DVDBeaver Newsletter for
the Week of January 10th, 2022
http://www.dvdbeaver.com
THIS WEEK RELEASES
include Thomas Vinterberg to Denis Villeneuve, Ronald Neame to Tobe Hooper, John
Sturges to Tom Holland...
THIS WEEK's CALENDAR UPDATES
- (previous): Lewis Milestone, Dario Argento, Philip Kaufman, George Marshall,
William Friedkin, Mervyn LeRoy, Henry Koster, Edgar G. Ulmer, Jean-Pierre
Melville in 4K UHD, John Landis, King Hu, Anthony Mann, Robert Aldrich, Charlie
Chaplin, Masahiro Shinoda...
THIS WEEK'S REVIEWS:
Steve McQueen in 4K UHD, early Hitchcock, uncomfortable Gerry O'Hara, the last
Mario Bava, premium Masumura, Ronald Neame fun...
OUR 2021 Year End Poll is POSTED!
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/2021_blu-ray_4K_UHD_of_the_year.htm
Enjoy,
Gary
RELEASES the WEEK of January
2nd, 2022 (Recommended titles have "**")
**The Celebration**
[Blu-ray] (Thomas Vinterberg, 1998) Criterion
US:
https://amzn.to/3paE8VL
CAN: https://amzn.to/33hdfGS
COMMENTS: Thomas Vinterberg’s still-shocking breakthrough launched the Danish
Dogme 95 movement and struck world cinema like a thunderbolt
The Danish Dogme 95 movement that struck
world cinema like a thunderbolt began with The Celebration, the international
breakthrough by Thomas Vinterberg, a lacerating chamber drama that uses the
economic and aesthetic freedoms of digital video to achieve annihilating
emotional intensity. On a wealthy man’s sixtieth birthday, a sprawling group of
family and friends convenes at his country estate for a celebration that soon
spirals into bedlam, as bombshell revelations threaten to tear away the veneer
of bourgeois respectability and expose the traumas roiling beneath. The dynamic
handheld camera work, grainy natural lighting, cacophonous diegetic sound, and
raw performance style that would become Dogme hallmarks enhance the shattering
visceral impact of this caustic indictment of patriarchal failings, which swings
between blackest comedy and bleakest tragedy as it turns the sick soul of a
family inside out.
______________________________
Dune: Part One [4K UHD Blu-ray]
(Denis Villeneuve, 2021) Warner Bros
US 4K:
https://amzn.to/3IkuSp9
CAN 4K: https://amzn.to/3r4U0bM
US BD: https://amzn.to/3lAet6h
COMMENTS: Feature adaptation of Frank
Herbert's science fiction novel about the son of a noble family entrusted with
the protection of the most valuable asset and most vital element in the galaxy.
______________________________
**Ronald Neame's "Gambit"**
Blu-ray - Michael Caine / Shirley MacLaine @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/32ZLlPX
CAN: https://amzn.to/3q8yFyX
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/ronald-neames-60941647
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_158/gambit_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Ronald Neame's "Gambit" is classy and fun. It's quite an attractive
film as well with gorgeous costuming and lavish set accoutrements. It was
Oscar-nominated for 'Art Direction', 'Set Decoration' and 'Best Costume Design'.
There was a poor remake, of the same name, in 2012, with a script by Joel and
Ethan Coen. This 1966 original has a lot going for it as a 'civilized' heist
thriller and the participation of Caine, MacLaine and Lom. I am very happy to
see it on the attractive Kino Blu-ray and I feel like it's a film I will
revisit. Certainly recommended with the inclusion of the two commentaries.
______________________________
**John Sturges' "The Great
Escape" Steve McQueen 4K UHD** @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/31s0mc7
CAN: https://amzn.to/32DSVQf
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/john-sturges-4k-60679798
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_155/the_great_escape_4K_UHD.htm
COMMENTS: Kino's 4K UHD release of John Sturges' The Great Escape offers a
faithful image in the 3840 X 2160 resolution of it being filmed in Panavision.
It's the best the film has looked for hi-res TV systems. The Great Escape is the
stuff of adventure suspense war cinema legend - one of the highest-grossing
films of 1963 - noted for its Triumph TR6 Trophy motorcycle chase and jump stunt
scene as possibly the most memorable in film lore. The international cast is a
'who's who' with McQueen (Captain Virgil Hilts 'The Cooler King'), Garner ('The
Scrounger'), Richard Attenborough ('Big X'), Charles Bronson (phobic 'Tunnel
King'), Donald Pleasence (sight-challenged 'The Forger'), James Coburn
(Australian 'The Manufacturer'), David McCallum etc. plus more filling the
almost 3-hour running time. It's a must-own for fans of this genre and the
uptick of 4K UHD, new commentary, old commentary and Blu-ray disc of featurettes
make it a desirable package to have in the digital library. 1963's The Great
Escape is a film you want to have in the very best presentation available. This
is it. Absolutely recommended!
______________________________
Juice [4K UHD Blu-ray](Ernest
R. Dickerson, 1992) Paramount
US:
https://amzn.to/3c6VbR5
US STEELBOOK: https://amzn.to/3n6xRss
COMMENTS: Four inner-city teenagers get caught up in the pursuit of power and
happiness, which they refer to as "the juice".
______________________________
The Mangler [Blu-ray]
(Tobe Hooper, 1995) RB Arrow UK
UK:
https://amzn.to/3wRkUGM
COMMENTS: Master of Horror Tobe Hooper (Texas Chainsaw, Salem’s Lot, Life Force)
returns to the works of Stephen King with this baroque and blackly comic
adaptation of The Mangler. When a worker at Gartley’s Blue Ribbon Laundry is
pulled into the titular laundry press and folded like a sheet, police officer
John Hunton (Ted Levine, Silence of the Lambs) is called to investigate. Was it
an accident, or is something more sinister going on? As more deaths and injuries
occur under the watchful eye of owner Bill Gartley (Robert Englund), Hunton,
with his demonologist brother-in-law Mark Jackson (Daniel Matmoor) come to
believe the machine might be possessed, and the town itself to be hiding a much
deeper secret. Like an EC horror comic come to life, The Mangler is bold, brash
and politically aware as Hooper once again points his camera at the American
Nightmare, this time turning it on the bloodthirsty machinery of capitalism
itself!
______________________________
The Rescue [Blu-ray]
(Jimmy Chin / Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, 2021) RB UK Dogwoof
UK:
https://amzn.to/3oopXKV
COMMENTS: THE RESCUE chronicles the dramatic 2018 rescue of 12 Thai boys and
their soccer coach, trapped deep inside a flooded cave. Academy Award-winning
directors and producers E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin reveal the perilous
world of cave diving, the bravery of the rescuers, and the dedication of an
entire community that made great sacrifices to save these young boys. An outing
to explore a nearby system of caves after soccer practice transformed into a
two-week saga of survival and a story that would capture the world's attention.
With exclusive access and never-before-seen footage from the rescue, the film
tells the story of the imagination, determination and unprecedented teamwork
displayed during this heroic edge-of-your-seat mission with life-or-death
stakes.
______________________________
The Temp [Blu-ray] (Tom
Holland, 1993) Shout! Factory
US:
https://amzn.to/3c6EcOP
CAN: https://amzn.to/3tcqHa4
COMMENTS: Life in the corporate world can be murder. At Mrs. Appleby's, some
people would kill to get ahead. Peter Derns (Timothy Hutton), a junior exec at
Mrs. Appleby's cookie company, is afraid his future prospects are crumbling
faster that the product he markets. Hope appears in the curvaceous form of Kris
Bolin (Lara Flynn Boyle), his new temp. Gorgeous, bright and efficient, Kris
helps Peter develop a deliciously successful marketing campaign. But after two
executives meet mysterious deaths, Peter fears his job security may end
permanently due to the one person he needs to trust-his temp.
______________________________
Whispers in the Dark
[Blu-ray] (Christopher Crowe, 1992) Shout! Factory
US:
https://amzn.to/3osf5M8
CAN: https://amzn.to/3GiwU8c
COMMENTS: A Manhattan psychiatrist is haunted by secret fantasies—recurring
erotic dreams inspired by the bondage-and-sex confessions of a lustful patient.
Seeking help, she approaches her university mentor. But real treatment comes
when she meets ruggedly handsome pilot whose affections spark a love affair
beyond her wildest fantasies. Then one of her patients turns up dead with clues
pointing to him as the murderer. Can Ann trust this man she hardly knows? Is he
after her love…or her life?
______________________________
LATEST CALENDAR UPDATES:
January 17th, 2022
Edge of Darkness
(Lewis Milestone, 1943) Warner Archive
_____________________________________
January 24th, 2022
Trauma
(Dario Argento, 1993) Vinegar Syndrome
_____________________________________
January 31st, 2022
**Invasion of the
Body Snatchers** (Philip Kaufman, 1978) Kino
Monsieur Beaucaire
(George Marshall, 1946) Kino
Where There's Life
(Sidney Lanfield, 1947) Kino
_____________________________________
February 7th, 2022
**12 Angry Men**
(William Friedkin, 1997) Kino
**Gold Diggers of
1933** (Mervyn LeRoy, 1933) Warner Archive
**Harvey**
(Henry Koster, 1950) Universal Pictures
**The Laughing
Woman** (Piero Schivazappa, 1969) Mondo
Macabro
https://amzn.to/3ziFaSM
_____________________________________
February 14th, 2022
Damaged Lives
(Edgar G. Ulmer, 1933) / Damaged Goods (Phil Goldstone, 1937) - Kino
_____________________________________
March 7th, 2022
**Adoption**
(Márta Mészáros, 1975) Criterion
_____________________________________
March 14th, 2022
**Le Cercle Rouge 4K
UHD** (Jean-Pierre Melville, 1970) Criterion
_____________________________________
March 21st, 2022
**An American
Werewolf in London 4K UHD** (John Landis,
1981) Arrow UK
**Berserk**
(Jim O'Connolly, 1967) RB UK Indicator
**Boat People**
(Ann Hui, 1982) Criterion UK
**A Dandy in Aspic**
(Anthony Mann, 1968) RB UK Indicator
https://amzn.to/3JzbeGI
**The Flight of the
Phoenix** (Robert Aldrich, 1965) Criterion
**Modern Times**
(Charlie Chaplin, 1936) Criterion UK
**Pale Flower**
(Masahiro Shinoda, 1964) Criterion UK
_____________________________________
March 28th, 2022
Love Jones
(Theodore Witcher, 1997) Criterion
____________________________
REVIEWS / COMPARISONS:
**Ronald Neame's "Gambit"**
Blu-ray - Michael Caine / Shirley MacLaine @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/32ZLlPX
CAN: https://amzn.to/3q8yFyX
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/ronald-neames-60941647
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_158/gambit_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Ronald Neame's "Gambit" is classy and fun. It's quite an attractive
film as well with gorgeous costuming and lavish set accoutrements. It was
Oscar-nominated for 'Art Direction', 'Set Decoration' and 'Best Costume Design'.
There was a poor remake, of the same name, in 2012, with a script by Joel and
Ethan Coen. This 1966 original has a lot going for it as a 'civilized' heist
thriller and the participation of Caine, MacLaine and Lom. I am very happy to
see it on the attractive Kino Blu-ray and I feel like it's a film I will
revisit. Certainly recommended with the inclusion of the two commentaries.
____________________________
**Yasuzo Masumura's "Red
Angel"** Blu-ray - Ayako Wakao @ArrowFilmsVideo
US:
https://amzn.to/3f6CZZj
UK: https://amzn.to/3r2McYb
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/yasuzo-masumuras-60938988
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_158/red_angel_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Yasuzo Masumura's Red Angel is highly impacting. The film is is based
on a 1966 novel, of the same name, by Yorichika Arima and has some harrowing
sequences of debilitated men, sexual assault, drug addiction and suicide. It
really showcases the grim sides of war through the trials of a young Japanese
nurse, played by Ayako Wakao, on the front lines in China during the Second
Sino-Japanese War. It's an unforgettable masterpiece of the dark side of the
human condition. The Arrow Blu-ray is a massive upgrade with the improved a/v,
commentary, Rayns and Rosenbaum contributions and packaging. This is very
strongly recommended!
____________________________
**Mario Bava's "Shock"**
Blu-ray - Daria Nicolodi @ArrowFilmsVideo
US:
https://amzn.to/3qZZ29k
UK: https://amzn.to/33eh6nW
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/mario-bavas-blu-60861945
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_158/shock_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: I found Mario Bava's Shock enjoyable - especially in this new
restoration from the original 35mm camera negative on Arrow's Blu-ray. It was
easily the best I have seen the film look and the improved a/v, Lucas
commentary, video essay and more supplements really advanced my appreciation. As
Tim Lucas states Bava's Shock falls short of the director's best work, and a
little too episodic in its construction. However Daria Nicolodi has a strong
appeal, as does the basic plot - and Shock is certainly valuable beyond Bava-completists.
It's a wonderfully complete Blu-ray package from Arrow. Absolutely recommended!
____________________________
**Gerry O'Hara's "The
Brute"** Blu-ray - Sarah Douglas @indicatorseries
UK:
https://amzn.to/2ZC69LT
INDICATOR:
https://www.powerhousefilms.co.uk/products/the-brute-le?utm_source=DVDBEAVER&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=THE-BRUTE-LE
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/gerry-oharas-blu-60771204
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_158/the_brute_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Gerry O'Hara was an assistant director on Laurence Olivier's 'Richard
III', Carol Reed's 'Our Man in Havana' and Tony Richardson's 'Tom Jones'. His
"The Brute" is rarely seen, partly because of its controversial topic. Sarah
Douglas is better known as the supervillain Ursa in 'Superman' and 'Superman
II', and some may recognize her early role as a party-goer in Norman Jewison's
'Rollerball' - made two years before "The Brute". 40+ years have not jaded one
to the topic of physical spousal abuse. With its resurgence of discussion the
past number of years - "The Brute" is well ahead of its time and
expertly-realized by O'Hara. Douglas is excellent and the film shows abhorrent
brutality memorably - if tamed by the era's standards. One can't help recall
Once Were Warriors. The Indicator Region FREE Blu-ray is at their usual very
high level with two cuts of the film, both with the revealing commentary
involving the lead, a new interview with the director, 36-page booklet and more.
It is absolutely recommended!
____________________________
Alfred Hitchcock's "Rich and
Strange" Blu-ray - Joan Barry @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/3DsGFhv
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/alfred-rich-and-60729369
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_158/rich_and_strange_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Alfred Hitchcock's Rich and Strange is interesting - essentially a
comedy with some themes of martial conflict + dissatisfaction, privilege,
deception and value-centering. I enjoyed it much more than I anticipated. It's
fun with amusing characters and high-level adventure seeping into the story.
Vintage film fans, and Hitch-completists, will appreciate the Kino Blu-ray for a
lesser-seen Master effort and the edifying commentary. There is more here than
you might think. Recommended!
____________________________
**John Sturges' "The Great
Escape" Steve McQueen 4K UHD** @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/31s0mc7
CAN: https://amzn.to/32DSVQf
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/john-sturges-4k-60679798
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_155/the_great_escape_4K_UHD.htm
COMMENTS: Kino's 4K UHD release of John Sturges' The Great Escape offers a
faithful image in the 3840 X 2160 resolution of it being filmed in Panavision.
It's the best the film has looked for hi-res TV systems. The Great Escape is the
stuff of adventure suspense war cinema legend - one of the highest-grossing
films of 1963 - noted for its Triumph TR6 Trophy motorcycle chase and jump stunt
scene as possibly the most memorable in film lore. The international cast is a
'who's who' with McQueen (Captain Virgil Hilts 'The Cooler King'), Garner ('The
Scrounger'), Richard Attenborough ('Big X'), Charles Bronson (phobic 'Tunnel
King'), Donald Pleasence (sight-challenged 'The Forger'), James Coburn
(Australian 'The Manufacturer'), David McCallum etc. plus more filling the
almost 3-hour running time. It's a must-own for fans of this genre and the
uptick of 4K UHD, new commentary, old commentary and Blu-ray disc of featurettes
make it a desirable package to have in the digital library. 1963's The Great
Escape is a film you want to have in the very best presentation available. This
is it. Absolutely recommended!
____________________________
http://www.dvdbeaver.com