THIS WEEK's RELEASES: Andrew Haigh and Michael Curtiz Criterion 4K UHDs. Also in 4K UHD - Alberto De Martino, Joseph Ruben, Bryan Bertino, Albert Band. Blu-rays of Blaxploitation, Pre-Code, Ozploitation, Canuckspolitation, a vampiric Doberman, Terence Young, Heiward Mak, Li Han-hsiang, Chung Sun, Serge Bourguignon, Lambert Hillyer...
NEW CALENDAR UPDATES (LINKED HERE!) Upcoming, new, 4K UHD's of films by Alfred Hitchcock, William Wyler, Howard Hawks, Roman Polanski, Peter Bogdanovich, Wim Wenders, Ishirō Honda, Guillermo del Toro, Béla Tarr, Alexander Mackendrick, Guy Hamilton, Tinto Brass, plus a Kurt Russell thriller, Austin Powers and Elvira (yes, the 'Mistress of the Dark'.) There are also BDs of films directed by Ray Milland, a Pryor / Wilder trifcta directed by Sidney Poitier, Arthur Hiller etc. Other disc coming; Kinji Fukasaku, a handful of J-Horror in one package, Classic TV Ghosts, another Film Noir Dark Side box, François Truffaut, Laurel & Hardy, František Vláčil, Gordon Hessler, Vernon Sewell (2!), Sidney Gilliat, Martin Ritt, Bert I. Gordon, a doc on Powell & Pressburger... and a Criterion mega-box....
and a mid-week update LINKED HERE! with Akira Kurosawa, Robert Wiene, Sam Raimi, Rian Johnson, Neil Marshall all on 4K UHD and Jason Yu, Hugo Fregonese, Ataru Oikawa, (Sean MacGregor, Richard Lester, Norman Taurog on Blu-ray...
THIS WEEK'S REVIEWS: World Noir, metaphysical exploration of queer love and loneliness. Boris Karloff, Christopher Lee and Barbara Steele together. Brilliantly realized Penn with Jack. Early Bardot, Travolta with Marilu...
Enjoy,
Gary

RELEASES the WEEK of September 9th, 2024 (Recommended titles have "**")

**Andrew Haigh's "All of Us Strangers" 4K UHD** - Andrew Scott / Paul Mescal / Jamie Bell / Claire Foy @Criterion
US Blu-ray PURCHASE LINK
CANADIAN Blu-ray PURCHASE LINK
UK (Disney) Blu-ray PURCHASE LINK
US 4K UHD PURCHASE LINK
CANADIAN 4K UHD PURCHASE LINK
BONUS CAPTURES
OUR REVIEW
COMMENTS: Andrew Haigh's All of Us Strangers is  based on the novel Strangers by Taichi Yamada. I have enjoyed the films of Haigh that I have seen; 45 Years and Weekend. He had worked as an assistant editor on films such as Gladiator and Black Hawk Down. While the film involves a romance between Scott and Mescal's characters, I appreciated the interaction with the parents. Jamie Bell, is the father in All of Us Strangers, and he is in one of my favorite apocalypse films; Retreat with Thandie Newton - while, the mother, expressive Claire Foy was in Wreckers and Soderbergh's psychological thriller Unsane. All of Us Strangers is personal, intimate, occasionally sad and very resonant. It's a brilliant film choice for Criterion and the Blu-ray and 4K UHD packages look so impressive and offer an exceptional viewing experience. Strongly recommended.
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**The Antichrist [4K UHD Blu-ray]** (Alberto De Martino, 1974) Kino Cult
US PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: It’s The Exorcist, Italian style, in this Satanic shocker from director Alberto De Martino (Shadows in an Empty Room). In Rome, a beautiful young woman (Carla Gravina) is left paralyzed by the trauma of a horrific childhood accident. But when placed under hypnosis, she is seized by visions of her past life as a heretic and becomes a foul-mouthed seductress with a taste for perversion that leads to her defilement by Satan himself. Now, mankind’s only hope for salvation is a harrowing exorcism that will either cast out the Devil forever or open the door for the unspeakable birth of the Antichrist! Mel Ferrer, Arthur Kennedy, George Coulouris, Alida Valli, Umberto Orsini and Anita Strindberg round out the cast of this puke-spewing cult classic, with cinematography by Eurosleaze king Joe D’Amato and music by maestros Ennio Morricone and Bruno Nicolai. Experience The Antichrist, also known as The Tempter, in all its uncut—and unholy—glory!
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Black Belt Jones [Blu-ray] (Robert Clouse, 1974) Warner Archive
US PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: A former International Karate Champion, Jim Kelly made a blazing screen debut with Bruce Lee in the martial-arts landmark ENTER THE DRAGON. Now as Black Belt Jones, Kelly's fiery fighting expertise rips the screen apart in his first solo star turn. featuring Scatman Crothers (The Shining) and sultry Glory Hendry (Live and Let Die). Pop Boyd (Crothers) owns a thriving karate school near downtown Los Angeles. Unfortunately, it sits on a piece of land upon which a local mob wants to build its own civic center. When the gangsters' muscling of Pop leads to tragedy, Black Belt Jones steps forward to exact his individual brand of lightning-charged revenge. Filmmaker Robert Clouse, who showcased Lee in Enter the Dragon and Jackie Chan in The Big Brawl serves up masterful action sequences of which Kelly said every move was choreographed like a ballet. That unique blend of ballistic combat and colorful comic characters make Black Belt Jones light on its feet -- and heavy on entertainment!
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**Boulevard Nights** [Blu-ray] (Michael Pressman, 1979) Warner Archive
US PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: You haven't seen the true colors of vicious gang life in Los Angeles unless you've also seen Boulevard Nights. From Executive Producer Tony Bill (The Sting, Taxi Driver) comes this gritty drama that remains timely and powerful as when it first appeared in 1979. Said Bill: Everything in this film is authentic. We've broken important new ground. Today, the continuing problem of gang activity re-emphasizes the importance of this trailblazing film. It's insight into gang life remains vital. Boulevard Nights' gang members are cholos from the city's Mexican-American barrios, with the film taking a point of view of the gang kids themselves. Two of those kids are the Avila brothers. Raymond Avila (Richard Yniguez) is an ex-gang member trying to build a better life. Kid brother Chuco (Danny De La Paz) is a sullen low-rider, wasting his days with his angel-dusted gang. In spite of their differences, the brothers are bound by strong family ties. But those ties are violently tested when rivals challenge Chuco's gang .and ignite a full-blown neighborhood war. In 2017 the film was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.
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The Chain Reaction [Blu-ray] (Ian Barry, 1980) Umbrella
US PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: Expert Aussie thriller about a nuclear scientist who, after being exposed to radiation, attempts to blow the whistle on a power plant that's been the site of an earth tremor. He soon realizes that more people may be in danger and the plant's security team is after him. Steve Bisley, Arna-Maria Winchester, and Ross Thompson star; look quickly for a bearded, unbilled Mel Gibson.
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**Vernon Sewell's "Curse of the Crimson Altar"** Blu-ray - Christopher Lee, Boris Karloff, Barbara Steele @88_Films
UK PURCHASE LINK
BONUS CAPTURES
OUR COMPARISON
COMMENTS: Vernon Sewell's Curse of the Crimson Altar was shown in the US on a double bill with Count Yorga, Vampire. It has Boris Karloff, as occult expert Professor Marsh, who did not have long to live during production of Curse of the Crimson Alter, Christopher Lee's acting is not challenged and we also get, not-enough of, Barbara Steele (Castle of Blood, The Horrible Dr. Hichcock), as 'Lavinia', looking a similar shade of green to an Orion slave girl. Michael Gough (Horrors of the Black Museum) adds great flavor and support - plus cutie Virginia Wetherell (Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde and Demons of the Mind.) It has delightful ancestral witching, ritual sacrifice, a remote mansion and spooky grounds, a missing brother...and strange dreams. Most of these Tigon horror efforts are appealing if never quite imitating the Hammer-esque formula with total perfection. I'm happy and it's a keeper for me. The 88 Films Blu-ray is the best a/v and supplements for the film including a Newman / Hogan commentary, over an hour's worth of video extras and booklet. How can we resist? Recommended!
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**Fagara** [Blu-ray] (Heiward Mak, 2019) Bayview
US PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: In the wake of her father's death, a woman discovers two distant sisters she knows little about. But with her own relationship uncertain and the future of her departed father's hot pot restaurant in question, she reaches out to them. She finds that while their upbringing is different, they too have experienced similar trials and tribulations in their past. Her sister from the Mainland is pressured by her elderly grandmother to get married; her sister from Taiwan is plagued by a toxic relationship with her mother. Together, they'll strive to find happiness, love and peace in their father's death that he was unable to provide during his life.
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**Fatal Vision miniseries** [Blu-ray] (David Greene, 1984) Kino
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COMMENTS: The crime stuns the public. The pregnant wife and two young daughters of Captain Jeffrey MacDonald, M.D., have just been brutally murdered. Could a dedicated doctor and brilliant militarist murder his own family in cold blood? Based on Joe McGinniss’s bestseller and boasting top-notch performances by Karl Malden (A Streetcar Named Desire), Eva Marie Saint (On the Waterfront), Barry Newman (The Lawyer), Gary Cole (In the Line of Fire) and Andy Griffith (A Face in the Crowd), Fatal Vision brings to life this extraordinary true-crime drama in a powerful, compelling miniseries event. After the longest hearing in military history, charges against the respected MacDonald (Cole) are dropped due to inconclusive evidence. Convinced of his guilt, however, his determined in-laws (Malden and Saint) fight for nearly ten years to re-open the case. A suspenseful trial culminates in a gripping conclusion in the highly acclaimed Fatal Vision—one of the most publicized and thought-provoking cases in modern history. Nominated for 5 Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama/Comedy Special, and winner of Outstanding Supporting Actor for the mighty Malden.
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**Dark Night of the Scarecrow 1 (1981) & 2 (2021) [4K UHD Blu-ray]** - VCI
US PURCHASE LINK
CANADIAN PURCHASE LINK 
COMMENTS: Dark Night of the Scarecrow (1981): When young Marylee Williams (Tonya Crowe) is found viciously mauled, all hell breaks loose in her small rural town. Officious postmaster Otis P. Hazelrigg (Charles Durning) leads a gang of bigots in pursuit of the suspect: her mentally challenged friend Bubba Ritter (Larry Drake). Finding him hiding inside a scarecrow, they exact brutal mob "justice"...only to discover a tragic mistake! Now a strange apparition stalks the land seeking each of them out, as the legend of the Scarecrow begins.
Dark Night of the Scarecrow 2 (2021): A dark terror lies just below the surface of the small-town Chris Rhymer (Amber Wedding) and her young son Jeremy (Aiden Shurr) have settled in. One day while looking for Jeremy, she comes upon a weathered old scarecrow, and realizing that is only an inert effigy, she tells it her secret for being there. Now, suddenly after forty years, a dark terror stalks the cornfields. Is it on a mission of revenge or is it protecting Chris from outside threats? The legend of the Scarecrow continues
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The Golden Lotus [Blu-ray] (Li Han-hsiang, 1974) 88 Films
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CANADIAN PURCHASE LINK
UK PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: Although most famous for their kung fu movies, Hong Kong's legendary Shaw Brothers studio made more than just chop socky; taken from a (famously saucy) classic novel, Golden Lotus is an epic tale of a passionate - and sometimes destructive - love affair between a rich man and a poor women, a potent story of lust and power. Co-starring no less than Jackie Chan in one of his earliest roles and directed by the award-winning Li Han Hsiang, Golden Lotus reveals the true strength and diversity of Hong Kong filmmaking.
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**Michael Curtiz's "Mildred Pierce" 4K UHD** - Joan Crawford @Criterion
UK PURCHASE LINK
Already out in
US PURCHASE LINK
CANADIAN PURCHASE LINK
BONUS CAPTURES
OUR COMPARISON
COMMENTS: Criterion's 4K UHD release of Michael Curtiz's "Mildred Pierce" is similar to their others - the only advancement is in the image resolution and the fine supplements and previous Blu-ray are included. Mildred Pierce, written by James M. Cain, examines both social inequity as well as the ability to achieve, seek and obtain prosperity. Like Imitation of Life it examines the success of an unattached female protagonist with strong maternal devotion to daughters. Themes of this Noir murder mystery involve manipulation, class struggle, and the pratfalls of an obsessive quest for affluence - all uniquely examined from a woman’s perspective - both Mother and daughter. It remains a 'dark cinema' classic with fine performances - a grand Hollywood' story with details like the opening credits washing onto the screen background from the ocean - a immediate destination of an unsuccessful suicide. True noir devotees will want this in its best, most film-like, appearance. This 4K UHD is it.
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**Once to Every Woman** [Blu-ray] (Lambert Hillyer, 1933) Sony
US PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: Ralph Bellamy plays a young doctor and protege to Dr. Selby (Walter Connolly), an aging medic who refuses to realize his time is almost up. That is, until Selby attempts to perform a delicate brain operation and the young doctor must push his superior out of the way in order to complete it successfully himself.
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The Primevals [Blu-ray] (David Allen, 2023) Full Moon
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CANADIAN PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: Deep in the Himalayas, a group of Sherpas subdue and kill a towering humanoid creature. Its remains - including a brain that appears to have undergone some kind of surgery - wind up under the supervision of Dr. Claire Collier (Juliet Mills, BEYOND THE DOOR), who believes it to be one of the legendary Yeti. Joined by her former student Matt Connor (Richard Joseph Paul), a longtime believer in the creatures' existence, big-game hunter Rondo Montana (Leon Russom, THE BIG LEBOWSKI), and others, Dr. Collier leads an expedition into the mountains to track down more of the abominable snowmen. Their trek results in an encounter with a tribe of primitive hominids - which in turn leads to the far more frightening discovery of beings they never could have expected or imagined.
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**Red Sun** [Blu-ray] (Terence Young, 1971) RB UK Studiocanal
UK PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: Billed as the first East meets West Western, and directed by Terence Young, RED SUN is based on a true story from the American Wild West of 1870. When outlaw Link (Charles Bronson) is betrayed by his gang during a train robbery, he is forced by the Japanese Ambassador to help regain a priceless sword stolen by Link’s double-crossing partner Gauche (Alain Delon). Link and the Ambassador’s bodyguard, Kuroda (Toshiro Mifune), travel the West in pursuit of Gauche, attempting to lure him out by taking his girlfriend (Ursula Andress) as hostage. Although Kuroda plans to kill Gauche straight away, Link needs him alive to find the loot from their last robbery. Joined in an uneasy alliance, they have only seven days to find Gauche or Kuroda must follow his samurai code of honour and die by his own sword.
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Rolling Vengeance [Blu-ray] (Steven Hilliard Stern, 1987) Kino
US PURCHASE LINK
BEAVER REVIEW
COMMENTS: When a clan of drunken goons get off scot-free after senselessly killing a young trucker’s family, the trucker, Joey Rosso (Don Michael Paul, Robot Wars), takes matters into his own hands by building the ultimate monster truck to even the score. Spitting flames, armed with a giant drill, his awesome rig is unstoppable as Joey pursues the clan leader Tiny Doyle (Ned Beatty, White Lightning) and his murderous offspring. He tracks down the clan, one by one, crashing cars, flattening trucks, demolishing buildings and destroying anything or anyone that gets in his way. Rolling Vengeance is heavyweight action, a powerful story of twisted emotion and mangled metal, the telling of which costs the lives of no less than 65 vehicles. Steven Hilliard Stern (The Park is Mine) directed this action-packed revenge yarn with a screenplay by Michael Thomas Montgomery (Eye of the Tiger) and co-starring Lawrence Dane (Scanners).
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**To Kill a Mastermind** (Chung Sun, 1979) 88 Films
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CANADIAN PURCHASE LINK
UK PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: Be Careful... no-one's safe as long as the evil kung-fu masters of the Qi Sha clan terrorise the land. Can they be stopped? The authorities have placed a spy in their ranks, but the clan - and their mysterious, unknown leader - won't go down without a fight. Or several... Barely pausing to catch its breath between brawls, To Kill A Mastermind was produced by Hong Kong's legendary Shaw Brothers studio and features the astounding acrobatics and mind-blowing martial arts skills that make their films so special.
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Something in the Water [Blu-ray] (Hayley Easton Street, 2024) RB UK Studiocanal
UK PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: Meg attends an old friend Lizzie’s dream destination wedding in the Caribbean with her ex-partner Kayla and friends Ruth and Cam. However, when a boat trip goes horribly wrong, the five friends soon find themselves fighting for their lives as well their relationships as they brave the shark-infested waters.
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**The Stepfather [4K UHD Blu-ray]** (Joseph Ruben, 1987) Shout! Factory
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COMMENTS: Jerry Blake (Terry O'Quinn, ABC's Lost) is a man obsessed with having the perfect "American Dream" life—including the house with the white picket fence in the suburbs, complete with an adoring wife and loving children. He believes he's found it when he marries Susan Maine and becomes the stepfather to Susan's 16-year-old daughter, Stephanie. But Stephanie gets an uneasy feeling when she is around Jerry with his "Father Knows Best" attitude—she can see that there is a darker side behind his cheerful exterior…Could she just be going through the typical teenager rebellion against her new stepfather, or could he be the same man who brutally murdered his family just one year earlier?
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**The Strangers [4K UHD Blu-ray]** (Bryan Bertino, 2008) Shout! Factory
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CANADIAN PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: James Hoyt and Kristen McKay visit an isolated vacation home to enjoy some time together. However, they are in for a rude surprise when three masked assailants make their stay a nightmare.
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Two Weeks in September [Blu-ray] (Serge Bourguignon, 1967) Kino
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COMMENTS: The incomparable screen siren Brigitte Bardot singes the screen in Two Weeks in September (1967). She stars as Cécile, a fashion model who lives a peaceful life in France with the husband (Jean Rochefort, The Hairdresser’s Husband) she loves. One day, during a photo session in London, she meets the younger Vincent (Laurent Terzieff, Germinal) and becomes his mistress. They fall wildly in love. But when she returns to France, Cécile, torn between two men, is forced into a choice that will change her life forever.
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**Widows: The Complete Series** (1983-85) [Blu-ray] - RB UK Old Gold Media
UK PURCHASE LINK
COMMENTS: A gritty crime series with strong female lead characters – and the career breakthrough which started Lynda La Plante on her path as one of television’s highest profile writers – Widows was a smash hit for ITV and has now been adapted into a major motion picture by acclaimed director Steve McQueen. Both series of Widows are presented here as High-Definition restorations from the original film materials. Also included, in Standard Definition, is the sequel series made ten years later: She’s Out. When their villain husbands are killed during the attempted robbery of a security van, three widows have a chance to start afresh. Then one of them finds the robbery plans and they decide to finish what their husbands started...
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Zoltan... Hound of Dracula [4K UHD Blu-ray] (Albert Band, 1977) Kino
US PURCHASE LINK
BEAVER Blu-ray REVIEW
COMMENTS: There’s More to the Legend Than Meets the Throat! When the Russian army unearths the vault of Dracula, they accidentally unleash his undead human slave (Reggie Nalder, Mark of the Devil) and the Count’s vampire hellhound Zoltan. But these friends need a new master and head for Los Angeles to find Dracula’s last living descendant, family man Michael Drake (Michael Pataki, Grave of the Vampire). With the help of an international vampire hunter, Inspector Branco (José Ferrer, The Sentinel), can Drake destroy Zoltan and his pack of blood-crazed devil-dogs—before “man’s best friend” fetches the final soul of the damned? Also known as Dracula’s Dog, this ferociously fun horror film was directed by Albert Band (I Bury the Living, Ghoulies II) and features makeup effects by the legendary Stan Winston (Parasite, Aliens).
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LATEST CALENDAR UPDATES AVAILABLE HERE

https://www.patreon.com/posts/large-calendar-111165746

More HERE

https://www.patreon.com/posts/few-more-updates-111286461

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REVIEWS / COMPARISONS:

**Andrew Haigh's "All of Us Strangers" 4K UHD** - Andrew Scott / Paul Mescal / Jamie Bell / Claire Foy @Criterion
US Blu-ray PURCHASE LINK
CANADIAN Blu-ray PURCHASE LINK
UK (Disney) Blu-ray PURCHASE LINK
US 4K UHD PURCHASE LINK
CANADIAN 4K UHD PURCHASE LINK
BONUS CAPTURES
OUR REVIEW
COMMENTS: Andrew Haigh's All of Us Strangers is  based on the novel Strangers by Taichi Yamada. I have enjoyed the films of Haigh that I have seen; 45 Years and Weekend. He had worked as an assistant editor on films such as Gladiator and Black Hawk Down. While the film involves a romance between Scott and Mescal's characters, I appreciated the interaction with the parents. Jamie Bell, is the father in All of Us Strangers, and he is in one of my favorite apocalypse films; Retreat with Thandie Newton - while, the mother, expressive Claire Foy was in Wreckers and Soderbergh's psychological thriller Unsane. All of Us Strangers is personal, intimate, occasionally sad and very resonant. It's a brilliant film choice for Criterion and the Blu-ray and 4K UHD packages look so impressive and offer an exceptional viewing experience. Strongly recommended.
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**"World Noir Volume 2"** Blu-ray - Ingmar Zeisberg / Jean Rochefort / Michèle Mercier / Jô Shishido @FilmsRadiance
UK PURCHASE LINK
US PURCHASE LINK
CANADIAN PURCHASE LINK
BONUS CAPTURES
OUR REVIEW
COMMENTS: Helmut Käutner's Black Gravel evokes Film Noir, Henri-Georges Clouzot’s The Wages of Fear with the atmosphere of Carol Reed's The Third Man. I enjoyed it very much. The commentary is informative about the production and what was happening at the time Black Gravel was made, as well as Käutner as a leading German director lesser-known in the West. Jacques Deray's Symphony for a Massacre is an excellent 60's French crime thriller centering on money and five criminals, - one of whom is a deceptive traitor. It's seems there is no honor among thieves with the two 'moll' females spared the mercenary behavior (or are they?) - which exposes cold-hearted greed at its core. The Radiance Films Blu-ray provides a solid presentation without the Cohen's burned-in subtitles. Jacques Deray (Three Men To Kill, The Gang, The Swimming Pool) has crafted a wonderful Euro-noir. Cruel Gun Story is also premium world dark cinema stacked with betrayal. A man gets out of prison and immediately engages in a new heist - sound familiar? ("Riffifi" and "The Asphalt Jungle") and the swag is 120 million yen worth of horse race bets to be shared with a group of untrustworthy mercenaries (Kubrick's "The Killing"). Isn't it always "one last job" (echoes of Bogie's High Sierra). Ohhh and his jail time was for killing the man who crippled his sister... who needs surgery (Lupino in Nicholas Ray's On Dangerous Ground.) Add in lots of gunfire over an armored car (Siodmak's Criss Cross - remade as Soderbergh's The Underneath) holding the moola. These are three excellent noir-related world cinema films. We were very high on World Noir Volume 1, reviewed HERE. This Radiance Films Blu-ray package likewise gets a full endorsement. This is despite all three films being on digital previously. This package has raised the bar - in terms of a/v, commentaries and extras including an 80-page book. Delightfully dark world cinema, with undeniable connections to Noir. It will get votes in our year-end poll. Absolutely recommended!
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**Vernon Sewell's "Curse of the Crimson Altar"** Blu-ray - Christopher Lee, Boris Karloff, Barbara Steele @88_Films
UK PURCHASE LINK
BONUS CAPTURES
OUR COMPARISON
COMMENTS: Vernon Sewell's Curse of the Crimson Altar was shown in the US on a double bill with Count Yorga, Vampire. It has Boris Karloff, as occult expert Professor Marsh, who did not have long to live during production of Curse of the Crimson Alter, Christopher Lee's acting is not challenged and we also get, not-enough of, Barbara Steele (Castle of Blood, The Horrible Dr. Hichcock), as 'Lavinia', looking a similar shade of green to an Orion slave girl. Michael Gough (Horrors of the Black Museum) adds great flavor and support - plus cutie Virginia Wetherell (Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde and Demons of the Mind.) It has delightful ancestral witching, ritual sacrifice, a remote mansion and spooky grounds, a missing brother...and strange dreams. Most of these Tigon horror efforts are appealing if never quite imitating the Hammer-esque formula with total perfection. I'm happy and it's a keeper for me. The 88 Films Blu-ray is the best a/v and supplements for the film including a Newman / Hogan commentary, over an hour's worth of video extras and booklet. How can we resist? Recommended!
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**Sean Penn's "The Crossing Guard"** Blu-ray - Jack Nicholson / David Morse / Anjelica Huston @imprint_films
US PURCHASE LINK
UK PURCHASE LINK
BONUS CAPTURES
OUR COMPARISON
COMMENTS: Like many, I can't seem to comprehend why Sean Penn's The Crossing Guard was unjustly overlooked or why so many strongly disliked it. Audiences were quite divided. I think it was brilliantly realized filled with themes of guilt, grief, vengeance, remorse and forgiveness. The lead characters are damaged - portrayed with powerful performances from Jack Nicholson and David Morse (Inside Moves, The Green Mile). Exceptional Anjelica Huston, Robin Wright Penn and Piper Laurie, plus Robbie Robertson and brief John Savage buoy this touching and compelling film. The film has a cameo from Sean's father, actor/director Leo Penn as Hank, the crossing guard (see screen capture below.) He was also an ATC Corporal in William Wyler's The Best Years of Our Lives. I'm so pleased that The Crossing Guard finally gets a stacked digital release with new supplements and Penn's participation plus new and older commentary tracks. I strongly recommend the film.
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Rod Holcomb's "Chains of Gold" Blu-ray John Travolta / Marilu Henner @KinoLorber
US PURCHASE LINK
CANADIAN PURCHASE LINK
BONUS CAPTURES
OUR REVIEW
COMMENTS: Rod Holcomb's Chains of Gold's greatest attribute may be the lead, John Travolta. I continue to be fascinated by his acting and dancing ability, set-backs, resurgence, piloting (he is rated to fly Boeing 707, 737, and 747 planes - he owns four aircraft,) Scientology adoption, and more. Some people are just absurdly photogenic. Nice to see bit parts by Bernie Casey (Felix Leiter in Never Say Never Again,) Hector Elizondo (American Gigolo and the first The Taking of Pelham One Two Three - not the second, 2009, one with Travolta) and what about Marilu Henner (Taxi)? - did you know she was featured on an episode of 60 Minutes for her exceptional memory (aka 'hyperthymestic syndrome'.) She can remember almost every day of her life since she was 11 years old. These actors add modestly to the film which is, still, kind of a dud. The Kino Blu-ray is only recommended to Travolta fans.
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Michel Boisrond's "Naughty Girl" Blu-ray - Brigitte Bardot / Jean Bretonnière @KinoLorber
US PURCHASE LINK
CANADIAN PURCHASE LINK
BONUS CAPTURES
OUR REVIEW
COMMENTS: Michel Boisrond's Naughty Girl was his debut feature after working as an apprentice for Jean Delannoy (1954's Obsession with Michèle Morgan and Raf Vallone,) Jean Cocteau (Beauty and the Beast) and René Clair (Beauty of the Devil, I Married a Witch.) Roger Vadim, husband of Bardot and with a writing credit on Naughty Girl, called the movie "a French equivalent of a Doris Day movie but with a bolder, more liberated edge." That's accurate, imo. The Kino Blu-ray shows Brigitte Bardot's photogenic appeal - in a fairly tame way - and the film is amusing enough to be enjoyed. Samm's commentary is a big bonus. Recommended to any keen.
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DVDBeaver Newsletter for the Week of September 9th, 2024