Hey folks, Harry here with this week and next week’s DVD PICKS AND PEEKS column! That’s right – I got next week done too. That way I wouldn’t miss it due to FANTASTIC FEST which begins this week here in Austin. And I’ll have you know, I’ve injured my right wrist – either Carpal Tunnel or some other malady, so I had to type this with a splint – which sucks. So I may be briefer in some ways due to physical pain involved in typing. Now for two hours of sleep, before I start my day. As usual, the pictures and links take you to Amazon where if you order something, this column sees a slight economic benefit which helps keep it going and is greatly appreciated by me. Also – you can learn more about the title in question by following the link. Here ya go…
Tuesday, September 21st, 2010
ROBIN HOOD (Blu-Ray)
I can understand how it could be possible to like this film, but I just hate almost every creative decision with this film. I despise the basic ROBIN HOOD storyline in this film… This is about a larger part of the mythic origin of western democracy – and I kinda wish they’d left that pure legend characters out of the very real history they were kind of half assed telling. And loving the history and the legend – it makes this odd shuffle of the two so annoying. I’ll be honest, I put the Blu Ray in and turned it off after about an hour. If you enjoyed this film, this version will probably be better spent on you. There’s tons of extras to explore – and maybe someday I’ll approach the film from the right mindset, but right now, I just hate it.
TINKER BELL AND THE GREAT FAIRY RESCUE
These CG animated Tinker Bell adventures are fun and delightful little stories – especially for little girls. But even if you’re just an animation fan, you’ll discover that there is quite a bit of lovely animation in these films. I have my copy sitting here, I just haven’t had a chance to cycle it into the player quite yet. I am looking forward to it. Actually – Yoko and I have enjoyed each of the previous ones.
SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND – 1st Season
ROME may be a far classier look at this era, but as I find myself making my way through this first season of SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND – I can definitely see how crazy this show is. It’s like a sloppy 300 kind of vibe. This is also a pretty randy show – you will see dick, quite a lot of cock actually, so you have been warned or properly motivated depending upon your predicklection. I’m five episodes in, and I’m having silly fun with this. Hate to say it, I think Moriarty might be right.
AMERICAN BEAUTY (Sapphire Series) Blu Ray
Sam Mendes’ debut film and his first BEST PICTURE, there will be more. First and foremost this is a beautifully shot film. Just beautiful. The deviant underbelly of suburban life has never been so fetishistically tragic before. Reminds one of the great Douglas Sirk work of the mid-to late fifties. And that is indeed a very high complement. I pick this up today!
THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES (Blu Ray)
I love foreign crime films. Now that I have an Argentinean buddy, I just constantly think of him in everyone of the scenes in this movie. Not really, but that is one way to laugh during this otherwise serious affair. Well, not entirely. This is a fantastic film. Very much worth checking out. Juan Jose Campanella has been turning out good work since 1999, but this is my favorite of his work to date.
HUMAN TARGET: THE COMPLETE 1ST SEASON
A badass tv show based on a cool comic starring both Chi McBride and Jackie Earle Haley? Of course I’m down with it. This 12 episode season is thoroughly entertaining. I gave it a shot because of Haley, but came away very enthused by Chi. I don’t think I’m alone in that feeling. This is a very cool show.
CHARADE (Criterion Blu)
Stanley Donen, Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn in one of the most subversive takes on the “Hitchcock” genre that we’ve ever seen. Add to that, the beautiful Blu Ray transfer at the hands of Criterion – but then… just this period film stock on Blu Ray is amongst my favorites. I love it. I would have preferred a bit more in the extras side out of Criterion. You do get an Audio Commentary with Stanley Donen and Peter Stone – but just watching Donen take on this genre… when taken with his other film work, just shows how he was capable of just about everything.
BORED TO DEATH: The Complete First Season
I’m so excited to watch this upcoming season. Apparently at the 4th episode of this new season, Moriarty finally fell in love with the show, that I’ve been in love with since the first. But then I love watching Jason Schwartzman on screen. But I also love how neurotic Ted Danson is – and Zach Galifianakis is as insane as we’re used to. This show about a writer / private eye just amuses the shit out of me. Can’t wait to catch Yoko up with this season as we head into the second.
THE PEACEMAKER (Blu Ray)
Here’s the first DREAMWORKS movie, right? It is a fun, if flatly directed affair. George and Nicole couldn’t have been hotter, the action just never felt jaw-dropping. But it is ok. About as enjoyable as THE PRINCE OF PERSIA. Glossy, but empty. And glossy does look awfully nice on Blu-Ray.
ONDINE
STILL HAVEN’T SEEN THIS, but it looks so good. I’ve seen the trailer forever, but just haven’t had the opportunity to catch it. Neil Jordan is one of my favorite directors 3/4ths of the time. I’m basically on order by about a half dozen friends to pick this up quickly. And I will!
Joseph Campbell on Power of Myth With Bill Moyers
Brain Crack. Nerd Catnip. Intellectual pornography. So happy to have this.
FANTOMAS: FIVE FILM COLLECTION (IN THE SHADOW OF THE GUILLOTINE, JUVE-vs-FANTOMAS, THE MURDEROURS CORPSE, FANTOMAS-vs-FANTOMAS and THE FALSE MAGISTRATE)
Now you want to get into pure Harry crack, it’s this. There’s something about the magical European silent film era that brought incredible creativity to bare – and when Gaumont studios launched this pretty epic film series from 1913-1914. Running 5 and a half hours, the 5 FANTOMAS features. God I would kill for a Moroder soundtrack on this. This is heavy film geek fetishry. I love the disguises, the tricks, the violence, the fantasy and the kind of wicked supernatural vibe it has going. Pretty damn amazing stuff. Every bit as rich visually today as it was jaw-droppingly amazing in its time. Great stuff.
VIGILANTE (Blu Ray)
Directed by William Lustig and starring Robert Forster and Fred Williamson – in a neighborhood so in the shitter, that they have to form VIGILANTE squads to fight the crime element and catch the muther fuckers that really do some horrible things. I love the Blue Underground label – because it brings us titles like this and they do a great job on their discs. I mean look at what you get:
Audio Commentary #1 with Co-Producer/Director William Lustig and Co-Producer Andrew W. Garroni
Audio Commentary #2 with Co-Producer/Director William Lustig and Stars Robert Forster, Fred Williamson and Frank Pesce
Theatrical Trailers
TV Spots
Radio Spot
Promotional Reel
Still Gallery
Enhanced for D-Box Motion Control Systems – can you fucking imagine watching VIGILANTE in a D-BOX Motion Control Home System? That’s pure Quint whackerrific wet dream material. It’d be so cool to see this that way.
GAMERA VS GYAOS / GAMERA VS VIRAS (Double Feature)
Man in Turtle Suit! Not only do you get these in widescreen, not only with the original Japanese, but two English dubs, but most deliciously the Sandy Frank versions which fucking rule in a parallel dimension of awesome what-the-fuck. After I showed my nephew, GAMERA: THE GIANT MONSTER – I turned him onto this set and the next. He still loves Godzilla, but now he really desperately wants to see GODZILLA VS GAMERA… like all good geeks should. For those of you light on the Gamera knowledge – GAMERA VS GYAOS has our flying flaming turtle friend fighting a Giant Bat creature what vomits out laser beams that dice folks up!!! Then in GAMERA VS VIRAS – you get your Man-In-Tentacled-Suit fetish going, as Viras is a GIANT SQUID THING. As awesome as that sounds – this episode signaled the downward decline, kinda like HEDORAH did for the GODZILLA!
GAMERA VS GUIRON / GAMERA VS. JIGER (Double Feature)
I’m a completist, but if you’re not – honestly – unless you’re hardcore into our spinny friend, you should probably skip this. This was pretty painful. But I know exactly at what threshold of intoxication – that these can seem… blissfully retarded. You know what I’m talking about, if you know. If not. Simply move along.
Rather than disappoint you next week, when FANTASTIC FEST keeps me from delivering my DVD column, I decided to go ahead and bang this out and release it a week early. Now – don’t go fainting on me. I know it must seem like a miracle… but for once I really am thinking about you folks…
Tuesday, September 28th, 2010
MERRY CHRISTMAS, MR. LAWRENCE (Criterion Blu)
Almost immediately upon opening the piece of mail that this came from, I put it in my Playstation 3, turned out all the lights and curled up with Yoko to watch a new David Bowie performance from 1983, that I knew absolutely nothing about – other than my father saying when it came out of the envelope, “Oh that’s an outstanding movie!” – which he saw with my mother but that he didn’t take me to. 2 hours later I wasn’t mad at Dad for not showing me this incredibly homo-erotic tale of Prisoners of War in the Pacific – but as brilliant as every performer in this film is – and to a man they are brilliant – especially Takashi Kitano in his first feature role. And he’s amazing. BUT – the most brilliant thing is the score – which I instantly bought used at a premium out-of-print price, but I had to have Ryuichi Sakamoto’s score to MERRY CHRISTMAS, MR. LAWRENCE. This is a great great score. And an even greater movie. Absolutely brilliant. There are scenes of such power as to lay your soul bare. I was left trembling, crying and absolutely admiring and loving the experience that this movie put me through. One of the greatest anythings by David Bowie. “I wish I could sing” – fucking beautiful!
IRON MAN 2
I absolutely love this movie. I’ve read the reviews that bitch about this or that – and for me – this & that was exactly what I wanted this & that to be. To me, the journey that Stark takes to discover a new element that will enable him to not be a dead man – that scientific quest is as strong as the Monte Carlo showdown or the climatic confrontation. In fact, for me – no IRON MAN story is complete without a little self-exploration and scientific innovation, which seemingly is a priority in every worthwhile IRON MAN adventure. Add to that the sheer delicious eye-candy that is Scarlett as Black Widow and I’m giggly. Put Happy in a Boxing ring? Have War Machine handling his drunk friend Tony at Tony’s own Birthday party in a power armor version of a John Wayne smash face brawl straight out of NORTH TO ALASKA? Yes please. Oh – and is that AC DC backing a bunch of scenes, FUCKING A IT IS! IRON MAN 2 has a swagger. I love Justin Hammer. I love what Mickey Rourke is doing in the film. Downey and Paltrow are both kicking ass here and I love how the pieces of this Marvel Universe keep falling into play. This is an exquisite release. The extras are crazy as you’ll see below, but me… I was kinda hoping they’d drop the Comic Con footage for CAPTAIN AMERICA and THOR on here. But not yet, we still must wait…. Sigh. Here’s the breakdown on the disc:
Disc 1 (Blu-ray):
Feature film with optional commentary by Jon Favreau (HD)
S.H.I.E.L.D. Data Vault (HD)— Extend your knowledge of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with high-level clearance into S.H.I.E.L.D.’s digital data vault. Interact with select scenes from the movie that include new layers of graphics and insider information. View case files, dossiers, S.H.I.E.L.D. training films, tech details and more.
Previsualization and Animatics (HD)
Disc 2 (Blu-ray):
Ultimate Iron Man: The Making of Iron Man 2 (HD)
Rebuilding the Suit—An all-encompassing look at the beginning stages of this mammoth blockbuster.
A Return to Action—From Marvel Studios to the streets of Monaco, Jon Favreau takes viewers through the trials and triumphs of continuing Iron Man’s story.
Expanding the Universe—From the amazing sets of Stark Expo to Tony Stark’s home and beyond, the Marvel Universe continues to unfold into new and exciting places.
Building a Legacy—From filming to editing, scoring and visual effects, Favreau and his team face the challenges of bringing the sequel to the big screen.
Featurettes (HD):
Creating Stark Expo—A look at how the sets and computer-generated elements combine to create the massive set piece.
Practical Meets Digital—How the “practical” props inform the “digital” work that ultimately brings our hero to life on screen.
Illustrated Origin: Nick Fury—A comprehensive journey into creating one of the most mysterious and influential heroes in the Marvel Universe.
Illustrated Origin: Black Widow—An exciting look at the new femme fatale introduced in Iron Man 2.
Illustrated Origin: War Machine—A look at the introduction of the character and how his friendship with Tony Stark resonates with fans.
Working with DJ AM—Jon Favreau remembers working with Adam Goldstein.
Deleted Scenes with optional commentary by Jon Favreau (HD):
Alternate Opening
Coulson at the Senate
The Sub-Orbital Jet
Tony’s Workshop (extended)
Natalie Wears the Gauntlet
Flying Party Girl
Mark II Security
Element Rediscovered (extended)
Concept Art Gallery
Theatrical Trailers (HD)
Music Video: AC/DC “Shoot To Thrill” (HD)
Disc 3 (DVD):
Feature Film
Digital Copy
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: APOCALYPSE
I love the DC Universe line of movies, but I’m sad to report that as of this date, I haven’t received this screener, which is unusual – as usually on the DC UNIVERSE titles I get discs quite early. This one seems of have fallen through the cracks, but I’ve been dying to see it as DARKSEID for me, is kind of the ultimate Superman villain – He’s Satan to Superman’s savior mission – and watching a great animated tale of them going toe to toe is high on my desirability list. In particular – this disc also has one of those animated stand-alones, but this time for one of my fave characters, GREEN ARROW. I’d kill for a great R rated GREEN ARROW film… but I just don’t believe that day will ever come. Also on here are a pair of great two-parters from the SUPERMAN: ANIMATED SERIES including APOKLIPS NOW – which rules. Can’t wait for this Blu Ray
THE THIN RED LINE (Criterion Blu)
One of the first big bits of awesome from the earliest years of AICN – was tracking the rumored existence of a new Terrence Malick film back in 1996, two years before the triumphant return to the silver screen by Malick. Going back to this film now, you realize just how amazing this cast is. Several of the little known faces at the time have really grown in cinematic stature. The combination of Terrence Malick’s eye and sensibilities with John Toll at play – it’s amazing. The film is every bit the poet’s eye view of the hell that was the Pacific. Here’s the extras that Criterion put together for ya:
New, restored high-definition digital transfer
New audio commentary featuring John Toll, Jack Fisk, and Grant Hill
Outtakes from the film
Video interviews with several of the film's actors and crew
New video interview with casting director Dianne Crittenden
World War II newsreels featuring footage from Guadalcanal
Original theatrical trailer
PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by film critic David Sterritt
GET HIM TO THE GREEK
This movie is so much fucking fun. This is one of those films that really helped me turn a corner with Jonah Hill. He’s been consistently really good, but here’s a film that he frankly anchors, a great deal of this movie rests on his broad shoulders – and he carries it. I love how insane the film gets, but also it has those moments where it just becomes painfully real – and it is those moments where you really see just how much more there is to both Jonah Hill and Russell Brand that there is. To see just how great Jonah can be, check out CYRUS. Really his best work to date.
THE KILLER INSIDE ME
This isn’t for everyone. I’m just gonna say that right up top here. For those of you that know Jim Thompson’s crime fiction – for those of you that know the book, “THE KILLER INSIDE ME,” you know how controversial it was. I’ve heard stories about people that fainted at book readings. The story is set in 1950’s Texas – we have the best criminals – I’ve been tracking the various attempts at shooting THE KILLER INSIDE ME. When I heard that Michael Winterbottem was mounting a production with Casey Affleck as Lou Ford, I was chilled. Not in a negative way, but in a scared way. Casey Affleck has some crazy ass eyes on him. I’m not sure exactly what it is about his face, that makes me think the worst of him, but hearing about him playing this character… it kinda disturbed me. I also knew the story and what could be shown and that frightened me. THE KILLER INSIDE ME is one of the most flatly disturbing reads in my entire life. Then you have Jessica Alba and Kate Hudson playing the girls and then… that kinda scared me even more. By the time I finally paid to see this the first time via Pay Per View, I found that this is one of those pit of your stomach emotionally disturbing experiences, just as it was meant to be. If you love rough cinema, films that beat you up a bit, this will leave a few marks.
KING KONG (Blu-Ray Book)
Ok – so here you have my favorite film of all time. On Blu Ray. It has a commentary by Harryhausen, Ken Ralston with interview snippets from Kong producer Merian C Cooper and the greatest scream queen of all time, Fay Wray. Then you have the I’M KING KONG! THE EXPLOITS OF MERIAN C COOPER. There’s also the 7-Part Documentary: RKO Production 601: The Making of Kong, The Eighth Wonder of the World. And I took part in that documentary, and being on this Blu Ray could very well be the coolest thing pretty much ever that I’m a part of – and could not possibly be nearly worthy enough. But I love this movie in a level that gets me intoxicated. There’s also Ray Harryhausen commenting upon the original CREATION test footage – which is pretty much super awesome. Then there’s that “THE LOST SPIDER PIT SEQUENCE bit that Peter Jackson and crew did up as it would have been done, and I kinda freaking love it. All in a beautiful Kong book edition. That being said – I have NO DOUBT – that Warners will eventually put out a super set of this, with some form of Weta sculpted collectible. Mind you, nothing like this is in the works, but it should be, most probably will be – and I won’t mind an ounce in picking that up in addition to this release. After all, that’s what you happily do with the greatest movie ever made. I’ve seen this film countless times. It is my first memory – watching this film in the upstairs of my childhood home, seeing it projected upon the sheet hanging from the ceiling. The entire memory is misty, but I can see the room, the stacks of one sheets that I could see leaning against the wall of the upstairs. There was pot-smoke in room that lit the beam of light coming out of the 16mm projector – and yes, there was that clackety sound of the old Bell & Howell. Everytime I watch this film, my brain resets to boyhood. When I watch, I don’t think of the technique, the technical magic that’s bringing it all to life. Instead, I watch it as a child staring at a screen that is spilling something old, something from long ago, when they couldn’t do anything right… so this has to be real. I can move my mouth to lip synch gigantic portions of this movie. And I believe everything meant when the line was spoken. It’s at a point where I can almost hear the characters thinking. And they are all dear to me. From the cook to the captain, from the natives to the sailors… It is a perfect film. It needs and wants nothing more than what it is, and what it is IS the EIGHTH WONDER OF THE WORLD! 77 years from its birth, it is still that and so much more. It is, my favorite film of all time.
ROCK & RULE (25th Anniversary Blu-Ray Edition)
This is a film that I didn’t see when it came out. It was simply the victim of my parents divorce. Had they stayed together, I would have probably seen this at a drive in and have GOBS of nostalgia for the film. Instead… what I have is the wonder of discovering this film on DVD for the first time, where I saw the kind of funky 1983 animation – with a story featuring characters and music by Debbie Harry, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, Cheap Trick and EARTH WIND & FIRE. And while that is inherently cool – and the music is awesome… the overall animation and story are quite a bit lacking. But I kinda love it simply because of what it is. Something missing, that I wish I’d seen at 11. I would have loved it back then.
SECRET AGENT aka DANGER MAN: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION
I’ve only ever caught odd episodes here or there of this series, so I’m quite excited to have all 86 episodes to entertain me. Not sure when I’ll work through them all, but I did eventually work my way through all THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. episodes – but I think these will even be better. Can’t wait.
SUCK
Saw this the other night and just fell in love with it. It wants to be one of those rock and horror cult things we love like a ROCKY HORROR or PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE – but it isn’t exactly that. This is more like vampire Metal come to life – in a cool way. The band is kind of Indie Pop-ish. But the Vampires and Rock badasses they find in the movie are folks like HENRY ROLLINS, IGGY POP and ALICE COOPER – and they’re AWESOME in the film. And Malcolm McDowell is killer cool here. As is Dave Foley as the Band Manager! Hell, even RUSH guitarist Alex Lifeson has a cameo! Plus, you have to admire that they named this movie and title, so worthy of derision, but this is that euphoric meaning of SUCK… When SUCK is the best thing that can happen to you, this film kind of feels like that. And it kept surprising me, in a very good way.
FROZEN
This was my second favorite audience reaction at last year’s BNAT! This is a very phobia-inducing film. And as you sit there analyzing these 3 people’s actions, you kind of have to take into account – they’re not necessarily as bright as you and me, and that’s fine – we wouldn’t want them to hold onto all their clothing, hug together and chat about warm things for 3 days. No, of course not. These people do all the exact right things to give us a thrilling, “WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?!?!?!” movies. Where you hide your eyes, squirm in your seat and laugh as someone that hasn’t seen it, reacts to what happens. This is a great one of those flicks. Plus, I really like ICEMAN in this.
MADMAN 30th Anniversary Edition
This is one of my favorite 80’s slasher flicks. I love MADMAN MARZ – and I love even more, “THE BALLAD OF MADMAN MARZ” that is sung a few times in this movie. And if you love the ghost story around a fire in THE FOG, wait till you see their take on that type of scene. Contrary to Tim League – whom just never seemed to fall in love with MADMAN MARZ – I am the guy that sings its praises. I’m so happy that our cult is growing – and now we have a DVD release with a FEATURETTE!!! HOLY SHIT! What’s happening! Is the cult of MADMAN MARZ growing? I want to hear Bands doing covers of THE BALLAD OF MADMAN MARZ. Let’s see music videos.
HARLOW
My mother kinda loved this film, but I never really dug Carroll Baker. I think it was that in the early days of our Video Collection – we watched a lot of Jean Harlow films – and I was quite fond of her – and I just didn’t see Carroll Baker as HARLOW. I haven’t seen the film since I was a kid, but I know the reputation for the film has grown. SO I’m looking forward to seeing this with adult eyes. Maybe I’ll see what made my mom love it. Besides – I love Red Buttons and he’s in it! Along with “Touch” Connors and Angela Lansbury. This is its first time on DVD.
THE LAW (LA LOI)
When I opened the envelope with this DVD, I smiled big. First off – if you don’t have a healthy lust for Gina Lollobrigida – you just might need a defribulator. Gina is a curvaceous cutie that radiates sex like nobody’s business. Then put her in the hands of Director Jules Dassin in one of his great films – with other great actors like Melina Mercouri, Yves Montand and Marcello Mastroianni! This is one sexy and racy film that explores so much through such an amazing ‘game’. An absolutely great film.
THE PRIVATE EYES
I saw this movie at the Northcross Mall theater when I was 8 years old. When I turned 8, my parents gave me a stereo – so 1980 was the first year of my life that I had free reign over my own personal musical tastes. I remember when the song “PRIVATE EYES” hit, it was one of those songs that I memorized and could sing at a moments notice. And when the tv spots for PRIVATE EYES showed, I got incredibly excited. And I remember coming home so excited, telling my parents that I had just seen the greatest most funniest movie ever created. That movie was THE PRIVATE EYES starring Tim Conway and Don Knotts. I can’t believe this is out on Blu Ray! It even has audio commentary by Tim Conway and the Director! Can’t wait to see it for the first time since the 4 times I saw it in 1980!
RED HOT ZORRO
A soft core early 1970’s French/Spanish Zorro erotica. Yes please.
THE TINTO BRASS COLLECTION Volume II ( PRIVATE / FRIVOLOUS LOLA / CHEEKY! )
Looking at the cover of this 3 film set, you instantly learn everything you need to know about Tinto Brass – and that is… simply… HE GETS IT! Those 3 shots are hotter than anything Michael Bay has shot, and that’s cuz TINTO BRASS GETS IT! FRIVOLOUS LOLA is about a pre-marriage couple – where the man wants to keep Lola a virgin til their wedding night, but she has an itch. And Tinto shoots his films in a way that is unsleazy, but rather super titilicious! And the film is FUNNY! A real sex comedy! Then PRIVATE was from 2003 and it was hot. As for CHEEKY, I’ve not seen that one – and I really and truly want to. Look at that image!
In two weeks, we’ll be looking at BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Blu), THE KARATE KID remake, GRINDHOUSE Special Edition Blu Ray, THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS Director’s cut BLU, THE EXORCIST (Theatrical and Director’s cut) Blu, SPLICE, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET remake Blu, THE MALTESE FALCON Blu, AGORA, TREASURE OF SIERRA MADRE Blu, THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE, MAD MAX Blu, THE MISSION Blu, SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE COLLECTION, 30 DAY OF NIGHT: DARK DAYS, THE SECRET OF KELLS, ROBOCOP Trilogy Blu, THE EVIL/TWICE DEAD, SECRETARY, TROLL 2 Blu, Humphrey Bogart Collection, BAD LIEUTENANT Blu, HARD CANDY Blu, BLAIR WITCH PROJECT Blu, OCEAN’S 11 (the real one) Blu, HIGH TENSION Blu, OXFORD MURDERS and much more!
