Hey folks, Harry here with his NOVEMBER DVD Picks! This first Tuesday is indeed a SUPER-TUESDAY – as it is indeed ELECTION DAY. Now – after you vote, you should go reward yourself with a little pat on the back… a little something to watch to either celebrate your win, or to comfort you in your loss. Well, the titles coming out this Election Day are sure to please…
Election Day – Tuesday – November 2nd –
CALIFORNIA SPLIT
Here’s one of those Robert Altman Gems that just isn’t known by nearly enough people. I first saw this film at CINEVEGAS, a film festival that takes place in Las Vegas, and let me tell you… it’s a helluva way to see the film. It stars George Segal and Elliott Gould and the film cooks. The buddy interaction between Gould and Segal is priceless – and the film is one of the great gambler films. After SHORT CUTS and POPEYE, this is my favorite Altman flick… and Yes, I’m well aware that I should prefer NASHVILLE and MASH to both of those, but I don’t. And all you POPEYE haters can just go fucking leap off a bridge cuz I love POPEYE. Ahem. And I want that extra long version of POPEYE that Robert Evans told me about on the phone that time!
CASTLE KEEP
Here’s a basically unknown Sydney Pollack film that is far better than it was initially reviewed as back in 69 when it opened. It was a WWII as Vietnam type of flick and frankly… I love Burt Lancaster and Peter Falk in this. On top of everything else, I’ve never seen it in widescreen before so… here’s my chance.
The Criterion Collection Holiday 2004 Gift Set (241 titles)
Ok – technically – I have all these titles – but if you’ve got a ton of money you won from betting on a Red Sox sweep – and you want to assemble an incredibly impressive instant film collection in one click… then this is it. The 241 titles (some in sets): 3 WOMEN; 39 STEPS; CONSTANT FORGE, A; NOUS LA LIBERTE, A; WOMAN IS A WOMAN, A; WOMAN UNDER THE INFLUENCE, A; ALEXANDER NEVSKY; ALI: FEAR EATS THE SOUL; ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS; ALPHAVILLE; AMARCORD; AND GOD CREATED WOMAN; AND THE SHIP SAILS ON; ANDREI RUBLEV; ARMAGEDDON; AUTUMN SONATA; BALLAD OF A SOLDIER; BAND OF OUTSIDERS; BATTLE OF ALGIERS, THE; BEASTIE BOYS; BEAUTY AND THE BEAST; BED AND BOARD; BIG DEAL ON MADONNA STREET; BILLY LIAR; BLACK NARCISSUS; BLACK ORPHEUS; BLOB, THE; BLOOD OF A POET; BOB LE FLAMBEUR; BRANDED TO KILL; BRAZIL; BRIEF ENCOUNTER; BY BRAKHAGE, AN ANTHOLOGY; CARL THEODOR DREYER BOX SET; CARNIVAL OF SOULS; CHARADE; CHASING AMY; CHILDREN OF PARADISE; CLEO FROM 5 TO 7; CLOSELY WATCHED TRAINS; COCTEAU'S ORPHIC TRILOGY BOX SET; CONTEMPT; COUP DE GRACE; COUP DE TORCHON; CRANES ARE FLYING; CRIES AND WHISPERS; DAY OF WRATH; DEVIL AND DANIEL WEBSTER, THE; DIABOLIQUE; DIARY OF A CHAMBERMAID; DIARY OF A COUNTRY PRIEST; DISCREET CHARM OF THE BOURGEOISIE, THE; DO THE RIGHT THING; DOUBLE SUICIDE; DOWN BY LAW; EARLY SUMMER; EIGHT & 1/2; EISENSTEIN: THE SOUND YEARS BOX SET; ELEMENT OF CRIME; ELENA AND HER MEN; EYES WITHOUT A FACE; FACES; FAT GIRL; FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS; FIEND WITHOUT A FACE; FIREMEN'S BALL; FISHING WITH JOHN PRGMS 1-4; FOR ALL MANKIND; FRENCH CANCAN; GENERAL IDI AMIN DADA; GEORGE WASHINGTON; GERTRUD; GIMME SHELTER; GOOD MORNING; GRAND ILLUSION; GREAT EXPECTATIONS; GREY GARDENS; HAMLET; HARDER THEY COME, THE; HAXAN: WITCHCRAFT THROUGH AGES; HEARTS AND MINDS; HENRY V; HIDDEN FORTRESS; HIGH AND LOW; HIROSHIMA MON AMOUR; HONEYMOON KILLERS; HOPSCOTCH; HORSE'S MOUTH, THE; I AM CURIOUS - BLUE; I AM CURIOUS - YELLOW; I AM CURIOUS YELLOW/BLUE SET; I FIDANZATI; I KNOW WHERE I'M GOING!; I VITELLONI; IKIRU; IL POSTO; IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, THE; IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE; INDISCRETION OF AN AMERICAN WIFE/TERMINAL STATION; INGMAR BERGMAN MAKES A MOVIE; INGMAR BERGMAN: A FILM TRILOGY; INSOMNIA; IVAN THE TERRIBLE I & II; JIMI PLAYS MONTEREY/ SHAKE! OTIS AT MONTEREY/ OUTTAKE PERFORMANCES; JOHN CASSAVETES: FIVE FILM BOX SET; JUBILEE; JULIET OF THE SPIRITS; KILLERS DOUBLE DISC SPECIAL EDITION; KNIFE IN THE WATER; KWAIDAN; LA STRADA; LADY EVE, THE; LADY VANISHES; LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST; LAST WAVE, THE; L'AVVENTURA; LE CERCLE ROUGE; LE CORBEAU; LE DAMES DU BOIS DE BOULOGNE; LE MILLION; LE TROU; LEOPARD, THE; LIFE AND DEATH OF COLONEL BLIMP; LOLA; LONG GOOD FRIDAY; LORD OF THE FLIES; LOST HONOR OF KATHERINA BLUM, THE; LOVE ON THE RUN; LOVES OF A BLONDE; LOWER DEPTHS, THE; M. HULOT'S HOLIDAY; MAGIC FLUTE; MAITRESSE; MAMMA ROMA; MAN BITES DOG; MON ONCLE; MONA LISA; MONTEREY POP; MONTEREY POP FESTIVAL BOX SET; MONTY PYTHON'S LIFE OF BRIAN; MOST DANGEROUS GAME; MY LIFE AS A DOG; MY MAN GODFREY; MY METIER; NAKED KISS; NAKED LUNCH; NANOOK OF THE NORTH; NIGHT AND FOG; NIGHT PORTER; NIGHT TO REMEMBER; NIGHTS OF CABIRIA; OLIVER TWIST; ONIBABA; OPENING NIGHT; ORDET; ORPHEUS; PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC; PEEPING TOM; PEPE LE MOKO; PICKUP ON SOUTH STREET; PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK; PORNOGRAPHERS; PORT OF SHADOWS; PYGMALION; QUAI DES ORFEVRES; RAINER WERNER FASSBINDER: THE BRD TRILOGY; RASHOMON; RATCATCHER; RED BEARD; RED SHOES; RENOIR BOX SET: STAGE & SPECTACLE; RICHARD III; RIFIFI; ROCK, THE; RULES OF THE GAME; RULING CLASS, THE; RUSHMORE; SALESMAN; SALVATORE GIULIANO; SAMURAI I: MUSASHI MIYAMOTO; SAMURAI II: DUEL AT ICHIJOJI TEMPLE; SAMURAI III: DUEL AT GANRYU ISLAND; SANJURO; SCARLET EMPRESS, THE; SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE; SCHIZOPOLIS; SECRET HONOR; SEVEN SAMURAI; SEVENTH SEAL; SHADOWS; SHOCK CORRIDOR; SHOP ON MAIN STREET; SISTERS; SLACKER; SMILES OF A SUMMER NIGHT; SOLARIS; SPARTACUS; STOLEN KISSES; STORIES OF FLOATING WEEDS; STRAY DOG; SULLIVAN'S TRAVELS; SUMMERTIME; TANNER '88; TASTE OF CHERRY; TESTAMENT OF DR. MABUSE; TESTAMENT OF ORPHEUS; THAT OBSCURE OBJECT OF DESIRE; 400 BLOWS, THE; GOLDEN COACH, THE; KILLING OF A CHINESE BOOKIE, THE; MARRIAGE OF MARIA BRAUN, THE; ROYAL TENENBAUMS, THE; SILENCE, THE; THIRD MAN; THRONE OF BLOOD; THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY; TIME BANDITS; TIN DRUM, THE; TOKYO DRIFTER; TOKYO OLYMPIAD; TOKYO STORY; TRAFFIC; TROUBLE IN PARADISE; TRUFFAUT'S ADVENTURES OF ANTOINE DOINEL; TUNES OF GLORY; UMBERTO D; UNDER THE ROOFS OF PARIS; VAGABOND; VANISHING, THE; VARIETY LIGHTS; VERONIKA VOSS; VIDEODROME; W.C. FIELDS 6 SHORT FILMS; WAGES OF FEAR; WALKABOUT; WHITE SHEIK; WILD STRAWBERRIES; WINTER LIGHT; WITHNAIL AND I; WRITTEN ON THE WIND; AND YOJIMBO. With this collection – you will truly find a deeper understanding of cinema. And you save $2,250 in the massive purchase.
DAREDEVIL (Director’s Cut)
FINALLY! This is the way the film was meant to be seen… However, various monkeys in monkey suits decided the film would do better if it were vacuous and empty of character development and plot… sigh. With a little over 30 minutes restored to the film… it finds itself with an R-rating giving it far more weight. Kingpin is more vicious, their fight at the end vastly superior. Foggy and Matt’s relationship far better. An entire legal sub-plot that directly ties into the plot and shows more about Matt’s legal pursuits. And finally – the opening origin sequences feel so much better in this version. The dialogue plays better. The dynamic better. The hurt that Daredevil feels is more intense. A vastly superior film over the theatrical cut.
DR. STRANGELOVE (40th Anniversary 2-disc Special Edition)
Ok – No film geek worth his salt probably doesn’t already own a version of DR. STRANGELOVE, but there’s a reason why I am chomping at the bit to get this version. That second disc has a documentary called: “No Fighting in the War Room or: Dr. Strangelove and the Nuclear Threat” – and in that documentary there is an interview with Robert McNamara (along with Bob Woodward, Roger Ebert and Spike Lee). Having Bob McNamara comment on DR STRANGELOVE is Geek Heaven, as… if the U.S. ever had anyone that was sitting at a war room spouting opinions about whether or not to drop Nuclear Bombs from the sky like water balloons… it was Robert McNamara. I can not wait to see him comment on this film – and possibly tell us what OFFICIAL folks thought of the film. Fascinating. In addition – there are tons of other extras for this edition, but that’s the main one to chime about!
FACING WINDOWS
This is one of the foreign films that was released last year that I never had a chance to see in theaters, and one look at this dvd has me wishing I could have. An incredibly beautifully shot film. And Giovanna Mezzogiorno is Y-U-M-M-Y!!! It’s romantic, fantastical and magic. A great cast of characters in a story that isn’t exactly the greatest thing, but damn if it isn’t satisfying as hell. A Missed Movie.
GHETTO FREAKS & WAY OUT
Wow – GHETTO FREAKS on DVD. There was a point in my film going life, where this was the most anticipated film of all time. The unbelievably great trailer for this played throughout the Tarantino Film Fest. He’d never seen the film… nobody nowhere had seen the film. The trailer was stunningly fucked up with a narration that just electrified the audience. In reality the film is pretty fucking excruciating. BUT – man – it’s the sort of pain that must be shared. And double billed with WAY OUT, which I haven’t seen… well, now I’ve gotta own it. GHETTO FREAKS is one of the worst funk flicks of all time. I dare you to see it.
LOONEY TUNES – GOLDEN COLLECTION, Volume 2
The first collection was bliss, so is this one. The key disc for me is the 4th disc which is made up of “All Star Cavalcade of Hollywood Parodies” which are just bliss. In all you’ll walk away with 60 remastered masterpieces of Warner Brothers classic cartoons… 30 of which have commentaries. 9 featurettes, 2 documentaries, a TV special and rare never seen treats. Along with last month’s TOM & JERRY disc, this is animated bliss!
MULHOLLAND FALLS
God, I’d love to see a restored director’s cut of Lee Tomahori’s MULHOLLAND FALLS – but for now… this is all we’re going to get. This film was raped by the studio – and the result is only pretty good. For now, the film is probably best known for the glorious sex scenes with Jennifer Connelly. Nick Nolte is pretty damn cool here, as is Chazz. I liked this film of government conspiracies and tough fedora wearing cops. Now please… let’s get a Director’s Cut on this title!
SHAMPOO
If you’re planning on seeing the remake of ALFIE, along with checking out the Michael Caine original… you might want to add this to the gigolo groove you’re apparently bent on. This was Beatty at his most sexually charged. You’ll see him seduce an oh too young Carrie Fisher in her first screen role… along with Julie Christie and Goldie Hawn. This is the first satire to carry Mr Bulworth and frankly his best.
SHREK 2
If you want to think of this as the best animated film of 2004, you better rewatch it quickly because THE INCREDIBLES is about 4 million times better at every conceivable level. SHREK 2 was funny – but I kinda am annoyed by the “#1 Comedy Of All Time” on the cover there. Cuz – in Adjusted Dollars – JUNGLE BOOK, GREASE, MARY POPPINS, THE GRADUATE and THE STING all made more money… some of those by as much as $100 million dollars. Can’t help keeping it honest here. Can’t help thinking it would have been better had this just been a Puss In Boots solo flick.
STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES – Complete Second Season
YES! TROUBLE WITH TRIBBLES! AMOK TIME! JOURNEY TO BABEL! MIRROR MIRROR! WOLF IN THE FOLD and THE GAMESTERS OF TRISKELION! I love 2nd Season of Classic Trek… hell, I love all three seasons! In addition to having all the episodes, there’s extras galore. In particular I love the interviews with Nimoy. Shatner seems to have some voice problems, very hoarse in the documentaries with him.
THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN
Three super babes throw coins in a fountain and wish for love. And a love story follows. A great love story, a dream-like one. Especially suave is Louis Jourdan as the Prince… He’s cool. The dvd is gorgeous – glistening in its CinemaScope glory. And a great song by Sinatra for an opening that just makes ya soar. I love these old Fox Romantic cotton candies. They’re light and tasty.
ULTIMATE PARTY COLLECTION (DAZED AND CONFUSED / FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH)
Ok – Here’s what to watch Election Night after it’s all over… if there is such a thing. If you’re down, these’ll lift you up. If you’re up, these will lift you higher still. In fact, “higher” is what it’s all about, and these two DVDs are great additions to the collection. Of the two, for me… FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH has more personal relevance. Phoebe Cates’ Swimming Pool exit is a deeply personal moment. One of those moments that … “Doesn’t anyone knock around here?” hehehe… If you want to be astonished by possibly the most wrong review I’ve ever seen from Roger Ebert, read his original review of this film at the time, where he gave it 1 star. It is an outright flabbergasting look at the film. Like… if Mr Han reviewed the film. The commentary with Heckerling and Crowe is great. And the documentary is cool! The DAZED & CONFUSED disc is not very loaded, but a great film. There's word that there might be a CRITERION disc for that film in the works... let's prayl! Also – look for my announcement about a special FAST TIMES screening coming up soon!
November 9th
BEFORE SUNSET
One of the best films of 2004, definitely the best U.S. film thus far this year. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are magical in the film, the storytelling is effortlessly charmed. The cinematography is gorgeous, and every second you watch your heart pangs for Paris. And it has, one of the great cinematic endings. Perfection. Like 30 people saw this in theaters. When you see this on DVD, you’ll be frustrated that you didn’t see this in theaters. BRILLIANT!
The Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus Megaset and Monty Python Live Bundle
24 hours of Monty Python… Can the human mind process that? 24 Hours of the Flying Circus… It’s almost too much to even imagine. Add to that Art Galleries, Gillianimations and more. Yes – this is… too much, but since when did that ever stop us?
Fritz Lang Epic Collection (METROPOLIS / DIE NIBELUNGEN / WOMAN IN THE MOON / SPIES)
German Expressionism unleashed! I don’t need to waste words on METROPOLIS, you all know its genius… don’t you? But here you’ll discover the further evidence of Fritz Lang’s supreme genius from his silent era. SPIES holds imagery looted by Ridley Scott for BLADE RUNNER. WOMAN IN THE MOON invented cinematically the “COUNT DOWN”! and DIE NIBELUNGEN – words can not describe it’s utter brilliance. These films should be seen on giant screens with audiences of 2000 and a 120 piece orchestra playing… but unfortunately, we’ll never see them like that. This is what we have, and we should each offer up praise to KINO for giving us a collection such as this. Outstanding!
GONE WITH THE WIND (4 Disc Collector’s Set)
Warner Brothers Home Video has sort of undergone a transformation of late. For years I loathed them, but in the past year, they’ve out-done themselves. This is another fine prestige show-off for how to treat one of the greatest movies ever made… And a film that in adjusted box office dollars pulled in $2.2 Billion Dollars at the Domestic Box Office. I don’t know if that’s even possible to comprehend. Imagine a film 4 times more successful than TITANIC. That’s GONE WITH THE WIND. Everyone everywhere saw it theatrically. Will there ever be a film event of its like again? Well, besides GHOST TOWN? I don’t know. Of all the new extras on this edition, the new documentary featuring a new interview with Olivia de Havilland (wish someone did an ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD interview). Truly one of the greatest films of all time.
JU-ON
Recently saw this original Japanese edition in a theater on a date with my sweetie… and the film actually got her to SCREAM at one point. One of the most thrilling moments I’ve ever experienced with a horror film on a date. Out-standing! The film feels wrong, as if contaminated… unclean. Due to it being all-Japanese – there’s a feeling as if… it really happened. By putting Americans into the roles… it reminds me … oh look, Buffy. And somehow I just feel safer, and who the hell wants to feel safe during JU-ON? Heh. Great Horror Film.
THE MARX BROTHERS SILVER SCREEN COLLECTION (THE COCOANUTS / ANIMAL CRACKERS / MONKEY BUSINESS / HORSE FEATHERS / DUCK SOUP)
Ah, here we are with Chico, Harpo, Groucho and Zeppo! DUCK SOUP may very well be the funniest goddamn film ever made. Remember this speech of Rufus T Firefly? “I'd be unworthy of the high trust that's been placed in me if I didn't do everything in my power to keep our beloved Freedonia in peace with the world. I'd be only too happy to meet with Ambassador Trentino, and offer him on behalf of my country the right hand of good fellowship. And I feel sure he will accept this gesture in the spirit of which it is offered. But suppose he doesn't. A fine thing that'll be. I hold out my hand and he refuses to accept. That'll add a lot to my prestige, won't it? Me, the head of a country, snubbed by a forgein ambassador. Who does he think he is, that he can come here, and make a sap of me in front of all my people? Think of it - I hold out my hand and that hyena refuses to accept. Why, the cheap ball-pushing swine, he'll never get away with it I tell you, he'll never get away with it.
[Trentino enters] So, you refuse to shake hands with me, eh?
SLAP!” THE COCOANUTS was The Marx Brothers’ first film. While not their best, I personally love Harpo best in this film. He’s just so out of control. However, ANIMAL CRACKERS, MONKEY BUSINESS and HORSE FEATHERS are 3 of the best. But nothing tops DUCK SOUP. That film is pure hilarity.
NAKED JUNGLE
MARABUNTA!!!! This is the best ANTS ATTACK movie ever made. And in addition you’ve got Charlton Heston ordering himself up a mail-order bride, cuz he ain’t got time for courtin’. I love this movie. Watching ants building boats… for real to cross a river to continue their mad attack. Leveling jungles, fields, stripping the flesh from animals and men’s bones.
PRINCESS BLADE (Special Edition)
While certainly not up to par with say, AZUMI (which came after, btw) – PRINCESS BLADE is a fine addition to the badass babe with a sword genre. Neat CG effects, fun and inventive action. This dvd has superior subtitles as well as an English dub track if that’s your thing, but also (THANK GOD) the Japanese original soundtrack. Best DVD on this title available.
W.C. FIELDS Comedy Collection (THE BANK DICK / MY LITTLE CHICKADEE / YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN / IT’S A GIFT / INTERNATIONAL HOUSE)
THE BANK DICK had it’s best treatment on Criterion ages ago, but this set is pretty damn nice. It’s the first W.C. Fields set we have thus far, and hopefully if this set does well, maybe Paramount will release his titles that they own. He was and is the king of one line quips. His wit cut straight to the point and had a way about his voice that made every flirt an insult and every observance a feeling of aggravation. Watching him and Mae West in MY LITTLE CHICKADEE is to see two of the great comedians trading quips at their best. INTERNATIONAL HOUSE is filled with great comedy talent like Burns & Allen and Rudy Vallee – and had Cab Calloway and Bela Lugosi as bonuses! I haven’t had a chance to see IT’S A GIFT, but YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN co-stars Charlie McCarthy and his puppet Edgar Bergen – and they rule. Plus Eddie Anderson is hilarious in the film. It is very much a funny funny comedy. With this and the Marx Brothers and that Monty Python set… this is a great month for laughs!
November 16th
AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE – Volume Three
Ah, more goodness from Adult Swim! Here’s the Episodes:
*Broodwich
*Total Recarl
*Revenge of the Trees
*Frat Aliens
*Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary
*Kidney Car
*The Cubing
*The Shaving
*The Clowning
*The Dressing
*THE
*The Cloning
*The Last One
Add to that, script pages, deleted scenes, promo pieces and much more and you’ve got the third addition to your Aqua Teen Hunger Force collection. These are nice sets.
BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY – Complete Series
This is about 30 Hours of Gil Gerard and Erin Grey! In otherwords, HEAVEN! Personally, I can’t wait to rewatch the Hawk episodes. I remember as a kid thinking that ship of his was the coolest damn thing ever. And Erin was so damn hot, and damn Lucas for stealing Wilma Deering’s outfit for Padme in Attack of the Clones… only… it sure was hot on Natalie. Sigh… Haven’t heard of any extras on this set, but this is one of the key things this month I’m most looking forward to.
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER – 7th Season
This is that series that THE GRUDGE chick was on. I think it was horror related or something. If memory serves this stuff doesn’t suck much. In fact, it kinda rules in a hardcore asskicking, damn this is too good for TV sort of way. I find myself thinking way too much about Willow. I think it is unhealthy. I promise I’m not stalking her or anything. Can’t say the same about Herc though.
THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (Unrated Edition)
A few glimpses of Riddick’s homeworld and his dreams are actually pretty nice. The FX all look better on the small screen than they did on the big screen. The new scenes have a slight glitch to them when they come in – little on the annoying side. Still hate the design of much of the film, but I liked it a bit more on DVD. The main thing is Vin and that hot as hell girl he’s protecting… well – they’re worth the dvd in my opinion. Extras aren’t all that great, but the new scenes integrated into the film work.
ELF
Wow – I understand why New Line waited so long to release this DVD – but it kinda feels like a timeless classic now. This was one of my favorite films from last year. Will’s Buddy the Elf was just an instant character connection. In someways, he felt like a Pixar character plucked out of one of their films and placed in a Jon Favreau universe. How utterly splendid. The scenes of Buddy on Bob Newhart’s lap are just heaven. The film is just a complete warm blanket on a winter’s eve sort of flick. As for the disc… this is one of those Infinifilm Editions – with a second disc just gorged with extras. There’s two commentaries, one with Favs, the other with that beautiful ‘tard, Will Ferrell. There’s deleted scenes, featurettes out the wazoo, Elf Karaoke – whatever the hell that means and more. This is one of those additions to the Xmas Collection.
FANTASM
Hardcore stars of yesteryear in a Softcore film. You’ll see John Holmes’ monster, but not going in anything. You’ll see TONS of BUSH (the only good kind) and you’ll see lots of humping where you’ll notice limp penises not actually up for much of anything. The 70’s babes have that sort of 70’s thing going and all of it is shot with that 70’s porn FILM look, which is so much better than the look of video crap we get today. Also – the subject matter is kinda fucked up. Here, here they act out repressed sick fantasies of incest with delight. It’s fascinating to watch and notice the differences between yesteryear and today! This was directed by the director of CLOAK AND DAGGER!
FANTASM COMES AGAIN
Of the two, I preferred this one. Mainly because this one has Serena and Rainbeaux Smith… two babes from the era that just absolutely set off the rockets like New Year’s Eve. John Holmes returns, and the sequence with Rainbeaux Smith is fucked up, even if it does take place at a drive-in where they’re watching the first FANTASM. BTW – no silver balls and Tall Man or killer dwarves in these. Serena’s sequence is very very hot. Something about film just gives these actresses a glow that the Video era misses.
FOUL PLAY
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! FOUL PLAY is one of my favorite movies. Chevy and Goldie were magic together in this film. Those weird fucking old ladies playing filthy Scrabble… that laughing hissing boa constrictor… that poor bible salesman from the Wizard of Oz… the entire opera scene at the end (long before I discovered TO CATCH A THIEF) – this is the most playful and successful Hitchcock rip-off ever made. Chevy was never this good. And Dudley Moore just rules in his tiny part here. And that fucking scary ass Albino dude!!! Freaked my shit out. Can’t wait to get this DVD.
THE IRON GIANT (Special Edition)
While no longer my favorite Brad Bird film, I do love this movie. A limited edition cel I bought in L.A. at the Warner Brothers Store signing for THE IRON GIANT hangs in my living room, and the humongous IRON GIANT toy holding Hogarth and chewing down on NCC-1701 is the highest most point of all my toys in the wall of toys in my room. This film is right there with TOY STORY 1 & 2 and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS as my favorite modern age animated films… which the INCREDIBLES just charged right smack into the midst of. Getting to see 8 additional scenes and an alternate opening thrills me. The 13 featurettes, the commentary, the breakdown of two sequences and more all stuffed on this precious disc makes this THE BUY of the month along with that… little film that swept all those Oscars earlier this year. After watching THE INCREDIBLES 30 times by Nov 16th, you’ll be dying for this disc.
THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD
The Film is bliss. Guy Maddin, who is drunk on expressionism, delivers this wondrous little musical gem. This competition for the world’s saddest music is heaven. It’s a crazed film filled with beauty and sadness. Isabella Rosselini has never been more Ingrid Bergman-y than she is in this film… though… it should be noted that I don’t believe Ingrid ever played a double amputee beer legged wealthy beer baroness. But she should have!
TEENAGE CAVEGIRL
I’ve never been able to turn down Cavegirl movies. It’s a weakness brought on from a childhood poster of Raquel Welch from ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. that hung on the back of my door to my room. As a result… women in loin cloths do it for me. It’s also why Moriarty is so hot, he wears loin cloths a lot. Anyway, this was allegedly shot in Bronson Canyons. It will suck. I know this going into this purchase. But I can not stop myself. Lizards and loin cloths. Must buy.
November 23rd
GOZU
Sheer Genius compounded with criminal insanity! The results are something so maddeningly fascinating that you dare not turn away for fear of missing the next assault on your own private grip on reality. Miike is like Lynch, but weird. Heh. Where he pulls his imagery from is best left one of life’s unsought mysteries. For, like a lead character in a Lovecraft story, if you were to find it, it would surely tear you apart!
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Alfonso Cuaron crafted the best of the HARRY POTTER films thus far, and this dvd will be the first of the 3 that I’ve actually purchased. There’s an elegance at play in this film that just makes it so affecting and far more powerful than the previous films. There is a blossoming going on with the kids as actors that you can’t help be notice. They’re truly becoming damn good actors here. The series is reminding me of one of those great old series like the ANDY HARDY movies or the SHERLOCK HOLMES’ of Basil Rathbone… where the actors are growing comfortable in their characters… the way the Classic Trek Crew did in their films. But none of those series had a 3rd chapter this far and way better than the rest of their series to date. Cuaron is a magic man!
THE TERMINAL (2-Disc Collector’s Set)
While not quite as magical as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, I still am quite fond of THE TERMINAL. Unfortunately the movie was mis-marketed as a Romantic Comedy – when in truth this is more about a man fulfilling a last wish. This is a film about family duty. In fact if this film belongs to any genre perse, I’d have to say it was the “MAN ON A MISSION” genre. Navorski gets distracted along the way, but he finds his way. The characters in the ‘terminal’ steal the film for me. As for Catherine Zeta Jones? She’s perfect. I don’t believe we’re ever supposed to love her in this role. She’s that mirage of happiness that a man finds in a desert. She looks like water and shade, but deep down, she’s just another mouth of sand, a pinch of salt to rub into the popped blisters on your feet as you drive forward to your ultimate goal. Beautiful pain, but that’s all she is.
November 30th
Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen – (IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA / EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS / 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH / MYSTERIOUS ISLAND / H.G. WELLS’ FIRST MEN IN THE MOON)
If you already have these titles on DVD – this is nothing more than a repackaging. However, if you don’t have these titles – then here’s an excellent way to pick these up. For you Geek Parents out there. These films are excellent gateway films to raise your children on. Yes, some of these are black and white, but let me tell you. I’ve shown most of these titles over the years at my Saturday Morning Kids Club and the children… all ages… are held in rapt attention. EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS for example… a 6 year old boy came up to me after that screening to declare the film the greatest movie ever made, and when he grew up he was going to remake it, and use NUCLEAR WEAPONS to fight the flying saucers! I told him that was a great idea, and asked him to send me a ticket! You’ll find no objectionable material here, and the stop-motion is captivating to children. I showed my nephew 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH at age 3 – and explained to him that Ymir wasn’t a monster but a hungry baby that was growing really big… and didn’t understand why the men were bothering him. And when Ymir… well at the end, my nephew cried and then played with my Ymir toy for the next month. This set is an excellent way to bring up your kids, the geek way!
HERO
How Miramax could make Zhang Ziyi look unattractive on this DVD is beyond me. How they could make the film look ugly is beyond reason. Look at that packaging. That has got to be the worst possible image for the DVD. That’s awful. Now – the real reason to get this version is for the English versions of Behind The Scenes and the Conversation with Tarantino and the Storyboards. They do have English and French dubs available along with the original Chinese with subtitles in English and Spanish. Frankly, I’m glad I own my original Region 3 – I personally prefer the translation on that disc, but I imagine I’ll prefer the extras on this disc. We’ll see.
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LOST IN SPACE – SEASON 2, Vol 2
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
SPIDER-MAN 2
SPIDER-MAN 2 was one of the great successes of the summer for me. Alfred Molina, bless you. Sam Raimi, bless you. Now, if the next one can be as absolutely breathlessly perfect the way THE INCREDIBLES was… I’ll be completely sated. There’s tons of extras on this DVD which really is a gangbusters release. I can’t wait to pour through the “Ock-umentary” and discover all the tricks to Doc Ock. And I can’t wait to freeze frame on Scott Spiegel.. pizza thief!
Coming In December:
RETURN OF THE KING: Special Edition
Click Here To Visit October’s Picks!
CALIFORNIA SPLIT
Here’s one of those Robert Altman Gems that just isn’t known by nearly enough people. I first saw this film at CINEVEGAS, a film festival that takes place in Las Vegas, and let me tell you… it’s a helluva way to see the film. It stars George Segal and Elliott Gould and the film cooks. The buddy interaction between Gould and Segal is priceless – and the film is one of the great gambler films. After SHORT CUTS and POPEYE, this is my favorite Altman flick… and Yes, I’m well aware that I should prefer NASHVILLE and MASH to both of those, but I don’t. And all you POPEYE haters can just go fucking leap off a bridge cuz I love POPEYE. Ahem. And I want that extra long version of POPEYE that Robert Evans told me about on the phone that time!
CASTLE KEEP
Here’s a basically unknown Sydney Pollack film that is far better than it was initially reviewed as back in 69 when it opened. It was a WWII as Vietnam type of flick and frankly… I love Burt Lancaster and Peter Falk in this. On top of everything else, I’ve never seen it in widescreen before so… here’s my chance.
The Criterion Collection Holiday 2004 Gift Set (241 titles)
Ok – technically – I have all these titles – but if you’ve got a ton of money you won from betting on a Red Sox sweep – and you want to assemble an incredibly impressive instant film collection in one click… then this is it. The 241 titles (some in sets): 3 WOMEN; 39 STEPS; CONSTANT FORGE, A; NOUS LA LIBERTE, A; WOMAN IS A WOMAN, A; WOMAN UNDER THE INFLUENCE, A; ALEXANDER NEVSKY; ALI: FEAR EATS THE SOUL; ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS; ALPHAVILLE; AMARCORD; AND GOD CREATED WOMAN; AND THE SHIP SAILS ON; ANDREI RUBLEV; ARMAGEDDON; AUTUMN SONATA; BALLAD OF A SOLDIER; BAND OF OUTSIDERS; BATTLE OF ALGIERS, THE; BEASTIE BOYS; BEAUTY AND THE BEAST; BED AND BOARD; BIG DEAL ON MADONNA STREET; BILLY LIAR; BLACK NARCISSUS; BLACK ORPHEUS; BLOB, THE; BLOOD OF A POET; BOB LE FLAMBEUR; BRANDED TO KILL; BRAZIL; BRIEF ENCOUNTER; BY BRAKHAGE, AN ANTHOLOGY; CARL THEODOR DREYER BOX SET; CARNIVAL OF SOULS; CHARADE; CHASING AMY; CHILDREN OF PARADISE; CLEO FROM 5 TO 7; CLOSELY WATCHED TRAINS; COCTEAU'S ORPHIC TRILOGY BOX SET; CONTEMPT; COUP DE GRACE; COUP DE TORCHON; CRANES ARE FLYING; CRIES AND WHISPERS; DAY OF WRATH; DEVIL AND DANIEL WEBSTER, THE; DIABOLIQUE; DIARY OF A CHAMBERMAID; DIARY OF A COUNTRY PRIEST; DISCREET CHARM OF THE BOURGEOISIE, THE; DO THE RIGHT THING; DOUBLE SUICIDE; DOWN BY LAW; EARLY SUMMER; EIGHT & 1/2; EISENSTEIN: THE SOUND YEARS BOX SET; ELEMENT OF CRIME; ELENA AND HER MEN; EYES WITHOUT A FACE; FACES; FAT GIRL; FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS; FIEND WITHOUT A FACE; FIREMEN'S BALL; FISHING WITH JOHN PRGMS 1-4; FOR ALL MANKIND; FRENCH CANCAN; GENERAL IDI AMIN DADA; GEORGE WASHINGTON; GERTRUD; GIMME SHELTER; GOOD MORNING; GRAND ILLUSION; GREAT EXPECTATIONS; GREY GARDENS; HAMLET; HARDER THEY COME, THE; HAXAN: WITCHCRAFT THROUGH AGES; HEARTS AND MINDS; HENRY V; HIDDEN FORTRESS; HIGH AND LOW; HIROSHIMA MON AMOUR; HONEYMOON KILLERS; HOPSCOTCH; HORSE'S MOUTH, THE; I AM CURIOUS - BLUE; I AM CURIOUS - YELLOW; I AM CURIOUS YELLOW/BLUE SET; I FIDANZATI; I KNOW WHERE I'M GOING!; I VITELLONI; IKIRU; IL POSTO; IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, THE; IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE; INDISCRETION OF AN AMERICAN WIFE/TERMINAL STATION; INGMAR BERGMAN MAKES A MOVIE; INGMAR BERGMAN: A FILM TRILOGY; INSOMNIA; IVAN THE TERRIBLE I & II; JIMI PLAYS MONTEREY/ SHAKE! OTIS AT MONTEREY/ OUTTAKE PERFORMANCES; JOHN CASSAVETES: FIVE FILM BOX SET; JUBILEE; JULIET OF THE SPIRITS; KILLERS DOUBLE DISC SPECIAL EDITION; KNIFE IN THE WATER; KWAIDAN; LA STRADA; LADY EVE, THE; LADY VANISHES; LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST; LAST WAVE, THE; L'AVVENTURA; LE CERCLE ROUGE; LE CORBEAU; LE DAMES DU BOIS DE BOULOGNE; LE MILLION; LE TROU; LEOPARD, THE; LIFE AND DEATH OF COLONEL BLIMP; LOLA; LONG GOOD FRIDAY; LORD OF THE FLIES; LOST HONOR OF KATHERINA BLUM, THE; LOVE ON THE RUN; LOVES OF A BLONDE; LOWER DEPTHS, THE; M. HULOT'S HOLIDAY; MAGIC FLUTE; MAITRESSE; MAMMA ROMA; MAN BITES DOG; MON ONCLE; MONA LISA; MONTEREY POP; MONTEREY POP FESTIVAL BOX SET; MONTY PYTHON'S LIFE OF BRIAN; MOST DANGEROUS GAME; MY LIFE AS A DOG; MY MAN GODFREY; MY METIER; NAKED KISS; NAKED LUNCH; NANOOK OF THE NORTH; NIGHT AND FOG; NIGHT PORTER; NIGHT TO REMEMBER; NIGHTS OF CABIRIA; OLIVER TWIST; ONIBABA; OPENING NIGHT; ORDET; ORPHEUS; PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC; PEEPING TOM; PEPE LE MOKO; PICKUP ON SOUTH STREET; PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK; PORNOGRAPHERS; PORT OF SHADOWS; PYGMALION; QUAI DES ORFEVRES; RAINER WERNER FASSBINDER: THE BRD TRILOGY; RASHOMON; RATCATCHER; RED BEARD; RED SHOES; RENOIR BOX SET: STAGE & SPECTACLE; RICHARD III; RIFIFI; ROCK, THE; RULES OF THE GAME; RULING CLASS, THE; RUSHMORE; SALESMAN; SALVATORE GIULIANO; SAMURAI I: MUSASHI MIYAMOTO; SAMURAI II: DUEL AT ICHIJOJI TEMPLE; SAMURAI III: DUEL AT GANRYU ISLAND; SANJURO; SCARLET EMPRESS, THE; SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE; SCHIZOPOLIS; SECRET HONOR; SEVEN SAMURAI; SEVENTH SEAL; SHADOWS; SHOCK CORRIDOR; SHOP ON MAIN STREET; SISTERS; SLACKER; SMILES OF A SUMMER NIGHT; SOLARIS; SPARTACUS; STOLEN KISSES; STORIES OF FLOATING WEEDS; STRAY DOG; SULLIVAN'S TRAVELS; SUMMERTIME; TANNER '88; TASTE OF CHERRY; TESTAMENT OF DR. MABUSE; TESTAMENT OF ORPHEUS; THAT OBSCURE OBJECT OF DESIRE; 400 BLOWS, THE; GOLDEN COACH, THE; KILLING OF A CHINESE BOOKIE, THE; MARRIAGE OF MARIA BRAUN, THE; ROYAL TENENBAUMS, THE; SILENCE, THE; THIRD MAN; THRONE OF BLOOD; THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY; TIME BANDITS; TIN DRUM, THE; TOKYO DRIFTER; TOKYO OLYMPIAD; TOKYO STORY; TRAFFIC; TROUBLE IN PARADISE; TRUFFAUT'S ADVENTURES OF ANTOINE DOINEL; TUNES OF GLORY; UMBERTO D; UNDER THE ROOFS OF PARIS; VAGABOND; VANISHING, THE; VARIETY LIGHTS; VERONIKA VOSS; VIDEODROME; W.C. FIELDS 6 SHORT FILMS; WAGES OF FEAR; WALKABOUT; WHITE SHEIK; WILD STRAWBERRIES; WINTER LIGHT; WITHNAIL AND I; WRITTEN ON THE WIND; AND YOJIMBO. With this collection – you will truly find a deeper understanding of cinema. And you save $2,250 in the massive purchase.
DAREDEVIL (Director’s Cut)
FINALLY! This is the way the film was meant to be seen… However, various monkeys in monkey suits decided the film would do better if it were vacuous and empty of character development and plot… sigh. With a little over 30 minutes restored to the film… it finds itself with an R-rating giving it far more weight. Kingpin is more vicious, their fight at the end vastly superior. Foggy and Matt’s relationship far better. An entire legal sub-plot that directly ties into the plot and shows more about Matt’s legal pursuits. And finally – the opening origin sequences feel so much better in this version. The dialogue plays better. The dynamic better. The hurt that Daredevil feels is more intense. A vastly superior film over the theatrical cut.
DR. STRANGELOVE (40th Anniversary 2-disc Special Edition)
Ok – No film geek worth his salt probably doesn’t already own a version of DR. STRANGELOVE, but there’s a reason why I am chomping at the bit to get this version. That second disc has a documentary called: “No Fighting in the War Room or: Dr. Strangelove and the Nuclear Threat” – and in that documentary there is an interview with Robert McNamara (along with Bob Woodward, Roger Ebert and Spike Lee). Having Bob McNamara comment on DR STRANGELOVE is Geek Heaven, as… if the U.S. ever had anyone that was sitting at a war room spouting opinions about whether or not to drop Nuclear Bombs from the sky like water balloons… it was Robert McNamara. I can not wait to see him comment on this film – and possibly tell us what OFFICIAL folks thought of the film. Fascinating. In addition – there are tons of other extras for this edition, but that’s the main one to chime about!
FACING WINDOWS
This is one of the foreign films that was released last year that I never had a chance to see in theaters, and one look at this dvd has me wishing I could have. An incredibly beautifully shot film. And Giovanna Mezzogiorno is Y-U-M-M-Y!!! It’s romantic, fantastical and magic. A great cast of characters in a story that isn’t exactly the greatest thing, but damn if it isn’t satisfying as hell. A Missed Movie.
GHETTO FREAKS & WAY OUT
Wow – GHETTO FREAKS on DVD. There was a point in my film going life, where this was the most anticipated film of all time. The unbelievably great trailer for this played throughout the Tarantino Film Fest. He’d never seen the film… nobody nowhere had seen the film. The trailer was stunningly fucked up with a narration that just electrified the audience. In reality the film is pretty fucking excruciating. BUT – man – it’s the sort of pain that must be shared. And double billed with WAY OUT, which I haven’t seen… well, now I’ve gotta own it. GHETTO FREAKS is one of the worst funk flicks of all time. I dare you to see it.
LOONEY TUNES – GOLDEN COLLECTION, Volume 2
The first collection was bliss, so is this one. The key disc for me is the 4th disc which is made up of “All Star Cavalcade of Hollywood Parodies” which are just bliss. In all you’ll walk away with 60 remastered masterpieces of Warner Brothers classic cartoons… 30 of which have commentaries. 9 featurettes, 2 documentaries, a TV special and rare never seen treats. Along with last month’s TOM & JERRY disc, this is animated bliss!
MULHOLLAND FALLS
God, I’d love to see a restored director’s cut of Lee Tomahori’s MULHOLLAND FALLS – but for now… this is all we’re going to get. This film was raped by the studio – and the result is only pretty good. For now, the film is probably best known for the glorious sex scenes with Jennifer Connelly. Nick Nolte is pretty damn cool here, as is Chazz. I liked this film of government conspiracies and tough fedora wearing cops. Now please… let’s get a Director’s Cut on this title!
SHAMPOO
If you’re planning on seeing the remake of ALFIE, along with checking out the Michael Caine original… you might want to add this to the gigolo groove you’re apparently bent on. This was Beatty at his most sexually charged. You’ll see him seduce an oh too young Carrie Fisher in her first screen role… along with Julie Christie and Goldie Hawn. This is the first satire to carry Mr Bulworth and frankly his best.
SHREK 2
If you want to think of this as the best animated film of 2004, you better rewatch it quickly because THE INCREDIBLES is about 4 million times better at every conceivable level. SHREK 2 was funny – but I kinda am annoyed by the “#1 Comedy Of All Time” on the cover there. Cuz – in Adjusted Dollars – JUNGLE BOOK, GREASE, MARY POPPINS, THE GRADUATE and THE STING all made more money… some of those by as much as $100 million dollars. Can’t help keeping it honest here. Can’t help thinking it would have been better had this just been a Puss In Boots solo flick.
STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES – Complete Second Season
YES! TROUBLE WITH TRIBBLES! AMOK TIME! JOURNEY TO BABEL! MIRROR MIRROR! WOLF IN THE FOLD and THE GAMESTERS OF TRISKELION! I love 2nd Season of Classic Trek… hell, I love all three seasons! In addition to having all the episodes, there’s extras galore. In particular I love the interviews with Nimoy. Shatner seems to have some voice problems, very hoarse in the documentaries with him.
THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN
Three super babes throw coins in a fountain and wish for love. And a love story follows. A great love story, a dream-like one. Especially suave is Louis Jourdan as the Prince… He’s cool. The dvd is gorgeous – glistening in its CinemaScope glory. And a great song by Sinatra for an opening that just makes ya soar. I love these old Fox Romantic cotton candies. They’re light and tasty.
ULTIMATE PARTY COLLECTION (DAZED AND CONFUSED / FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH)
Ok – Here’s what to watch Election Night after it’s all over… if there is such a thing. If you’re down, these’ll lift you up. If you’re up, these will lift you higher still. In fact, “higher” is what it’s all about, and these two DVDs are great additions to the collection. Of the two, for me… FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH has more personal relevance. Phoebe Cates’ Swimming Pool exit is a deeply personal moment. One of those moments that … “Doesn’t anyone knock around here?” hehehe… If you want to be astonished by possibly the most wrong review I’ve ever seen from Roger Ebert, read his original review of this film at the time, where he gave it 1 star. It is an outright flabbergasting look at the film. Like… if Mr Han reviewed the film. The commentary with Heckerling and Crowe is great. And the documentary is cool! The DAZED & CONFUSED disc is not very loaded, but a great film. There's word that there might be a CRITERION disc for that film in the works... let's prayl! Also – look for my announcement about a special FAST TIMES screening coming up soon!
November 9th
BEFORE SUNSET
One of the best films of 2004, definitely the best U.S. film thus far this year. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are magical in the film, the storytelling is effortlessly charmed. The cinematography is gorgeous, and every second you watch your heart pangs for Paris. And it has, one of the great cinematic endings. Perfection. Like 30 people saw this in theaters. When you see this on DVD, you’ll be frustrated that you didn’t see this in theaters. BRILLIANT!
The Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus Megaset and Monty Python Live Bundle
24 hours of Monty Python… Can the human mind process that? 24 Hours of the Flying Circus… It’s almost too much to even imagine. Add to that Art Galleries, Gillianimations and more. Yes – this is… too much, but since when did that ever stop us?
Fritz Lang Epic Collection (METROPOLIS / DIE NIBELUNGEN / WOMAN IN THE MOON / SPIES)
German Expressionism unleashed! I don’t need to waste words on METROPOLIS, you all know its genius… don’t you? But here you’ll discover the further evidence of Fritz Lang’s supreme genius from his silent era. SPIES holds imagery looted by Ridley Scott for BLADE RUNNER. WOMAN IN THE MOON invented cinematically the “COUNT DOWN”! and DIE NIBELUNGEN – words can not describe it’s utter brilliance. These films should be seen on giant screens with audiences of 2000 and a 120 piece orchestra playing… but unfortunately, we’ll never see them like that. This is what we have, and we should each offer up praise to KINO for giving us a collection such as this. Outstanding!
GONE WITH THE WIND (4 Disc Collector’s Set)
Warner Brothers Home Video has sort of undergone a transformation of late. For years I loathed them, but in the past year, they’ve out-done themselves. This is another fine prestige show-off for how to treat one of the greatest movies ever made… And a film that in adjusted box office dollars pulled in $2.2 Billion Dollars at the Domestic Box Office. I don’t know if that’s even possible to comprehend. Imagine a film 4 times more successful than TITANIC. That’s GONE WITH THE WIND. Everyone everywhere saw it theatrically. Will there ever be a film event of its like again? Well, besides GHOST TOWN? I don’t know. Of all the new extras on this edition, the new documentary featuring a new interview with Olivia de Havilland (wish someone did an ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD interview). Truly one of the greatest films of all time.
JU-ON
Recently saw this original Japanese edition in a theater on a date with my sweetie… and the film actually got her to SCREAM at one point. One of the most thrilling moments I’ve ever experienced with a horror film on a date. Out-standing! The film feels wrong, as if contaminated… unclean. Due to it being all-Japanese – there’s a feeling as if… it really happened. By putting Americans into the roles… it reminds me … oh look, Buffy. And somehow I just feel safer, and who the hell wants to feel safe during JU-ON? Heh. Great Horror Film.
THE MARX BROTHERS SILVER SCREEN COLLECTION (THE COCOANUTS / ANIMAL CRACKERS / MONKEY BUSINESS / HORSE FEATHERS / DUCK SOUP)
Ah, here we are with Chico, Harpo, Groucho and Zeppo! DUCK SOUP may very well be the funniest goddamn film ever made. Remember this speech of Rufus T Firefly? “I'd be unworthy of the high trust that's been placed in me if I didn't do everything in my power to keep our beloved Freedonia in peace with the world. I'd be only too happy to meet with Ambassador Trentino, and offer him on behalf of my country the right hand of good fellowship. And I feel sure he will accept this gesture in the spirit of which it is offered. But suppose he doesn't. A fine thing that'll be. I hold out my hand and he refuses to accept. That'll add a lot to my prestige, won't it? Me, the head of a country, snubbed by a forgein ambassador. Who does he think he is, that he can come here, and make a sap of me in front of all my people? Think of it - I hold out my hand and that hyena refuses to accept. Why, the cheap ball-pushing swine, he'll never get away with it I tell you, he'll never get away with it.
[Trentino enters] So, you refuse to shake hands with me, eh?
SLAP!” THE COCOANUTS was The Marx Brothers’ first film. While not their best, I personally love Harpo best in this film. He’s just so out of control. However, ANIMAL CRACKERS, MONKEY BUSINESS and HORSE FEATHERS are 3 of the best. But nothing tops DUCK SOUP. That film is pure hilarity.
NAKED JUNGLE
MARABUNTA!!!! This is the best ANTS ATTACK movie ever made. And in addition you’ve got Charlton Heston ordering himself up a mail-order bride, cuz he ain’t got time for courtin’. I love this movie. Watching ants building boats… for real to cross a river to continue their mad attack. Leveling jungles, fields, stripping the flesh from animals and men’s bones.
PRINCESS BLADE (Special Edition)
While certainly not up to par with say, AZUMI (which came after, btw) – PRINCESS BLADE is a fine addition to the badass babe with a sword genre. Neat CG effects, fun and inventive action. This dvd has superior subtitles as well as an English dub track if that’s your thing, but also (THANK GOD) the Japanese original soundtrack. Best DVD on this title available.
W.C. FIELDS Comedy Collection (THE BANK DICK / MY LITTLE CHICKADEE / YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN / IT’S A GIFT / INTERNATIONAL HOUSE)
THE BANK DICK had it’s best treatment on Criterion ages ago, but this set is pretty damn nice. It’s the first W.C. Fields set we have thus far, and hopefully if this set does well, maybe Paramount will release his titles that they own. He was and is the king of one line quips. His wit cut straight to the point and had a way about his voice that made every flirt an insult and every observance a feeling of aggravation. Watching him and Mae West in MY LITTLE CHICKADEE is to see two of the great comedians trading quips at their best. INTERNATIONAL HOUSE is filled with great comedy talent like Burns & Allen and Rudy Vallee – and had Cab Calloway and Bela Lugosi as bonuses! I haven’t had a chance to see IT’S A GIFT, but YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN co-stars Charlie McCarthy and his puppet Edgar Bergen – and they rule. Plus Eddie Anderson is hilarious in the film. It is very much a funny funny comedy. With this and the Marx Brothers and that Monty Python set… this is a great month for laughs!
November 16th
AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE – Volume Three
Ah, more goodness from Adult Swim! Here’s the Episodes:
*Broodwich
*Total Recarl
*Revenge of the Trees
*Frat Aliens
*Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary
*Kidney Car
*The Cubing
*The Shaving
*The Clowning
*The Dressing
*THE
*The Cloning
*The Last One
Add to that, script pages, deleted scenes, promo pieces and much more and you’ve got the third addition to your Aqua Teen Hunger Force collection. These are nice sets.
BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY – Complete Series
This is about 30 Hours of Gil Gerard and Erin Grey! In otherwords, HEAVEN! Personally, I can’t wait to rewatch the Hawk episodes. I remember as a kid thinking that ship of his was the coolest damn thing ever. And Erin was so damn hot, and damn Lucas for stealing Wilma Deering’s outfit for Padme in Attack of the Clones… only… it sure was hot on Natalie. Sigh… Haven’t heard of any extras on this set, but this is one of the key things this month I’m most looking forward to.
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER – 7th Season
This is that series that THE GRUDGE chick was on. I think it was horror related or something. If memory serves this stuff doesn’t suck much. In fact, it kinda rules in a hardcore asskicking, damn this is too good for TV sort of way. I find myself thinking way too much about Willow. I think it is unhealthy. I promise I’m not stalking her or anything. Can’t say the same about Herc though.
THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (Unrated Edition)
A few glimpses of Riddick’s homeworld and his dreams are actually pretty nice. The FX all look better on the small screen than they did on the big screen. The new scenes have a slight glitch to them when they come in – little on the annoying side. Still hate the design of much of the film, but I liked it a bit more on DVD. The main thing is Vin and that hot as hell girl he’s protecting… well – they’re worth the dvd in my opinion. Extras aren’t all that great, but the new scenes integrated into the film work.
ELF
Wow – I understand why New Line waited so long to release this DVD – but it kinda feels like a timeless classic now. This was one of my favorite films from last year. Will’s Buddy the Elf was just an instant character connection. In someways, he felt like a Pixar character plucked out of one of their films and placed in a Jon Favreau universe. How utterly splendid. The scenes of Buddy on Bob Newhart’s lap are just heaven. The film is just a complete warm blanket on a winter’s eve sort of flick. As for the disc… this is one of those Infinifilm Editions – with a second disc just gorged with extras. There’s two commentaries, one with Favs, the other with that beautiful ‘tard, Will Ferrell. There’s deleted scenes, featurettes out the wazoo, Elf Karaoke – whatever the hell that means and more. This is one of those additions to the Xmas Collection.
FANTASM
Hardcore stars of yesteryear in a Softcore film. You’ll see John Holmes’ monster, but not going in anything. You’ll see TONS of BUSH (the only good kind) and you’ll see lots of humping where you’ll notice limp penises not actually up for much of anything. The 70’s babes have that sort of 70’s thing going and all of it is shot with that 70’s porn FILM look, which is so much better than the look of video crap we get today. Also – the subject matter is kinda fucked up. Here, here they act out repressed sick fantasies of incest with delight. It’s fascinating to watch and notice the differences between yesteryear and today! This was directed by the director of CLOAK AND DAGGER!
FANTASM COMES AGAIN
Of the two, I preferred this one. Mainly because this one has Serena and Rainbeaux Smith… two babes from the era that just absolutely set off the rockets like New Year’s Eve. John Holmes returns, and the sequence with Rainbeaux Smith is fucked up, even if it does take place at a drive-in where they’re watching the first FANTASM. BTW – no silver balls and Tall Man or killer dwarves in these. Serena’s sequence is very very hot. Something about film just gives these actresses a glow that the Video era misses.
FOUL PLAY
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! FOUL PLAY is one of my favorite movies. Chevy and Goldie were magic together in this film. Those weird fucking old ladies playing filthy Scrabble… that laughing hissing boa constrictor… that poor bible salesman from the Wizard of Oz… the entire opera scene at the end (long before I discovered TO CATCH A THIEF) – this is the most playful and successful Hitchcock rip-off ever made. Chevy was never this good. And Dudley Moore just rules in his tiny part here. And that fucking scary ass Albino dude!!! Freaked my shit out. Can’t wait to get this DVD.
THE IRON GIANT (Special Edition)
While no longer my favorite Brad Bird film, I do love this movie. A limited edition cel I bought in L.A. at the Warner Brothers Store signing for THE IRON GIANT hangs in my living room, and the humongous IRON GIANT toy holding Hogarth and chewing down on NCC-1701 is the highest most point of all my toys in the wall of toys in my room. This film is right there with TOY STORY 1 & 2 and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS as my favorite modern age animated films… which the INCREDIBLES just charged right smack into the midst of. Getting to see 8 additional scenes and an alternate opening thrills me. The 13 featurettes, the commentary, the breakdown of two sequences and more all stuffed on this precious disc makes this THE BUY of the month along with that… little film that swept all those Oscars earlier this year. After watching THE INCREDIBLES 30 times by Nov 16th, you’ll be dying for this disc.
THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD
The Film is bliss. Guy Maddin, who is drunk on expressionism, delivers this wondrous little musical gem. This competition for the world’s saddest music is heaven. It’s a crazed film filled with beauty and sadness. Isabella Rosselini has never been more Ingrid Bergman-y than she is in this film… though… it should be noted that I don’t believe Ingrid ever played a double amputee beer legged wealthy beer baroness. But she should have!
TEENAGE CAVEGIRL
I’ve never been able to turn down Cavegirl movies. It’s a weakness brought on from a childhood poster of Raquel Welch from ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. that hung on the back of my door to my room. As a result… women in loin cloths do it for me. It’s also why Moriarty is so hot, he wears loin cloths a lot. Anyway, this was allegedly shot in Bronson Canyons. It will suck. I know this going into this purchase. But I can not stop myself. Lizards and loin cloths. Must buy.
November 23rd
GOZU
Sheer Genius compounded with criminal insanity! The results are something so maddeningly fascinating that you dare not turn away for fear of missing the next assault on your own private grip on reality. Miike is like Lynch, but weird. Heh. Where he pulls his imagery from is best left one of life’s unsought mysteries. For, like a lead character in a Lovecraft story, if you were to find it, it would surely tear you apart!
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Alfonso Cuaron crafted the best of the HARRY POTTER films thus far, and this dvd will be the first of the 3 that I’ve actually purchased. There’s an elegance at play in this film that just makes it so affecting and far more powerful than the previous films. There is a blossoming going on with the kids as actors that you can’t help be notice. They’re truly becoming damn good actors here. The series is reminding me of one of those great old series like the ANDY HARDY movies or the SHERLOCK HOLMES’ of Basil Rathbone… where the actors are growing comfortable in their characters… the way the Classic Trek Crew did in their films. But none of those series had a 3rd chapter this far and way better than the rest of their series to date. Cuaron is a magic man!
THE TERMINAL (2-Disc Collector’s Set)
While not quite as magical as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, I still am quite fond of THE TERMINAL. Unfortunately the movie was mis-marketed as a Romantic Comedy – when in truth this is more about a man fulfilling a last wish. This is a film about family duty. In fact if this film belongs to any genre perse, I’d have to say it was the “MAN ON A MISSION” genre. Navorski gets distracted along the way, but he finds his way. The characters in the ‘terminal’ steal the film for me. As for Catherine Zeta Jones? She’s perfect. I don’t believe we’re ever supposed to love her in this role. She’s that mirage of happiness that a man finds in a desert. She looks like water and shade, but deep down, she’s just another mouth of sand, a pinch of salt to rub into the popped blisters on your feet as you drive forward to your ultimate goal. Beautiful pain, but that’s all she is.
November 30th
Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen – (IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA / EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS / 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH / MYSTERIOUS ISLAND / H.G. WELLS’ FIRST MEN IN THE MOON)
If you already have these titles on DVD – this is nothing more than a repackaging. However, if you don’t have these titles – then here’s an excellent way to pick these up. For you Geek Parents out there. These films are excellent gateway films to raise your children on. Yes, some of these are black and white, but let me tell you. I’ve shown most of these titles over the years at my Saturday Morning Kids Club and the children… all ages… are held in rapt attention. EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS for example… a 6 year old boy came up to me after that screening to declare the film the greatest movie ever made, and when he grew up he was going to remake it, and use NUCLEAR WEAPONS to fight the flying saucers! I told him that was a great idea, and asked him to send me a ticket! You’ll find no objectionable material here, and the stop-motion is captivating to children. I showed my nephew 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH at age 3 – and explained to him that Ymir wasn’t a monster but a hungry baby that was growing really big… and didn’t understand why the men were bothering him. And when Ymir… well at the end, my nephew cried and then played with my Ymir toy for the next month. This set is an excellent way to bring up your kids, the geek way!
HERO
How Miramax could make Zhang Ziyi look unattractive on this DVD is beyond me. How they could make the film look ugly is beyond reason. Look at that packaging. That has got to be the worst possible image for the DVD. That’s awful. Now – the real reason to get this version is for the English versions of Behind The Scenes and the Conversation with Tarantino and the Storyboards. They do have English and French dubs available along with the original Chinese with subtitles in English and Spanish. Frankly, I’m glad I own my original Region 3 – I personally prefer the translation on that disc, but I imagine I’ll prefer the extras on this disc. We’ll see.
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LOST IN SPACE – SEASON 2, Vol 2
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
SPIDER-MAN 2
SPIDER-MAN 2 was one of the great successes of the summer for me. Alfred Molina, bless you. Sam Raimi, bless you. Now, if the next one can be as absolutely breathlessly perfect the way THE INCREDIBLES was… I’ll be completely sated. There’s tons of extras on this DVD which really is a gangbusters release. I can’t wait to pour through the “Ock-umentary” and discover all the tricks to Doc Ock. And I can’t wait to freeze frame on Scott Spiegel.. pizza thief!
Coming In December:
RETURN OF THE KING: Special Edition
Click Here To Visit October’s Picks!
Here’s a basically unknown Sydney Pollack film that is far better than it was initially reviewed as back in 69 when it opened. It was a WWII as Vietnam type of flick and frankly… I love Burt Lancaster and Peter Falk in this. On top of everything else, I’ve never seen it in widescreen before so… here’s my chance.
The Criterion Collection Holiday 2004 Gift Set (241 titles)
Ok – technically – I have all these titles – but if you’ve got a ton of money you won from betting on a Red Sox sweep – and you want to assemble an incredibly impressive instant film collection in one click… then this is it. The 241 titles (some in sets): 3 WOMEN; 39 STEPS; CONSTANT FORGE, A; NOUS LA LIBERTE, A; WOMAN IS A WOMAN, A; WOMAN UNDER THE INFLUENCE, A; ALEXANDER NEVSKY; ALI: FEAR EATS THE SOUL; ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS; ALPHAVILLE; AMARCORD; AND GOD CREATED WOMAN; AND THE SHIP SAILS ON; ANDREI RUBLEV; ARMAGEDDON; AUTUMN SONATA; BALLAD OF A SOLDIER; BAND OF OUTSIDERS; BATTLE OF ALGIERS, THE; BEASTIE BOYS; BEAUTY AND THE BEAST; BED AND BOARD; BIG DEAL ON MADONNA STREET; BILLY LIAR; BLACK NARCISSUS; BLACK ORPHEUS; BLOB, THE; BLOOD OF A POET; BOB LE FLAMBEUR; BRANDED TO KILL; BRAZIL; BRIEF ENCOUNTER; BY BRAKHAGE, AN ANTHOLOGY; CARL THEODOR DREYER BOX SET; CARNIVAL OF SOULS; CHARADE; CHASING AMY; CHILDREN OF PARADISE; CLEO FROM 5 TO 7; CLOSELY WATCHED TRAINS; COCTEAU'S ORPHIC TRILOGY BOX SET; CONTEMPT; COUP DE GRACE; COUP DE TORCHON; CRANES ARE FLYING; CRIES AND WHISPERS; DAY OF WRATH; DEVIL AND DANIEL WEBSTER, THE; DIABOLIQUE; DIARY OF A CHAMBERMAID; DIARY OF A COUNTRY PRIEST; DISCREET CHARM OF THE BOURGEOISIE, THE; DO THE RIGHT THING; DOUBLE SUICIDE; DOWN BY LAW; EARLY SUMMER; EIGHT & 1/2; EISENSTEIN: THE SOUND YEARS BOX SET; ELEMENT OF CRIME; ELENA AND HER MEN; EYES WITHOUT A FACE; FACES; FAT GIRL; FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS; FIEND WITHOUT A FACE; FIREMEN'S BALL; FISHING WITH JOHN PRGMS 1-4; FOR ALL MANKIND; FRENCH CANCAN; GENERAL IDI AMIN DADA; GEORGE WASHINGTON; GERTRUD; GIMME SHELTER; GOOD MORNING; GRAND ILLUSION; GREAT EXPECTATIONS; GREY GARDENS; HAMLET; HARDER THEY COME, THE; HAXAN: WITCHCRAFT THROUGH AGES; HEARTS AND MINDS; HENRY V; HIDDEN FORTRESS; HIGH AND LOW; HIROSHIMA MON AMOUR; HONEYMOON KILLERS; HOPSCOTCH; HORSE'S MOUTH, THE; I AM CURIOUS - BLUE; I AM CURIOUS - YELLOW; I AM CURIOUS YELLOW/BLUE SET; I FIDANZATI; I KNOW WHERE I'M GOING!; I VITELLONI; IKIRU; IL POSTO; IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, THE; IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE; INDISCRETION OF AN AMERICAN WIFE/TERMINAL STATION; INGMAR BERGMAN MAKES A MOVIE; INGMAR BERGMAN: A FILM TRILOGY; INSOMNIA; IVAN THE TERRIBLE I & II; JIMI PLAYS MONTEREY/ SHAKE! OTIS AT MONTEREY/ OUTTAKE PERFORMANCES; JOHN CASSAVETES: FIVE FILM BOX SET; JUBILEE; JULIET OF THE SPIRITS; KILLERS DOUBLE DISC SPECIAL EDITION; KNIFE IN THE WATER; KWAIDAN; LA STRADA; LADY EVE, THE; LADY VANISHES; LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST; LAST WAVE, THE; L'AVVENTURA; LE CERCLE ROUGE; LE CORBEAU; LE DAMES DU BOIS DE BOULOGNE; LE MILLION; LE TROU; LEOPARD, THE; LIFE AND DEATH OF COLONEL BLIMP; LOLA; LONG GOOD FRIDAY; LORD OF THE FLIES; LOST HONOR OF KATHERINA BLUM, THE; LOVE ON THE RUN; LOVES OF A BLONDE; LOWER DEPTHS, THE; M. HULOT'S HOLIDAY; MAGIC FLUTE; MAITRESSE; MAMMA ROMA; MAN BITES DOG; MON ONCLE; MONA LISA; MONTEREY POP; MONTEREY POP FESTIVAL BOX SET; MONTY PYTHON'S LIFE OF BRIAN; MOST DANGEROUS GAME; MY LIFE AS A DOG; MY MAN GODFREY; MY METIER; NAKED KISS; NAKED LUNCH; NANOOK OF THE NORTH; NIGHT AND FOG; NIGHT PORTER; NIGHT TO REMEMBER; NIGHTS OF CABIRIA; OLIVER TWIST; ONIBABA; OPENING NIGHT; ORDET; ORPHEUS; PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC; PEEPING TOM; PEPE LE MOKO; PICKUP ON SOUTH STREET; PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK; PORNOGRAPHERS; PORT OF SHADOWS; PYGMALION; QUAI DES ORFEVRES; RAINER WERNER FASSBINDER: THE BRD TRILOGY; RASHOMON; RATCATCHER; RED BEARD; RED SHOES; RENOIR BOX SET: STAGE & SPECTACLE; RICHARD III; RIFIFI; ROCK, THE; RULES OF THE GAME; RULING CLASS, THE; RUSHMORE; SALESMAN; SALVATORE GIULIANO; SAMURAI I: MUSASHI MIYAMOTO; SAMURAI II: DUEL AT ICHIJOJI TEMPLE; SAMURAI III: DUEL AT GANRYU ISLAND; SANJURO; SCARLET EMPRESS, THE; SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE; SCHIZOPOLIS; SECRET HONOR; SEVEN SAMURAI; SEVENTH SEAL; SHADOWS; SHOCK CORRIDOR; SHOP ON MAIN STREET; SISTERS; SLACKER; SMILES OF A SUMMER NIGHT; SOLARIS; SPARTACUS; STOLEN KISSES; STORIES OF FLOATING WEEDS; STRAY DOG; SULLIVAN'S TRAVELS; SUMMERTIME; TANNER '88; TASTE OF CHERRY; TESTAMENT OF DR. MABUSE; TESTAMENT OF ORPHEUS; THAT OBSCURE OBJECT OF DESIRE; 400 BLOWS, THE; GOLDEN COACH, THE; KILLING OF A CHINESE BOOKIE, THE; MARRIAGE OF MARIA BRAUN, THE; ROYAL TENENBAUMS, THE; SILENCE, THE; THIRD MAN; THRONE OF BLOOD; THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY; TIME BANDITS; TIN DRUM, THE; TOKYO DRIFTER; TOKYO OLYMPIAD; TOKYO STORY; TRAFFIC; TROUBLE IN PARADISE; TRUFFAUT'S ADVENTURES OF ANTOINE DOINEL; TUNES OF GLORY; UMBERTO D; UNDER THE ROOFS OF PARIS; VAGABOND; VANISHING, THE; VARIETY LIGHTS; VERONIKA VOSS; VIDEODROME; W.C. FIELDS 6 SHORT FILMS; WAGES OF FEAR; WALKABOUT; WHITE SHEIK; WILD STRAWBERRIES; WINTER LIGHT; WITHNAIL AND I; WRITTEN ON THE WIND; AND YOJIMBO. With this collection – you will truly find a deeper understanding of cinema. And you save $2,250 in the massive purchase.
DAREDEVIL (Director’s Cut)
FINALLY! This is the way the film was meant to be seen… However, various monkeys in monkey suits decided the film would do better if it were vacuous and empty of character development and plot… sigh. With a little over 30 minutes restored to the film… it finds itself with an R-rating giving it far more weight. Kingpin is more vicious, their fight at the end vastly superior. Foggy and Matt’s relationship far better. An entire legal sub-plot that directly ties into the plot and shows more about Matt’s legal pursuits. And finally – the opening origin sequences feel so much better in this version. The dialogue plays better. The dynamic better. The hurt that Daredevil feels is more intense. A vastly superior film over the theatrical cut.
DR. STRANGELOVE (40th Anniversary 2-disc Special Edition)
Ok – No film geek worth his salt probably doesn’t already own a version of DR. STRANGELOVE, but there’s a reason why I am chomping at the bit to get this version. That second disc has a documentary called: “No Fighting in the War Room or: Dr. Strangelove and the Nuclear Threat” – and in that documentary there is an interview with Robert McNamara (along with Bob Woodward, Roger Ebert and Spike Lee). Having Bob McNamara comment on DR STRANGELOVE is Geek Heaven, as… if the U.S. ever had anyone that was sitting at a war room spouting opinions about whether or not to drop Nuclear Bombs from the sky like water balloons… it was Robert McNamara. I can not wait to see him comment on this film – and possibly tell us what OFFICIAL folks thought of the film. Fascinating. In addition – there are tons of other extras for this edition, but that’s the main one to chime about!
FACING WINDOWS
This is one of the foreign films that was released last year that I never had a chance to see in theaters, and one look at this dvd has me wishing I could have. An incredibly beautifully shot film. And Giovanna Mezzogiorno is Y-U-M-M-Y!!! It’s romantic, fantastical and magic. A great cast of characters in a story that isn’t exactly the greatest thing, but damn if it isn’t satisfying as hell. A Missed Movie.
GHETTO FREAKS & WAY OUT
Wow – GHETTO FREAKS on DVD. There was a point in my film going life, where this was the most anticipated film of all time. The unbelievably great trailer for this played throughout the Tarantino Film Fest. He’d never seen the film… nobody nowhere had seen the film. The trailer was stunningly fucked up with a narration that just electrified the audience. In reality the film is pretty fucking excruciating. BUT – man – it’s the sort of pain that must be shared. And double billed with WAY OUT, which I haven’t seen… well, now I’ve gotta own it. GHETTO FREAKS is one of the worst funk flicks of all time. I dare you to see it.
LOONEY TUNES – GOLDEN COLLECTION, Volume 2
The first collection was bliss, so is this one. The key disc for me is the 4th disc which is made up of “All Star Cavalcade of Hollywood Parodies” which are just bliss. In all you’ll walk away with 60 remastered masterpieces of Warner Brothers classic cartoons… 30 of which have commentaries. 9 featurettes, 2 documentaries, a TV special and rare never seen treats. Along with last month’s TOM & JERRY disc, this is animated bliss!
MULHOLLAND FALLS
God, I’d love to see a restored director’s cut of Lee Tomahori’s MULHOLLAND FALLS – but for now… this is all we’re going to get. This film was raped by the studio – and the result is only pretty good. For now, the film is probably best known for the glorious sex scenes with Jennifer Connelly. Nick Nolte is pretty damn cool here, as is Chazz. I liked this film of government conspiracies and tough fedora wearing cops. Now please… let’s get a Director’s Cut on this title!
SHAMPOO
If you’re planning on seeing the remake of ALFIE, along with checking out the Michael Caine original… you might want to add this to the gigolo groove you’re apparently bent on. This was Beatty at his most sexually charged. You’ll see him seduce an oh too young Carrie Fisher in her first screen role… along with Julie Christie and Goldie Hawn. This is the first satire to carry Mr Bulworth and frankly his best.
SHREK 2
If you want to think of this as the best animated film of 2004, you better rewatch it quickly because THE INCREDIBLES is about 4 million times better at every conceivable level. SHREK 2 was funny – but I kinda am annoyed by the “#1 Comedy Of All Time” on the cover there. Cuz – in Adjusted Dollars – JUNGLE BOOK, GREASE, MARY POPPINS, THE GRADUATE and THE STING all made more money… some of those by as much as $100 million dollars. Can’t help keeping it honest here. Can’t help thinking it would have been better had this just been a Puss In Boots solo flick.
STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES – Complete Second Season
YES! TROUBLE WITH TRIBBLES! AMOK TIME! JOURNEY TO BABEL! MIRROR MIRROR! WOLF IN THE FOLD and THE GAMESTERS OF TRISKELION! I love 2nd Season of Classic Trek… hell, I love all three seasons! In addition to having all the episodes, there’s extras galore. In particular I love the interviews with Nimoy. Shatner seems to have some voice problems, very hoarse in the documentaries with him.
THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN
Three super babes throw coins in a fountain and wish for love. And a love story follows. A great love story, a dream-like one. Especially suave is Louis Jourdan as the Prince… He’s cool. The dvd is gorgeous – glistening in its CinemaScope glory. And a great song by Sinatra for an opening that just makes ya soar. I love these old Fox Romantic cotton candies. They’re light and tasty.
ULTIMATE PARTY COLLECTION (DAZED AND CONFUSED / FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH)
Ok – Here’s what to watch Election Night after it’s all over… if there is such a thing. If you’re down, these’ll lift you up. If you’re up, these will lift you higher still. In fact, “higher” is what it’s all about, and these two DVDs are great additions to the collection. Of the two, for me… FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH has more personal relevance. Phoebe Cates’ Swimming Pool exit is a deeply personal moment. One of those moments that … “Doesn’t anyone knock around here?” hehehe… If you want to be astonished by possibly the most wrong review I’ve ever seen from Roger Ebert, read his original review of this film at the time, where he gave it 1 star. It is an outright flabbergasting look at the film. Like… if Mr Han reviewed the film. The commentary with Heckerling and Crowe is great. And the documentary is cool! The DAZED & CONFUSED disc is not very loaded, but a great film. There's word that there might be a CRITERION disc for that film in the works... let's prayl! Also – look for my announcement about a special FAST TIMES screening coming up soon!
November 9th
BEFORE SUNSET
One of the best films of 2004, definitely the best U.S. film thus far this year. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are magical in the film, the storytelling is effortlessly charmed. The cinematography is gorgeous, and every second you watch your heart pangs for Paris. And it has, one of the great cinematic endings. Perfection. Like 30 people saw this in theaters. When you see this on DVD, you’ll be frustrated that you didn’t see this in theaters. BRILLIANT!
The Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus Megaset and Monty Python Live Bundle
24 hours of Monty Python… Can the human mind process that? 24 Hours of the Flying Circus… It’s almost too much to even imagine. Add to that Art Galleries, Gillianimations and more. Yes – this is… too much, but since when did that ever stop us?
Fritz Lang Epic Collection (METROPOLIS / DIE NIBELUNGEN / WOMAN IN THE MOON / SPIES)
German Expressionism unleashed! I don’t need to waste words on METROPOLIS, you all know its genius… don’t you? But here you’ll discover the further evidence of Fritz Lang’s supreme genius from his silent era. SPIES holds imagery looted by Ridley Scott for BLADE RUNNER. WOMAN IN THE MOON invented cinematically the “COUNT DOWN”! and DIE NIBELUNGEN – words can not describe it’s utter brilliance. These films should be seen on giant screens with audiences of 2000 and a 120 piece orchestra playing… but unfortunately, we’ll never see them like that. This is what we have, and we should each offer up praise to KINO for giving us a collection such as this. Outstanding!
GONE WITH THE WIND (4 Disc Collector’s Set)
Warner Brothers Home Video has sort of undergone a transformation of late. For years I loathed them, but in the past year, they’ve out-done themselves. This is another fine prestige show-off for how to treat one of the greatest movies ever made… And a film that in adjusted box office dollars pulled in $2.2 Billion Dollars at the Domestic Box Office. I don’t know if that’s even possible to comprehend. Imagine a film 4 times more successful than TITANIC. That’s GONE WITH THE WIND. Everyone everywhere saw it theatrically. Will there ever be a film event of its like again? Well, besides GHOST TOWN? I don’t know. Of all the new extras on this edition, the new documentary featuring a new interview with Olivia de Havilland (wish someone did an ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD interview). Truly one of the greatest films of all time.
JU-ON
Recently saw this original Japanese edition in a theater on a date with my sweetie… and the film actually got her to SCREAM at one point. One of the most thrilling moments I’ve ever experienced with a horror film on a date. Out-standing! The film feels wrong, as if contaminated… unclean. Due to it being all-Japanese – there’s a feeling as if… it really happened. By putting Americans into the roles… it reminds me … oh look, Buffy. And somehow I just feel safer, and who the hell wants to feel safe during JU-ON? Heh. Great Horror Film.
THE MARX BROTHERS SILVER SCREEN COLLECTION (THE COCOANUTS / ANIMAL CRACKERS / MONKEY BUSINESS / HORSE FEATHERS / DUCK SOUP)
Ah, here we are with Chico, Harpo, Groucho and Zeppo! DUCK SOUP may very well be the funniest goddamn film ever made. Remember this speech of Rufus T Firefly? “I'd be unworthy of the high trust that's been placed in me if I didn't do everything in my power to keep our beloved Freedonia in peace with the world. I'd be only too happy to meet with Ambassador Trentino, and offer him on behalf of my country the right hand of good fellowship. And I feel sure he will accept this gesture in the spirit of which it is offered. But suppose he doesn't. A fine thing that'll be. I hold out my hand and he refuses to accept. That'll add a lot to my prestige, won't it? Me, the head of a country, snubbed by a forgein ambassador. Who does he think he is, that he can come here, and make a sap of me in front of all my people? Think of it - I hold out my hand and that hyena refuses to accept. Why, the cheap ball-pushing swine, he'll never get away with it I tell you, he'll never get away with it.
[Trentino enters] So, you refuse to shake hands with me, eh?
SLAP!” THE COCOANUTS was The Marx Brothers’ first film. While not their best, I personally love Harpo best in this film. He’s just so out of control. However, ANIMAL CRACKERS, MONKEY BUSINESS and HORSE FEATHERS are 3 of the best. But nothing tops DUCK SOUP. That film is pure hilarity.
NAKED JUNGLE
MARABUNTA!!!! This is the best ANTS ATTACK movie ever made. And in addition you’ve got Charlton Heston ordering himself up a mail-order bride, cuz he ain’t got time for courtin’. I love this movie. Watching ants building boats… for real to cross a river to continue their mad attack. Leveling jungles, fields, stripping the flesh from animals and men’s bones.
PRINCESS BLADE (Special Edition)
While certainly not up to par with say, AZUMI (which came after, btw) – PRINCESS BLADE is a fine addition to the badass babe with a sword genre. Neat CG effects, fun and inventive action. This dvd has superior subtitles as well as an English dub track if that’s your thing, but also (THANK GOD) the Japanese original soundtrack. Best DVD on this title available.
W.C. FIELDS Comedy Collection (THE BANK DICK / MY LITTLE CHICKADEE / YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN / IT’S A GIFT / INTERNATIONAL HOUSE)
THE BANK DICK had it’s best treatment on Criterion ages ago, but this set is pretty damn nice. It’s the first W.C. Fields set we have thus far, and hopefully if this set does well, maybe Paramount will release his titles that they own. He was and is the king of one line quips. His wit cut straight to the point and had a way about his voice that made every flirt an insult and every observance a feeling of aggravation. Watching him and Mae West in MY LITTLE CHICKADEE is to see two of the great comedians trading quips at their best. INTERNATIONAL HOUSE is filled with great comedy talent like Burns & Allen and Rudy Vallee – and had Cab Calloway and Bela Lugosi as bonuses! I haven’t had a chance to see IT’S A GIFT, but YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN co-stars Charlie McCarthy and his puppet Edgar Bergen – and they rule. Plus Eddie Anderson is hilarious in the film. It is very much a funny funny comedy. With this and the Marx Brothers and that Monty Python set… this is a great month for laughs!
November 16th
AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE – Volume Three
Ah, more goodness from Adult Swim! Here’s the Episodes:
*Broodwich
*Total Recarl
*Revenge of the Trees
*Frat Aliens
*Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary
*Kidney Car
*The Cubing
*The Shaving
*The Clowning
*The Dressing
*THE
*The Cloning
*The Last One
Add to that, script pages, deleted scenes, promo pieces and much more and you’ve got the third addition to your Aqua Teen Hunger Force collection. These are nice sets.
BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY – Complete Series
This is about 30 Hours of Gil Gerard and Erin Grey! In otherwords, HEAVEN! Personally, I can’t wait to rewatch the Hawk episodes. I remember as a kid thinking that ship of his was the coolest damn thing ever. And Erin was so damn hot, and damn Lucas for stealing Wilma Deering’s outfit for Padme in Attack of the Clones… only… it sure was hot on Natalie. Sigh… Haven’t heard of any extras on this set, but this is one of the key things this month I’m most looking forward to.
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER – 7th Season
This is that series that THE GRUDGE chick was on. I think it was horror related or something. If memory serves this stuff doesn’t suck much. In fact, it kinda rules in a hardcore asskicking, damn this is too good for TV sort of way. I find myself thinking way too much about Willow. I think it is unhealthy. I promise I’m not stalking her or anything. Can’t say the same about Herc though.
THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (Unrated Edition)
A few glimpses of Riddick’s homeworld and his dreams are actually pretty nice. The FX all look better on the small screen than they did on the big screen. The new scenes have a slight glitch to them when they come in – little on the annoying side. Still hate the design of much of the film, but I liked it a bit more on DVD. The main thing is Vin and that hot as hell girl he’s protecting… well – they’re worth the dvd in my opinion. Extras aren’t all that great, but the new scenes integrated into the film work.
ELF
Wow – I understand why New Line waited so long to release this DVD – but it kinda feels like a timeless classic now. This was one of my favorite films from last year. Will’s Buddy the Elf was just an instant character connection. In someways, he felt like a Pixar character plucked out of one of their films and placed in a Jon Favreau universe. How utterly splendid. The scenes of Buddy on Bob Newhart’s lap are just heaven. The film is just a complete warm blanket on a winter’s eve sort of flick. As for the disc… this is one of those Infinifilm Editions – with a second disc just gorged with extras. There’s two commentaries, one with Favs, the other with that beautiful ‘tard, Will Ferrell. There’s deleted scenes, featurettes out the wazoo, Elf Karaoke – whatever the hell that means and more. This is one of those additions to the Xmas Collection.
FANTASM
Hardcore stars of yesteryear in a Softcore film. You’ll see John Holmes’ monster, but not going in anything. You’ll see TONS of BUSH (the only good kind) and you’ll see lots of humping where you’ll notice limp penises not actually up for much of anything. The 70’s babes have that sort of 70’s thing going and all of it is shot with that 70’s porn FILM look, which is so much better than the look of video crap we get today. Also – the subject matter is kinda fucked up. Here, here they act out repressed sick fantasies of incest with delight. It’s fascinating to watch and notice the differences between yesteryear and today! This was directed by the director of CLOAK AND DAGGER!
FANTASM COMES AGAIN
Of the two, I preferred this one. Mainly because this one has Serena and Rainbeaux Smith… two babes from the era that just absolutely set off the rockets like New Year’s Eve. John Holmes returns, and the sequence with Rainbeaux Smith is fucked up, even if it does take place at a drive-in where they’re watching the first FANTASM. BTW – no silver balls and Tall Man or killer dwarves in these. Serena’s sequence is very very hot. Something about film just gives these actresses a glow that the Video era misses.
FOUL PLAY
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! FOUL PLAY is one of my favorite movies. Chevy and Goldie were magic together in this film. Those weird fucking old ladies playing filthy Scrabble… that laughing hissing boa constrictor… that poor bible salesman from the Wizard of Oz… the entire opera scene at the end (long before I discovered TO CATCH A THIEF) – this is the most playful and successful Hitchcock rip-off ever made. Chevy was never this good. And Dudley Moore just rules in his tiny part here. And that fucking scary ass Albino dude!!! Freaked my shit out. Can’t wait to get this DVD.
THE IRON GIANT (Special Edition)
While no longer my favorite Brad Bird film, I do love this movie. A limited edition cel I bought in L.A. at the Warner Brothers Store signing for THE IRON GIANT hangs in my living room, and the humongous IRON GIANT toy holding Hogarth and chewing down on NCC-1701 is the highest most point of all my toys in the wall of toys in my room. This film is right there with TOY STORY 1 & 2 and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS as my favorite modern age animated films… which the INCREDIBLES just charged right smack into the midst of. Getting to see 8 additional scenes and an alternate opening thrills me. The 13 featurettes, the commentary, the breakdown of two sequences and more all stuffed on this precious disc makes this THE BUY of the month along with that… little film that swept all those Oscars earlier this year. After watching THE INCREDIBLES 30 times by Nov 16th, you’ll be dying for this disc.
THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD
The Film is bliss. Guy Maddin, who is drunk on expressionism, delivers this wondrous little musical gem. This competition for the world’s saddest music is heaven. It’s a crazed film filled with beauty and sadness. Isabella Rosselini has never been more Ingrid Bergman-y than she is in this film… though… it should be noted that I don’t believe Ingrid ever played a double amputee beer legged wealthy beer baroness. But she should have!
TEENAGE CAVEGIRL
I’ve never been able to turn down Cavegirl movies. It’s a weakness brought on from a childhood poster of Raquel Welch from ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. that hung on the back of my door to my room. As a result… women in loin cloths do it for me. It’s also why Moriarty is so hot, he wears loin cloths a lot. Anyway, this was allegedly shot in Bronson Canyons. It will suck. I know this going into this purchase. But I can not stop myself. Lizards and loin cloths. Must buy.
November 23rd
GOZU
Sheer Genius compounded with criminal insanity! The results are something so maddeningly fascinating that you dare not turn away for fear of missing the next assault on your own private grip on reality. Miike is like Lynch, but weird. Heh. Where he pulls his imagery from is best left one of life’s unsought mysteries. For, like a lead character in a Lovecraft story, if you were to find it, it would surely tear you apart!
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Alfonso Cuaron crafted the best of the HARRY POTTER films thus far, and this dvd will be the first of the 3 that I’ve actually purchased. There’s an elegance at play in this film that just makes it so affecting and far more powerful than the previous films. There is a blossoming going on with the kids as actors that you can’t help be notice. They’re truly becoming damn good actors here. The series is reminding me of one of those great old series like the ANDY HARDY movies or the SHERLOCK HOLMES’ of Basil Rathbone… where the actors are growing comfortable in their characters… the way the Classic Trek Crew did in their films. But none of those series had a 3rd chapter this far and way better than the rest of their series to date. Cuaron is a magic man!
THE TERMINAL (2-Disc Collector’s Set)
While not quite as magical as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, I still am quite fond of THE TERMINAL. Unfortunately the movie was mis-marketed as a Romantic Comedy – when in truth this is more about a man fulfilling a last wish. This is a film about family duty. In fact if this film belongs to any genre perse, I’d have to say it was the “MAN ON A MISSION” genre. Navorski gets distracted along the way, but he finds his way. The characters in the ‘terminal’ steal the film for me. As for Catherine Zeta Jones? She’s perfect. I don’t believe we’re ever supposed to love her in this role. She’s that mirage of happiness that a man finds in a desert. She looks like water and shade, but deep down, she’s just another mouth of sand, a pinch of salt to rub into the popped blisters on your feet as you drive forward to your ultimate goal. Beautiful pain, but that’s all she is.
November 30th
Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen – (IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA / EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS / 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH / MYSTERIOUS ISLAND / H.G. WELLS’ FIRST MEN IN THE MOON)
If you already have these titles on DVD – this is nothing more than a repackaging. However, if you don’t have these titles – then here’s an excellent way to pick these up. For you Geek Parents out there. These films are excellent gateway films to raise your children on. Yes, some of these are black and white, but let me tell you. I’ve shown most of these titles over the years at my Saturday Morning Kids Club and the children… all ages… are held in rapt attention. EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS for example… a 6 year old boy came up to me after that screening to declare the film the greatest movie ever made, and when he grew up he was going to remake it, and use NUCLEAR WEAPONS to fight the flying saucers! I told him that was a great idea, and asked him to send me a ticket! You’ll find no objectionable material here, and the stop-motion is captivating to children. I showed my nephew 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH at age 3 – and explained to him that Ymir wasn’t a monster but a hungry baby that was growing really big… and didn’t understand why the men were bothering him. And when Ymir… well at the end, my nephew cried and then played with my Ymir toy for the next month. This set is an excellent way to bring up your kids, the geek way!
HERO
How Miramax could make Zhang Ziyi look unattractive on this DVD is beyond me. How they could make the film look ugly is beyond reason. Look at that packaging. That has got to be the worst possible image for the DVD. That’s awful. Now – the real reason to get this version is for the English versions of Behind The Scenes and the Conversation with Tarantino and the Storyboards. They do have English and French dubs available along with the original Chinese with subtitles in English and Spanish. Frankly, I’m glad I own my original Region 3 – I personally prefer the translation on that disc, but I imagine I’ll prefer the extras on this disc. We’ll see.
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LOST IN SPACE – SEASON 2, Vol 2
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
SPIDER-MAN 2
SPIDER-MAN 2 was one of the great successes of the summer for me. Alfred Molina, bless you. Sam Raimi, bless you. Now, if the next one can be as absolutely breathlessly perfect the way THE INCREDIBLES was… I’ll be completely sated. There’s tons of extras on this DVD which really is a gangbusters release. I can’t wait to pour through the “Ock-umentary” and discover all the tricks to Doc Ock. And I can’t wait to freeze frame on Scott Spiegel.. pizza thief!
Coming In December:
RETURN OF THE KING: Special Edition
Click Here To Visit October’s Picks!
FINALLY! This is the way the film was meant to be seen… However, various monkeys in monkey suits decided the film would do better if it were vacuous and empty of character development and plot… sigh. With a little over 30 minutes restored to the film… it finds itself with an R-rating giving it far more weight. Kingpin is more vicious, their fight at the end vastly superior. Foggy and Matt’s relationship far better. An entire legal sub-plot that directly ties into the plot and shows more about Matt’s legal pursuits. And finally – the opening origin sequences feel so much better in this version. The dialogue plays better. The dynamic better. The hurt that Daredevil feels is more intense. A vastly superior film over the theatrical cut.
DR. STRANGELOVE (40th Anniversary 2-disc Special Edition)
Ok – No film geek worth his salt probably doesn’t already own a version of DR. STRANGELOVE, but there’s a reason why I am chomping at the bit to get this version. That second disc has a documentary called: “No Fighting in the War Room or: Dr. Strangelove and the Nuclear Threat” – and in that documentary there is an interview with Robert McNamara (along with Bob Woodward, Roger Ebert and Spike Lee). Having Bob McNamara comment on DR STRANGELOVE is Geek Heaven, as… if the U.S. ever had anyone that was sitting at a war room spouting opinions about whether or not to drop Nuclear Bombs from the sky like water balloons… it was Robert McNamara. I can not wait to see him comment on this film – and possibly tell us what OFFICIAL folks thought of the film. Fascinating. In addition – there are tons of other extras for this edition, but that’s the main one to chime about!
FACING WINDOWS
This is one of the foreign films that was released last year that I never had a chance to see in theaters, and one look at this dvd has me wishing I could have. An incredibly beautifully shot film. And Giovanna Mezzogiorno is Y-U-M-M-Y!!! It’s romantic, fantastical and magic. A great cast of characters in a story that isn’t exactly the greatest thing, but damn if it isn’t satisfying as hell. A Missed Movie.
GHETTO FREAKS & WAY OUT
Wow – GHETTO FREAKS on DVD. There was a point in my film going life, where this was the most anticipated film of all time. The unbelievably great trailer for this played throughout the Tarantino Film Fest. He’d never seen the film… nobody nowhere had seen the film. The trailer was stunningly fucked up with a narration that just electrified the audience. In reality the film is pretty fucking excruciating. BUT – man – it’s the sort of pain that must be shared. And double billed with WAY OUT, which I haven’t seen… well, now I’ve gotta own it. GHETTO FREAKS is one of the worst funk flicks of all time. I dare you to see it.
LOONEY TUNES – GOLDEN COLLECTION, Volume 2
The first collection was bliss, so is this one. The key disc for me is the 4th disc which is made up of “All Star Cavalcade of Hollywood Parodies” which are just bliss. In all you’ll walk away with 60 remastered masterpieces of Warner Brothers classic cartoons… 30 of which have commentaries. 9 featurettes, 2 documentaries, a TV special and rare never seen treats. Along with last month’s TOM & JERRY disc, this is animated bliss!
MULHOLLAND FALLS
God, I’d love to see a restored director’s cut of Lee Tomahori’s MULHOLLAND FALLS – but for now… this is all we’re going to get. This film was raped by the studio – and the result is only pretty good. For now, the film is probably best known for the glorious sex scenes with Jennifer Connelly. Nick Nolte is pretty damn cool here, as is Chazz. I liked this film of government conspiracies and tough fedora wearing cops. Now please… let’s get a Director’s Cut on this title!
SHAMPOO
If you’re planning on seeing the remake of ALFIE, along with checking out the Michael Caine original… you might want to add this to the gigolo groove you’re apparently bent on. This was Beatty at his most sexually charged. You’ll see him seduce an oh too young Carrie Fisher in her first screen role… along with Julie Christie and Goldie Hawn. This is the first satire to carry Mr Bulworth and frankly his best.
SHREK 2
If you want to think of this as the best animated film of 2004, you better rewatch it quickly because THE INCREDIBLES is about 4 million times better at every conceivable level. SHREK 2 was funny – but I kinda am annoyed by the “#1 Comedy Of All Time” on the cover there. Cuz – in Adjusted Dollars – JUNGLE BOOK, GREASE, MARY POPPINS, THE GRADUATE and THE STING all made more money… some of those by as much as $100 million dollars. Can’t help keeping it honest here. Can’t help thinking it would have been better had this just been a Puss In Boots solo flick.
STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES – Complete Second Season
YES! TROUBLE WITH TRIBBLES! AMOK TIME! JOURNEY TO BABEL! MIRROR MIRROR! WOLF IN THE FOLD and THE GAMESTERS OF TRISKELION! I love 2nd Season of Classic Trek… hell, I love all three seasons! In addition to having all the episodes, there’s extras galore. In particular I love the interviews with Nimoy. Shatner seems to have some voice problems, very hoarse in the documentaries with him.
THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN
Three super babes throw coins in a fountain and wish for love. And a love story follows. A great love story, a dream-like one. Especially suave is Louis Jourdan as the Prince… He’s cool. The dvd is gorgeous – glistening in its CinemaScope glory. And a great song by Sinatra for an opening that just makes ya soar. I love these old Fox Romantic cotton candies. They’re light and tasty.
ULTIMATE PARTY COLLECTION (DAZED AND CONFUSED / FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH)
Ok – Here’s what to watch Election Night after it’s all over… if there is such a thing. If you’re down, these’ll lift you up. If you’re up, these will lift you higher still. In fact, “higher” is what it’s all about, and these two DVDs are great additions to the collection. Of the two, for me… FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH has more personal relevance. Phoebe Cates’ Swimming Pool exit is a deeply personal moment. One of those moments that … “Doesn’t anyone knock around here?” hehehe… If you want to be astonished by possibly the most wrong review I’ve ever seen from Roger Ebert, read his original review of this film at the time, where he gave it 1 star. It is an outright flabbergasting look at the film. Like… if Mr Han reviewed the film. The commentary with Heckerling and Crowe is great. And the documentary is cool! The DAZED & CONFUSED disc is not very loaded, but a great film. There's word that there might be a CRITERION disc for that film in the works... let's prayl! Also – look for my announcement about a special FAST TIMES screening coming up soon!
November 9th
BEFORE SUNSET
One of the best films of 2004, definitely the best U.S. film thus far this year. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are magical in the film, the storytelling is effortlessly charmed. The cinematography is gorgeous, and every second you watch your heart pangs for Paris. And it has, one of the great cinematic endings. Perfection. Like 30 people saw this in theaters. When you see this on DVD, you’ll be frustrated that you didn’t see this in theaters. BRILLIANT!
The Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus Megaset and Monty Python Live Bundle
24 hours of Monty Python… Can the human mind process that? 24 Hours of the Flying Circus… It’s almost too much to even imagine. Add to that Art Galleries, Gillianimations and more. Yes – this is… too much, but since when did that ever stop us?
Fritz Lang Epic Collection (METROPOLIS / DIE NIBELUNGEN / WOMAN IN THE MOON / SPIES)
German Expressionism unleashed! I don’t need to waste words on METROPOLIS, you all know its genius… don’t you? But here you’ll discover the further evidence of Fritz Lang’s supreme genius from his silent era. SPIES holds imagery looted by Ridley Scott for BLADE RUNNER. WOMAN IN THE MOON invented cinematically the “COUNT DOWN”! and DIE NIBELUNGEN – words can not describe it’s utter brilliance. These films should be seen on giant screens with audiences of 2000 and a 120 piece orchestra playing… but unfortunately, we’ll never see them like that. This is what we have, and we should each offer up praise to KINO for giving us a collection such as this. Outstanding!
GONE WITH THE WIND (4 Disc Collector’s Set)
Warner Brothers Home Video has sort of undergone a transformation of late. For years I loathed them, but in the past year, they’ve out-done themselves. This is another fine prestige show-off for how to treat one of the greatest movies ever made… And a film that in adjusted box office dollars pulled in $2.2 Billion Dollars at the Domestic Box Office. I don’t know if that’s even possible to comprehend. Imagine a film 4 times more successful than TITANIC. That’s GONE WITH THE WIND. Everyone everywhere saw it theatrically. Will there ever be a film event of its like again? Well, besides GHOST TOWN? I don’t know. Of all the new extras on this edition, the new documentary featuring a new interview with Olivia de Havilland (wish someone did an ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD interview). Truly one of the greatest films of all time.
JU-ON
Recently saw this original Japanese edition in a theater on a date with my sweetie… and the film actually got her to SCREAM at one point. One of the most thrilling moments I’ve ever experienced with a horror film on a date. Out-standing! The film feels wrong, as if contaminated… unclean. Due to it being all-Japanese – there’s a feeling as if… it really happened. By putting Americans into the roles… it reminds me … oh look, Buffy. And somehow I just feel safer, and who the hell wants to feel safe during JU-ON? Heh. Great Horror Film.
THE MARX BROTHERS SILVER SCREEN COLLECTION (THE COCOANUTS / ANIMAL CRACKERS / MONKEY BUSINESS / HORSE FEATHERS / DUCK SOUP)
Ah, here we are with Chico, Harpo, Groucho and Zeppo! DUCK SOUP may very well be the funniest goddamn film ever made. Remember this speech of Rufus T Firefly? “I'd be unworthy of the high trust that's been placed in me if I didn't do everything in my power to keep our beloved Freedonia in peace with the world. I'd be only too happy to meet with Ambassador Trentino, and offer him on behalf of my country the right hand of good fellowship. And I feel sure he will accept this gesture in the spirit of which it is offered. But suppose he doesn't. A fine thing that'll be. I hold out my hand and he refuses to accept. That'll add a lot to my prestige, won't it? Me, the head of a country, snubbed by a forgein ambassador. Who does he think he is, that he can come here, and make a sap of me in front of all my people? Think of it - I hold out my hand and that hyena refuses to accept. Why, the cheap ball-pushing swine, he'll never get away with it I tell you, he'll never get away with it.
[Trentino enters] So, you refuse to shake hands with me, eh?
SLAP!” THE COCOANUTS was The Marx Brothers’ first film. While not their best, I personally love Harpo best in this film. He’s just so out of control. However, ANIMAL CRACKERS, MONKEY BUSINESS and HORSE FEATHERS are 3 of the best. But nothing tops DUCK SOUP. That film is pure hilarity.
NAKED JUNGLE
MARABUNTA!!!! This is the best ANTS ATTACK movie ever made. And in addition you’ve got Charlton Heston ordering himself up a mail-order bride, cuz he ain’t got time for courtin’. I love this movie. Watching ants building boats… for real to cross a river to continue their mad attack. Leveling jungles, fields, stripping the flesh from animals and men’s bones.
PRINCESS BLADE (Special Edition)
While certainly not up to par with say, AZUMI (which came after, btw) – PRINCESS BLADE is a fine addition to the badass babe with a sword genre. Neat CG effects, fun and inventive action. This dvd has superior subtitles as well as an English dub track if that’s your thing, but also (THANK GOD) the Japanese original soundtrack. Best DVD on this title available.
W.C. FIELDS Comedy Collection (THE BANK DICK / MY LITTLE CHICKADEE / YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN / IT’S A GIFT / INTERNATIONAL HOUSE)
THE BANK DICK had it’s best treatment on Criterion ages ago, but this set is pretty damn nice. It’s the first W.C. Fields set we have thus far, and hopefully if this set does well, maybe Paramount will release his titles that they own. He was and is the king of one line quips. His wit cut straight to the point and had a way about his voice that made every flirt an insult and every observance a feeling of aggravation. Watching him and Mae West in MY LITTLE CHICKADEE is to see two of the great comedians trading quips at their best. INTERNATIONAL HOUSE is filled with great comedy talent like Burns & Allen and Rudy Vallee – and had Cab Calloway and Bela Lugosi as bonuses! I haven’t had a chance to see IT’S A GIFT, but YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN co-stars Charlie McCarthy and his puppet Edgar Bergen – and they rule. Plus Eddie Anderson is hilarious in the film. It is very much a funny funny comedy. With this and the Marx Brothers and that Monty Python set… this is a great month for laughs!
November 16th
AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE – Volume Three
Ah, more goodness from Adult Swim! Here’s the Episodes:
*Broodwich
*Total Recarl
*Revenge of the Trees
*Frat Aliens
*Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary
*Kidney Car
*The Cubing
*The Shaving
*The Clowning
*The Dressing
*THE
*The Cloning
*The Last One
Add to that, script pages, deleted scenes, promo pieces and much more and you’ve got the third addition to your Aqua Teen Hunger Force collection. These are nice sets.
BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY – Complete Series
This is about 30 Hours of Gil Gerard and Erin Grey! In otherwords, HEAVEN! Personally, I can’t wait to rewatch the Hawk episodes. I remember as a kid thinking that ship of his was the coolest damn thing ever. And Erin was so damn hot, and damn Lucas for stealing Wilma Deering’s outfit for Padme in Attack of the Clones… only… it sure was hot on Natalie. Sigh… Haven’t heard of any extras on this set, but this is one of the key things this month I’m most looking forward to.
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER – 7th Season
This is that series that THE GRUDGE chick was on. I think it was horror related or something. If memory serves this stuff doesn’t suck much. In fact, it kinda rules in a hardcore asskicking, damn this is too good for TV sort of way. I find myself thinking way too much about Willow. I think it is unhealthy. I promise I’m not stalking her or anything. Can’t say the same about Herc though.
THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (Unrated Edition)
A few glimpses of Riddick’s homeworld and his dreams are actually pretty nice. The FX all look better on the small screen than they did on the big screen. The new scenes have a slight glitch to them when they come in – little on the annoying side. Still hate the design of much of the film, but I liked it a bit more on DVD. The main thing is Vin and that hot as hell girl he’s protecting… well – they’re worth the dvd in my opinion. Extras aren’t all that great, but the new scenes integrated into the film work.
ELF
Wow – I understand why New Line waited so long to release this DVD – but it kinda feels like a timeless classic now. This was one of my favorite films from last year. Will’s Buddy the Elf was just an instant character connection. In someways, he felt like a Pixar character plucked out of one of their films and placed in a Jon Favreau universe. How utterly splendid. The scenes of Buddy on Bob Newhart’s lap are just heaven. The film is just a complete warm blanket on a winter’s eve sort of flick. As for the disc… this is one of those Infinifilm Editions – with a second disc just gorged with extras. There’s two commentaries, one with Favs, the other with that beautiful ‘tard, Will Ferrell. There’s deleted scenes, featurettes out the wazoo, Elf Karaoke – whatever the hell that means and more. This is one of those additions to the Xmas Collection.
FANTASM
Hardcore stars of yesteryear in a Softcore film. You’ll see John Holmes’ monster, but not going in anything. You’ll see TONS of BUSH (the only good kind) and you’ll see lots of humping where you’ll notice limp penises not actually up for much of anything. The 70’s babes have that sort of 70’s thing going and all of it is shot with that 70’s porn FILM look, which is so much better than the look of video crap we get today. Also – the subject matter is kinda fucked up. Here, here they act out repressed sick fantasies of incest with delight. It’s fascinating to watch and notice the differences between yesteryear and today! This was directed by the director of CLOAK AND DAGGER!
FANTASM COMES AGAIN
Of the two, I preferred this one. Mainly because this one has Serena and Rainbeaux Smith… two babes from the era that just absolutely set off the rockets like New Year’s Eve. John Holmes returns, and the sequence with Rainbeaux Smith is fucked up, even if it does take place at a drive-in where they’re watching the first FANTASM. BTW – no silver balls and Tall Man or killer dwarves in these. Serena’s sequence is very very hot. Something about film just gives these actresses a glow that the Video era misses.
FOUL PLAY
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! FOUL PLAY is one of my favorite movies. Chevy and Goldie were magic together in this film. Those weird fucking old ladies playing filthy Scrabble… that laughing hissing boa constrictor… that poor bible salesman from the Wizard of Oz… the entire opera scene at the end (long before I discovered TO CATCH A THIEF) – this is the most playful and successful Hitchcock rip-off ever made. Chevy was never this good. And Dudley Moore just rules in his tiny part here. And that fucking scary ass Albino dude!!! Freaked my shit out. Can’t wait to get this DVD.
THE IRON GIANT (Special Edition)
While no longer my favorite Brad Bird film, I do love this movie. A limited edition cel I bought in L.A. at the Warner Brothers Store signing for THE IRON GIANT hangs in my living room, and the humongous IRON GIANT toy holding Hogarth and chewing down on NCC-1701 is the highest most point of all my toys in the wall of toys in my room. This film is right there with TOY STORY 1 & 2 and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS as my favorite modern age animated films… which the INCREDIBLES just charged right smack into the midst of. Getting to see 8 additional scenes and an alternate opening thrills me. The 13 featurettes, the commentary, the breakdown of two sequences and more all stuffed on this precious disc makes this THE BUY of the month along with that… little film that swept all those Oscars earlier this year. After watching THE INCREDIBLES 30 times by Nov 16th, you’ll be dying for this disc.
THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD
The Film is bliss. Guy Maddin, who is drunk on expressionism, delivers this wondrous little musical gem. This competition for the world’s saddest music is heaven. It’s a crazed film filled with beauty and sadness. Isabella Rosselini has never been more Ingrid Bergman-y than she is in this film… though… it should be noted that I don’t believe Ingrid ever played a double amputee beer legged wealthy beer baroness. But she should have!
TEENAGE CAVEGIRL
I’ve never been able to turn down Cavegirl movies. It’s a weakness brought on from a childhood poster of Raquel Welch from ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. that hung on the back of my door to my room. As a result… women in loin cloths do it for me. It’s also why Moriarty is so hot, he wears loin cloths a lot. Anyway, this was allegedly shot in Bronson Canyons. It will suck. I know this going into this purchase. But I can not stop myself. Lizards and loin cloths. Must buy.
November 23rd
GOZU
Sheer Genius compounded with criminal insanity! The results are something so maddeningly fascinating that you dare not turn away for fear of missing the next assault on your own private grip on reality. Miike is like Lynch, but weird. Heh. Where he pulls his imagery from is best left one of life’s unsought mysteries. For, like a lead character in a Lovecraft story, if you were to find it, it would surely tear you apart!
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Alfonso Cuaron crafted the best of the HARRY POTTER films thus far, and this dvd will be the first of the 3 that I’ve actually purchased. There’s an elegance at play in this film that just makes it so affecting and far more powerful than the previous films. There is a blossoming going on with the kids as actors that you can’t help be notice. They’re truly becoming damn good actors here. The series is reminding me of one of those great old series like the ANDY HARDY movies or the SHERLOCK HOLMES’ of Basil Rathbone… where the actors are growing comfortable in their characters… the way the Classic Trek Crew did in their films. But none of those series had a 3rd chapter this far and way better than the rest of their series to date. Cuaron is a magic man!
THE TERMINAL (2-Disc Collector’s Set)
While not quite as magical as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, I still am quite fond of THE TERMINAL. Unfortunately the movie was mis-marketed as a Romantic Comedy – when in truth this is more about a man fulfilling a last wish. This is a film about family duty. In fact if this film belongs to any genre perse, I’d have to say it was the “MAN ON A MISSION” genre. Navorski gets distracted along the way, but he finds his way. The characters in the ‘terminal’ steal the film for me. As for Catherine Zeta Jones? She’s perfect. I don’t believe we’re ever supposed to love her in this role. She’s that mirage of happiness that a man finds in a desert. She looks like water and shade, but deep down, she’s just another mouth of sand, a pinch of salt to rub into the popped blisters on your feet as you drive forward to your ultimate goal. Beautiful pain, but that’s all she is.
November 30th
Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen – (IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA / EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS / 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH / MYSTERIOUS ISLAND / H.G. WELLS’ FIRST MEN IN THE MOON)
If you already have these titles on DVD – this is nothing more than a repackaging. However, if you don’t have these titles – then here’s an excellent way to pick these up. For you Geek Parents out there. These films are excellent gateway films to raise your children on. Yes, some of these are black and white, but let me tell you. I’ve shown most of these titles over the years at my Saturday Morning Kids Club and the children… all ages… are held in rapt attention. EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS for example… a 6 year old boy came up to me after that screening to declare the film the greatest movie ever made, and when he grew up he was going to remake it, and use NUCLEAR WEAPONS to fight the flying saucers! I told him that was a great idea, and asked him to send me a ticket! You’ll find no objectionable material here, and the stop-motion is captivating to children. I showed my nephew 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH at age 3 – and explained to him that Ymir wasn’t a monster but a hungry baby that was growing really big… and didn’t understand why the men were bothering him. And when Ymir… well at the end, my nephew cried and then played with my Ymir toy for the next month. This set is an excellent way to bring up your kids, the geek way!
HERO
How Miramax could make Zhang Ziyi look unattractive on this DVD is beyond me. How they could make the film look ugly is beyond reason. Look at that packaging. That has got to be the worst possible image for the DVD. That’s awful. Now – the real reason to get this version is for the English versions of Behind The Scenes and the Conversation with Tarantino and the Storyboards. They do have English and French dubs available along with the original Chinese with subtitles in English and Spanish. Frankly, I’m glad I own my original Region 3 – I personally prefer the translation on that disc, but I imagine I’ll prefer the extras on this disc. We’ll see.
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LOST IN SPACE – SEASON 2, Vol 2
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
SPIDER-MAN 2
SPIDER-MAN 2 was one of the great successes of the summer for me. Alfred Molina, bless you. Sam Raimi, bless you. Now, if the next one can be as absolutely breathlessly perfect the way THE INCREDIBLES was… I’ll be completely sated. There’s tons of extras on this DVD which really is a gangbusters release. I can’t wait to pour through the “Ock-umentary” and discover all the tricks to Doc Ock. And I can’t wait to freeze frame on Scott Spiegel.. pizza thief!
Coming In December:
RETURN OF THE KING: Special Edition
Click Here To Visit October’s Picks!
This is one of the foreign films that was released last year that I never had a chance to see in theaters, and one look at this dvd has me wishing I could have. An incredibly beautifully shot film. And Giovanna Mezzogiorno is Y-U-M-M-Y!!! It’s romantic, fantastical and magic. A great cast of characters in a story that isn’t exactly the greatest thing, but damn if it isn’t satisfying as hell. A Missed Movie.
GHETTO FREAKS & WAY OUT
Wow – GHETTO FREAKS on DVD. There was a point in my film going life, where this was the most anticipated film of all time. The unbelievably great trailer for this played throughout the Tarantino Film Fest. He’d never seen the film… nobody nowhere had seen the film. The trailer was stunningly fucked up with a narration that just electrified the audience. In reality the film is pretty fucking excruciating. BUT – man – it’s the sort of pain that must be shared. And double billed with WAY OUT, which I haven’t seen… well, now I’ve gotta own it. GHETTO FREAKS is one of the worst funk flicks of all time. I dare you to see it.
LOONEY TUNES – GOLDEN COLLECTION, Volume 2
The first collection was bliss, so is this one. The key disc for me is the 4th disc which is made up of “All Star Cavalcade of Hollywood Parodies” which are just bliss. In all you’ll walk away with 60 remastered masterpieces of Warner Brothers classic cartoons… 30 of which have commentaries. 9 featurettes, 2 documentaries, a TV special and rare never seen treats. Along with last month’s TOM & JERRY disc, this is animated bliss!
MULHOLLAND FALLS
God, I’d love to see a restored director’s cut of Lee Tomahori’s MULHOLLAND FALLS – but for now… this is all we’re going to get. This film was raped by the studio – and the result is only pretty good. For now, the film is probably best known for the glorious sex scenes with Jennifer Connelly. Nick Nolte is pretty damn cool here, as is Chazz. I liked this film of government conspiracies and tough fedora wearing cops. Now please… let’s get a Director’s Cut on this title!
SHAMPOO
If you’re planning on seeing the remake of ALFIE, along with checking out the Michael Caine original… you might want to add this to the gigolo groove you’re apparently bent on. This was Beatty at his most sexually charged. You’ll see him seduce an oh too young Carrie Fisher in her first screen role… along with Julie Christie and Goldie Hawn. This is the first satire to carry Mr Bulworth and frankly his best.
SHREK 2
If you want to think of this as the best animated film of 2004, you better rewatch it quickly because THE INCREDIBLES is about 4 million times better at every conceivable level. SHREK 2 was funny – but I kinda am annoyed by the “#1 Comedy Of All Time” on the cover there. Cuz – in Adjusted Dollars – JUNGLE BOOK, GREASE, MARY POPPINS, THE GRADUATE and THE STING all made more money… some of those by as much as $100 million dollars. Can’t help keeping it honest here. Can’t help thinking it would have been better had this just been a Puss In Boots solo flick.
STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES – Complete Second Season
YES! TROUBLE WITH TRIBBLES! AMOK TIME! JOURNEY TO BABEL! MIRROR MIRROR! WOLF IN THE FOLD and THE GAMESTERS OF TRISKELION! I love 2nd Season of Classic Trek… hell, I love all three seasons! In addition to having all the episodes, there’s extras galore. In particular I love the interviews with Nimoy. Shatner seems to have some voice problems, very hoarse in the documentaries with him.
THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN
Three super babes throw coins in a fountain and wish for love. And a love story follows. A great love story, a dream-like one. Especially suave is Louis Jourdan as the Prince… He’s cool. The dvd is gorgeous – glistening in its CinemaScope glory. And a great song by Sinatra for an opening that just makes ya soar. I love these old Fox Romantic cotton candies. They’re light and tasty.
ULTIMATE PARTY COLLECTION (DAZED AND CONFUSED / FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH)
Ok – Here’s what to watch Election Night after it’s all over… if there is such a thing. If you’re down, these’ll lift you up. If you’re up, these will lift you higher still. In fact, “higher” is what it’s all about, and these two DVDs are great additions to the collection. Of the two, for me… FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH has more personal relevance. Phoebe Cates’ Swimming Pool exit is a deeply personal moment. One of those moments that … “Doesn’t anyone knock around here?” hehehe… If you want to be astonished by possibly the most wrong review I’ve ever seen from Roger Ebert, read his original review of this film at the time, where he gave it 1 star. It is an outright flabbergasting look at the film. Like… if Mr Han reviewed the film. The commentary with Heckerling and Crowe is great. And the documentary is cool! The DAZED & CONFUSED disc is not very loaded, but a great film. There's word that there might be a CRITERION disc for that film in the works... let's prayl! Also – look for my announcement about a special FAST TIMES screening coming up soon!
November 9th
BEFORE SUNSET
One of the best films of 2004, definitely the best U.S. film thus far this year. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are magical in the film, the storytelling is effortlessly charmed. The cinematography is gorgeous, and every second you watch your heart pangs for Paris. And it has, one of the great cinematic endings. Perfection. Like 30 people saw this in theaters. When you see this on DVD, you’ll be frustrated that you didn’t see this in theaters. BRILLIANT!
The Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus Megaset and Monty Python Live Bundle
24 hours of Monty Python… Can the human mind process that? 24 Hours of the Flying Circus… It’s almost too much to even imagine. Add to that Art Galleries, Gillianimations and more. Yes – this is… too much, but since when did that ever stop us?
Fritz Lang Epic Collection (METROPOLIS / DIE NIBELUNGEN / WOMAN IN THE MOON / SPIES)
German Expressionism unleashed! I don’t need to waste words on METROPOLIS, you all know its genius… don’t you? But here you’ll discover the further evidence of Fritz Lang’s supreme genius from his silent era. SPIES holds imagery looted by Ridley Scott for BLADE RUNNER. WOMAN IN THE MOON invented cinematically the “COUNT DOWN”! and DIE NIBELUNGEN – words can not describe it’s utter brilliance. These films should be seen on giant screens with audiences of 2000 and a 120 piece orchestra playing… but unfortunately, we’ll never see them like that. This is what we have, and we should each offer up praise to KINO for giving us a collection such as this. Outstanding!
GONE WITH THE WIND (4 Disc Collector’s Set)
Warner Brothers Home Video has sort of undergone a transformation of late. For years I loathed them, but in the past year, they’ve out-done themselves. This is another fine prestige show-off for how to treat one of the greatest movies ever made… And a film that in adjusted box office dollars pulled in $2.2 Billion Dollars at the Domestic Box Office. I don’t know if that’s even possible to comprehend. Imagine a film 4 times more successful than TITANIC. That’s GONE WITH THE WIND. Everyone everywhere saw it theatrically. Will there ever be a film event of its like again? Well, besides GHOST TOWN? I don’t know. Of all the new extras on this edition, the new documentary featuring a new interview with Olivia de Havilland (wish someone did an ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD interview). Truly one of the greatest films of all time.
JU-ON
Recently saw this original Japanese edition in a theater on a date with my sweetie… and the film actually got her to SCREAM at one point. One of the most thrilling moments I’ve ever experienced with a horror film on a date. Out-standing! The film feels wrong, as if contaminated… unclean. Due to it being all-Japanese – there’s a feeling as if… it really happened. By putting Americans into the roles… it reminds me … oh look, Buffy. And somehow I just feel safer, and who the hell wants to feel safe during JU-ON? Heh. Great Horror Film.
THE MARX BROTHERS SILVER SCREEN COLLECTION (THE COCOANUTS / ANIMAL CRACKERS / MONKEY BUSINESS / HORSE FEATHERS / DUCK SOUP)
Ah, here we are with Chico, Harpo, Groucho and Zeppo! DUCK SOUP may very well be the funniest goddamn film ever made. Remember this speech of Rufus T Firefly? “I'd be unworthy of the high trust that's been placed in me if I didn't do everything in my power to keep our beloved Freedonia in peace with the world. I'd be only too happy to meet with Ambassador Trentino, and offer him on behalf of my country the right hand of good fellowship. And I feel sure he will accept this gesture in the spirit of which it is offered. But suppose he doesn't. A fine thing that'll be. I hold out my hand and he refuses to accept. That'll add a lot to my prestige, won't it? Me, the head of a country, snubbed by a forgein ambassador. Who does he think he is, that he can come here, and make a sap of me in front of all my people? Think of it - I hold out my hand and that hyena refuses to accept. Why, the cheap ball-pushing swine, he'll never get away with it I tell you, he'll never get away with it.
[Trentino enters] So, you refuse to shake hands with me, eh?
SLAP!” THE COCOANUTS was The Marx Brothers’ first film. While not their best, I personally love Harpo best in this film. He’s just so out of control. However, ANIMAL CRACKERS, MONKEY BUSINESS and HORSE FEATHERS are 3 of the best. But nothing tops DUCK SOUP. That film is pure hilarity.
NAKED JUNGLE
MARABUNTA!!!! This is the best ANTS ATTACK movie ever made. And in addition you’ve got Charlton Heston ordering himself up a mail-order bride, cuz he ain’t got time for courtin’. I love this movie. Watching ants building boats… for real to cross a river to continue their mad attack. Leveling jungles, fields, stripping the flesh from animals and men’s bones.
PRINCESS BLADE (Special Edition)
While certainly not up to par with say, AZUMI (which came after, btw) – PRINCESS BLADE is a fine addition to the badass babe with a sword genre. Neat CG effects, fun and inventive action. This dvd has superior subtitles as well as an English dub track if that’s your thing, but also (THANK GOD) the Japanese original soundtrack. Best DVD on this title available.
W.C. FIELDS Comedy Collection (THE BANK DICK / MY LITTLE CHICKADEE / YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN / IT’S A GIFT / INTERNATIONAL HOUSE)
THE BANK DICK had it’s best treatment on Criterion ages ago, but this set is pretty damn nice. It’s the first W.C. Fields set we have thus far, and hopefully if this set does well, maybe Paramount will release his titles that they own. He was and is the king of one line quips. His wit cut straight to the point and had a way about his voice that made every flirt an insult and every observance a feeling of aggravation. Watching him and Mae West in MY LITTLE CHICKADEE is to see two of the great comedians trading quips at their best. INTERNATIONAL HOUSE is filled with great comedy talent like Burns & Allen and Rudy Vallee – and had Cab Calloway and Bela Lugosi as bonuses! I haven’t had a chance to see IT’S A GIFT, but YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN co-stars Charlie McCarthy and his puppet Edgar Bergen – and they rule. Plus Eddie Anderson is hilarious in the film. It is very much a funny funny comedy. With this and the Marx Brothers and that Monty Python set… this is a great month for laughs!
November 16th
AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE – Volume Three
Ah, more goodness from Adult Swim! Here’s the Episodes:
*Broodwich
*Total Recarl
*Revenge of the Trees
*Frat Aliens
*Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary
*Kidney Car
*The Cubing
*The Shaving
*The Clowning
*The Dressing
*THE
*The Cloning
*The Last One
Add to that, script pages, deleted scenes, promo pieces and much more and you’ve got the third addition to your Aqua Teen Hunger Force collection. These are nice sets.
BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY – Complete Series
This is about 30 Hours of Gil Gerard and Erin Grey! In otherwords, HEAVEN! Personally, I can’t wait to rewatch the Hawk episodes. I remember as a kid thinking that ship of his was the coolest damn thing ever. And Erin was so damn hot, and damn Lucas for stealing Wilma Deering’s outfit for Padme in Attack of the Clones… only… it sure was hot on Natalie. Sigh… Haven’t heard of any extras on this set, but this is one of the key things this month I’m most looking forward to.
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER – 7th Season
This is that series that THE GRUDGE chick was on. I think it was horror related or something. If memory serves this stuff doesn’t suck much. In fact, it kinda rules in a hardcore asskicking, damn this is too good for TV sort of way. I find myself thinking way too much about Willow. I think it is unhealthy. I promise I’m not stalking her or anything. Can’t say the same about Herc though.
THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (Unrated Edition)
A few glimpses of Riddick’s homeworld and his dreams are actually pretty nice. The FX all look better on the small screen than they did on the big screen. The new scenes have a slight glitch to them when they come in – little on the annoying side. Still hate the design of much of the film, but I liked it a bit more on DVD. The main thing is Vin and that hot as hell girl he’s protecting… well – they’re worth the dvd in my opinion. Extras aren’t all that great, but the new scenes integrated into the film work.
ELF
Wow – I understand why New Line waited so long to release this DVD – but it kinda feels like a timeless classic now. This was one of my favorite films from last year. Will’s Buddy the Elf was just an instant character connection. In someways, he felt like a Pixar character plucked out of one of their films and placed in a Jon Favreau universe. How utterly splendid. The scenes of Buddy on Bob Newhart’s lap are just heaven. The film is just a complete warm blanket on a winter’s eve sort of flick. As for the disc… this is one of those Infinifilm Editions – with a second disc just gorged with extras. There’s two commentaries, one with Favs, the other with that beautiful ‘tard, Will Ferrell. There’s deleted scenes, featurettes out the wazoo, Elf Karaoke – whatever the hell that means and more. This is one of those additions to the Xmas Collection.
FANTASM
Hardcore stars of yesteryear in a Softcore film. You’ll see John Holmes’ monster, but not going in anything. You’ll see TONS of BUSH (the only good kind) and you’ll see lots of humping where you’ll notice limp penises not actually up for much of anything. The 70’s babes have that sort of 70’s thing going and all of it is shot with that 70’s porn FILM look, which is so much better than the look of video crap we get today. Also – the subject matter is kinda fucked up. Here, here they act out repressed sick fantasies of incest with delight. It’s fascinating to watch and notice the differences between yesteryear and today! This was directed by the director of CLOAK AND DAGGER!
FANTASM COMES AGAIN
Of the two, I preferred this one. Mainly because this one has Serena and Rainbeaux Smith… two babes from the era that just absolutely set off the rockets like New Year’s Eve. John Holmes returns, and the sequence with Rainbeaux Smith is fucked up, even if it does take place at a drive-in where they’re watching the first FANTASM. BTW – no silver balls and Tall Man or killer dwarves in these. Serena’s sequence is very very hot. Something about film just gives these actresses a glow that the Video era misses.
FOUL PLAY
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! FOUL PLAY is one of my favorite movies. Chevy and Goldie were magic together in this film. Those weird fucking old ladies playing filthy Scrabble… that laughing hissing boa constrictor… that poor bible salesman from the Wizard of Oz… the entire opera scene at the end (long before I discovered TO CATCH A THIEF) – this is the most playful and successful Hitchcock rip-off ever made. Chevy was never this good. And Dudley Moore just rules in his tiny part here. And that fucking scary ass Albino dude!!! Freaked my shit out. Can’t wait to get this DVD.
THE IRON GIANT (Special Edition)
While no longer my favorite Brad Bird film, I do love this movie. A limited edition cel I bought in L.A. at the Warner Brothers Store signing for THE IRON GIANT hangs in my living room, and the humongous IRON GIANT toy holding Hogarth and chewing down on NCC-1701 is the highest most point of all my toys in the wall of toys in my room. This film is right there with TOY STORY 1 & 2 and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS as my favorite modern age animated films… which the INCREDIBLES just charged right smack into the midst of. Getting to see 8 additional scenes and an alternate opening thrills me. The 13 featurettes, the commentary, the breakdown of two sequences and more all stuffed on this precious disc makes this THE BUY of the month along with that… little film that swept all those Oscars earlier this year. After watching THE INCREDIBLES 30 times by Nov 16th, you’ll be dying for this disc.
THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD
The Film is bliss. Guy Maddin, who is drunk on expressionism, delivers this wondrous little musical gem. This competition for the world’s saddest music is heaven. It’s a crazed film filled with beauty and sadness. Isabella Rosselini has never been more Ingrid Bergman-y than she is in this film… though… it should be noted that I don’t believe Ingrid ever played a double amputee beer legged wealthy beer baroness. But she should have!
TEENAGE CAVEGIRL
I’ve never been able to turn down Cavegirl movies. It’s a weakness brought on from a childhood poster of Raquel Welch from ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. that hung on the back of my door to my room. As a result… women in loin cloths do it for me. It’s also why Moriarty is so hot, he wears loin cloths a lot. Anyway, this was allegedly shot in Bronson Canyons. It will suck. I know this going into this purchase. But I can not stop myself. Lizards and loin cloths. Must buy.
November 23rd
GOZU
Sheer Genius compounded with criminal insanity! The results are something so maddeningly fascinating that you dare not turn away for fear of missing the next assault on your own private grip on reality. Miike is like Lynch, but weird. Heh. Where he pulls his imagery from is best left one of life’s unsought mysteries. For, like a lead character in a Lovecraft story, if you were to find it, it would surely tear you apart!
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Alfonso Cuaron crafted the best of the HARRY POTTER films thus far, and this dvd will be the first of the 3 that I’ve actually purchased. There’s an elegance at play in this film that just makes it so affecting and far more powerful than the previous films. There is a blossoming going on with the kids as actors that you can’t help be notice. They’re truly becoming damn good actors here. The series is reminding me of one of those great old series like the ANDY HARDY movies or the SHERLOCK HOLMES’ of Basil Rathbone… where the actors are growing comfortable in their characters… the way the Classic Trek Crew did in their films. But none of those series had a 3rd chapter this far and way better than the rest of their series to date. Cuaron is a magic man!
THE TERMINAL (2-Disc Collector’s Set)
While not quite as magical as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, I still am quite fond of THE TERMINAL. Unfortunately the movie was mis-marketed as a Romantic Comedy – when in truth this is more about a man fulfilling a last wish. This is a film about family duty. In fact if this film belongs to any genre perse, I’d have to say it was the “MAN ON A MISSION” genre. Navorski gets distracted along the way, but he finds his way. The characters in the ‘terminal’ steal the film for me. As for Catherine Zeta Jones? She’s perfect. I don’t believe we’re ever supposed to love her in this role. She’s that mirage of happiness that a man finds in a desert. She looks like water and shade, but deep down, she’s just another mouth of sand, a pinch of salt to rub into the popped blisters on your feet as you drive forward to your ultimate goal. Beautiful pain, but that’s all she is.
November 30th
Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen – (IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA / EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS / 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH / MYSTERIOUS ISLAND / H.G. WELLS’ FIRST MEN IN THE MOON)
If you already have these titles on DVD – this is nothing more than a repackaging. However, if you don’t have these titles – then here’s an excellent way to pick these up. For you Geek Parents out there. These films are excellent gateway films to raise your children on. Yes, some of these are black and white, but let me tell you. I’ve shown most of these titles over the years at my Saturday Morning Kids Club and the children… all ages… are held in rapt attention. EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS for example… a 6 year old boy came up to me after that screening to declare the film the greatest movie ever made, and when he grew up he was going to remake it, and use NUCLEAR WEAPONS to fight the flying saucers! I told him that was a great idea, and asked him to send me a ticket! You’ll find no objectionable material here, and the stop-motion is captivating to children. I showed my nephew 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH at age 3 – and explained to him that Ymir wasn’t a monster but a hungry baby that was growing really big… and didn’t understand why the men were bothering him. And when Ymir… well at the end, my nephew cried and then played with my Ymir toy for the next month. This set is an excellent way to bring up your kids, the geek way!
HERO
How Miramax could make Zhang Ziyi look unattractive on this DVD is beyond me. How they could make the film look ugly is beyond reason. Look at that packaging. That has got to be the worst possible image for the DVD. That’s awful. Now – the real reason to get this version is for the English versions of Behind The Scenes and the Conversation with Tarantino and the Storyboards. They do have English and French dubs available along with the original Chinese with subtitles in English and Spanish. Frankly, I’m glad I own my original Region 3 – I personally prefer the translation on that disc, but I imagine I’ll prefer the extras on this disc. We’ll see.
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LOST IN SPACE – SEASON 2, Vol 2
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
SPIDER-MAN 2
SPIDER-MAN 2 was one of the great successes of the summer for me. Alfred Molina, bless you. Sam Raimi, bless you. Now, if the next one can be as absolutely breathlessly perfect the way THE INCREDIBLES was… I’ll be completely sated. There’s tons of extras on this DVD which really is a gangbusters release. I can’t wait to pour through the “Ock-umentary” and discover all the tricks to Doc Ock. And I can’t wait to freeze frame on Scott Spiegel.. pizza thief!
Coming In December:
RETURN OF THE KING: Special Edition
Click Here To Visit October’s Picks!
The first collection was bliss, so is this one. The key disc for me is the 4th disc which is made up of “All Star Cavalcade of Hollywood Parodies” which are just bliss. In all you’ll walk away with 60 remastered masterpieces of Warner Brothers classic cartoons… 30 of which have commentaries. 9 featurettes, 2 documentaries, a TV special and rare never seen treats. Along with last month’s TOM & JERRY disc, this is animated bliss!
MULHOLLAND FALLS
God, I’d love to see a restored director’s cut of Lee Tomahori’s MULHOLLAND FALLS – but for now… this is all we’re going to get. This film was raped by the studio – and the result is only pretty good. For now, the film is probably best known for the glorious sex scenes with Jennifer Connelly. Nick Nolte is pretty damn cool here, as is Chazz. I liked this film of government conspiracies and tough fedora wearing cops. Now please… let’s get a Director’s Cut on this title!
SHAMPOO
If you’re planning on seeing the remake of ALFIE, along with checking out the Michael Caine original… you might want to add this to the gigolo groove you’re apparently bent on. This was Beatty at his most sexually charged. You’ll see him seduce an oh too young Carrie Fisher in her first screen role… along with Julie Christie and Goldie Hawn. This is the first satire to carry Mr Bulworth and frankly his best.
SHREK 2
If you want to think of this as the best animated film of 2004, you better rewatch it quickly because THE INCREDIBLES is about 4 million times better at every conceivable level. SHREK 2 was funny – but I kinda am annoyed by the “#1 Comedy Of All Time” on the cover there. Cuz – in Adjusted Dollars – JUNGLE BOOK, GREASE, MARY POPPINS, THE GRADUATE and THE STING all made more money… some of those by as much as $100 million dollars. Can’t help keeping it honest here. Can’t help thinking it would have been better had this just been a Puss In Boots solo flick.
STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES – Complete Second Season
YES! TROUBLE WITH TRIBBLES! AMOK TIME! JOURNEY TO BABEL! MIRROR MIRROR! WOLF IN THE FOLD and THE GAMESTERS OF TRISKELION! I love 2nd Season of Classic Trek… hell, I love all three seasons! In addition to having all the episodes, there’s extras galore. In particular I love the interviews with Nimoy. Shatner seems to have some voice problems, very hoarse in the documentaries with him.
THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN
Three super babes throw coins in a fountain and wish for love. And a love story follows. A great love story, a dream-like one. Especially suave is Louis Jourdan as the Prince… He’s cool. The dvd is gorgeous – glistening in its CinemaScope glory. And a great song by Sinatra for an opening that just makes ya soar. I love these old Fox Romantic cotton candies. They’re light and tasty.
ULTIMATE PARTY COLLECTION (DAZED AND CONFUSED / FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH)
Ok – Here’s what to watch Election Night after it’s all over… if there is such a thing. If you’re down, these’ll lift you up. If you’re up, these will lift you higher still. In fact, “higher” is what it’s all about, and these two DVDs are great additions to the collection. Of the two, for me… FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH has more personal relevance. Phoebe Cates’ Swimming Pool exit is a deeply personal moment. One of those moments that … “Doesn’t anyone knock around here?” hehehe… If you want to be astonished by possibly the most wrong review I’ve ever seen from Roger Ebert, read his original review of this film at the time, where he gave it 1 star. It is an outright flabbergasting look at the film. Like… if Mr Han reviewed the film. The commentary with Heckerling and Crowe is great. And the documentary is cool! The DAZED & CONFUSED disc is not very loaded, but a great film. There's word that there might be a CRITERION disc for that film in the works... let's prayl! Also – look for my announcement about a special FAST TIMES screening coming up soon!
November 9th
BEFORE SUNSET
One of the best films of 2004, definitely the best U.S. film thus far this year. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are magical in the film, the storytelling is effortlessly charmed. The cinematography is gorgeous, and every second you watch your heart pangs for Paris. And it has, one of the great cinematic endings. Perfection. Like 30 people saw this in theaters. When you see this on DVD, you’ll be frustrated that you didn’t see this in theaters. BRILLIANT!
The Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus Megaset and Monty Python Live Bundle
24 hours of Monty Python… Can the human mind process that? 24 Hours of the Flying Circus… It’s almost too much to even imagine. Add to that Art Galleries, Gillianimations and more. Yes – this is… too much, but since when did that ever stop us?
Fritz Lang Epic Collection (METROPOLIS / DIE NIBELUNGEN / WOMAN IN THE MOON / SPIES)
German Expressionism unleashed! I don’t need to waste words on METROPOLIS, you all know its genius… don’t you? But here you’ll discover the further evidence of Fritz Lang’s supreme genius from his silent era. SPIES holds imagery looted by Ridley Scott for BLADE RUNNER. WOMAN IN THE MOON invented cinematically the “COUNT DOWN”! and DIE NIBELUNGEN – words can not describe it’s utter brilliance. These films should be seen on giant screens with audiences of 2000 and a 120 piece orchestra playing… but unfortunately, we’ll never see them like that. This is what we have, and we should each offer up praise to KINO for giving us a collection such as this. Outstanding!
GONE WITH THE WIND (4 Disc Collector’s Set)
Warner Brothers Home Video has sort of undergone a transformation of late. For years I loathed them, but in the past year, they’ve out-done themselves. This is another fine prestige show-off for how to treat one of the greatest movies ever made… And a film that in adjusted box office dollars pulled in $2.2 Billion Dollars at the Domestic Box Office. I don’t know if that’s even possible to comprehend. Imagine a film 4 times more successful than TITANIC. That’s GONE WITH THE WIND. Everyone everywhere saw it theatrically. Will there ever be a film event of its like again? Well, besides GHOST TOWN? I don’t know. Of all the new extras on this edition, the new documentary featuring a new interview with Olivia de Havilland (wish someone did an ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD interview). Truly one of the greatest films of all time.
JU-ON
Recently saw this original Japanese edition in a theater on a date with my sweetie… and the film actually got her to SCREAM at one point. One of the most thrilling moments I’ve ever experienced with a horror film on a date. Out-standing! The film feels wrong, as if contaminated… unclean. Due to it being all-Japanese – there’s a feeling as if… it really happened. By putting Americans into the roles… it reminds me … oh look, Buffy. And somehow I just feel safer, and who the hell wants to feel safe during JU-ON? Heh. Great Horror Film.
THE MARX BROTHERS SILVER SCREEN COLLECTION (THE COCOANUTS / ANIMAL CRACKERS / MONKEY BUSINESS / HORSE FEATHERS / DUCK SOUP)
Ah, here we are with Chico, Harpo, Groucho and Zeppo! DUCK SOUP may very well be the funniest goddamn film ever made. Remember this speech of Rufus T Firefly? “I'd be unworthy of the high trust that's been placed in me if I didn't do everything in my power to keep our beloved Freedonia in peace with the world. I'd be only too happy to meet with Ambassador Trentino, and offer him on behalf of my country the right hand of good fellowship. And I feel sure he will accept this gesture in the spirit of which it is offered. But suppose he doesn't. A fine thing that'll be. I hold out my hand and he refuses to accept. That'll add a lot to my prestige, won't it? Me, the head of a country, snubbed by a forgein ambassador. Who does he think he is, that he can come here, and make a sap of me in front of all my people? Think of it - I hold out my hand and that hyena refuses to accept. Why, the cheap ball-pushing swine, he'll never get away with it I tell you, he'll never get away with it.
[Trentino enters] So, you refuse to shake hands with me, eh?
SLAP!” THE COCOANUTS was The Marx Brothers’ first film. While not their best, I personally love Harpo best in this film. He’s just so out of control. However, ANIMAL CRACKERS, MONKEY BUSINESS and HORSE FEATHERS are 3 of the best. But nothing tops DUCK SOUP. That film is pure hilarity.
NAKED JUNGLE
MARABUNTA!!!! This is the best ANTS ATTACK movie ever made. And in addition you’ve got Charlton Heston ordering himself up a mail-order bride, cuz he ain’t got time for courtin’. I love this movie. Watching ants building boats… for real to cross a river to continue their mad attack. Leveling jungles, fields, stripping the flesh from animals and men’s bones.
PRINCESS BLADE (Special Edition)
While certainly not up to par with say, AZUMI (which came after, btw) – PRINCESS BLADE is a fine addition to the badass babe with a sword genre. Neat CG effects, fun and inventive action. This dvd has superior subtitles as well as an English dub track if that’s your thing, but also (THANK GOD) the Japanese original soundtrack. Best DVD on this title available.
W.C. FIELDS Comedy Collection (THE BANK DICK / MY LITTLE CHICKADEE / YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN / IT’S A GIFT / INTERNATIONAL HOUSE)
THE BANK DICK had it’s best treatment on Criterion ages ago, but this set is pretty damn nice. It’s the first W.C. Fields set we have thus far, and hopefully if this set does well, maybe Paramount will release his titles that they own. He was and is the king of one line quips. His wit cut straight to the point and had a way about his voice that made every flirt an insult and every observance a feeling of aggravation. Watching him and Mae West in MY LITTLE CHICKADEE is to see two of the great comedians trading quips at their best. INTERNATIONAL HOUSE is filled with great comedy talent like Burns & Allen and Rudy Vallee – and had Cab Calloway and Bela Lugosi as bonuses! I haven’t had a chance to see IT’S A GIFT, but YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN co-stars Charlie McCarthy and his puppet Edgar Bergen – and they rule. Plus Eddie Anderson is hilarious in the film. It is very much a funny funny comedy. With this and the Marx Brothers and that Monty Python set… this is a great month for laughs!
November 16th
AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE – Volume Three
Ah, more goodness from Adult Swim! Here’s the Episodes:
*Broodwich
*Total Recarl
*Revenge of the Trees
*Frat Aliens
*Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary
*Kidney Car
*The Cubing
*The Shaving
*The Clowning
*The Dressing
*THE
*The Cloning
*The Last One
Add to that, script pages, deleted scenes, promo pieces and much more and you’ve got the third addition to your Aqua Teen Hunger Force collection. These are nice sets.
BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY – Complete Series
This is about 30 Hours of Gil Gerard and Erin Grey! In otherwords, HEAVEN! Personally, I can’t wait to rewatch the Hawk episodes. I remember as a kid thinking that ship of his was the coolest damn thing ever. And Erin was so damn hot, and damn Lucas for stealing Wilma Deering’s outfit for Padme in Attack of the Clones… only… it sure was hot on Natalie. Sigh… Haven’t heard of any extras on this set, but this is one of the key things this month I’m most looking forward to.
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER – 7th Season
This is that series that THE GRUDGE chick was on. I think it was horror related or something. If memory serves this stuff doesn’t suck much. In fact, it kinda rules in a hardcore asskicking, damn this is too good for TV sort of way. I find myself thinking way too much about Willow. I think it is unhealthy. I promise I’m not stalking her or anything. Can’t say the same about Herc though.
THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (Unrated Edition)
A few glimpses of Riddick’s homeworld and his dreams are actually pretty nice. The FX all look better on the small screen than they did on the big screen. The new scenes have a slight glitch to them when they come in – little on the annoying side. Still hate the design of much of the film, but I liked it a bit more on DVD. The main thing is Vin and that hot as hell girl he’s protecting… well – they’re worth the dvd in my opinion. Extras aren’t all that great, but the new scenes integrated into the film work.
ELF
Wow – I understand why New Line waited so long to release this DVD – but it kinda feels like a timeless classic now. This was one of my favorite films from last year. Will’s Buddy the Elf was just an instant character connection. In someways, he felt like a Pixar character plucked out of one of their films and placed in a Jon Favreau universe. How utterly splendid. The scenes of Buddy on Bob Newhart’s lap are just heaven. The film is just a complete warm blanket on a winter’s eve sort of flick. As for the disc… this is one of those Infinifilm Editions – with a second disc just gorged with extras. There’s two commentaries, one with Favs, the other with that beautiful ‘tard, Will Ferrell. There’s deleted scenes, featurettes out the wazoo, Elf Karaoke – whatever the hell that means and more. This is one of those additions to the Xmas Collection.
FANTASM
Hardcore stars of yesteryear in a Softcore film. You’ll see John Holmes’ monster, but not going in anything. You’ll see TONS of BUSH (the only good kind) and you’ll see lots of humping where you’ll notice limp penises not actually up for much of anything. The 70’s babes have that sort of 70’s thing going and all of it is shot with that 70’s porn FILM look, which is so much better than the look of video crap we get today. Also – the subject matter is kinda fucked up. Here, here they act out repressed sick fantasies of incest with delight. It’s fascinating to watch and notice the differences between yesteryear and today! This was directed by the director of CLOAK AND DAGGER!
FANTASM COMES AGAIN
Of the two, I preferred this one. Mainly because this one has Serena and Rainbeaux Smith… two babes from the era that just absolutely set off the rockets like New Year’s Eve. John Holmes returns, and the sequence with Rainbeaux Smith is fucked up, even if it does take place at a drive-in where they’re watching the first FANTASM. BTW – no silver balls and Tall Man or killer dwarves in these. Serena’s sequence is very very hot. Something about film just gives these actresses a glow that the Video era misses.
FOUL PLAY
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! FOUL PLAY is one of my favorite movies. Chevy and Goldie were magic together in this film. Those weird fucking old ladies playing filthy Scrabble… that laughing hissing boa constrictor… that poor bible salesman from the Wizard of Oz… the entire opera scene at the end (long before I discovered TO CATCH A THIEF) – this is the most playful and successful Hitchcock rip-off ever made. Chevy was never this good. And Dudley Moore just rules in his tiny part here. And that fucking scary ass Albino dude!!! Freaked my shit out. Can’t wait to get this DVD.
THE IRON GIANT (Special Edition)
While no longer my favorite Brad Bird film, I do love this movie. A limited edition cel I bought in L.A. at the Warner Brothers Store signing for THE IRON GIANT hangs in my living room, and the humongous IRON GIANT toy holding Hogarth and chewing down on NCC-1701 is the highest most point of all my toys in the wall of toys in my room. This film is right there with TOY STORY 1 & 2 and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS as my favorite modern age animated films… which the INCREDIBLES just charged right smack into the midst of. Getting to see 8 additional scenes and an alternate opening thrills me. The 13 featurettes, the commentary, the breakdown of two sequences and more all stuffed on this precious disc makes this THE BUY of the month along with that… little film that swept all those Oscars earlier this year. After watching THE INCREDIBLES 30 times by Nov 16th, you’ll be dying for this disc.
THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD
The Film is bliss. Guy Maddin, who is drunk on expressionism, delivers this wondrous little musical gem. This competition for the world’s saddest music is heaven. It’s a crazed film filled with beauty and sadness. Isabella Rosselini has never been more Ingrid Bergman-y than she is in this film… though… it should be noted that I don’t believe Ingrid ever played a double amputee beer legged wealthy beer baroness. But she should have!
TEENAGE CAVEGIRL
I’ve never been able to turn down Cavegirl movies. It’s a weakness brought on from a childhood poster of Raquel Welch from ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. that hung on the back of my door to my room. As a result… women in loin cloths do it for me. It’s also why Moriarty is so hot, he wears loin cloths a lot. Anyway, this was allegedly shot in Bronson Canyons. It will suck. I know this going into this purchase. But I can not stop myself. Lizards and loin cloths. Must buy.
November 23rd
GOZU
Sheer Genius compounded with criminal insanity! The results are something so maddeningly fascinating that you dare not turn away for fear of missing the next assault on your own private grip on reality. Miike is like Lynch, but weird. Heh. Where he pulls his imagery from is best left one of life’s unsought mysteries. For, like a lead character in a Lovecraft story, if you were to find it, it would surely tear you apart!
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Alfonso Cuaron crafted the best of the HARRY POTTER films thus far, and this dvd will be the first of the 3 that I’ve actually purchased. There’s an elegance at play in this film that just makes it so affecting and far more powerful than the previous films. There is a blossoming going on with the kids as actors that you can’t help be notice. They’re truly becoming damn good actors here. The series is reminding me of one of those great old series like the ANDY HARDY movies or the SHERLOCK HOLMES’ of Basil Rathbone… where the actors are growing comfortable in their characters… the way the Classic Trek Crew did in their films. But none of those series had a 3rd chapter this far and way better than the rest of their series to date. Cuaron is a magic man!
THE TERMINAL (2-Disc Collector’s Set)
While not quite as magical as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, I still am quite fond of THE TERMINAL. Unfortunately the movie was mis-marketed as a Romantic Comedy – when in truth this is more about a man fulfilling a last wish. This is a film about family duty. In fact if this film belongs to any genre perse, I’d have to say it was the “MAN ON A MISSION” genre. Navorski gets distracted along the way, but he finds his way. The characters in the ‘terminal’ steal the film for me. As for Catherine Zeta Jones? She’s perfect. I don’t believe we’re ever supposed to love her in this role. She’s that mirage of happiness that a man finds in a desert. She looks like water and shade, but deep down, she’s just another mouth of sand, a pinch of salt to rub into the popped blisters on your feet as you drive forward to your ultimate goal. Beautiful pain, but that’s all she is.
November 30th
Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen – (IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA / EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS / 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH / MYSTERIOUS ISLAND / H.G. WELLS’ FIRST MEN IN THE MOON)
If you already have these titles on DVD – this is nothing more than a repackaging. However, if you don’t have these titles – then here’s an excellent way to pick these up. For you Geek Parents out there. These films are excellent gateway films to raise your children on. Yes, some of these are black and white, but let me tell you. I’ve shown most of these titles over the years at my Saturday Morning Kids Club and the children… all ages… are held in rapt attention. EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS for example… a 6 year old boy came up to me after that screening to declare the film the greatest movie ever made, and when he grew up he was going to remake it, and use NUCLEAR WEAPONS to fight the flying saucers! I told him that was a great idea, and asked him to send me a ticket! You’ll find no objectionable material here, and the stop-motion is captivating to children. I showed my nephew 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH at age 3 – and explained to him that Ymir wasn’t a monster but a hungry baby that was growing really big… and didn’t understand why the men were bothering him. And when Ymir… well at the end, my nephew cried and then played with my Ymir toy for the next month. This set is an excellent way to bring up your kids, the geek way!
HERO
How Miramax could make Zhang Ziyi look unattractive on this DVD is beyond me. How they could make the film look ugly is beyond reason. Look at that packaging. That has got to be the worst possible image for the DVD. That’s awful. Now – the real reason to get this version is for the English versions of Behind The Scenes and the Conversation with Tarantino and the Storyboards. They do have English and French dubs available along with the original Chinese with subtitles in English and Spanish. Frankly, I’m glad I own my original Region 3 – I personally prefer the translation on that disc, but I imagine I’ll prefer the extras on this disc. We’ll see.
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LOST IN SPACE – SEASON 2, Vol 2
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
SPIDER-MAN 2
SPIDER-MAN 2 was one of the great successes of the summer for me. Alfred Molina, bless you. Sam Raimi, bless you. Now, if the next one can be as absolutely breathlessly perfect the way THE INCREDIBLES was… I’ll be completely sated. There’s tons of extras on this DVD which really is a gangbusters release. I can’t wait to pour through the “Ock-umentary” and discover all the tricks to Doc Ock. And I can’t wait to freeze frame on Scott Spiegel.. pizza thief!
Coming In December:
RETURN OF THE KING: Special Edition
Click Here To Visit October’s Picks!
If you’re planning on seeing the remake of ALFIE, along with checking out the Michael Caine original… you might want to add this to the gigolo groove you’re apparently bent on. This was Beatty at his most sexually charged. You’ll see him seduce an oh too young Carrie Fisher in her first screen role… along with Julie Christie and Goldie Hawn. This is the first satire to carry Mr Bulworth and frankly his best.
SHREK 2
If you want to think of this as the best animated film of 2004, you better rewatch it quickly because THE INCREDIBLES is about 4 million times better at every conceivable level. SHREK 2 was funny – but I kinda am annoyed by the “#1 Comedy Of All Time” on the cover there. Cuz – in Adjusted Dollars – JUNGLE BOOK, GREASE, MARY POPPINS, THE GRADUATE and THE STING all made more money… some of those by as much as $100 million dollars. Can’t help keeping it honest here. Can’t help thinking it would have been better had this just been a Puss In Boots solo flick.
STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES – Complete Second Season
YES! TROUBLE WITH TRIBBLES! AMOK TIME! JOURNEY TO BABEL! MIRROR MIRROR! WOLF IN THE FOLD and THE GAMESTERS OF TRISKELION! I love 2nd Season of Classic Trek… hell, I love all three seasons! In addition to having all the episodes, there’s extras galore. In particular I love the interviews with Nimoy. Shatner seems to have some voice problems, very hoarse in the documentaries with him.
THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN
Three super babes throw coins in a fountain and wish for love. And a love story follows. A great love story, a dream-like one. Especially suave is Louis Jourdan as the Prince… He’s cool. The dvd is gorgeous – glistening in its CinemaScope glory. And a great song by Sinatra for an opening that just makes ya soar. I love these old Fox Romantic cotton candies. They’re light and tasty.
ULTIMATE PARTY COLLECTION (DAZED AND CONFUSED / FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH)
Ok – Here’s what to watch Election Night after it’s all over… if there is such a thing. If you’re down, these’ll lift you up. If you’re up, these will lift you higher still. In fact, “higher” is what it’s all about, and these two DVDs are great additions to the collection. Of the two, for me… FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH has more personal relevance. Phoebe Cates’ Swimming Pool exit is a deeply personal moment. One of those moments that … “Doesn’t anyone knock around here?” hehehe… If you want to be astonished by possibly the most wrong review I’ve ever seen from Roger Ebert, read his original review of this film at the time, where he gave it 1 star. It is an outright flabbergasting look at the film. Like… if Mr Han reviewed the film. The commentary with Heckerling and Crowe is great. And the documentary is cool! The DAZED & CONFUSED disc is not very loaded, but a great film. There's word that there might be a CRITERION disc for that film in the works... let's prayl! Also – look for my announcement about a special FAST TIMES screening coming up soon!
November 9th
BEFORE SUNSET
One of the best films of 2004, definitely the best U.S. film thus far this year. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are magical in the film, the storytelling is effortlessly charmed. The cinematography is gorgeous, and every second you watch your heart pangs for Paris. And it has, one of the great cinematic endings. Perfection. Like 30 people saw this in theaters. When you see this on DVD, you’ll be frustrated that you didn’t see this in theaters. BRILLIANT!
The Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus Megaset and Monty Python Live Bundle
24 hours of Monty Python… Can the human mind process that? 24 Hours of the Flying Circus… It’s almost too much to even imagine. Add to that Art Galleries, Gillianimations and more. Yes – this is… too much, but since when did that ever stop us?
Fritz Lang Epic Collection (METROPOLIS / DIE NIBELUNGEN / WOMAN IN THE MOON / SPIES)
German Expressionism unleashed! I don’t need to waste words on METROPOLIS, you all know its genius… don’t you? But here you’ll discover the further evidence of Fritz Lang’s supreme genius from his silent era. SPIES holds imagery looted by Ridley Scott for BLADE RUNNER. WOMAN IN THE MOON invented cinematically the “COUNT DOWN”! and DIE NIBELUNGEN – words can not describe it’s utter brilliance. These films should be seen on giant screens with audiences of 2000 and a 120 piece orchestra playing… but unfortunately, we’ll never see them like that. This is what we have, and we should each offer up praise to KINO for giving us a collection such as this. Outstanding!
GONE WITH THE WIND (4 Disc Collector’s Set)
Warner Brothers Home Video has sort of undergone a transformation of late. For years I loathed them, but in the past year, they’ve out-done themselves. This is another fine prestige show-off for how to treat one of the greatest movies ever made… And a film that in adjusted box office dollars pulled in $2.2 Billion Dollars at the Domestic Box Office. I don’t know if that’s even possible to comprehend. Imagine a film 4 times more successful than TITANIC. That’s GONE WITH THE WIND. Everyone everywhere saw it theatrically. Will there ever be a film event of its like again? Well, besides GHOST TOWN? I don’t know. Of all the new extras on this edition, the new documentary featuring a new interview with Olivia de Havilland (wish someone did an ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD interview). Truly one of the greatest films of all time.
JU-ON
Recently saw this original Japanese edition in a theater on a date with my sweetie… and the film actually got her to SCREAM at one point. One of the most thrilling moments I’ve ever experienced with a horror film on a date. Out-standing! The film feels wrong, as if contaminated… unclean. Due to it being all-Japanese – there’s a feeling as if… it really happened. By putting Americans into the roles… it reminds me … oh look, Buffy. And somehow I just feel safer, and who the hell wants to feel safe during JU-ON? Heh. Great Horror Film.
THE MARX BROTHERS SILVER SCREEN COLLECTION (THE COCOANUTS / ANIMAL CRACKERS / MONKEY BUSINESS / HORSE FEATHERS / DUCK SOUP)
Ah, here we are with Chico, Harpo, Groucho and Zeppo! DUCK SOUP may very well be the funniest goddamn film ever made. Remember this speech of Rufus T Firefly? “I'd be unworthy of the high trust that's been placed in me if I didn't do everything in my power to keep our beloved Freedonia in peace with the world. I'd be only too happy to meet with Ambassador Trentino, and offer him on behalf of my country the right hand of good fellowship. And I feel sure he will accept this gesture in the spirit of which it is offered. But suppose he doesn't. A fine thing that'll be. I hold out my hand and he refuses to accept. That'll add a lot to my prestige, won't it? Me, the head of a country, snubbed by a forgein ambassador. Who does he think he is, that he can come here, and make a sap of me in front of all my people? Think of it - I hold out my hand and that hyena refuses to accept. Why, the cheap ball-pushing swine, he'll never get away with it I tell you, he'll never get away with it.
[Trentino enters] So, you refuse to shake hands with me, eh?
SLAP!” THE COCOANUTS was The Marx Brothers’ first film. While not their best, I personally love Harpo best in this film. He’s just so out of control. However, ANIMAL CRACKERS, MONKEY BUSINESS and HORSE FEATHERS are 3 of the best. But nothing tops DUCK SOUP. That film is pure hilarity.
NAKED JUNGLE
MARABUNTA!!!! This is the best ANTS ATTACK movie ever made. And in addition you’ve got Charlton Heston ordering himself up a mail-order bride, cuz he ain’t got time for courtin’. I love this movie. Watching ants building boats… for real to cross a river to continue their mad attack. Leveling jungles, fields, stripping the flesh from animals and men’s bones.
PRINCESS BLADE (Special Edition)
While certainly not up to par with say, AZUMI (which came after, btw) – PRINCESS BLADE is a fine addition to the badass babe with a sword genre. Neat CG effects, fun and inventive action. This dvd has superior subtitles as well as an English dub track if that’s your thing, but also (THANK GOD) the Japanese original soundtrack. Best DVD on this title available.
W.C. FIELDS Comedy Collection (THE BANK DICK / MY LITTLE CHICKADEE / YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN / IT’S A GIFT / INTERNATIONAL HOUSE)
THE BANK DICK had it’s best treatment on Criterion ages ago, but this set is pretty damn nice. It’s the first W.C. Fields set we have thus far, and hopefully if this set does well, maybe Paramount will release his titles that they own. He was and is the king of one line quips. His wit cut straight to the point and had a way about his voice that made every flirt an insult and every observance a feeling of aggravation. Watching him and Mae West in MY LITTLE CHICKADEE is to see two of the great comedians trading quips at their best. INTERNATIONAL HOUSE is filled with great comedy talent like Burns & Allen and Rudy Vallee – and had Cab Calloway and Bela Lugosi as bonuses! I haven’t had a chance to see IT’S A GIFT, but YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN co-stars Charlie McCarthy and his puppet Edgar Bergen – and they rule. Plus Eddie Anderson is hilarious in the film. It is very much a funny funny comedy. With this and the Marx Brothers and that Monty Python set… this is a great month for laughs!
November 16th
AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE – Volume Three
Ah, more goodness from Adult Swim! Here’s the Episodes:
*Broodwich
*Total Recarl
*Revenge of the Trees
*Frat Aliens
*Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary
*Kidney Car
*The Cubing
*The Shaving
*The Clowning
*The Dressing
*THE
*The Cloning
*The Last One
Add to that, script pages, deleted scenes, promo pieces and much more and you’ve got the third addition to your Aqua Teen Hunger Force collection. These are nice sets.
BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY – Complete Series
This is about 30 Hours of Gil Gerard and Erin Grey! In otherwords, HEAVEN! Personally, I can’t wait to rewatch the Hawk episodes. I remember as a kid thinking that ship of his was the coolest damn thing ever. And Erin was so damn hot, and damn Lucas for stealing Wilma Deering’s outfit for Padme in Attack of the Clones… only… it sure was hot on Natalie. Sigh… Haven’t heard of any extras on this set, but this is one of the key things this month I’m most looking forward to.
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER – 7th Season
This is that series that THE GRUDGE chick was on. I think it was horror related or something. If memory serves this stuff doesn’t suck much. In fact, it kinda rules in a hardcore asskicking, damn this is too good for TV sort of way. I find myself thinking way too much about Willow. I think it is unhealthy. I promise I’m not stalking her or anything. Can’t say the same about Herc though.
THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (Unrated Edition)
A few glimpses of Riddick’s homeworld and his dreams are actually pretty nice. The FX all look better on the small screen than they did on the big screen. The new scenes have a slight glitch to them when they come in – little on the annoying side. Still hate the design of much of the film, but I liked it a bit more on DVD. The main thing is Vin and that hot as hell girl he’s protecting… well – they’re worth the dvd in my opinion. Extras aren’t all that great, but the new scenes integrated into the film work.
ELF
Wow – I understand why New Line waited so long to release this DVD – but it kinda feels like a timeless classic now. This was one of my favorite films from last year. Will’s Buddy the Elf was just an instant character connection. In someways, he felt like a Pixar character plucked out of one of their films and placed in a Jon Favreau universe. How utterly splendid. The scenes of Buddy on Bob Newhart’s lap are just heaven. The film is just a complete warm blanket on a winter’s eve sort of flick. As for the disc… this is one of those Infinifilm Editions – with a second disc just gorged with extras. There’s two commentaries, one with Favs, the other with that beautiful ‘tard, Will Ferrell. There’s deleted scenes, featurettes out the wazoo, Elf Karaoke – whatever the hell that means and more. This is one of those additions to the Xmas Collection.
FANTASM
Hardcore stars of yesteryear in a Softcore film. You’ll see John Holmes’ monster, but not going in anything. You’ll see TONS of BUSH (the only good kind) and you’ll see lots of humping where you’ll notice limp penises not actually up for much of anything. The 70’s babes have that sort of 70’s thing going and all of it is shot with that 70’s porn FILM look, which is so much better than the look of video crap we get today. Also – the subject matter is kinda fucked up. Here, here they act out repressed sick fantasies of incest with delight. It’s fascinating to watch and notice the differences between yesteryear and today! This was directed by the director of CLOAK AND DAGGER!
FANTASM COMES AGAIN
Of the two, I preferred this one. Mainly because this one has Serena and Rainbeaux Smith… two babes from the era that just absolutely set off the rockets like New Year’s Eve. John Holmes returns, and the sequence with Rainbeaux Smith is fucked up, even if it does take place at a drive-in where they’re watching the first FANTASM. BTW – no silver balls and Tall Man or killer dwarves in these. Serena’s sequence is very very hot. Something about film just gives these actresses a glow that the Video era misses.
FOUL PLAY
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! FOUL PLAY is one of my favorite movies. Chevy and Goldie were magic together in this film. Those weird fucking old ladies playing filthy Scrabble… that laughing hissing boa constrictor… that poor bible salesman from the Wizard of Oz… the entire opera scene at the end (long before I discovered TO CATCH A THIEF) – this is the most playful and successful Hitchcock rip-off ever made. Chevy was never this good. And Dudley Moore just rules in his tiny part here. And that fucking scary ass Albino dude!!! Freaked my shit out. Can’t wait to get this DVD.
THE IRON GIANT (Special Edition)
While no longer my favorite Brad Bird film, I do love this movie. A limited edition cel I bought in L.A. at the Warner Brothers Store signing for THE IRON GIANT hangs in my living room, and the humongous IRON GIANT toy holding Hogarth and chewing down on NCC-1701 is the highest most point of all my toys in the wall of toys in my room. This film is right there with TOY STORY 1 & 2 and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS as my favorite modern age animated films… which the INCREDIBLES just charged right smack into the midst of. Getting to see 8 additional scenes and an alternate opening thrills me. The 13 featurettes, the commentary, the breakdown of two sequences and more all stuffed on this precious disc makes this THE BUY of the month along with that… little film that swept all those Oscars earlier this year. After watching THE INCREDIBLES 30 times by Nov 16th, you’ll be dying for this disc.
THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD
The Film is bliss. Guy Maddin, who is drunk on expressionism, delivers this wondrous little musical gem. This competition for the world’s saddest music is heaven. It’s a crazed film filled with beauty and sadness. Isabella Rosselini has never been more Ingrid Bergman-y than she is in this film… though… it should be noted that I don’t believe Ingrid ever played a double amputee beer legged wealthy beer baroness. But she should have!
TEENAGE CAVEGIRL
I’ve never been able to turn down Cavegirl movies. It’s a weakness brought on from a childhood poster of Raquel Welch from ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. that hung on the back of my door to my room. As a result… women in loin cloths do it for me. It’s also why Moriarty is so hot, he wears loin cloths a lot. Anyway, this was allegedly shot in Bronson Canyons. It will suck. I know this going into this purchase. But I can not stop myself. Lizards and loin cloths. Must buy.
November 23rd
GOZU
Sheer Genius compounded with criminal insanity! The results are something so maddeningly fascinating that you dare not turn away for fear of missing the next assault on your own private grip on reality. Miike is like Lynch, but weird. Heh. Where he pulls his imagery from is best left one of life’s unsought mysteries. For, like a lead character in a Lovecraft story, if you were to find it, it would surely tear you apart!
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Alfonso Cuaron crafted the best of the HARRY POTTER films thus far, and this dvd will be the first of the 3 that I’ve actually purchased. There’s an elegance at play in this film that just makes it so affecting and far more powerful than the previous films. There is a blossoming going on with the kids as actors that you can’t help be notice. They’re truly becoming damn good actors here. The series is reminding me of one of those great old series like the ANDY HARDY movies or the SHERLOCK HOLMES’ of Basil Rathbone… where the actors are growing comfortable in their characters… the way the Classic Trek Crew did in their films. But none of those series had a 3rd chapter this far and way better than the rest of their series to date. Cuaron is a magic man!
THE TERMINAL (2-Disc Collector’s Set)
While not quite as magical as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, I still am quite fond of THE TERMINAL. Unfortunately the movie was mis-marketed as a Romantic Comedy – when in truth this is more about a man fulfilling a last wish. This is a film about family duty. In fact if this film belongs to any genre perse, I’d have to say it was the “MAN ON A MISSION” genre. Navorski gets distracted along the way, but he finds his way. The characters in the ‘terminal’ steal the film for me. As for Catherine Zeta Jones? She’s perfect. I don’t believe we’re ever supposed to love her in this role. She’s that mirage of happiness that a man finds in a desert. She looks like water and shade, but deep down, she’s just another mouth of sand, a pinch of salt to rub into the popped blisters on your feet as you drive forward to your ultimate goal. Beautiful pain, but that’s all she is.
November 30th
Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen – (IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA / EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS / 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH / MYSTERIOUS ISLAND / H.G. WELLS’ FIRST MEN IN THE MOON)
If you already have these titles on DVD – this is nothing more than a repackaging. However, if you don’t have these titles – then here’s an excellent way to pick these up. For you Geek Parents out there. These films are excellent gateway films to raise your children on. Yes, some of these are black and white, but let me tell you. I’ve shown most of these titles over the years at my Saturday Morning Kids Club and the children… all ages… are held in rapt attention. EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS for example… a 6 year old boy came up to me after that screening to declare the film the greatest movie ever made, and when he grew up he was going to remake it, and use NUCLEAR WEAPONS to fight the flying saucers! I told him that was a great idea, and asked him to send me a ticket! You’ll find no objectionable material here, and the stop-motion is captivating to children. I showed my nephew 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH at age 3 – and explained to him that Ymir wasn’t a monster but a hungry baby that was growing really big… and didn’t understand why the men were bothering him. And when Ymir… well at the end, my nephew cried and then played with my Ymir toy for the next month. This set is an excellent way to bring up your kids, the geek way!
HERO
How Miramax could make Zhang Ziyi look unattractive on this DVD is beyond me. How they could make the film look ugly is beyond reason. Look at that packaging. That has got to be the worst possible image for the DVD. That’s awful. Now – the real reason to get this version is for the English versions of Behind The Scenes and the Conversation with Tarantino and the Storyboards. They do have English and French dubs available along with the original Chinese with subtitles in English and Spanish. Frankly, I’m glad I own my original Region 3 – I personally prefer the translation on that disc, but I imagine I’ll prefer the extras on this disc. We’ll see.
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LOST IN SPACE – SEASON 2, Vol 2
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
SPIDER-MAN 2
SPIDER-MAN 2 was one of the great successes of the summer for me. Alfred Molina, bless you. Sam Raimi, bless you. Now, if the next one can be as absolutely breathlessly perfect the way THE INCREDIBLES was… I’ll be completely sated. There’s tons of extras on this DVD which really is a gangbusters release. I can’t wait to pour through the “Ock-umentary” and discover all the tricks to Doc Ock. And I can’t wait to freeze frame on Scott Spiegel.. pizza thief!
Coming In December:
RETURN OF THE KING: Special Edition
Click Here To Visit October’s Picks!
YES! TROUBLE WITH TRIBBLES! AMOK TIME! JOURNEY TO BABEL! MIRROR MIRROR! WOLF IN THE FOLD and THE GAMESTERS OF TRISKELION! I love 2nd Season of Classic Trek… hell, I love all three seasons! In addition to having all the episodes, there’s extras galore. In particular I love the interviews with Nimoy. Shatner seems to have some voice problems, very hoarse in the documentaries with him.
THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN
Three super babes throw coins in a fountain and wish for love. And a love story follows. A great love story, a dream-like one. Especially suave is Louis Jourdan as the Prince… He’s cool. The dvd is gorgeous – glistening in its CinemaScope glory. And a great song by Sinatra for an opening that just makes ya soar. I love these old Fox Romantic cotton candies. They’re light and tasty.
ULTIMATE PARTY COLLECTION (DAZED AND CONFUSED / FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH)
Ok – Here’s what to watch Election Night after it’s all over… if there is such a thing. If you’re down, these’ll lift you up. If you’re up, these will lift you higher still. In fact, “higher” is what it’s all about, and these two DVDs are great additions to the collection. Of the two, for me… FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH has more personal relevance. Phoebe Cates’ Swimming Pool exit is a deeply personal moment. One of those moments that … “Doesn’t anyone knock around here?” hehehe… If you want to be astonished by possibly the most wrong review I’ve ever seen from Roger Ebert, read his original review of this film at the time, where he gave it 1 star. It is an outright flabbergasting look at the film. Like… if Mr Han reviewed the film. The commentary with Heckerling and Crowe is great. And the documentary is cool! The DAZED & CONFUSED disc is not very loaded, but a great film. There's word that there might be a CRITERION disc for that film in the works... let's prayl! Also – look for my announcement about a special FAST TIMES screening coming up soon!
November 9th
BEFORE SUNSET
One of the best films of 2004, definitely the best U.S. film thus far this year. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are magical in the film, the storytelling is effortlessly charmed. The cinematography is gorgeous, and every second you watch your heart pangs for Paris. And it has, one of the great cinematic endings. Perfection. Like 30 people saw this in theaters. When you see this on DVD, you’ll be frustrated that you didn’t see this in theaters. BRILLIANT!
The Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus Megaset and Monty Python Live Bundle
24 hours of Monty Python… Can the human mind process that? 24 Hours of the Flying Circus… It’s almost too much to even imagine. Add to that Art Galleries, Gillianimations and more. Yes – this is… too much, but since when did that ever stop us?
Fritz Lang Epic Collection (METROPOLIS / DIE NIBELUNGEN / WOMAN IN THE MOON / SPIES)
German Expressionism unleashed! I don’t need to waste words on METROPOLIS, you all know its genius… don’t you? But here you’ll discover the further evidence of Fritz Lang’s supreme genius from his silent era. SPIES holds imagery looted by Ridley Scott for BLADE RUNNER. WOMAN IN THE MOON invented cinematically the “COUNT DOWN”! and DIE NIBELUNGEN – words can not describe it’s utter brilliance. These films should be seen on giant screens with audiences of 2000 and a 120 piece orchestra playing… but unfortunately, we’ll never see them like that. This is what we have, and we should each offer up praise to KINO for giving us a collection such as this. Outstanding!
GONE WITH THE WIND (4 Disc Collector’s Set)
Warner Brothers Home Video has sort of undergone a transformation of late. For years I loathed them, but in the past year, they’ve out-done themselves. This is another fine prestige show-off for how to treat one of the greatest movies ever made… And a film that in adjusted box office dollars pulled in $2.2 Billion Dollars at the Domestic Box Office. I don’t know if that’s even possible to comprehend. Imagine a film 4 times more successful than TITANIC. That’s GONE WITH THE WIND. Everyone everywhere saw it theatrically. Will there ever be a film event of its like again? Well, besides GHOST TOWN? I don’t know. Of all the new extras on this edition, the new documentary featuring a new interview with Olivia de Havilland (wish someone did an ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD interview). Truly one of the greatest films of all time.
JU-ON
Recently saw this original Japanese edition in a theater on a date with my sweetie… and the film actually got her to SCREAM at one point. One of the most thrilling moments I’ve ever experienced with a horror film on a date. Out-standing! The film feels wrong, as if contaminated… unclean. Due to it being all-Japanese – there’s a feeling as if… it really happened. By putting Americans into the roles… it reminds me … oh look, Buffy. And somehow I just feel safer, and who the hell wants to feel safe during JU-ON? Heh. Great Horror Film.
THE MARX BROTHERS SILVER SCREEN COLLECTION (THE COCOANUTS / ANIMAL CRACKERS / MONKEY BUSINESS / HORSE FEATHERS / DUCK SOUP)
Ah, here we are with Chico, Harpo, Groucho and Zeppo! DUCK SOUP may very well be the funniest goddamn film ever made. Remember this speech of Rufus T Firefly? “I'd be unworthy of the high trust that's been placed in me if I didn't do everything in my power to keep our beloved Freedonia in peace with the world. I'd be only too happy to meet with Ambassador Trentino, and offer him on behalf of my country the right hand of good fellowship. And I feel sure he will accept this gesture in the spirit of which it is offered. But suppose he doesn't. A fine thing that'll be. I hold out my hand and he refuses to accept. That'll add a lot to my prestige, won't it? Me, the head of a country, snubbed by a forgein ambassador. Who does he think he is, that he can come here, and make a sap of me in front of all my people? Think of it - I hold out my hand and that hyena refuses to accept. Why, the cheap ball-pushing swine, he'll never get away with it I tell you, he'll never get away with it.
[Trentino enters] So, you refuse to shake hands with me, eh?
SLAP!” THE COCOANUTS was The Marx Brothers’ first film. While not their best, I personally love Harpo best in this film. He’s just so out of control. However, ANIMAL CRACKERS, MONKEY BUSINESS and HORSE FEATHERS are 3 of the best. But nothing tops DUCK SOUP. That film is pure hilarity.
NAKED JUNGLE
MARABUNTA!!!! This is the best ANTS ATTACK movie ever made. And in addition you’ve got Charlton Heston ordering himself up a mail-order bride, cuz he ain’t got time for courtin’. I love this movie. Watching ants building boats… for real to cross a river to continue their mad attack. Leveling jungles, fields, stripping the flesh from animals and men’s bones.
PRINCESS BLADE (Special Edition)
While certainly not up to par with say, AZUMI (which came after, btw) – PRINCESS BLADE is a fine addition to the badass babe with a sword genre. Neat CG effects, fun and inventive action. This dvd has superior subtitles as well as an English dub track if that’s your thing, but also (THANK GOD) the Japanese original soundtrack. Best DVD on this title available.
W.C. FIELDS Comedy Collection (THE BANK DICK / MY LITTLE CHICKADEE / YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN / IT’S A GIFT / INTERNATIONAL HOUSE)
THE BANK DICK had it’s best treatment on Criterion ages ago, but this set is pretty damn nice. It’s the first W.C. Fields set we have thus far, and hopefully if this set does well, maybe Paramount will release his titles that they own. He was and is the king of one line quips. His wit cut straight to the point and had a way about his voice that made every flirt an insult and every observance a feeling of aggravation. Watching him and Mae West in MY LITTLE CHICKADEE is to see two of the great comedians trading quips at their best. INTERNATIONAL HOUSE is filled with great comedy talent like Burns & Allen and Rudy Vallee – and had Cab Calloway and Bela Lugosi as bonuses! I haven’t had a chance to see IT’S A GIFT, but YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN co-stars Charlie McCarthy and his puppet Edgar Bergen – and they rule. Plus Eddie Anderson is hilarious in the film. It is very much a funny funny comedy. With this and the Marx Brothers and that Monty Python set… this is a great month for laughs!
November 16th
AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE – Volume Three
Ah, more goodness from Adult Swim! Here’s the Episodes:
*Broodwich
*Total Recarl
*Revenge of the Trees
*Frat Aliens
*Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary
*Kidney Car
*The Cubing
*The Shaving
*The Clowning
*The Dressing
*THE
*The Cloning
*The Last One
Add to that, script pages, deleted scenes, promo pieces and much more and you’ve got the third addition to your Aqua Teen Hunger Force collection. These are nice sets.
BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY – Complete Series
This is about 30 Hours of Gil Gerard and Erin Grey! In otherwords, HEAVEN! Personally, I can’t wait to rewatch the Hawk episodes. I remember as a kid thinking that ship of his was the coolest damn thing ever. And Erin was so damn hot, and damn Lucas for stealing Wilma Deering’s outfit for Padme in Attack of the Clones… only… it sure was hot on Natalie. Sigh… Haven’t heard of any extras on this set, but this is one of the key things this month I’m most looking forward to.
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER – 7th Season
This is that series that THE GRUDGE chick was on. I think it was horror related or something. If memory serves this stuff doesn’t suck much. In fact, it kinda rules in a hardcore asskicking, damn this is too good for TV sort of way. I find myself thinking way too much about Willow. I think it is unhealthy. I promise I’m not stalking her or anything. Can’t say the same about Herc though.
THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (Unrated Edition)
A few glimpses of Riddick’s homeworld and his dreams are actually pretty nice. The FX all look better on the small screen than they did on the big screen. The new scenes have a slight glitch to them when they come in – little on the annoying side. Still hate the design of much of the film, but I liked it a bit more on DVD. The main thing is Vin and that hot as hell girl he’s protecting… well – they’re worth the dvd in my opinion. Extras aren’t all that great, but the new scenes integrated into the film work.
ELF
Wow – I understand why New Line waited so long to release this DVD – but it kinda feels like a timeless classic now. This was one of my favorite films from last year. Will’s Buddy the Elf was just an instant character connection. In someways, he felt like a Pixar character plucked out of one of their films and placed in a Jon Favreau universe. How utterly splendid. The scenes of Buddy on Bob Newhart’s lap are just heaven. The film is just a complete warm blanket on a winter’s eve sort of flick. As for the disc… this is one of those Infinifilm Editions – with a second disc just gorged with extras. There’s two commentaries, one with Favs, the other with that beautiful ‘tard, Will Ferrell. There’s deleted scenes, featurettes out the wazoo, Elf Karaoke – whatever the hell that means and more. This is one of those additions to the Xmas Collection.
FANTASM
Hardcore stars of yesteryear in a Softcore film. You’ll see John Holmes’ monster, but not going in anything. You’ll see TONS of BUSH (the only good kind) and you’ll see lots of humping where you’ll notice limp penises not actually up for much of anything. The 70’s babes have that sort of 70’s thing going and all of it is shot with that 70’s porn FILM look, which is so much better than the look of video crap we get today. Also – the subject matter is kinda fucked up. Here, here they act out repressed sick fantasies of incest with delight. It’s fascinating to watch and notice the differences between yesteryear and today! This was directed by the director of CLOAK AND DAGGER!
FANTASM COMES AGAIN
Of the two, I preferred this one. Mainly because this one has Serena and Rainbeaux Smith… two babes from the era that just absolutely set off the rockets like New Year’s Eve. John Holmes returns, and the sequence with Rainbeaux Smith is fucked up, even if it does take place at a drive-in where they’re watching the first FANTASM. BTW – no silver balls and Tall Man or killer dwarves in these. Serena’s sequence is very very hot. Something about film just gives these actresses a glow that the Video era misses.
FOUL PLAY
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! FOUL PLAY is one of my favorite movies. Chevy and Goldie were magic together in this film. Those weird fucking old ladies playing filthy Scrabble… that laughing hissing boa constrictor… that poor bible salesman from the Wizard of Oz… the entire opera scene at the end (long before I discovered TO CATCH A THIEF) – this is the most playful and successful Hitchcock rip-off ever made. Chevy was never this good. And Dudley Moore just rules in his tiny part here. And that fucking scary ass Albino dude!!! Freaked my shit out. Can’t wait to get this DVD.
THE IRON GIANT (Special Edition)
While no longer my favorite Brad Bird film, I do love this movie. A limited edition cel I bought in L.A. at the Warner Brothers Store signing for THE IRON GIANT hangs in my living room, and the humongous IRON GIANT toy holding Hogarth and chewing down on NCC-1701 is the highest most point of all my toys in the wall of toys in my room. This film is right there with TOY STORY 1 & 2 and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS as my favorite modern age animated films… which the INCREDIBLES just charged right smack into the midst of. Getting to see 8 additional scenes and an alternate opening thrills me. The 13 featurettes, the commentary, the breakdown of two sequences and more all stuffed on this precious disc makes this THE BUY of the month along with that… little film that swept all those Oscars earlier this year. After watching THE INCREDIBLES 30 times by Nov 16th, you’ll be dying for this disc.
THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD
The Film is bliss. Guy Maddin, who is drunk on expressionism, delivers this wondrous little musical gem. This competition for the world’s saddest music is heaven. It’s a crazed film filled with beauty and sadness. Isabella Rosselini has never been more Ingrid Bergman-y than she is in this film… though… it should be noted that I don’t believe Ingrid ever played a double amputee beer legged wealthy beer baroness. But she should have!
TEENAGE CAVEGIRL
I’ve never been able to turn down Cavegirl movies. It’s a weakness brought on from a childhood poster of Raquel Welch from ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. that hung on the back of my door to my room. As a result… women in loin cloths do it for me. It’s also why Moriarty is so hot, he wears loin cloths a lot. Anyway, this was allegedly shot in Bronson Canyons. It will suck. I know this going into this purchase. But I can not stop myself. Lizards and loin cloths. Must buy.
November 23rd
GOZU
Sheer Genius compounded with criminal insanity! The results are something so maddeningly fascinating that you dare not turn away for fear of missing the next assault on your own private grip on reality. Miike is like Lynch, but weird. Heh. Where he pulls his imagery from is best left one of life’s unsought mysteries. For, like a lead character in a Lovecraft story, if you were to find it, it would surely tear you apart!
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Alfonso Cuaron crafted the best of the HARRY POTTER films thus far, and this dvd will be the first of the 3 that I’ve actually purchased. There’s an elegance at play in this film that just makes it so affecting and far more powerful than the previous films. There is a blossoming going on with the kids as actors that you can’t help be notice. They’re truly becoming damn good actors here. The series is reminding me of one of those great old series like the ANDY HARDY movies or the SHERLOCK HOLMES’ of Basil Rathbone… where the actors are growing comfortable in their characters… the way the Classic Trek Crew did in their films. But none of those series had a 3rd chapter this far and way better than the rest of their series to date. Cuaron is a magic man!
THE TERMINAL (2-Disc Collector’s Set)
While not quite as magical as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, I still am quite fond of THE TERMINAL. Unfortunately the movie was mis-marketed as a Romantic Comedy – when in truth this is more about a man fulfilling a last wish. This is a film about family duty. In fact if this film belongs to any genre perse, I’d have to say it was the “MAN ON A MISSION” genre. Navorski gets distracted along the way, but he finds his way. The characters in the ‘terminal’ steal the film for me. As for Catherine Zeta Jones? She’s perfect. I don’t believe we’re ever supposed to love her in this role. She’s that mirage of happiness that a man finds in a desert. She looks like water and shade, but deep down, she’s just another mouth of sand, a pinch of salt to rub into the popped blisters on your feet as you drive forward to your ultimate goal. Beautiful pain, but that’s all she is.
November 30th
Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen – (IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA / EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS / 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH / MYSTERIOUS ISLAND / H.G. WELLS’ FIRST MEN IN THE MOON)
If you already have these titles on DVD – this is nothing more than a repackaging. However, if you don’t have these titles – then here’s an excellent way to pick these up. For you Geek Parents out there. These films are excellent gateway films to raise your children on. Yes, some of these are black and white, but let me tell you. I’ve shown most of these titles over the years at my Saturday Morning Kids Club and the children… all ages… are held in rapt attention. EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS for example… a 6 year old boy came up to me after that screening to declare the film the greatest movie ever made, and when he grew up he was going to remake it, and use NUCLEAR WEAPONS to fight the flying saucers! I told him that was a great idea, and asked him to send me a ticket! You’ll find no objectionable material here, and the stop-motion is captivating to children. I showed my nephew 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH at age 3 – and explained to him that Ymir wasn’t a monster but a hungry baby that was growing really big… and didn’t understand why the men were bothering him. And when Ymir… well at the end, my nephew cried and then played with my Ymir toy for the next month. This set is an excellent way to bring up your kids, the geek way!
HERO
How Miramax could make Zhang Ziyi look unattractive on this DVD is beyond me. How they could make the film look ugly is beyond reason. Look at that packaging. That has got to be the worst possible image for the DVD. That’s awful. Now – the real reason to get this version is for the English versions of Behind The Scenes and the Conversation with Tarantino and the Storyboards. They do have English and French dubs available along with the original Chinese with subtitles in English and Spanish. Frankly, I’m glad I own my original Region 3 – I personally prefer the translation on that disc, but I imagine I’ll prefer the extras on this disc. We’ll see.
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LOST IN SPACE – SEASON 2, Vol 2
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
SPIDER-MAN 2
SPIDER-MAN 2 was one of the great successes of the summer for me. Alfred Molina, bless you. Sam Raimi, bless you. Now, if the next one can be as absolutely breathlessly perfect the way THE INCREDIBLES was… I’ll be completely sated. There’s tons of extras on this DVD which really is a gangbusters release. I can’t wait to pour through the “Ock-umentary” and discover all the tricks to Doc Ock. And I can’t wait to freeze frame on Scott Spiegel.. pizza thief!
Coming In December:
RETURN OF THE KING: Special Edition
Click Here To Visit October’s Picks!
Ok – Here’s what to watch Election Night after it’s all over… if there is such a thing. If you’re down, these’ll lift you up. If you’re up, these will lift you higher still. In fact, “higher” is what it’s all about, and these two DVDs are great additions to the collection. Of the two, for me… FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH has more personal relevance. Phoebe Cates’ Swimming Pool exit is a deeply personal moment. One of those moments that … “Doesn’t anyone knock around here?” hehehe… If you want to be astonished by possibly the most wrong review I’ve ever seen from Roger Ebert, read his original review of this film at the time, where he gave it 1 star. It is an outright flabbergasting look at the film. Like… if Mr Han reviewed the film. The commentary with Heckerling and Crowe is great. And the documentary is cool! The DAZED & CONFUSED disc is not very loaded, but a great film. There's word that there might be a CRITERION disc for that film in the works... let's prayl! Also – look for my announcement about a special FAST TIMES screening coming up soon!
November 9th
BEFORE SUNSET
One of the best films of 2004, definitely the best U.S. film thus far this year. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are magical in the film, the storytelling is effortlessly charmed. The cinematography is gorgeous, and every second you watch your heart pangs for Paris. And it has, one of the great cinematic endings. Perfection. Like 30 people saw this in theaters. When you see this on DVD, you’ll be frustrated that you didn’t see this in theaters. BRILLIANT!
The Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus Megaset and Monty Python Live Bundle
24 hours of Monty Python… Can the human mind process that? 24 Hours of the Flying Circus… It’s almost too much to even imagine. Add to that Art Galleries, Gillianimations and more. Yes – this is… too much, but since when did that ever stop us?
Fritz Lang Epic Collection (METROPOLIS / DIE NIBELUNGEN / WOMAN IN THE MOON / SPIES)
German Expressionism unleashed! I don’t need to waste words on METROPOLIS, you all know its genius… don’t you? But here you’ll discover the further evidence of Fritz Lang’s supreme genius from his silent era. SPIES holds imagery looted by Ridley Scott for BLADE RUNNER. WOMAN IN THE MOON invented cinematically the “COUNT DOWN”! and DIE NIBELUNGEN – words can not describe it’s utter brilliance. These films should be seen on giant screens with audiences of 2000 and a 120 piece orchestra playing… but unfortunately, we’ll never see them like that. This is what we have, and we should each offer up praise to KINO for giving us a collection such as this. Outstanding!
GONE WITH THE WIND (4 Disc Collector’s Set)
Warner Brothers Home Video has sort of undergone a transformation of late. For years I loathed them, but in the past year, they’ve out-done themselves. This is another fine prestige show-off for how to treat one of the greatest movies ever made… And a film that in adjusted box office dollars pulled in $2.2 Billion Dollars at the Domestic Box Office. I don’t know if that’s even possible to comprehend. Imagine a film 4 times more successful than TITANIC. That’s GONE WITH THE WIND. Everyone everywhere saw it theatrically. Will there ever be a film event of its like again? Well, besides GHOST TOWN? I don’t know. Of all the new extras on this edition, the new documentary featuring a new interview with Olivia de Havilland (wish someone did an ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD interview). Truly one of the greatest films of all time.
JU-ON
Recently saw this original Japanese edition in a theater on a date with my sweetie… and the film actually got her to SCREAM at one point. One of the most thrilling moments I’ve ever experienced with a horror film on a date. Out-standing! The film feels wrong, as if contaminated… unclean. Due to it being all-Japanese – there’s a feeling as if… it really happened. By putting Americans into the roles… it reminds me … oh look, Buffy. And somehow I just feel safer, and who the hell wants to feel safe during JU-ON? Heh. Great Horror Film.
THE MARX BROTHERS SILVER SCREEN COLLECTION (THE COCOANUTS / ANIMAL CRACKERS / MONKEY BUSINESS / HORSE FEATHERS / DUCK SOUP)
Ah, here we are with Chico, Harpo, Groucho and Zeppo! DUCK SOUP may very well be the funniest goddamn film ever made. Remember this speech of Rufus T Firefly? “I'd be unworthy of the high trust that's been placed in me if I didn't do everything in my power to keep our beloved Freedonia in peace with the world. I'd be only too happy to meet with Ambassador Trentino, and offer him on behalf of my country the right hand of good fellowship. And I feel sure he will accept this gesture in the spirit of which it is offered. But suppose he doesn't. A fine thing that'll be. I hold out my hand and he refuses to accept. That'll add a lot to my prestige, won't it? Me, the head of a country, snubbed by a forgein ambassador. Who does he think he is, that he can come here, and make a sap of me in front of all my people? Think of it - I hold out my hand and that hyena refuses to accept. Why, the cheap ball-pushing swine, he'll never get away with it I tell you, he'll never get away with it.
[Trentino enters] So, you refuse to shake hands with me, eh?
SLAP!” THE COCOANUTS was The Marx Brothers’ first film. While not their best, I personally love Harpo best in this film. He’s just so out of control. However, ANIMAL CRACKERS, MONKEY BUSINESS and HORSE FEATHERS are 3 of the best. But nothing tops DUCK SOUP. That film is pure hilarity.
NAKED JUNGLE
MARABUNTA!!!! This is the best ANTS ATTACK movie ever made. And in addition you’ve got Charlton Heston ordering himself up a mail-order bride, cuz he ain’t got time for courtin’. I love this movie. Watching ants building boats… for real to cross a river to continue their mad attack. Leveling jungles, fields, stripping the flesh from animals and men’s bones.
PRINCESS BLADE (Special Edition)
While certainly not up to par with say, AZUMI (which came after, btw) – PRINCESS BLADE is a fine addition to the badass babe with a sword genre. Neat CG effects, fun and inventive action. This dvd has superior subtitles as well as an English dub track if that’s your thing, but also (THANK GOD) the Japanese original soundtrack. Best DVD on this title available.
W.C. FIELDS Comedy Collection (THE BANK DICK / MY LITTLE CHICKADEE / YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN / IT’S A GIFT / INTERNATIONAL HOUSE)
THE BANK DICK had it’s best treatment on Criterion ages ago, but this set is pretty damn nice. It’s the first W.C. Fields set we have thus far, and hopefully if this set does well, maybe Paramount will release his titles that they own. He was and is the king of one line quips. His wit cut straight to the point and had a way about his voice that made every flirt an insult and every observance a feeling of aggravation. Watching him and Mae West in MY LITTLE CHICKADEE is to see two of the great comedians trading quips at their best. INTERNATIONAL HOUSE is filled with great comedy talent like Burns & Allen and Rudy Vallee – and had Cab Calloway and Bela Lugosi as bonuses! I haven’t had a chance to see IT’S A GIFT, but YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN co-stars Charlie McCarthy and his puppet Edgar Bergen – and they rule. Plus Eddie Anderson is hilarious in the film. It is very much a funny funny comedy. With this and the Marx Brothers and that Monty Python set… this is a great month for laughs!
November 16th
AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE – Volume Three
Ah, more goodness from Adult Swim! Here’s the Episodes:
*Broodwich
*Total Recarl
*Revenge of the Trees
*Frat Aliens
*Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary
*Kidney Car
*The Cubing
*The Shaving
*The Clowning
*The Dressing
*THE
*The Cloning
*The Last One
Add to that, script pages, deleted scenes, promo pieces and much more and you’ve got the third addition to your Aqua Teen Hunger Force collection. These are nice sets.
BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY – Complete Series
This is about 30 Hours of Gil Gerard and Erin Grey! In otherwords, HEAVEN! Personally, I can’t wait to rewatch the Hawk episodes. I remember as a kid thinking that ship of his was the coolest damn thing ever. And Erin was so damn hot, and damn Lucas for stealing Wilma Deering’s outfit for Padme in Attack of the Clones… only… it sure was hot on Natalie. Sigh… Haven’t heard of any extras on this set, but this is one of the key things this month I’m most looking forward to.
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER – 7th Season
This is that series that THE GRUDGE chick was on. I think it was horror related or something. If memory serves this stuff doesn’t suck much. In fact, it kinda rules in a hardcore asskicking, damn this is too good for TV sort of way. I find myself thinking way too much about Willow. I think it is unhealthy. I promise I’m not stalking her or anything. Can’t say the same about Herc though.
THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (Unrated Edition)
A few glimpses of Riddick’s homeworld and his dreams are actually pretty nice. The FX all look better on the small screen than they did on the big screen. The new scenes have a slight glitch to them when they come in – little on the annoying side. Still hate the design of much of the film, but I liked it a bit more on DVD. The main thing is Vin and that hot as hell girl he’s protecting… well – they’re worth the dvd in my opinion. Extras aren’t all that great, but the new scenes integrated into the film work.
ELF
Wow – I understand why New Line waited so long to release this DVD – but it kinda feels like a timeless classic now. This was one of my favorite films from last year. Will’s Buddy the Elf was just an instant character connection. In someways, he felt like a Pixar character plucked out of one of their films and placed in a Jon Favreau universe. How utterly splendid. The scenes of Buddy on Bob Newhart’s lap are just heaven. The film is just a complete warm blanket on a winter’s eve sort of flick. As for the disc… this is one of those Infinifilm Editions – with a second disc just gorged with extras. There’s two commentaries, one with Favs, the other with that beautiful ‘tard, Will Ferrell. There’s deleted scenes, featurettes out the wazoo, Elf Karaoke – whatever the hell that means and more. This is one of those additions to the Xmas Collection.
FANTASM
Hardcore stars of yesteryear in a Softcore film. You’ll see John Holmes’ monster, but not going in anything. You’ll see TONS of BUSH (the only good kind) and you’ll see lots of humping where you’ll notice limp penises not actually up for much of anything. The 70’s babes have that sort of 70’s thing going and all of it is shot with that 70’s porn FILM look, which is so much better than the look of video crap we get today. Also – the subject matter is kinda fucked up. Here, here they act out repressed sick fantasies of incest with delight. It’s fascinating to watch and notice the differences between yesteryear and today! This was directed by the director of CLOAK AND DAGGER!
FANTASM COMES AGAIN
Of the two, I preferred this one. Mainly because this one has Serena and Rainbeaux Smith… two babes from the era that just absolutely set off the rockets like New Year’s Eve. John Holmes returns, and the sequence with Rainbeaux Smith is fucked up, even if it does take place at a drive-in where they’re watching the first FANTASM. BTW – no silver balls and Tall Man or killer dwarves in these. Serena’s sequence is very very hot. Something about film just gives these actresses a glow that the Video era misses.
FOUL PLAY
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! FOUL PLAY is one of my favorite movies. Chevy and Goldie were magic together in this film. Those weird fucking old ladies playing filthy Scrabble… that laughing hissing boa constrictor… that poor bible salesman from the Wizard of Oz… the entire opera scene at the end (long before I discovered TO CATCH A THIEF) – this is the most playful and successful Hitchcock rip-off ever made. Chevy was never this good. And Dudley Moore just rules in his tiny part here. And that fucking scary ass Albino dude!!! Freaked my shit out. Can’t wait to get this DVD.
THE IRON GIANT (Special Edition)
While no longer my favorite Brad Bird film, I do love this movie. A limited edition cel I bought in L.A. at the Warner Brothers Store signing for THE IRON GIANT hangs in my living room, and the humongous IRON GIANT toy holding Hogarth and chewing down on NCC-1701 is the highest most point of all my toys in the wall of toys in my room. This film is right there with TOY STORY 1 & 2 and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS as my favorite modern age animated films… which the INCREDIBLES just charged right smack into the midst of. Getting to see 8 additional scenes and an alternate opening thrills me. The 13 featurettes, the commentary, the breakdown of two sequences and more all stuffed on this precious disc makes this THE BUY of the month along with that… little film that swept all those Oscars earlier this year. After watching THE INCREDIBLES 30 times by Nov 16th, you’ll be dying for this disc.
THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD
The Film is bliss. Guy Maddin, who is drunk on expressionism, delivers this wondrous little musical gem. This competition for the world’s saddest music is heaven. It’s a crazed film filled with beauty and sadness. Isabella Rosselini has never been more Ingrid Bergman-y than she is in this film… though… it should be noted that I don’t believe Ingrid ever played a double amputee beer legged wealthy beer baroness. But she should have!
TEENAGE CAVEGIRL
I’ve never been able to turn down Cavegirl movies. It’s a weakness brought on from a childhood poster of Raquel Welch from ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. that hung on the back of my door to my room. As a result… women in loin cloths do it for me. It’s also why Moriarty is so hot, he wears loin cloths a lot. Anyway, this was allegedly shot in Bronson Canyons. It will suck. I know this going into this purchase. But I can not stop myself. Lizards and loin cloths. Must buy.
November 23rd
GOZU
Sheer Genius compounded with criminal insanity! The results are something so maddeningly fascinating that you dare not turn away for fear of missing the next assault on your own private grip on reality. Miike is like Lynch, but weird. Heh. Where he pulls his imagery from is best left one of life’s unsought mysteries. For, like a lead character in a Lovecraft story, if you were to find it, it would surely tear you apart!
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Alfonso Cuaron crafted the best of the HARRY POTTER films thus far, and this dvd will be the first of the 3 that I’ve actually purchased. There’s an elegance at play in this film that just makes it so affecting and far more powerful than the previous films. There is a blossoming going on with the kids as actors that you can’t help be notice. They’re truly becoming damn good actors here. The series is reminding me of one of those great old series like the ANDY HARDY movies or the SHERLOCK HOLMES’ of Basil Rathbone… where the actors are growing comfortable in their characters… the way the Classic Trek Crew did in their films. But none of those series had a 3rd chapter this far and way better than the rest of their series to date. Cuaron is a magic man!
THE TERMINAL (2-Disc Collector’s Set)
While not quite as magical as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, I still am quite fond of THE TERMINAL. Unfortunately the movie was mis-marketed as a Romantic Comedy – when in truth this is more about a man fulfilling a last wish. This is a film about family duty. In fact if this film belongs to any genre perse, I’d have to say it was the “MAN ON A MISSION” genre. Navorski gets distracted along the way, but he finds his way. The characters in the ‘terminal’ steal the film for me. As for Catherine Zeta Jones? She’s perfect. I don’t believe we’re ever supposed to love her in this role. She’s that mirage of happiness that a man finds in a desert. She looks like water and shade, but deep down, she’s just another mouth of sand, a pinch of salt to rub into the popped blisters on your feet as you drive forward to your ultimate goal. Beautiful pain, but that’s all she is.
November 30th
Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen – (IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA / EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS / 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH / MYSTERIOUS ISLAND / H.G. WELLS’ FIRST MEN IN THE MOON)
If you already have these titles on DVD – this is nothing more than a repackaging. However, if you don’t have these titles – then here’s an excellent way to pick these up. For you Geek Parents out there. These films are excellent gateway films to raise your children on. Yes, some of these are black and white, but let me tell you. I’ve shown most of these titles over the years at my Saturday Morning Kids Club and the children… all ages… are held in rapt attention. EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS for example… a 6 year old boy came up to me after that screening to declare the film the greatest movie ever made, and when he grew up he was going to remake it, and use NUCLEAR WEAPONS to fight the flying saucers! I told him that was a great idea, and asked him to send me a ticket! You’ll find no objectionable material here, and the stop-motion is captivating to children. I showed my nephew 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH at age 3 – and explained to him that Ymir wasn’t a monster but a hungry baby that was growing really big… and didn’t understand why the men were bothering him. And when Ymir… well at the end, my nephew cried and then played with my Ymir toy for the next month. This set is an excellent way to bring up your kids, the geek way!
HERO
How Miramax could make Zhang Ziyi look unattractive on this DVD is beyond me. How they could make the film look ugly is beyond reason. Look at that packaging. That has got to be the worst possible image for the DVD. That’s awful. Now – the real reason to get this version is for the English versions of Behind The Scenes and the Conversation with Tarantino and the Storyboards. They do have English and French dubs available along with the original Chinese with subtitles in English and Spanish. Frankly, I’m glad I own my original Region 3 – I personally prefer the translation on that disc, but I imagine I’ll prefer the extras on this disc. We’ll see.
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LOST IN SPACE – SEASON 2, Vol 2
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
SPIDER-MAN 2
SPIDER-MAN 2 was one of the great successes of the summer for me. Alfred Molina, bless you. Sam Raimi, bless you. Now, if the next one can be as absolutely breathlessly perfect the way THE INCREDIBLES was… I’ll be completely sated. There’s tons of extras on this DVD which really is a gangbusters release. I can’t wait to pour through the “Ock-umentary” and discover all the tricks to Doc Ock. And I can’t wait to freeze frame on Scott Spiegel.. pizza thief!
Coming In December:
RETURN OF THE KING: Special Edition
Click Here To Visit October’s Picks!
One of the best films of 2004, definitely the best U.S. film thus far this year. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are magical in the film, the storytelling is effortlessly charmed. The cinematography is gorgeous, and every second you watch your heart pangs for Paris. And it has, one of the great cinematic endings. Perfection. Like 30 people saw this in theaters. When you see this on DVD, you’ll be frustrated that you didn’t see this in theaters. BRILLIANT!
The Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus Megaset and Monty Python Live Bundle
24 hours of Monty Python… Can the human mind process that? 24 Hours of the Flying Circus… It’s almost too much to even imagine. Add to that Art Galleries, Gillianimations and more. Yes – this is… too much, but since when did that ever stop us?
Fritz Lang Epic Collection (METROPOLIS / DIE NIBELUNGEN / WOMAN IN THE MOON / SPIES)
German Expressionism unleashed! I don’t need to waste words on METROPOLIS, you all know its genius… don’t you? But here you’ll discover the further evidence of Fritz Lang’s supreme genius from his silent era. SPIES holds imagery looted by Ridley Scott for BLADE RUNNER. WOMAN IN THE MOON invented cinematically the “COUNT DOWN”! and DIE NIBELUNGEN – words can not describe it’s utter brilliance. These films should be seen on giant screens with audiences of 2000 and a 120 piece orchestra playing… but unfortunately, we’ll never see them like that. This is what we have, and we should each offer up praise to KINO for giving us a collection such as this. Outstanding!
GONE WITH THE WIND (4 Disc Collector’s Set)
Warner Brothers Home Video has sort of undergone a transformation of late. For years I loathed them, but in the past year, they’ve out-done themselves. This is another fine prestige show-off for how to treat one of the greatest movies ever made… And a film that in adjusted box office dollars pulled in $2.2 Billion Dollars at the Domestic Box Office. I don’t know if that’s even possible to comprehend. Imagine a film 4 times more successful than TITANIC. That’s GONE WITH THE WIND. Everyone everywhere saw it theatrically. Will there ever be a film event of its like again? Well, besides GHOST TOWN? I don’t know. Of all the new extras on this edition, the new documentary featuring a new interview with Olivia de Havilland (wish someone did an ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD interview). Truly one of the greatest films of all time.
JU-ON
Recently saw this original Japanese edition in a theater on a date with my sweetie… and the film actually got her to SCREAM at one point. One of the most thrilling moments I’ve ever experienced with a horror film on a date. Out-standing! The film feels wrong, as if contaminated… unclean. Due to it being all-Japanese – there’s a feeling as if… it really happened. By putting Americans into the roles… it reminds me … oh look, Buffy. And somehow I just feel safer, and who the hell wants to feel safe during JU-ON? Heh. Great Horror Film.
THE MARX BROTHERS SILVER SCREEN COLLECTION (THE COCOANUTS / ANIMAL CRACKERS / MONKEY BUSINESS / HORSE FEATHERS / DUCK SOUP)
Ah, here we are with Chico, Harpo, Groucho and Zeppo! DUCK SOUP may very well be the funniest goddamn film ever made. Remember this speech of Rufus T Firefly? “I'd be unworthy of the high trust that's been placed in me if I didn't do everything in my power to keep our beloved Freedonia in peace with the world. I'd be only too happy to meet with Ambassador Trentino, and offer him on behalf of my country the right hand of good fellowship. And I feel sure he will accept this gesture in the spirit of which it is offered. But suppose he doesn't. A fine thing that'll be. I hold out my hand and he refuses to accept. That'll add a lot to my prestige, won't it? Me, the head of a country, snubbed by a forgein ambassador. Who does he think he is, that he can come here, and make a sap of me in front of all my people? Think of it - I hold out my hand and that hyena refuses to accept. Why, the cheap ball-pushing swine, he'll never get away with it I tell you, he'll never get away with it.
[Trentino enters] So, you refuse to shake hands with me, eh?
SLAP!” THE COCOANUTS was The Marx Brothers’ first film. While not their best, I personally love Harpo best in this film. He’s just so out of control. However, ANIMAL CRACKERS, MONKEY BUSINESS and HORSE FEATHERS are 3 of the best. But nothing tops DUCK SOUP. That film is pure hilarity.
NAKED JUNGLE
MARABUNTA!!!! This is the best ANTS ATTACK movie ever made. And in addition you’ve got Charlton Heston ordering himself up a mail-order bride, cuz he ain’t got time for courtin’. I love this movie. Watching ants building boats… for real to cross a river to continue their mad attack. Leveling jungles, fields, stripping the flesh from animals and men’s bones.
PRINCESS BLADE (Special Edition)
While certainly not up to par with say, AZUMI (which came after, btw) – PRINCESS BLADE is a fine addition to the badass babe with a sword genre. Neat CG effects, fun and inventive action. This dvd has superior subtitles as well as an English dub track if that’s your thing, but also (THANK GOD) the Japanese original soundtrack. Best DVD on this title available.
W.C. FIELDS Comedy Collection (THE BANK DICK / MY LITTLE CHICKADEE / YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN / IT’S A GIFT / INTERNATIONAL HOUSE)
THE BANK DICK had it’s best treatment on Criterion ages ago, but this set is pretty damn nice. It’s the first W.C. Fields set we have thus far, and hopefully if this set does well, maybe Paramount will release his titles that they own. He was and is the king of one line quips. His wit cut straight to the point and had a way about his voice that made every flirt an insult and every observance a feeling of aggravation. Watching him and Mae West in MY LITTLE CHICKADEE is to see two of the great comedians trading quips at their best. INTERNATIONAL HOUSE is filled with great comedy talent like Burns & Allen and Rudy Vallee – and had Cab Calloway and Bela Lugosi as bonuses! I haven’t had a chance to see IT’S A GIFT, but YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN co-stars Charlie McCarthy and his puppet Edgar Bergen – and they rule. Plus Eddie Anderson is hilarious in the film. It is very much a funny funny comedy. With this and the Marx Brothers and that Monty Python set… this is a great month for laughs!
November 16th
AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE – Volume Three
Ah, more goodness from Adult Swim! Here’s the Episodes:
*Broodwich
*Total Recarl
*Revenge of the Trees
*Frat Aliens
*Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary
*Kidney Car
*The Cubing
*The Shaving
*The Clowning
*The Dressing
*THE
*The Cloning
*The Last One
Add to that, script pages, deleted scenes, promo pieces and much more and you’ve got the third addition to your Aqua Teen Hunger Force collection. These are nice sets.
BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY – Complete Series
This is about 30 Hours of Gil Gerard and Erin Grey! In otherwords, HEAVEN! Personally, I can’t wait to rewatch the Hawk episodes. I remember as a kid thinking that ship of his was the coolest damn thing ever. And Erin was so damn hot, and damn Lucas for stealing Wilma Deering’s outfit for Padme in Attack of the Clones… only… it sure was hot on Natalie. Sigh… Haven’t heard of any extras on this set, but this is one of the key things this month I’m most looking forward to.
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER – 7th Season
This is that series that THE GRUDGE chick was on. I think it was horror related or something. If memory serves this stuff doesn’t suck much. In fact, it kinda rules in a hardcore asskicking, damn this is too good for TV sort of way. I find myself thinking way too much about Willow. I think it is unhealthy. I promise I’m not stalking her or anything. Can’t say the same about Herc though.
THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (Unrated Edition)
A few glimpses of Riddick’s homeworld and his dreams are actually pretty nice. The FX all look better on the small screen than they did on the big screen. The new scenes have a slight glitch to them when they come in – little on the annoying side. Still hate the design of much of the film, but I liked it a bit more on DVD. The main thing is Vin and that hot as hell girl he’s protecting… well – they’re worth the dvd in my opinion. Extras aren’t all that great, but the new scenes integrated into the film work.
ELF
Wow – I understand why New Line waited so long to release this DVD – but it kinda feels like a timeless classic now. This was one of my favorite films from last year. Will’s Buddy the Elf was just an instant character connection. In someways, he felt like a Pixar character plucked out of one of their films and placed in a Jon Favreau universe. How utterly splendid. The scenes of Buddy on Bob Newhart’s lap are just heaven. The film is just a complete warm blanket on a winter’s eve sort of flick. As for the disc… this is one of those Infinifilm Editions – with a second disc just gorged with extras. There’s two commentaries, one with Favs, the other with that beautiful ‘tard, Will Ferrell. There’s deleted scenes, featurettes out the wazoo, Elf Karaoke – whatever the hell that means and more. This is one of those additions to the Xmas Collection.
FANTASM
Hardcore stars of yesteryear in a Softcore film. You’ll see John Holmes’ monster, but not going in anything. You’ll see TONS of BUSH (the only good kind) and you’ll see lots of humping where you’ll notice limp penises not actually up for much of anything. The 70’s babes have that sort of 70’s thing going and all of it is shot with that 70’s porn FILM look, which is so much better than the look of video crap we get today. Also – the subject matter is kinda fucked up. Here, here they act out repressed sick fantasies of incest with delight. It’s fascinating to watch and notice the differences between yesteryear and today! This was directed by the director of CLOAK AND DAGGER!
FANTASM COMES AGAIN
Of the two, I preferred this one. Mainly because this one has Serena and Rainbeaux Smith… two babes from the era that just absolutely set off the rockets like New Year’s Eve. John Holmes returns, and the sequence with Rainbeaux Smith is fucked up, even if it does take place at a drive-in where they’re watching the first FANTASM. BTW – no silver balls and Tall Man or killer dwarves in these. Serena’s sequence is very very hot. Something about film just gives these actresses a glow that the Video era misses.
FOUL PLAY
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! FOUL PLAY is one of my favorite movies. Chevy and Goldie were magic together in this film. Those weird fucking old ladies playing filthy Scrabble… that laughing hissing boa constrictor… that poor bible salesman from the Wizard of Oz… the entire opera scene at the end (long before I discovered TO CATCH A THIEF) – this is the most playful and successful Hitchcock rip-off ever made. Chevy was never this good. And Dudley Moore just rules in his tiny part here. And that fucking scary ass Albino dude!!! Freaked my shit out. Can’t wait to get this DVD.
THE IRON GIANT (Special Edition)
While no longer my favorite Brad Bird film, I do love this movie. A limited edition cel I bought in L.A. at the Warner Brothers Store signing for THE IRON GIANT hangs in my living room, and the humongous IRON GIANT toy holding Hogarth and chewing down on NCC-1701 is the highest most point of all my toys in the wall of toys in my room. This film is right there with TOY STORY 1 & 2 and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS as my favorite modern age animated films… which the INCREDIBLES just charged right smack into the midst of. Getting to see 8 additional scenes and an alternate opening thrills me. The 13 featurettes, the commentary, the breakdown of two sequences and more all stuffed on this precious disc makes this THE BUY of the month along with that… little film that swept all those Oscars earlier this year. After watching THE INCREDIBLES 30 times by Nov 16th, you’ll be dying for this disc.
THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD
The Film is bliss. Guy Maddin, who is drunk on expressionism, delivers this wondrous little musical gem. This competition for the world’s saddest music is heaven. It’s a crazed film filled with beauty and sadness. Isabella Rosselini has never been more Ingrid Bergman-y than she is in this film… though… it should be noted that I don’t believe Ingrid ever played a double amputee beer legged wealthy beer baroness. But she should have!
TEENAGE CAVEGIRL
I’ve never been able to turn down Cavegirl movies. It’s a weakness brought on from a childhood poster of Raquel Welch from ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. that hung on the back of my door to my room. As a result… women in loin cloths do it for me. It’s also why Moriarty is so hot, he wears loin cloths a lot. Anyway, this was allegedly shot in Bronson Canyons. It will suck. I know this going into this purchase. But I can not stop myself. Lizards and loin cloths. Must buy.
November 23rd
GOZU
Sheer Genius compounded with criminal insanity! The results are something so maddeningly fascinating that you dare not turn away for fear of missing the next assault on your own private grip on reality. Miike is like Lynch, but weird. Heh. Where he pulls his imagery from is best left one of life’s unsought mysteries. For, like a lead character in a Lovecraft story, if you were to find it, it would surely tear you apart!
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Alfonso Cuaron crafted the best of the HARRY POTTER films thus far, and this dvd will be the first of the 3 that I’ve actually purchased. There’s an elegance at play in this film that just makes it so affecting and far more powerful than the previous films. There is a blossoming going on with the kids as actors that you can’t help be notice. They’re truly becoming damn good actors here. The series is reminding me of one of those great old series like the ANDY HARDY movies or the SHERLOCK HOLMES’ of Basil Rathbone… where the actors are growing comfortable in their characters… the way the Classic Trek Crew did in their films. But none of those series had a 3rd chapter this far and way better than the rest of their series to date. Cuaron is a magic man!
THE TERMINAL (2-Disc Collector’s Set)
While not quite as magical as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, I still am quite fond of THE TERMINAL. Unfortunately the movie was mis-marketed as a Romantic Comedy – when in truth this is more about a man fulfilling a last wish. This is a film about family duty. In fact if this film belongs to any genre perse, I’d have to say it was the “MAN ON A MISSION” genre. Navorski gets distracted along the way, but he finds his way. The characters in the ‘terminal’ steal the film for me. As for Catherine Zeta Jones? She’s perfect. I don’t believe we’re ever supposed to love her in this role. She’s that mirage of happiness that a man finds in a desert. She looks like water and shade, but deep down, she’s just another mouth of sand, a pinch of salt to rub into the popped blisters on your feet as you drive forward to your ultimate goal. Beautiful pain, but that’s all she is.
November 30th
Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen – (IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA / EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS / 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH / MYSTERIOUS ISLAND / H.G. WELLS’ FIRST MEN IN THE MOON)
If you already have these titles on DVD – this is nothing more than a repackaging. However, if you don’t have these titles – then here’s an excellent way to pick these up. For you Geek Parents out there. These films are excellent gateway films to raise your children on. Yes, some of these are black and white, but let me tell you. I’ve shown most of these titles over the years at my Saturday Morning Kids Club and the children… all ages… are held in rapt attention. EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS for example… a 6 year old boy came up to me after that screening to declare the film the greatest movie ever made, and when he grew up he was going to remake it, and use NUCLEAR WEAPONS to fight the flying saucers! I told him that was a great idea, and asked him to send me a ticket! You’ll find no objectionable material here, and the stop-motion is captivating to children. I showed my nephew 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH at age 3 – and explained to him that Ymir wasn’t a monster but a hungry baby that was growing really big… and didn’t understand why the men were bothering him. And when Ymir… well at the end, my nephew cried and then played with my Ymir toy for the next month. This set is an excellent way to bring up your kids, the geek way!
HERO
How Miramax could make Zhang Ziyi look unattractive on this DVD is beyond me. How they could make the film look ugly is beyond reason. Look at that packaging. That has got to be the worst possible image for the DVD. That’s awful. Now – the real reason to get this version is for the English versions of Behind The Scenes and the Conversation with Tarantino and the Storyboards. They do have English and French dubs available along with the original Chinese with subtitles in English and Spanish. Frankly, I’m glad I own my original Region 3 – I personally prefer the translation on that disc, but I imagine I’ll prefer the extras on this disc. We’ll see.
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LOST IN SPACE – SEASON 2, Vol 2
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
SPIDER-MAN 2
SPIDER-MAN 2 was one of the great successes of the summer for me. Alfred Molina, bless you. Sam Raimi, bless you. Now, if the next one can be as absolutely breathlessly perfect the way THE INCREDIBLES was… I’ll be completely sated. There’s tons of extras on this DVD which really is a gangbusters release. I can’t wait to pour through the “Ock-umentary” and discover all the tricks to Doc Ock. And I can’t wait to freeze frame on Scott Spiegel.. pizza thief!
Coming In December:
RETURN OF THE KING: Special Edition
Click Here To Visit October’s Picks!
German Expressionism unleashed! I don’t need to waste words on METROPOLIS, you all know its genius… don’t you? But here you’ll discover the further evidence of Fritz Lang’s supreme genius from his silent era. SPIES holds imagery looted by Ridley Scott for BLADE RUNNER. WOMAN IN THE MOON invented cinematically the “COUNT DOWN”! and DIE NIBELUNGEN – words can not describe it’s utter brilliance. These films should be seen on giant screens with audiences of 2000 and a 120 piece orchestra playing… but unfortunately, we’ll never see them like that. This is what we have, and we should each offer up praise to KINO for giving us a collection such as this. Outstanding!
GONE WITH THE WIND (4 Disc Collector’s Set)
Warner Brothers Home Video has sort of undergone a transformation of late. For years I loathed them, but in the past year, they’ve out-done themselves. This is another fine prestige show-off for how to treat one of the greatest movies ever made… And a film that in adjusted box office dollars pulled in $2.2 Billion Dollars at the Domestic Box Office. I don’t know if that’s even possible to comprehend. Imagine a film 4 times more successful than TITANIC. That’s GONE WITH THE WIND. Everyone everywhere saw it theatrically. Will there ever be a film event of its like again? Well, besides GHOST TOWN? I don’t know. Of all the new extras on this edition, the new documentary featuring a new interview with Olivia de Havilland (wish someone did an ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD interview). Truly one of the greatest films of all time.
JU-ON
Recently saw this original Japanese edition in a theater on a date with my sweetie… and the film actually got her to SCREAM at one point. One of the most thrilling moments I’ve ever experienced with a horror film on a date. Out-standing! The film feels wrong, as if contaminated… unclean. Due to it being all-Japanese – there’s a feeling as if… it really happened. By putting Americans into the roles… it reminds me … oh look, Buffy. And somehow I just feel safer, and who the hell wants to feel safe during JU-ON? Heh. Great Horror Film.
THE MARX BROTHERS SILVER SCREEN COLLECTION (THE COCOANUTS / ANIMAL CRACKERS / MONKEY BUSINESS / HORSE FEATHERS / DUCK SOUP)
Ah, here we are with Chico, Harpo, Groucho and Zeppo! DUCK SOUP may very well be the funniest goddamn film ever made. Remember this speech of Rufus T Firefly? “I'd be unworthy of the high trust that's been placed in me if I didn't do everything in my power to keep our beloved Freedonia in peace with the world. I'd be only too happy to meet with Ambassador Trentino, and offer him on behalf of my country the right hand of good fellowship. And I feel sure he will accept this gesture in the spirit of which it is offered. But suppose he doesn't. A fine thing that'll be. I hold out my hand and he refuses to accept. That'll add a lot to my prestige, won't it? Me, the head of a country, snubbed by a forgein ambassador. Who does he think he is, that he can come here, and make a sap of me in front of all my people? Think of it - I hold out my hand and that hyena refuses to accept. Why, the cheap ball-pushing swine, he'll never get away with it I tell you, he'll never get away with it.
[Trentino enters] So, you refuse to shake hands with me, eh?
SLAP!” THE COCOANUTS was The Marx Brothers’ first film. While not their best, I personally love Harpo best in this film. He’s just so out of control. However, ANIMAL CRACKERS, MONKEY BUSINESS and HORSE FEATHERS are 3 of the best. But nothing tops DUCK SOUP. That film is pure hilarity.
NAKED JUNGLE
MARABUNTA!!!! This is the best ANTS ATTACK movie ever made. And in addition you’ve got Charlton Heston ordering himself up a mail-order bride, cuz he ain’t got time for courtin’. I love this movie. Watching ants building boats… for real to cross a river to continue their mad attack. Leveling jungles, fields, stripping the flesh from animals and men’s bones.
PRINCESS BLADE (Special Edition)
While certainly not up to par with say, AZUMI (which came after, btw) – PRINCESS BLADE is a fine addition to the badass babe with a sword genre. Neat CG effects, fun and inventive action. This dvd has superior subtitles as well as an English dub track if that’s your thing, but also (THANK GOD) the Japanese original soundtrack. Best DVD on this title available.
W.C. FIELDS Comedy Collection (THE BANK DICK / MY LITTLE CHICKADEE / YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN / IT’S A GIFT / INTERNATIONAL HOUSE)
THE BANK DICK had it’s best treatment on Criterion ages ago, but this set is pretty damn nice. It’s the first W.C. Fields set we have thus far, and hopefully if this set does well, maybe Paramount will release his titles that they own. He was and is the king of one line quips. His wit cut straight to the point and had a way about his voice that made every flirt an insult and every observance a feeling of aggravation. Watching him and Mae West in MY LITTLE CHICKADEE is to see two of the great comedians trading quips at their best. INTERNATIONAL HOUSE is filled with great comedy talent like Burns & Allen and Rudy Vallee – and had Cab Calloway and Bela Lugosi as bonuses! I haven’t had a chance to see IT’S A GIFT, but YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN co-stars Charlie McCarthy and his puppet Edgar Bergen – and they rule. Plus Eddie Anderson is hilarious in the film. It is very much a funny funny comedy. With this and the Marx Brothers and that Monty Python set… this is a great month for laughs!
November 16th
AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE – Volume Three
Ah, more goodness from Adult Swim! Here’s the Episodes:
*Broodwich
*Total Recarl
*Revenge of the Trees
*Frat Aliens
*Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary
*Kidney Car
*The Cubing
*The Shaving
*The Clowning
*The Dressing
*THE
*The Cloning
*The Last One
Add to that, script pages, deleted scenes, promo pieces and much more and you’ve got the third addition to your Aqua Teen Hunger Force collection. These are nice sets.
BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY – Complete Series
This is about 30 Hours of Gil Gerard and Erin Grey! In otherwords, HEAVEN! Personally, I can’t wait to rewatch the Hawk episodes. I remember as a kid thinking that ship of his was the coolest damn thing ever. And Erin was so damn hot, and damn Lucas for stealing Wilma Deering’s outfit for Padme in Attack of the Clones… only… it sure was hot on Natalie. Sigh… Haven’t heard of any extras on this set, but this is one of the key things this month I’m most looking forward to.
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER – 7th Season
This is that series that THE GRUDGE chick was on. I think it was horror related or something. If memory serves this stuff doesn’t suck much. In fact, it kinda rules in a hardcore asskicking, damn this is too good for TV sort of way. I find myself thinking way too much about Willow. I think it is unhealthy. I promise I’m not stalking her or anything. Can’t say the same about Herc though.
THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (Unrated Edition)
A few glimpses of Riddick’s homeworld and his dreams are actually pretty nice. The FX all look better on the small screen than they did on the big screen. The new scenes have a slight glitch to them when they come in – little on the annoying side. Still hate the design of much of the film, but I liked it a bit more on DVD. The main thing is Vin and that hot as hell girl he’s protecting… well – they’re worth the dvd in my opinion. Extras aren’t all that great, but the new scenes integrated into the film work.
ELF
Wow – I understand why New Line waited so long to release this DVD – but it kinda feels like a timeless classic now. This was one of my favorite films from last year. Will’s Buddy the Elf was just an instant character connection. In someways, he felt like a Pixar character plucked out of one of their films and placed in a Jon Favreau universe. How utterly splendid. The scenes of Buddy on Bob Newhart’s lap are just heaven. The film is just a complete warm blanket on a winter’s eve sort of flick. As for the disc… this is one of those Infinifilm Editions – with a second disc just gorged with extras. There’s two commentaries, one with Favs, the other with that beautiful ‘tard, Will Ferrell. There’s deleted scenes, featurettes out the wazoo, Elf Karaoke – whatever the hell that means and more. This is one of those additions to the Xmas Collection.
FANTASM
Hardcore stars of yesteryear in a Softcore film. You’ll see John Holmes’ monster, but not going in anything. You’ll see TONS of BUSH (the only good kind) and you’ll see lots of humping where you’ll notice limp penises not actually up for much of anything. The 70’s babes have that sort of 70’s thing going and all of it is shot with that 70’s porn FILM look, which is so much better than the look of video crap we get today. Also – the subject matter is kinda fucked up. Here, here they act out repressed sick fantasies of incest with delight. It’s fascinating to watch and notice the differences between yesteryear and today! This was directed by the director of CLOAK AND DAGGER!
FANTASM COMES AGAIN
Of the two, I preferred this one. Mainly because this one has Serena and Rainbeaux Smith… two babes from the era that just absolutely set off the rockets like New Year’s Eve. John Holmes returns, and the sequence with Rainbeaux Smith is fucked up, even if it does take place at a drive-in where they’re watching the first FANTASM. BTW – no silver balls and Tall Man or killer dwarves in these. Serena’s sequence is very very hot. Something about film just gives these actresses a glow that the Video era misses.
FOUL PLAY
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! FOUL PLAY is one of my favorite movies. Chevy and Goldie were magic together in this film. Those weird fucking old ladies playing filthy Scrabble… that laughing hissing boa constrictor… that poor bible salesman from the Wizard of Oz… the entire opera scene at the end (long before I discovered TO CATCH A THIEF) – this is the most playful and successful Hitchcock rip-off ever made. Chevy was never this good. And Dudley Moore just rules in his tiny part here. And that fucking scary ass Albino dude!!! Freaked my shit out. Can’t wait to get this DVD.
THE IRON GIANT (Special Edition)
While no longer my favorite Brad Bird film, I do love this movie. A limited edition cel I bought in L.A. at the Warner Brothers Store signing for THE IRON GIANT hangs in my living room, and the humongous IRON GIANT toy holding Hogarth and chewing down on NCC-1701 is the highest most point of all my toys in the wall of toys in my room. This film is right there with TOY STORY 1 & 2 and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS as my favorite modern age animated films… which the INCREDIBLES just charged right smack into the midst of. Getting to see 8 additional scenes and an alternate opening thrills me. The 13 featurettes, the commentary, the breakdown of two sequences and more all stuffed on this precious disc makes this THE BUY of the month along with that… little film that swept all those Oscars earlier this year. After watching THE INCREDIBLES 30 times by Nov 16th, you’ll be dying for this disc.
THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD
The Film is bliss. Guy Maddin, who is drunk on expressionism, delivers this wondrous little musical gem. This competition for the world’s saddest music is heaven. It’s a crazed film filled with beauty and sadness. Isabella Rosselini has never been more Ingrid Bergman-y than she is in this film… though… it should be noted that I don’t believe Ingrid ever played a double amputee beer legged wealthy beer baroness. But she should have!
TEENAGE CAVEGIRL
I’ve never been able to turn down Cavegirl movies. It’s a weakness brought on from a childhood poster of Raquel Welch from ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. that hung on the back of my door to my room. As a result… women in loin cloths do it for me. It’s also why Moriarty is so hot, he wears loin cloths a lot. Anyway, this was allegedly shot in Bronson Canyons. It will suck. I know this going into this purchase. But I can not stop myself. Lizards and loin cloths. Must buy.
November 23rd
GOZU
Sheer Genius compounded with criminal insanity! The results are something so maddeningly fascinating that you dare not turn away for fear of missing the next assault on your own private grip on reality. Miike is like Lynch, but weird. Heh. Where he pulls his imagery from is best left one of life’s unsought mysteries. For, like a lead character in a Lovecraft story, if you were to find it, it would surely tear you apart!
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Alfonso Cuaron crafted the best of the HARRY POTTER films thus far, and this dvd will be the first of the 3 that I’ve actually purchased. There’s an elegance at play in this film that just makes it so affecting and far more powerful than the previous films. There is a blossoming going on with the kids as actors that you can’t help be notice. They’re truly becoming damn good actors here. The series is reminding me of one of those great old series like the ANDY HARDY movies or the SHERLOCK HOLMES’ of Basil Rathbone… where the actors are growing comfortable in their characters… the way the Classic Trek Crew did in their films. But none of those series had a 3rd chapter this far and way better than the rest of their series to date. Cuaron is a magic man!
THE TERMINAL (2-Disc Collector’s Set)
While not quite as magical as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, I still am quite fond of THE TERMINAL. Unfortunately the movie was mis-marketed as a Romantic Comedy – when in truth this is more about a man fulfilling a last wish. This is a film about family duty. In fact if this film belongs to any genre perse, I’d have to say it was the “MAN ON A MISSION” genre. Navorski gets distracted along the way, but he finds his way. The characters in the ‘terminal’ steal the film for me. As for Catherine Zeta Jones? She’s perfect. I don’t believe we’re ever supposed to love her in this role. She’s that mirage of happiness that a man finds in a desert. She looks like water and shade, but deep down, she’s just another mouth of sand, a pinch of salt to rub into the popped blisters on your feet as you drive forward to your ultimate goal. Beautiful pain, but that’s all she is.
November 30th
Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen – (IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA / EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS / 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH / MYSTERIOUS ISLAND / H.G. WELLS’ FIRST MEN IN THE MOON)
If you already have these titles on DVD – this is nothing more than a repackaging. However, if you don’t have these titles – then here’s an excellent way to pick these up. For you Geek Parents out there. These films are excellent gateway films to raise your children on. Yes, some of these are black and white, but let me tell you. I’ve shown most of these titles over the years at my Saturday Morning Kids Club and the children… all ages… are held in rapt attention. EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS for example… a 6 year old boy came up to me after that screening to declare the film the greatest movie ever made, and when he grew up he was going to remake it, and use NUCLEAR WEAPONS to fight the flying saucers! I told him that was a great idea, and asked him to send me a ticket! You’ll find no objectionable material here, and the stop-motion is captivating to children. I showed my nephew 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH at age 3 – and explained to him that Ymir wasn’t a monster but a hungry baby that was growing really big… and didn’t understand why the men were bothering him. And when Ymir… well at the end, my nephew cried and then played with my Ymir toy for the next month. This set is an excellent way to bring up your kids, the geek way!
HERO
How Miramax could make Zhang Ziyi look unattractive on this DVD is beyond me. How they could make the film look ugly is beyond reason. Look at that packaging. That has got to be the worst possible image for the DVD. That’s awful. Now – the real reason to get this version is for the English versions of Behind The Scenes and the Conversation with Tarantino and the Storyboards. They do have English and French dubs available along with the original Chinese with subtitles in English and Spanish. Frankly, I’m glad I own my original Region 3 – I personally prefer the translation on that disc, but I imagine I’ll prefer the extras on this disc. We’ll see.
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LOST IN SPACE – SEASON 2, Vol 2
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
SPIDER-MAN 2
SPIDER-MAN 2 was one of the great successes of the summer for me. Alfred Molina, bless you. Sam Raimi, bless you. Now, if the next one can be as absolutely breathlessly perfect the way THE INCREDIBLES was… I’ll be completely sated. There’s tons of extras on this DVD which really is a gangbusters release. I can’t wait to pour through the “Ock-umentary” and discover all the tricks to Doc Ock. And I can’t wait to freeze frame on Scott Spiegel.. pizza thief!
Coming In December:
RETURN OF THE KING: Special Edition
Click Here To Visit October’s Picks!
Recently saw this original Japanese edition in a theater on a date with my sweetie… and the film actually got her to SCREAM at one point. One of the most thrilling moments I’ve ever experienced with a horror film on a date. Out-standing! The film feels wrong, as if contaminated… unclean. Due to it being all-Japanese – there’s a feeling as if… it really happened. By putting Americans into the roles… it reminds me … oh look, Buffy. And somehow I just feel safer, and who the hell wants to feel safe during JU-ON? Heh. Great Horror Film.
THE MARX BROTHERS SILVER SCREEN COLLECTION (THE COCOANUTS / ANIMAL CRACKERS / MONKEY BUSINESS / HORSE FEATHERS / DUCK SOUP)
Ah, here we are with Chico, Harpo, Groucho and Zeppo! DUCK SOUP may very well be the funniest goddamn film ever made. Remember this speech of Rufus T Firefly? “I'd be unworthy of the high trust that's been placed in me if I didn't do everything in my power to keep our beloved Freedonia in peace with the world. I'd be only too happy to meet with Ambassador Trentino, and offer him on behalf of my country the right hand of good fellowship. And I feel sure he will accept this gesture in the spirit of which it is offered. But suppose he doesn't. A fine thing that'll be. I hold out my hand and he refuses to accept. That'll add a lot to my prestige, won't it? Me, the head of a country, snubbed by a forgein ambassador. Who does he think he is, that he can come here, and make a sap of me in front of all my people? Think of it - I hold out my hand and that hyena refuses to accept. Why, the cheap ball-pushing swine, he'll never get away with it I tell you, he'll never get away with it.
[Trentino enters] So, you refuse to shake hands with me, eh?
SLAP!” THE COCOANUTS was The Marx Brothers’ first film. While not their best, I personally love Harpo best in this film. He’s just so out of control. However, ANIMAL CRACKERS, MONKEY BUSINESS and HORSE FEATHERS are 3 of the best. But nothing tops DUCK SOUP. That film is pure hilarity.
NAKED JUNGLE
MARABUNTA!!!! This is the best ANTS ATTACK movie ever made. And in addition you’ve got Charlton Heston ordering himself up a mail-order bride, cuz he ain’t got time for courtin’. I love this movie. Watching ants building boats… for real to cross a river to continue their mad attack. Leveling jungles, fields, stripping the flesh from animals and men’s bones.
PRINCESS BLADE (Special Edition)
While certainly not up to par with say, AZUMI (which came after, btw) – PRINCESS BLADE is a fine addition to the badass babe with a sword genre. Neat CG effects, fun and inventive action. This dvd has superior subtitles as well as an English dub track if that’s your thing, but also (THANK GOD) the Japanese original soundtrack. Best DVD on this title available.
W.C. FIELDS Comedy Collection (THE BANK DICK / MY LITTLE CHICKADEE / YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN / IT’S A GIFT / INTERNATIONAL HOUSE)
THE BANK DICK had it’s best treatment on Criterion ages ago, but this set is pretty damn nice. It’s the first W.C. Fields set we have thus far, and hopefully if this set does well, maybe Paramount will release his titles that they own. He was and is the king of one line quips. His wit cut straight to the point and had a way about his voice that made every flirt an insult and every observance a feeling of aggravation. Watching him and Mae West in MY LITTLE CHICKADEE is to see two of the great comedians trading quips at their best. INTERNATIONAL HOUSE is filled with great comedy talent like Burns & Allen and Rudy Vallee – and had Cab Calloway and Bela Lugosi as bonuses! I haven’t had a chance to see IT’S A GIFT, but YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN co-stars Charlie McCarthy and his puppet Edgar Bergen – and they rule. Plus Eddie Anderson is hilarious in the film. It is very much a funny funny comedy. With this and the Marx Brothers and that Monty Python set… this is a great month for laughs!
November 16th
AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE – Volume Three
Ah, more goodness from Adult Swim! Here’s the Episodes:
*Broodwich
*Total Recarl
*Revenge of the Trees
*Frat Aliens
*Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary
*Kidney Car
*The Cubing
*The Shaving
*The Clowning
*The Dressing
*THE
*The Cloning
*The Last One
Add to that, script pages, deleted scenes, promo pieces and much more and you’ve got the third addition to your Aqua Teen Hunger Force collection. These are nice sets.
BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY – Complete Series
This is about 30 Hours of Gil Gerard and Erin Grey! In otherwords, HEAVEN! Personally, I can’t wait to rewatch the Hawk episodes. I remember as a kid thinking that ship of his was the coolest damn thing ever. And Erin was so damn hot, and damn Lucas for stealing Wilma Deering’s outfit for Padme in Attack of the Clones… only… it sure was hot on Natalie. Sigh… Haven’t heard of any extras on this set, but this is one of the key things this month I’m most looking forward to.
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER – 7th Season
This is that series that THE GRUDGE chick was on. I think it was horror related or something. If memory serves this stuff doesn’t suck much. In fact, it kinda rules in a hardcore asskicking, damn this is too good for TV sort of way. I find myself thinking way too much about Willow. I think it is unhealthy. I promise I’m not stalking her or anything. Can’t say the same about Herc though.
THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (Unrated Edition)
A few glimpses of Riddick’s homeworld and his dreams are actually pretty nice. The FX all look better on the small screen than they did on the big screen. The new scenes have a slight glitch to them when they come in – little on the annoying side. Still hate the design of much of the film, but I liked it a bit more on DVD. The main thing is Vin and that hot as hell girl he’s protecting… well – they’re worth the dvd in my opinion. Extras aren’t all that great, but the new scenes integrated into the film work.
ELF
Wow – I understand why New Line waited so long to release this DVD – but it kinda feels like a timeless classic now. This was one of my favorite films from last year. Will’s Buddy the Elf was just an instant character connection. In someways, he felt like a Pixar character plucked out of one of their films and placed in a Jon Favreau universe. How utterly splendid. The scenes of Buddy on Bob Newhart’s lap are just heaven. The film is just a complete warm blanket on a winter’s eve sort of flick. As for the disc… this is one of those Infinifilm Editions – with a second disc just gorged with extras. There’s two commentaries, one with Favs, the other with that beautiful ‘tard, Will Ferrell. There’s deleted scenes, featurettes out the wazoo, Elf Karaoke – whatever the hell that means and more. This is one of those additions to the Xmas Collection.
FANTASM
Hardcore stars of yesteryear in a Softcore film. You’ll see John Holmes’ monster, but not going in anything. You’ll see TONS of BUSH (the only good kind) and you’ll see lots of humping where you’ll notice limp penises not actually up for much of anything. The 70’s babes have that sort of 70’s thing going and all of it is shot with that 70’s porn FILM look, which is so much better than the look of video crap we get today. Also – the subject matter is kinda fucked up. Here, here they act out repressed sick fantasies of incest with delight. It’s fascinating to watch and notice the differences between yesteryear and today! This was directed by the director of CLOAK AND DAGGER!
FANTASM COMES AGAIN
Of the two, I preferred this one. Mainly because this one has Serena and Rainbeaux Smith… two babes from the era that just absolutely set off the rockets like New Year’s Eve. John Holmes returns, and the sequence with Rainbeaux Smith is fucked up, even if it does take place at a drive-in where they’re watching the first FANTASM. BTW – no silver balls and Tall Man or killer dwarves in these. Serena’s sequence is very very hot. Something about film just gives these actresses a glow that the Video era misses.
FOUL PLAY
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! FOUL PLAY is one of my favorite movies. Chevy and Goldie were magic together in this film. Those weird fucking old ladies playing filthy Scrabble… that laughing hissing boa constrictor… that poor bible salesman from the Wizard of Oz… the entire opera scene at the end (long before I discovered TO CATCH A THIEF) – this is the most playful and successful Hitchcock rip-off ever made. Chevy was never this good. And Dudley Moore just rules in his tiny part here. And that fucking scary ass Albino dude!!! Freaked my shit out. Can’t wait to get this DVD.
THE IRON GIANT (Special Edition)
While no longer my favorite Brad Bird film, I do love this movie. A limited edition cel I bought in L.A. at the Warner Brothers Store signing for THE IRON GIANT hangs in my living room, and the humongous IRON GIANT toy holding Hogarth and chewing down on NCC-1701 is the highest most point of all my toys in the wall of toys in my room. This film is right there with TOY STORY 1 & 2 and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS as my favorite modern age animated films… which the INCREDIBLES just charged right smack into the midst of. Getting to see 8 additional scenes and an alternate opening thrills me. The 13 featurettes, the commentary, the breakdown of two sequences and more all stuffed on this precious disc makes this THE BUY of the month along with that… little film that swept all those Oscars earlier this year. After watching THE INCREDIBLES 30 times by Nov 16th, you’ll be dying for this disc.
THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD
The Film is bliss. Guy Maddin, who is drunk on expressionism, delivers this wondrous little musical gem. This competition for the world’s saddest music is heaven. It’s a crazed film filled with beauty and sadness. Isabella Rosselini has never been more Ingrid Bergman-y than she is in this film… though… it should be noted that I don’t believe Ingrid ever played a double amputee beer legged wealthy beer baroness. But she should have!
TEENAGE CAVEGIRL
I’ve never been able to turn down Cavegirl movies. It’s a weakness brought on from a childhood poster of Raquel Welch from ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. that hung on the back of my door to my room. As a result… women in loin cloths do it for me. It’s also why Moriarty is so hot, he wears loin cloths a lot. Anyway, this was allegedly shot in Bronson Canyons. It will suck. I know this going into this purchase. But I can not stop myself. Lizards and loin cloths. Must buy.
November 23rd
GOZU
Sheer Genius compounded with criminal insanity! The results are something so maddeningly fascinating that you dare not turn away for fear of missing the next assault on your own private grip on reality. Miike is like Lynch, but weird. Heh. Where he pulls his imagery from is best left one of life’s unsought mysteries. For, like a lead character in a Lovecraft story, if you were to find it, it would surely tear you apart!
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Alfonso Cuaron crafted the best of the HARRY POTTER films thus far, and this dvd will be the first of the 3 that I’ve actually purchased. There’s an elegance at play in this film that just makes it so affecting and far more powerful than the previous films. There is a blossoming going on with the kids as actors that you can’t help be notice. They’re truly becoming damn good actors here. The series is reminding me of one of those great old series like the ANDY HARDY movies or the SHERLOCK HOLMES’ of Basil Rathbone… where the actors are growing comfortable in their characters… the way the Classic Trek Crew did in their films. But none of those series had a 3rd chapter this far and way better than the rest of their series to date. Cuaron is a magic man!
THE TERMINAL (2-Disc Collector’s Set)
While not quite as magical as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, I still am quite fond of THE TERMINAL. Unfortunately the movie was mis-marketed as a Romantic Comedy – when in truth this is more about a man fulfilling a last wish. This is a film about family duty. In fact if this film belongs to any genre perse, I’d have to say it was the “MAN ON A MISSION” genre. Navorski gets distracted along the way, but he finds his way. The characters in the ‘terminal’ steal the film for me. As for Catherine Zeta Jones? She’s perfect. I don’t believe we’re ever supposed to love her in this role. She’s that mirage of happiness that a man finds in a desert. She looks like water and shade, but deep down, she’s just another mouth of sand, a pinch of salt to rub into the popped blisters on your feet as you drive forward to your ultimate goal. Beautiful pain, but that’s all she is.
November 30th
Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen – (IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA / EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS / 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH / MYSTERIOUS ISLAND / H.G. WELLS’ FIRST MEN IN THE MOON)
If you already have these titles on DVD – this is nothing more than a repackaging. However, if you don’t have these titles – then here’s an excellent way to pick these up. For you Geek Parents out there. These films are excellent gateway films to raise your children on. Yes, some of these are black and white, but let me tell you. I’ve shown most of these titles over the years at my Saturday Morning Kids Club and the children… all ages… are held in rapt attention. EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS for example… a 6 year old boy came up to me after that screening to declare the film the greatest movie ever made, and when he grew up he was going to remake it, and use NUCLEAR WEAPONS to fight the flying saucers! I told him that was a great idea, and asked him to send me a ticket! You’ll find no objectionable material here, and the stop-motion is captivating to children. I showed my nephew 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH at age 3 – and explained to him that Ymir wasn’t a monster but a hungry baby that was growing really big… and didn’t understand why the men were bothering him. And when Ymir… well at the end, my nephew cried and then played with my Ymir toy for the next month. This set is an excellent way to bring up your kids, the geek way!
HERO
How Miramax could make Zhang Ziyi look unattractive on this DVD is beyond me. How they could make the film look ugly is beyond reason. Look at that packaging. That has got to be the worst possible image for the DVD. That’s awful. Now – the real reason to get this version is for the English versions of Behind The Scenes and the Conversation with Tarantino and the Storyboards. They do have English and French dubs available along with the original Chinese with subtitles in English and Spanish. Frankly, I’m glad I own my original Region 3 – I personally prefer the translation on that disc, but I imagine I’ll prefer the extras on this disc. We’ll see.
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LOST IN SPACE – SEASON 2, Vol 2
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
SPIDER-MAN 2
SPIDER-MAN 2 was one of the great successes of the summer for me. Alfred Molina, bless you. Sam Raimi, bless you. Now, if the next one can be as absolutely breathlessly perfect the way THE INCREDIBLES was… I’ll be completely sated. There’s tons of extras on this DVD which really is a gangbusters release. I can’t wait to pour through the “Ock-umentary” and discover all the tricks to Doc Ock. And I can’t wait to freeze frame on Scott Spiegel.. pizza thief!
Coming In December:
RETURN OF THE KING: Special Edition
Click Here To Visit October’s Picks!
MARABUNTA!!!! This is the best ANTS ATTACK movie ever made. And in addition you’ve got Charlton Heston ordering himself up a mail-order bride, cuz he ain’t got time for courtin’. I love this movie. Watching ants building boats… for real to cross a river to continue their mad attack. Leveling jungles, fields, stripping the flesh from animals and men’s bones.
PRINCESS BLADE (Special Edition)
While certainly not up to par with say, AZUMI (which came after, btw) – PRINCESS BLADE is a fine addition to the badass babe with a sword genre. Neat CG effects, fun and inventive action. This dvd has superior subtitles as well as an English dub track if that’s your thing, but also (THANK GOD) the Japanese original soundtrack. Best DVD on this title available.
W.C. FIELDS Comedy Collection (THE BANK DICK / MY LITTLE CHICKADEE / YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN / IT’S A GIFT / INTERNATIONAL HOUSE)
THE BANK DICK had it’s best treatment on Criterion ages ago, but this set is pretty damn nice. It’s the first W.C. Fields set we have thus far, and hopefully if this set does well, maybe Paramount will release his titles that they own. He was and is the king of one line quips. His wit cut straight to the point and had a way about his voice that made every flirt an insult and every observance a feeling of aggravation. Watching him and Mae West in MY LITTLE CHICKADEE is to see two of the great comedians trading quips at their best. INTERNATIONAL HOUSE is filled with great comedy talent like Burns & Allen and Rudy Vallee – and had Cab Calloway and Bela Lugosi as bonuses! I haven’t had a chance to see IT’S A GIFT, but YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN co-stars Charlie McCarthy and his puppet Edgar Bergen – and they rule. Plus Eddie Anderson is hilarious in the film. It is very much a funny funny comedy. With this and the Marx Brothers and that Monty Python set… this is a great month for laughs!
November 16th
AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE – Volume Three
Ah, more goodness from Adult Swim! Here’s the Episodes:
*Broodwich
*Total Recarl
*Revenge of the Trees
*Frat Aliens
*Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary
*Kidney Car
*The Cubing
*The Shaving
*The Clowning
*The Dressing
*THE
*The Cloning
*The Last One
Add to that, script pages, deleted scenes, promo pieces and much more and you’ve got the third addition to your Aqua Teen Hunger Force collection. These are nice sets.
BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY – Complete Series
This is about 30 Hours of Gil Gerard and Erin Grey! In otherwords, HEAVEN! Personally, I can’t wait to rewatch the Hawk episodes. I remember as a kid thinking that ship of his was the coolest damn thing ever. And Erin was so damn hot, and damn Lucas for stealing Wilma Deering’s outfit for Padme in Attack of the Clones… only… it sure was hot on Natalie. Sigh… Haven’t heard of any extras on this set, but this is one of the key things this month I’m most looking forward to.
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER – 7th Season
This is that series that THE GRUDGE chick was on. I think it was horror related or something. If memory serves this stuff doesn’t suck much. In fact, it kinda rules in a hardcore asskicking, damn this is too good for TV sort of way. I find myself thinking way too much about Willow. I think it is unhealthy. I promise I’m not stalking her or anything. Can’t say the same about Herc though.
THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (Unrated Edition)
A few glimpses of Riddick’s homeworld and his dreams are actually pretty nice. The FX all look better on the small screen than they did on the big screen. The new scenes have a slight glitch to them when they come in – little on the annoying side. Still hate the design of much of the film, but I liked it a bit more on DVD. The main thing is Vin and that hot as hell girl he’s protecting… well – they’re worth the dvd in my opinion. Extras aren’t all that great, but the new scenes integrated into the film work.
ELF
Wow – I understand why New Line waited so long to release this DVD – but it kinda feels like a timeless classic now. This was one of my favorite films from last year. Will’s Buddy the Elf was just an instant character connection. In someways, he felt like a Pixar character plucked out of one of their films and placed in a Jon Favreau universe. How utterly splendid. The scenes of Buddy on Bob Newhart’s lap are just heaven. The film is just a complete warm blanket on a winter’s eve sort of flick. As for the disc… this is one of those Infinifilm Editions – with a second disc just gorged with extras. There’s two commentaries, one with Favs, the other with that beautiful ‘tard, Will Ferrell. There’s deleted scenes, featurettes out the wazoo, Elf Karaoke – whatever the hell that means and more. This is one of those additions to the Xmas Collection.
FANTASM
Hardcore stars of yesteryear in a Softcore film. You’ll see John Holmes’ monster, but not going in anything. You’ll see TONS of BUSH (the only good kind) and you’ll see lots of humping where you’ll notice limp penises not actually up for much of anything. The 70’s babes have that sort of 70’s thing going and all of it is shot with that 70’s porn FILM look, which is so much better than the look of video crap we get today. Also – the subject matter is kinda fucked up. Here, here they act out repressed sick fantasies of incest with delight. It’s fascinating to watch and notice the differences between yesteryear and today! This was directed by the director of CLOAK AND DAGGER!
FANTASM COMES AGAIN
Of the two, I preferred this one. Mainly because this one has Serena and Rainbeaux Smith… two babes from the era that just absolutely set off the rockets like New Year’s Eve. John Holmes returns, and the sequence with Rainbeaux Smith is fucked up, even if it does take place at a drive-in where they’re watching the first FANTASM. BTW – no silver balls and Tall Man or killer dwarves in these. Serena’s sequence is very very hot. Something about film just gives these actresses a glow that the Video era misses.
FOUL PLAY
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! FOUL PLAY is one of my favorite movies. Chevy and Goldie were magic together in this film. Those weird fucking old ladies playing filthy Scrabble… that laughing hissing boa constrictor… that poor bible salesman from the Wizard of Oz… the entire opera scene at the end (long before I discovered TO CATCH A THIEF) – this is the most playful and successful Hitchcock rip-off ever made. Chevy was never this good. And Dudley Moore just rules in his tiny part here. And that fucking scary ass Albino dude!!! Freaked my shit out. Can’t wait to get this DVD.
THE IRON GIANT (Special Edition)
While no longer my favorite Brad Bird film, I do love this movie. A limited edition cel I bought in L.A. at the Warner Brothers Store signing for THE IRON GIANT hangs in my living room, and the humongous IRON GIANT toy holding Hogarth and chewing down on NCC-1701 is the highest most point of all my toys in the wall of toys in my room. This film is right there with TOY STORY 1 & 2 and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS as my favorite modern age animated films… which the INCREDIBLES just charged right smack into the midst of. Getting to see 8 additional scenes and an alternate opening thrills me. The 13 featurettes, the commentary, the breakdown of two sequences and more all stuffed on this precious disc makes this THE BUY of the month along with that… little film that swept all those Oscars earlier this year. After watching THE INCREDIBLES 30 times by Nov 16th, you’ll be dying for this disc.
THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD
The Film is bliss. Guy Maddin, who is drunk on expressionism, delivers this wondrous little musical gem. This competition for the world’s saddest music is heaven. It’s a crazed film filled with beauty and sadness. Isabella Rosselini has never been more Ingrid Bergman-y than she is in this film… though… it should be noted that I don’t believe Ingrid ever played a double amputee beer legged wealthy beer baroness. But she should have!
TEENAGE CAVEGIRL
I’ve never been able to turn down Cavegirl movies. It’s a weakness brought on from a childhood poster of Raquel Welch from ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. that hung on the back of my door to my room. As a result… women in loin cloths do it for me. It’s also why Moriarty is so hot, he wears loin cloths a lot. Anyway, this was allegedly shot in Bronson Canyons. It will suck. I know this going into this purchase. But I can not stop myself. Lizards and loin cloths. Must buy.
November 23rd
GOZU
Sheer Genius compounded with criminal insanity! The results are something so maddeningly fascinating that you dare not turn away for fear of missing the next assault on your own private grip on reality. Miike is like Lynch, but weird. Heh. Where he pulls his imagery from is best left one of life’s unsought mysteries. For, like a lead character in a Lovecraft story, if you were to find it, it would surely tear you apart!
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Alfonso Cuaron crafted the best of the HARRY POTTER films thus far, and this dvd will be the first of the 3 that I’ve actually purchased. There’s an elegance at play in this film that just makes it so affecting and far more powerful than the previous films. There is a blossoming going on with the kids as actors that you can’t help be notice. They’re truly becoming damn good actors here. The series is reminding me of one of those great old series like the ANDY HARDY movies or the SHERLOCK HOLMES’ of Basil Rathbone… where the actors are growing comfortable in their characters… the way the Classic Trek Crew did in their films. But none of those series had a 3rd chapter this far and way better than the rest of their series to date. Cuaron is a magic man!
THE TERMINAL (2-Disc Collector’s Set)
While not quite as magical as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, I still am quite fond of THE TERMINAL. Unfortunately the movie was mis-marketed as a Romantic Comedy – when in truth this is more about a man fulfilling a last wish. This is a film about family duty. In fact if this film belongs to any genre perse, I’d have to say it was the “MAN ON A MISSION” genre. Navorski gets distracted along the way, but he finds his way. The characters in the ‘terminal’ steal the film for me. As for Catherine Zeta Jones? She’s perfect. I don’t believe we’re ever supposed to love her in this role. She’s that mirage of happiness that a man finds in a desert. She looks like water and shade, but deep down, she’s just another mouth of sand, a pinch of salt to rub into the popped blisters on your feet as you drive forward to your ultimate goal. Beautiful pain, but that’s all she is.
November 30th
Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen – (IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA / EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS / 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH / MYSTERIOUS ISLAND / H.G. WELLS’ FIRST MEN IN THE MOON)
If you already have these titles on DVD – this is nothing more than a repackaging. However, if you don’t have these titles – then here’s an excellent way to pick these up. For you Geek Parents out there. These films are excellent gateway films to raise your children on. Yes, some of these are black and white, but let me tell you. I’ve shown most of these titles over the years at my Saturday Morning Kids Club and the children… all ages… are held in rapt attention. EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS for example… a 6 year old boy came up to me after that screening to declare the film the greatest movie ever made, and when he grew up he was going to remake it, and use NUCLEAR WEAPONS to fight the flying saucers! I told him that was a great idea, and asked him to send me a ticket! You’ll find no objectionable material here, and the stop-motion is captivating to children. I showed my nephew 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH at age 3 – and explained to him that Ymir wasn’t a monster but a hungry baby that was growing really big… and didn’t understand why the men were bothering him. And when Ymir… well at the end, my nephew cried and then played with my Ymir toy for the next month. This set is an excellent way to bring up your kids, the geek way!
HERO
How Miramax could make Zhang Ziyi look unattractive on this DVD is beyond me. How they could make the film look ugly is beyond reason. Look at that packaging. That has got to be the worst possible image for the DVD. That’s awful. Now – the real reason to get this version is for the English versions of Behind The Scenes and the Conversation with Tarantino and the Storyboards. They do have English and French dubs available along with the original Chinese with subtitles in English and Spanish. Frankly, I’m glad I own my original Region 3 – I personally prefer the translation on that disc, but I imagine I’ll prefer the extras on this disc. We’ll see.
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LOST IN SPACE – SEASON 2, Vol 2
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
SPIDER-MAN 2
SPIDER-MAN 2 was one of the great successes of the summer for me. Alfred Molina, bless you. Sam Raimi, bless you. Now, if the next one can be as absolutely breathlessly perfect the way THE INCREDIBLES was… I’ll be completely sated. There’s tons of extras on this DVD which really is a gangbusters release. I can’t wait to pour through the “Ock-umentary” and discover all the tricks to Doc Ock. And I can’t wait to freeze frame on Scott Spiegel.. pizza thief!
Coming In December:
RETURN OF THE KING: Special Edition
Click Here To Visit October’s Picks!
THE BANK DICK had it’s best treatment on Criterion ages ago, but this set is pretty damn nice. It’s the first W.C. Fields set we have thus far, and hopefully if this set does well, maybe Paramount will release his titles that they own. He was and is the king of one line quips. His wit cut straight to the point and had a way about his voice that made every flirt an insult and every observance a feeling of aggravation. Watching him and Mae West in MY LITTLE CHICKADEE is to see two of the great comedians trading quips at their best. INTERNATIONAL HOUSE is filled with great comedy talent like Burns & Allen and Rudy Vallee – and had Cab Calloway and Bela Lugosi as bonuses! I haven’t had a chance to see IT’S A GIFT, but YOU CAN’T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN co-stars Charlie McCarthy and his puppet Edgar Bergen – and they rule. Plus Eddie Anderson is hilarious in the film. It is very much a funny funny comedy. With this and the Marx Brothers and that Monty Python set… this is a great month for laughs!
November 16th
AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE – Volume Three
Ah, more goodness from Adult Swim! Here’s the Episodes:
*Broodwich
*Total Recarl
*Revenge of the Trees
*Frat Aliens
*Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary
*Kidney Car
*The Cubing
*The Shaving
*The Clowning
*The Dressing
*THE
*The Cloning
*The Last One
Add to that, script pages, deleted scenes, promo pieces and much more and you’ve got the third addition to your Aqua Teen Hunger Force collection. These are nice sets.
BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY – Complete Series
This is about 30 Hours of Gil Gerard and Erin Grey! In otherwords, HEAVEN! Personally, I can’t wait to rewatch the Hawk episodes. I remember as a kid thinking that ship of his was the coolest damn thing ever. And Erin was so damn hot, and damn Lucas for stealing Wilma Deering’s outfit for Padme in Attack of the Clones… only… it sure was hot on Natalie. Sigh… Haven’t heard of any extras on this set, but this is one of the key things this month I’m most looking forward to.
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER – 7th Season
This is that series that THE GRUDGE chick was on. I think it was horror related or something. If memory serves this stuff doesn’t suck much. In fact, it kinda rules in a hardcore asskicking, damn this is too good for TV sort of way. I find myself thinking way too much about Willow. I think it is unhealthy. I promise I’m not stalking her or anything. Can’t say the same about Herc though.
THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (Unrated Edition)
A few glimpses of Riddick’s homeworld and his dreams are actually pretty nice. The FX all look better on the small screen than they did on the big screen. The new scenes have a slight glitch to them when they come in – little on the annoying side. Still hate the design of much of the film, but I liked it a bit more on DVD. The main thing is Vin and that hot as hell girl he’s protecting… well – they’re worth the dvd in my opinion. Extras aren’t all that great, but the new scenes integrated into the film work.
ELF
Wow – I understand why New Line waited so long to release this DVD – but it kinda feels like a timeless classic now. This was one of my favorite films from last year. Will’s Buddy the Elf was just an instant character connection. In someways, he felt like a Pixar character plucked out of one of their films and placed in a Jon Favreau universe. How utterly splendid. The scenes of Buddy on Bob Newhart’s lap are just heaven. The film is just a complete warm blanket on a winter’s eve sort of flick. As for the disc… this is one of those Infinifilm Editions – with a second disc just gorged with extras. There’s two commentaries, one with Favs, the other with that beautiful ‘tard, Will Ferrell. There’s deleted scenes, featurettes out the wazoo, Elf Karaoke – whatever the hell that means and more. This is one of those additions to the Xmas Collection.
FANTASM
Hardcore stars of yesteryear in a Softcore film. You’ll see John Holmes’ monster, but not going in anything. You’ll see TONS of BUSH (the only good kind) and you’ll see lots of humping where you’ll notice limp penises not actually up for much of anything. The 70’s babes have that sort of 70’s thing going and all of it is shot with that 70’s porn FILM look, which is so much better than the look of video crap we get today. Also – the subject matter is kinda fucked up. Here, here they act out repressed sick fantasies of incest with delight. It’s fascinating to watch and notice the differences between yesteryear and today! This was directed by the director of CLOAK AND DAGGER!
FANTASM COMES AGAIN
Of the two, I preferred this one. Mainly because this one has Serena and Rainbeaux Smith… two babes from the era that just absolutely set off the rockets like New Year’s Eve. John Holmes returns, and the sequence with Rainbeaux Smith is fucked up, even if it does take place at a drive-in where they’re watching the first FANTASM. BTW – no silver balls and Tall Man or killer dwarves in these. Serena’s sequence is very very hot. Something about film just gives these actresses a glow that the Video era misses.
FOUL PLAY
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! FOUL PLAY is one of my favorite movies. Chevy and Goldie were magic together in this film. Those weird fucking old ladies playing filthy Scrabble… that laughing hissing boa constrictor… that poor bible salesman from the Wizard of Oz… the entire opera scene at the end (long before I discovered TO CATCH A THIEF) – this is the most playful and successful Hitchcock rip-off ever made. Chevy was never this good. And Dudley Moore just rules in his tiny part here. And that fucking scary ass Albino dude!!! Freaked my shit out. Can’t wait to get this DVD.
THE IRON GIANT (Special Edition)
While no longer my favorite Brad Bird film, I do love this movie. A limited edition cel I bought in L.A. at the Warner Brothers Store signing for THE IRON GIANT hangs in my living room, and the humongous IRON GIANT toy holding Hogarth and chewing down on NCC-1701 is the highest most point of all my toys in the wall of toys in my room. This film is right there with TOY STORY 1 & 2 and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS as my favorite modern age animated films… which the INCREDIBLES just charged right smack into the midst of. Getting to see 8 additional scenes and an alternate opening thrills me. The 13 featurettes, the commentary, the breakdown of two sequences and more all stuffed on this precious disc makes this THE BUY of the month along with that… little film that swept all those Oscars earlier this year. After watching THE INCREDIBLES 30 times by Nov 16th, you’ll be dying for this disc.
THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD
The Film is bliss. Guy Maddin, who is drunk on expressionism, delivers this wondrous little musical gem. This competition for the world’s saddest music is heaven. It’s a crazed film filled with beauty and sadness. Isabella Rosselini has never been more Ingrid Bergman-y than she is in this film… though… it should be noted that I don’t believe Ingrid ever played a double amputee beer legged wealthy beer baroness. But she should have!
TEENAGE CAVEGIRL
I’ve never been able to turn down Cavegirl movies. It’s a weakness brought on from a childhood poster of Raquel Welch from ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. that hung on the back of my door to my room. As a result… women in loin cloths do it for me. It’s also why Moriarty is so hot, he wears loin cloths a lot. Anyway, this was allegedly shot in Bronson Canyons. It will suck. I know this going into this purchase. But I can not stop myself. Lizards and loin cloths. Must buy.
November 23rd
GOZU
Sheer Genius compounded with criminal insanity! The results are something so maddeningly fascinating that you dare not turn away for fear of missing the next assault on your own private grip on reality. Miike is like Lynch, but weird. Heh. Where he pulls his imagery from is best left one of life’s unsought mysteries. For, like a lead character in a Lovecraft story, if you were to find it, it would surely tear you apart!
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Alfonso Cuaron crafted the best of the HARRY POTTER films thus far, and this dvd will be the first of the 3 that I’ve actually purchased. There’s an elegance at play in this film that just makes it so affecting and far more powerful than the previous films. There is a blossoming going on with the kids as actors that you can’t help be notice. They’re truly becoming damn good actors here. The series is reminding me of one of those great old series like the ANDY HARDY movies or the SHERLOCK HOLMES’ of Basil Rathbone… where the actors are growing comfortable in their characters… the way the Classic Trek Crew did in their films. But none of those series had a 3rd chapter this far and way better than the rest of their series to date. Cuaron is a magic man!
THE TERMINAL (2-Disc Collector’s Set)
While not quite as magical as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, I still am quite fond of THE TERMINAL. Unfortunately the movie was mis-marketed as a Romantic Comedy – when in truth this is more about a man fulfilling a last wish. This is a film about family duty. In fact if this film belongs to any genre perse, I’d have to say it was the “MAN ON A MISSION” genre. Navorski gets distracted along the way, but he finds his way. The characters in the ‘terminal’ steal the film for me. As for Catherine Zeta Jones? She’s perfect. I don’t believe we’re ever supposed to love her in this role. She’s that mirage of happiness that a man finds in a desert. She looks like water and shade, but deep down, she’s just another mouth of sand, a pinch of salt to rub into the popped blisters on your feet as you drive forward to your ultimate goal. Beautiful pain, but that’s all she is.
November 30th
Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen – (IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA / EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS / 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH / MYSTERIOUS ISLAND / H.G. WELLS’ FIRST MEN IN THE MOON)
If you already have these titles on DVD – this is nothing more than a repackaging. However, if you don’t have these titles – then here’s an excellent way to pick these up. For you Geek Parents out there. These films are excellent gateway films to raise your children on. Yes, some of these are black and white, but let me tell you. I’ve shown most of these titles over the years at my Saturday Morning Kids Club and the children… all ages… are held in rapt attention. EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS for example… a 6 year old boy came up to me after that screening to declare the film the greatest movie ever made, and when he grew up he was going to remake it, and use NUCLEAR WEAPONS to fight the flying saucers! I told him that was a great idea, and asked him to send me a ticket! You’ll find no objectionable material here, and the stop-motion is captivating to children. I showed my nephew 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH at age 3 – and explained to him that Ymir wasn’t a monster but a hungry baby that was growing really big… and didn’t understand why the men were bothering him. And when Ymir… well at the end, my nephew cried and then played with my Ymir toy for the next month. This set is an excellent way to bring up your kids, the geek way!
HERO
How Miramax could make Zhang Ziyi look unattractive on this DVD is beyond me. How they could make the film look ugly is beyond reason. Look at that packaging. That has got to be the worst possible image for the DVD. That’s awful. Now – the real reason to get this version is for the English versions of Behind The Scenes and the Conversation with Tarantino and the Storyboards. They do have English and French dubs available along with the original Chinese with subtitles in English and Spanish. Frankly, I’m glad I own my original Region 3 – I personally prefer the translation on that disc, but I imagine I’ll prefer the extras on this disc. We’ll see.
![]()
LOST IN SPACE – SEASON 2, Vol 2
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
SPIDER-MAN 2
SPIDER-MAN 2 was one of the great successes of the summer for me. Alfred Molina, bless you. Sam Raimi, bless you. Now, if the next one can be as absolutely breathlessly perfect the way THE INCREDIBLES was… I’ll be completely sated. There’s tons of extras on this DVD which really is a gangbusters release. I can’t wait to pour through the “Ock-umentary” and discover all the tricks to Doc Ock. And I can’t wait to freeze frame on Scott Spiegel.. pizza thief!
Coming In December:
RETURN OF THE KING: Special Edition
Click Here To Visit October’s Picks!
Ah, more goodness from Adult Swim! Here’s the Episodes:
*Broodwich
*Total Recarl
*Revenge of the Trees
*Frat Aliens
*Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary
*Kidney Car
*The Cubing
*The Shaving
*The Clowning
*The Dressing
*THE
*The Cloning
*The Last One
Add to that, script pages, deleted scenes, promo pieces and much more and you’ve got the third addition to your Aqua Teen Hunger Force collection. These are nice sets.
BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY – Complete Series
This is about 30 Hours of Gil Gerard and Erin Grey! In otherwords, HEAVEN! Personally, I can’t wait to rewatch the Hawk episodes. I remember as a kid thinking that ship of his was the coolest damn thing ever. And Erin was so damn hot, and damn Lucas for stealing Wilma Deering’s outfit for Padme in Attack of the Clones… only… it sure was hot on Natalie. Sigh… Haven’t heard of any extras on this set, but this is one of the key things this month I’m most looking forward to.
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER – 7th Season
This is that series that THE GRUDGE chick was on. I think it was horror related or something. If memory serves this stuff doesn’t suck much. In fact, it kinda rules in a hardcore asskicking, damn this is too good for TV sort of way. I find myself thinking way too much about Willow. I think it is unhealthy. I promise I’m not stalking her or anything. Can’t say the same about Herc though.
THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (Unrated Edition)
A few glimpses of Riddick’s homeworld and his dreams are actually pretty nice. The FX all look better on the small screen than they did on the big screen. The new scenes have a slight glitch to them when they come in – little on the annoying side. Still hate the design of much of the film, but I liked it a bit more on DVD. The main thing is Vin and that hot as hell girl he’s protecting… well – they’re worth the dvd in my opinion. Extras aren’t all that great, but the new scenes integrated into the film work.
ELF
Wow – I understand why New Line waited so long to release this DVD – but it kinda feels like a timeless classic now. This was one of my favorite films from last year. Will’s Buddy the Elf was just an instant character connection. In someways, he felt like a Pixar character plucked out of one of their films and placed in a Jon Favreau universe. How utterly splendid. The scenes of Buddy on Bob Newhart’s lap are just heaven. The film is just a complete warm blanket on a winter’s eve sort of flick. As for the disc… this is one of those Infinifilm Editions – with a second disc just gorged with extras. There’s two commentaries, one with Favs, the other with that beautiful ‘tard, Will Ferrell. There’s deleted scenes, featurettes out the wazoo, Elf Karaoke – whatever the hell that means and more. This is one of those additions to the Xmas Collection.
FANTASM
Hardcore stars of yesteryear in a Softcore film. You’ll see John Holmes’ monster, but not going in anything. You’ll see TONS of BUSH (the only good kind) and you’ll see lots of humping where you’ll notice limp penises not actually up for much of anything. The 70’s babes have that sort of 70’s thing going and all of it is shot with that 70’s porn FILM look, which is so much better than the look of video crap we get today. Also – the subject matter is kinda fucked up. Here, here they act out repressed sick fantasies of incest with delight. It’s fascinating to watch and notice the differences between yesteryear and today! This was directed by the director of CLOAK AND DAGGER!
FANTASM COMES AGAIN
Of the two, I preferred this one. Mainly because this one has Serena and Rainbeaux Smith… two babes from the era that just absolutely set off the rockets like New Year’s Eve. John Holmes returns, and the sequence with Rainbeaux Smith is fucked up, even if it does take place at a drive-in where they’re watching the first FANTASM. BTW – no silver balls and Tall Man or killer dwarves in these. Serena’s sequence is very very hot. Something about film just gives these actresses a glow that the Video era misses.
FOUL PLAY
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! FOUL PLAY is one of my favorite movies. Chevy and Goldie were magic together in this film. Those weird fucking old ladies playing filthy Scrabble… that laughing hissing boa constrictor… that poor bible salesman from the Wizard of Oz… the entire opera scene at the end (long before I discovered TO CATCH A THIEF) – this is the most playful and successful Hitchcock rip-off ever made. Chevy was never this good. And Dudley Moore just rules in his tiny part here. And that fucking scary ass Albino dude!!! Freaked my shit out. Can’t wait to get this DVD.
THE IRON GIANT (Special Edition)
While no longer my favorite Brad Bird film, I do love this movie. A limited edition cel I bought in L.A. at the Warner Brothers Store signing for THE IRON GIANT hangs in my living room, and the humongous IRON GIANT toy holding Hogarth and chewing down on NCC-1701 is the highest most point of all my toys in the wall of toys in my room. This film is right there with TOY STORY 1 & 2 and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS as my favorite modern age animated films… which the INCREDIBLES just charged right smack into the midst of. Getting to see 8 additional scenes and an alternate opening thrills me. The 13 featurettes, the commentary, the breakdown of two sequences and more all stuffed on this precious disc makes this THE BUY of the month along with that… little film that swept all those Oscars earlier this year. After watching THE INCREDIBLES 30 times by Nov 16th, you’ll be dying for this disc.
THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD
The Film is bliss. Guy Maddin, who is drunk on expressionism, delivers this wondrous little musical gem. This competition for the world’s saddest music is heaven. It’s a crazed film filled with beauty and sadness. Isabella Rosselini has never been more Ingrid Bergman-y than she is in this film… though… it should be noted that I don’t believe Ingrid ever played a double amputee beer legged wealthy beer baroness. But she should have!
TEENAGE CAVEGIRL
I’ve never been able to turn down Cavegirl movies. It’s a weakness brought on from a childhood poster of Raquel Welch from ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. that hung on the back of my door to my room. As a result… women in loin cloths do it for me. It’s also why Moriarty is so hot, he wears loin cloths a lot. Anyway, this was allegedly shot in Bronson Canyons. It will suck. I know this going into this purchase. But I can not stop myself. Lizards and loin cloths. Must buy.
November 23rd
GOZU
Sheer Genius compounded with criminal insanity! The results are something so maddeningly fascinating that you dare not turn away for fear of missing the next assault on your own private grip on reality. Miike is like Lynch, but weird. Heh. Where he pulls his imagery from is best left one of life’s unsought mysteries. For, like a lead character in a Lovecraft story, if you were to find it, it would surely tear you apart!
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Alfonso Cuaron crafted the best of the HARRY POTTER films thus far, and this dvd will be the first of the 3 that I’ve actually purchased. There’s an elegance at play in this film that just makes it so affecting and far more powerful than the previous films. There is a blossoming going on with the kids as actors that you can’t help be notice. They’re truly becoming damn good actors here. The series is reminding me of one of those great old series like the ANDY HARDY movies or the SHERLOCK HOLMES’ of Basil Rathbone… where the actors are growing comfortable in their characters… the way the Classic Trek Crew did in their films. But none of those series had a 3rd chapter this far and way better than the rest of their series to date. Cuaron is a magic man!
THE TERMINAL (2-Disc Collector’s Set)
While not quite as magical as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, I still am quite fond of THE TERMINAL. Unfortunately the movie was mis-marketed as a Romantic Comedy – when in truth this is more about a man fulfilling a last wish. This is a film about family duty. In fact if this film belongs to any genre perse, I’d have to say it was the “MAN ON A MISSION” genre. Navorski gets distracted along the way, but he finds his way. The characters in the ‘terminal’ steal the film for me. As for Catherine Zeta Jones? She’s perfect. I don’t believe we’re ever supposed to love her in this role. She’s that mirage of happiness that a man finds in a desert. She looks like water and shade, but deep down, she’s just another mouth of sand, a pinch of salt to rub into the popped blisters on your feet as you drive forward to your ultimate goal. Beautiful pain, but that’s all she is.
November 30th
Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen – (IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA / EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS / 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH / MYSTERIOUS ISLAND / H.G. WELLS’ FIRST MEN IN THE MOON)
If you already have these titles on DVD – this is nothing more than a repackaging. However, if you don’t have these titles – then here’s an excellent way to pick these up. For you Geek Parents out there. These films are excellent gateway films to raise your children on. Yes, some of these are black and white, but let me tell you. I’ve shown most of these titles over the years at my Saturday Morning Kids Club and the children… all ages… are held in rapt attention. EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS for example… a 6 year old boy came up to me after that screening to declare the film the greatest movie ever made, and when he grew up he was going to remake it, and use NUCLEAR WEAPONS to fight the flying saucers! I told him that was a great idea, and asked him to send me a ticket! You’ll find no objectionable material here, and the stop-motion is captivating to children. I showed my nephew 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH at age 3 – and explained to him that Ymir wasn’t a monster but a hungry baby that was growing really big… and didn’t understand why the men were bothering him. And when Ymir… well at the end, my nephew cried and then played with my Ymir toy for the next month. This set is an excellent way to bring up your kids, the geek way!
HERO
How Miramax could make Zhang Ziyi look unattractive on this DVD is beyond me. How they could make the film look ugly is beyond reason. Look at that packaging. That has got to be the worst possible image for the DVD. That’s awful. Now – the real reason to get this version is for the English versions of Behind The Scenes and the Conversation with Tarantino and the Storyboards. They do have English and French dubs available along with the original Chinese with subtitles in English and Spanish. Frankly, I’m glad I own my original Region 3 – I personally prefer the translation on that disc, but I imagine I’ll prefer the extras on this disc. We’ll see.
![]()
LOST IN SPACE – SEASON 2, Vol 2
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
SPIDER-MAN 2
SPIDER-MAN 2 was one of the great successes of the summer for me. Alfred Molina, bless you. Sam Raimi, bless you. Now, if the next one can be as absolutely breathlessly perfect the way THE INCREDIBLES was… I’ll be completely sated. There’s tons of extras on this DVD which really is a gangbusters release. I can’t wait to pour through the “Ock-umentary” and discover all the tricks to Doc Ock. And I can’t wait to freeze frame on Scott Spiegel.. pizza thief!
Coming In December:
RETURN OF THE KING: Special Edition
Click Here To Visit October’s Picks!
This is that series that THE GRUDGE chick was on. I think it was horror related or something. If memory serves this stuff doesn’t suck much. In fact, it kinda rules in a hardcore asskicking, damn this is too good for TV sort of way. I find myself thinking way too much about Willow. I think it is unhealthy. I promise I’m not stalking her or anything. Can’t say the same about Herc though.
THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK (Unrated Edition)
A few glimpses of Riddick’s homeworld and his dreams are actually pretty nice. The FX all look better on the small screen than they did on the big screen. The new scenes have a slight glitch to them when they come in – little on the annoying side. Still hate the design of much of the film, but I liked it a bit more on DVD. The main thing is Vin and that hot as hell girl he’s protecting… well – they’re worth the dvd in my opinion. Extras aren’t all that great, but the new scenes integrated into the film work.
ELF
Wow – I understand why New Line waited so long to release this DVD – but it kinda feels like a timeless classic now. This was one of my favorite films from last year. Will’s Buddy the Elf was just an instant character connection. In someways, he felt like a Pixar character plucked out of one of their films and placed in a Jon Favreau universe. How utterly splendid. The scenes of Buddy on Bob Newhart’s lap are just heaven. The film is just a complete warm blanket on a winter’s eve sort of flick. As for the disc… this is one of those Infinifilm Editions – with a second disc just gorged with extras. There’s two commentaries, one with Favs, the other with that beautiful ‘tard, Will Ferrell. There’s deleted scenes, featurettes out the wazoo, Elf Karaoke – whatever the hell that means and more. This is one of those additions to the Xmas Collection.
FANTASM
Hardcore stars of yesteryear in a Softcore film. You’ll see John Holmes’ monster, but not going in anything. You’ll see TONS of BUSH (the only good kind) and you’ll see lots of humping where you’ll notice limp penises not actually up for much of anything. The 70’s babes have that sort of 70’s thing going and all of it is shot with that 70’s porn FILM look, which is so much better than the look of video crap we get today. Also – the subject matter is kinda fucked up. Here, here they act out repressed sick fantasies of incest with delight. It’s fascinating to watch and notice the differences between yesteryear and today! This was directed by the director of CLOAK AND DAGGER!
FANTASM COMES AGAIN
Of the two, I preferred this one. Mainly because this one has Serena and Rainbeaux Smith… two babes from the era that just absolutely set off the rockets like New Year’s Eve. John Holmes returns, and the sequence with Rainbeaux Smith is fucked up, even if it does take place at a drive-in where they’re watching the first FANTASM. BTW – no silver balls and Tall Man or killer dwarves in these. Serena’s sequence is very very hot. Something about film just gives these actresses a glow that the Video era misses.
FOUL PLAY
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! FOUL PLAY is one of my favorite movies. Chevy and Goldie were magic together in this film. Those weird fucking old ladies playing filthy Scrabble… that laughing hissing boa constrictor… that poor bible salesman from the Wizard of Oz… the entire opera scene at the end (long before I discovered TO CATCH A THIEF) – this is the most playful and successful Hitchcock rip-off ever made. Chevy was never this good. And Dudley Moore just rules in his tiny part here. And that fucking scary ass Albino dude!!! Freaked my shit out. Can’t wait to get this DVD.
THE IRON GIANT (Special Edition)
While no longer my favorite Brad Bird film, I do love this movie. A limited edition cel I bought in L.A. at the Warner Brothers Store signing for THE IRON GIANT hangs in my living room, and the humongous IRON GIANT toy holding Hogarth and chewing down on NCC-1701 is the highest most point of all my toys in the wall of toys in my room. This film is right there with TOY STORY 1 & 2 and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS as my favorite modern age animated films… which the INCREDIBLES just charged right smack into the midst of. Getting to see 8 additional scenes and an alternate opening thrills me. The 13 featurettes, the commentary, the breakdown of two sequences and more all stuffed on this precious disc makes this THE BUY of the month along with that… little film that swept all those Oscars earlier this year. After watching THE INCREDIBLES 30 times by Nov 16th, you’ll be dying for this disc.
THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD
The Film is bliss. Guy Maddin, who is drunk on expressionism, delivers this wondrous little musical gem. This competition for the world’s saddest music is heaven. It’s a crazed film filled with beauty and sadness. Isabella Rosselini has never been more Ingrid Bergman-y than she is in this film… though… it should be noted that I don’t believe Ingrid ever played a double amputee beer legged wealthy beer baroness. But she should have!
TEENAGE CAVEGIRL
I’ve never been able to turn down Cavegirl movies. It’s a weakness brought on from a childhood poster of Raquel Welch from ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. that hung on the back of my door to my room. As a result… women in loin cloths do it for me. It’s also why Moriarty is so hot, he wears loin cloths a lot. Anyway, this was allegedly shot in Bronson Canyons. It will suck. I know this going into this purchase. But I can not stop myself. Lizards and loin cloths. Must buy.
November 23rd
GOZU
Sheer Genius compounded with criminal insanity! The results are something so maddeningly fascinating that you dare not turn away for fear of missing the next assault on your own private grip on reality. Miike is like Lynch, but weird. Heh. Where he pulls his imagery from is best left one of life’s unsought mysteries. For, like a lead character in a Lovecraft story, if you were to find it, it would surely tear you apart!
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Alfonso Cuaron crafted the best of the HARRY POTTER films thus far, and this dvd will be the first of the 3 that I’ve actually purchased. There’s an elegance at play in this film that just makes it so affecting and far more powerful than the previous films. There is a blossoming going on with the kids as actors that you can’t help be notice. They’re truly becoming damn good actors here. The series is reminding me of one of those great old series like the ANDY HARDY movies or the SHERLOCK HOLMES’ of Basil Rathbone… where the actors are growing comfortable in their characters… the way the Classic Trek Crew did in their films. But none of those series had a 3rd chapter this far and way better than the rest of their series to date. Cuaron is a magic man!
THE TERMINAL (2-Disc Collector’s Set)
While not quite as magical as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, I still am quite fond of THE TERMINAL. Unfortunately the movie was mis-marketed as a Romantic Comedy – when in truth this is more about a man fulfilling a last wish. This is a film about family duty. In fact if this film belongs to any genre perse, I’d have to say it was the “MAN ON A MISSION” genre. Navorski gets distracted along the way, but he finds his way. The characters in the ‘terminal’ steal the film for me. As for Catherine Zeta Jones? She’s perfect. I don’t believe we’re ever supposed to love her in this role. She’s that mirage of happiness that a man finds in a desert. She looks like water and shade, but deep down, she’s just another mouth of sand, a pinch of salt to rub into the popped blisters on your feet as you drive forward to your ultimate goal. Beautiful pain, but that’s all she is.
November 30th
Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen – (IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA / EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS / 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH / MYSTERIOUS ISLAND / H.G. WELLS’ FIRST MEN IN THE MOON)
If you already have these titles on DVD – this is nothing more than a repackaging. However, if you don’t have these titles – then here’s an excellent way to pick these up. For you Geek Parents out there. These films are excellent gateway films to raise your children on. Yes, some of these are black and white, but let me tell you. I’ve shown most of these titles over the years at my Saturday Morning Kids Club and the children… all ages… are held in rapt attention. EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS for example… a 6 year old boy came up to me after that screening to declare the film the greatest movie ever made, and when he grew up he was going to remake it, and use NUCLEAR WEAPONS to fight the flying saucers! I told him that was a great idea, and asked him to send me a ticket! You’ll find no objectionable material here, and the stop-motion is captivating to children. I showed my nephew 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH at age 3 – and explained to him that Ymir wasn’t a monster but a hungry baby that was growing really big… and didn’t understand why the men were bothering him. And when Ymir… well at the end, my nephew cried and then played with my Ymir toy for the next month. This set is an excellent way to bring up your kids, the geek way!
HERO
How Miramax could make Zhang Ziyi look unattractive on this DVD is beyond me. How they could make the film look ugly is beyond reason. Look at that packaging. That has got to be the worst possible image for the DVD. That’s awful. Now – the real reason to get this version is for the English versions of Behind The Scenes and the Conversation with Tarantino and the Storyboards. They do have English and French dubs available along with the original Chinese with subtitles in English and Spanish. Frankly, I’m glad I own my original Region 3 – I personally prefer the translation on that disc, but I imagine I’ll prefer the extras on this disc. We’ll see.
![]()
LOST IN SPACE – SEASON 2, Vol 2
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
SPIDER-MAN 2
SPIDER-MAN 2 was one of the great successes of the summer for me. Alfred Molina, bless you. Sam Raimi, bless you. Now, if the next one can be as absolutely breathlessly perfect the way THE INCREDIBLES was… I’ll be completely sated. There’s tons of extras on this DVD which really is a gangbusters release. I can’t wait to pour through the “Ock-umentary” and discover all the tricks to Doc Ock. And I can’t wait to freeze frame on Scott Spiegel.. pizza thief!
Coming In December:
RETURN OF THE KING: Special Edition
Click Here To Visit October’s Picks!
Wow – I understand why New Line waited so long to release this DVD – but it kinda feels like a timeless classic now. This was one of my favorite films from last year. Will’s Buddy the Elf was just an instant character connection. In someways, he felt like a Pixar character plucked out of one of their films and placed in a Jon Favreau universe. How utterly splendid. The scenes of Buddy on Bob Newhart’s lap are just heaven. The film is just a complete warm blanket on a winter’s eve sort of flick. As for the disc… this is one of those Infinifilm Editions – with a second disc just gorged with extras. There’s two commentaries, one with Favs, the other with that beautiful ‘tard, Will Ferrell. There’s deleted scenes, featurettes out the wazoo, Elf Karaoke – whatever the hell that means and more. This is one of those additions to the Xmas Collection.
FANTASM
Hardcore stars of yesteryear in a Softcore film. You’ll see John Holmes’ monster, but not going in anything. You’ll see TONS of BUSH (the only good kind) and you’ll see lots of humping where you’ll notice limp penises not actually up for much of anything. The 70’s babes have that sort of 70’s thing going and all of it is shot with that 70’s porn FILM look, which is so much better than the look of video crap we get today. Also – the subject matter is kinda fucked up. Here, here they act out repressed sick fantasies of incest with delight. It’s fascinating to watch and notice the differences between yesteryear and today! This was directed by the director of CLOAK AND DAGGER!
FANTASM COMES AGAIN
Of the two, I preferred this one. Mainly because this one has Serena and Rainbeaux Smith… two babes from the era that just absolutely set off the rockets like New Year’s Eve. John Holmes returns, and the sequence with Rainbeaux Smith is fucked up, even if it does take place at a drive-in where they’re watching the first FANTASM. BTW – no silver balls and Tall Man or killer dwarves in these. Serena’s sequence is very very hot. Something about film just gives these actresses a glow that the Video era misses.
FOUL PLAY
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! FOUL PLAY is one of my favorite movies. Chevy and Goldie were magic together in this film. Those weird fucking old ladies playing filthy Scrabble… that laughing hissing boa constrictor… that poor bible salesman from the Wizard of Oz… the entire opera scene at the end (long before I discovered TO CATCH A THIEF) – this is the most playful and successful Hitchcock rip-off ever made. Chevy was never this good. And Dudley Moore just rules in his tiny part here. And that fucking scary ass Albino dude!!! Freaked my shit out. Can’t wait to get this DVD.
THE IRON GIANT (Special Edition)
While no longer my favorite Brad Bird film, I do love this movie. A limited edition cel I bought in L.A. at the Warner Brothers Store signing for THE IRON GIANT hangs in my living room, and the humongous IRON GIANT toy holding Hogarth and chewing down on NCC-1701 is the highest most point of all my toys in the wall of toys in my room. This film is right there with TOY STORY 1 & 2 and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS as my favorite modern age animated films… which the INCREDIBLES just charged right smack into the midst of. Getting to see 8 additional scenes and an alternate opening thrills me. The 13 featurettes, the commentary, the breakdown of two sequences and more all stuffed on this precious disc makes this THE BUY of the month along with that… little film that swept all those Oscars earlier this year. After watching THE INCREDIBLES 30 times by Nov 16th, you’ll be dying for this disc.
THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD
The Film is bliss. Guy Maddin, who is drunk on expressionism, delivers this wondrous little musical gem. This competition for the world’s saddest music is heaven. It’s a crazed film filled with beauty and sadness. Isabella Rosselini has never been more Ingrid Bergman-y than she is in this film… though… it should be noted that I don’t believe Ingrid ever played a double amputee beer legged wealthy beer baroness. But she should have!
TEENAGE CAVEGIRL
I’ve never been able to turn down Cavegirl movies. It’s a weakness brought on from a childhood poster of Raquel Welch from ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. that hung on the back of my door to my room. As a result… women in loin cloths do it for me. It’s also why Moriarty is so hot, he wears loin cloths a lot. Anyway, this was allegedly shot in Bronson Canyons. It will suck. I know this going into this purchase. But I can not stop myself. Lizards and loin cloths. Must buy.
November 23rd
GOZU
Sheer Genius compounded with criminal insanity! The results are something so maddeningly fascinating that you dare not turn away for fear of missing the next assault on your own private grip on reality. Miike is like Lynch, but weird. Heh. Where he pulls his imagery from is best left one of life’s unsought mysteries. For, like a lead character in a Lovecraft story, if you were to find it, it would surely tear you apart!
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Alfonso Cuaron crafted the best of the HARRY POTTER films thus far, and this dvd will be the first of the 3 that I’ve actually purchased. There’s an elegance at play in this film that just makes it so affecting and far more powerful than the previous films. There is a blossoming going on with the kids as actors that you can’t help be notice. They’re truly becoming damn good actors here. The series is reminding me of one of those great old series like the ANDY HARDY movies or the SHERLOCK HOLMES’ of Basil Rathbone… where the actors are growing comfortable in their characters… the way the Classic Trek Crew did in their films. But none of those series had a 3rd chapter this far and way better than the rest of their series to date. Cuaron is a magic man!
THE TERMINAL (2-Disc Collector’s Set)
While not quite as magical as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, I still am quite fond of THE TERMINAL. Unfortunately the movie was mis-marketed as a Romantic Comedy – when in truth this is more about a man fulfilling a last wish. This is a film about family duty. In fact if this film belongs to any genre perse, I’d have to say it was the “MAN ON A MISSION” genre. Navorski gets distracted along the way, but he finds his way. The characters in the ‘terminal’ steal the film for me. As for Catherine Zeta Jones? She’s perfect. I don’t believe we’re ever supposed to love her in this role. She’s that mirage of happiness that a man finds in a desert. She looks like water and shade, but deep down, she’s just another mouth of sand, a pinch of salt to rub into the popped blisters on your feet as you drive forward to your ultimate goal. Beautiful pain, but that’s all she is.
November 30th
Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen – (IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA / EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS / 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH / MYSTERIOUS ISLAND / H.G. WELLS’ FIRST MEN IN THE MOON)
If you already have these titles on DVD – this is nothing more than a repackaging. However, if you don’t have these titles – then here’s an excellent way to pick these up. For you Geek Parents out there. These films are excellent gateway films to raise your children on. Yes, some of these are black and white, but let me tell you. I’ve shown most of these titles over the years at my Saturday Morning Kids Club and the children… all ages… are held in rapt attention. EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS for example… a 6 year old boy came up to me after that screening to declare the film the greatest movie ever made, and when he grew up he was going to remake it, and use NUCLEAR WEAPONS to fight the flying saucers! I told him that was a great idea, and asked him to send me a ticket! You’ll find no objectionable material here, and the stop-motion is captivating to children. I showed my nephew 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH at age 3 – and explained to him that Ymir wasn’t a monster but a hungry baby that was growing really big… and didn’t understand why the men were bothering him. And when Ymir… well at the end, my nephew cried and then played with my Ymir toy for the next month. This set is an excellent way to bring up your kids, the geek way!
HERO
How Miramax could make Zhang Ziyi look unattractive on this DVD is beyond me. How they could make the film look ugly is beyond reason. Look at that packaging. That has got to be the worst possible image for the DVD. That’s awful. Now – the real reason to get this version is for the English versions of Behind The Scenes and the Conversation with Tarantino and the Storyboards. They do have English and French dubs available along with the original Chinese with subtitles in English and Spanish. Frankly, I’m glad I own my original Region 3 – I personally prefer the translation on that disc, but I imagine I’ll prefer the extras on this disc. We’ll see.
![]()
LOST IN SPACE – SEASON 2, Vol 2
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
SPIDER-MAN 2
SPIDER-MAN 2 was one of the great successes of the summer for me. Alfred Molina, bless you. Sam Raimi, bless you. Now, if the next one can be as absolutely breathlessly perfect the way THE INCREDIBLES was… I’ll be completely sated. There’s tons of extras on this DVD which really is a gangbusters release. I can’t wait to pour through the “Ock-umentary” and discover all the tricks to Doc Ock. And I can’t wait to freeze frame on Scott Spiegel.. pizza thief!
Coming In December:
RETURN OF THE KING: Special Edition
Click Here To Visit October’s Picks!
Of the two, I preferred this one. Mainly because this one has Serena and Rainbeaux Smith… two babes from the era that just absolutely set off the rockets like New Year’s Eve. John Holmes returns, and the sequence with Rainbeaux Smith is fucked up, even if it does take place at a drive-in where they’re watching the first FANTASM. BTW – no silver balls and Tall Man or killer dwarves in these. Serena’s sequence is very very hot. Something about film just gives these actresses a glow that the Video era misses.
FOUL PLAY
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! FOUL PLAY is one of my favorite movies. Chevy and Goldie were magic together in this film. Those weird fucking old ladies playing filthy Scrabble… that laughing hissing boa constrictor… that poor bible salesman from the Wizard of Oz… the entire opera scene at the end (long before I discovered TO CATCH A THIEF) – this is the most playful and successful Hitchcock rip-off ever made. Chevy was never this good. And Dudley Moore just rules in his tiny part here. And that fucking scary ass Albino dude!!! Freaked my shit out. Can’t wait to get this DVD.
THE IRON GIANT (Special Edition)
While no longer my favorite Brad Bird film, I do love this movie. A limited edition cel I bought in L.A. at the Warner Brothers Store signing for THE IRON GIANT hangs in my living room, and the humongous IRON GIANT toy holding Hogarth and chewing down on NCC-1701 is the highest most point of all my toys in the wall of toys in my room. This film is right there with TOY STORY 1 & 2 and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS as my favorite modern age animated films… which the INCREDIBLES just charged right smack into the midst of. Getting to see 8 additional scenes and an alternate opening thrills me. The 13 featurettes, the commentary, the breakdown of two sequences and more all stuffed on this precious disc makes this THE BUY of the month along with that… little film that swept all those Oscars earlier this year. After watching THE INCREDIBLES 30 times by Nov 16th, you’ll be dying for this disc.
THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD
The Film is bliss. Guy Maddin, who is drunk on expressionism, delivers this wondrous little musical gem. This competition for the world’s saddest music is heaven. It’s a crazed film filled with beauty and sadness. Isabella Rosselini has never been more Ingrid Bergman-y than she is in this film… though… it should be noted that I don’t believe Ingrid ever played a double amputee beer legged wealthy beer baroness. But she should have!
TEENAGE CAVEGIRL
I’ve never been able to turn down Cavegirl movies. It’s a weakness brought on from a childhood poster of Raquel Welch from ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. that hung on the back of my door to my room. As a result… women in loin cloths do it for me. It’s also why Moriarty is so hot, he wears loin cloths a lot. Anyway, this was allegedly shot in Bronson Canyons. It will suck. I know this going into this purchase. But I can not stop myself. Lizards and loin cloths. Must buy.
November 23rd
GOZU
Sheer Genius compounded with criminal insanity! The results are something so maddeningly fascinating that you dare not turn away for fear of missing the next assault on your own private grip on reality. Miike is like Lynch, but weird. Heh. Where he pulls his imagery from is best left one of life’s unsought mysteries. For, like a lead character in a Lovecraft story, if you were to find it, it would surely tear you apart!
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Alfonso Cuaron crafted the best of the HARRY POTTER films thus far, and this dvd will be the first of the 3 that I’ve actually purchased. There’s an elegance at play in this film that just makes it so affecting and far more powerful than the previous films. There is a blossoming going on with the kids as actors that you can’t help be notice. They’re truly becoming damn good actors here. The series is reminding me of one of those great old series like the ANDY HARDY movies or the SHERLOCK HOLMES’ of Basil Rathbone… where the actors are growing comfortable in their characters… the way the Classic Trek Crew did in their films. But none of those series had a 3rd chapter this far and way better than the rest of their series to date. Cuaron is a magic man!
THE TERMINAL (2-Disc Collector’s Set)
While not quite as magical as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, I still am quite fond of THE TERMINAL. Unfortunately the movie was mis-marketed as a Romantic Comedy – when in truth this is more about a man fulfilling a last wish. This is a film about family duty. In fact if this film belongs to any genre perse, I’d have to say it was the “MAN ON A MISSION” genre. Navorski gets distracted along the way, but he finds his way. The characters in the ‘terminal’ steal the film for me. As for Catherine Zeta Jones? She’s perfect. I don’t believe we’re ever supposed to love her in this role. She’s that mirage of happiness that a man finds in a desert. She looks like water and shade, but deep down, she’s just another mouth of sand, a pinch of salt to rub into the popped blisters on your feet as you drive forward to your ultimate goal. Beautiful pain, but that’s all she is.
November 30th
Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen – (IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA / EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS / 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH / MYSTERIOUS ISLAND / H.G. WELLS’ FIRST MEN IN THE MOON)
If you already have these titles on DVD – this is nothing more than a repackaging. However, if you don’t have these titles – then here’s an excellent way to pick these up. For you Geek Parents out there. These films are excellent gateway films to raise your children on. Yes, some of these are black and white, but let me tell you. I’ve shown most of these titles over the years at my Saturday Morning Kids Club and the children… all ages… are held in rapt attention. EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS for example… a 6 year old boy came up to me after that screening to declare the film the greatest movie ever made, and when he grew up he was going to remake it, and use NUCLEAR WEAPONS to fight the flying saucers! I told him that was a great idea, and asked him to send me a ticket! You’ll find no objectionable material here, and the stop-motion is captivating to children. I showed my nephew 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH at age 3 – and explained to him that Ymir wasn’t a monster but a hungry baby that was growing really big… and didn’t understand why the men were bothering him. And when Ymir… well at the end, my nephew cried and then played with my Ymir toy for the next month. This set is an excellent way to bring up your kids, the geek way!
HERO
How Miramax could make Zhang Ziyi look unattractive on this DVD is beyond me. How they could make the film look ugly is beyond reason. Look at that packaging. That has got to be the worst possible image for the DVD. That’s awful. Now – the real reason to get this version is for the English versions of Behind The Scenes and the Conversation with Tarantino and the Storyboards. They do have English and French dubs available along with the original Chinese with subtitles in English and Spanish. Frankly, I’m glad I own my original Region 3 – I personally prefer the translation on that disc, but I imagine I’ll prefer the extras on this disc. We’ll see.
![]()
LOST IN SPACE – SEASON 2, Vol 2
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
SPIDER-MAN 2
SPIDER-MAN 2 was one of the great successes of the summer for me. Alfred Molina, bless you. Sam Raimi, bless you. Now, if the next one can be as absolutely breathlessly perfect the way THE INCREDIBLES was… I’ll be completely sated. There’s tons of extras on this DVD which really is a gangbusters release. I can’t wait to pour through the “Ock-umentary” and discover all the tricks to Doc Ock. And I can’t wait to freeze frame on Scott Spiegel.. pizza thief!
Coming In December:
RETURN OF THE KING: Special Edition
Click Here To Visit October’s Picks!
While no longer my favorite Brad Bird film, I do love this movie. A limited edition cel I bought in L.A. at the Warner Brothers Store signing for THE IRON GIANT hangs in my living room, and the humongous IRON GIANT toy holding Hogarth and chewing down on NCC-1701 is the highest most point of all my toys in the wall of toys in my room. This film is right there with TOY STORY 1 & 2 and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS as my favorite modern age animated films… which the INCREDIBLES just charged right smack into the midst of. Getting to see 8 additional scenes and an alternate opening thrills me. The 13 featurettes, the commentary, the breakdown of two sequences and more all stuffed on this precious disc makes this THE BUY of the month along with that… little film that swept all those Oscars earlier this year. After watching THE INCREDIBLES 30 times by Nov 16th, you’ll be dying for this disc.
THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD
The Film is bliss. Guy Maddin, who is drunk on expressionism, delivers this wondrous little musical gem. This competition for the world’s saddest music is heaven. It’s a crazed film filled with beauty and sadness. Isabella Rosselini has never been more Ingrid Bergman-y than she is in this film… though… it should be noted that I don’t believe Ingrid ever played a double amputee beer legged wealthy beer baroness. But she should have!
TEENAGE CAVEGIRL
I’ve never been able to turn down Cavegirl movies. It’s a weakness brought on from a childhood poster of Raquel Welch from ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. that hung on the back of my door to my room. As a result… women in loin cloths do it for me. It’s also why Moriarty is so hot, he wears loin cloths a lot. Anyway, this was allegedly shot in Bronson Canyons. It will suck. I know this going into this purchase. But I can not stop myself. Lizards and loin cloths. Must buy.
November 23rd
GOZU
Sheer Genius compounded with criminal insanity! The results are something so maddeningly fascinating that you dare not turn away for fear of missing the next assault on your own private grip on reality. Miike is like Lynch, but weird. Heh. Where he pulls his imagery from is best left one of life’s unsought mysteries. For, like a lead character in a Lovecraft story, if you were to find it, it would surely tear you apart!
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Alfonso Cuaron crafted the best of the HARRY POTTER films thus far, and this dvd will be the first of the 3 that I’ve actually purchased. There’s an elegance at play in this film that just makes it so affecting and far more powerful than the previous films. There is a blossoming going on with the kids as actors that you can’t help be notice. They’re truly becoming damn good actors here. The series is reminding me of one of those great old series like the ANDY HARDY movies or the SHERLOCK HOLMES’ of Basil Rathbone… where the actors are growing comfortable in their characters… the way the Classic Trek Crew did in their films. But none of those series had a 3rd chapter this far and way better than the rest of their series to date. Cuaron is a magic man!
THE TERMINAL (2-Disc Collector’s Set)
While not quite as magical as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, I still am quite fond of THE TERMINAL. Unfortunately the movie was mis-marketed as a Romantic Comedy – when in truth this is more about a man fulfilling a last wish. This is a film about family duty. In fact if this film belongs to any genre perse, I’d have to say it was the “MAN ON A MISSION” genre. Navorski gets distracted along the way, but he finds his way. The characters in the ‘terminal’ steal the film for me. As for Catherine Zeta Jones? She’s perfect. I don’t believe we’re ever supposed to love her in this role. She’s that mirage of happiness that a man finds in a desert. She looks like water and shade, but deep down, she’s just another mouth of sand, a pinch of salt to rub into the popped blisters on your feet as you drive forward to your ultimate goal. Beautiful pain, but that’s all she is.
November 30th
Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen – (IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA / EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS / 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH / MYSTERIOUS ISLAND / H.G. WELLS’ FIRST MEN IN THE MOON)
If you already have these titles on DVD – this is nothing more than a repackaging. However, if you don’t have these titles – then here’s an excellent way to pick these up. For you Geek Parents out there. These films are excellent gateway films to raise your children on. Yes, some of these are black and white, but let me tell you. I’ve shown most of these titles over the years at my Saturday Morning Kids Club and the children… all ages… are held in rapt attention. EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS for example… a 6 year old boy came up to me after that screening to declare the film the greatest movie ever made, and when he grew up he was going to remake it, and use NUCLEAR WEAPONS to fight the flying saucers! I told him that was a great idea, and asked him to send me a ticket! You’ll find no objectionable material here, and the stop-motion is captivating to children. I showed my nephew 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH at age 3 – and explained to him that Ymir wasn’t a monster but a hungry baby that was growing really big… and didn’t understand why the men were bothering him. And when Ymir… well at the end, my nephew cried and then played with my Ymir toy for the next month. This set is an excellent way to bring up your kids, the geek way!
HERO
How Miramax could make Zhang Ziyi look unattractive on this DVD is beyond me. How they could make the film look ugly is beyond reason. Look at that packaging. That has got to be the worst possible image for the DVD. That’s awful. Now – the real reason to get this version is for the English versions of Behind The Scenes and the Conversation with Tarantino and the Storyboards. They do have English and French dubs available along with the original Chinese with subtitles in English and Spanish. Frankly, I’m glad I own my original Region 3 – I personally prefer the translation on that disc, but I imagine I’ll prefer the extras on this disc. We’ll see.
![]()
LOST IN SPACE – SEASON 2, Vol 2
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
SPIDER-MAN 2
SPIDER-MAN 2 was one of the great successes of the summer for me. Alfred Molina, bless you. Sam Raimi, bless you. Now, if the next one can be as absolutely breathlessly perfect the way THE INCREDIBLES was… I’ll be completely sated. There’s tons of extras on this DVD which really is a gangbusters release. I can’t wait to pour through the “Ock-umentary” and discover all the tricks to Doc Ock. And I can’t wait to freeze frame on Scott Spiegel.. pizza thief!
Coming In December:
RETURN OF THE KING: Special Edition
Click Here To Visit October’s Picks!
I’ve never been able to turn down Cavegirl movies. It’s a weakness brought on from a childhood poster of Raquel Welch from ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. that hung on the back of my door to my room. As a result… women in loin cloths do it for me. It’s also why Moriarty is so hot, he wears loin cloths a lot. Anyway, this was allegedly shot in Bronson Canyons. It will suck. I know this going into this purchase. But I can not stop myself. Lizards and loin cloths. Must buy.
November 23rd
GOZU
Sheer Genius compounded with criminal insanity! The results are something so maddeningly fascinating that you dare not turn away for fear of missing the next assault on your own private grip on reality. Miike is like Lynch, but weird. Heh. Where he pulls his imagery from is best left one of life’s unsought mysteries. For, like a lead character in a Lovecraft story, if you were to find it, it would surely tear you apart!
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Alfonso Cuaron crafted the best of the HARRY POTTER films thus far, and this dvd will be the first of the 3 that I’ve actually purchased. There’s an elegance at play in this film that just makes it so affecting and far more powerful than the previous films. There is a blossoming going on with the kids as actors that you can’t help be notice. They’re truly becoming damn good actors here. The series is reminding me of one of those great old series like the ANDY HARDY movies or the SHERLOCK HOLMES’ of Basil Rathbone… where the actors are growing comfortable in their characters… the way the Classic Trek Crew did in their films. But none of those series had a 3rd chapter this far and way better than the rest of their series to date. Cuaron is a magic man!
THE TERMINAL (2-Disc Collector’s Set)
While not quite as magical as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, I still am quite fond of THE TERMINAL. Unfortunately the movie was mis-marketed as a Romantic Comedy – when in truth this is more about a man fulfilling a last wish. This is a film about family duty. In fact if this film belongs to any genre perse, I’d have to say it was the “MAN ON A MISSION” genre. Navorski gets distracted along the way, but he finds his way. The characters in the ‘terminal’ steal the film for me. As for Catherine Zeta Jones? She’s perfect. I don’t believe we’re ever supposed to love her in this role. She’s that mirage of happiness that a man finds in a desert. She looks like water and shade, but deep down, she’s just another mouth of sand, a pinch of salt to rub into the popped blisters on your feet as you drive forward to your ultimate goal. Beautiful pain, but that’s all she is.
November 30th
Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen – (IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA / EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS / 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH / MYSTERIOUS ISLAND / H.G. WELLS’ FIRST MEN IN THE MOON)
If you already have these titles on DVD – this is nothing more than a repackaging. However, if you don’t have these titles – then here’s an excellent way to pick these up. For you Geek Parents out there. These films are excellent gateway films to raise your children on. Yes, some of these are black and white, but let me tell you. I’ve shown most of these titles over the years at my Saturday Morning Kids Club and the children… all ages… are held in rapt attention. EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS for example… a 6 year old boy came up to me after that screening to declare the film the greatest movie ever made, and when he grew up he was going to remake it, and use NUCLEAR WEAPONS to fight the flying saucers! I told him that was a great idea, and asked him to send me a ticket! You’ll find no objectionable material here, and the stop-motion is captivating to children. I showed my nephew 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH at age 3 – and explained to him that Ymir wasn’t a monster but a hungry baby that was growing really big… and didn’t understand why the men were bothering him. And when Ymir… well at the end, my nephew cried and then played with my Ymir toy for the next month. This set is an excellent way to bring up your kids, the geek way!
HERO
How Miramax could make Zhang Ziyi look unattractive on this DVD is beyond me. How they could make the film look ugly is beyond reason. Look at that packaging. That has got to be the worst possible image for the DVD. That’s awful. Now – the real reason to get this version is for the English versions of Behind The Scenes and the Conversation with Tarantino and the Storyboards. They do have English and French dubs available along with the original Chinese with subtitles in English and Spanish. Frankly, I’m glad I own my original Region 3 – I personally prefer the translation on that disc, but I imagine I’ll prefer the extras on this disc. We’ll see.
![]()
LOST IN SPACE – SEASON 2, Vol 2
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
SPIDER-MAN 2
SPIDER-MAN 2 was one of the great successes of the summer for me. Alfred Molina, bless you. Sam Raimi, bless you. Now, if the next one can be as absolutely breathlessly perfect the way THE INCREDIBLES was… I’ll be completely sated. There’s tons of extras on this DVD which really is a gangbusters release. I can’t wait to pour through the “Ock-umentary” and discover all the tricks to Doc Ock. And I can’t wait to freeze frame on Scott Spiegel.. pizza thief!
Coming In December:
RETURN OF THE KING: Special Edition
Click Here To Visit October’s Picks!
Sheer Genius compounded with criminal insanity! The results are something so maddeningly fascinating that you dare not turn away for fear of missing the next assault on your own private grip on reality. Miike is like Lynch, but weird. Heh. Where he pulls his imagery from is best left one of life’s unsought mysteries. For, like a lead character in a Lovecraft story, if you were to find it, it would surely tear you apart!
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Alfonso Cuaron crafted the best of the HARRY POTTER films thus far, and this dvd will be the first of the 3 that I’ve actually purchased. There’s an elegance at play in this film that just makes it so affecting and far more powerful than the previous films. There is a blossoming going on with the kids as actors that you can’t help be notice. They’re truly becoming damn good actors here. The series is reminding me of one of those great old series like the ANDY HARDY movies or the SHERLOCK HOLMES’ of Basil Rathbone… where the actors are growing comfortable in their characters… the way the Classic Trek Crew did in their films. But none of those series had a 3rd chapter this far and way better than the rest of their series to date. Cuaron is a magic man!
THE TERMINAL (2-Disc Collector’s Set)
While not quite as magical as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, I still am quite fond of THE TERMINAL. Unfortunately the movie was mis-marketed as a Romantic Comedy – when in truth this is more about a man fulfilling a last wish. This is a film about family duty. In fact if this film belongs to any genre perse, I’d have to say it was the “MAN ON A MISSION” genre. Navorski gets distracted along the way, but he finds his way. The characters in the ‘terminal’ steal the film for me. As for Catherine Zeta Jones? She’s perfect. I don’t believe we’re ever supposed to love her in this role. She’s that mirage of happiness that a man finds in a desert. She looks like water and shade, but deep down, she’s just another mouth of sand, a pinch of salt to rub into the popped blisters on your feet as you drive forward to your ultimate goal. Beautiful pain, but that’s all she is.
November 30th
Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen – (IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA / EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS / 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH / MYSTERIOUS ISLAND / H.G. WELLS’ FIRST MEN IN THE MOON)
If you already have these titles on DVD – this is nothing more than a repackaging. However, if you don’t have these titles – then here’s an excellent way to pick these up. For you Geek Parents out there. These films are excellent gateway films to raise your children on. Yes, some of these are black and white, but let me tell you. I’ve shown most of these titles over the years at my Saturday Morning Kids Club and the children… all ages… are held in rapt attention. EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS for example… a 6 year old boy came up to me after that screening to declare the film the greatest movie ever made, and when he grew up he was going to remake it, and use NUCLEAR WEAPONS to fight the flying saucers! I told him that was a great idea, and asked him to send me a ticket! You’ll find no objectionable material here, and the stop-motion is captivating to children. I showed my nephew 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH at age 3 – and explained to him that Ymir wasn’t a monster but a hungry baby that was growing really big… and didn’t understand why the men were bothering him. And when Ymir… well at the end, my nephew cried and then played with my Ymir toy for the next month. This set is an excellent way to bring up your kids, the geek way!
HERO
How Miramax could make Zhang Ziyi look unattractive on this DVD is beyond me. How they could make the film look ugly is beyond reason. Look at that packaging. That has got to be the worst possible image for the DVD. That’s awful. Now – the real reason to get this version is for the English versions of Behind The Scenes and the Conversation with Tarantino and the Storyboards. They do have English and French dubs available along with the original Chinese with subtitles in English and Spanish. Frankly, I’m glad I own my original Region 3 – I personally prefer the translation on that disc, but I imagine I’ll prefer the extras on this disc. We’ll see.
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LOST IN SPACE – SEASON 2, Vol 2
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
SPIDER-MAN 2
SPIDER-MAN 2 was one of the great successes of the summer for me. Alfred Molina, bless you. Sam Raimi, bless you. Now, if the next one can be as absolutely breathlessly perfect the way THE INCREDIBLES was… I’ll be completely sated. There’s tons of extras on this DVD which really is a gangbusters release. I can’t wait to pour through the “Ock-umentary” and discover all the tricks to Doc Ock. And I can’t wait to freeze frame on Scott Spiegel.. pizza thief!
Coming In December:
RETURN OF THE KING: Special Edition
Click Here To Visit October’s Picks!
While not quite as magical as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, I still am quite fond of THE TERMINAL. Unfortunately the movie was mis-marketed as a Romantic Comedy – when in truth this is more about a man fulfilling a last wish. This is a film about family duty. In fact if this film belongs to any genre perse, I’d have to say it was the “MAN ON A MISSION” genre. Navorski gets distracted along the way, but he finds his way. The characters in the ‘terminal’ steal the film for me. As for Catherine Zeta Jones? She’s perfect. I don’t believe we’re ever supposed to love her in this role. She’s that mirage of happiness that a man finds in a desert. She looks like water and shade, but deep down, she’s just another mouth of sand, a pinch of salt to rub into the popped blisters on your feet as you drive forward to your ultimate goal. Beautiful pain, but that’s all she is.
November 30th
Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen – (IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA / EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS / 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH / MYSTERIOUS ISLAND / H.G. WELLS’ FIRST MEN IN THE MOON)
If you already have these titles on DVD – this is nothing more than a repackaging. However, if you don’t have these titles – then here’s an excellent way to pick these up. For you Geek Parents out there. These films are excellent gateway films to raise your children on. Yes, some of these are black and white, but let me tell you. I’ve shown most of these titles over the years at my Saturday Morning Kids Club and the children… all ages… are held in rapt attention. EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS for example… a 6 year old boy came up to me after that screening to declare the film the greatest movie ever made, and when he grew up he was going to remake it, and use NUCLEAR WEAPONS to fight the flying saucers! I told him that was a great idea, and asked him to send me a ticket! You’ll find no objectionable material here, and the stop-motion is captivating to children. I showed my nephew 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH at age 3 – and explained to him that Ymir wasn’t a monster but a hungry baby that was growing really big… and didn’t understand why the men were bothering him. And when Ymir… well at the end, my nephew cried and then played with my Ymir toy for the next month. This set is an excellent way to bring up your kids, the geek way!
HERO
How Miramax could make Zhang Ziyi look unattractive on this DVD is beyond me. How they could make the film look ugly is beyond reason. Look at that packaging. That has got to be the worst possible image for the DVD. That’s awful. Now – the real reason to get this version is for the English versions of Behind The Scenes and the Conversation with Tarantino and the Storyboards. They do have English and French dubs available along with the original Chinese with subtitles in English and Spanish. Frankly, I’m glad I own my original Region 3 – I personally prefer the translation on that disc, but I imagine I’ll prefer the extras on this disc. We’ll see.
![]()
LOST IN SPACE – SEASON 2, Vol 2
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
SPIDER-MAN 2
SPIDER-MAN 2 was one of the great successes of the summer for me. Alfred Molina, bless you. Sam Raimi, bless you. Now, if the next one can be as absolutely breathlessly perfect the way THE INCREDIBLES was… I’ll be completely sated. There’s tons of extras on this DVD which really is a gangbusters release. I can’t wait to pour through the “Ock-umentary” and discover all the tricks to Doc Ock. And I can’t wait to freeze frame on Scott Spiegel.. pizza thief!
Coming In December:
RETURN OF THE KING: Special Edition
Click Here To Visit October’s Picks!
If you already have these titles on DVD – this is nothing more than a repackaging. However, if you don’t have these titles – then here’s an excellent way to pick these up. For you Geek Parents out there. These films are excellent gateway films to raise your children on. Yes, some of these are black and white, but let me tell you. I’ve shown most of these titles over the years at my Saturday Morning Kids Club and the children… all ages… are held in rapt attention. EARTH VS THE FLYING SAUCERS for example… a 6 year old boy came up to me after that screening to declare the film the greatest movie ever made, and when he grew up he was going to remake it, and use NUCLEAR WEAPONS to fight the flying saucers! I told him that was a great idea, and asked him to send me a ticket! You’ll find no objectionable material here, and the stop-motion is captivating to children. I showed my nephew 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH at age 3 – and explained to him that Ymir wasn’t a monster but a hungry baby that was growing really big… and didn’t understand why the men were bothering him. And when Ymir… well at the end, my nephew cried and then played with my Ymir toy for the next month. This set is an excellent way to bring up your kids, the geek way!
HERO
How Miramax could make Zhang Ziyi look unattractive on this DVD is beyond me. How they could make the film look ugly is beyond reason. Look at that packaging. That has got to be the worst possible image for the DVD. That’s awful. Now – the real reason to get this version is for the English versions of Behind The Scenes and the Conversation with Tarantino and the Storyboards. They do have English and French dubs available along with the original Chinese with subtitles in English and Spanish. Frankly, I’m glad I own my original Region 3 – I personally prefer the translation on that disc, but I imagine I’ll prefer the extras on this disc. We’ll see.
![]()
LOST IN SPACE – SEASON 2, Vol 2
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
SPIDER-MAN 2
SPIDER-MAN 2 was one of the great successes of the summer for me. Alfred Molina, bless you. Sam Raimi, bless you. Now, if the next one can be as absolutely breathlessly perfect the way THE INCREDIBLES was… I’ll be completely sated. There’s tons of extras on this DVD which really is a gangbusters release. I can’t wait to pour through the “Ock-umentary” and discover all the tricks to Doc Ock. And I can’t wait to freeze frame on Scott Spiegel.. pizza thief!
Coming In December:
RETURN OF THE KING: Special Edition
Click Here To Visit October’s Picks!
Personally I would have preferred that the 2nd Season be contained in a single box set, like they did with the first set. But the price works out to basically the exact same… it just feels awkward and breaks the flow of the set on my shelf. That being said. I love LOST IN SPACE and it’s important (to me) to get these sets. Will Robinson needs my help!
