DVDBeaver Newsletter
for the Week of October 18th, 2021
http://www.dvdbeaver.com
THIS WEEK RELEASES
include Dr. Lecter and Agent Clarice in 4K UHD, Criterion does Jack Arnold's
most imaginative, Robert Mulligan, Terence Young, double Demons in 4K UHD,
Federico Fellini, Sammo Kam-Bo Hung, David Lynch in 4K UHD!, Lynne Ramsay
masterwork, Sabata!(s), curious Yokai Monsters!...
THIS WEEK's CALENDAR UPDATES
- (new!): Criterion Beatles 4K UHD, Jane Campion, George Cukor, The Incredible
Hulk original TV series, Fritz Lang, Francis Ford Coppola in 4K UHD, Boxing
Kirk, Georg Wilhelm Pabst, Thomas Vinterberg...
THIS WEEK'S REVIEWS:
Marty's best in 4K UHD, Lynne Ramsay pure cinema, Lon Chaney Jr. gets hairy in
4K UHD, Preminger / Stewart Courtroom in 4K UHD, 40's 'B' Spider Woman...
Enjoy,
Gary
RELEASES the WEEK of October
18th, 2021 (Recommended titles have "**")
**Before the Revolution**
[Blu-ray] (Bernardo Bertolucci, 1964) Ripleys Home Video
US:
https://amzn.to/3l8vGmg
ALT-BEAVER REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/blu-ray_reviews54/before_the_revolution_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Semi-autobiographical, partly inspired by Stendhal's The Charterhouse
of Parma, and set in 1962 in his native Parma, Before the Revolution (1964) by
most acclaimed director Bernardo Bertolucci captures the passions and the
ideology of the 1960s. Fabrizio is passionate, idealistic, inflenced by Cesare,
a teacher and Marxist, engaged to the lovely but bourgeois Clelia. He struggles
to come to terms with these contradictions and master an incestuous affair with
his attractive youg aunt, Gina. Winner of the Cannes Critics Week prize in 1964,
it's presented in a digital restored version with a selection of revealing extra
features edited by Giuseppe Bertolucci featuring among the others Ennio
Morricone and Marco Bellocchio. This Blu-ray special edition features a restored
high-definition digital transfer with uncompressed soundtrack, video
introduction by Martin Scorsese, extract from rare TV documentary Effetti
Personali directed by Giuseppe Bertolucci in 1983, plus on-set footage and the
film's trailer.
____________________________
**Celia** [Blu-ray]
(Ann Turner, 1989) R0 UK Second Run
UK:
https://amzn.to/2VwDky6
COMMENTS: et in mid 1950s Australia, with the fear of communism in the air, Ann
Turner's refreshingly unsentimental debut feature depicts a long hot summer seen
through the eyes and over-active imagination of nine-year-old Celia. Shaken by
the death of her beloved Grandmother, Celia finds herself adrift between the
cruel games and rituals of childhood and the incomprehensible world of
grown-ups. With monstrous creatures stalking her dreams by night, those imagined
terrors blur by day with the banal brutality of the adult world and lead to
tragic and shocking consequences. Presented from a stunning new 2K restoration,
this dark fable of childhood's end ranks alongside Lord of the Flies, The 400
Blows, Stand By Me and Pan’s Labyrinth.
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Change of Habit
[Blu-ray] (William A. Graham, 1969) Kino
US:
https://amzn.to/3j3d1bV
CAN: https://amzn.to/3j74jZB
COMMENTS: After starring in a string of classic films like Jailhouse Rock, King
Creole, Viva Las Vegas and Clambake, the iconic Elvis Presley changed his acting
habit and made this unconventional late-’60s romance his Hollywood swan song.
The King takes on a rare dramatic role as the young and handsome Dr. John
Carpenter, who is assigned three female medical social workers to assist him at
his inner-city clinic—but he doesn’t know that they are really nuns! Mary Tyler
Moore (Thoroughly Modern Millie, What’s So Bad About Feeling Good?) is Sister
Michelle, one of the nuns who takes off her habit—and takes off with Elvis’
heart! When love blossoms between the sweet, singing and swinging doctor and the
demure, devoted nun, Michelle must decide whether to follow her heart or stay
true to her vows. In this touching story that addresses social issues still
relevant today, Elvis woos his love as only he can with unforgettable musical
numbers like “Rubberneckin’,” “Let Us Pray” and “Change of Habit.” The wonderful
supporting cast includes Barbara McNair (Stiletto), Ed Asner (The Satan Bug),
Ruth McDevitt (TV’s Kolchak: The Night Stalker) and Richard Carlson (The Maze).
____________________________
**Come September**
[Blu-ray] (Robert Mulligan, 1961) Kino
US:
https://amzn.to/2WdaSkS
CAN: https://amzn.to/3p8pNJF
COMMENTS: Rock Hudson (The Tarnished Angels, Pillow Talk) stars with the
ravishing Gina Lollobrigida (Trapeze, Woman of Straw) in this racy, romantic
romp set on the breathtaking Italian Riviera. Every September, successful New
York businessman Robert L. Talbot (Hudson) visits his Italian villa to relax and
to romance his Roman girlfriend Lisa Helena Fellini (Lollobrigida). But after
arriving unannounced one July day, he’s in for a huge surprise! During his
absence, the luxurious home has become a hotel. What’s more, the current guest
list accommodates a gaggle of American girls with persistent boys pining after
them. In a desperate attempt to regain control, Talbot manages to lose his
privacy, his girlfriend and his mind—until he comes up with a plan of his own.
This is the film in which Bobby Darin (Captain Newman, M.D.) not only made his
feature debut, but also ended up marrying his lovely co-star, Sandra Dee
(Portrait in Black), just ten days after filming wrapped. Directed by Robert
Mulligan (To Kill a Mockingbird, Love with the Proper Stranger, Summer of ’42),
Come September features beautiful camerawork by Greta Garbo’s favorite
cinematographer, William H. Daniels (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof), with designer
Morton Haack (Planet of the Apes) creating Ms. Lollobrigida’s exquisite gowns.
____________________________
**Terence Young's "Corridor
of Mirrors"** Blu-ray - Edana Romney @CohenFilm @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/3uUEDV3
CAN: https://amzn.to/3ByW8gc
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/terence-youngs-57201640
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_159/corridors_of_mirrors_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Terence Young's Corridor of Mirrors straddles arthouse, romance and
supernatural genres. It seems that quite a few critics dismissed it, but I
thought the mystery carried the film extremely well - skulking inside a darkly
lit Venetian style mansion filled with hidden curiosities of the past. Barbara
Mullen plays a lady of the house shrouded in her own secrets. Edana Romney is
just glowing with flirtatious bedroom eyes while seeking answers from cryptic
Eric Portman. Parts of Corridor of Mirrors reminded of of Pandora and the Flying
Dutchman. The, bare-bones, Cohen Media Blu-ray is certainly worthy of a spin or
more. I found it to be unique and intriguing cinema.
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Demons + Demons 2 [4K UHD
Blu-ray] - Synapse
US:
https://amzn.to/2UVnTij
CAN: https://amzn.to/3aJjbc3
UK: https://amzn.to/3aJLCqr
COMMENTS: DEMONS (1985): A group of random people are invited to a screening of
a mysterious movie, only to find themselves trapped in the theater with ravenous
demons. DEMONS 2 (1986) A group of tenants and visitors are trapped in a
10-story high-rise apartment building infested with demons who proceed to hunt
the dwindling humans down. New 4K restorations of both films from the original
35mm camera negatives! ∙ 4K (2160p) UHD™ presentations of both films in Dolby
Vision (HDR10 compatible) ∙ Limited edition o-card/slipcover packaging featuring
new artwork by Juan José Saldarriaga and Chris MacGibbon ∙ Reproduction of the
original movie ticket from Demons ∙ A special Demons 2 birthday party invitation
∙ Included fold-out poster of Demons artwork from Wes Benscoter ∙ Reversible
cover art ∙ 4K UHD All-region playback
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Dirty Laundry [Blu-ray]
(William Webb, 1987) Mvd Visual
US:
https://amzn.to/391bu01
CAN: https://amzn.to/3DQmfQc
COMMENTS: That's what happens when Jay (Leigh McCloskey, Just One of the Guys)
unknowingly stumbles into a drug deal at the local Laundromat and accidentally
exits with a bag full of cash rather than his dirty laundry. When Macho Marty
Benedictine (crooner Frankie Valli of the Four Seasons) finds out what has
happened to his money, he puts out a contract on poor Jay, who still has no
clean clothes. Enter F.B.I. Inspector Zimbalist (Donald May, O.C. and Stiggs),
who sees this as an opportunity to catch his long-time nemesis Benedictine.
Zimbalist sends his Miami Vice wannabe (Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis) to
follow Jay.
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**La dolce vita**
[Blu-ray] (Federico Fellini, 1960) Criterion UK
UK:
https://amzn.to/3xbKiW8
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film4/blu-ray_reviews_63/la_dolce_vita_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: The biggest hit from the most popular Italian filmmaker of all time,
La dolce vita rocketed Federico Fellini to international mainstream
success—ironically, by offering a damning critique of the culture of stardom. A
look at the darkness beneath the seductive lifestyles of Rome’s rich and
glamorous, the film follows a notorious celebrity journalist (a sublimely cool
Marcello Mastroianni) during a hectic week spent on the peripheries of the
spotlight. This mordant picture was an incisive commentary on the deepening
decadence of contemporary Europe, and it provided a prescient glimpse of just
how gossip- and fame-obsessed our society would become.
____________________________
**Dragons Forever**
[Blu-ray] (Sammo Kam-Bo Hung, 1988) RB UK 88 Films
UK:
https://amzn.to/2XdLb40
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_121/dragons_forever_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: The Three Brothers are back! After Project A and Wheels on Meals, the
most popular action stars in Hong Kong – that's Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao and the
superstar Jackie Chan himself – join forces again for another uproarious
adventure. This time, the heroic trio are facing down a crooked industrialist
and an organised crime syndicate bring drugs into Hong Kong. Can they stop it?
Well, obviously – the real question is how crazy things get while they do it!
This was the last time the classic team performed together and it's one of their
best outings, filled with fights, stunts and – yup, you guessed it – more
fights. 88 Films are proud to present the UK blu-ray premiere of this action
masterpiece remastered and restored in 4K.
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Dune (3-Disc Limited
Edition Steelbook) [4K UHD Blu-ray] (David Lynch, 1984) Arrow
US
US:
https://amzn.to/2TavmJY
CAN: https://amzn.to/3DTCHPT
UK: https://amzn.to/3AJTL8Y
COMMENTS: Following a notorious aborted attempt by Alejandro Jodorowsky in the
1970s, Frank Herberts bestselling sci-fi epic Dune finally made it to the big
screen as the third film by emerging surrealist wunderkind David Lynch,
featuring an all-star cast that includes several of Lynchs regular
collaborators. The year is 10,191, and four planets are embroiled in a secret
plot to wrest control of the Spice Melange, the most precious substance in the
universe and found only on the planet Arrakis. A feud between two powerful
dynasties, House Atreides and House Harkonnen, is manipulated from afar by
ruling powers that conspire to keep their grip on the spice. As the two families
clash on Arrakis, Duke Atreides son Paul (Kyle MacLachlan, in his screen debut)
finds himself at the center of an intergalactic war and an ancient prophecy that
could change the galaxy forever.
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The Gestapo's Last Orgy
[Blu-ray] (Cesare Canevari, 1977) 88 Films US
US:
https://amzn.to/3hvOE5L
CAN: https://amzn.to/3jaWGkS
COMMENTS: In the tradition of 'The Night Porter' and 'Salon Kitty' comes perhaps
the most notorious 'Nazisploitation' epic of them all! Daniela Levy (aka Italian
TV presenter and future UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Daniela Poggi) stars as a
beautiful young death camp prisoner forced into a nightmare of brutality,
torment and degradation. But will a Commandant's vilest urge trigger her
ultimate vengeance? Marc Loud (aka 'Adriano Micantoni of Tomb Of Torture')
co-stars in this fetid slice of filth-strudel also known as 'Last Orgy Of The
Third Reich' And 'Caligula Reincarnated As Hitler' now presented on Blu-ray for
the very first time and restored in 2K From the original negatives.
____________________________
**Jack Arnold's "The
Incredible Shrinking Man"** Blu-ray - Grant Williams
@Criterion
US:
https://amzn.to/3EiyNAU
CAN: https://amzn.to/3C2Eph2
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/jack-arnolds-man-56152587
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film5/blu-ray_reviews_67/incredible_shrinking_man_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: The Incredible Shrinking Man is an unforgettable classic - full of
continuity questions, extremely inventive and ambitious effects, bizarre
concluding speech, and filled with childhood nostalgia. The stacked 4K-restored
Criterion Blu-ray, filled with a new commentary and extensive supplements, is
too alluring to resist and we give it a very strong recommendation! This is a
huge keeper for me.
____________________________
Injustice [4K UHD Blu-ray]
(Matt Peters, 2021) Warner
US:
https://amzn.to/2VwvhBq
CAN: https://amzn.to/3DJNrjA
COMMENTS: In an alternate world gone mad, the Man of Steel takes control of the
Earth for humanity's own good. Determined to stop him, Batman creates an army of
heroes willing to pay any price for freedom.
____________________________
Joe Bell [Blu-ray] (Reinaldo
Marcus Green, 2020) Vertical
US:
https://amzn.to/39dNLdr
COMMENTS: The true story of a small town, working class father who embarks on a
solo walk across the U.S. to crusade against bullying after his son is tormented
in high school for being gay.
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The Little Rascals: The
ClassicFlix Restorations, Volume 3 [Blu-ray] - Classicflix
US:
https://amzn.to/3hqFJlJ
COMMENTS: In the history of classic cinema, Hal Roach's Our Gang franchise is
among the most well known and one of the most beloved. Within the gang, the most
recognizable and iconic member, even today, is George 'Spanky' McFarland.
Spanky's incredible natural talent and irresistible cuteness are on full display
in our latest Little Rascal volume with the three-year-old tot appearing in 10
of the 11 shorts.
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**Mad Love** [Blu-ray]
(Karl Freund, 1935) Warner Archive
US:
https://amzn.to/39Biwcg
COMMENTS: In Paris, a demented surgeon's obsession with a British actress leads
him to secretly replace her concert pianist husband's mangled hands with those
of a guillotined murderer with a gift for knife-throwing.
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Movies For The Midnight Hour
[Blu-ray] - Yellow Ape Productions
US:
https://amzn.to/3gZ6GwZ
CAN: https://amzn.to/3n0SiGu
COMMENTS: Picture yourself at the moonlight drive-in at the end of the road or
in the grimy grindhouse of your choice. Get yourself the biggest box of greasy,
buttery popcorn and a giant bucket of soda - perhaps with a little something
extra - and settle in for a midnight movie festival of deliriously epic
proportions! Cult filmmaker Jim Haggerty unleashes his full collection of short
films! Some are scary, some are funny, some are serious, some are sexy, some are
trippy, some are retro, but they're all Movies for the Midnight Hour! Cold Dead
Hand - a girl from the wrong side of the tracks discovers something in the
fridge, and more might be waiting!
____________________________
Pornostar [Blu-ray]
(Toshiaki Toyoda, 1998) RB UK Third Window
UK:
https://amzn.to/3sD9PH9
COMMENTS: A young man gets off the train in the morning and wanders the business
districts aimlessly. He runs across some yakuza gangsters, whom he despises, and
goes on a killing spree, but soon becomes involved with a subordinate gang.
____________________________
The Protégé [4K UHD Blu-ray]
(Martin Campbell, 2021) Lionsgate
US:
https://amzn.to/3E5hBih
COMMENTS: Rescued as a child by the legendary assassin Moody (Samuel L. Jackson)
and trained in the family business, Anna (Maggie Q) is the world's most skilled
contract killer. But when Moody -- the man who was like a father to her and
taught her everything she needs to know about trust and survival -- is brutally
killed, Anna vows revenge. As she becomes entangled with an enigmatic killer
(Michael Keaton) whose attraction to her goes way beyond cat and mouse, their
confrontation turns deadly and the loose ends of a life spent killing will weave
themselves ever tighter.
____________________________
**Lynne Ramsay's "Ratcatcher"**
Blu-ray - William Eadie @Criterion
US:
https://amzn.to/2VNM96p
CAN:
https://amzn.to/2Xixnpo
UK: https://amzn.to/3DJeLOW
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/lynne-ramsays-57508538
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_158/ratcatcher_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Lynne Ramsay's Ratcatcher is a devastatingly human film experience.
Personally it evoked the Dardennes Rosetta for me. The Criterion Blu-ray with a
new 4K- restoration has the teal issue but remains an impacting film expertly
exporting grief, poverty, bleakness and resiliency. It's a poetic masterpiece of
pure and essential cinema that is strongly recommended!
____________________________
Renegades [Blu-ray]
(Jack Sholder, 1989) NBC Universal
US:
https://amzn.to/2XjKmqR
CAN: https://amzn.to/3FZ15l4
COMMENTS: An undercover cop forms an alliance with a Native American to help him
hunt down the criminals who stole an ancient Lakota tribal lance.
____________________________
**The Sabata Trilogy**
[Blu-ray] (Sabata, Adiós Sabata, Return of Sabata) RB UK Eureka
UK:
https://amzn.to/3k8ae0m
COMMENTS: Sabata (1969) – Who he is and where he came from, no one knows. But
the leading citizens of the Western town of Daugherty think he knows too much.
And they want to silence him; forever. Get ready for the fast-paced, explosive
action as Lee Van Cleef (For a Few Dollars More, The Good, the Bad, and the
Ugly) stars as Sabata, a mysterious, steely-eyed gunslinger who imposes his
bullet-laced brand of justice on the town.
AdiósSabata (1970) – Yul Brynner (Westworld,
The Magnificent Seven) takes the reins as the title character in this
action-packed sequel. Under the brutal rule of local garrison leader Colonel
Skimmel, a group of Mexican revolutionaries hire gunslinger Sabata to rob a
transport of Austrian gold in order to buy weapons. But Colonel Skimmel has
other plans, taking the gold for himself and blaming the revolutionaries, but no
scheming colonel is going to keep Sabata from earning his pay!
Return of Sabata (1971) – The great Lee
Van Cleef returns as the famous freewheeling gunslinger Sabata. This third and
final go-round for the enigmatic sharpshooter who administers a unique bran d of
justice in the American West in the years following the Civil War finds Sabata
in the role of victim. Sabata's skills as a gambler and thief are unparalleled.
However, when a shifty band of desperadoes bilks him out of $5,000, he wants
revenge!
____________________________
Scream [4K UHD Blu-ray]
(Wes Craven, 1996) Paramount
US:
https://amzn.to/388QaFn
COMMENTS: Neve Campbell leads an all-star cast in this iconic slasher thriller
that launched the Scream franchise and breathed new life into the horror genre.
After a series of mysterious deaths befalls their small town, an offbeat group
of friends led by Sidney Prescott (Campbell) become the target of a masked
killer. As the body count rises, Sidney and her friends turn to the “rules” of
horror films to help navigate the real-life terror they’re living in. Also
starring Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Skeet Ulrich, Matthew Lillard, Rose
McGowan and Drew Barrymore, buckle up for an irresistible killer ride!
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**Jonathan Demme's "The
Silence of the Lambs" 4K UHD** - Jodie Foster /
Anthony Hopkins @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/3AKZWKJ
CAN: https://amzn.to/3G5pxBg
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/jonathan-demmes-56759084
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_159/the_silence_of_the_lambs_4K_UHD.htm
COMMENTS: Kino's 4K UHD release of Jonathan Demme's "The Silence of the Lambs"
is a must-own for fans of this film (which is a formidable-ly large group.) As
we are seeing frequently, it is hard to get the 4K UHD screen captures give
justice to the impeccable image filled with consistent grain and wonderful
sharpness. We've done our best - trust me - this is a spectacular package - a
brilliant 3840 X 2160 resolution image, Tim Lucas commentary, extensive extras
on the second disc Blu-ray (with its own strong image) and impressive
poster-related cover and slipcase. It has our highest recommendation. A huge
keeper for me. New adopters shouldn't hesitate for a moment. This one and John
Carpenter's "The Thing" in 4K UHD are two of my favorite viewing so far this
year.
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The Singing Ringing Tree
[Blu-ray] (Francesco Stefani, 1957) RB UK Network
UK:
https://amzn.to/3npStNs
COMMENTS: A surreal fairytale featuring the world's first communist princess, a
bizarre fish and a malevolent dwarf that haunted the nightmares of generations
of children from the mid-'60s onwards, The Singing Ringing Tree is presented
here in High Definition for the first time. To win the love of a beautiful but
arrogant princess, a prince must find The Singing Ringing Tree. His quest leads
him to a magical garden ruled by an evil dwarf, who allows the prince to take
the tree on condition he wins the princess' love before sunset. If he fails, the
prince will be transformed into a bear!
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The Sparks Brothers
[Blu-ray] (Edgar Wright, 2021) Universal UK
UK:
https://amzn.to/3np8FhG
COMMENTS: How can one rock band be successful, underrated, hugely influential,
and criminally overlooked all at the same time? From acclaimed director Edgar
Wright comes THE SPARKS BROTHERS, a musical odyssey through five weird and
wonderful decades with brothers/bandmates Ron and Russell Mael. Featuring
passionate tributes from Beck, Flea, Duran Duran, Mike Meyers, Patton Oswalt,
and more, THE SPARKS BROTHERS celebrates the inspiring legacy of your favourite
band’s favourite band.
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Summertime [Blu-ray]
(Carlos López Estrada, 2020) Good Deed Entertainment
US:
https://amzn.to/2X5wnoe
CAN: https://amzn.to/3DGmm0O
COMMENTS: Summertime follows the intersecting stories of 27 young spoken word
poets over a single day in Los Angeles. Director Carlos López Estrada’s (Blindspotting,
Raya and the Last Dragon) ground-breaking vision began at a poetry showcase
where performers from across the City of Angels recited fearlessly personal
texts about themselves, their communities, and their relationship to their city.
The project was then developed around their individual poems and interwoven into
a larger, unified, and gloriously moving narrative experiment — part
contemporary musical and part sociological art. Summertime explores themes of
identity, community, and intersectionality through the unique perspectives of
this diverse ensemble.
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Tab Hunter Confidential
[Blu-ray] (Jeffrey Schwarz, 2015) Filmrise
US:
https://amzn.to/3A7bjNk
CAN: https://amzn.to/3APwP8l
COMMENTS: Tab Hunter was America's boy next door and a major movie star.
Nothing, it seemed, could damage his skyrocketing career. Nothing, that is,
except for the possibility that the public might learn that Hunter was secretly
gay. Now, Tab Hunter's secret is out. In this award-winning documentary, we will
meet the real Tab Hunter.
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Yokai Monsters Collection
[Blu-ray] (100 Monsters, Spook Warfare, Along with Ghosts) Arrow
US:
https://amzn.to/3mmzwuk
UK: https://amzn.to/2WbTugy
COMMENTS: In the first film in the trilogy, 100 Monsters, a greedy slumlord’s
attempts to forcefully evict his tenants invite the wrath of the titular spirits
when a cleansing ritual is botched, with terrifying results. The second film,
Spook Warfare, tells the tale of an evil Babylonian vampire inadvertently awoken
by treasure hunters, and a brave samurai that teams with the yokai to defeat the
bloodthirsty demon. In the final film, Along with Ghosts (released only 12
months after 100 Monsters), the yokai are roused to defend a young girl on the
run from deadly yakuza. Decades later, none other than Takashi Miike (Audition)
helmed The Great Yokai War, a loose remake of Spook Warfare that used
cutting-edge digital effects to renew the franchise for a new generation. In it,
a young boy is given a grave responsibility: to band together with a group of
yokai to defend humanity against a vengeful and powerful demon that has sworn
retribution against modern-day Japan.
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LATEST CALENDAR UPDATES:
October 25th, 2021
**Celia** (Ann Turner,
1989) R0 UK Second Run
https://amzn.to/3aHZXDX
**Dinner at Eight**
(George Cukor, 1933) Warner Archive
https://amzn.to/3AKzsYR
The Incredible Hulk Complete
Series (Kenneth Johnson, 1977–1982) Universal
https://amzn.to/2Xo6Abq
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film4/blu-ray_reviews_63/the_incredible_hulk_blu-ray.htm
____________________________
November 8th, 2021
**Fury** (Fritz Lang,
1936) Warner Archive
https://amzn.to/3lMZlTG
**The Outsiders [4K UHD
Blu-ray]** (Francis Ford Coppola, 1983) Warner
https://amzn.to/3vjofxr
____________________________
December 6th, 2021
**Champion** (Mark
Robson, 1949) RB UK Masters of Cinema
https://amzn.to/2YWMXaE
https://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCompare5/champion.htm
**The Love of Jeanne Ney**
(Georg Wilhelm Pabst, 1927) RB UK Masters of Cinema
https://amzn.to/3ANDQGM
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_122/the_love_of_jeanne_ney_blu-ray.htm
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January 10th, 2022
**The Celebration**
(Thomas Vinterberg, 1998) Criterion
https://amzn.to/3paE8VL
____________________________
January 17th, 2022
**A Hard Day's Night [4K UHD
Blu-ray]** (Richard Lester, 1964) Criterion
https://amzn.to/3FXMupG
Time (Garrett Bradley,
2020) Criterion
https://amzn.to/3aLaiyR
____________________________
January 24th, 2022
Dick Johnson in Dick Johnson Is
Dead (Kirsten Johnson, 2020) Criterion
https://amzn.to/3FX7RYg
**The Piano** (Jane
Campion, 1993) Criterion
https://amzn.to/3AQnhcY
____________________________
REVIEWS / COMPARISONS:
**Lynne Ramsay's "Ratcatcher"**
Blu-ray - William Eadie @Criterion
US:
https://amzn.to/2VNM96p
CAN: https://amzn.to/2Xixnpo
UK: https://amzn.to/3DJeLOW
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/lynne-ramsays-57508538
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_158/ratcatcher_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Lynne Ramsay's Ratcatcher is a devastatingly human film experience.
Personally it evoked the Dardennes Rosetta for me. The Criterion Blu-ray with a
new 4K- restoration has the teal issue but remains an impacting film expertly
exporting grief, poverty, bleakness and resiliency. It's a poetic masterpiece of
pure and essential cinema that is strongly recommended!
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**Otto Preminger's
"Anatomy of a Murder" 4K UHD** - James Stewart
US:
https://amzn.to/3vbc6dH
CAN: https://amzn.to/3lywulX
UK: https://amzn.to/2YNuuxq
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/otto-premingers-57438999
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_157/anatomy_of_a_murder_4K_UHD.htm
COMMENTS: Sony's 4K UHD release of Otto Preminger's "Anatomy of a Murder" is an
enticing one. No doubt in advance of previous digital editions with the curious
4K UHD image transfer, that is easily the best ever for your home theatre - even
with y suspicions. Lacking 24-bit mono may be a minor issue for some, but the
Atmos rendering may appeal to others. The interviews etc. are good - if repeated
from the Criterion Blu-ray - but the (new, I presume) Foster Hirsch commentary
is of notable value if only accessible on the included, new, Sony Blu-ray.
Anatomy of a Murder is a classic psychological courtroom thriller with poetic
realism (devoid of passionate closing arguments). What a cast; James Stewart,
Lee Remick, Ben Gazzara, Arthur O'Connell, Eve Arden, Kathryn Grant, George C.
Scott, Orson Bean, Murray Hamilton, Ken Lynch etc. It rarely gets better than
this for the sub-genre of legal machinations. Beautifully rewatchable and now
looking better than ever. Another reason, along with Taxi Driver, to obtain the
second Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection.
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**Martin Scorsese's
"Taxi Driver" 4K UHD** - Robert De Niro
US:
https://amzn.to/3vbc6dH
CAN: https://amzn.to/3lywulX
UK: https://amzn.to/2YNuuxq
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/martin-scorseses-57370933
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_158/taxi_driver_4K_UHD.htm
COMMENTS: Sony's 4K UHD release of Martin Scorsese's "Taxi Driver" has some big
pluses and a few negatives. The image has appeared to reach the zenith for the
film's digital presentation abilities - I don't think I can ever watch a Blu-ray
and DVD after having seen "Taxi Driver" in this format. The 3840 X 2160
transferred textures have a synergy with the film that make the new viewing a
special, and addictive, treat. If possible the film is even more hypnotic for
cinephiles with the multi-layered contrast and heavy dark influences. With the
included Blu-ray there are all supplements that I am aware especially notable
the commentaries (but why wouldn't they be ported to the 4K UHD as well?) But
nothing new in terms of extras. Never to hear the intense and dream-like
Herrmann score in 24-bit, or better, seems unfortunate. The individual packaging
is a plus as most will not be fans of every single film in this "Columbia
Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection Volume 2" set. We'll compare Anatomy of a Murder
next, and even despite the niggling black marks - the 4K UHD video presentation
of this masterpiece is a must-own. Don't hesitate - like Volume One, this set
will go out-of-print - eventually being released individually at some point down
the road.
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Arthur Lubin's "The Spider Woman
Strikes Back" Blu-ray - Gale Sondergaard @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/2X9Sr1u
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/spider-woman-blu-57310653
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_159/the_spider_woman_strikes_back_blu-ray.htm
comments: Arthur Lubin's The Spider Woman Strikes Back has weaknesses, but also
strong nostalgic appeal. Classic villainess Gale Sondergaard, 'girl-next-door'
victim Brenda Joyce, and eerily misshapen Rondo Hatton are all superb if not
fully utilized. The, hour-long, running time could have been expanded, fleshing
out relationships and details that would have benefited embracing The Spider
Woman Strikes Back to a higher degree. Still, the plot, delightful poster (and
cover art), plus the alluring title are enticing if the production was not at
the same level as the Sherlock Holmes adventure The Spider Woman (in The
Complete Sherlock Holmes Collection on Blu-ray reviewed HERE.) The Kino Blu-ray
would make for the enjoyable start of a decent double-feature night with another
Universal horror like Night Key or Night Monster. Personally I could watch The
Spider Woman Strikes Back anytime and the commentary and documentary give it
further value. Recommended to fans of these delightfully imperfect, small-town
locales, vintage horrors.
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**George Waggner's
"The Wolf Man" 4K UHD** - Lon Chaney Jr.
US:
https://amzn.to/3iMT74p
CAN: https://amzn.to/3oS0Jq2
UK: https://amzn.to/3amIIYn
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/george-waggners-57278017
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_158/the_wolf_man_4K_UHD.htm
comments: Universal's 4K UHD release of George Waggner's "The Wolf Man" is a
treat for fans to see this in a notable video upgrade. The film's simplicity is
a hallmark and writer Curt Siodmak's touches of werewolf-incarnation (from being
bit), and silver as its kryptonite advancing well beyond "The Wolf Man" 1941
classic lore. The small touches like Maria Ouspenskaya as mystic Maleva the
gypsy and Bela Lugosi as the misfortunate fortune-teller add mythos to the
experience that is steeped in heavy foggy atmospheres. Easy-peasy - this is the
best way to see this Universal Monster Classic gem - one of my favorite of this
cycle. Absolutely recommended!
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http://www.dvdbeaver.com