Peerce (The Incident) with a screenplay by David Seltzer
(The Omen), based on the book A Long Way Up by E.G. Valens. THE OTHER SIDE
OF THE MOUNTAIN: PART II (1978) continues to tell the soul-stirring true
story of an Olympic contender who will not stop reaching for the stars even
after she is handicapped in a skiing accident. The courageous Jill Kinmont
(Marilyn Hassett, Shadow of the Hawk) returns to her childhood home where
she fights off the memories of her ill-fated past and is reintroduced to the
power of love by a sensitive trucker (Timothy Bottoms, The Paper Chase).
Their unusual courtship and marriage is a true love story for everyone who
believes in happy endings. Directed by Larry Peerce (Goodbye, Columbus) and
written by Douglas Day Stewart (An Officer and a Gentleman).
________________
Plague Town
[Blu-ray] (David Gregory, 2008) Severin
US:
https://amzn.to/39eNsOR
COMMENTS: A tourist family lost in the Irish countryside… a remote village
that hides a hideous secret… PLAGUE TOWN - the taboo-bashing indie horror
milestone that has been called "maniacally twisted" (Horror News), "chilling
and disturbing" (Blu-ray.com) and "an experience that goes where most
mainstream horror fears to tread" (Fangoria). Experience this "brilliant"
(Quiet Earth) hybrid of grisly '70s shockers and graphic 21st century
folk-horror, hailed as "an icy hand gradually sliding along the back of your
neck for 90 minutes" (Mondo Digital). From co-writer/director David Gregory
and the producers of STAKELAND, now featuring an uncensored HD master and
Special Features produced exclusively for this edition.
________________
**Port of Freedom**
[Blu-ray] (Helmut Käutner, 1944) Kino
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_134/port_of_freedom_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Helmut Käutner's Port of Freedom is an interesting film and the
commentary helped me appreciate the director even more. I would love to see
his 1956 film The Captain from Köpenick and The Rest Is Silence from 1959. I
didn't enjoy Port of Freedom as much as I did Black Gravel but I am glad to
have watched it with the hypnotic Ilse Werner, plus learning more about this
director. The Kino Blu-ray offers the restored presentation and a
commentary. Absolutely recommended!
________________
**Pulse**
[Blu-ray] (Paul Golding, 1988) RB UK Eureka
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_135/pulse_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: As I watched Pulse I began to realize how much I was enjoying it.
This is a far better film than I was anticipating. It stands above much of
the 80's schlock that it would invariably become associated with. I was
impressed and enjoyed the Amanda Reyes commentary and Lee Gambin video
essay. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and we endorse the Eureka
Blu-ray as a desirable package. You may wish to give this one a chance and
be pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness of the film.
________________
**Pump Up the Volume**
[Blu-ray] (Allan Moyle, 1990) Warner Archives
COMMENTS: By day, Mark Hunter (Christian Slater)
is a painfully shy new kid in a small Arizona town. But by night, hes Hard
Harry, the cynical, uncensored DJ of a pirate radio station. Idolized by his
high school classmates (who are unaware of his real identity), Harry becomes
a hero with his fiercely funny monologues on sex, love, and rock and roll.
But when he exposes the corrupt school principal, she calls in the FCC to
shut Harry down. An outrageous rebel with a cause, Slater gives a brilliant
performance as the reluctant hero who inspires his classmates to find their
own voices of rebellion and individuality. A movie with a message, Pump Up
the Volume is a raw and witty celebration of free speech that will make you
laugh, make you cheer and make you think
________________
Shogun's Joy of Torture
[Blu-ray] (Teruo Ishii, 1968) Arrow
COMMENTS: From the outrageous imagination of
cult director Teruo Ishii (Orgies of Edo, Horrors of Malformed Men) comes
this infamous omnibus of three shocking tales of crime and punishment based
on true-life documented cases set during the reign of the Tokugawa shogunate.
The first tale sees the beautiful Mitsu (Masumi Tachibana) going to
horrifying lengths to tend to her older brother Shinz (Teruo Yoshida), a
carpenter injured in a work accident, but the law catches up on them and
metes out a terrifying retribution after they violate the ultimate taboo. In
the second, unfettered passions in a Buddhist nunnery are not allowed to go
unpunished after abbess Reih (Yukie Kagawa) and her attendant Rintoku (Naomi
Shiraishi) encounter a virile young monk from a neighboring temple. In the
closing segment, a sadistic torturer (Fumio Watanabe) attempts to show a
tattoo artist (Asao Koike) how to depict convincing expressions of faces of
pain in his work by allowing him to sketch a selection of Europeans as they
are tortured for entering Japan with the aim of spreading Christianity.
________________
**Show Boat**
[Blu-ray] (George Sidney, 1951) Warner Archive
COMMENTS: From novel (by Edna Ferber) to
Broadway smash (by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II) to three film
versions (1929, 1936, 1951) to stage revivals. Like Ol Man River, Show Boat
just keeps rollin along. Produced by Arthur Freed and directed by George
Sidney, this 1951 version of the saga of riverboat lives and loves has
glorious stars (Kathryn Grayson, Ava Gardner, Howard Keel, Marge and Gower
Champion) in Technicolor® radiance, a made-from-scratch 170-foot paddle
wheeler, timeless songs and an equally timeless outcry against racial
bigotry. This was music that would outlast Kerns day and mine, Ferber said
in recalling her first reaction to hearing Ol Man River. She was right as
rain.
________________
Silk Road
[Blu-ray] (Tiller Russell, 2021) Artisan / Lionsgate
US:
https://amzn.to/3c3uhL3
COMMENTS: Philosophical twenty-something Ross Ulbricht creates Silk Road, a
dark net website that sells drugs, while DEA agent Rick Bowden goes
undercover to bring him down.
________________
**Smooth Talk**
[Blu-ray] (Joyce Chopra, 1985) Criterion
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_134/smooth_talk_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Criterion's release of the 4K restored "Smooth Talk" comes highly
recommended. The film sneaks up on you, almost appearing to be light-hearted
teen movie fare, yet things are constantly boiling beneath the surface, and
the film takes a turn for the second half that I won't spoil here. I'll just
say that it doesn't exactly follow the short story based on Joyce Carol
Oates' "Where are you Going, Where Have You Been?". The film's transfer is
quite something, with a ton of great extras also on the Blu-ray disc. It is
easy to see how Laura Dern was headed for a life in front of the camera,
given how seemingly effortless her performance is. Dern shows a range that
most actors could only dream of, with the ability to shift the tone of a
scene with the smallest look or gesture. It is also worth mentioning Mary
Kay Place's equally complex role as the concerned and troubled mother. The
rest of the rather small cast is equally excellent, from the creepy
big-bad-wolf performance of Connie's red-flags-galore-suitor (Treat
Williams) to her lovably clueless father (played by the one and only Levon
Helm). I can only hope that this film gets a wider audience thanks to
Criterion's Blu-ray inclusion in its prestigious collection. - Colin Zavitz
________________
**Sorry, Wrong Number**
[Blu-ray] (Anatole Litvak, 1948) Imprint
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_124/sorry_wrong_number_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Leona Stevenson is a wealthy invalid confined to her bed. It would
be easier for people to feel sorry for her if she weren't such a caustic,
demanding woman. One night she tries to call her husband Henry at his office
and accidentally overhears two men planning a murder on the telephone. As
her suspicions mount, Leona becomes more hysterical and paralyzed with fear,
convinced that the murderers she has overheard may be coming for her. Left
alone on the third floor of her enormous house, Leona's only connection with
the outside world is her telephone, which also becomes the source of her
growing panic and paralysis.
________________
**State Secret**
[Blu-ray] (Sidney Gilliat, 1950) RB UK Network
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_134/state_secret_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Sidney Gilliat's State Secret is an exceptional thriller. I loved
the cross-country escape sequences reminding me of Hitchcock's The 39 Steps.
The inclusion of Glynis Johns in the story was pivotal, Jack Hawkins is
great as the political-rationalizing Fascist and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. is
solid as the feeling Doctor protagonist. This is really well-made - plenty
of adventure, suspense and cliff-hangers. I was very happy to see it via the
Network Blu-ray. Certainly recommended!
________________
**The Story of Gilbert and
Sullivan** [Blu-ray] (Sidney Gilliat, 1953)
NB UK Network
UK:
https://amzn.to/2MGbfzA
COMMENTS: Robert Morley and Maurice Evans star as the celebrated Gilbert and
Sullivan in this sumptuous costume drama from British film legends Frank
Launder and Sidney Gilliat. Co-starring Peter Finch and Eileen Herlie as the
D'Oyly Cartes, The Story of Gilbert and Sullivan features spectacular
imagery from BAFTA-winning cinematographer Christopher Challis, lavish
design by Oscar-winners Hein Heckroth and Vincent Korda and a memorable
soundtrack courtesy of the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir
Malcolm Sargent. It is featured here as a High Definition remaster from
original film elements in its original theatrical aspect ratio.
________________
Sunday Too Far Away
[Blu-ray] (Ken Hannam, 1975) Umbrella
US:
https://amzn.to/3cLEOe2
COMMENT: A hard-drinking but hard-working gun shearer leads a group of
Outback sheep herders into striking after wealthy landowners attempt to
drive them from their territory.
________________
**The War of the Worlds**
[Blu-ray] (Byron Haskin, 1953) Imprint
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_126/war_of_the_worlds_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: The Imprint Blu-ray of the 1953 War of the Worlds is a good sign
and we look forward to reviewing more of their future releases of desirable
films that have been neglected in 1080P to-date. We will compare to the
Criterion, but this has plenty of value - solid a/v and the addition of the
new fun-filled commentary. I'm really glad I have this one.
________________
**Waterloo**
[Blu-ray] (Sergey Bondarchuk, 1970) Imprint
COMMENTS: Rod Steiger makes a charismatic (if
somewhat tall) Napoleon in this lavish Italian/Russian epic directed by
Sergei Bondarchuk ("War and Peace"). Famed for it's extravagantly mounted
battle scenes, this historical drama depicts the French military leader's
attempt to recapture the French throne after escaping from his exile on Elba
to his final battle against the allied forces of England and Prussia at
Waterloo. Also stars Christopher Plummer, Jack Hawkins, Virginia McKenna,
and Orson Welles.
________________
**The Young Master**
[Blu-ray] (Jackie Chan, 1980) RB UK 88 Films
UK:
https://amzn.to/3lnnNHQ
COMMENTS: Jackie Chan was already a star when he made The Young Master but
this film took him to another level. He plays 'Dragon' who undertakes a
mission to find his missing brother, and gets into plenty of scrapes along
the way - not least being mistaken for a criminal that the authorities are
very keen to put behind bars... The Young Master was Jackie's second film as
director, and he used it as a showcase to demonstrate just what he could do.
And it remains a firm favourite of the fans, featuring some of the best
set-pieces he ever cooked up. The black-belts at 88 Films are thrilled to
present the UK Blu-ray premier of this true Hong Kong classic.
________________________________________________
NOTABLE NEW CALENDAR UPDATES:
March 8th
**Ice Cold in Alex**
(J. Lee Thompson, 1958) Film Movement
March 15th
**Crossfire**
(Edward Dmytryk, 1947) Warner Archive
Thundarr the Barbarian: The
Complete Series - Warner Archive
March 29th
Hitcher in the Dark
(Umberto Lenzi, 1989) Vinegar Syndrome
Jeremy
(Arthur Barron, 1973) Fun City Editions
**The Roy Andersson Collection**
(A Swedish Love Story, Songs From the Second Floor, You, The Living, and A
Pigeon Sat on a Bench Reflecting on Existence) RB UK Curzon Artificial Eye
April 5th
Guilty Pleasures #1: Fraulein
Leather & Nudes On Credit - Media Blasters
April 19th
**I Start Counting**
(David Greene, 1969) RB UK BFI
**Irreversible**
(Gaspar Noé, 2002) RB UK Indicator
Straight Shooting & Hell Bent: Two
Films By John Ford - RB UK Masters of Cinema
May 3rd
Trances
(Ahmed El Maanouni, 1981) Criterion
May 10th
**Fast Times at Ridgemont High**
(Amy Heckerling, 1982) Criterion
**Merrily We Go to Hell**
(Dorothy Arzner, 1932) Criterion
May 17th
**Columbia Noir #3**
- Johnny O'Clock - 1947, The Dark Past, 1948 - Convicted, 1950 - Between
Midnight anbd Dawn, 1950 - The Sniper, 1952 - City of Fear, 1959) RB UK
Indicator
**Fat City**
(John Huston, 1972) - RB UK Indicator
**Flowers of Shanghai**
(Hsiao-Hsien Hou, 1998) Criterion
**Someone to Watch Over Me**
(Ridley Scott, 1987) RB UK Indicator
Play for Today: Volume 2
- RB UK BFI
May 24th
**Django 4K Ultra HD**
(Sergio Corbucci, 1966) Arrow
**The Hand**
(Oliver Stone, 1981) Shout! Factory
**Nightmare Alley**
(Edmund Goulding, 1947) Criterion
May 31st
**World Of Wong Kar Wai**
(Criterion Collection) UK Only (7 Films - As Tears Go By/ Days Of Being
Wild/ Chungking Express/ Fallen Angels/ Happy Together/ In The Mood For
Love/ 2046) RB Criterion UK
July 19th
Honeymoon
(Michael Powell, 1959) RB UK Network
Photo Archives" for Patrons:
Gloria Grahame:
Monica Vitti:
Paul Newman:
Susan George:
Jacqueline Bisset:
Suzanne Pleshette:
THIS WEEK'S REVIEWS:
**Fangs of the Living Dead**
BD
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film5/blu-ray_reviews_67/fangs_of_the_living_dead_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: I kinda liked Fangs of the Living Dead. Yeah. This is another
wayward Spanish-produced horror that has some impressive cleavage on
exceptionally sexy gals (Anita Ekberg, Diana Lorys, Rosanna Yanni and
Adriana Santucci) - one who has imposing fangs! The commentary adds a lot
and I see a bona-fide comparison to Polanski's The Fearless Vampire Killers
(in turn a parody of Hammer.) The Blu-ray has value for fans of this genre.
Plenty to enjoy here.
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Mindwarp
BD
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_135/mindwarp_blu-ray.htm
COMMENT: Well, you can't like everything. I do appreciate Apocalypse
films... but Mindwarp isn't my cup-of-tea. I found the goofy futurism pretty
lame, I enjoyed Bruce Campbell but overall it feels very dated. Although
there may be extensive nostalgia value and it being Fangoria Films label
first (or 3) efforts. The Eureka Blu-ray seems to have gone the extra mile
in terms of extras and a max'ed out a/v presentation.
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**Blood Ceremony**
BD
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_135/blood_ceremony_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Jorge Grau is most notable by many fans for The Living Dead at
Manchester Morgue. Lucia Bosè is known for Michelangelo Antonioni's Story of
a Love Affair. Blood Ceremony also has Ewa Aulin (Candy) - both adding some
class to the production. It is a, somewhat, daring rendition of the Erzebeth
Bathory mythology. It hints at vampirism - without the garish fangs - and I
enjoyed its mysteries. Yes, it's arty with only suggestions of the genre
conventions that fans adore. There are hints at sexuality, unusual use of
blood, uncomfortable gore, animal cruelty... but little violence. In the
final tally this is an interesting take that is different than a Hammer
effort, if that's what you might be anticipating. It intentionally avoids
the heavy shock value... and I found that refreshing. Mondo Macabro have
achieved another desirable Blu-ray package... especially for fans of Blood
Ceremony who have only ever seen it in poor presentations. There is a LOT to
like here - notably a very interesting and well-made film - two cuts, the
two commentaries and director interviews. I'm going to be keeping this one.
Bravo Mondo Macabro - more impressive work!
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Link
BD
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDReviews9/link_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: So, the Studio Canal Blu-ray advances in all areas over the Kino -
video, audio and extras. There is some value here for those keen to indulge
in this 'primate vs. man' horror. The commentary, and supplements are
excellent inclusions. Entertaining? sure... it is something I would indulge
in again when the mood strikes.
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**Pulse**
BD
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_135/pulse_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: As I watched Pulse I began to realize how much I was enjoying it.
This is a far better film than I was anticipating. It stands above much of
the 80's schlock that it would invariably become associated with. I was
impressed and enjoyed the Amanda Reyes commentary and Lee Gambin video
essay. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and we endorse the Eureka
Blu-ray as a desirable package. You may wish to give this one a chance and
be pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness of the film.
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**Castle of the Creeping Flesh**
BD
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_135/castle_of_the_creeping_flesh_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: I put Castle of the Creeping Flesh in the same category as German
horror genre films like Horrors of Spider Island and Werewolf in a Girls'
Dormitory - both on Severin Blu-ray. Castle of the Creeping Flesh doesn't
seem to venture to delightful 'krimi' status (often German-produced crime
thrillers in black and white) but it has some of that charisma. It's a
strange, titillating/exploitive horror. I never understood the constant cuts
to the graphic surgical operation sequence?!? What I enjoyed was the
shifting personalities and attitudes once inside the castle wearing the
distinctive garb. This probably deserves a commentary. Kudos to Severin for
bringing this Blu-ray out and the effort they put into getting this uncut
version released. There isn't enough of these 50's and 60's genre films
available - warts and all - they are a lovable deviation. I find this
another valuable package from Severin and we absolutely endorse... to the
appropriate crowd.
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**Lust, Caution**
BD
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDReviews35/lust_caution.htm
COMMENTS: I gained a new appreciation for Ang Lee's Lust, Caution thanks to
Eddy Von Mueller's commentary. This is a rich, atmospheric, visually
impressive period film. It speaks to feminine virtue fusing triumphant
costumes, brilliant dialogue and Rodrigo Prieto's luscious cinematography
(21 Grams, 25th Hour, Amores Perros) and the impressive Art Direction -
creating a wonderful, enchanting, viewing experience holding revenge and
many dirty secrets throughout. It is no better viewed than the new Kino HD
presentation, which gets out highest recommendation!
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**Tower of Evil**
BD
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_135/tower_of_evil_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: I've always appreciated the 70's milieu, fashion and art direction
of Tower of Evil. Who doesn't like the plot?; 'a group of experienced
archeologists are searching for an old and mystic Phoenician treasure when
they are surprised by a series of mysterious murders'. Very appealing with
Hammer-esque overtones modeled by the British studio atmosphere. I found the
wonky effects (Lighthouse model, head rolling down the stairs, quick cuts of
gore etc.) kind of nostalgic. The kitsch-level is quite evident but I am
sold via the plot, genre and era appeal. The Scorpion 2021 Blu-ray is the
way to go for this flawed, but desirable horror gem. Recommended!
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**Man Push Cart**
BD
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_135/man_push_cart_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: While Ramin Bahrani's Man Push Cart is certainly recommended -
more wonderful Dardenne-esque cinema - I believe the director's Chop Shop is
a notably superior effort. Those uninitiated to Bahrani, I recommend
watching Man Push Cart via this director supervised and approved Criterion
Blu-ray followed by Chop Shop. This package also offers a revealing
commentary and valued supplements plus exposure to a fascinating modern
filmmaker. This is very strongly recommended!
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The Unseen
BD
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDReviews40/the_unseen.htm
COMMENTS: "The Unseen" is a well-constructed slasher, co-written by Kim
Henkel ("The Texas Chain Saw Massacre") and directed by Danny Steinmann
(Savage Streets). The filming location and starring role of Solvang,
California provides the picture with a unique slasher setting (shared with
the William Castle picture "Homicidal"). Scorpion Releasing's newer Blu-ray
iteration deeply improves upon the previous Blu-ray disc's already
above-average image. This is thanks to the new "2K Scan of the Original
Negatives with Over 45 Hours of Color Correction''. Recommended to horror
fans. - Colin Zavitz
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**Queens of Evil**
BD
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_135/queens_of_evil_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Tonino Cervi's Queens of Evil is delightfully strange and magical.
Such and intentionally mysterious film, dropping satire and unexplored fable
themes throughout. Wow - this is special. Some may be interested that Cervi
produced Michelangelo Antonioni’s Red Desert. There is also a eastern
European vibe to the film - evoking Jaromil Jires' Valerie and Her Week of
Wonders. Lovelock is great as the man-child and the three witches - Haydée
Politoff (some may remember her from the 'dream sequence' of Éric Rohmer's
Chloe in the Afternoon) Silvia Monti (Deborah in A Lizard in a Woman's
Skin), and Evelyn Stewart (Fulci's The Psychic and The Sweet Body of
Deborah) - are desirable and complex - love the 70's fashion and wild 'big
hair' wig changes. The Mondo Macabro Blu-ray is a bit of an event to own
this in HD - 4K restored to boot - such a clandestine odd genre horror gem.
The commentary is fabulous - as are the Lovelock interview and other extras.
This has our highest recommendation! What a keeper.
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http://www.dvdbeaver.com