DVDBeaver Newsletter for the Week of May 17th, 2021
http://www.dvdbeaver.com
THIS WEEK RELEASES is loaded -
Exceptional Film Noir boxset from Indicator, John Sturges, John Huston, René
Clair, Michael Curtiz, Ridley Scott, Martin Ritt, Criterion Hsiao-Hsien Hou,
John Landis-John Belushi in 4K, heroic Arnold in 4K, Tim Burton in 4K,
Alejandro Jodorowsky, in 4K, Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock in 4K, Newman
Redford in 4K, Rankin/Bass Animagic family-genre comes to Blu-ray, Mr.
Spicoli comes to Criterion UK, two William Girdler 'animals attacking', rare
Moshé Mizrahi gem, Jean-Luc Godard comes to Criterion UK... wow.
THIS WEEK'S REVIEWS: some of
the above and Sam Fuller classic via Criterion Blu-ray, Silent Era glowing
Dietrich, brillint slow cinema from François Ozon, Doctor X (color and black
and white) from Warner Archive who also bring us Val Lewton in 1080P, Isle
of the Dead, Tony Richardson - Tommy Lee Jones and a brilliant performance
by Jessica Lange and more....
Enjoy,
Gary
RELEASES the WEEK of May 17th, 2021
(Recommended titles have "**")
Animal House [4K UHD Blu-ray]
(John Landis, 1978) Universal UK
COMMENTS: "Starring comedy legend John Belushi, National Lampoon’s ® Animal
House is the ultimate college movie filled with food fights, fraternities
and toga parties! Follow the uproarious escapades of the Delta House
fraternity as they take on Dean Wormer (John Vernon), the sanctimonious
Omegas, and the entire female student body. Directed by John Landis (The
Blues Brothers), the most popular college comedy of all-time also stars Tim
Matheson, Donald Sutherland, Karen Allen, Kevin Bacon, Tom Hulce and Stephen
Furst along with Otis Day and the Knights performing their show-stopping
rendition of ‘Shout.’
__________________________________________
Behind the Mask [Blu-ray]
(Brian Desmond Hurst, 1958) RB UK Network
COMMENTS: Michael Redgrave gives a striking performance as a distinguished
surgeon fighting against the impersonalisation of progress in this
engrossing medical drama from director Brian Desmond Hurst. Backroom rivalry
at the Graftondale Royal Hospital surgical unit is unspoken but
self-evident. Sir Arthur Gray, a staunch traditionalist, is determined to
keep things going his way in spite of his rival's ambitions to "turn the
hospital into a laboratory". Then, while carrying out a delicate heart
operation, Sir Arthur has a momentary blackout.
__________________________________________
Big Fish [4K UHD Blu-ray] (Tim
Burton, 2003) Sony UK
COMMENTS: Throughout his life Edward Bloom (Ewan McGregor) has always been a
man of big appetites, enormous passions and tall tales. In his later years,
portrayed by five-time Best Actor Oscar(r) nominee Albert Finney (Best Actor
in a Supporting Role, Erin Brockovich, 2000), he remains a huge mystery to
his son, William (Billy Crudup). Now, to get to know the real man, Will
begins piecing together a true picture of his father from flashbacks of his
amazing adventures in this marvel of a movie.
__________________________________________
**Columbia Noir #3** [Blu-ray]
- Johnny O'Clock - 1947, The Dark Past, 1948 - Convicted, 1950 - Between
Midnight and Dawn, 1950 - The Sniper, 1952 - City of Fear, 1959) RB UK
Indicator
OUR
REVIEW:
OUR
COMMENTS: I am so pleased to have these in stellar, world-premiere, Blu-ray
editions - each with first-class commentaries and other valuable
supplements. I consider these six films all part of the cycle also with an
outlier. Where in the previous two editions I found 'The Garment Jungle'
from Columbia Noir #1 Blu-ray set and 'Affair in Trinidad' from Columbia
Noir #2 Blu-ray set less 'dark cinema', although not disputing the film's
values. A case could be made that 'The Sniper' is in that same skirting the
edges of Noir - but it's a highly impacting film in its own right. This may
be better than both their other Columbia Noir Blu-ray sets . The package
itself is irresistible for Film Noir devotees. It has our highest
recommendation. This is another must-own keeper! I can't praise it highly
enough.
__________________________________________
Day of the Animals [Blu-ray]
(William Girdler, 1977) Severin
ALT-BEAVER REVIEW:
COMMENTS: Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the wilderness,
director William Girdler and producer Ed Montoro sought to top their
surprise blockbuster GRIZZLY with a bigger budget, larger cast, and even
more nature-gone-berserk carnage: When a hole in the Earth's ozone layer
triggers bloodthirsty madness throughout the animal kingdom, all mankind -
particularly a group of tourists on an overnight hike - will become their
prey. Christopher George, Lynda Day George, Richard Jaeckel, Michael
Ansara...
__________________________________________
The Daydreamer [Blu-ray]
(Jules Bass, 1966) Scorpion Releasing/Kino Lorber (BEAVER REVIEW)
OUR
REVIEW:
COMMENTS: Those who've grown up with other Rankin/Bass wholesome children's
films - many holiday themes, will also appreciate The Daydreamer, albeit one
of their forgotten works. The vice characterizations are a 'Who's Who' of
celebrities including Tallulah Bankhead, Victor Borge, Patty Duke, Jack
Gilford, Sessue Hayakawa, Margaret Hamilton, Burl Ives, Boris Karloff,
Hayley Mills, Terry-Thomas, Ray Bolger and more. It's worthwhile to have
Scorpion Releasing's impressive Blu-ray. in the library for your families
young-uns to the nostalgic big kid in you. Recommended!
__________________________________________
**Escape from Fort Bravo**
[Blu-ray] (John Sturges, 1953) Warner Archive
COMMENTS: Any Johnny Reb who tries to escape the Union prison outpost of
Fort Bravo faces the unforgiving Arizona Territory desert stretching before
him...and the even more unforgiving pursuit of Bravos resolute Captain
Roper. Yet there Is a common foe that may unite the Civil War rivals: the
fierce Mescalero horsemen waging guerilla war against Blue and Gray alike.
William Holden portrays tough-minded Roper in a Western acclaimed for its
scenic vistas (shot in Death Valley) and for sequences that showed a major
action filmmaker was on the rise. John Sturges directs, setting the taut,
rugged tone for The Great Escape, The Magnificent Seven and more hits to
come.
__________________________________________
Eyes of a Stranger [Blu-ray]
(Ken Wiederhorn, 1981) Shout! Factory
COMMENTS: A lovely blind and deaf teen reaches for a plate she just put on
the counter. It's gone. She reaches again…and it's back in its original
place. Someone is playing a cruel game with her. That someone is the serial
killer terrorizing Miami in this terrifying thriller from the production
company behind the original Friday The 13th and the director of Shock Waves.
Making memorable movie debuts are Jennifer Jason Leigh (Single White Female,
Annihilation, Possessor) as that endangered but not helpless girl and Lauren
Tewes (The Love Boat) as her TV newscaster sister, whose investigation
inadvertently leads the killer (John DiSanti, The Relic) to her home. With a
final sequence that will leave you breathless, this Stranger delivers
face-to-face fear as few other films can.
__________________________________________
**Fast Times at Ridgemont High**
[Blu-ray] (Amy Heckerling, 1982) RB UK Criterion
OUR
COMPARISON:
COMMENTS: Amy Heckerling's Fast Times at Ridgemont High has really embedded
itself into our culture gaining a strong niche following with the young Sean
Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, nubile Phoebe Cates, the memorable dialogue
between Spicoli and Mr. Hand (Ray Walston); "You Dick", while also speaking
to real teen and maturity issues in a seriously addressed and authentic
expression. It's a very well-made film despite the negative slant on the,
generalized, teen-comedy genre. The Criterion Blu-ray video transfer will be
discussed but it, negligibly, has the best audio and having the important
commentary and documentary also here - we also get the addition of desirable
TV version in HD, and, Heckerling at the AFI plus the director and Crowe,
moderated by Wilde in a new video conversation plus the liner notes. Fans
will probably find enough valid reasons to double-dip on this title.
__________________________________________
**Fat City** [Blu-ray] (John
Huston, 1972) - RB UK Indicator
OUR
REVIEW:
COMMENTS: Fat City is a masterpiece. Huston is a master filmmaker and he
made this the most compelling story backed by the fine performances of Keach
and Bridges. I loved seeing it again and it furthered my appreciation to
enjoy the plentiful extras. Great to have this on Blu-ray. Tons of value
here, folks. Very strongly recommended!
__________________________________________
**Flowers of Shanghai**
[Blu-ray] (Hsiao-Hsien Hou, 1998) Criterion
OUR
COMPARISON:
COMMENTS: Hou Hsiao-Hsien's Flowers of Shanghai can be challenging to many
cinephiles. It's deliberately paced and formalized cinema that will not
appeal to everyone. It improves demonstratively upon repeat viewings. It's a
beautiful film, shot in a sly, meaningful, manner, that opines the
opium-induced catatonic manner in which its characters are expressed - it
challenges meaningfulness exposing decadence. lethargy, female abuse, love,
desire, infatuation and less-fettered power all in a devout representation
of its era and locale. The Criterion Blu-ray is such a huge step beyond the
DVDs for an important, unique film experience with impressive extras. It has
our strongest recommendation!
__________________________________________
Grizzly [Blu-ray] (William
Girdler, 1976) Severin
ALT-BEAVER REVIEW:
COMMENTS: Less than a year after the release of Steven Spielberg's shark
blockbuster, director William Girdler (DAY OF THE ANIMALS) and infamous
distributor Film Ventures International (GREAT WHITE) brazenly unleashed
their own 'JAWS with claws' sensation that would become one of the most
successful independent horror films in history. Christopher George (PIECES),
Andrew Prine (BARN OF THE NAKED DEAD) and Richard Jaeckel (THE DARK) star in
this ''bloody, sexy and immortal trash classic'' (Mondo Digital) about an
18-foot-tall ursus arctos horribilis on a carnivorous rampage through a
state park full of campers, and the ranger, chopper pilot and naturalist who
must stop it.
__________________________________________
He Knows You're Alone
[Blu-ray] (Armand Mastroianni, 1980) Shout! Factory
COMMENTS: Now you see him. Now you don't. The face of a killer appears out
of the darkness and just as quickly disappears. A young woman has an eerie
feeling someone is stalking her. Another beauty steps into a shower…and a
bathroom door handle slowly turns. We're in slasher-flick territory—and also
in a rare realm of film history, because screen icon Tom Hanks makes his
movie debut in this shocker. The up-and-coming legend plays the brief
supporting role of Elliot, a psych major whose musings about the nature of
fear reinforce the tone of this twisted tale about a sicko who targets
brides-to-be…and a detective who scrambles to stop the carnage. Wedded bliss
can be very short-lived when He Knows You're Alone.
__________________________________________
**It Happened Tomorrow**
[Blu-ray] (René Clair, 1944) Cohen Media
OUR
REVIEW:
COMMENTS: René Clair's It Happened Tomorrow is a lot of wholesome, amusing,
enjoyment. The themes have been repeated many times in other, forthcoming,
film plots. Knowing the future and attempting to change it to suit your
circumstance - with money or love. Future Noir-cycle players Powell and
Darnell add some impressive flavor and more brilliantly realized cinema by
director René Clair. I really had a good time with my viewing and the
bare-bones Cohen Media Blu-ray gave me a solid 1080P presentation. Fans of
vintage film are encouraged to pick up.
__________________________________________
Last Action Hero [4K UHD
Blu-ray] (John McTiernan, 1993) Sony Pictures
COMMENTS: Action adventure superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger bursts through
the screen as a larger-than-life movie hero in this nonstop adventure from
acclaimed director John McTiernan (Predator, Die Hard).
__________________________________________
**Madame Rosa** [Blu-ray]
(Moshé Mizrahi, 1977) Kino
OUR
REVIEW:
COMMENTS: Moshé Mizrahi's Madame Rosa is unsentimental, with pragmatic
survivalist lower-class characters helping it strike strong chords of
realism. An excellent film, with the great Simone Signoret, that I am so
pleased to have seen via such an impressive 4K restoration and its resulting
Kino Blu-ray image. If you have any interest in seeing this under-exposed
director's work we strongly recommend this package with probing Ellinger
commentary. Top-shelf stuff here.
__________________________________________
**Masculin Feminin** [Blu-ray]
(Jean-Luc Godard, 1966) RB Criterion UK
OUR
COMPARISON:
COMMENTS: "We are the children of Marx and Coca-Cola." Jean-Luc Godard's
Masculin Féminin is pure - shot with naturalistic intent and his unique
early visual black and white style. His cinema in this time period remains
highly attractive with a curious subtext that seems to improve, or get even
'cooler' over time. Something that can be revisited for the rest of our
lives and this new Criterion Blu-ray is a brilliant a/v upgrade - no 'new'
extras - but the presentation is worth the indulgence adding more beauty,
charm and nostalgia to your viewing. Our highest recommendation!
__________________________________________
Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House
[Blu-ray] (H.C. Potter, 1948) Warner Archive
COMMENTS: New York adman Jim Blandings is ready to say goodbye to his
cramped city apartment and build, from the ground up, a Connecticut home
with room enough for his growing family and dreams. All it will cost him is
his time and moneyand perhaps his job, marriage, happiness and what is left
of his sanity. Goodbye, Manhattan. Hello, comedy. As Jim, Cary Grant is a
flustered poster boy for homeowner anxiety in this gleeful laughfest. Myrna
Loy, her voice and line phrasing like musical chimes, plays Jims ever
patient wife. Louise Beavers is the sunny housemaid whose enthusiasm for
Wham Ham saves Jims career bacon. And Melvyn Douglas is the perhaps too
friendly family friend. Drop in and see us sometime, Jim says. Invitation
accepted!
__________________________________________
The Nest [Blu-ray] (Sean
Durkin, 2020) Shout! Factory
COMMENTS: From director Sean Durkin (Martha Marcy May Marlene) comes The
Nest, a powerful and dark drama. Rory (Jude Law, Sherlock Holmes), an
ambitious entrepreneur and former commodities broker, persuades his American
wife, Allison (Carrie Coon, The Leftovers), and their children to leave the
comforts of suburban America and return to his native England. Sensing
opportunity, Rory rejoins his former firm and leases a centuries-old country
manor with grounds for Allison's horses and plans to build a stable. Soon
the promise of a lucrative new beginning starts to unravel, and the couple
must face the unwelcome truths lying beneath the surface of their marriage.
__________________________________________
**Play for Today: Volume 2**
[Blu-ray] - RB UK BFI
COMMENTS: 50 years on from its first transmission, the BBC's Play for Today
anthology series remains one of British television's most influential and
celebrated achievements. Between 1970 and 1984, plays which combined some of
the era's finest writing, acting and directing talents were broadcast direct
to living rooms, regularly challenging viewers and pushing the boundaries of
TV drama. In Play for Today Volume Two, six more iconic dramas from the
series arrive on Blu-ray for the first time, further demonstrating the
trailblazing qualities of these innovative, stimulating and abiding
television landmarks.
__________________________________________
**The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex**
[Blu-ray] (Michael Curtiz, 1939) Warner Archive
COMMENTS: Bette Davis and Errol Flynn made The Private Lives of Elizabeth
and Essex fascinatingly public, striking sparks in this lavish Technicolor®
tale of the ill-fated love between the aging Elizabeth I and the dashing
Earl of Essex. Thoroughly unglamorous here, eyes and hairline shaved, face
painted chalky white...double Academy Award® winner* Davis exudes such
intelligence, energy and ardor that her romance with the decades younger
Essex (Flynn at the peak of his remarkable good looks and athletic verve) is
completely believable. Based on Maxwell Andersons play Elizabeth the Queen
and directed by Michael Curtiz, this nominee for five Oscars® takes
liberties with historical accuracy, but none with dramatic impact. Long may
these tempestuous, titled lovers reign. SPECIAL FEATURES: Leonard Maltin
Hosts Warner Night at the Movies 1939 with Newsreel, Musical Short The Royal
Rodeo, Cartoon Old Glory and Theatrical Trailer; Featurette Elizabeth and
Essex: Battle Royale.
__________________________________________
Radio On [Blu-ray]
(Christopher Petit, 1979) RB UK BFI
COMMENTS: Chris Petit's cult classic Radio On is one of the most striking
feature debuts in British cinema – a haunting blend of edgy mystery story
and existential road movie, crammed with eerie evocations of English
landscape and weather. Stunningly photographed in monochrome by Wim Wenders'
assistant cameraman Martin Schäfer, Radio On is driven by a startling new
wave soundtrack featuring David Bowie, Kraftwerk, Lene Lovich, Ian Dury,
Wreckless Eric, Robert Fripp and Devo, and reveals an early screen
performance by Sting.
__________________________________________
**Santa Sangre** [4K UHD
Blu-ray] (Alejandro Jodorowsky, 1989) Severin
COMMENTS: Now forget everything you have ever seen as the modern masterpiece
from director Alejandro Jodorowsky returns like never before, with 8+ hours
of archival & all-new Special Features. Severin Films is proud to present
this 4-Disc Deluxe Edition of Jodorowsky's epic odyssey through ecstasy and
anguish, belief and blasphemy, beauty and madness - and the surreal genius
behind it all - now featuring a 4K scan from the original negative
supervised by the director himself.
__________________________________________
Sequin in a Blue Room
[Blu-ray] (Samuel Van Grinsven, 2019) RB UK Saffron Hill
COMMENTS: Sequin is exploring his burgeoning sexuality through an obsession
with anonymous, no-strings hook-ups. That is until he finds his way into the
mysterious, strictly anonymous ‘Blue Room’ - where a whole new, alluring
world unfolds before him. There, Sequin connects with a captivating
stranger, but they are separated suddenly. Utterly fixated on this man,
Sequin sets off on an exhilarating and dangerous mission to track him down.
__________________________________________
The Snoopy 4-Movie Collection
[Blu-ray] - Paramount
COMMENTS: A Boy Named Charlie Brown (1969), Snoopy Come Home (1972), Race
For Your Life Charlie Brown (1977), and Bon Voyage Charlie Brown (1980).
__________________________________________
**Someone to Watch Over Me**
[Blu-ray] (Ridley Scott, 1987) RB UK Indicator
OUR
REVIEW:
COMMENTS: Lesser revered in Ridley Scott's oeuvre but Someone to Watch Over
Me is an enjoyable film with some subtle touches that give it character than
more vapid thrillers from the same era. It's not stale and can be thrown on
every few years - while still maintaining the contrived 80's sexy
superficialities that we can tend to appreciate, if not love. The Indicator
Blu-ray is up to their usual very high a/v standards and the addition of the
in-depth Hemphill commentary makes it worthy of the digital library.
Recommended!
__________________________________________
**Speed** [4K UHD Blu-ray]
(Jan de Bont, 1994) Walt Disney UK
COMMENTS: Hold on tight for a rush of pulse-pounding thrills, breath-taking
stunts and unexpected romance in a film you'll want to see again and again.
Keanu Reeves stars as an L.A.P.D. SWAT team specialist who is sent to
diffuse a bomb that a revenge-driven extortionist (Dennis Hopper) has
planted on a city bus. But until he does, one of the passengers (Sandra
Bullock) must keep the bus speeding through the streets of Los Angeles at
more than 50 miles per hour – or the bomb will explode. A high-octane chase
of suspense, nonstop action and surprise twists, Speed is a joyride sure to
keep you on the edge of your seat!
__________________________________________
**The Spy Who Came in from the Cold**
[Blu-ray] (Martin Ritt, 1965) RB UK Masters of Cinema
OUR
COMPARISON:
COMMENTS: I have enjoyed Martin Ritt's "The Spy Who Came in from the Cold"
more each time I see it. The Martin commentary and Cairns' video essay only
enhanced it further. The story's inherent theme of deception and how players
are essentially pawns in a greater scheme with subtle touches utilized
throughout the film - make it a near masterpiece, although too deliberately
paced for some viewers and critics. I am duly impressed with the a/v and
supplements of the Masters of Cinema Blu-ray. This will have an important
part in my digital library shelf. Strongly recommended!
__________________________________________
**The Sting** [4K UHD Blu-ray]
(George Roy Hill, 1973) Universal Studios
COMMENTS: Winner of 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, The Sting
stars Paul Newman and Robert Redford as two con men in 1930s Chicago. After
a friend is killed by the mob, they try to get even by attempting to pull
off the ultimate 'sting.' No one is to be trusted as the twists unfold,
leading up to one of the greatest double-crosses in movie history. The con
is on!
__________________________________________
Twin Peaks: A Limited Event Series
[Blu-ray] - Paramount UK
COMMENTS: A quarter century after revolutionizing television, Twin Peaks
returns. Expanding the world you thought you knew, this limited event series
takes you places wonderful, strange and farther out. This Blu-ray collection
includes all 18 parts of the Showtime series, plus a wealth of exclusive,
behind-the-scenes special features that will show you what’s behind the “red
curtain” and the making of this extraordinary television event.
__________________________________________
Wildcats [Blu-ray] (Michael
Ritchie, 1986) Shout! Factory
COMMENTS: Central High is an inner-city Chicago combat zone sometimes called
a school. It has a brawn-before-brains football team of rowdy rappers,
bruisers and losers. What's Molly McGrath doing there? Coaching football!
All-American charmer Goldie Hawn is Molly, who turns the team's wayward ways
into winning plays in this comedy of heart, family and football directed by
Michael Ritchie (The Bad News Bears). The Wildcats are a motley crew with a
perfect record: zero victories. But when the spunky new coach gets into the
groove, the kids start resembling a team and go for the glory! In fact, a
pair of these players would later reteam in two box-office hits: Wesley
Snipes and Woody Harrelson (White Men Can't Jump, Money Train).
__________________________________________
NOTABLE NEW CALENDAR UPDATES:
July
5th, 2021
Icy Breasts -aka- Les Seins de Glace
(Georges Lautner, 1974) Kino
The Road to Salina (Georges
Lautner, 1970) Kino
La veuve Couderc (Pierre
Granier-Deferre, 1971) Kino
____________________
July
12th, 2021
**Alias Nick Beal** (John
Farrow, 1949) Kino
**I Dream of Jeannie - The Complete Series**
- Millcreek
**Larceny** (George Sherman,
1948) Kino
**The Two Worlds of Jennie Logan**
(Frank De Felitta, 1979) Kino
**The Web** (Michael Gordon,
1947) Kino
____________________
July
19th, 2021
633 Squadron / Mosquito Squadron
- Kino
**The Bride Comes Home**
(Wesley Ruggles, 1935) Kino
**The Gilded Lily** (Wesley
Ruggles, 1935) Kino
**Ingmar Bergman Volume 1**
(Torment, 1944), Crisis, 1946), Eva , 1948, Music in Darkness, 1948, Port of
Call, 1948, Prison, 1949, Three Strange Loves, 1949, and To Joy, 1950) - RB
UK BFI
The Plainsman (Cecil B.
DeMille, 1936) Kino
**Thunderbolt** (Josef von
Sternberg, 1929) Kino
**True Romance** 4K UHD (Tony
Scott, 1993) Arrow UK
**Unconquered** (Cecil B.
DeMille, 1947) Kino
____________________
July
26th, 2021
L'amour braque (Andrzej
Zulawski, 1985) Kino
Baise-moi (Virginie Despentes,
Coralie, 2000) Kino
**The Cat o' Nine Tails 4K UHD**
(Dario Argento, 1971) Arrow UK
**Mirror** (Andrei Tarkovsky,
1975) RB UK Criterion
The People Next Door (David
Greene, 1970) Kino
**Shenandoah** (Andrew V.
McLaglen, 1965) Kino
**Vengeance Trails: Four Classic Westerns Limited Edition**
(Massacre Time (1966), My Name is Pecos (1966), Bandidos (1967), And God
Said to Cain (1970) RB UK Arrow
**The Violent Professionals**
(Sergio Martino, 1973) 88 Films
____________________
August 23rd, 2021
Two Evil Eyes (Dario Argento,
George A. Romero, 1990) Blue Underground
________________________________________________
Photo Archives" for Patrons:
Gloria Grahame:
________________
Monica Vitti:
________________
Paul Newman:
________________
Susan George:
________________
Jacqueline Bisset:
________________
Suzanne Pleshette:
________________________________________________
THIS WEEK'S REVIEWS:
**Pickup on South Street**
(Criterion added) BD
OUR
COMPARISON:
COMMENTS: Samuel Fuller's Pickup on South Street is one of the essential
Noirs and its wonderful to have it in a new, improved 4K restored video
transfer from Criterion with new extras. Fans of the 'Dark Cinema' will
consider this a 'must-own' package. Richard Widmark, Jean Peters, Thelma
Ritter playing the under-seen classes and their struggles - helmed by the
great Sam Fuller. What more could we want? Our absolute highest
recommendation!
____________________________________
**The Woman One Longs For**
BD
OUR
REVIEW:
COMMENTS: There are a few wonderful things about The Woman One Longs For.
The obvious is that it has Marlene Dietrich, the second is that there is so
much regarding the characterizations and plot that are left to our
imagination. I loved the suggestions and distractions; sinister
ne'er-do-wells, compromised women, corporate arranged marriages, deceit,
infatuation... it's almost Noir-ish. The Kino Blu-ray restored by the
Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau Stiftung not only looks great and has a super
score, but is an arresting film experience. I doubt I ever would have seen
this without this package and the Gaylyn Studlar commentary adds even more
value. Certainly recommended!
____________________________________
**The Spy Who Came in from the Cold**
BD
OUR
COMPARISON:
COMMENTS: I have enjoyed Martin Ritt's "The Spy Who Came in from the Cold"
more each time I see it. The Martin commentary and Cairns' video essay only
enhanced it further. The story's inherent theme of deception and how players
are essentially pawns in a greater scheme with subtle touches utilized
throughout the film - make it a near masterpiece, although too deliberately
paced for some viewers and critics. I am duly impressed with the a/v and
supplements of the Masters of Cinema Blu-ray. This will have an important
part in my digital library shelf. Strongly recommended!
____________________________________
**Under the Sand** BD
OUR
COMPARISON:
COMMENTS: François Ozon's Under the Sand is one of my favorite French films
and I have even included it in an article "A Favorite Opening Scene,
Thirteen Memorable Conclusions and a Wonderful Credit Sequence" written
18-years ago. Under the Sand was extolled extensively by the great Ingmar
Bergman! It's a film involving one woman’s bereavement and inability to
cope after losing her spouse. The film is staunchly unsentimental in its
portrayal of Marie and her situation. A complete emotional withdrawal only
heightens her insupportable delusions of his potential existence. It evokes
Rohmer, Akerman and the very best of 'slow cinema'. I feel totally confident
in throwing away my ancient DVDs at last. The Kino Blu-ray has a significant
a/v upgrade and includes a Kat Ellinger commentary. I strongly urge you to
see François Ozon's Under the Sand.... wow.
____________________________________
**Madame Rosa** BD
OUR
REVIEW:
COMMENTS: Moshé Mizrahi's Madame Rosa is unsentimental, with pragmatic
survivalist lower-class characters helping it strike strong chords of
realism. An excellent film, with the great Simone Signoret, that I am so
pleased to have seen via such an impressive 4K restoration and its resulting
Kino Blu-ray image. If you have any interest in seeing this under-exposed
director's work we strongly recommend this package with probing Ellinger
commentary. Top-shelf stuff here.
____________________________________
The Daydreamer BD
OUR
REVIEW:
COMMENTS: Those who've grown up with other Rankin/Bass wholesome children's
films - many holiday themes, will also appreciate The Daydreamer, albeit one
of their forgotten works. The vice characterizations are a 'Who's Who' of
celebrities including Tallulah Bankhead, Victor Borge, Patty Duke, Jack
Gilford, Sessue Hayakawa, Margaret Hamilton, Burl Ives, Boris Karloff,
Hayley Mills, Terry-Thomas, Ray Bolger and more. It's worthwhile to have
Scorpion Releasing's impressive Blu-ray. in the library for your families
young-uns to the nostalgic big kid in you. Recommended!
____________________________________
**Doctor X** BD
US:
https://amzn.to/3bsf3hr
OUR
REVIEW:
COMMENTS: Michael Curtiz's Doctor X has delightful horror conventions (the
elaborate laboratory) that vintage genre fans love but is hampered by the
unnecessary humor and slapstick unnaturally infused within it. It's a
remarkable film with the Technicolor and history. The restoration and
transfer will impress many familiar with the film and era. The thriller
aspects of Doctor X are expertly realized by Curtiz and is well cast with
Lionel Atwill, Fay Wray, Lee Taylor, Preston Foster etc. The Warner Archive
Blu-ray has the immensely valuable commentaries and the other extras.
Certainly recommended!
____________________________________
**Blue Sky** BD
OUR
COMPARISON:
COMMENTS: BFI's Blu-ray of "Blue Sky" is a definite upgrade over the older
Olive disc. Tony Richardson's ("Tom Jones", "The Loneliness of the Long
Distance Runner", "A Taste of Honey") 1994 swan song benefits from an uptick
in contrast, color, sound, extras, and includes the subtitles that the Olive
was so sorely lacking. A fantastic release for those interested. And what a
cast! (Tommy Lee Jones, Jessica Lange, Powers Boothe, Carrie Snodgress, and
a young Chris O'Donnell.) - Colin Zavitz
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**Isle of the Dead** BD
OUR
REVIEW:
COMMENTS: As far as I am concerned Val Lewton's Isle Of The Dead is
essential for any Blu-ray collection. The commentary on the Warner Archive
disc is exceptional. The film's poetic realization may take a back seat to
some of the producer's other RKO masterwork horrors directed by Jacques
Tourneur but this is a unique and atmospheric vampiric mediation echoing a
psychological thriller. I only wish it was longer. The Blu-ray , and its
wonderful original-poster cover art, gets a very strong recommendation!
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**Someone To Watch Over Me**
BD
OUR
REVIEW:
COMMENTS: Lesser revered in Ridley Scott's oeuvre but Someone to Watch Over
Me is an enjoyable film with some subtle touches that give it character than
more vapid thrillers from the same era. It's not stale and can be thrown on
every few years - while still maintaining the contrived 80's sexy
superficialities that we can tend to appreciate, if not love. The Indicator
Blu-ray is up to their usual very high a/v standards and the addition of the
in-depth Hemphill commentary makes it worthy of the digital library.
Recommended!
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**It Happened Tomorrow** BD
OUR
REVIEW:
COMMENTS: René Clair's It Happened Tomorrow is a lot of wholesome, amusing,
enjoyment. The themes have been repeated many times in other, forthcoming,
film plots. Knowing the future and attempting to change it to suit your
circumstance - with money or love. Future Noir-cycle players Powell and
Darnell add some impressive flavor and more brilliantly realized cinema by
director René Clair. I really had a good time with my viewing and the
bare-bones Cohen Media Blu-ray gave me a solid 1080P presentation. Fans of
vintage film are encouraged to pick up.
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**Flowers of Shanghai** BD
COMMENTS: Hou Hsiao-Hsien's Flowers of Shanghai can be challenging to many
cinephiles. It's deliberately paced and formalized cinema that will not
appeal to everyone. It improves demonstratively upon repeat viewings. It's a
beautiful film, shot in a sly, meaningful, manner, that opines the
opium-induced catatonic manner in which its characters are expressed - it
challenges meaningfulness exposing decadence. lethargy, female abuse, love,
desire, infatuation and less-fettered power all in a devout representation
of its era and locale. The Criterion Blu-ray is such a huge step beyond the
DVDs for an important, unique film experience with impressive extras. It has
our strongest recommendation!
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