Hey folks, Harry here… this is an insane month with 5 Tuesdays of releases and a TON of titles that I have to recommend. Once again, these are the titles that I’m excited about and is comprehensive to my own personal tastes. You may know of some titles you’d love to recommend, so use the Talk Back to do it. Well, I don’t want to take up too much of your time here, there’s a lot of great stuff to get to. Here ya go…
August 3rd, 2004
THE BEST OF ABBOTT & COSTELLO VOL: 3 (ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN, MEXICAN HAYRIDE, ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET THE KILLER BORIS KARLOFF, ABBOTT & COSTELLO IN THE FOREIGN LEGION, ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET THE INVISIBLE MAN, COMIN’ ROUND THE MOUNTAIN, LOST IN ALASKA, ABBOTT & COSTELLO GO TO MARS)
I own the first two sets, but by far this is the greatest of the ABBOTT & COSTELLO sets… For one, this has 4 of my favorites and my absolute favorite Bud & Lou in ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN! The other 3 being ‘MEET THE KILLER, BORIS KARLOFF’ ‘MEET THE INVISIBLE MAN’ and finally ‘GO TO MARS’. Obviously the main appeal being the genre element of horror and sci fi blending with their own special brand of lunacy. The MARS one is a particular jewel for me (for current obvious reasons) and I can’t wait to pick it up tomorrow!
THE CHARLEY CHASE COLLECTION (Slapstick Symposium)
Ahhhhh, YES! I can’t wait to get my meaty paws on this one. Charley Chase is one of the great underrated silent comedians. He isn’t just a knock off of Chaplin or Keaton, the titans of silent comedy. Nor is he a poor man’s Harold Lloyd or Fatty Arbuckle. He’s his own special type of dementia. A character that starts with simple problems that spiral out of control into cataclysm. This set puts together 7 of his greatest 2-reel comedies (aka shorts). Including: MUM’S THE WORD (1926), APRIL FOOL (1926), CRAZY LIKE A FOX (1926), LONG FLIB THE KING (1923), MIGHTY LIKE A MOOSE (1926) and ALL WET (1924) Chase was a behind the scenes master at Hal Roach’s studio, and often can be seen on screen and felt behind the screen on the genius of the Little Rascal / Our Gang shorts. GREAT WORK! Must own for Silent Comedy fans!
THE COMPLETE GIDGET COLLECTION (GIDGET / GIDGET GOES HAWAIIAN / GIDGET GOES TO ROME)
Ok – I’ve never seen a Gidget movie in my life until, I got this DVD set and ya know what… it’s the lightest sugary confection you can consume. The first Gidget is incredibly light and fun. Sandra Dee is THE Gidget in my opinion. She’s the cutest, the most precocious, the most insane and genuine tomboy girl I’ve seen on screen. Fantastic. The style, production look and funkiness of the film made me giggle throughout. The second Gidget – has the least attractive of the 3, but the most talented performer. Her dancing is yummy. Her sensuality is the most extreme. And the “Veronica” to her “Betty” in the film is OHMYGOD beautiful. The Hawaiian dance number rules, and the “swinger” subplot with the parents is hilarious. The final Gidget has a cute girl in the lead, and the fascination with Italian men and women is great. But it’s the fantasy sequences that really make the film fun. Wonderful collection, though I really wish they’d all been in their original aspect ratio – being Cinemascope!
DARBY O’GILL AND THE LITTLE PEOPLE
One of the best movies ever made by Walt Disney in the classic era. This one is right there, for me, with 20,000 LEAGUES BENEATH THE SEA and TREASURE ISLAND as my 3rd fave. Albert Sharpe is fantastic as Darby. Janet Munro, I’m so in love with her… her smile, those eyes… she’s an angel of flirtation. Connery’s song tickles me so. And all the magical stuff… great. The game between Darby and King Brien… CLASSIC! I don’t know if there’s any extras on this… The info I got was that there wasn’t.
GARAGE DAYS
Not a great film, but a very fun film. It isn’t a strikingly original film… follows the basic formula of a band wanting to get stardom. Now, it might not be as contrite as the regular films of this genre, but definitely… it’s the cinema and flair of director Alex Proyas that truly makes this film unique and worth owning. AICN has seemingly been covering this film forever! This DVD is filled with outtakes and behind the scenes, deleted scenes and, of course, the Alex Proyas’ commentary!
THE HAROLD LLOYD COLLECTION
I love Harold Lloyd – the round glass, straw hat wearing amazing acrobatic hijinks and hilarities. This collection has a film of his, I’ve never seen. The hour long GRANDMA’S BOY from 1922. In addition, there are 7 other short films of his here. Including the brilliant NUMBER, PLEASE (1920), BUMPING INTO BROADWAY (1919), AN EASTERN WESTERNER (1920), HIS ROYAL SLYNESS (1921), JUST NEIGHBORS (1919) and I DO (1918). He’s one of the great earliest comedians, and one of the great influences on Jackie Chan, alongside Buster Keaton. Another must buy for all Silent Comedy lovers!
KNIGHT RIDER – SEASON ONE
Now we’re talking! I love Knight Rider. I’ll never forget how cool I thought this show was as a kid. My father hated it, but he was a stoop-id doo-doo head! For fans of K.I.T.T. and the man-god Hasselhoff – this is a must own. There’s the commentary with Glen Larson and Hasselhoff, there’s a under the hood look at K.I.T.T. which… for car fetishists – this is pornography! And it delights. There’s also tons of more extras, but most of all… it’s the entire first season which ruled!
THE STAN LAUREL COLLECTION
The idea that Stan Laurel lived 37 years without Oliver Hardy is a bit amazing to wrap one’s cinematic conciousness around. That he had a whole other career before teaming with Hardy is never really given much publicity. And that he was absolutely brilliant in it, is nearly unknown. This 2 disc collection with 17 of his shorts is a miracle. Here’s what you’ll get: ROUGHEST AFRICA (1923), THE SOILERS (1923), MOTHER’S JOY (1924), POSTAGE DUE (1924), THE SLEUTH (1925), YES YES NANETTE (1925) co-starring Hardy, ORANGES AND LEMONS (1923), FROZEN HEARTS (1923), NEAR DUBLIN (1924), ZEB VS PAPRIKA (1924), SHORT KILTS (1924), WEST OF HOT DOG (1924), THE SNOW HAWK (1925), NAVY BLUE DAYS (1925), HALF A MAN (1925) and the one I’m dying to see… DR. PYCKLE AND MR. PRYDE (1925). Many of these have been nigh impossible to attain. I can’t wait to enjoy this set and discover another side of Stan Laurel!
Also coming out on this date is an extensive selection of ELVIS titles:
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Man – where the hell is Stevie Ray Vaughn in this thing? Heh. This one isn’t that outstanding. The key fun is just having Elvis in Europe and flirting with another of his teenage admiring romantic wannabes. But not much here other than that great version of Old MacDonald Had A Farm.
HARUM SCARUM
Ok, this is a pretty hilarious film… BUT… If Elvis did tour through the Middle East and if this all happened – then is the reason the region hates America because Elvis apparently romanced every hot woman over there and they can’t stop talking about it? Or did he just eat all their supply of Peanut Butter? The film is a trip, especially when you see their impression of Bagdad! The plot line is classic – with Karate King set to assassinate a Sheik for foreign agents. In actuality, this was the beginning of how America got rid of the rulers and placed various hoodlums like Saddam. It all starts with ELVIS!
IT HAPPENED AT THE WORLD’S FAIR
This film is mediocre, unfortunately. The space needle stuff is cool, but the plot is impenetrably benign. Lameness permeates it all… except for a couple of scenes that are cool. Not much here.
SPEEDWAY
This film kicks ass! For one… it features Nancy Sinatra opposite Elvis, and she rules as an agent for the IRS that’s assigned to collect Elvis’ delinquent taxes… a crazed plotline, but this film kicks unholy ass by simply having these two together, and the music each of them belts. The DRIVE IN club in this thing is fucking nuts cool! LOVE this film!
SPINOUT
I like this one. If for nothing more than Elvis’ reaction to being told he’d be a great domesticated husband. Hehehe… The songs kick ass and it’s a fun pop styled flick, not my fave, but not bad.
THE TROUBLE WITH GIRLS
A bizarre Elvis film set in what should’ve been the Roaring Twenties, barely manages to be anything more than a bizarre freak of a flick. It really is trying to be different, and on that it succeeds. But is it one to be proud of… I’m not sure.
Later this month – the bests of this run get joined in a set with VIVA LAS VEGAS and JAILHOUSE ROCK in THE ELVIS PRESLEY SIGNATURE COLLECTION which is a good way to get most of these titles by the end of the month.
August 10th, 2004
THE BAD SEED
On this release date, there’s a selection of simply brilliant titles. THE BAD SEED is amongst those needing and demanding your attention. I own this film in 16mm film stock… that’s how much I love it. If you had a little sister, you’ll associate with this movie. Because you know that the sweet innocent little girl that everyone sees as sweetness… well, that she’s really the spawn of evil incarnate. Patty McCormack is fantastic! Simply brilliant. The film features commentaries by Patty all grown up and Charles Busch… plus a great documentary featuring Patty about the making of the film. If you’ve never seen it, like all the other releases I have listed on this date… You must.
FREAKS
That title and the history of this classic film would be enough to demand instant purchase, as no film geek or geek or person that reads this site should NOT not have this title in their collections. BUT – the documentary on this DVD is heaven. For those that love this title, for those that love the strange and unusual and see normalcy in both… along with comfort, this DVD is a godsend. Can not recommend it enough! One of the great bizarrities of planet Earth!
KILL BILL, VOLUME 2
You’ve been dying to see the Michael Jai White scene… right? Well here it comes baby, and it’ll kick your ass. I was there to see it shot, and I’m so glad to get to see it come to life as it should. The premiere footage and behind the scenes are all much superior extras to the first DVD. The film was great and I can’t wait to get this version. And the inevitable future versions. Great!
THE LOST BOYS
This edition is everything that a fan of THE LOST BOYS could want and more. From Schumacher’s commentary with his wonderful anecdotes to the TONS of extras. Not just that… but THE RETURN OF SAM AND THE FROG BROTHERS with the 2 Coreys and Jamison Newlander! Holy Shit Cool! With Multiangle Video Commentary! The drool will spew forth like Old Faithful… the 2 Coreys and Jamison Newlander… tis too much to even believe. GREAT That’s just one of a whole extra dvd of coolness, multiple documentaries and featurettes. Plus a Lost in the Shadows music video that rules. Great DVD!
PREDATOR
Every good geek will go out and buy this dvd, but strangely… and for some odd reason, I was a bit disenfranchised with this DVD. Oh it has tons of extras, a great DVD, wonderful behind the scenes features… A look at ALIEN VS PREDATOR, which with every additional look seems to be worse and worse. Maybe it is just that there was the AVP feature on there that just put a stank upon the disk. I like the DVD – but I just wasn’t as enthusiastic about it as I wished. Though seeing the early look of the Predator that was thankfully abandoned…. And the red suit footage was a delight. And Arnie’s cockiness in the docu is a hoot. Of the dvds released on this date though… this is the least.
VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED / CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED
This DVD is great – simply because it has these movies. Along with THE BAD SEED, OMEN and IT’S ALIVE – should all be given to prospective parental friends of yours. After watching both of these films today, I’m utterly delighted to find myself desperately wanting children after watching these two. Super great. Quiet Aryan evil children must be stopped. Greatness. Remember… BRICK WALL you must think of a BRICK WALL!
August 17th, 2004
Martin Scorsese Collection ( AFTER HOURS / ALICE DOESN’T LIVE HERE ANYMORE / GOODFELLAS 2-disc Special Edition / MEAN STREETS: Special Edition / WHO’S THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR? )
All films in this set have Scorsese’s Commentary. There, have you gotten it yet? These couldn’t be a better mix of Scorsese’s work. All in widescreen, all pristine and all wonderful and interesting looks at this great work. These are the Warner Brothers Scorsese titles. Three of these titles have never been released on DVD at all, and are not nearly as often seen. Of those, AFTER HOURS and ALICE DOESN’T LIVE HERE ANYMORE are two of my faves. If you don’t already have those other titles, this is the excellent way to pick em all up at once!
SUGARLAND EXPRESS
Yes! I love SUGARLAND EXPRESS, it’s Spielberg’s first theatrical feature film… and Williams’ score is amazing! Considered by a foolish public as a flop, with every year it has grown in appreciation… and for me, it’s such a great performance by Goldie Hawn, and such a beautiful film set in my home state. I love this film, it’ll be quite nice to finally have it on DVD – just wish it had Steven’s commentary.
THE THREE MUSKETEERS
Not much is known about this animated film, but here on AICN we’ve had several good reviews, and 2 people that I trust quite a bit… well they claim this was a wonderful Disney film crying out for theatrical release, but that “the powers that be” didn’t want to risk the P&A money in case it wasn’t successful at the box office. For shame. At least this way we get to have it quickly… It’s just sad that Mickey gets sent straight to video these days.
AUGUST 24th, 2004
DOGVILLE
The most recent film from Lars Von Trier which was a very powerful and deliberately told film with an amazing cast and beautifully rendered by Anthony Dod Mantle’s camera. The film isn’t for everyone, cineastes will love it, popcorn and soda slurpers most likely won’t. More proof that Nicole Kidman is simply amazing, and how great Paul Bettany is. He’s going to explode on the scene some day soon, he’s a great actor. You’ll see. The rest of the cast is just perfect with Lauren Bacall, Chloe Sevigny, Jeremy Davies, Patricia Clarkson, Stellan Skarsgard and more. Just a great little film.
FUTURAMA, VOL 4
Well, here comes Season 4 and all 18 episodes! There’s deleted scenes, storyboard stuff, animatics, easter eggs, 3D models and how to draw Bender and Professor galleries so you can learn. AND 9 pencil tests. So it’s much more than just the joy & genius of FUTURAMA… there’s fun stuff you haven’t seen and nice memories to revisit.
GIA (Unrated Edition)
If you think Angelina Jolie is just a portent of a bad movie, then you haven’t seen GIA or the soon to be released SKY CAPTAIN. Now, if you want to see Angelina Jolie hot, sexual and NAKED… and acting that glorious ass off… then this is it. Now, I haven’t seen this yet, but GIA unrated can only be better than great. Cuz I think that’ll mean it’s hotter than it already is.
THE GIRL NEXT DOOR (Unrated Version)
This movie was shockingly well worth while. Very funny – and oddly hot. Now – will Elisha Cuthbert be full frontal yumminess in this? Well – I’m certainly going to find out, cuz um.. it’s my job to find out, and if she is, I’ll watch it 20 thousand times, just to be able to describe in exquisite detail every moment of her gloriousness. In addition, Elisha & director Emile did commentary and a trailer they couldn’t show on tv… plus the original ending. Wonderful little sex comedy, with lots of extras.
JIM BROWN ALL AMERICAN
Had a chance to see this film here in Austin with both Spike Lee and Jim Brown, and Spike did a great job taking us through Jim Brown’s life, but more than that… Jim is such a presence and his story is sooooo badass, that you won’t be able to not just worship at the altar of Jim Brown when the film is done. The dynamism of his athletic career, the presence he had in film and then… just how smart the guy is. All in all, it’s quite a powerful combination. Great documentary.
LORD JIM
Last year I got to see LORD JIM in 70mm at the Paramount Theater here in Austin, and it was just amazing. In 70mm it was one of the most beautiful film I’d ever seen, and it generally is badly considered by critics it seems. But for me, it felt like the great lost Peter O’Toole film. And you must behold James Mason to believe him in this thing. Just classic.
THE MUNSTERS – THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON
Complete with the unaired unseen pilot for THE MUNSTERS and all 38 1st season episodes for this classic show. Watch and explore the early life of future president, John Kerry and his family at 1313 Mockingbird Lane, and is that Butch Patrick playing young John Edwards? Watch and see!
THE NIGHT STALKER / THE NIGHT STRANGLER
Can’t wait to have this DVD. For one, I get the Kolchak stories, but also there’s some fun interview featurettes and enough coolness to fill both DVDs. This is the father of the X-FILES and to many future horror geeks and filmmakers. I love Darren McGavin for all times because of these!
ON THE WATERFRONT / WILD ONE
Two of the greatest Brando films ever made. Neither of these are new editions, but they’ve been packaged together for a special set being sold on this date. Of the two, my favorite is THE WILD ONE. Oh sure, ON THE WATERFRONT is technically the better movie, but Brando on a motorcycle with that trophy is just too fucking cool for words. Anyone that loves film and wants to be able to talk about Brando with any sense of authority or even, dare I say it, passion… you should have these films. From Brando’s historic performances, to the way the films are iconically shot and staged. Greatness.
ROD SERLING’S NIGHT GALLERY – THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON
This set has all 13 of the original episodes from the first season and the original pilot movie. See Spielberg’s first work. The only bad news is… that Universal just sort of slopped this together. Luckily, these are unedited versions. Bad news, they haven’t been digitally restored and there is no extras on this set, which certainly deserves them. No matter – since another… better release would most likely never come… at least until some future date when Universal’s home video department gets their collective shit together… well, this is it, and I must have them.
THE WORST WITCH
Ok – this isn’t that tv series crap, this is the movie. The one with the yummy lil Fairuza Balk! Oh and even more important one of the greatest women of all time, Diana Rigg. Oh… and the Court Jester of Satan, himself… Tim Curry!!! A grossly overlooked film that has big gobs of cool all through it. If you like the cast I’ve named, you’ll love this! If you don’t… find Quint and beat him within an inch of his life! He’s who turned me on to it. Well, him and a beautiful lady I used to know. So, just consider it as highly recommended!
AUGUST 31st, 2004
FRACTURED FLICKERS – THE COMPLETE COLLECTION
GREATNESS PERSONIFIED! If you are completely unfamiliar with these, then you live in a dreary world. These were the greatest things that Jay Ward ever produced. Taking film footage, often times silent stuff and adding crazed sound effects, reediting and combining things he made some of the funniest shorts ever made. A favorite of mine was when he took footage from the Elmo Lincoln silent Tarzan film and put it together to create TARFOOT OF THE APES – possibly the funniest thing ever created by man. I swear, you’ll die laughing. He uses the voice talent from Ward’s animation studios and all the gag writers from those classic Jay Ward cartoons. If you only get one thing off this list, this is it.
LEMORA: A CHILD’S TALE OF THE SUPERNATURAL
Love love love this movie. Mostly because Cheryl “RAINBEAUX” Smith, the most fuckable babe ever, she’s great in it… but also because Richard Blackburn and the production crew really made the most of the low budget materials they had at their disposal. This film reeks of atmosphere and style, seeming less like reality and more like a dream of child’s nightmare. This is a new uncut uncensored widescreen transfer, and it is absolutely gorgeous. This is the best Cult film in this month’s recommends!
The Orloff Collection (THE AWFUL DR. ORLOFF / DR. ORLOFF’S MONSTER / REVENGE IN THE HOUSE OF USHER / ORLOFF AND THE INVISIBLE MAN)
An insane series from cult slasher titty master Jess Franco, the entire Dr Orloff series. If you like titties and blood, this is a must for you. If you just like blood, the next film is for you!
THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST
Ok gore fans and voyeurist sadists… oh and Christians, here’s the movie you’ve been waiting for! I love this film, love the success, the entire phenomenon. I love that somehow it managed to force Americans to read a movie to the top of the Box Office. I love that one of the most graphically violent films of all time is in the top ten. And I love that a film that debuted at BUTT-NUMB-A-THON after a Zombie movie is being sold in 50-Count Church Packs. Outstanding work throughout this film and one of the most powerful movies made. Fun for the whole family!
SLACKER – Criterion Collection
Ahhhh, now here’s a film worth the Criterion treatment! A film all about what it is to be an Austinite! Trying to understand me after 8 years of reading this site? Well, here ya go. They’ve got audio commentaries by Linklater and his cast and crew. It also has Richard’s first film, IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO LEARN TO PLOW BY READING BOOKS, auditions, footage from the Rolling Roadshow 10th Anniversary Reunion of SLACKER. TONS of other extras. Low budget debut filmmaking at its best Linklater style.
SOUTH PARK – PASSION OF THE JEW
Do they have 50 Count Church Packs of this?
STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES – THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON
Ok – I want this NOW! The first 29 episodes on 8 discs, with documentaries and featurettes. STAR TREK may suck unwashed scrotum jelly today, but this… this is King! These stories, these actors… This was when they had limitless imagination, when Kirk was a stud, when Spock was a green-blooded fool and when McCoy wasn’t a bricklayer. There are so many great episodes in this set that I don’t know what to do, I’m so happy. Packaging looks like ass though.
VIDEODROME – CRITERION COLLECTION
YES! Audio Commentaries by Cronenberg, James Woods, Deborah Harry and Mark Irwin! Cronenberg’s short film CAMERA from the 25th Anniversary of the Toronto Film Fest. A new 30 minute docu called “Farming the New Flesh”!!! A 26-minute conversation from 1981 between David Cronenberg, John Carpenter, John Landis and Mick Garris called FEAR ON FILM!!! Oh… and MORE! Oh and the movie! This could very well be my favorite Cronenberg film. I love it… SO MUCH. Just watching feels like I’m becoming a part of a strange cult. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to make the flesh gun come out of my belly. Just now I tried, but nothing ever protrudes past the great mound of fuzzy flesh. Sniffle.
Whew… long month with an extra Tuesday! And next month is STAR WARS: ORIGINAL TRILOGY: ALL-LUCAS’D UP!!! Till then, enjoy the list and links my friends, this is a great month of DVDs!
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