DVDBeaver Newsletter
for the Week of September 13th, 2021
http://www.dvdbeaver.com
THIS WEEK RELEASES
(stacked) include; Stanley Donen, double Chabrol, Sam Katzman's Cold War
Creatures, Five X Columbia Classics in 4K UHD, a Jerzy Kawalerowicz devil girl,
early William Wyler, Boxing double feature, Basil Dearden, Neil Jordan, Joseph
Losey, D.A. Pennebaker, Michael Curtiz, Frank Darabont gold in 4K UHD...
THIS WEEK's CALENDAR UPDATES
- HUGE!: Val Lewton double feature!, Michael Curtiz, Edward
Dmytryk, Walerian Borowczyk, Francis Ford Coppola, Anthony Mann, Tex Avery,
Bernardo Bertolucci, Terence Young, , Ingmar Bergman, Basil Dearden, Wes
Anderson, David Cronenberg, Ishirô Honda, Milos Forman, Cameron Crowe, Orson
Welles, Sergio Corbucci, Terrence Malick, and and an early Sherlock Holmes
collection. Plus Francis Ford Coppola, Brian De Palma, M. Night Shyamalan, Joe
Dante, Wes Craven, Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie and Paul Morrissey in 4K UHD!...
THIS WEEK'S REVIEWS:
excellent French conspiracies, psychic Jennifer O'Neill, Gregory Peck teamed
with radiant Sophia Loren, 80's teen horror, vintage serial killer, Chabrol spy
spoofery, and Steve Martin does Noir.
Enjoy,
Gary
Criterion 50% OFF SALE
is still going:
https://amzn.to/3dHXUl7
RELEASES the WEEK of September
13th, 2021 (Recommended titles have "**")
Alone in the Dark
[Blu-ray] (Jack Sholder, 1982) Shout! Factory
US:
https://amzn.to/3hZFgXh
CAN: https://amzn.to/3A6SEAI
COMMENTS: At a secluded mental institution, Dr. Bain (Donald Pleasence)
maintains order while electricity fuels the asylum's hi-tech security system
that keeps the nearby neighborhoods safe from menaces like Frank Hawkes (Jack
Palance) and "Preacher" (Martin Landau). Meanwhile a new doctor, Dan Potter
(Dwight Schultz), arrives in town with his family, but the inmates don't take
kindly to his presence and believe he has killed off their former therapist.
Suddenly a power outage leaves the town in chaos…and now the maniacs are free to
roam the streets and hunt down the man they believe has invaded their lives.
With the area quickly descending into riots and chaos, the innocent few must
fight for their lives when they're left terrified, cornered and alone in the
dark!
_______________________________
**Stanley Donen's "Arabesque"**
Blu-ray - Gregory Peck / Sophia Loren @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/3l0OzI0
CAN: https://amzn.to/3BO8UXA
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/stanley-donens-55842599
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_159/arabesque_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Arabesque is a Donen visual extravagance - heavier on style than
absorbing plot point specifics with many adventurous camera angles and inventive
shots. Sophia Loren is her usual sexy, hypnotic self and Peck is strong as the
academic egghead with some street sense - as they both navigate to safety. The
Kino Blu-ray is a keeper - such a visual eye-candy film and secondary - also a
pleasing, sometimes intense, thriller - looking and sounding great with an
in-depth commentary and other extras including the desirable package. Strongly
recommended!
_______________________________
**Claude Chabrol's "Blue
Panther"** Blu-ray - Marie Laforêt @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/3BMGOw0
CAN: https://amzn.to/3zRMZyp
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/claude-chabrols-55883628
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/blue_panther_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: I found Claude Chabrol's Blue Panther very intriguing - much less a
comedy than I was anticipating and more a stylish, serious, master-criminal
thriller - touching occasional 'spoof status' . It has an impressively strong
female lead of Marie-Chantal. I wish it was a series with Marie Laforêt. It's
unique in a few regards certainly also evoking memories of films beyond this
euro-centric genre. The Kino Blu-ray has the "4K Restoration from the Original
Camera Negative" providing the best appearance the film is likely to ever get in
this format, 24-bit audio and an expert commentary. We, absolutely, recommend!
_______________________________
**Claude Chabrol's "Bluebeard"**
Blu-ray - Michèle Morgan / Charles Denner @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/3yUH5v9
CAN: https://amzn.to/3yXv5c2
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/claude-chabrols-55915164
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/bluebeard_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Claude Chabrol's Bluebeard is a strange film - uniquely differing from
other films about serial killers - focusing on complex and lesser-explained
details, symbolism and innuendos of eroticism - ex. the flower representing and
stroked like a vagina, oral sex by bending over and eating raspberries out of
his hand as well as other subtleties. After listening to Kat Ellinger, I
understand significantly more about the history that Bluebeard is based, the
authenticity, the curiosities of the subtext - giving me a more appreciated
viewing experience. I had never seen this Chabrol's Bluebeard and am glad I did
- despite the inherent weakness of the Kino Blu-ray video that may reflect on
why it has not reached this format previously. Fans keen on the history of the
subject and Chabrol-completists should indulge.
_______________________________
Catch the Bullet
[Blu-ray] Michael Feifer, 2021) Artisan / Lionsgate
US:
https://amzn.to/3E64rld
COMMENTS: Britt MacMaster, a U.S. Marshal who rarely brings them back alive,
returns home from the trail to discover his 12-year-old son, Chad has been
kidnapped by outlaws Jed Blake and his gang
_______________________________
**Cold War Creatures: Four Films
from Sam Katzman** [Blu-ray] (Creature with the Atom Brain, The
Werewolf., Zombies of Mora Tau and The Giant Claw) Arrow
US:
https://amzn.to/3sWzUkv
CAN: https://amzn.to/3A838Qa
UK: https://amzn.to/3kq4ajY
OUR COMPARISONS:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/the_giant_claw_blu-ray.htm
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/creature_with_the_atomic_brain_blu-ray.htm
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/the_werewolf_blu-ray.htm
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_159/zombies_of_mora_tau_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Zombies! Werewolves! Atomic Mutation! Intergalactic Avians! Let this
quartet of classic terrors take you back to the golden age of B-Movie Monsters!
A mob boss hires an ex-Nazi scientist to reanimate his dead thugs in Creature
with the Atom Brain. An auto-accident survivor is used as an experimental
subject to create a vaccine for nuclear fall-out with hair-raising side-effects
in The Werewolf. Treasure hunters get more than they bargained for in the search
for a cargo of diamonds that went down with a sunken ship when they discover the
zombified crew members are guarding the loot in Zombies of Mora Tau. Meanwhile,
an enormous bird from outer-space descends to chow down on the people of planet
Earth in The Giant Claw! Four fantastic feature presentations from prolific
producer Sam Katzman with a bounty of brand new extras and a raft of new writing
by a range of respected raconteurs. These Cold War Creatures are coming for you!
_______________________________
**Columbia Classics [4K UHD
Blu-ray] Collection Volume 2** (Anatomy of a Murder / Oliver! / Taxi
Driver / Stripes / Sense and Sensibility / The Social Network) - Sony UK
US:
https://amzn.to/3xBrQ9Q
CAN: https://amzn.to/3k3Pubi
UK: https://amzn.to/2UE1R3o
COMMENTS: Six classic films from six iconic directors. Experience these
essential films from Columbia Pictures like never before, now fully remastered
and debuting on 4K Ultra HD. With films driven by bold and impassioned
characters and with stories deftly told by master filmmakers — and with hours of
special features and an exclusive 80-page book with unique insights and
production detail about each of the included films — this second volume of the
Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection is truly the best way to watch these
treasured cinematic favorites.Anatomy of a Murder:A riveting courtroom drama is
brought to life with an all-star cast in the suspenseful and highly acclaimed
ANATOMY OF A MURDER. Nominated for seven Academy Awards® including Best Picture
(1959), the lm pits a humble small-town lawyer (James Stewart) against a
hard-headed big-city prosecutor (George C. Scott). Emotions are as a jealous
army lieutenant (Ben Gazzara) pleads innocent to murdering the rapist of his.
_______________________________
Jerzy Kawalerowicz's "The Devil
in Maddalena" Blu-ray - Lisa Gastoni
US:
https://amzn.to/38VLvHg
CAN: https://amzn.to/2X6rwDo
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/jerzy-devil-in-56006580
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/the_devil_in_maddalena_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Jerzy Kawalerowicz's "The Devil in Maddalena" is an obscure film.
Jerzy is the director of Mother Joan of Angels. While the two films have
strident differences Maddalena also references 'demonic possession'... although
only in the poster advertisements - not the story. I like Lisa Gastoni (Wild,
Wild, Planet, Seduction, Wrong Number) - she frequently with a sexual tone to
her roles. NY Times Roger Greenspun hits the nail on the head stating that the
film has overly long scenes in which very little transpires. It seems we are
being given a hesitant glimpse in Maddalena's psychology; the relationship with
her mother, her confused sexuality, desirous obsessions with her past etc. I
couldn't help but get the feeling that The Devil in Maddalena had a conflict
between arthouse and, not fully realized, sexploitation (there is mild nudity)
incorporating a salacious title as a marketing afterthought. Although only 35
years old at production Miss Gastoni was past the latter. Her beautiful visage
was still a potent cinematic force for her though yet it can only ponderously
carry the film to an unsatisfying conclusion. The One 7 Movies Blu-ray offers a
bare-bones package of a rarity - with notable director and actress. Perhaps
Euro-centric fans can find appeal in the less-spoken expressions of The Devil in
Maddalena.
_______________________________
Early Universal VOL. 1
[Blu-ray] (Skinner’s Dress Suit (dir. William A. Seiter, 1926) -The Shield of
Honor (dir. Emory Johnson, 1927) – The Shakedown (dir. William Wyler, 1929) RB
UK Masters of Cinema
UK:
https://amzn.to/3oDoOin
COMMENTS: The Masters of Cinema Series is proud to present three early silent
features from Universal Pictures, all fully restored as part of the studio’s
ongoing restoration program. Skinner’s Dress Suit (dir. William A. Seiter, 1926)
– Reginald Denny stars as a shy clerk who asks his boss for a raise at the
urging of his wife. His request is rejected, but he lies to his wife, who
immediately goes out and buys an expensive suit, an act that upends his
once-ordered life. (4K Restoration) The Shield of Honor (dir. Emory Johnson,
1927) – The LAPD has a new method of fighting crime, the Air Police! Their
newest recruit, young hotshot pilot Jack MacDowell (Neil Hamilton), is tasked
with catching a gang of jewellery thieves. (2K Restoration) (Worldwide Debut on
Blu-ray) The Shakedown (dir. William Wyler, 1929) – Dave Roberts (James Murray)
is a fighter better known for taking falls in fixed fights than for taking home
the prize money. But then he falls head-over-heels for a fiery waitress (Barbara
Kent) and a rough-and-tumble orphan (Jack Hanlon), and he begins to dramatically
alter his life inside and outside of the ring. (4K Restoration)
_______________________________
Fight Night Double Feature: The
Harder They Fall / Requiem for a Heavyweight [Blu-ray] - Umbrella
US:
https://amzn.to/3tw0Zvj
UK: https://amzn.to/3A8Y26h
COMMENTS: Broke and without work, newspaper reporter Eddie Willis (Humphrey
Bogart, Casablanca) agrees to work for the corrupt boxing promoter Nick Benko
(Rod Steiger, On The Waterfront) to help hype his new boxer, Toro Moreno (Mike
Lane, Frankenstein 1970). While Toro is beastly in appearance, he has no actual
boxing talent, and all his fights are fixed. When Toro gets a shot at the title
against the brutal Buddy Brannen (Max Baer, Africa Screams), Willis is faced
with the tough decision of whether or not to tell Toro that his entire career is
a sham.
_______________________________
**Yves Boisset's "The
French Conspiracy"** Blu-ray - Jean-Louis Trintignant
@CODEREDDVD @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/3jUB2Ci
CAN: https://amzn.to/3z2UalP
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/yves-boissets-55994597
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/the_french_conspiracy_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Yves Boisset's The French Conspiracy is an excellent
political-crime-thriller. It has a veritable 'who's who' of French stars;
unflinching Jean-Louis Trintignant, intense Michel Piccoli, loyal Jean Seberg,
Michel Bouquet (bourgeois lawyer), Philippe Noiret (TV exec.) etc. - and throw
in a DUBB'ed Roy Scheider! - They just need Belmondo (RIP), Jean Gabin and Lino
Ventura. It's a shame there wasn't a commentary instead of the largely
superfluous English DUB version. It is loosely based on the Ben Barka Affair -
the Moroccan politician was an opponent of French Imperialism and King Hassan
II, and he was "disappeared" in Paris in 1965. It was strongly referenced, in
the film, that he was murdered (assassinated) via a complicit CIA. It was
eventually determined, in 2018, to be Moroccan agents and French police, who
covertly disposed of his body. The French Conspiracy was entered into the 8th
Moscow International Film Festival where it won the Silver Prize. It stays at an
even keel with no easily identifiable heroes - they all look to have some
villainous corruption with Trintignant being the least susceptible. The script
was penned by Jorge Semprun - who wrote Costa-Gavras' Z - of which The French
Conspiracy frequently evokes. I was very impressed with the film and the,
essentially bare-bones, Code Red Blu-ray allowed me to see it in 1080P. The film
is strongly recommended!
_______________________________
Guy Martin's Battle of Britain
[Blu-ray] - RB UK Dazzler Media
UK:
https://amzn.to/3fb7uOp
COMMENTS: Guy Martin looks at one of the most vital conflicts of World War Two
and commemorates the many men and women who fought to defend Britain against the
German air force in 1940. Tracing the story of the battle, Guy meets both
veterans of the conflict and their descendants, pays tribute to the invaluable
contribution of the Polish Air Force and Squadron 303, and investigates the
pioneering work of plastic surgeons and air-sea rescue teams. Guy also gains a
unique insight into a pilot’s experience by undergoing an intense flight
training course and learning what it may have been like to take part in a
‘dogfight’ – an aerial duel between fighter aircraft conducted at close range.
_______________________________
Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters
[4K UHD Blu-ray] (Tommy Wirkola, 2013) Paramount
US:
https://amzn.to/2TZNlmC
CAN: https://amzn.to/390STBp
UK: https://amzn.to/3z3EoY3
COMMENTS: Get ready for a twisted take on the classic tale as Hansel (JEREMY
RENNER) and Gretel (GEMMA ARTERTON) have turned pro, coping with the trauma of
their childhood captivity by slaying witches for hire. But when the seemingly
unstoppable bounty hunters meet their match in an enemy so evil, it’ll take all
their training, weapons and courage to survive.
_______________________________
Howling Village
[Blu-ray] (Takashi Shimizu, 2019) Epic Pictures
US:
https://amzn.to/3gYX99n
CAN: https://amzn.to/393lLZU
COMMENTS: A young psychologist heads to an infamous haunted place named 'Howling
Village' in order to find out her family's dark history.
_______________________________
Masquerade [Blu-ray]
(Basil Dearden, 1965) Kino
US:
https://amzn.to/3i1tifU
CAN: https://amzn.to/3A1zcFo
COMMENTS: The fun starts when they take their cloaks and daggers off! From Basil
Dearden, the acclaimed director of The Captive Heart, The Blue Lamp, Pool of
London, The Mind Benders and Woman of Straw, comes the tongue-in-cheek spy caper
Masquerade. The British government is in negotiations with the Middle Eastern
oil-rich nation of Ramaut to allow in British drilling agencies, but Ramaut
withdraws from the talks, leaving Britain desperate. British Colonel Drexel
(Jack Hawkins, When Eight Bells Toll) is enlisted in a covert operation to
kidnap the Ramaut prince, Jamil (Christopher Witty, The Railway Children), in
order to force an oil agreement between the countries. Drexel brings in American
David Frazer (Cliff Robertson, Charly) to assist, but Frazer finds someone else
has plans for Jamil. Marisa Mell (Danger: Diabolik), Michel Piccoli (Max and the
Junkmen), Bill Fraser (Diamonds for Breakfast) and Charles Gray (The Mirror
Crack’d) co-star in this rollicking spy spoof. Michael Relph (The Man Who
Haunted Himself) and the legendary William Goldman (Butch Cassidy and the
Sundance Kid) adapted the screenplay from the novel Castle Minerva by Vincent
Canning (Golden Salamander).
_______________________________
**Mona Lisa** [Blu-ray]
(Neil Jordan, 1986) Criterion
US:
https://amzn.to/3xSQhje
CAN: https://amzn.to/3k7ey1f
ALT-BEAVER REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film5/blu-ray_reviews_67/mona_lisa_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: The brilliant breakthrough film by writer-director Neil Jordan
journeys into the dark heart of the London underworld to weave a gripping,
noir-infused love story. Bob Hoskins received a multitude of honors—including an
Oscar nomination—for his touchingly vulnerable, not-so-tough-guy portrayal of
George, recently released from prison and hired by a sinister mob boss (Michael
Caine) to chauffeur call girl Simone (Cathy Tyson, in a celebrated performance)
between high-paying clients. George’s fascination with the elegant, enigmatic
Simone leads him on a dangerous quest through the city’s underbelly, where love
is a weakness to be exploited and betrayed. Jordan’s colorful dialogue and eye
for evocatively surreal details lend a dreamlike sheen to Mona Lisa, an
unconventionally romantic tale of damaged people searching for tenderness in an
unforgiving world.
_______________________________
**Mr. Klein** [Blu-ray]
(Joseph Losey, 1976) RB UK Studiocanal
UK:
https://amzn.to/36LmqOu
COMMENTS: Paris, January 1942 - art dealer Robert Klein (Alain Delon) is making
a killing. For this loyal Frenchman the Nazi occupation is a unique business
opportunity. He stands to profit from the Jewish people's misfortune, as they
sell their possessions in a hurry to leave the country. But when a Jewish
newspaper turns up on Klein's doorstep, his comfortable life begins to unravel.
It seems there is another Robert Klein, a suspected Jewish Resistance fighter,
who is content to live in the shadows and let his namesake take the fall. As
Klein's investigation of his double progresses, the mood shifts from Hitchcock
to Kafka and proving his innocence becomes less important than confronting his
doppelgänger...
_______________________________
Nobody [4K UHD Blu-ray]
(Ilya Naishuller, 2021) Universal UK
UK 4K UHD:
https://amzn.to/3qjssP9
UK Blu-ray: https://amzn.to/3cUrbc2
COMMENTS: Hutch is a nobody. As an overlooked and underestimated father and
husband, he takes life’s indignities on the chin and never rocks the boat. But
when his daughter loses her beloved kitty-cat bracelet in a robbery, Hutch hits
a boiling point no one knew he had. What happens when a pushover finally pushes
back? Hutch flips from regular dad to fearless fighter by taking his enemies on
a wild ride of explosive revenge. The writer of John Wick showcases Emmy ®
winner° Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul) as fans have never seen him before: an
average family man who becomes a lethal vigilante unlike any ordinary action
hero. BONUS FEATURES: Feature Commentary with Actor/Producer Bob Odenkirk and
Director Ilya Naishuller - Deleted Scenes - Hutch Hits Hard - Breaking Down The
Action - Just a NOBODY
_______________________________
D.A. Pennebaker's "Original Cast
Album: Company" Blu-ray - Barbara Barrie @Criterion
UK:
https://amzn.to/3sz9XHr
Already available in:
US:
https://amzn.to/3j2LVlm
CAN: https://amzn.to/3xZAcrF
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_142/original_cast_album_company_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: I'll be honest, I wasn't looking forward to watching D.A. Pennebaker's
Original Cast Album: Company - either because I wasn't in the mood or I
initially had no interest in the topic. But that was dismissed fairly quickly
finding joy, performance, love, effort, and fascinating details of the artistic
process. It's really wonderful. Great to recognize many faces like Barbara
Barrie (One Potato, Two Potato), Harold Prince, Stephen Sondheim, Elaine Stritch
(Who Killed Teddy Bear) etc. It's a shame this series wasn't continued. The
Criterion Blu-ray is marvelous. I'm so happy to have seen Original Cast Album:
Company and to wade through the many new supplements plus a new and older
commentary. Absolutely recommended if you have any interest at all - you won't
be disappointed!
_______________________________
Rififi in Paris
[Blu-ray] (Denys de La Patellière, 1966) Kino
US:
https://amzn.to/36pDYPQ
CAN: https://amzn.to/3Ab6rGo
COMMENTS: He Followed a Trail of Flesh, Gold and Violence! From acclaimed author
Auguste Le Breton (Rififi, Bob Le Flambeur) comes this stylish crime caper
starring screen icon Jean Gabin (Touchez Pas Au Grisbi, The Sicilian Clan). In
Paris, a grizzled gold-smuggler (Gabin) is at war with other local gangsters who
want a piece of the action. To make matters worse, he must match wits with a
coin-tossing Mafioso (George Raft, Spawn of the North) and the U.S. Treasury
Department. Denys de La Patellière (Taxi for Tobruk) directed this globetrotting
Eurospy thriller chock-full of international stars including Gert Fröbe (Goldfinger),
Nadja Tiller (The Night Affair), Claude Brasseur (Band of Outsiders), Daniel
Ceccaldi (That Man from Rio), Marcel Bozzuffi (The French Connection),
Jean-Claude Bercq (The Train), Claude Cerval (Classe Tous Risques), Mino Doro
(La Dolce Vita), Claudio Brook (Cronos) and Mireille Darc (Icy Breasts).
_______________________________
Santa Fe Trail
[Blu-ray] (Michael Curtiz, 1940) Warner Archive
US:
https://amzn.to/2X7onDH
COMMENTS: In 1854, Jeb Stuart, George Custer and other graduates from West Point
are posted to Kansas to help pacify the territory before railroad construction
to Santa Fe can resume.
_______________________________
**The Shawshank Redemption [4K
UHD Blu-ray]** (Frank Darabont, 1994) Warner
US:
https://amzn.to/3C4o7EP
CAN: https://amzn.to/3tx24mA
UK: https://amzn.to/3yZr1Is
COMMENTS: Framed in the 1940s for the double murder of his wife and her lover,
upstanding banker Andy Dufresne begins a new life at the Shawshank prison, where
he puts his accounting skills to work for an amoral warden. During his long
stretch in prison, Dufresne comes to be admired by the other inmates --
including an older prisoner named Red -- for his integrity and unquenchable
sense of hope.
_______________________________
**Walk on the Wild Side**
[Blu-ray] (Edward Dmytryk, 1962) Sony
US:
https://amzn.to/2VzkTcj
COMMENTS: Dove Linkhorn (Laurence Harvey, The Manchurian Candidate) shows up in
New Orleans with drifter Kitty Twist (Jane Fonda, Barbarella) looking for his
old flame, Hallie (Capucine, The Pink Panther). When Dove finds out that Hallie
works at the Doll House, a bordello run by Jo (Barbara Stanwyck, Double
Indemnity), Dove looks to take her away. But Jo and her cohorts have no
intention of letting their star employee go without a fight. Directed by Edward
Dmytryk (The Caine Mutiny) and featuring title credits designed by the legendary
Saul Bass (Psycho).
_______________________________
LATEST CALENDAR UPDATES:
September 13th, 2021
Fight Night Double Feature: The
Harder They Fall / Requiem for a Heavyweight - Umbrella
https://amzn.to/3tw0Zvj
Santa Fe Trail (Michael
Curtiz, 1940) Warner Archive
https://amzn.to/2X7onDH
**Walk on the Wild Side**
(Edward Dmytryk, 1962) Sony
https://amzn.to/2VzkTcj
______________________________
September 20th, 2021
The Beast (Walerian
Borowczyk, 1975) Arrow US
https://amzn.to/38WjM9p
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film5/blu-ray_reviews_64/the_beast_blu-ray.htm
Dementia 13 (Francis
Ford Coppola, 1963) Artisan / Lionsgate
https://amzn.to/3txnAHO
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/blu-ray_reviews53/dementia_13_blu-ray.htm
Immoral Tales (Walerian
Borowczyk, 1973) Arrow
https://amzn.to/3nna8VT
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film5/blu-ray_reviews_64/immoral_tales_blu-ray.htm
**The Naked Spur**
(Anthony Mann, 1953) Warner Archive
https://amzn.to/3hnsOkA
**Straight Time** (Ulu
Grosbard, 1978) Warner Archive
https://amzn.to/3l8bl0A
______________________________
September 27th, 2021
**A Night at the Opera**
(Sam Wood, 1935) Warner Archive
https://amzn.to/3k2hrjV
______________________________
October 4th, 2021
**Tex Avery Screwball: Vol 3**
- Warner Archive
https://amzn.to/3hpLK2d
______________________________
October 11th, 2021
**Carlito's Way 4K UHD**
(Brian De Palma, 1993) Universal Pictures
https://amzn.to/3hn3MCi
The Dark Eyes of London
(Walter Summers, 1939) RB UK Network
https://amzn.to/3hoFd7U
The Monster (Peter
Sasdy, 1975) RB UK Network
https://amzn.to/2YP5K7V
**Unbreakable 4K UHD**
(M. Night Shyamalan, 2000) UK Walt Disney
https://amzn.to/39eaiH3
**Val Lewton Double Feature**
(Bedlam - 1946 / The Ghost Ship - 1943 ) Warner Archive
https://amzn.to/3lfsNQP
______________________________
October 18th, 2021
**Before the Revolution**
(Bernardo Bertolucci, 1964) Ripleys Home Video
https://amzn.to/3l8vGmg
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/blu-ray_reviews54/before_the_revolution_blu-ray.htm
**Corridor of Mirrors**
(Terence Young, 1948) Cohen Media Group
https://amzn.to/3leke91
**Dragons Forever** (Sammo
Kam-Bo Hung, 1988) RB UK 88 Films
https://amzn.to/2XdLb40
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_121/dragons_forever_blu-ray.htm
**Ingmar Bergman Vol.2**
(Summer Interlude (1951), Waiting Women (1952), Summer with Monika (1953), A
Lesson in Love (1954), Smiles of a Summer Night (1955), The Seventh Seal (1957),
Wild Strawberries (1957), The Magician (1958) - RB UK BFI
https://amzn.to/2X79FvW
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October 25th, 2021
An Angel for Satan (Camillo
Mastrocinque, 1966) Severin Films
https://amzn.to/3hlLQHS
The Assassination Bureau
(Basil Dearden, 1969) Imprint
https://amzn.to/38XEUfs
Black Magic (Gregory
Ratoff, 1949) Classicflix
https://amzn.to/3E5jdIS
Blood for Dracula 4K UHD
(Paul Morrissey, 1974) Severin Films
https://amzn.to/3yXfKIE
Franco Noir (Death
Whistles the Blue, Rififi in the City) Severin Films
https://amzn.to/3lctjPG
The Harry Palmer Collection
(The Ipcress File (1965) Funeral In Berlin (1966), Billion Dollar Brain (1967) -
Imprint
https://amzn.to/3tzw8Oz
The Howling 4K UHD (Joe
Dante, 1981) UK Studiocanal
https://amzn.to/38YMfeX
A Reflection of Fear
(William A. Fraker, 1972) Imprint
https://amzn.to/3npboYM
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November 1st, 2021
**Fantastic Mr. Fox**
(Wes Anderson, 2009) Criterion UK
https://amzn.to/3liTiVk
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDReviews50/fantastic_mr_fox_blu-ray.htm
In the Shadow of Hollywood -
Highlights From Poverty Row - Flicker Alley
https://amzn.to/2XeXPQQ
**Indiana Jones 4-Movie
Collection 4K UHD** Limited Edition Steelbook - Paramount
https://amzn.to/3twkJyX
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November 8th, 2021
The Designated Victim
(Maurizio Lucidi, 1971) Mondo Macabro
https://amzn.to/3liiKdE
The Hills Have Eyes 4K UHD
(Wes Craven, 1977) Arrow US
https://amzn.to/3k2pWeP
The Hills Have Eyes 4K UHD
(Wes Craven, 1977) Arrow UK
https://amzn.to/3nj8XXA
It's Nothing Mama, Just a Game
(José María Forqué, 1974) Mondo Macabro
https://amzn.to/38Ym485
**The Outsiders**
(Francis Ford Coppola, 1983) UK Studiocanal
https://amzn.to/3hoIvbg
**The Outsiders 4K UHD**
(Francis Ford Coppola, 1983) UK Studiocanal
https://amzn.to/2VwA8CC
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November 15th, 2021
M. Butterfly (David
Cronenberg, 1993) Shout! Factory
https://amzn.to/3z2woGR
**Mothra** (Ishirô
Honda, 1961) RB UK Masters of Cinema
https://amzn.to/3l8wXKg
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_131/mothra_blu-ray.htm
**Ragtime** (Milos
Forman, 1981) Paramount
https://amzn.to/2Vx1KYj
**Vanilla Sky**
(Cameron Crowe, 2001) Paramount
https://amzn.to/3k24A13
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film5/blu-ray_reviews_67/vanilla_sky_blu-ray.htm
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November 22nd, 2021
**Citizen Kane** (Orson
Welles, 1941) Criterion
https://amzn.to/391pAP0
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/dvdcompare/citizenkane.htm
**The Great Silence**
(Sergio Corbucci, 1968) RB UK Masters of Cinema
https://amzn.to/3nnRBbT
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCompare4/great_silence_blu-ray.htm
**Menace II Society**
(Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes, 1993) Criterion
https://amzn.to/3913hcc
**The Thin Red Line**
(Terrence Malick, 1998) Criterion UK
https://amzn.to/3k2eBLx
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDReviews37/thin_red_line.htm
**Uncut Gems** (Benny
Safdie, Josh Safdie, 2019) Criterion
https://amzn.to/3BXap5O
**Uncut Gems 4K UHD**
(Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie, 2019) Criterion
https://amzn.to/3jZhnRU
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November 29th, 2021
**Mill of the Stone Women**
(Giorgio Ferroni, 1960) Arrow US
https://amzn.to/2VE5Yxy
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film6/blu-ray_reviews_80/mill_of_the_stone_women_blu-ray.htm
**Mill of the Stone Women**
(Giorgio Ferroni, 1960) Arrow UK
https://amzn.to/2VwFU7g
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film6/blu-ray_reviews_80/mill_of_the_stone_women_blu-ray.htm
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December 13th, 2021
**The Sherlock Holmes Vault
Collection** (Disc 1: The Fatal Hour (1931), The Triumph of Sherlock
Holmes (1935), Silver Blaze (1937), A Study in Scarlet (1933) Film Detective
https://amzn.to/3nnYMkp
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REVIEWS / COMPARISONS:
Jerzy Kawalerowicz's "The Devil
in Maddalena" Blu-ray - Lisa Gastoni
US:
https://amzn.to/38VLvHg
CAN: https://amzn.to/2X6rwDo
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/jerzy-devil-in-56006580
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/the_devil_in_maddalena_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Jerzy Kawalerowicz's "The Devil in Maddalena" is an obscure film.
Jerzy is the director of Mother Joan of Angels. While the two films have
strident differences Maddalena also references 'demonic possession'... although
only in the poster advertisements - not the story. I like Lisa Gastoni (Wild,
Wild, Planet, Seduction, Wrong Number) - she frequently with a sexual tone to
her roles. NY Times Roger Greenspun hits the nail on the head stating that the
film has overly long scenes in which very little transpires. It seems we are
being given a hesitant glimpse in Maddalena's psychology; the relationship with
her mother, her confused sexuality, desirous obsessions with her past etc. I
couldn't help but get the feeling that The Devil in Maddalena had a conflict
between arthouse and, not fully realized, sexploitation (there is mild nudity)
incorporating a salacious title as a marketing afterthought. Although only 35
years old at production Miss Gastoni was past the latter. Her beautiful visage
was still a potent cinematic force for her though yet it can only ponderously
carry the film to an unsatisfying conclusion. The One 7 Movies Blu-ray offers a
bare-bones package of a rarity - with notable director and actress. Perhaps
Euro-centric fans can find appeal in the less-spoken expressions of The Devil in
Maddalena.
_________________
**Carl Reiner's "Dead
Men Don't Wear Plaid"** Blu-ray - Steve Martin @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/2TTKRWU
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/carl-reiners-men-55998510
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_159/dead_men_dont_wear_plaid_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Carl Reiner's Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid is for Noir aficionados who
can't get enough. It's a wonderful 'drinking game' identifying the referenced
clips as well as seeing so many of the great 'dark cinema' stars of the past.
It's pure fun coupled with nostalgia. Steve Martin and Rachel Ward are perfect
to fit into the addictive post-modernist cycle homage with incredible costumes,
the monochrome, the 40's style sets etc.. Finally, the film gets it deserved
home theater edition via the Kino Blu-ray which has a high-end transfer, a fun,
revealing commentary and appealing packaging. A very easy recommendation!
_________________
**Yves Boisset's "The
French Conspiracy"** Blu-ray - Jean-Louis Trintignant
@CODEREDDVD @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/3jUB2Ci
CAN: https://amzn.to/3z2UalP
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/yves-boissets-55994597
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/the_french_conspiracy_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Yves Boisset's The French Conspiracy is an excellent
political-crime-thriller. It has a veritable 'who's who' of French stars;
unflinching Jean-Louis Trintignant, intense Michel Piccoli, loyal Jean Seberg,
Michel Bouquet (bourgeois lawyer), Philippe Noiret (TV exec.) etc. - and throw
in a DUBB'ed Roy Scheider! - They just need Belmondo (RIP), Jean Gabin and Lino
Ventura. It's a shame there wasn't a commentary instead of the largely
superfluous English DUB version. It is loosely based on the Ben Barka Affair -
the Moroccan politician was an opponent of French Imperialism and King Hassan
II, and he was "disappeared" in Paris in 1965. It was strongly referenced, in
the film, that he was murdered (assassinated) via a complicit CIA. It was
eventually determined, in 2018, to be Moroccan agents and French police, who
covertly disposed of his body. The French Conspiracy was entered into the 8th
Moscow International Film Festival where it won the Silver Prize. It stays at an
even keel with no easily identifiable heroes - they all look to have some
villainous corruption with Trintignant being the least susceptible. The script
was penned by Jorge Semprun - who wrote Costa-Gavras' Z - of which The French
Conspiracy frequently evokes. I was very impressed with the film and the,
essentially bare-bones, Code Red Blu-ray allowed me to see it in 1080P. The film
is strongly recommended!
_________________
David Nelson's "Death Screams"
Blu-ray - Susan Kiger @ArrowFilmsVideo
US:
https://amzn.to/3jU0jwE
UK: https://amzn.to/38QzNhq
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/david-nelsons-55928717
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/death_screams_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Following the success of similar teen-slasher-horror flics that came
before it (the first two Halloweens, Happy Birthday to Me, Prom Night etc.
etc.), Ozzie and Harriet-fame, David Nelson's Death Scream seems a bit 'standard
fare' coming out the same year as The Forest - which I would recommend above it.
What interested me about the film was how banal it was for the first half -
identifying multiple, perhaps too many, characters - and then it escalates via a
drastic turn to graphic deaths, eventual, awkward, nudity and opportunistic
terror tropes ("Let's go to the cemetery".) Frankly, I was expecting more from
Susan Kiger's (Seven) exposed bareness and eroticism as represented by
marquee-level exploitation enticement. Death Scream seems slap-dash effort
suffering from poor pacing - it kind of vaults right into 'it' instead a
persistent 'build' transition. Unlike the film, the Arrow Blu-ray is above
reproach with a max'ed out, 24-bit a/v transfer, two commentaries, documentary,
booklet and more. I suggest the film may have extensive nostalgic value for a
small niche of genre aficionados. It's not horrendous - just flawed - bit that
can be appealing for some. Fans may appreciate the extensive Arrow Blu-ray
package.
_________________
**Claude Chabrol's "Bluebeard"**
Blu-ray - Michèle Morgan / Charles Denner @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/3yUH5v9
CAN: https://amzn.to/3yXv5c2
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/claude-chabrols-55915164
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/bluebeard_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Claude Chabrol's Bluebeard is a strange film - uniquely differing from
other films about serial killers - focusing on complex and lesser-explained
details, symbolism and innuendos of eroticism - ex. the flower representing and
stroked like a vagina, oral sex by bending over and eating raspberries out of
his hand as well as other subtleties. After listening to Kat Ellinger, I
understand significantly more about the history that Bluebeard is based, the
authenticity, the curiosities of the subtext - giving me a more appreciated
viewing experience. I had never seen this Chabrol's Bluebeard and am glad I did
- despite the inherent weakness of the Kino Blu-ray video that may reflect on
why it has not reached this format previously. Fans keen on the history of the
subject and Chabrol-completists should indulge.
_________________
**Claude Chabrol's "Blue
Panther"** Blu-ray - Marie Laforêt @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/3BMGOw0
CAN: https://amzn.to/3zRMZyp
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/claude-chabrols-55883628
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/blue_panther_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: I found Claude Chabrol's Blue Panther very intriguing - much less a
comedy than I was anticipating and more a stylish, serious, master-criminal
thriller - touching occasional 'spoof status' . It has an impressively strong
female lead of Marie-Chantal. I wish it was a series with Marie Laforêt. It's
unique in a few regards certainly also evoking memories of films beyond this
euro-centric genre. The Kino Blu-ray has the "4K Restoration from the Original
Camera Negative" providing the best appearance the film is likely to ever get in
this format, 24-bit audio and an expert commentary. We, absolutely, recommend!
_________________
**Stanley Donen's "Arabesque"**
Blu-ray - Gregory Peck / Sophia Loren @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/3l0OzI0
CAN: https://amzn.to/3BO8UXA
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/stanley-donens-55842599
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_159/arabesque_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Arabesque is a Donen visual extravagance - heavier on style than
absorbing plot point specifics with many adventurous camera angles and inventive
shots. Sophia Loren is her usual sexy, hypnotic self and Peck is strong as the
academic egghead with some street sense - as they both navigate to safety. The
Kino Blu-ray is a keeper - such a visual eye-candy film and secondary - also a
pleasing, sometimes intense, thriller - looking and sounding great with an
in-depth commentary and other extras including the desirable package. Strongly
recommended!
_________________
**Lucio Fulci's "The
Psychic"** Blu-ray - Jennifer O'Neill @ShamelessFilms
UK:
https://amzn.to/36tkTMQ
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/lucio-fulcis-blu-55836570
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film6/blu-ray_reviews_77/the_psychic_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Like Hermie, I've always had a huge crush on Jennifer O'Neill and
could watch her in anything (always wanted to see more of her in Scanners).
Ditto for Fulci's films that have their own style. It is kind of amusing how
many extreme close-ups of O'Neill's eyes there are every time she has a psychic
impression. Fulci, and Giallo, fans will be enticed by the video upgrade and new
extras - plus the attractive case. I was very pleased to watch this again via
the Shameless Blu-ray. Absolutely recommended and many may consider a
double-dip!
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http://www.dvdbeaver.com