Hey folks, Harry here… I’ve seen some folks in Talk Back query aloud the point in having a large collection of DVDs. Drew has several hundred, I’m well over 2400 titles now. Have I seen them all? No. Will I see them all? Perhaps. Why not just rent?
Well, it’s like this – most rental stores don’t keep a stock of obscure titles that I’m interested in. The chains, once titles cease to rent, then to sell them off as “pre-viewed copies” and then that title is dropped from their catalogue. Ah… but Netflix has zillions and you can get them in a relatively fast turnaround. True, but when you’re writing an article, researching a subject and preparing for interviews, development and furthering your own cinematic lexicon to use professionally as a journalist or a filmmaker… Well, having a film library is essential. Because sometimes – you need a ton of titles at your disposal.
For example… GHOST TOWN – that’s the film y’all know I’m busy at work on. I have, perhaps around 700 titles that are genre related in some form or another to what I’m hatching with my screenwriter. So – for the last 5 months – I’ve devoured a ton of those titles. To steal idea after idea? No, actually quite the opposite… We’ve been going through the entire cinematic history of the “types” of film this is to ensure we’re not just regurgitating what has come before. To attempt to bring something a bit more fresh to the world that knows what has come before and what hasn’t been explored. The phrase, “Those that are ignorant of history are doomed to repeat it,” is often the case with far too many films we see these days.
These films can inspire you. Especially the lesser films. You see, in B and Grade Z cinema there are often ideas, notions that were half-started and then abandoned for conventions of the day that could have led to something truly exciting and new. You ever see a film and thought, “God, if only they had done ________.”? Well… That’s what the process is about. In the same way that Stan Lee sat down with Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde and the Karloff Frankenstein films and hatched the concept that became THE HULK.
Essentially, GHOST TOWN came to me while I was exploring a film I picked up on a lark in 16mm. I watched it, then wished it had done a 1000 different things… and I began writing those things down, thinking about, mulling them over. Came up with my pitch and sold it to REVOLUTION to produce… All, because of a wasteful pursuit of film. That wasteful time spent in the “history of cinema” will pay off my house and help with the savings for my future.
SO – before you leap to judge or condemn, realize this isn’t a hobby. Some weekend pursuit. I don’t do this after coming home from work, this is the job, and it is one of the greatest jobs you can have. It is hard as hell to make a living at, but damn if it hasn’t been my dream since I could first dream about a future I could live. By the way, 2400 titles is nothing. I know one executive with 8,000 different DVD titles and a producer with 9,000 DVD titles. So, I’m still just a tiny fish in the pond. Limited by my own disposible income, as I don’t get many DVDs sent to me – less than 20 a month maximum.
That being said… As it seems many of you really enjoyed my preview to the month of January, I hope I was a half-way decent guide on your path through the many and varied releases of this first month of 2004. In particular, those of you that chose to explore THE GREAT SILENCE by Corbucci… I really hope you loved it as much as I did.
Now, I’ll take a look at the month of February, 2004…
February 3rd, 2004 --
ALLEGRO NON TROPPO (1977)
One of the most “out there” trippy animation movies ever made. If you love FANTASIA or FANTASTIC PLANET or PINK FLOYD’S THE WALL – then this is most likely right up your alley. Avant garde, foreign and not really meant to make a whole helluvalot of sense. The animation is organically fluid and socially conscious. The use of Bolero is its 2nd best melding with film, my fave being, of course, “10”. If you’re an animation fan, this is one not to miss. The DVD is bare bones – but how else are you going to watch this title?
AMERICAN SPLENDOR (2003)
Absolutely brilliant film. One of the best of 2003 and a high water mark for Comic Book adaptations. I’m so curious to play around this DVD, listen to the Cast and Director Commentaries and all the other extras in this edition. It will make a great quadruple feature with GHOST WORLD, COMIC BOOK CONFIDENTIAL and CRUMB! That’d be an Underground Night To Remember!
THE BRITISH HORROR COLLECTION (TOWER OF EVIL / INSEMINOID / HORROR HOSPITAL / CURSE OF THE VOODOO)
This is a sure fire night of “what the fuck was that!” TOWER OF EVIL (1972) aka Horror of Snape Island is one of those British people have done fucked with an ancient curse flicks gone all wrong. It has a fair amount of T&A, but you’ll giggle about the line delivery and cinematic clumsiness throughout. INSEMINOID (1981) – This film must be seen to be believed. Sure at a surface level it’s an ALIEN ripoff… but an ungodly schlocky wet sloppy gory one. Here, the Alien actually rapes a crew member, who then goes kill crazy to supply food for her alien fetus… and the birth. My god, it’s bliss. HORROR HOSPITAL (1973) aka Doctor Bloodbath – and who plays the good Dr you ask? Alfred! Yup, Michael Gough plays the twisted fuck bent on taking over the world via his wet mind-control surgical madness! This flick is pretty whacked, including scenes where you’d swear a character could hear the ridiculous soundtrack. CURSE OF THE VOODOO (1965) this is a really bad sequel to DEVIL DOLL, but this one is torture. You’ll need to be really drunk or stoned by the time you put this one on, cuz this one is purely the brain inhibited. Overall – this isn’t a great set, but it’s a fun one, if you’re the type that can find fun.
THE DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS COLLECTION ( THE THIEF OF BAGDAD / THE MARK OF ZORRO / THE THREE MUSKETEERS / ROBIN HOOD / THE BLACK PIRATE / DON Q, THE SON OF ZORRO )
If you have never discovered the sheer joy of Douglas Fairbanks, then here ya go. This set has exactly what you need to fully understand this first great Action Star. Fairbanks has an otherworldly way he moves, an enthusiasm that just pours through his every motion. And his smile… Absolutely kinetic. He feared nothing, but conquers all. THE THIEF OF BAGDAD (1924) Ok, Errol Flynn’s ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD is tied with the 33 KING KONG as my fave film of all time. That being said, I also love Fairbanks’ telling. It’s lighter and happier. It didn’t have Korngold’s score, but its sets were larger and grander. It didn’t have Claude Rains, but it did have Wallace Berry as King Richard! THE BLACK PIRATE (1926) – Hands down one of the greatest swashbucklers in film history. This is a silent, but it is in gorgeous 2-Strip Technicolor. You love the stunts in films by Jackie Chan and that ONG BAK flick… Here they are 78 years ago. This new edition comes with outtakes and you simply will not believe the underwater scenes. I’ve had the good fortune to see this on the big screen about a dozen times in my life. It will never age! Feels like time travel. DON Q, THE SON OF ZORRO (1925) – I’ve never fully loved this movie… at least not on the same level as the other five in this set. However, it’s still a very good film. Fairbanks is great, but it feels more engineered than ever before. If this set be your introduction to Fairbanks… I envy you, you have grand nights ahead!
DR. SEX (1964) / WANDA, THE SADISTIC HYPNOTIST (1969)
Ok – I admit – I’ve never seen these. That’s why they’re on my list. DR. SEX is a comedy in which allegedly 3 sex researchers will discuss their strangest cases. Meanwhile, WANDA, THE SADISTIC HYPNOTIST sounds like the greatest goddamn movie ever made! Apparently is has crazy ass sadism and an L.S.D. sequence including the, had to be there, LSD FREAK OUT sequences. The reviews at IMDB have me absolutely sold, this feels like a Something Weird Wednesday or 5am at BNAT spectacular. I can not wait!
LOST IN TRANSLATION (2003)
I’m on record as loving this film. How many times will I watch this movie? Haven’t a clue, but I know, when I want to see it, I want to see it and given how many times I’ve watched BEFORE SUNRISE – that’ll be a whole helluvalot. Once again there’s tons of extras including a conversation between Sofia and Bill, a behind the scenes shot by the filmmakers, rather than a bunch of publicists, deleted scenes and more of that crazy Japanese TV show Bill was on! A really wonderful film.
PLANET OF THE APES – 35th ANNIVERSARY EDITION (1968)
The only reason to buy this is if you want to hear the commentaries they’ve put on the disc. Pretty much all the other extras are available on previous editions, but… if you’re a hardcore Apes Fetishist… getting to hear Jerry Goldsmith, Roddy McDowall, Richard Zanuck, John Chambers and on and on and on talk about the making of this film… Then you might just have to pick it up. Though being in scope is most likely the big deal for all of us.
SECONDHAND LIONS – Platinum Series (2003)
An absolutely fantastic film. Almost completely overlooked, though the film definitely has its fans… and it did do well upon release. I just can’t help, but wonder how well this same film would have performed with a Disney ad campaign behind it. If you happened to let it pass you buy, check it out. Put it on your NetFlix order list or if you have a family or are from Texas… Buy it. This will be one of those films you’ll grow old with.
X-15 (1962)
The first feature film directed by Richard Donner. This is one of those bare bones MGM releases, but I never really expected to see extras on this disc, I just want to have the movie! Narrated by James Stewart and starring Charles Bronson, Kenneth Tobey and Mary Tyler Moore. I’m all about these space fetish flicks and with our robots on Mars, I’m rah rah U.S. Space Program and this flick will help sate my hunger for space stories. Besides – I gotta own Richard Donner’s first flick!
February 10th, 2004 ---
CYRANO DE BERGERAC (1990)
I love this film. I saw this my second year of college. I played Cyrano in my Theater Arts class my sophmore year of High School opposite so many Roxanne’s. It was through Cyrano and playing him that I got over shyness. When I saw it this version in college, and I saw Gerard Depardieu’s brilliant performance. I remember believing that I was watching the greatest actor of all-time as I saw him command every inch of that screen. The English Subtitles were written by Anthony Burgess and are perfection. I miss this Depardieu.
H.R. PUFNSTUF – THE COMPLETE SERIES
No drugs are necessary, but they will make it more fun. This is crazy happy color joy joy. Trippy as all hell and utterly insane. Right there with Fairy Tale Theater for the best grown up little kid trips around. Want to believe you’re a little kid. Watch this. You’ll feel 3 ft tall.
HERZOG/KINSKI COLLECTION – ( AGUIRRE, THE WRATH OF GOD; WOYZECK; COBRA VERDE; NOSFERATU; FITZCARRALDO; MY BEST FIEND )
Werner Herzog / Klaus Kinski, together they formed one of the most potent combination of Director and Actor in film history. I love watching their films. AGUIRRE is a force of nature, their NOSFERATU is fascinating. FITZCARRALDO is a stunning film of art in the wilderness, an absolute masterpiece. COBRA VERDE is all over the place, but I can’t take my eyes off of what’s going on. WOYZECK – just wow. And I’ve never seen MY BEST FIEND. Herzog and Kinski made fascinating paintings out of cinema… raw and explosive, beautiful and savage. Always interesting, always finding new things in their films. It’ll be a delight to have them all here at home.
THE INGMAR BERGMAN SPECIAL EDITION DVD COLLECTION ( PERSONA / SHAME / HOUR OF THE WOLF / THE PASSION OF ANNA / THE SERPENT’S EGG )
I’m buying this set because I’ve only ever seen PERSONA out of this collection. I’ve seen FANNY & ALEXANDER, THE MAGIC FLUTE, SMILES OF A SUMMER NIGHT, THE SEVENTH SEAL, WILD STRAWBERRIES and THE MAGICIAN… I’ve just never had an opportunity to see these titles, and I can not wait to get a chance. I know the films by reputation and HOUR OF THE WOLF can not get to my house soon enough. These discs are packed to the gills with extras and behind the scenes and commentaries. This is a real opportunity to dive in and sink my teeth into some truly great cinema. Can’t wait.
INTOLERABLE CRUELTY (2003)
I do not understand people that didn’t love this film. Whatever. The Coen Brothers rule and George Clooney walks this Earth like a 30’s toon character and Catherine – yummy. The DVD will be mine.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN ITALY – THE SPAGHETTI WESTERN COLLECTION ( A BULLET FOR THE GENERAL / COMPANEROS / FOUR OF THE APOCALYPSE / KEOMA / TEXAS ADIOS )
Ok, so none of these are directed by Sergio Leone, but ya know what – he wasn’t the only game in Italy. Many of the other Spaghetti Westerns are great, just… with other actors that didn’t get the publicity afforded the Leone films. A BULLET FOR THE GENERAL (1967) has Klaus Kinski, who probably stole THE GREAT SILENCE for those of you that have seen it, well he’s great in this too. Director Damiano Damiani creates a great downtrodden atmosphere of finality in this film. This is a really good western. Next we have a Sergio Corbucci, COMPANEROS (1970) – and this one is fun and intense. Starring Franco Nero vs Jack Palance. This is the shit! When you see Franco Nero and that fucking machine gun, if that scene doesn’t flick your coolometer, you’re plain overheated. FOUR OF THE APOCALYPSE (1975) is a Lucio Fulci western. Heh. You thought you saw western torture in the Django films… this is Fulci and his violence is hardcore. I love Michael J Pollard and Tomas Milian in this flick. KEOMA (1976) – This is mainly known as DJANGO RIDES AGAIN – but this is the original version, when the character was called Keoma. Franco Nero co-stars with Woody Strode (aka Utter Badass Mofo) and was directed by Enzo Castellari, who was known for directing INGLORIOUS BASTARDS, which Quentin loves. This is a pretty solid Spaghetti Western if I remember, haven’t seen the version on this disc though. TEXAS, ADIOS (1966) starring Franco Nero. This film has long been derided for the dubbing, but this disc has the original subtitles and Italian – along with the dub in English. This makes a huge difference. This is a very nice set.
RETURNER (2002)
Directed with stylish and cool quasi junky scifi stylings, Takashi Yamazaki does a really wonderful job with this film. It’s a film for the young teenage set, but holds some TRANSFORMER style coolness that’ll get ya geeking pretty hard core. The lead is currently shooting the latest with Zhang Yimou, but he’s pretty damn cool in this. Takeshi Kaneshiro may be one to watch. I know the director is.
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE (1962)
Ok, this is one I’m dying to see. Directed by Edward Dmytryk, who directed my all time favorite film noir, MURDER, MY SWEET along with many other wonderful films… Here he unleashes with a story about a 1930’s Bordello called The Doll House. Barbara Stanwyck plays the madame, but Capucine (pant pant) and 25 year old Jane Fonda playing a whore named “Kitty Twist”!!! This is also the first Hollywood film to openly feature lesbianism… So it all started here folks! Must See!
February 17th, 2004 SELECTED
BLOW-UP (1966)
An absolute masterpiece directed by Michelangelo Antonioni. I’ve always seen the film as being a brilliant portrait of a man distancing himself from reality through his photography and his fantasy relationship with the film, the image and the subject through the lens. Then things get bizarre, abstract and wonderful. You can spend hours talking about interpretations, points of view, This is a film that is different for almost everyone, but what you come up with says so much more about you than the film in many ways. Can’t wait to see it again!
CITY OF GOD (2002)
Brilliant film that I saw just recently and fell gaga for. Yet another reason to feed regularly upon foreign films. That’s where the good stuff is. This film is so incredibly intense. If you haven’t seen it, I don’t want to say anything other than it is a crime film from Brazil. Watch it, rent it, buy it… SEE IT! This is the real deal!
THE DAMNED (1969)
Visconti’s warped masterpiece. A wildly hedonistic German Family and their pitch black world of degradation through Hitler’s rise to power. It is a nasty film, one that will leave you dirty afterwards. Some may want to laugh at it, but really… that’s not what is going on here. This is a beautifully photographed portrait of the demented. Not everyone can take this film. You’ve been warned. Gotta be a grown up for this, and I’m not just saying 21.
DEATH IN VENICE (1971)
I’ve never had a chance to see Visconti’s telling of DEATH IN VENICE. This will rectify that. I love THE DAMNED, and I anticipate the same with this one. After all… Visconti got more recognition for this film than any other.
DUMMY (2003)
If you never got the chance to see Greg Pritikin’s Directorial debut with Adrien Brody and Milla Jovovich… Then give this flick a chance. It is sweat and beautiful and funny as hell. Milla’s performance has been overlooked by nearly everyone, but as this film finds its audience in video/dvd and cable, that performance will become beloved. It isn’t the sort of film you come out of saying, “That’s the greatest movie I’ve ever seen,” instead it’s the sort of movie you want to take 5 friends to and the person you love, because it is definitely a film to share.
PICKUP ON SOUTH STREET – Criterion Collection (1953)
Cigar chomping Sam Fuller. Starting his camera takes with a gunshot, a sensationalist with newsprint in his blood. Whatever Sam Fuller was, he was also one helluva great filmmaker and PICKUP ON SOUTH STREET is one of his absolute best! Part Film Noir, Part Spy Game, Part Red Scare and Part Atomic Phobia. This flick will raise the short hairs along your arms till they fall out. Richard Widmark and Thelma Ritter rule this film. Hell, they rule any film they’re in. But in this, they’re at their scene chewing best, cuz they had a director that knew when to let go of the reins. This is a great movie.
TUNES OF GLORY – Criterion Collection (1960)
Ah… Ya know, having a movie that co-stars Alec Guinness and John Mills is just not playing fair. You see a film like this and a film like the original THE LADYKILLERS and you begin to understand why Alec Guiness was so damn aggravated at STAR WARS. You see, it essentially wiped out 30 years of work. Oh sure, we know him for BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI, LAWRENCE OF ARABIA and DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, but what about all those… little movies like TUNES OF GLORY. Perfect works of genius, forgotten by most. Hopefully, DVD will breathe new life into his past. He’s so good in this movie, you just won’t believe it. Simply great.
February 24th, 2004 SELECTED
REVOLVER (1973)
Directed by Sergio Sollima, who directed the boot to the face that was VIOLENT CITY aka THE FAMILY, comes another really great Sollima Thriller. This one starring Oliver Reed when his scowl was best. He was a wild beast on film at this time, and this is a really damn good thriller. In all likelihood, you haven’t come across it before… Now the title is out there, check it out! Hell, at least check it out to hear Morricone’s fantastic score!
RICHARD III – Criterion Collection (1956)
There are two great tellings of Shakespeare’s RICHARD III on screen. This one, and the fantastic Ian McKellen adaptation of RICHARD III (1995). Which do I prefer? Oh fuck off, I don’t have to answer that, I can love both. I feel that Olivier’s is a more exacting adaptation, especially this DVD of it, but there’s a vibrancy that McKellen’s surreal updating brings that is not to be dismissed. Also, the thing about both is the tremendous performances by both title performers. I’ve seen an edited down version of Olivier’s RICHARD III, but never this expanded edition. This will be a treat.
Well, wasn’t much that I felt compelled to recommend owning on this final day of the month. If you have youngsters, I’d recommend SPY KIDS 3-D, but I’m not sure how the 3D will work at home, though my nephew is a Spy Kids super freak. So I’m sure to learn.
That brings us to a final close for the month of February. I hope you’ve enjoyed this preview. I know I’m not reviewing the discs, and I’m trying to be very concise for you, but sometimes… when wading through the 300 or so releases a week, it’s good to have another’s opinion. I’m by no means the expert, but this is what I’ll be going after this month. Feel free to recommend other titles in Talk Back. After all, this is just my tastes being reflected… Oh, and if you want me to continue, drop me an email around the end of February, and I’ll create one for March! Adios…
Harry's January DVD Picks!!!
