DVDBeaver Newsletter
for the Week of September 20th, 2021
http://www.dvdbeaver.com
THIS WEEK RELEASES
include; Stanley Kubrick, John Carpenter and Joseph Losey in 4K UHD, slumming
Francis Ford Coppola, Nicholas Ray gold, Anthony Mann gem, Steven Martin does
Noir, Johnnie To's best, David Janssen + Jean Seberg western, Dustin Hoffman
Neo-Noir brilliance, Joe Don Baker in Hong Kong, Burt finds the Missing Link,
double Walerian Borowczyk, F.B.I. and Scotland Yard battle sabotage, sexy Amy
Yip, a grindy Drive-in Double Feature, and Ruth Roman essential Noir... ...
THIS WEEK's CALENDAR UPDATES
- (repeated): 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:
Much of the above and 5X Criterion with Basketball love, an iconic shrinking
man, Bogie/Lupino Essential Noir, Bob Hoskins Neo-Noir in the dark heart of the
London underworld, and a prolific Hong Kong auteur. Add Giallo with Carroll
Baker and a must-own 4K UHD plus more...
Enjoy,
Gary
Criterion 50% OFF SALE
is still going:
https://amzn.to/3dHXUl7
RELEASES the WEEK of September
20th, 2021 (Recommended titles have "**")
**The Beast** [Blu-ray]
(Walerian Borowczyk, 1975) Arrow US
US:
https://amzn.to/38WjM9p
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film5/blu-ray_reviews_64/the_beast_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Bestial dreams interrupt the venal plans of a French aristocrat
attempting to save a crumbling mansion by marrying off his deformed son,
Mathurin, to a insatiable American heiress, Lucy. Yet Mathurin seems more
interested in his horses than in his bride-to-be, and when Lucy finds out about
the story of his 18th-century ancestor Romilda's (Sirpa Lane) relationship with
the titular beast it sparks to life one of the most outrageous dream sequences
in cinema history.
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**A Clockwork Orange [4K UHD
Blu-ray]** (Stanley Kubrick, 1971) Warner US
US:
https://amzn.to/3yk1SbM
CAN: https://amzn.to/3AjYa2Z
COMMENTS: Directed, written and produced by Kubrick, the film stars Malcolm
McDowell as Alex DeLarge, Warren Clarke, James Marcus and Michael Tarn as his
droogs, Patrick Magee and Michael Bates. In 2020, the United States Library of
Congress selected A Clockwork Orange for preservation in the National Film
Registry, finding it “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
The 4K restoration was conducted by Warner Bros.’ Motion Picture Imaging (MPI).
Kubrick’s former right-hand man Leon Vitali and the Kubrick Estate worked
closely with the team at Warner Bros. during the mastering process.
_______________________
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!
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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.
_______________________
Dementia 13 [Blu-ray]
(Francis Ford Coppola, 1963) Artisan / Lionsgate
US:
https://amzn.to/3txnAHO
ALT-BEAVER REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/blu-ray_reviews53/dementia_13_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: A young Francis Coppola was given the job of directing this moody
low-budget chiller after begging producer Roger Corman... for the opportunity to
reuse the sets for another film which Corman was shooting in Ireland. The story
centers on the dysfunctional Haloran family, who live in a state of perpetual
sorrow in a spooky Irish castle. Still mourning the death of her young daughter
Kathleen -- who drowned in the lake seven years ago -- Lady Haloran (Ethne Dunn)
tortures herself regularly by visiting the girl's grave (when she's not
shrieking and collapsing in anguish every five minutes).
_______________________
Duel to the Death
[Blu-ray] (Siu-Tung Ching, 1983) RB UK Eureka
UK:
https://amzn.to/3gJZB2d
COMMENTS: very ten years, a duel is held between the finest Japanese and Chinese
martial artists to determine whose Swordsmanship is superior. During the Ming
Dynasty, as the next duel approaches, the chosen candidates are caught in the
middle of a battle between Ninjas and Shaolin monks. Only a Duel to the Death
will settle the countries’ conflicts and stop the bloodshed. Known for his
classic film, A Chinese Ghost Story, as well as for directing Tsui Hark’s the
Swordsman saga, this debut feature from director Ching Siu-tung is filled with
dazzling visuals and astonishing martial arts choreography (also by Ching
Siu-tung, who would later choreograph the action sequences for Zhang Yimou’s
acclaimed wuxia triptych; Hero, House of Flying Daggers, and Curse of the Golden
Flower), Duel to the Death comes to Blu-Ray for the first time in the UK from a
brand new 2K restoration.
_______________________
The Dungeon Of Andy Milligan
Collection [Blu-ray] (The Ghastly Ones, The Body Beneath, Torture
Dungeon, Bloodthirsty Butchers, The Curse of the Full Moon, The Werewolves are
Here!, Party Sequence, Legacy of Blood , Legacy of Horror, Fleshpot on 42nd
Street, Carnage / Blood, The Bearded Lady's Wake) Severin
US:
https://amzn.to/3ljBIAV
CAN: https://amzn.to/2ZbXqiO
COMMENTS: Severin Films proudly presents the cranium-cleaving collection devoted
to writer/actor/director Andy Milligan on 8 Blu-rays featuring 14 surviving
films from his NYC and London years, 10+ hours of trailers, outtakes, interviews
& audio commentaries, a bonus CD and an all-new 128-page book by Stephen Thrower
that explores the profane madness behind it all.
_______________________
Robert Clouse's "Golden Needles"
Blu-ray - Joe Don Baker @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/39bhyDe
CAN: https://amzn.to/396JmbR
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/robert-clouses-56192648
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/golden_needles_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Robert Clouse's Golden Needles is an unusually crafted film. It's an
American International release 'presented' by Samuel Z. Arkoff. While not the
most effective 'adventure-thriller', it sure has an interesting premise and
starts with this narration: "In China, during the Sung Dynasty, a single golden
statue was cast for the use of the Emperor. It indicated-seven forbidden
acupuncture points. Used in correct sequence, they brought about extraordinary
sexual vigor and youth. Used incorrectly, they brought instant and painful
death." It is surrounded by Asian mystique and is a comfortable, sometimes
humorous, viewing. The Kino Blu-ray is done to the '9's' with commentary and
intriguing packaging. Curious fans may wish to indulge.
_______________________
**Immoral Tales**
[Blu-ray] (Walerian Borowczyk, 1973) Arrow
US:
https://amzn.to/3nna8VT
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film5/blu-ray_reviews_64/immoral_tales_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Walerian Borowczyk’s first erotic feature tells four stories, each
delving back further in time, as if to suggest that the same issues recur
constantly throughout human civilization, whether involving notorious historical
figures like Lucrezia Borgia and Erzsébet Báthory, or present-day teenagers.
Immoral Tales would transform Borowczyk’s image from brilliant but obscure
avant-garde artist to one of Europe’s most confrontational filmmakers.
_______________________
International Lady
[Blu-ray] (Tim Whelan, 1941) Classicflix
US:
https://amzn.to/3fiMsgE
COMMENTS: With Britain in the thick of World War II, and America on the verge,
air power is vital to the cause of freedom. But when a ring of saboteurs is
thought to be interfering with the flow of American airplanes to the U.K., FBI
agent Tim Hanley (George Brent) and his Scotland Yard counterpart Reggie Oliver
(Basil Rathbone) are called upon to work together to expose the Nazi threat to
liberty.
_______________________
**Johnny Guitar**
[Blu-ray] (Nicholas Ray, 1954) RB UK Masters of Cinema
UK:
https://amzn.to/3iYodH4
ALT-BEAVER REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film5/blu-ray_reviews_73/johnny_guitar_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Joan Crawford (Mildred Pierce) plays Vienna, a saloon owner with a
sordid past. Persecuted by the townspeople, Vienna must protect her life and her
property when a lynch mob led by her sexually repressed rival, Emma Small
(Mercedes McCambridge; All The King’s Men), attempts to frame her for a string
of robberies she did not commit. Enter Johnny Guitar (Sterling Hayden; Dr.
Strangelove: or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb), a
guitar-strumming ex-gunfighter who has a history with Vienna. Mis-understood by
US audiences upon release, the filmwas embraced by European cineastes and is now
regarded as one of the greatest western pictures of all time. An intensely
stylised masterpiece from director Nicholas Ray, Johnny Guitar makes its UK
debut on Blu-ray as part of the Masters of Cinema series.
_______________________
Gina Prince-Bythewood's **"Love
& Basketball"** Blu-ray - Sanaa Lathan @Criterion
US:
https://amzn.to/39g0OL5
CAN: https://amzn.to/39gXbVl
UK: https://amzn.to/3C0yObD
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/gina-prince-love-56322083
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/love_and_basketball_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Gina Prince-Bythewood's Love & Basketball is a wonderful film - I was
surprised at how much I enjoyed it. It is beautifully realized with honest
elements of failure, defeat, success, overcoming adversity, striving to achieve
and romance intersecting with sport. It works very well. Joyful with solid
performances. An odd choice for a Criterion Blu-ray until you see the film and
indulge in the revealing supplements. Strongly recommended!
_______________________
Bernard L. Kowalski's **"Macho
Callahan"** Blu-ray - David Janssen @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/2XthBIk
CAN: https://amzn.to/3nIbquL
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/bernard-l-macho-56231369
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/macho_callahan_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Bernard L. Kowalski's Macho Callahan has favorite David Janssen
playing the least sympathetic western character of all time (as Alex Cox relates
in the commentary.) Janssen's Macho is brutal - graphically assaulting heroine
Seberg's Alexandra as she seeks vengeance over her husband's death. I suspect
this shocking scene was responsible for much of the film's negative critical
reaction. She then falls for him in what must be a kind of 'Stockholm Syndrome'
circumstance. I wasn't deterred as I am a big David Janssen fan and loved his
enigmatic expression of Macho. Macho Callahan is very Italianate expressing many
of the Pasta western eccentricities (obtuse camera close-ups, coffin with
dynamite etc..) Western genre fans should give this Kino Blu-ray a spin. It's a
better film than is 'rated' and the Alex Cox commentary is pure gold. There is a
lot unspoken in Macho Callahan and that gives it reflection and repeat
view-ability.
_______________________
Masquerade [Blu-ray]
(Bob Swaim, 1988) Kino
US:
https://amzn.to/3hXD4iS
CAN: https://amzn.to/3AqfC62
COMMENTS: Rob Lowe, Meg Tilly and Kim Cattrall ignite the screen in this
sexually charged mystery about a wealthy woman who falls for the wrong man.
Olivia (Tilly) seems to have it all: good looks, good breeding and a
two-hundred-million-dollar fortune. But behind the serene façade of her
Easthampton seaside estate, something is missing: passion. Enter Tim (Lowe), the
sexy sailing instructor and playboy who’s not ashamed of sleeping with his boss’
insatiable wife (Cattrall) or social climbing for sport. And when he sets his
sights on Olivia, she falls under the seductive spell of this handsome stranger,
unaware that he has his eye on more than just her beauty—and his mind on
something unimaginable!
_______________________
Monster Hunter [4K UHD Blu-ray]
(Paul W.S. Anderson, 2020) Sony UK
UK:
https://amzn.to/2Waug1W
COMMENTS: Behind our world, there is another: a world of dangerous and powerful
monsters that rule their domain with deadly ferocity. When an unexpected
sandstorm transports Captain Artemis (Milla Jovovich) and her unit (TI Harris,
Meagan Good, Diego Boneta) to a new world, the soldiers are shocked to discover
that this hostile and unknown environment is home to enormous and terrifying
monsters immune to their firepower. In their desperate battle for survival, the
unit encounters the mysterious Hunter (Tony Jaa), whose unique skills allow him
to stay one step ahead of the powerful creatures. As Artemis and Hunter slowly
build trust, she discovers that he is part of a team led by the Admiral (Ron
Perlman). Facing a danger so great it could threaten to destroy their world, the
brave warriors combine their unique abilities to band together for the ultimate
showdown.
_______________________
**The Naked Spur**
[Blu-ray] (Anthony Mann, 1953) Warner Archive
US:
https://amzn.to/3hnsOkA
COMMENTS: The third Mann/Stewart Western was the simplest yet most effective of
their collaborations, with the actor giving one of his most hysterical
performances as a bounty hunter driven by naked greed. Unable to capture and
bring back outlaw Ryan without help, Stewart enlists old-timer Mitchell and
dishonourably discharged cavalryman Meeker. But having captured Ryan - who, they
discover, is looking after a friend's young daughter (Leigh) - the ill-matched
trio are played off against one another by the manipulative Ryan. Through
strong, clear story-telling and tremendous use of landscape, Mann infuses the
familiar scenario with a remarkable psychological complexity.
_______________________
Pufnstuf [Blu-ray]
(Hollingsworth Morse, 1970) Code Red
US:
https://amzn.to/3ANU6IN
CAN: https://amzn.to/2XHoplV
COMMENTS: From Land of The Lost producers, Sid & Marty Krofft, comes a family
comedy filled with mirth, magic and music. After a bad day at school, Jimmy runs
to the shore to play his flute, but he can't believe his eyes when his ordinary
flute comes to life! When a magical talking boat appears, he boards the ship
only to discover that it has been sent by an evil witch named Witchiepoo to keep
him prisoner and take his flute. It's up to the fantastic dragon H.R. Pufnstuf
and his comical companions, Cling and Clang, to come to the rescue in an
adventure beyond anyone's wildest imagination.
_______________________
**Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky**
[Blu-ray] (Simon Nam, 1991) RB UK 88 Films
UK:
https://amzn.to/3fcuwEw
COMMENTS: Director Lam Ngai Kai (Erotic Ghost Story/Saga of the Phoenix), brings
us a tour de force story of incarceration and injustice laced with super charged
action sequences and mounting prison-based tension. Set in the year 2001, where
all correctional facilities have been privatised, martial artist Ricky finds
himself victim to the corrupt system when he is found guilty of the manslaughter
of an infamous crime boss. Once in jail he must fight for his own survival when
he is thrown into a world of enemies vying for his blood. Based on the Japanese
Manga by Masahiko Takajo and Tetsuya Saruwatari, this cinematic adaptation also
follows closely in the footsteps of a host brutal prison dramas like Brute Force
(1947), Escape from Alcatraz (1979) and Scum (1979) but of course it’s all
delivered with a distinctive Hong Kong style powerhouse punch.
_______________________
Robotrix [Blu-ray]
(Jamie Luk, 1991) RB UK 88 Films
UK:
https://amzn.to/3eajijy
COMMENTS: From the heady days of early 90s Hong Kong exploitation cinema comes
Robotrix, a hi-octane, fast and furious science fiction romp, packed with
glorious action sequences and bonkers plotlines. When evil inventor Ryuichi
Sakamato (Chung Lin) transfers his mind into that of a powerful cyborg, he
becomes a murderer and rapist. But when one of his victims, Police officer
Selena Lin (Chikako Aoyama) becomes super robot Eve-27, she teams up with
android sidekick Ann (Amy Yip) and together they seek to bring the criminally
insane scientist to justice. Like a crazy mix of The Terminator (1981), The
Power Rangers and of course, Robocop (1987) Robotrix, combines the mad doctor
movie with extreme martial arts to deliver a sexy, seductive, bionic tale of
lust and violence given a uniquely Asian futuristic spin.
_______________________
Secrets Of Sweet Sixteen + Wacky
Taxi [Blu-ray] (Drive-in Double Feature #11) - Dark Force Entertainment
US:
https://amzn.to/3oJAgsD
CAN: https://amzn.to/3CmdJYu
COMMENTS: SECRETS OF SWEET SIXTEEN (1972): An erotic anthology revolving around
young women and their sexual escapades. WACKY TAXI (1973): A man names Pepper
(John Astin, The Addams Family) unsatisfied in his job decides to start a taxi
service.
_______________________
**The Servant** (Joseph
Losey, 1963) RB UK Studiocanal
4K UHD UK:
https://amzn.to/3k4QsVk
Blu-ray UK: https://amzn.to/3yITNgO
ALT-BEAVER REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCompare3/theservant.htm
COMMENTS: A stunning new 4K restoration of Joseph Loseys 1963 masterpiece The
Servant. Adapted from Robin Maugham's short story, The Servant marked the first
of three collaborations between Joseph Losey and celebrated playwright Harold
Pinter. Nominated for five BAFTA 's and winning three, including best actor for
Dirk Bogarde and Best Cinematography for Douglas Slocombe, The Servant is
notable for its ambitious technique and its willingness to engage with issues
that were, at the time, never seen in British cinema.
_______________________
**Gordon Douglas's "Skullduggery"**
Blu-ray - Burt Reynolds @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/3tJQx3o
CAN: https://amzn.to/3tIsf9W
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/gordon-douglass-56198740
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/skullduggery_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Gordon Douglas's Skullduggery is surprisingly shocking, has a
fascinating premise, moral and exploitation themes and even a courtroom drama
that has elements disclosing impregnating Topazia (singer Pat Suzuki) one of the
Tropis 'missing links'. It has quite a strong cast - always great to see Burt
Reynolds (RIP), sexy Susan Clark - with minor players including Edward Fox,
Wilfrid Hyde-White, Rhys Williams etc. It really deserved revisitation after
50-years and the Kino Blu-ray provides a strong presentation and fascinatingly
revealing group commentary. Absolutely recommended!
_______________________
**Noriaki Yuasa's "The
Snake Girl and the Silver-Haired Witch"** Blu-ray -
Yachie Matsui @ArrowFilmsVideo
US:
https://amzn.to/3zDPILK
UK: https://amzn.to/3yyxwln
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/noriaki-yuasas-55673351
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/the_snake_girl_and_the_silver-haired_witch_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Noriaki Yuasa's The Snake Girl and the Silver-Haired Witch is not
really a children's film at all, although the innocent and good-natured daughter
is the brunt of much of the movie's terror. It has modest, but effective special
effects and a well-established, if odd, mystery playing upon a child's fears
(including adults.) It worked for me and I would NOT judge this as a comedy as
IMDb puts as one of the genres. The Kalat commentary really helped me appreciate
the film - ditto for the Davisson interview. The Arrow Blu-ray of The Snake Girl
and the Silver-Haired Witch is a fascinating viewing for cinephiles keen on the
Japanese culture and 60's horror from that country. Another great package from
Arrow with excellent supplements. Absolutely recommended!
_______________________
**Straight Time**
[Blu-ray] (Ulu Grosbard, 1978) Warner Archive
US:
https://amzn.to/3l8bl0A
COMMENTS: Hard-bitten crime thriller with a moral: make an ex-con feel like an
ex-con, and he'll be back to his old tricks with a stocking and a jemmy before
you can say recidivist. Hoffman is the troubled Max, just released from San
Quentin; Walsh is the sadistic parole officer; Busey is another old lag whose
incompetence brings the central criminal plot to a halt; Russell is a young
secretary who attempts to find Max a steady job. The film's conclusion meanders
into conventional heist-gone-wrong territory, but the first act, in which Max
fails to re-enter normal society, is a fresh and brilliant study of urban
alienation.
_______________________
Suburbia [Blu-ray]
(Penelope Spheeris, 1983) RB UK 101 Films
UK:
https://amzn.to/3kb7PSx
COMMENTS: 101 Films presents Penelope Spheeris' searing drama Suburbia (1983),
title 021 on the 101 Films Black Label. Starring real-life punks rather than
trained actors, and featuring live performances from punk bands D.I., T.S.O.L.
and the Vandals, Suburbia is an authentic and compassionate study of the Los
Angeles punk rock scene in the early 1980s, and a bleak indictment of the
American suburban experiment. Extras include a brand new, 30-minute interview
with director Penelope Spheeris.
_______________________
**John Carpenter's "The Thing"
4K UHD** - Kurt Russell
US:
https://amzn.to/3klkELx
CAN: https://amzn.to/3lApaoS
UK: https://amzn.to/2XvDrdR
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/john-carpenters-56313678
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/the_thing_4K_UHD.htm
COMMENTS: Universal's 4K UHD release of John Carpenter's "The Thing" is a
must-own for new adopters - even if to compare to the out-of-print Arrow
Blu-ray... seeing for yourself the resolution increase and how it effects the
viewing presentation. Colors can be debated ad-nauseam, this looks 'right'. In
my opinion it is a highly notable upgrade and the film's status continues to
elevate having been initially criticized for the excessive special effects, no
women in the cast and being hindered by being released at the same time as, the
family film, Spielberg's E.T. Howard Hawks died 5 years before Carpenter's
remake and I often wonder what his reaction would have been to this. There was a
prequel also called "The Thing", not a remake, made in 2011 reviewed on Blu-ray.
The story opens three days before the Carpenter film and moves forward so that
the conclusion of this tale dovetails with the opening of the 1982 production.
It's okay but forgettable never to reach the status of this one. The price of
this 4K UHD is another enticement as it is very reasonable. There is immense
value here for fans of John Carpenter's "The Thing". Go for it.
_______________________
Johnnie To's **"Throw
Down"** Blu-ray - Aaron Kwok @Criterion
US:
https://amzn.to/3dgzfnC
CAN: https://amzn.to/3zhubHI
UK (Masters of Cinema):
https://amzn.to/2Xz28Uo
MoC BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/johnnie-tos-down-37921233
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_125/throw_down_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: The Criterion has the best HD presentation (small uptick in video and
robust surround sound) but I loved the Masters of Cinema commentaries -
particularly the new (2020) one by Frank Djeng. So they both have value. I
thoroughly enjoyed Throw Down and can see why it is Johnnie To's personal
favorite. It's not a full-on martial arts film - which probably conflicted with
some viewers expectations, but it deals more with dreams, desires, achieving
goals, being trapped by your circumstances etc. There are humanist subtexts that
are very much in line with Kurosawa's cinema. I also loved the full use of the
2.35:1 frame by DoP Cheng Siu Keung. There is plenty to enjoy about Throw Down
which shows the director's versatility, and subtle implementation of his craft.
Both Blu-rays are recommended!
_______________________
**The Window**
[Blu-ray] (Ted Tetzlaff, 1949) Warner Archive
US:
https://amzn.to/2UAn66D
COMMENTS: In Ian McEwan's telling comment, 'low-budget films, enforce good
behavior'; the best of RKO's post-war thrillers and social dramas thrived on
this notion. Tetzlaff's tense movie - from a story by Woolrich - marks a
variation on the boy who cried wolf (once too often). Here the boy is an
over-imaginative kid whose working-class parents are driven to distraction by
his stories. But one night he witnesses a murder. No one believes him, but the
killers get to hear of it and decide to kill him. The chase and the climax are
brilliantly handled against suitably authentic New York backgrounds.
_______________________________
LATEST CALENDAR UPDATES:
September 27th, 2021
**A Night at the Opera**
(Sam Wood, 1935) Warner Archive
https://amzn.to/3k2hrjV
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October 4th, 2021
**Tex Avery Screwball: Vol 3**
- Warner Archive
https://amzn.to/3hpLK2d
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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
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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:
**Gina
Prince-Bythewood's "Love & Basketball"**
Blu-ray - Sanaa Lathan @Criterion
US:
https://amzn.to/39g0OL5
CAN: https://amzn.to/39gXbVl
UK: https://amzn.to/3C0yObD
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/gina-prince-love-56322083
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/love_and_basketball_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Gina Prince-Bythewood's Love & Basketball is a wonderful film - I was
surprised at how much I enjoyed it. It is beautifully realized with honest
elements of failure, defeat, success, overcoming adversity, striving to achieve
and romance intersecting with sport. It works very well. Joyful with solid
performances. An odd choice for a Criterion Blu-ray until you see the film and
indulge in the revealing supplements. Strongly recommended!
_________________________
**John Carpenter's "The Thing"
4K UHD** - Kurt Russell
US:
https://amzn.to/3klkELx
CAN: https://amzn.to/3lApaoS
UK: https://amzn.to/2XvDrdR
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/john-carpenters-56313678
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/the_thing_4K_UHD.htm
COMMENTS: Universal's 4K UHD release of John Carpenter's "The Thing" is a
must-own for new adopters - even if to compare to the out-of-print Arrow
Blu-ray... seeing for yourself the resolution increase and how it effects the
viewing presentation. Colors can be debated ad-nauseam, this looks 'right'. In
my opinion it is a highly notable upgrade and the film's status continues to
elevate having been initially criticized for the excessive special effects, no
women in the cast and being hindered by being released at the same time as, the
family film, Spielberg's E.T. Howard Hawks died 5 years before Carpenter's
remake and I often wonder what his reaction would have been to this. There was a
prequel also called "The Thing", not a remake, made in 2011 reviewed on Blu-ray.
The story opens three days before the Carpenter film and moves forward so that
the conclusion of this tale dovetails with the opening of the 1982 production.
It's okay but forgettable never to reach the status of this one. The price of
this 4K UHD is another enticement as it is very reasonable. There is immense
value here for fans of John Carpenter's "The Thing". Go for it.
_________________________
**Eugenio Martín's "The
Fourth Victim"** Blu-ray - Carroll Baker @SeverinFilms
US:
https://amzn.to/3lBpq6O
CAN: https://amzn.to/2VMy0H0
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/eugenio-martins-56272981
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/the_fourth_victim_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Eugenio Martín's The Fourth Victim is another of Carroll Baker's
Italian 70's thrillers flirting in the Giallo discussion with many desirable
genre conventions. It is rarely seen and not part of the conversation with
murder in the offing but minimal Baker cheesecake or graphic content. It has
desirable inventive camera usage (peeking through stair railings, writing on
windows, sunglass reflections etc.) higher on mystery than psychological
nail-biting. I enjoyed it being big on sexy Carroll Baker and pleased to see
studly, dashing, Michael Craig of less-recognizable Mysterious Island fame.
Euro-genre and Baker completists fans will want to indulge in the Severin
Blu-ray. There is certainly value here for those who can't get enough Giallo.
_________________________
**Johnnie To's "Throw
Down"** Blu-ray - Aaron Kwok @Criterion
US:
https://amzn.to/3dgzfnC
CAN: https://amzn.to/3zhubHI
UK (Masters of Cinema):
https://amzn.to/2Xz28Uo
MoC BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/johnnie-tos-down-37921233
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film9/blu-ray_review_125/throw_down_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: The Criterion has the best HD presentation (small uptick in video and
robust surround sound) but I loved the Masters of Cinema commentaries -
particularly the new (2020) one by Frank Djeng. So they both have value. I
thoroughly enjoyed Throw Down and can see why it is Johnnie To's personal
favorite. It's not a full-on martial arts film - which probably conflicted with
some viewers expectations, but it deals more with dreams, desires, achieving
goals, being trapped by your circumstances etc. There are humanist subtexts that
are very much in line with Kurosawa's cinema. I also loved the full use of the
2.35:1 frame by DoP Cheng Siu Keung. There is plenty to enjoy about Throw Down
which shows the director's versatility, and subtle implementation of his craft.
Both Blu-rays are recommended!
_________________________
**Bernard L. Kowalski's
"Macho Callahan"** Blu-ray - David Janssen @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/2XthBIk
CAN: https://amzn.to/3nIbquL
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/bernard-l-macho-56231369
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/macho_callahan_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Bernard L. Kowalski's Macho Callahan has favorite David Janssen
playing the least sympathetic western character of all time (as Alex Cox relates
in the commentary.) Janssen's Macho is brutal - graphically assaulting heroine
Seberg's Alexandra as she seeks vengeance over her husband's death. I suspect
this shocking scene was responsible for much of the film's negative critical
reaction. She then falls for him in what must be a kind of 'Stockholm Syndrome'
circumstance. I wasn't deterred as I am a big David Janssen fan and loved his
enigmatic expression of Macho. Macho Callahan is very Italianate expressing many
of the Pasta western eccentricities (obtuse camera close-ups, coffin with
dynamite etc..) Western genre fans should give this Kino Blu-ray a spin. It's a
better film than is 'rated' and the Alex Cox commentary is pure gold. There is a
lot unspoken in Macho Callahan and that gives it reflection and repeat
view-ability.
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**Gordon Douglas's "Skullduggery"**
Blu-ray - Burt Reynolds @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/3tJQx3o
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/gordon-douglass-56198740
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/skullduggery_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Gordon Douglas's Skullduggery
is surprisingly shocking, has a fascinating premise, moral and exploitation
themes and even a courtroom drama that has elements disclosing impregnating
Topazia (singer Pat Suzuki) one of the Tropis 'missing links'. It has quite a
strong cast - always great to see Burt Reynolds (RIP), sexy Susan Clark - with
minor players including Edward Fox, Wilfrid Hyde-White, Rhys Williams etc. It
really deserved revisitation after 50-years and the Kino Blu-ray provides a
strong presentation and fascinatingly revealing group commentary. Absolutely
recommended!
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Robert Clouse's "Golden Needles"
Blu-ray - Joe Don Baker @KinoLorber
US:
https://amzn.to/39bhyDe
CAN: https://amzn.to/396JmbR
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/robert-clouses-56192648
OUR REVIEW:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film10/blu-ray_review_160/golden_needles_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Robert Clouse's Golden Needles is an unusually crafted film. It's an
American International release 'presented' by Samuel Z. Arkoff. While not the
most effective 'adventure-thriller', it sure has an interesting premise and
starts with this narration: "In China, during the Sung Dynasty, a single golden
statue was cast for the use of the Emperor. It indicated-seven forbidden
acupuncture points. Used in correct sequence, they brought about extraordinary
sexual vigor and youth. Used incorrectly, they brought instant and painful
death." It is surrounded by Asian mystique and is a comfortable, sometimes
humorous, viewing. The Kino Blu-ray is done to the '9's' with commentary and
intriguing packaging. Curious fans may wish to indulge.
_________________________
**Jack Arnold's "The
Incredible Shrinking Man"** Blu-ray - Grant Williams
@Criterion
US:
https://amzn.to/3EiyNAU
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.
_________________________
**Raoul Walsh's "High
Sierra"** Blu-ray - Humphrey Bogart / Ida Lupino
@Criterion
US:
https://amzn.to/2XgngBI
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/raoul-walshs-blu-56145445
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film6/blu-ray_reviews_79/high_sierra_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: Well, this is one of the best Blu-ray packages of the year - an
essential Noir, Bogie, Lupino, Walsh - stacked supplements including a second
disc with the director's Colorado Territory in HD! and a feature-length
documentary. There are interviews, a video essay, booklet, radio adaptation etc.
and, especially High Sierra looking (4K-restored) and sounding pristine. It
doesn't get much better for cinephiles and dark cinema enthusiasts. This has our
strongest recommendation. Don't hesitate!
_________________________
**Neil Jordan's "Mona
Lisa"** Blu-ray - Bob Hoskins / Cathy Tyson @Criterion
US:
https://amzn.to/3xSQhje
CAN: https://amzn.to/3k9dLNj
BONUS CAPTURES:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/neil-jordans-blu-56108653
OUR COMPARISON:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film5/blu-ray_reviews_67/mona_lisa_blu-ray.htm
COMMENTS: So the Criterion Blu-ray validates the Arrow image and both have 'the
best' home theatre a/v for Mona Lisa. Criterion advances with the extras and
wonderful cover. The Criterion is the best and the one to own. Mona Lisa seems
to get better each time I watch it and is very strongly recommended viewing!
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http://www.dvdbeaver.com