Hey folks, Harry here… sorry about the delay last week, been busy doing lots of wedding stuff – so crazy, how long it takes to just stuff envelopes with self adhesive strips that stick to your hands. Frigging silent comedy mayhem here at the house. Anyway, here you have the Last week of April and the First week of May. Some nice stuff on here. As always, you can click on the DVD boxes or titles to see their Amazon page, where you can learn more, purchase them or use as a reference for finding a better deal. As always, these lists aren’t definitive, just the titles that I’ve either seen, appreciated or that I’m planning on picking up for myself. Hope you enjoy…

PLANET EARTH – The Complete BBC Series

If you’re a fan of BLUE PLANET like me, then this is something you’ll be giddy about. I love nature docs that show you just how amazing our planet is. I’ve traveled a good part of this planet and seen a lot of amazing things, but watching PLANET EARTH – it just reminds you of just how much of this planet there is, that you’ll probably never see in person. How many of us will see a polar bear emerge from hibernation? Or a Snow Leopard hunt along the side of a mountain at speeds that blow your mind. Or just to see all the major mountain ranges on the planets, the deserts, the oceans, the jungles, the forests and the plains. These BBC documentaries are just stunning – and if you have an HD or BLUE RAY disc player, be sure to get those versions, because… hell… if I was impressed with the regular DVDs… the next grade up would blow your mind. This is for those of us that never miss an IMAX doc. You know who you are!

THE QUEEN

This film as a concept had very little interest to me. I’m not someone that cares all that much for “the royals” and the Princess Diana tragedy – well after the 1000th episode of ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT exploiting her death for the umpteenth time, I saw this project as just something that would energize those shows to drag it all up, yet again. Then I heard it was being directed by Stephen Frears, a filmmaker that I greatly admire. And then, Helen Mirren was cast in the titular role and I was absolutely interested. I’ve been in love with Helen Mirren ever since she made Incest a totally right thing to do in EXCALIBUR. So I was sure she could enlighten me about the Queen… and boy did she. What an incredible performance, absolutely worthy of every bit of praise she’s gotten, ever award and acknowledgement. Best royalty performance in a very long time – and most definitely the most naturalistic. She humanized a monarch that has always been a profile on a coin of a foreign land. Great film. The DVD has commentaries and making ofs… but more than that, it contains the great performance by Helen Mirren.

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

I really didn’t care for this film. All the best gags were stolen from BETTY BOOP’S MUSEUM, and done far far far better in that cartoon than here. To me – the best and most tolerable sequence involved Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney and Bill Cobbs. That said, this – like so much of Fox’s gigantic budgeted visual effects flicks are empty shallow wastes of time directed by marginal talents like Shawn Levy. From time to time though – there’s something awesome from the company. Remember, nobody can shit… ALL THE TIME, unless it’s Uwe Boll. If you are checking this film out – this is the version that tells you all about the making of this atrocity. It’s fascinating to watch – I just wish they had a budget ticker that would show scene by scene how much money was thrown at this shitter.

DÉJÀ VU

I mostly like this film. It’s got some logic issues that don’t make a lick of sense – I feel – but dammit if I just look past that to how cool Tony Scott makes it all feel. Besides, anybody using Val Kilmer has my vote. The folks that put together the special features on this DVD did their job exceptionally well. The Scott bros’ DVDs are always nicely done, but this sucker is filled with documentaries, deleted and extended scenes and more. It’s a nice little thriller.

HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS (Special Edition)

Who doesn’t love HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS? The creation of Harry in this film is just magical. When he smiles it just melts your heart. John Lithgow. There’s a bit of sadness to the film now for me. Because I can’t look at Harry and not think of Kevin Peter Hall, the man in the suit, who passed away quite some time ago. The DVD print of this has been remastered and damn does it look good. My favorite thing about the movie though is the relationship between John Lithgow and M Emmet Walsh, who I just love. If you’ve never seen it, see it. If you have seen it, how long has it been? This DVD is like having an old friend over. It’s great!

JANE EYRE

If you’ve never seen this film – you desperately need to. Charlotte Bronte’s classic will never be done better. For one, as one of the great Gothic Classics – color never really does the material justice. The use of black & white photography in this film is exceptional. The performances from Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine are exquisite, but also – you have the performances of folks like Agnes Moorehead just adds to the overall feeling of perfection. The features on the DVD are quite nice, especially the “Orson Welles’ JANE EYRE” – but the best thing is the film itself. One of the great atmospheric literary adaptations. Brilliant film.

FIXED BAYONETS

I had the pleasure of seeing this on the big screen as part of the Austin Film Society’s SAM FULLER retrospect back before AICN was around. That retrospect was one of the great festivals that I’ve ever attended. Sam Fuller films grab you by the groin and pulls you into the story. I’ll always be sad that he wasn’t able to attend that series of screenings, as he passed on not too long after that. Now, FIXED BAYONETS is one of his great Korean War films. He, of course, had the dear character of Grif – but the story is intense and exciting. A quick eye can catch an early and impossibly young James Dean. Fuller didn’t pussyfoot around, he got in the dirt and he fixed bayonets for the nastiest of fighting. Not much of anything in terms of features – which is sad. Would have been nice to have a doc on the actual battle that this film is based upon. Oh well.

IRONSIDE – THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON

Raymond Burr took on Godzilla, wound up in a wheelchair and decided to take on crime from that chair to the dirty streets littered with the criminal scum of San Francisco. I don’t know about you, but I love IRONSIDE – not just because of the awesome siren sound of the score. IRONSIDE is a fantastic series and it was never better than in this first season. Check it out!

SAILOR OF THE KING

This is one of those titles that I’ve never known another person that loved. I first came to it out of my curiosity about the original Captain of the Enterprise teaming up with Klaatu from Day The Earth Stood Still and Bernard Lee from James Bond. This is a great little war film and a wonderful performance by Jeffrey Hunter, who doesn’t get singled out nearly enough. Again, there isn’t much of anything besides the film on the DVD, but in this case, it is absolutely worth it.

LES MISERABLES (1935 & 1952 Two Disc Set)

Here are two excellent versions of this classic tale. I’ve always preferred the thirty-five version, but there’s no doubt that the fifty-two has its own greatness. They did a wonderful job packaging these two together, if you’re a fan of the story you’ll love the films. They did a wonderful job of translating them.

JAMES CAGNEY – THE SIGNATURE COLLECTION ( THE BRIDE CAME C.O.D. / CAPTAINS OF THE CLOUDS / THE FIGHTING 69th / TORRID ZONE / THE WEST POINT STORY )

These are not necessarily considered the gold standards of the Cagney filmography, but what they are – are the least seen jewels of Cagney’s career. I’d never seen THE WEST POINT STORY – and was delighted to discover, to me, a new Cagney musical, where he plays a hetero (in plot only) GAY Broadway show producer and choreographer that is absolutely hilarious. The songs and numbers are engaging and fun, while it isn’t FOOTLIGHT PARADE or YANKEE DOODLE DANDY, it is still that song and dance Cagney which was such a delightfully unique take on the character. The other 4 Cagney films here are wonderful flicks. Especially CAPTAINS OF THE CLOUDS and THE FIGHTING 69TH. They’ve been long term faves of mine for many years. As for the DVD set, like all the fantastic Warner Signature collections, you’re drowning in extras, from newsreels to cartoons to trailers to so much more. I’m looking forward to many future Cagney installments in the Signature line, he’s one actor to get everything he ever made.

Now – Tuesday, May 1st, 2007

DREAMGIRLS (2-disc Showstopper Edition)

Possibly the most entertaining film of 2006, Bill Condon’s show-stopping rendition of this Broadway spectacle was emotional and beautiful. Great performances across the board… in particular, Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy. They just blew me away. That said, everything works here. I got this DVD the day that I got my Home Theater set up – and this was what Yoko and I sat down to test all the speakers and visuals out with. The sound and picture are exquisite – and the special features on this 2 disc version are awesome. There’s a feature length documentary, special featurettes on costume, lighting and edition. Beyonce’s screen test, which is pretty damn amazing and much more.

TYRONE POWER: THE SWASHBUCKLER BOX SET ( BLOOD AND SAND / SON OF FURY / THE BLACK ROSE / PRINCE OF FOXES / THE CAPTAIN FROM CASTILE )

Tyrone Power is the third greatest swashbuckler of all time… Behind Errol Flynn and Douglas Fairbanks Sr. And this set will prove it to you, though, you’ll still have to purchase THE MARK OF ZORRO separately – to complete this Power-ful bit of sword clanging greatness. I’m picking this collection up today, hopefully, as I didn’t get an advance look at it, but I can tell you with zero hesitation that CAPTAIN FROM CASTILLE, THE BLACK ROSE & BLOOD AND SAND are easily worth the price of this set – still leaving you with two other films, that I’ve yet to see, but I’m salivating at the chance to see. THE BLACK SWAN is my single favorite pirate movie of all time. The Technicolor beauty of it is just the most lush display of color you’re likely to ever see. I was honored to screen this film at a BUTT-NUMB-A-THON where the phrase, “Jamie darling” was repeated often and with passion. My personal favorite DVD set on this page.

THE FILMS OF ALEJANDRO JODOROWSKY (FANDO Y LIS / EL TOPO / THE HOLY MOUNTAIN )

The award for most HOLY SHIT IT IS FINALLY ON DVD goes to this brilliant set by Anchor Bay of Alejandro Jodorowsky flicks. I have to admit, I had no idea who Jodorowsky was, till I did a cult tv show with Roger Ebert, where we each highlighted our favorite (at that time) cult films. Roger named EL TOPO as one of his faves, but two weeks before filming that episode he and his producers contacted me to see if I could help track down footage from the film, as all they could find was a beat up multi-copied version on video which would look like crap on TV. Eventually – Guillermo Del Toro loaned me his Japanese Laserdisc to take for the show and I got to see EL TOPO and it blew my mind. There isn’t another filmmaker even vaguely in the same arena as Jodorowsky. He’s a psychedelic filmic master – and when you see his films, you’ll completely understand – or hate me. Vern has a fuller write up about this box set that is going up today, but I have to say that I’ve been delighted like you wouldn’t believe to have the soundtracks to HOLY MOUNTAIN and EL TOPO belting out of my iPod thanks to this box set. Truly great film music. And like their films, totally unique. It is a great day – that brings the release of this epic box set!!!!

FLETCH (THE ‘JANE DOE’ EDITION)

It’s just kinda super cool that FLETCH finally has a decent DVD out. One with interviews, behind the scenes and a cleaned up print. I love FLETCH – and more so, I love Chevy Chase. I absolutely hate what has happened to Chevy’s career. I’m even one of those guys that absolutely loves MEMOIRS OF AN INVISIBLE MAN, but my fave Chevy is FOUL PLAY, just cuz… well, it rocks. However, FLETCH is right up there. And I’m very happy to have this edition.

MAHOGANY

Watching Anthony Perkins kissing on Diana Ross is just something indescribably creepy to behold. Then watching Lando trying to smooth talk his way into her life… tres bizarre. Long distance nude shots? Ewwwww, weird. But ya know what? This is actually a damn fine little film. I do think it is hilarious that Paramount is releasing this on the same day as Dreamgirls, with a very similar style Box Art. The irony doesn’t stop there, just watch this film as a double feature with DREAMGIRLS. It is kinda amazing. The disc doesn’t have any significant extras, but damn if it isn’t entertaining to watch.

ENVY GIRLS – WORKOUTS FOR THE SPOTS THAT REALLY COUNT

Made up of 4 DVDs, each of which concentrates on a different sector of your body, ENVY GIRLS has become a frequent player here at Geek Love Nest. I’m not sure what joker at what company sent me this, but it’s eye-catching box, had me and Yoko plopping it in, then hypnotically following along to attain ABS, BUNS, LEGS and ARMS of ENVY. I just want you to know, that Yoko and I do synchronized workouts to obtain the physiques of Vala, Yvette, Natasha and Eliana. I don’t just stare at them and Yoko… I sometimes giggle, but damn if it isn’t hilarious to be a guy following along.

AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN

I love this film. I discovered it on HBO and CINEMAX, probably around 1984, this wasn’t one of the 82 films that I saw in 82, but that doesn’t make it any less great. I use to watch this film waiting for Lou Gossett to kick the living shit out of Richard (the dick) Gere. Richard plays such an amazingly self-absorbed prick, that just needs a Drill Sergeant to give him the single most brutal kick to the balls, that has ever been delivered – to wake his shit up. That said – as a budding teenager and general sexual obsessive, I loved the Debra Winger nudity in this flick. The bare bones DVD never really did it for me. This year, they’ve gone and done a fantastic DVD with interviews with everyone… but Winger – and man… that shot of Richard on the motorcycle in front of the Naval yard – I love that. It’s so damn iconic. This is why TOP GUN is just popcorn fare. I love TOP GUN, I enjoy the hell out of it, but it’s candy coated bullshit next to this. Taylor Hackford absolutely knocked it out of the park with this one!

CLINT EASTWOOD WESTERN ICON COLLECTION ( HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER / JOE KIDD / TWO MULES FOR SISTER SARA )

3 Eastwood westerns for $15 bucks? Fucking A! I believe all of these are already available on DVD, this set isn’t any grand edition – but if you don’t happen to have them, here’s a cheap way to pick up 3 great Eastwood westerns. TWO MULES FOR SISTER SARA was never one of my faves, but I have a deep and long love for HIGH PLANES DRIFTER and JOE KIDD. Clint is just great in those two… hell he’s great in all 3, I’m just not the biggest fan of Shirley in that one.

ALICE, SWEET ALICE

Brooke Shields’ first film, and it’s an atmospheric moody scary flick. She’s just 10 years old in this traumatic affair… but she’s very charismatic in what she does here. This is an American Giallo / Hitchcockian affair. A suspense horror flick with a really creepy killer. Check this out if you haven’t. This version has a commentary by the director and editor, but not much else. Decent transfer.

FORMULA

Here’s a mostly forgotten film by John Avildsen that is probably only 1000 times more poignant today, than 27 years ago when it came out. Which was in reaction to the late seventies Oil crisis when Gas prices sky-rocketed to 75 cents. The outrage! I can even remember one time, half way to Houston, having to get 84 cents. Luckily, such days are fantasy to most of us. Sigh. Here the drama and suspense is all over a formula for a creation of a substitute fuel source… and you better believe it gets tough. Amazon has it for sale for under $5, check it out!