tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43769411416244817662024-03-12T22:07:27.762-05:00Rusty White's Film WorldInterviews, Obits, Reviews and Personal Info (when the whim hits me)obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.comBlogger387125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-1390953862614979642014-07-10T14:10:00.000-05:002014-07-10T14:10:11.736-05:00Scars of Dracula: Limited Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HPHlTCwt1llj5-KtTRYzauDkKkFP1C2SePLkq2wkfAPHaUChu6yn0qUzUfDYOVKgmhwAVVwqmEiQUpYggLVaIe97_b9KvH8Zj9VJdv_vycxJIBB5oYyM0mhpGzLmxzuOsKN1eLt3ow/s1600/scarsofdracula.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HPHlTCwt1llj5-KtTRYzauDkKkFP1C2SePLkq2wkfAPHaUChu6yn0qUzUfDYOVKgmhwAVVwqmEiQUpYggLVaIe97_b9KvH8Zj9VJdv_vycxJIBB5oYyM0mhpGzLmxzuOsKN1eLt3ow/s1600/scarsofdracula.jpg" /></a></div><table border="0">
<tr>
<td colspan="2"><span class="whiteHeader">Scars of Dracula: Limited Edition (1970)</span><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Movie rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">5/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">DVD rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">8/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Release Date:</td>
<td class="boxReg">2001</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Running Time:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>1 hour 35 minutes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">R</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Distributor:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Anchor Bay</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign="top">List Price:</td>
<td class="boxReg">$24.98</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=2><div class="dvdHeader">Disc Details</div></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Special Features: </strong></td>
<td>
Widescreen format. <br>
Commentary by Christopher Lee! and director Roy Ward Baker.<br>
Chapter selection.<br>
US and UK trailers.<br>
Poster and still gallery.<br>
Talent bios.<br>
BONUS DISK: The Many Faces of Christopher Lee. (includes chapter selection and 2 music videos)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Video Format:</strong></td>
<td><strong>Anamorphic
Widescreen (1.85:1)</strong><br />
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Languages:</strong></td>
<td><strong>
English (Dolby Digital) 2.0
</strong><br />
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Captions:</strong></td>
<td><strong>None.</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Casing:</strong></td>
<td><strong>2-Disc Keep Case</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
</table>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVz55WSjCk9a155-uQIs6HHlEprFgNdOxu4qZm1HkjhAxwcylfFBrfZB-ilE-g9RvPnpuyl-ldvJstzr-Z8MD6CG6lT7oJJlcKuYI-o_vtVUL653r9mo1egnTPod24zf1qXzGVrdg6A/s1600/scarsofdracula3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVz55WSjCk9a155-uQIs6HHlEprFgNdOxu4qZm1HkjhAxwcylfFBrfZB-ilE-g9RvPnpuyl-ldvJstzr-Z8MD6CG6lT7oJJlcKuYI-o_vtVUL653r9mo1egnTPod24zf1qXzGVrdg6A/s1600/scarsofdracula3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="dvdHeader">Review</div>
The glory of the House of Hammer films came to an end in the early 70s with the release of several tired and lame films. While there were a large number of very good Horror films put out by Hammer during this period, their power as a studio began to decline. Rather than take the time to think about how to reinvigorate their market, Hammer gave decided to take advantage of the loosened restrictions on film making and rely on sex and violence. While sex and violence can be an integral part of an excellent movie, sex and violence for its own sake, without a good story line is usually the sign of a weak film.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOp_Df-xC1xRrMrC0IaDGIEJVyKfNOsBfkKOTT_z5rcFQCkBb3Lb3Gp97InkMGLBVVM0tVlJUlK6lpYSoU1gCaGaciaVxJ96rQOmRndtNKL9aWVkqb7btUuF4_G_hVotUzfnLPFqH9Q/s1600/scarsofdracula2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOp_Df-xC1xRrMrC0IaDGIEJVyKfNOsBfkKOTT_z5rcFQCkBb3Lb3Gp97InkMGLBVVM0tVlJUlK6lpYSoU1gCaGaciaVxJ96rQOmRndtNKL9aWVkqb7btUuF4_G_hVotUzfnLPFqH9Q/s1600/scarsofdracula2.jpg" /></a></div>
"<b>Scars of Dracula</b>" falls into the latter category. While Christopher Lee is given more screen time and dialogue than in the 4 prior outings, that alone is not enough to make up for the film's flaws.
</p>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxOrcsB-wgFjeofXhukwxTPCeHHXsn8kOxY5mDEfJ0q3gtwh5pMtgp4M1EIWr6lWOgKx_q2zOxjmGNlibRCvPTY40rFcthxu11gsX3xcwrXz9ec9xt0_qJZ1dfUb8UFB-DjbsPSYHOQ/s1600/scarsofdracula7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxOrcsB-wgFjeofXhukwxTPCeHHXsn8kOxY5mDEfJ0q3gtwh5pMtgp4M1EIWr6lWOgKx_q2zOxjmGNlibRCvPTY40rFcthxu11gsX3xcwrXz9ec9xt0_qJZ1dfUb8UFB-DjbsPSYHOQ/s1600/scarsofdracula7.jpg" /></a></div>
Studio budget concerns caused Hammer to rush this film into production with a small budget. As a result, the film is not as visually or stylistically exciting as previous efforts. Also disturbing is the amount of sadism present in this movie. Dracula brutally stabs one of his female vampire cohorts after catching her in bed with the hero. In another scene, he tortures his caveman like assistant.
</p>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTo8KTmY_GspSIyFnjUUaSlI3uDbTq03saTPs7sEtWsG_eJDHcYv12jg0LrLU4NplYnnBK5Gkc3dqVLhiB6owIZ2Vbaz2IbIMXLZjxQroCXN971RaHwwmNB9exOypvPiZuvI8wFioNyQ/s1600/scarsofdracula1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTo8KTmY_GspSIyFnjUUaSlI3uDbTq03saTPs7sEtWsG_eJDHcYv12jg0LrLU4NplYnnBK5Gkc3dqVLhiB6owIZ2Vbaz2IbIMXLZjxQroCXN971RaHwwmNB9exOypvPiZuvI8wFioNyQ/s1600/scarsofdracula1.jpg" /></a></div>
The film was heralded for one particular shot of Lee scaling the wall of his castle in a batlike manner. The scene is poorly executed. It looks like nothing more than Mr. Lee walking across a floor in a crouched position. The same idea was executed much better in "<b>Dracula</b>" with Frank Langella and the TV version of "<b>Dracula</b>" with Jack Palance.
</p>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfS1peQsIwH1p8FvTJhwZCcLS6uCBJJ_5X0x1kqyVHtK0RpLlGO5wuH4Usu8y0R4Wr1tXZ2frpH5zvIiZke66M846HuuC0rHrdeI2teetPB9AGAFVv3uJdMPWkjbSQhRCxwsgacq4-A/s1600/scarsofdracula4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfS1peQsIwH1p8FvTJhwZCcLS6uCBJJ_5X0x1kqyVHtK0RpLlGO5wuH4Usu8y0R4Wr1tXZ2frpH5zvIiZke66M846HuuC0rHrdeI2teetPB9AGAFVv3uJdMPWkjbSQhRCxwsgacq4-A/s1600/scarsofdracula4.jpg" /></a></div>
I'm glad I have the disk because I am a big fan of Christopher Lee and Hammer films. It is my least favorite of his Dracula films, but it is still better than a hoard of imitators.
</p>
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCXfs4axOco9tbx9-u6RLyUpDUwYOA2fiBvZMmzQqjWipzGB54S7ldssn9L5YtkbplWoqXCj5-VdYPRSN8G5eLOsDDmVtQbqlD8xRznymno9IiEwbm-vgnN1_5QRHRC5ofoLzQcTxOg/s1600/scarsofdracula6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCXfs4axOco9tbx9-u6RLyUpDUwYOA2fiBvZMmzQqjWipzGB54S7ldssn9L5YtkbplWoqXCj5-VdYPRSN8G5eLOsDDmVtQbqlD8xRznymno9IiEwbm-vgnN1_5QRHRC5ofoLzQcTxOg/s1600/scarsofdracula6.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="dvdHeader">The Disc</div>
Another fine Hammer DVD by <a href="/web/20050215230939/http://www.anchorbayentertainment.com/">Anchor Bay</a>. The commentary track is excellent. The picture and sound are good. The bonus disk about Christopher Lee sealed the deal for me.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4_h5UrwtxqMgYLNoV74O50TuJpOT0FH-L2fji6Q3xq_0jNfqnok4j-xBmFiIs-4yPWQP7B_ztg7ePReYhKI5puOzfyxFby1wCJhND0xX6A3J_0KKX-y8JEcmBunxMZ2OJ397Iop6Jw/s1600/scarsofdracula9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4_h5UrwtxqMgYLNoV74O50TuJpOT0FH-L2fji6Q3xq_0jNfqnok4j-xBmFiIs-4yPWQP7B_ztg7ePReYhKI5puOzfyxFby1wCJhND0xX6A3J_0KKX-y8JEcmBunxMZ2OJ397Iop6Jw/s1600/scarsofdracula9.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong>Picture Quality:</strong> <span class="rating">8/10</span><br>
While the movie isn't as lush as many earlier Hammer films, the cinematography was adequate considering the budget. Anchor Bay does the best they can with the source material.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVf8wLOmzUNem-i8G2JgLV5m9Tr6Ng0rBLrvmVdNYsFcY1B6iCp2RZRyNJM-JyqHr22LLzPD8YeMcax-9VXmkpu73gDLGVYET_-q_eI5xw3qo3_Un93yODZlU5wYNCVE8Orj4KYve0Q/s1600/scarsofdracula910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVf8wLOmzUNem-i8G2JgLV5m9Tr6Ng0rBLrvmVdNYsFcY1B6iCp2RZRyNJM-JyqHr22LLzPD8YeMcax-9VXmkpu73gDLGVYET_-q_eI5xw3qo3_Un93yODZlU5wYNCVE8Orj4KYve0Q/s1600/scarsofdracula910.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong>Sound Quality:</strong> <span class="rating">7/10</span><br>
The sound isn't bad, but again, it is in mono. You have to consider the source material.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdbyPloI0qiIxaVtCVdK4J9SjzFDTj6GLiYKVL2eW9i86H8Nsy4D3xVsfhoBoxA4ilK0jVp14OVl5FJc-jlyrG_Ky1mPzdUlzEDQYOKGi5Ch67tWNtsR2gHnkMLRvMNo2mxxF2k1Dhg/s1600/scarsofdracula11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdbyPloI0qiIxaVtCVdK4J9SjzFDTj6GLiYKVL2eW9i86H8Nsy4D3xVsfhoBoxA4ilK0jVp14OVl5FJc-jlyrG_Ky1mPzdUlzEDQYOKGi5Ch67tWNtsR2gHnkMLRvMNo2mxxF2k1Dhg/s1600/scarsofdracula11.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong>Menu:</strong> <span class="rating">10/10</span><br>
Nice use of the movie's images and sounds. Again, I raise my one complaint about Anchor Bay's menus: no pictures on the chapter selection menu. There are pictures on the chapter selection on the Bonus Disk though!
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZV2NJLTmMWMkoYBJ2QVmrxTlDoZ7YEowQKqfyiL9CdZdT2QNqfmrxh_Gky87-W6h7sIKrcfzcWZjktVdQQHGbM1c3JzuXbAQG7oKy2ATLL86S88Th4FFbbdZ95TaDLe8XQycvnJ9JQ/s1600/scarsofdracula12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZV2NJLTmMWMkoYBJ2QVmrxTlDoZ7YEowQKqfyiL9CdZdT2QNqfmrxh_Gky87-W6h7sIKrcfzcWZjktVdQQHGbM1c3JzuXbAQG7oKy2ATLL86S88Th4FFbbdZ95TaDLe8XQycvnJ9JQ/s1600/scarsofdracula12.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong>Extra Features:</strong> <span class="rating">10/10</span><br>
Being a Christopher Lee fan, I rate this high. The commentary track with Mr. Lee, director Baker and film historian Marcus Hearn is very good. They talk in detail about Hammer films in general, and to a certain degree about this particular movie.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFROUlYVfIrXmVTh4PgkveabuiaVtz2muPlCXSzRjS_npgga-IIUj20VfJT1gdIJFV8M2Y3jlAbIrnBxifmwBaogeDg4evDqzJuEIaxX5R78_P1NttofGzKvvvE360mIyXYOmO03AIg/s1600/scarsofdracula13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFROUlYVfIrXmVTh4PgkveabuiaVtz2muPlCXSzRjS_npgga-IIUj20VfJT1gdIJFV8M2Y3jlAbIrnBxifmwBaogeDg4evDqzJuEIaxX5R78_P1NttofGzKvvvE360mIyXYOmO03AIg/s1600/scarsofdracula13.jpg" /></a></div>
I also liked the bonus disk. The hour long documentary about Christopher Lee takes you through his entire career. There are also a couple of Music Videos that Mr. lee did with musician Gary Curtis. The first is a duet with Lee singing "<b>O Sole Mio</b>" to Curtis' "<b>It's Now of Never</b>." The second is an embarrassing country tune called "She'll Fall For Me." While neither video will inspire repeated viewing, they are fun for fans. I am not a fan of opera, but Mr. Lee's baritone is not bad.
</p>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0o1QJKFdhz42nPyUe4gdb2fq6WeDmt6FM7sMRrzTpwaJYowkWks8hHK8pRfCElrOFaKfuML0m0ePWadIgavkj_cOAHWAD6k9ZdPug3lYmzS8GiQXBx3aG1suwRE88-ZiWxjKbq8m7mw/s1600/scarsofdracula14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0o1QJKFdhz42nPyUe4gdb2fq6WeDmt6FM7sMRrzTpwaJYowkWks8hHK8pRfCElrOFaKfuML0m0ePWadIgavkj_cOAHWAD6k9ZdPug3lYmzS8GiQXBx3aG1suwRE88-ZiWxjKbq8m7mw/s1600/scarsofdracula14.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong>The Final Word:</strong><br>
Hammer fans and Christopher Lee fans will want this for the permanent library despite the fact that the movie
itself isn't that good. There are great extras concerning both Hammer films and Mr. Lee's career.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmhiW9NYZ7PVNqLIy8POTVtTdzLCXjzkvqKMuD84H_uBQdDABvTMwdpFzuQkmiHmn3oehljLvHA9Nzusz-wSgEB6qG0lXezLR6Y0YPGB64js7nFXTRZNCTiRQcSFdxIrAliI8-jmZOw/s1600/scarsofdracula15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmhiW9NYZ7PVNqLIy8POTVtTdzLCXjzkvqKMuD84H_uBQdDABvTMwdpFzuQkmiHmn3oehljLvHA9Nzusz-wSgEB6qG0lXezLR6Y0YPGB64js7nFXTRZNCTiRQcSFdxIrAliI8-jmZOw/s1600/scarsofdracula15.jpg" /></a></div>
<p></p>obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-9147831217504959882014-07-10T12:14:00.000-05:002014-07-10T12:38:21.445-05:00The Lair of the White Worm <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXEfI6ovAW-t-bgz8hcax4Y7LfUeXRIEbSn6P2M6ztbdkMKpn0MOfmfgw3o8PJPw2CW7hNyCAV_Dl-dwDx-2u_dgMH-iXVqMVRS4epaM3851jmi9HKZ-PZPEz9w5O0MjmMhH4CFMJBQ/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXEfI6ovAW-t-bgz8hcax4Y7LfUeXRIEbSn6P2M6ztbdkMKpn0MOfmfgw3o8PJPw2CW7hNyCAV_Dl-dwDx-2u_dgMH-iXVqMVRS4epaM3851jmi9HKZ-PZPEz9w5O0MjmMhH4CFMJBQ/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm10.jpg" /></a></div><table border="0">
<tr>
<td colspan="2"><span class="whiteHeader">The Lair of the White Worm (1988)</span><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Movie rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">7/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">DVD rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">7/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Release Date:</td>
<td class="boxReg">August 19, 2003</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Running Time:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>1 hour 33 minutes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">R</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Distributor:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Artisan</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign="top">List Price:</td>
<td class="boxReg">$14.98</td>
</tr>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzobJznDZ4iKV7SmE4mbM2mslF7Legr3iNCMOWdNMX-uqwagm-BzfbqEFQ8twaVmcinDQYLgpKjdoDfifL9AScduxk6h_SRsOaVZcnqJFi7DFhgKTx9DlMzhpwmcv8mcYu8QfQOAt2Og/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzobJznDZ4iKV7SmE4mbM2mslF7Legr3iNCMOWdNMX-uqwagm-BzfbqEFQ8twaVmcinDQYLgpKjdoDfifL9AScduxk6h_SRsOaVZcnqJFi7DFhgKTx9DlMzhpwmcv8mcYu8QfQOAt2Og/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm14.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw56Hk8zVM3ET2tYuGiySUewOUM4SqqXIhnT0DdRy2EwM6edKFwxvO1kOJO14aMXUzVoRl0PBh7r_VCv-uIdQTpFuIy0q_NupwcEBD8nZrtK7LoIh6KjKMkkKhgj4qG1Cw1eGvUp8S8Q/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw56Hk8zVM3ET2tYuGiySUewOUM4SqqXIhnT0DdRy2EwM6edKFwxvO1kOJO14aMXUzVoRl0PBh7r_VCv-uIdQTpFuIy0q_NupwcEBD8nZrtK7LoIh6KjKMkkKhgj4qG1Cw1eGvUp8S8Q/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm5.jpg" /></a></div>
<table border="0">
<tr>
<td colspan=2><div class="dvdHeader">Disc Details</div></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Special Features: </strong></td>
<td>
Widescreen anamorphic format<br>
Chapter selection </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Video Format:</strong></td>
<td><strong>Anamorphic Widescreen (1.77:1)<br />
[SS-SL]</strong>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Languages:</strong></td>
<td><strong>
English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround)
</strong><br />
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Subtitles:</strong></td>
<td><strong>English for the hearing impared.</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Captions:</strong></td>
<td><strong>Yes</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Casing:</strong></td>
<td><strong>1-Disc Keep Case</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHW6S9_POD6AT-xv63C-jp0oIp4FyOCt7Jp9tx17TOCWAjf9Jkg59L6m9GlhEI-vaaExmYMiO_NtUgGJrsBSISRFXG6IO55uCRbNlp8KJqrHR6_Di2uooOzIOezs81Ekv1D8ezTpSGA/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHW6S9_POD6AT-xv63C-jp0oIp4FyOCt7Jp9tx17TOCWAjf9Jkg59L6m9GlhEI-vaaExmYMiO_NtUgGJrsBSISRFXG6IO55uCRbNlp8KJqrHR6_Di2uooOzIOezs81Ekv1D8ezTpSGA/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm6.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>
<div class="dvdHeader">Review</div>
Ken Russell's "<strong>The Lair of the White Worm</strong>" is one of my guilty pleasures. I have always enjoyed Russell's gonzo approach to filmmaking. "<strong>Lair</strong>" is far from his best work. Based on a minor story by Bram Stoker, "<strong>Lair</strong>" pits Lord D'Ampton and friends against Lady Sylvia Marsh (Amanda Donohoe), a serpentine vampire.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcTv2eCKPUpOlX1Lqg4F1n3ArlbyXXCtXKfYrz3zIfxGyMzRaNO7ue3G59shw9Hg0-QwwC2xPkeeVxH6p3rd7WADQXXDTxrwp0u_sgsbHBLsBJc5Q71TwwPSlJU6maWLFVf6MWUVpAA/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcTv2eCKPUpOlX1Lqg4F1n3ArlbyXXCtXKfYrz3zIfxGyMzRaNO7ue3G59shw9Hg0-QwwC2xPkeeVxH6p3rd7WADQXXDTxrwp0u_sgsbHBLsBJc5Q71TwwPSlJU6maWLFVf6MWUVpAA/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm8.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXhX_mMpHlfSB76jYqo9xjfvqA_xpCtv9lappkQBdaaPoEstwji9throKRZAd5nKlXvt1hKPFRINbyyIYcyCbX8rzj6UtnnIVVaYnlG0BNpnY3IeuFnXCJ3EjxlGM7f3rOMTa9qF2nQ/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXhX_mMpHlfSB76jYqo9xjfvqA_xpCtv9lappkQBdaaPoEstwji9throKRZAd5nKlXvt1hKPFRINbyyIYcyCbX8rzj6UtnnIVVaYnlG0BNpnY3IeuFnXCJ3EjxlGM7f3rOMTa9qF2nQ/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm9.jpg" /></a></div>
Amanda Donohoe as Sylvia Marsh is a kinky delight in this Ken Russell trashfest. She is an adherent to an ancient pagan snake religion. When archeologist Angus Flint (Peter Capaldi from Local Hero) unearths the skull of a long dead dragon, Lady Sylvia shows up to reclaim the skull and resurrect her god. Along the way she seduces and bites a number of the locals. Hugh Grant and Catherine Oxenberg provide support as the hero and the virgin sacrifice.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FGk5kl4uBi4Wy2r2gZs9phmk8Kz5a0SLM6hsWmIV1RMEI5mdE4IEFBAxS0fU-51Ogy2kU4PqRMkaZ9Sx8u2eT4Nb3dDBgO1FxIBlaS-g9UKSmvJbCPZVmVV9nsLaU-qmr5YKN7eHRA/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FGk5kl4uBi4Wy2r2gZs9phmk8Kz5a0SLM6hsWmIV1RMEI5mdE4IEFBAxS0fU-51Ogy2kU4PqRMkaZ9Sx8u2eT4Nb3dDBgO1FxIBlaS-g9UKSmvJbCPZVmVV9nsLaU-qmr5YKN7eHRA/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm19.jpg" /></a></div>
Director Russell is known for his crazed religious symbolism. "<strong>Lair</strong>" has several set pieces showing off Russell's bizarre vision. There are naked crucified nuns and an erotic stewardess cat fight. Sit back and enjoy. It isn't a great horror film, but once seen, it is hard to forget.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHTkXs_uDwCSRdKICpyvTMG1ty3Og06aqT__uy3HvQEMQ9KkLT41bcImYgFuRXU2esD2u1zWOEjLT-Yms5cjBaoriuqPDl1DwPYng8y6Wb4bBrHNwB4zXmdTy5H8M5CFwrllifpr3-A/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHTkXs_uDwCSRdKICpyvTMG1ty3Og06aqT__uy3HvQEMQ9KkLT41bcImYgFuRXU2esD2u1zWOEjLT-Yms5cjBaoriuqPDl1DwPYng8y6Wb4bBrHNwB4zXmdTy5H8M5CFwrllifpr3-A/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm12.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3kuuzZjRMnxwpZd8bkytKKEYTKxJ4VgEjfoOLMAN33zWt7EnQ1VydCLOTB_yuXiDAsoyyiYgtyCd6sKrDdve1Uem9L7gLUbwpcZWWIwaBTTWAKzAjFDaDZaVdeHowgyX1OYkVRagJg/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3kuuzZjRMnxwpZd8bkytKKEYTKxJ4VgEjfoOLMAN33zWt7EnQ1VydCLOTB_yuXiDAsoyyiYgtyCd6sKrDdve1Uem9L7gLUbwpcZWWIwaBTTWAKzAjFDaDZaVdeHowgyX1OYkVRagJg/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm13.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVt6cyHhdxiRULWB3o08Vs4diMTyWePW8dLzicm-Emea2KN-ZoPV-Y7SOJdxgfbWfj7ofS8e-hpI9jFU-ZGr32N80UlOXydE0blzXy68cE1vKK-MO0iCVI-GpT9feq8ylklDL69vsLA/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVt6cyHhdxiRULWB3o08Vs4diMTyWePW8dLzicm-Emea2KN-ZoPV-Y7SOJdxgfbWfj7ofS8e-hpI9jFU-ZGr32N80UlOXydE0blzXy68cE1vKK-MO0iCVI-GpT9feq8ylklDL69vsLA/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm11.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="dvdHeader">The Disc</div>
Kinky fun film. Good picture and sound. No extras. Perfect vanilla DVD price.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibL8MTUSEE_D2VHqBWn_Zgq3U_iS1P4VS0mDR1IV8WMCU6LIvltTyNjpulxIhuqmrYSMuW55zAzMoZyIA5oP6kqp4bpKIXpdzk3d4kQGXXhK3RQgEywU9ipsvChk4UttDnC1to5FmqA/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibL8MTUSEE_D2VHqBWn_Zgq3U_iS1P4VS0mDR1IV8WMCU6LIvltTyNjpulxIhuqmrYSMuW55zAzMoZyIA5oP6kqp4bpKIXpdzk3d4kQGXXhK3RQgEywU9ipsvChk4UttDnC1to5FmqA/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm1.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong>Picture Quality:</strong> <span class="rating">7/10</span><br>
There are some big delineation problems during the darker scenes. Otherwise the picture is fine. Excellent flesh tones. Lots of flesh. Have fun watching Amanda Donohoe bite a boy scout.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxB2opDomPSi5swOaXOwHZ7onQlO5QLI-18Xhyphenhyphen3U7YopJB-1I9MOnjO4QpOsEnSYiD61dCnurDdxJTYjUzm6sFXzkSa-zGvIauZfGxvzPFdpKi6TRY6UhIa4shnnlW2DmVtrlOgSVIQ/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxB2opDomPSi5swOaXOwHZ7onQlO5QLI-18Xhyphenhyphen3U7YopJB-1I9MOnjO4QpOsEnSYiD61dCnurDdxJTYjUzm6sFXzkSa-zGvIauZfGxvzPFdpKi6TRY6UhIa4shnnlW2DmVtrlOgSVIQ/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm2.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong>Sound Quality:</strong> <span class="rating">7/10</span><br>
The sound is a bit flat on the high end. No loss of dialogue. I had to put on the closed caption to get through some of the heavy accents.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0BO35o-etO0ot9U4Cm6gm7MJ_j40v3np26YQD50wELmrLjlztgcs4bOERY756dWMvO-z40egYXu9kOtohI_M4ng-N194SxF9kyJWaUAg97aF7_AwOuxbatnINlNWxcwZLQY3WC8poA/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0BO35o-etO0ot9U4Cm6gm7MJ_j40v3np26YQD50wELmrLjlztgcs4bOERY756dWMvO-z40egYXu9kOtohI_M4ng-N194SxF9kyJWaUAg97aF7_AwOuxbatnINlNWxcwZLQY3WC8poA/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm4.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong>Easter Eggs:</strong><br>
<i>No Easter Eggs found during review.</i><p>
<strong>Extra Features:</strong> <span class="rating">0/10</span><br>
No extras. Priced to reflect the lack of extras.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY42A-aiZ7jPzKEFN0kBOVFUrC7NoPI2EOkpqbswU3so0hLYt2CjOBsWgsrOWmnDFRe5CLOXcbXzpGd9yZOaQvvkToFInlaJLNZHkpl2eYAL0DPQvvIZ9PMNMXe3zD1duS_biyCelv3w/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY42A-aiZ7jPzKEFN0kBOVFUrC7NoPI2EOkpqbswU3so0hLYt2CjOBsWgsrOWmnDFRe5CLOXcbXzpGd9yZOaQvvkToFInlaJLNZHkpl2eYAL0DPQvvIZ9PMNMXe3zD1duS_biyCelv3w/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm15.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WhPhj7I8YQ7rh8VQW0lspq-4VtBoj19njg_M2f8hYZoQ0vKoj8nWP_RqCtnzNfPTTNrnmTs5v62Phdw83JR9Lr8Ls8kNMTdvFIVHPDDhlmVSbtCxDscctNfzJjzgU7IDvZZAf9xabA/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WhPhj7I8YQ7rh8VQW0lspq-4VtBoj19njg_M2f8hYZoQ0vKoj8nWP_RqCtnzNfPTTNrnmTs5v62Phdw83JR9Lr8Ls8kNMTdvFIVHPDDhlmVSbtCxDscctNfzJjzgU7IDvZZAf9xabA/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm16.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYhLvEv_9B5NAqcYyUFL5vcucjrd25T3Qj3ThAc98xu9XABwJH0Ob4zJBr6BQQu9h6FOeRa2OQF2S6hHi1CFzA451o97dDbAsAD1PhoS0O_FfvQEqiLhv1crKAulLA6aGIWjuQkGW7Q/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYhLvEv_9B5NAqcYyUFL5vcucjrd25T3Qj3ThAc98xu9XABwJH0Ob4zJBr6BQQu9h6FOeRa2OQF2S6hHi1CFzA451o97dDbAsAD1PhoS0O_FfvQEqiLhv1crKAulLA6aGIWjuQkGW7Q/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm17.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqw7CnmBIxxGRScKaxVEigNWbS7hgVCM6djtMmvSnA9IqMHoHzsKNeKf6vhhD0o08bqPH_EScNb_51Zk9md5cpOqZ1vicW-ea0ly93j7i0NGod9rmsU3zBRDseJapz0WvwwWPou5m7A/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqw7CnmBIxxGRScKaxVEigNWbS7hgVCM6djtMmvSnA9IqMHoHzsKNeKf6vhhD0o08bqPH_EScNb_51Zk9md5cpOqZ1vicW-ea0ly93j7i0NGod9rmsU3zBRDseJapz0WvwwWPou5m7A/s1600/lairofthewhiteworm18.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong>The Final Word:</strong><br>
Fans of Ken Russell will love this one. A kinky romp through the world of snaky vampires.<p>
<p>obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-74996290087340149402014-07-10T10:43:00.000-05:002014-07-10T10:43:35.800-05:00The Kids Are Alright: Deluxe Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7g47-aWvUb0SCa8DHzaLYDKT9rF8xvSWniq5lCO6FP7LC8i_bngf7iWlx-ZFMKT6TKO7m6iW9F5dfVVRDiC3zdA7CW7AeSA5W95_WHEte0FJTAlYUcMHJgzneWkbuX-kgjknG5PKcQ/s1600/thekidsarealright_deluxeedition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7g47-aWvUb0SCa8DHzaLYDKT9rF8xvSWniq5lCO6FP7LC8i_bngf7iWlx-ZFMKT6TKO7m6iW9F5dfVVRDiC3zdA7CW7AeSA5W95_WHEte0FJTAlYUcMHJgzneWkbuX-kgjknG5PKcQ/s1600/thekidsarealright_deluxeedition.jpg" /></a></div><table border="0">
<tr>
<td colspan="2"><span class="whiteHeader">The Kids Are Alright: Deluxe Edition (1979)</span><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Movie rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">10/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">DVD rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">10/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Release Date:</td>
<td class="boxReg">September 30, 2003</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Running Time:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>1 hour 49 minutes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">PG</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Distributor:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Pioneer</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign="top">List Price:</td>
<td class="boxReg">$24.98 </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=2><div class="dvdHeader">Disc Details</div></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Special Features: </strong></td>
<td>
Widescreen anamorphic format<br>
Chapter selection<br>
Commentary track by director Jeff Stein<br>
On screen liner notes<br>
32 page collector's booklet
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Video Format:</strong></td>
<td><strong>Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1)<br />
[SS-DL]</strong>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Languages:</strong></td>
<td><strong>
English (Dolby Digital 5.1)<br>
English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround<br>
English DTS
</strong><br />
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Subtitles:</strong></td>
<td><strong>English.</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Captions:</strong></td>
<td><strong>No</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Casing:</strong></td>
<td><strong>1-Disc Keep Case</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSB7GUaEijw1E0wtThlaJw5gW5xi85uotjVw3alymXr6txbwxS3sLzbzOsSrkIYt9pY_NJsBX9_ZpZN3RphwDBjFVEsfFqwLjB6EMfdv9mIFsZE7Tamiyky0vt-YfUwphxkGobFQynA/s1600/thekidsarealright6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSB7GUaEijw1E0wtThlaJw5gW5xi85uotjVw3alymXr6txbwxS3sLzbzOsSrkIYt9pY_NJsBX9_ZpZN3RphwDBjFVEsfFqwLjB6EMfdv9mIFsZE7Tamiyky0vt-YfUwphxkGobFQynA/s1600/thekidsarealright6.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>
<div class="dvdHeader">Review</div>
In 1967 I remember watching The Who perform "<strong>I Can See for Miles</strong>" and "<strong>My Generation</strong>" on "<strong>The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour</strong>." At the end of their second song, Pete Townsend and Keith Moon destroyed their instruments. Keith Moon bribed a stagehand to add a little extra gunpowder to his drum kit. The explosion ignited Townsend's hair and permanently affected his hearing. It made a big impression on my 9-year-old imagination. In 1980, I saw the clip again. It was on the big screen that time at the Parkway Theater in Las Vegas. The Smothers Brothers segment is the opening scene of Jeff Stein's outstanding documentary "<strong>The Kids Are Alright</strong>." "<strong>The Kids Are Alright</strong>" chronicles the music of The Who from their humble beginning to their last album before Keith Moon's early death. Moon died two weeks before the film's release.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDXf_SRdDbupgW_e_BJvgshOjoO_i4juwCsUdokUXNX-O32WilQJ70ExdMoaTU4wS9afZChPzLagSP17SV1JdQF8YlgWngYreiwW6QcbFHbo1LsueMaQgVzzL-9b586F4XBuj01vX4A/s1600/thekidsarealright1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDXf_SRdDbupgW_e_BJvgshOjoO_i4juwCsUdokUXNX-O32WilQJ70ExdMoaTU4wS9afZChPzLagSP17SV1JdQF8YlgWngYreiwW6QcbFHbo1LsueMaQgVzzL-9b586F4XBuj01vX4A/s1600/thekidsarealright1a.jpg" /></a></div>
Stein went on a seven-year search and compiled footage from various TV performances, arena shows and music festivals including Woodstock. This archived footage is intercut with new interviews with the band and a live performance at Shepperton Studio before a crowd of 500. The result is one of the most high powered rockumentaries of all time. While it might not have the grace of Scorsese's "<strong>The Last Waltz</strong>," "<strong>The Kids Are Alright</strong>" more than makes up for it with pure audio adrenaline.
<p>
Younger audiences should be amazed to discover that The Who already did everything the Seattle grunge bands did 25 years before Kurt Cobain ever picked up a guitar. From Pete Townsend's flailing guitar licks to Keith Moon's brilliantly illogical drumming technique to pretty boy Roger Daltry's harsh banshee vocals grounded by John Entwisile's solid bass foundation, The Who was the greatest Rock and Roll band to emerge from the 60s. The Beatles may have been great writers and performers, but they were quitters. The Stones could rock, but they were prancing fops by comparison. The Who hit the road and played until Keith died. They regrouped, hit the road again and played until John died. Time will tell if Pete and Roger will regroup to rock once again. I wouldn't put it past them.
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This restored DVD reintegrates 10-minutes of footage cut from the European release. All subsequent VHS and Laser Disc versions of the movie were based on the European release. This DVD is the restored, remastered director's cut originally released in US theaters. Buy this DVD. Play this DVD loud. Long Live Rock!
<p>
<div class="dvdHeader">The Disc</div>
I'll let you in on a secret. I'm a closet air guitar junkie. Have been since Grand Funk's Live Album came out in 1970. I try not to do it near a mirror anymore as I am an old fat white guy now. Crank up this DVD and let loose with the windmill guitar strokes. Great picture and sound. Wonderful extras.<p>
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<strong>Picture Quality:</strong> <span class="rating">10/10</span><br>
There are a number of visual sources in this film. There is 35mm, 16mm and 8mm film plus videotape from Europe and the US. You can tell which is video and which is film. Even still, Pioneer did a great job restoring the picture. Some of the video is grainy, but that is due to the source material, not the transfer. No pixilation, artifacts or delineation problems.<p>
<strong>Sound Quality:</strong> <span class="rating">10/10</span><br>
All three tracks rock. I had the walls shaking. Excellent balance between the ranges. Great stereo effects. Rich bass, crystal clear treble. Rock on my brothers and sisters.<p>
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<strong>Easter Eggs:</strong><br>
None found. The name of the band appears on the main menu. It lights up when you move the remote control to the name. When I pushed the enter button the main menu reloaded. Amazon.com lists a number of extras that I couldn't find and which weren't listed on the DVD box. I don't know if there is something under the band's name and I just have a defective disk or if it is just a bizarre design flaw.<p>
<strong>Extra Features:</strong> <span class="rating">10/10</span><br>
Jeff Stein's commentary track is great. Lots of cool info concerning the hunt for archived footage. Excellent stories about working with The Who to get the film made. Nice memories of the late Keith Moon.
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There is an outstanding 32-page booklet. One section relates the history of the making of the movie. Another section is the director's memories of getting the job done. The second half of the booklet breaks down the film by chapter. It lets you know when and where each performance took place. The DVD also includes a feature that gives you read-along liner notes during the film.
<p>
<strong>The Final Word:</strong><br>
I've waited for years for someone to release this movie on DVD. Thanks to Pioneer, we can have a rockin' good holiday. Stick this one in your headbanger's stocking and the kid will be alright.<p>
<p>obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-60875636420340234222014-07-10T10:12:00.000-05:002014-07-10T10:12:19.179-05:00Out of Time<div class="reviewTitle">Everything Old is New Again</div>
by Rusty White
<br><i>reviewed 10-3-2003</i>
<p></p>
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<P><P>
<table border="0">
<tr>
<td class="boxWhite">Director:</td>
<td class="medium">Carl Franklin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxWhite" valign=top>Starring:</td>
<td class="medium" valign=top>Denzel Washington, Eve Mendes, Dean Cain, Sanaa Lathan, John Billingsley</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxWhite">Length:</td>
<td class="medium">1 Hour 45 minutes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxWhite">Rated:</td>
<td class="medium">PG-13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxWhite">Rating:</td>
<td class="medium">2&1/2 STARS</td>
</tr>
</table>
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<p>
<span class="bigLetter"></span>I once did closing arguments in a trial during which one of the jurors actually said "Amen!" The elderly lady nodded her head vigorously during my argument. I felt good about the odds for acquittal. The jury stayed out for about three hours before deciding to go home for the evening. When they returned in the morning, the emotional impact of my closing argument had worn off and they were left with nothing but the facts. They convicted my guy in short order. I decided that whenever possible I would try to do closing arguments in the morning. I bring this up to illustrate my feelings about Carl Franklin's "<strong>Out of Time</strong>." Last night I left the theater planning to write a 3 1/2 star review. I thought about comparing it to Lawrence Kasden's "<strong>Body Heat</strong>" and a multitude of Film Noir classics. Then I realized that "<strong>Out of Time</strong>" is a story told countless times before. I knew what was going to happen when I saw the trailer two weeks before. That said, "<strong>Out of Time</strong>" is very entertaining and suspenseful.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvFCoDT0sCKvU45tXG6Y8zOMM_Ux0UYmAhVN_oNPifBVZ9xwl6SBOyj6e8eeGZoNsPIrKaDvJxtqyk-LlH7jzLAJ-2IPJwtP4O2fk59co3tqpZENSsEdAoQnKGX8YmFXONr7eISxRSw/s1600/outoftime3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvFCoDT0sCKvU45tXG6Y8zOMM_Ux0UYmAhVN_oNPifBVZ9xwl6SBOyj6e8eeGZoNsPIrKaDvJxtqyk-LlH7jzLAJ-2IPJwtP4O2fk59co3tqpZENSsEdAoQnKGX8YmFXONr7eISxRSw/s1600/outoftime3.jpg" /></a></div>
Chief Whitlock (Denzel Washington) heads a five man police force in the small town of Banyon Key, Florida. His duties include checking locked doors on storefronts after midnight. Whitlock is estranged from his wife Alex (Eve Mendes: <strong>Once Upon a Time in Mexico</strong>). Alex is a detective with the state police. He ambitions were bigger than Banyon Key. Anne Harrison (Sanaa Lathan: Blade) is the sexy abused wife of former NFL player Chris Harrison (Dean Cain). Anne is having an affair with Whitlock, even though she knows he still loves his wife. Anne has cancer. Anne needs money for an experimental operation. Whitlock has $500,000.00 in drug money sitting in his evidence locker. Things get complicated real quick. Whitlock is about to find himself under suspicion for murder among other things. I still haven't told you as much as you will discover in the trailer, but I have to stop. For anyone who has never seen a wrongfully accused man thriller, I don't want to ruin the plot. I will say that when the credits began to roll, the packed preview audience let out a sigh as if they had been holding their breath for the last hour. I know I had!
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1_x3lVjht4HAI5mUAMYIgV-YBuiHfPSTX84rBFXYFZxXNDgbE2dkbfDQwmeU3rvwXhwS84ONlBqXDunLEvI5UVerEOMpudflnKs2X3eWg9C7yWDqdj2rJO-gE09SQFhaLeHAVxz3tQ/s1600/outoftime5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1_x3lVjht4HAI5mUAMYIgV-YBuiHfPSTX84rBFXYFZxXNDgbE2dkbfDQwmeU3rvwXhwS84ONlBqXDunLEvI5UVerEOMpudflnKs2X3eWg9C7yWDqdj2rJO-gE09SQFhaLeHAVxz3tQ/s1600/outoftime5.jpg" /></a></div>
Carl Franklin has proved that he can handle onscreen suspense and strong character development. "<strong>One False Move</strong>" and "<strong>Devil in a Blue Dress</strong>" were both outstanding films that drew the audience into the character's lives while riveting the same audience to their seats with tension and suspense. "<strong>Out of Time</strong>" delivers on both counts. In fact, Franklin is to be congratulated for taking an old plot and bringing it to life. I really wish I had not seen the trailer. Because I knew what the major plot twist was going to be, I had trouble getting into the early development stages of the story. Once the trap was sprung, I truly enjoyed Franklin's thrill ride. I wonder if directors get approval of the trailers. I don't think I would want my film's plot revealed to such degree in the preview. The trailer for "<strong>The Recruit</strong>" did the same thing. Why go see the movie when you know what is going to happen? In this case, you should still go see "<strong>Out of Time</strong>" as it is one of the most entertaining and suspenseful films of the year.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyVrnenx1QUXwIn9PG0gIS9N4RncBNZ84wi4rv4YT205wyrs3F21LsLMpixab9NHXvVzROtECVpnGaIKbRO3mR7bPq8AKJVPS_Y2w07SwigDV-9i5LsAP1fNh9mUL-h3pgpTq53xO3w/s1600/outoftime4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyVrnenx1QUXwIn9PG0gIS9N4RncBNZ84wi4rv4YT205wyrs3F21LsLMpixab9NHXvVzROtECVpnGaIKbRO3mR7bPq8AKJVPS_Y2w07SwigDV-9i5LsAP1fNh9mUL-h3pgpTq53xO3w/s1600/outoftime4.jpg" /></a></div>
How can it be suspenseful if so much is given away in the trailer? David Collard's (<strong>The Family Guy</strong>) script is intelligent and funny. You care whether Whitlock will be able to clear his name. You care about whether Whitlock and Alex can get back together. You worry that these characters might be killed. It takes a well-written and well-acted script to make you feel these emotions. The cast is excellent. Ms. Mendes is given much more to do than she was in "<strong>Once Upon a Time in Mexico</strong>." I enjoyed Denzel Washington's performance very much. He is playing a guy who is not to bright when it comes to affairs of the heart. His grief over his marriage causes him to make some very bad decisions. Washington succeeds in this film because you forget he is a Movie Star and get lost in his character. Mr. Washington is one of the few actors working today who has the magic of the movie stars of yesteryear. Washington sets all that aside and shows us once again what a fine actor he is.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wZr3T7VzMtohIpJqj2Xfnpr4-oW0hOQ7mK4He4XANxfCtsjoN4mlhE32BlGruuoyDOvOi5cU_b83gN7kh55FUypdLIqXryaAhIZkNEoiiIeEnXmy5Zavog4F_xEv80hby3GBgCptSw/s1600/outoftime6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wZr3T7VzMtohIpJqj2Xfnpr4-oW0hOQ7mK4He4XANxfCtsjoN4mlhE32BlGruuoyDOvOi5cU_b83gN7kh55FUypdLIqXryaAhIZkNEoiiIeEnXmy5Zavog4F_xEv80hby3GBgCptSw/s1600/outoftime6.jpg" /></a></div>
I have to point out two last things that are noteworthy in this film. The title design over the opening credits is fantastic. The title sequence reminded me of what Saul Bass might have done if he were still alive. I hate that I didn't write down the name of the lady responsible for the credit sequence. It is funky fun using Graeme Revell's funky blues theme. Finally I want to sing the praises of John Billingsly. Billingsly plays Chae, the overweight, tipsy medical examiner. He takes the written words of David Collard and creates one of the best comic-relief buddies in recent memory. If Mr. Billingsly's comic moments didn't come along every so often during the film's tension filled hour the audience might very well suffocate from holding their breath. What is great about his part is that he plays a naturally funny guy. The humor doesn't break the mood or the tension, it accents it.
obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-45300285955536738782014-07-09T21:07:00.000-05:002014-07-09T21:07:45.723-05:00American History X<p>
<div class="dvdHeader">Film & Disc Review, <i>American History X</i></div>
by Rusty White
<br><span class="medium"><i>reviewed: 1999-04-06</i></span>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcWjOyLQRtOfNLRYoAv5BB9hFND1S_rl1eSvjQcePit-fbxtih1qnPY6LcW8Ysc9xvleHXYN9Of6V89fCnSowwrJbsLJIGd5nF3SywMdICoq2a3wa70IMwFxsqLYv8cWNZF6hYcGJWw/s1600/americanhistoryx5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcWjOyLQRtOfNLRYoAv5BB9hFND1S_rl1eSvjQcePit-fbxtih1qnPY6LcW8Ysc9xvleHXYN9Of6V89fCnSowwrJbsLJIGd5nF3SywMdICoq2a3wa70IMwFxsqLYv8cWNZF6hYcGJWw/s1600/americanhistoryx5.jpg" /></a></div>
<table border="0">
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign="top">Director(s):</td>
<td class="boxReg">Tony Kaye<br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Movie rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">10/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">DVD rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">7/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">DVD Release Date:</td>
<td class="boxReg">04/06/1999</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Running Time:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>119 minutes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">R</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p></p>
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<P><P>
<div class="dvdHeader">Disc Details</div>
<p>
<b>Distributor:</b><br>
New Line Studios<p>
<b>List Price:</b> $24.98<p>
<b>Running Time:</b> 119 minutes
<p>
<b>Special Features:</b><br>
Widescreen anamorphic format.<br>
Chapter selection.<br>
Theatrical trailer.<br>
Production notes.<br>
3 deleted scenes.<br>
11 cast and crew bios.<p>
<b>Video Format:</b><br>
Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1)<br />
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<b>Language Tracks:</b><br>
English (Dolby Digital 5.1)<br>
English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround)<p>
<b>Subtitles:</b><br>
English<p>
<b>Closed Captions:</b><br>
Yes<p>
<b>Casing:</b><br>
1-disc Keep Case<p>
<P><P><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GpNMc7jXtgqyvuIcG_Pa3U8gws2opy_SFyALicPV0Fg7q0geI3QhXaM5zO2rdTe-hDJ4reFQlRe2JImWB2F_Osn2MdRcPhG6t1kTt1nEaIfwxsAkVDnz05y_rB6vEmhcM374cdR7AQ/s1600/americanhistoryx2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GpNMc7jXtgqyvuIcG_Pa3U8gws2opy_SFyALicPV0Fg7q0geI3QhXaM5zO2rdTe-hDJ4reFQlRe2JImWB2F_Osn2MdRcPhG6t1kTt1nEaIfwxsAkVDnz05y_rB6vEmhcM374cdR7AQ/s1600/americanhistoryx2.jpg" /></a></div>
A powerful tale of bigotry, hate-mongering and redemption. Brutally honest with its subject
matter. As Derick Vineyard, Edward Norton delivers a chilling portrait of a young skinhead
whose eyes are opened after a stint in prison for killing two black men who tried to steal
his truck. Edward Furlong is Danny, Derick's younger brother who idolizes him. Derick must
try to show Danny that his path was wrong before Danny makes the same mistakes.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVNMM2g-5vKRuHTdT3A_uQO3WQMwcMlieqvZtLsfrwWs-AQd1STWjUouXcov3UuR02-kz063772vXigWqC6FxTYX5bj1hIoqwQf7YEN8qJeSJ-MXrD5BfQWoXIUrU84UBuhpZhY_i0A/s1600/americanhistoryx3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVNMM2g-5vKRuHTdT3A_uQO3WQMwcMlieqvZtLsfrwWs-AQd1STWjUouXcov3UuR02-kz063772vXigWqC6FxTYX5bj1hIoqwQf7YEN8qJeSJ-MXrD5BfQWoXIUrU84UBuhpZhY_i0A/s1600/americanhistoryx3.jpg" /></a></div>
Tony Kaye directs David McKenna's script with unflinching realism. The film is in color and
black and white. The present day scenes are in color. The past is black and white. This choice
is far from gimmicky. The movie is beautifully filmed in stark realistic tones which suit the
subject perfectly.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYUvPzUo4hfHj7643OMXOyTb3eJ-wu2cbibYC_lO6Erh3vasEubhBsqSi_H5p8Vv7P0iTo0G5CNRiMd_OLdfK3itFAM_xtMbNE_6UjUdm5BGE1vBBzAG_9Oe_CWoHc3CiFe8T9X_oGg/s1600/americanhistoryx4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYUvPzUo4hfHj7643OMXOyTb3eJ-wu2cbibYC_lO6Erh3vasEubhBsqSi_H5p8Vv7P0iTo0G5CNRiMd_OLdfK3itFAM_xtMbNE_6UjUdm5BGE1vBBzAG_9Oe_CWoHc3CiFe8T9X_oGg/s1600/americanhistoryx4.jpg" /></a></div>
The actors do wonders with McKenna's brilliant script. Edward Norton was deservedly nominated
for an Oscar. Edward Furlong is also quite good in a more subtle role. Stacy Keach is chilling
as the leader of the Nazi cell. Fairuza Balk plays Norton's sexy young Hate Ho. She nails the
part. You would swear she just stepped of the stage of a Jerry Springer show. Stop her before
she breeds more Nazi rats. Avery Brooks (TV's Spencer for Hire) is another standout in an
all-around excellent cast.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6oyOQ9-ZB0kCKT6RB8-pZENXMhYP5SFTYDYP_XxJ0TQ_8BcVcl4k0xYg27V6siwEs4cVYZMRa3qpkMi2ntCDUClcdMrcf3_FV6YT__a4mKhGtFYyRP9wGqTvL_DxCpvW118RhlNpyXQ/s1600/americanhistoryx6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6oyOQ9-ZB0kCKT6RB8-pZENXMhYP5SFTYDYP_XxJ0TQ_8BcVcl4k0xYg27V6siwEs4cVYZMRa3qpkMi2ntCDUClcdMrcf3_FV6YT__a4mKhGtFYyRP9wGqTvL_DxCpvW118RhlNpyXQ/s1600/americanhistoryx6.jpg" /></a></div>
The real life counter-parts of these Nazi skinheads claim to worship God. Maybe they need to
read more of his word and less of "<strong>The Turner Diaries.</strong>" As a white male I can say they don't
speak for me.
<p><p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUVJ9WAIT7Fiobt76Sr9qYPsOj6xSyZaB6ndvnFMJP39hq70c870LiQAPIIXV0rWXzLOLU316nwpdqY0g-MdIB149_jkOjtcT7MAaISZVeoEFi8P39dopQc_VWOnlFs-WJcnFqCVqVA/s1600/americanhistoryx7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUVJ9WAIT7Fiobt76Sr9qYPsOj6xSyZaB6ndvnFMJP39hq70c870LiQAPIIXV0rWXzLOLU316nwpdqY0g-MdIB149_jkOjtcT7MAaISZVeoEFi8P39dopQc_VWOnlFs-WJcnFqCVqVA/s1600/americanhistoryx7.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="dvdHeader">The Disc</div>
Modern classic film. Excellent picture and sound. Good extras. Very close to being a perfect DVD.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsg8zc6Kulj9q3NQFgO0HgmYkokn1iVP6HlWglgSucMo2rbUtMcokOiCxhvo9CPzcSNc4sjAxUwQY866MijfWQYh-lNq-LCasBrEHE58B_-WtiPBv6qnhVJNIMRr9MPr9Umuo_mfhtwg/s1600/americanhistoryx10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsg8zc6Kulj9q3NQFgO0HgmYkokn1iVP6HlWglgSucMo2rbUtMcokOiCxhvo9CPzcSNc4sjAxUwQY866MijfWQYh-lNq-LCasBrEHE58B_-WtiPBv6qnhVJNIMRr9MPr9Umuo_mfhtwg/s1600/americanhistoryx10.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVOxhsxFgqu18MBGgPPoZjKdYMIs6pklSkl-4zHn5oN3FF3Efk-k9U_OZkwYY6vOOWy4lYCP_Xd47wx0WOAjSFx5kFvjhvwqVGTIPvK2V97Jko1nR9RZvPLWtXIxKfc9dLTYSgQGjXQ/s1600/americanhistoryx11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVOxhsxFgqu18MBGgPPoZjKdYMIs6pklSkl-4zHn5oN3FF3Efk-k9U_OZkwYY6vOOWy4lYCP_Xd47wx0WOAjSFx5kFvjhvwqVGTIPvK2V97Jko1nR9RZvPLWtXIxKfc9dLTYSgQGjXQ/s1600/americanhistoryx11.jpg" /></a></div>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Picture Quality:</b> <span class="rating">10/10</span><br>
Excellent use of black and white photography. The transfer to digital was impeccable. Great range of grays and shadows. The color photography was also excellent, but paled in comparison with the black and white. All around, and excellent picture. Stark and brutal, like the movie itself.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXKnQT4OhWaNa-WWQ4fvraGbkt5f-RoP0wV_zzNJDDsA5Fc_vc1d-Jd-vSn9L82fGKOI2z8pGTOkwGMpyzGtykeEkqTwOFveEse7ggifLOpwIeXJiUSgnMAPib_YV69HNGwCZB0mtzw/s1600/americanhistoryx112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXKnQT4OhWaNa-WWQ4fvraGbkt5f-RoP0wV_zzNJDDsA5Fc_vc1d-Jd-vSn9L82fGKOI2z8pGTOkwGMpyzGtykeEkqTwOFveEse7ggifLOpwIeXJiUSgnMAPib_YV69HNGwCZB0mtzw/s1600/americanhistoryx112.jpg" /></a></div>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Sound Quality:</b> <span class="rating">10/10</span><br>
No loss of dialogue. Great soundtrack. The violence, especially the second killing committed by Derick, reverberates through the speakers and into you psyche. No noticeable distortion.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIX4ZXiTlLRVld0SHvP8_k2vIads6KUxhTey_MOf-dIC7VFyYFXbPQ8qL_CQ3SSGRFG5b8GgQypaYPMSYxFI-V76tZ6b7xlcjd79KUqSKWQP-_84bRmWVRQYuDgMiR1Jnl9l1ShGqE6A/s1600/americanhistoryx8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIX4ZXiTlLRVld0SHvP8_k2vIads6KUxhTey_MOf-dIC7VFyYFXbPQ8qL_CQ3SSGRFG5b8GgQypaYPMSYxFI-V76tZ6b7xlcjd79KUqSKWQP-_84bRmWVRQYuDgMiR1Jnl9l1ShGqE6A/s1600/americanhistoryx8.jpg" /></a></div>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Easter Eggs:</b><br>
<i>No Easter Eggs Found on Disc.</i><p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3M46eaCI47GNtU9erP0YzVz4DasQ5xcLi2_bv8X-BuKroXifBXq_Z_fmRSOiuvNz2IyA920f88Quznz-3Wp-VNbwzthmWk2unCbM63YrN3r_1zQwTz6BKIE-bmsYmgzJiE8ols0IWGw/s1600/americanhistoryx16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3M46eaCI47GNtU9erP0YzVz4DasQ5xcLi2_bv8X-BuKroXifBXq_Z_fmRSOiuvNz2IyA920f88Quznz-3Wp-VNbwzthmWk2unCbM63YrN3r_1zQwTz6BKIE-bmsYmgzJiE8ols0IWGw/s1600/americanhistoryx16.jpg" /></a></div>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Extra Features:</b> <span class="rating">8/10</span><br>
Very cool chapter selection menu. Easy to navigate. Good use of images and sounds from the film.<p>
The trailer and production notes are good. The cast and crew bios and filmographies are quite
detailed.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlZvgjwIhUs21XJ8GkEM3HAwmSPQUlugN1OqV7IWP9iNP3ESUb-L3ER7nEsu_J0hXzP5spLfMDQ_LdEaZM60TDGZN6Gnq-f9xpKVA4KVYSGb02XxGvw7rcfI42lcgosP_MlW1CntKzw/s1600/americanhistoryx15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlZvgjwIhUs21XJ8GkEM3HAwmSPQUlugN1OqV7IWP9iNP3ESUb-L3ER7nEsu_J0hXzP5spLfMDQ_LdEaZM60TDGZN6Gnq-f9xpKVA4KVYSGb02XxGvw7rcfI42lcgosP_MlW1CntKzw/s1600/americanhistoryx15.jpg" /></a></div>
There are three deleted scenes. One is about 5 minutes long, and is referred to in later dialogue
that remains in the film. I'm not sure why it was cut.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09y7rr5QxkS1Lyw56wiLIKgUVip0L7SZvQq_Kww2hJO7luA1BQROoA2n-l1vVdVVJLKw4Mg-60BBLTGuICZesQhxHNmuvrxdJOwZ5ae8QKpISGNHYYMIekO68r-NV05RykZQstqqTQw/s1600/americanhistoryx14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09y7rr5QxkS1Lyw56wiLIKgUVip0L7SZvQq_Kww2hJO7luA1BQROoA2n-l1vVdVVJLKw4Mg-60BBLTGuICZesQhxHNmuvrxdJOwZ5ae8QKpISGNHYYMIekO68r-NV05RykZQstqqTQw/s1600/americanhistoryx14.jpg" /></a></div>
I really wish there had been a commentary track with this one. Some films are so important and
powerful that they need to documented for future generations. This is one of them. The reason
there is no director's commentary is because first time director Tony Kaye waged war against
this movie. He was denied a director's cut and he opposed the casting of Edward Norton in the
lead role. Mr. Kaye went so far as to petition the director's guild for an "Alan Smithee"
credit, but was denied because he refused to stop bad-mouthing the film. I find this amazing
considering the power of the film and the fact that Mr. Kaye was also the camera operater.
<p><p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxs7K7tJ8_IVitV9WSNXuYwcMg6bbA8j7uac8ZV7OQ4ndh869JvZE6-PRDAJt6u17KwA9_os-8Rj9Il87L5FcSlYFeFhIG8qUGOB65JEm2Rrlc0q3SWxw21R-n5zlGTmzPEu6jlq_Row/s1600/americanhistoryx9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxs7K7tJ8_IVitV9WSNXuYwcMg6bbA8j7uac8ZV7OQ4ndh869JvZE6-PRDAJt6u17KwA9_os-8Rj9Il87L5FcSlYFeFhIG8qUGOB65JEm2Rrlc0q3SWxw21R-n5zlGTmzPEu6jlq_Row/s1600/americanhistoryx9.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="dvdHeader">The Final Word:</div><br>
A must have DVD. This movie should be shown in high schools all over this land. Hitler is
dead. Let's keep it that way.
<p>
obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-62856472280130701072014-07-09T17:57:00.000-05:002014-07-09T17:57:12.855-05:00El Mariachi Trilogy <table border="0"><tr><td><span class="whiteHeader">El Mariachi/Desperado Director's Double Feature (1992/1995)</span></td></tr></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheheOlOJPwm__N1PCDQ2-SLRsAjr4g2ZwN_RIDhglDcs3mqhad8t2QLXIMsRdjbxk8FT-7kEkdXrEWZkP-2tktSOP7cEA1ilADpyyFZEAKxh-sAxJfzLWt6NVmSeWd0hzpL8Ya_F1yKQ/s1600/em_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheheOlOJPwm__N1PCDQ2-SLRsAjr4g2ZwN_RIDhglDcs3mqhad8t2QLXIMsRdjbxk8FT-7kEkdXrEWZkP-2tktSOP7cEA1ilADpyyFZEAKxh-sAxJfzLWt6NVmSeWd0hzpL8Ya_F1yKQ/s1600/em_1.jpg" /></a></div><P><P>
<table border="0"><tr><td><span class="whiteHeader">Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)</span></td></tr></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qLYRLA27tzRDN71UeseyR311xV7DKMNYa8-Lo04bIVpGL1CD2_qzLNhFDavp2_lScBE3POyEWIl-XE1be-UuLcvGh_NYJ2O2uQ7RzHJxdnsGB2ZakDldY0e_H68LxQqUyPbGie9-vw/s1600/em_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qLYRLA27tzRDN71UeseyR311xV7DKMNYa8-Lo04bIVpGL1CD2_qzLNhFDavp2_lScBE3POyEWIl-XE1be-UuLcvGh_NYJ2O2uQ7RzHJxdnsGB2ZakDldY0e_H68LxQqUyPbGie9-vw/s1600/em_2.jpg" /></a></div>
<table border="0">
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Movie rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">8/10 (El Mariachi)<br>6/10 (Desperado)<br>8/10 (Once Upon a Time in Mexico)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">DVD rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">10/10 (El Mariachi/Desperado)<br>9/10 (Once Upon a Time in Mexico)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Release Date:</td>
<td class="boxReg">1998(El Mariachi/Desperado)<br>01/20/2004(Once Upon a Time in Mexico)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Running Time:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>1 hour 21 minutes (El Mariachi)<br>1 hour 43 minutes (Desperado)<br>1 hour 42 minutes (Once Upon a Time in Mexico)</td><P><P>
</tr></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenb0hszg7fAcLQl8PVF3LzUK-28ZujXeZ07yE5zemSSDLvD2J-TPo_lXEQAo43CPhujQ0wXKeys49-FzqNL41dBhI6SxKILN9FcJ2YFebJS-AAzEyBRsBtZB0ooc0bFEHds4ydaEAwA/s1600/em_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenb0hszg7fAcLQl8PVF3LzUK-28ZujXeZ07yE5zemSSDLvD2J-TPo_lXEQAo43CPhujQ0wXKeys49-FzqNL41dBhI6SxKILN9FcJ2YFebJS-AAzEyBRsBtZB0ooc0bFEHds4ydaEAwA/s1600/em_3.jpg" /></a></div>
<table border="0">
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">R</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Distributor:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Columbia Tri Star</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign="top">List Price:</td>
<td class="boxReg">$39.95 (El Mariachi/Desperado)<br> $28.95 (Once Upon a Time in Mexico)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
</table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3rxBpjuNdTO_Yr3vxnwd98afoTYzNaERifoczuHEojULb0cSikVBhkmIogZ894mHSynUjdAIYRhrQ-x1ryKSIrxZ40iPq0pMYpY83VjPQw7w_Tn4Ld2yOniWfvYOT14nrYiq1LSfbA/s1600/em_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3rxBpjuNdTO_Yr3vxnwd98afoTYzNaERifoczuHEojULb0cSikVBhkmIogZ894mHSynUjdAIYRhrQ-x1ryKSIrxZ40iPq0pMYpY83VjPQw7w_Tn4Ld2yOniWfvYOT14nrYiq1LSfbA/s1600/em_4.jpg" /></a></div>
<table border="0">
<td colspan=2><div class="dvdHeader">Disc Details</div></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Special Features: </strong></td>
<td>
<strong><em>El Mariachi: </em></strong><br>
Interactive Menus<br>
Director's Commentary<br>
Robert Rodriguez's short film "Bedhead."<br>
10 minute film school.<br>
Theatrical trailer.<br>
Scene selection.<br>
Widescreen format.<br>
Several languages and captions.
<p></p>
<strong><em>Desperado:</em></strong><br>
Interactive menus<br>
Director's commentary.<br>
10 minute film school - (Anatomy of a Shootout).<br>
Theatrical trailer.<br>
Scene selections.<br>
Widescreen format.<br>
Several languages and captions.
<p></p>
<strong><em>Once Upon a Time in Mexico:</em></strong><br>
Widescreen anamorphic format<br>
Chapter selection<br>
Commentary by director Robert Rodriguez<br>
Music and Sound Design track with commentary<br>
Featurette: Ten Minute Flick School<br>
Featurette: Ten Minute Cooking School<br>
Deleted scenes<br>
Featurette: Inside Troublemaker Studios<br>
Featurette: The Anti-Hero's Journey<br>
Featurette: Film Is Dead: An Evening with Robert Rodriguez<br>
Featurette: The Good, the Bad, and the Bloody: A Look at the Special Effect<br>
Filmographies<br>
Soundtrack plug<br>
DVD-ROM: Shooting gallery<br>
DVD-ROM: Lottery game<p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
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<table border="0">
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Video Format:</strong></td>
<td><strong>Widescreen (1.85:1) (El Mariachi/Desperado)</strong><br><b>Widescreen (1.78:1) (Once Upon a Time in Mexico)</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Languages:</strong></td>
<td><strong>
<strong><em>El Mariachi:</em></strong><br>
Spanish (Dolby Digital 2.0) Mono
<p></p>
<strong><em>Desperado: </em></strong><br>
English (Dolby Digital 5.1) Stereo<br>
English (Dolby Digital 2.0) Stereo<br>
Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1) Stereo<br>
Portuguese (Dolby Digital 5.1) Stereo
<p></p>
<strong><em>Once Upon a Time in Mexico: </em></strong><br>
English (Dolby Digital 5.1)<br>
French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround)<br>
</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Captions:</strong></td>
<td><strong><em>El Mariachi:</em> English, Spanish, Portugese.<br>
<em>Desperado:</em> English, Spanish, Portugese.<br>
<em>Once Upon a Time in Mexico:</em> English, French.
</strong><br />
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Casing:</strong></td>
<td><strong>1-Disc Keep Case</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
</table>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQYpuOaBrIGAy2Wp-i0W8olwiz3Wtb2IfyopDkkpt1HSaVRKQV2m7VG4-X3O8YfAsjTmU8axrWRxV02Z8HSYVH_hwrP10jphf_gBCmzJGya8zpz1Utlnu3gqLANkitt08t2p7XxPv4A/s1600/em_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQYpuOaBrIGAy2Wp-i0W8olwiz3Wtb2IfyopDkkpt1HSaVRKQV2m7VG4-X3O8YfAsjTmU8axrWRxV02Z8HSYVH_hwrP10jphf_gBCmzJGya8zpz1Utlnu3gqLANkitt08t2p7XxPv4A/s1600/em_6.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="dvdHeader"><b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Review</b>: <b>El Mariachi/Desperado</b></div>
<P><P>
Robert Rodriguez's story is legend among all hopeful filmmakers. With a mere $7,500.00, the young
director amazed the world with "<b>El Mariachi</b>." The success of that film was followed by job offers
galore. Rodriguez reworked "<b>El Mariachi</b>" with a big budget and name actors as "Desperado."
The plotlines to both films are similar, however "<b>Desperado</b>" also tries to be a sequel to the earlier film.
This schizophrenia in "<b>Desperado</b>" prevents it from reaching the level the original did. Both films are still
worth owning. This DVD allows fans to own both films on one disc.
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQYRne7sMVCGw0agZiVnPMSe3BWC1wlwJ2m7v4kxJbF-HnWxrp_-sA7QfU199SjEmhVhVXXnybWT7M1IMsduoXszb2i8rY67CxffkFsgtibOcuqr3TWJ_B_6CZehBSUPzlSm6rGqN_g/s1600/em_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQYRne7sMVCGw0agZiVnPMSe3BWC1wlwJ2m7v4kxJbF-HnWxrp_-sA7QfU199SjEmhVhVXXnybWT7M1IMsduoXszb2i8rY67CxffkFsgtibOcuqr3TWJ_B_6CZehBSUPzlSm6rGqN_g/s1600/em_7.jpg" /></a></div>
"<b>El Mariachi</b>" is a case of mistaken identity and being in the wrong place at the wrong time. El
Mariachi (Carlos Gallardo), drifting musician comes to a small Mexican town the same day that Bigotn, (Jaime de Hoyos) an imprisoned drug dealer hits town with revenge on his mind. Turns out that Bigotn
was ripped off by Moco (Peter Marquardt) who has now become a wealthy kingpin. Bigotn enters a bar and
kills several of Moco's men. El Mariachi enters town shortly after this and finds himself fitting the
description of Bigotn. He is hunted down by Moco's henchmen and kills several of them. He finds sanctuary
at a bar owned by Moco but run by the lovely Domino, (Consuelo Gmez). She is wary of the mariachi player at
first, but then realizes that he is a victim of mistaken identity. The remainder of the film has El Mariachi
dodging Moco's henchmen, while Bigotn continues try go after his old partner.
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXMzXsLiFE-Ck1tJFttxfQkim5LRjyNZyduO_rwup8HHIebWP3QmaHhWBA6xWRkJWHTMQq5K-9zcqaDInIbef0QfwXOs4eIsXcF3cPtpsfolmQ4ZilTCvzILZRdMa-eal4W9Hm72PrA/s1600/d_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXMzXsLiFE-Ck1tJFttxfQkim5LRjyNZyduO_rwup8HHIebWP3QmaHhWBA6xWRkJWHTMQq5K-9zcqaDInIbef0QfwXOs4eIsXcF3cPtpsfolmQ4ZilTCvzILZRdMa-eal4W9Hm72PrA/s1600/d_1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RuHztD3R-u5KHvXruyfSorULV45iSdeJZd-duN70NafnE_yRvnB8w1gb7Ye-iEBbFC78bmVmIo8fOhPBXT6ikNcPkDgiOKaygLx-x-fRye6ETi9zYjzrbodMDc6RwBo1l2umVzzf8A/s1600/d_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RuHztD3R-u5KHvXruyfSorULV45iSdeJZd-duN70NafnE_yRvnB8w1gb7Ye-iEBbFC78bmVmIo8fOhPBXT6ikNcPkDgiOKaygLx-x-fRye6ETi9zYjzrbodMDc6RwBo1l2umVzzf8A/s1600/d_2.jpg" /></a></div>
"<b>Desperado</b>"is similar in storyline. Both films were made in the same town and on many of the same locations.
In "<b>Desperado</b>" El Mariachi, (Antonio Banderas) except he now only plays with guns. His hand was shot thus
ending his musical carear. He comes to town to get revenge on yet another bad guy, Bucho (Joaquim de Almeida).
It seems that he is after the badguy from the first film, but that can't be, and Bucho was nowhere to be seen
in the first film. The question becomes, "Why is El Mariachi after Bucho?" I have no idea. There are many
things about "<b>Desperado</b>" which make it a confusing film. It made more sense to me before I saw "<b>El Mariachi</b>."
Nevertheless, "<b>Desperado</b>" has some incredible action and funny humor. The opening scene with Steve Buscimi and
Cheech Marin combines both of these elements. There is a cameo appearance by Quintin Tarantino which also
combines the humor and action elements. There is also Salma Hayek as (Carolina) the bookstore owner who give
the mariachi sanctuary. Ms. Hayek is the most beautiful woman in the world. Here, she is dressed to maximize
her charms to the viewing audience. She also appears fully nude for and extended lovemaking scene which is
perfect for the "step" and "magnify" features of the DVD. While "<b>Desperado</b>" lacks some of the coherence and
character development of "<b>El Mariachi</b>" it is still a good film. Not a great film, but a good one.
</p>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTXNpa2c_LE0z2M92dOThE0vQNwIWATJVHTHEeefM9DHF94-wthHbHu4T1ugqn-dBDiQr07JzFFIUBek2kBvJiQ-x2hEKtV-5riLojXtLIbYHRqMHg6y9hkQGCW9s5r-_t9KbleWhEw/s1600/d_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTXNpa2c_LE0z2M92dOThE0vQNwIWATJVHTHEeefM9DHF94-wthHbHu4T1ugqn-dBDiQr07JzFFIUBek2kBvJiQ-x2hEKtV-5riLojXtLIbYHRqMHg6y9hkQGCW9s5r-_t9KbleWhEw/s1600/d_9.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJxkis0AGow7yGR12KWHYFR5NBpHVhw_OkAEMApaKt-pP6fNg6yY0O2EklHxeXBdTcasFhYegVE8-0ouYl9mWRMhSvseoDQl0qPO981kU4wTdCp-CHV_EhpyF5oXRF8TlWWq7BalAzQ/s1600/d_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJxkis0AGow7yGR12KWHYFR5NBpHVhw_OkAEMApaKt-pP6fNg6yY0O2EklHxeXBdTcasFhYegVE8-0ouYl9mWRMhSvseoDQl0qPO981kU4wTdCp-CHV_EhpyF5oXRF8TlWWq7BalAzQ/s1600/d_12.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="dvdHeader"><b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">The Disc</b></div>
Great disc. Why you ask? Because of Robert Rodriguez. You get to know the filmmaker through his commentaries
and the two "10 minute film schools" on this disc. You know what, he seams to be an approachable filmmaker
who is interested in helping those who will come after him. I was totally impressed by the man's humility,
artistry and humor. I like both of these movies. I enjoyed them more because of the time Rodriguez took to
talk with his fans and budding filmmakers. Great extras.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4-hyTR7ix_4g0IxemvAjTce-9u4S-cLfcP9z3oUHVm_3POvLTFn-_UwdISwHocrNMXgC1IIluqop2akZqU1HtH7lEDKInOu98f2pm2vN-2ndMnFYE9QVCjyaArw9PBObpEMRLqYFDg/s1600/d_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4-hyTR7ix_4g0IxemvAjTce-9u4S-cLfcP9z3oUHVm_3POvLTFn-_UwdISwHocrNMXgC1IIluqop2akZqU1HtH7lEDKInOu98f2pm2vN-2ndMnFYE9QVCjyaArw9PBObpEMRLqYFDg/s1600/d_3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjBNlhxwNuUPguU8XWk6FTi9ym9z12ARzhUCz7ekV3DM6gyCTJLvSH6sKQ9hyHMn0SD0HFSZTCapUz9UdZad0oe4sZZzdZ_GQPSZ0uIdg03ZckfubC3yAxr7YAcVsW3WpA-bwWosxTQ/s1600/d_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjBNlhxwNuUPguU8XWk6FTi9ym9z12ARzhUCz7ekV3DM6gyCTJLvSH6sKQ9hyHMn0SD0HFSZTCapUz9UdZad0oe4sZZzdZ_GQPSZ0uIdg03ZckfubC3yAxr7YAcVsW3WpA-bwWosxTQ/s1600/d_4.jpg" /></a></div>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Picture Quality:</b> <span class="rating">El Mariachi: 7/10; Desperado: 10/10</span><br>
The picture quality of "<b>El Mariachi</b>" is inferior to "<b>Desperado</b>" by what the heck, he made the thing for $7,500.00! The picture is as good as it can be on "<b>El Mariachi</b>."
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrsXEAS2gD_5psVRa6p6T-lO1xBoJSJJkBivbHrnKu-2liEYePef-YsvlRdYO_h4ewtGV3XEocBcuPstB9vrvQIlCOl27k-336EYPOTwcaCBzyH4kRZRa1zL82PxREioxTTNd_EByXQ/s1600/d_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrsXEAS2gD_5psVRa6p6T-lO1xBoJSJJkBivbHrnKu-2liEYePef-YsvlRdYO_h4ewtGV3XEocBcuPstB9vrvQIlCOl27k-336EYPOTwcaCBzyH4kRZRa1zL82PxREioxTTNd_EByXQ/s1600/d_14.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqU3H6a1eSDKlpOLFhHSKJfbMMeJkBFaBa1of_Eqs3oO8FE32qGE8PDL2y228Ut7KdlrI1Kw1CmZsb_vMA3JjVhthBV7PAsKnCGi1VRUyH9D__1d93rOy7yR8gK7qdB9_Kn4C_cqm8vw/s1600/d_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqU3H6a1eSDKlpOLFhHSKJfbMMeJkBFaBa1of_Eqs3oO8FE32qGE8PDL2y228Ut7KdlrI1Kw1CmZsb_vMA3JjVhthBV7PAsKnCGi1VRUyH9D__1d93rOy7yR8gK7qdB9_Kn4C_cqm8vw/s1600/d_13.jpg" /></a></div>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Sound Quality:</b> <span class="rating">El Mariachi: 10/10; Desperado: 10/10</span><br>
Columbia remastered the sound on "<b>El Mariachi</b>" for release. While it is in Mono, you lose nothing. The sound is richer for "<b>Desperado</b>." I especially enjoyed the credit sequence featuring the music of Los Lobos.
<p>
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<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Menu:</b> <span class="rating">El Mariachi: 10/10; Desperado: 10/10</span><br>
The menu's get the job done. They make good use of the movie's sights and sounds.
<p>
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<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Extra Features:</b> <span class="rating">El Mariachi: 10/10; Desperado: 10/10</span><br>
I loved the "10 minute film schools." I wish he would come out with a series of these. Great insights into the filmmaking process. This is especially true for the "Film School" which appears on "<b>El Mariachi</b>."
I have two teenaged kids. I enjoyed Rodriguez's student film "<b>Bedhead</b>" dealing with sibling rivalry. my kids got a kick out of it too.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlIOd3fm56OHw3vE1UDqWainjjHmKKfY81sGnj6ynJOrGRyRyVHXmAOfMQlZqhRtdD_xcWYGb_fafFTkJ9GLvHBcfKgXCqL9g4fXH5sPSaUJUuQCIt-7STjBuOA0Ij_w4E2KirjcGAA/s1600/d_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlIOd3fm56OHw3vE1UDqWainjjHmKKfY81sGnj6ynJOrGRyRyVHXmAOfMQlZqhRtdD_xcWYGb_fafFTkJ9GLvHBcfKgXCqL9g4fXH5sPSaUJUuQCIt-7STjBuOA0Ij_w4E2KirjcGAA/s1600/d_8.jpg" /></a></div>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">The Final Word:</b><br>
Great movies. Rodriguez seems to be a decent human being. He connects with fans and filmmakers alike. Great extras.
<p><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_eOymzUO5tXL0_Wsvi7ajrQkyX1kIWIdlJzdXayn9La2mMqEHJpljSoqfQrxlKaB4i8uiJilwv7U9vYDkixU-IRTF_lhwBBG6_aeIh_3gKyo5Q6Q7WCywoO5uEItwPB69CThT1u0Kg/s1600/mex_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_eOymzUO5tXL0_Wsvi7ajrQkyX1kIWIdlJzdXayn9La2mMqEHJpljSoqfQrxlKaB4i8uiJilwv7U9vYDkixU-IRTF_lhwBBG6_aeIh_3gKyo5Q6Q7WCywoO5uEItwPB69CThT1u0Kg/s1600/mex_2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="dvdHeader"><b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Review</b>: <b>Once Upon a Time in Mexico</b></div>
If you watch Sergio Leone's "<strong>Dollars</strong>" trilogy closely you will realize that Clint Eastwood's 'Man With No Name' is not really the same character in each film. He is and he isn't. Clint's gunman is a man of mythological proportions. Leone made his character both familiar and foreign in each film. That is one of the reasons the films worked so well. Robert Rodriguez also follows this paradigm with his character "<b>El Mariachi</b>" (Antonio Banderas). In each of the three "<strong>El Mariachi</strong>" films, Banderas's history has changed. This doesn't matter, as he is a man of myth. In some ways, he is defined by those who encounter him. As Cheech Marin's character explains to Mr. Sands (Johnny Depp), "sometimes the story gets embellished." There are two common traits in all three films: El Mariachi is heart broken by the murder of the woman he loves, and he is one supreme bad ass. When you see El Mariachi playing guitar in this film, forget the fact that he couldn't play his guitar because of a bullet wound in the first two films. Forget any historical inconsistencies. El Mariachi is not a man, he is legend...a myth.
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"<strong>Once Upon a Time in Mexico</strong>" is pure comic book excitement. Robert Rodriguez almost achieves epic status with this film. I thought it a bold move to name a film "<strong>Once Upon a Time in Mexico</strong>" when you consider the classic status of Sergio Leone's two "<strong>Once Upon a Time</strong>" films. Rodriguez's film does not rise to the level of either of the Leone films. It does entertain though. This is formalist filmmaking. Do not go into this film expecting the realism of "<strong>Reservoir Dogs</strong>." "<strong>Once Upon a Time in Mexico</strong>" is a cinematic graphic novel populated with larger than life heroes and villains.
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Johnny Depp could not have chosen a better follow-up to "<strong>The Pirates of the Caribbean</strong>." Depp plays Mr. Sands, a manic CIA agent trying to manipulate a coup de tat in Mexico. He also has a number of other intrigues in the works, but I won't spoil them for you. His Sands is appropriately named. He shifts under your feet. If you hit him, he conforms to the punch. The rich, well-written part couldn't have been played by anyone else. While not as memorable as Jack Sparrow, Agent Sands is one of Mr. Depp's more memorable performances. When he is not on the screen, you wish he were. Sands is interested in keeping the balance in Mexico. He has psychotic ideas about how to achieve feng shui. Sands always orders the same meal at restaurants where ever he goes. He finds a restaurant that makes the dish better than anywhere else does. In order to maintain the balance, Sands kills the chef. Can't have anything too outstanding. All must be the same.
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The film pays homage to "<strong>Once Upon a Time in the West</strong>" by having three almost godlike lead characters. Depp's agent Sands, Banderas's El Mariachi and Willem Dafoe's Barillo. Barillo is a drug kingpin who will kill anyone who gets in his way, even the President of Mexico. While Depp, Banderas and Dafoe do not captivate you the way Bronson, Fonda and Robards did in "<strong>Once Upon a Time in the West</strong>," they are not to be blamed. What could have been a classic film is merely a very good entertainment due to Rodriguez's script. The film veers very close to the edge of parody. Rodriguez is smart enough to hold the reigns. The action scenes are comic book in style, but they are consistent. Only the scene in which Banderas and Salma Hayek escape from a machine gun ambush does Rodriguez let one of the movie's proverbial wagon wheels hang over the edge of the parody cliff. He quickly pulls back. This momentary lapse can be forgiven. Rodriguez invents an imaginary world and obeys the laws he creates for that universe. There are no "<strong>Die Hard 3</strong>" lapses of reason. The laws of physics are bent, but not enough to prevent the willing suspension of disbelief.
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Though she receives third billing, Salma Hayek has very little screen time. In this installment, she is the dead woman that El Mariachi must avenge. All of her scenes are told in flashback. While she looks great, do not expect a repeat of the steamy sex scene from "<strong>Desperado</strong>." Eva Mendes also provides eye candy for the guys (and gals who are so inclined) as Mexican drug cop Ajedrez. She looks like a more voluptuous Gina Gershon. Rubin Blades and Mickey Rourke also have nice supporting roles. All things considered, Johnny Depp steals the show. I'd pay to see this one again.<p>
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<div class="dvdHeader">The Disc</div>
Great movie, picture, sound and extras.<p><p>
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<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Picture Quality:</b> <span class="rating">10/10</span><br>
Robert Rodriguez says that film is dead. When you look at the images he achieves with high-def video you begin to believe that he might just be right. Rich, well saturated colors. Very vivid colors. Great flesh tones. Sharp image. No pixilation, delineation problems or artifacts.<p><p>
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<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Sound Quality:</b> <span class="rating">10/10</span><br>
Wonderful Latin score. Full rich tones. Excellent balance between the ranges. <p><p>
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<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Easter Eggs:</b><br>
<i>No Easter Eggs Found on Disc.</i><p>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Extra Features:</b> <span class="rating">10/10</span><br>
I've been a big fan of Robert Rodreguez's "10 Minute Film School." This time around it is called the "10 Minute Flick School." There is another featurette entitled "Film is Dead" which explains the name change from "Film School" to "Flick School." In this installment, Rodreguez explains how CGI special effects enabled him to make an epic scale film on a low budget. Someday, someone is going to fund an entire "Flick School" DVD by this guy. Indie filmmakers can learn from this guy. A very informative and enjoyable entry in the series.
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Rodreguez also hosts a "10 Minute Cooking School." He gives detailed instructions for cooking the slow roasted pork that Johnny Depp's character loved in this movie. Can't wait to try it out. I also look forward to the next school that Rodreguez promises at the end of this featurette!
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The 'Film is Dead' featurette is a talk given by Rodreguez to film students in LA. He says that the only reason to work on film is for nostalgia reasons. He makes a great case for the future of High Def filmmaking.
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The commentary tracks are also excellent. Lots of very useful information for would be filmmakers.
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The tour of Troublemakers Studios should give many up and coming filmmakers inspiration for their future. The tour shows how far technology has come to putting the creative power back in the hands of those who create.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkHjUD4GxcDpE7ZE7gNjn27ZMceDHUzYvqKTCfQ7gR1wkrOa0oUUnFUApoYqTMp43A7Y1DRC62hQ0iZXMJjPUCRhGyL5QHcaJI3iLZcpmGgEnUk29RJwW55_trmUSzbva-pUJSANmJA/s1600/mex_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkHjUD4GxcDpE7ZE7gNjn27ZMceDHUzYvqKTCfQ7gR1wkrOa0oUUnFUApoYqTMp43A7Y1DRC62hQ0iZXMJjPUCRhGyL5QHcaJI3iLZcpmGgEnUk29RJwW55_trmUSzbva-pUJSANmJA/s1600/mex_14.jpg" /></a></div>
The DVD also includes filmographies for the three leads and the director. There are a couple of featurettes detailing the special effects and the evolution of this film series. The DVD-ROM features a shooting gallery game. Kill the badguys while avoiding the good guy. There is also a game called lottery that tests your survival skills with each of the film's characters.<p>
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<div class="dvdHeader">The Final Word:</div><br>
Well worth the price of admission. A nice start to 2004.<p>
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<p>obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-48045246018247627202014-07-09T12:29:00.000-05:002014-07-09T12:29:27.686-05:00Rats, The<table border="0"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayzeWTPhG3XnBVtd1EVJIbjVstiGaflGV9S7RlX1t_a55Qf9EnhFgqnnkAO5a4zq19CWHfrudB088yR7jp4M6aOo1dQpE1G_DpS6BwZPONiUXl1JjRrW0OnsA_ZUxsFV9roBcVAy2Ow/s1600/therats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayzeWTPhG3XnBVtd1EVJIbjVstiGaflGV9S7RlX1t_a55Qf9EnhFgqnnkAO5a4zq19CWHfrudB088yR7jp4M6aOo1dQpE1G_DpS6BwZPONiUXl1JjRrW0OnsA_ZUxsFV9roBcVAy2Ow/s1600/therats.jpg" /></a></div>
<tr>
<td colspan="2"><span class="whiteHeader">The Rats (2002 (made for TV))</span><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Movie rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">3/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">DVD rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">5/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Release Date:</td>
<td class="boxReg">Oct. 15, 2002</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Running Time:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>1 hour 34 minutes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">R</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Distributor:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Fox</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign="top">List Price:</td>
<td class="boxReg">$26.98</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=2><div class="dvdHeader">Disc Details</div></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><b>Special Features: </b></td>
<td>
Widescreen anamorphic format<br>
Chapter selection<br>
Trailers<br>
Featurette: "Wild on the Set: The Rats" </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Video Format:</strong></td>
<td><strong>Anamorphic Widescreen (1.78:1)<br />
[SS-DL]</strong>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Languages:</strong></td>
<td><strong>
English (Dolby Digital 5.1)<br>
English (Dolby Digital 2.0)
</strong><br />
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Subtitles:</strong></td>
<td><strong>English, Spanish.</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Captions:</strong></td>
<td><strong>Yes</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Casing:</strong></td>
<td><strong>1-Disc Keep Case</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
</table>
<p>
<div class="dvdHeader">Review</div>
"<strong>The Rats</strong>" was a made for TV movie produced for FOX TV. This DVD version includes a nude scene before the opening credits. Other than that scene, the movie could have been rated PG. "<strong>The Rats</strong>" has a high gloss look and some good scenes, but it is strictly low rent, grade z horror.
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I'm a horror movie fan, but I found nothing in this movie worth recommending. If you want sex, there is none. If you want gore, look elsewhere. If you want good acting, rent "Hamlet." If you want to see 100,000 rats blown to hell and gone in a swimming pool then watch the last few minutes of this movie.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZ4MKgiIvWUMowBhDMBZYy98zZuUzlR7-ipYVWk-agRncZ3tgWVTmHHkXA7iLPhJDafbZv1R2RscoJMHlzoxhh8y1mFSZIAWYusLWTJvKAX2tchwdVCWmGZAFjO_RgXRSC3SrPMrYjg/s1600/rats4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZ4MKgiIvWUMowBhDMBZYy98zZuUzlR7-ipYVWk-agRncZ3tgWVTmHHkXA7iLPhJDafbZv1R2RscoJMHlzoxhh8y1mFSZIAWYusLWTJvKAX2tchwdVCWmGZAFjO_RgXRSC3SrPMrYjg/s1600/rats4.jpg" /></a></div>
"<strong>The Rats</strong>" stars Madchin Amick and Vincent Spano. Who did you expect, Robert DeNiro and Meryl Streep! Let's see...hordes of genetically altered rats are laying siege to New York. Posh store employee Madchin Amick hires hunky exterminator Vincent Spano to kill the rats so her store's rich shoppers can continue to have cappuccino as they shop for diamonds and furs. Several folks get eaten. Eventually, the exterminator turns into an explosive pied piper and kills the pesky vermin. The End. Yawn. Go rent "<strong>Willard</strong>" instead.
<p>
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<div class="dvdHeader">The Disc</div>
Lame movie. Good picture and sound. One extra. Way over priced. Move along now, there's nothing to see here.<p>
<strong>Picture Quality:</strong> <span class="rating">8/10</span><br>
The movie had very good production values. To bad there are no other values (think script, acting, direction) on display. No artifacts. Some delineation problems during the film's darker scenes.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQClzntTBryzDEM97r-nYeE1ip1XseeQXdGuBqYY-FXKpqQOCXtwPShF5sZ1CPJtGw7Nx1jlezqrAaVtTZdLfoN-2oy5-9tbTDKwjhE6lnfYHyA00vo8BVSPZEPLKNFJDIFJ3toP_kA/s1600/rats1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQClzntTBryzDEM97r-nYeE1ip1XseeQXdGuBqYY-FXKpqQOCXtwPShF5sZ1CPJtGw7Nx1jlezqrAaVtTZdLfoN-2oy5-9tbTDKwjhE6lnfYHyA00vo8BVSPZEPLKNFJDIFJ3toP_kA/s1600/rats1.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong>Sound Quality:</strong> <span class="rating">7/10</span><br>
The sound tracks aren't that bad. Too bad there is nothing to hear worth hearing.<p>
<strong>Menu:</strong> <span class="rating">4/10</span><br>
Lame menu design. Still frames. Easy to navigate.<p>
<strong>Extra Features:</strong> <span class="rating">3/10</span><br>
There is a 10 minute featurette from the "<strong>Animal Planet</strong>" network dealing with the trainer of the lovable rodent movie stars. The featurette was the only thing worth while on the disk, except the naked chick (Kim Poirier) in the dressing room during the film's opening scene!
<p>
There are trailers for this movie and several Brian De Palma films.<p>
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<strong>The Final Word:</strong><br>
I wonder how many times I could get this DVD to skip across a pond?<p>
<p>obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-33908136116102207682014-07-08T17:25:00.000-05:002014-07-08T18:51:12.149-05:00An Interview with Don Young<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnR_JQyffhya58_-zBvLtUWQQJQFs9bymxZd6GWAZFuzTHjfxyUCd1foWoevyvUJzknn9KYr0e5O6FcC_8cSDfdBZPaSaXE_Pc7qoDjlbiV3dgU_-ZVDqa8D6U03wHgErogwG6qbB9Nw/s1600/donyoung.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnR_JQyffhya58_-zBvLtUWQQJQFs9bymxZd6GWAZFuzTHjfxyUCd1foWoevyvUJzknn9KYr0e5O6FcC_8cSDfdBZPaSaXE_Pc7qoDjlbiV3dgU_-ZVDqa8D6U03wHgErogwG6qbB9Nw/s1600/donyoung.jpg" /></a></div><P><b>(NOTE: Found a couple of old interviews which I have not rescued from cyberspace. Hope you enjoy!!)</b></P>
Don Young: Portrait of a Working Man<br>
by Rusty White<br>
Thursday, August 30, 2001<br>
<P><P>
<p>For every Tom Cruise or Harrison Ford, there are a thousand Don Youngs.
Don Young is a hard working actor who has worked as an extra and character
actor. He has had bit parts and larger roles. Don Young is representative of
a majority of actors who aren't household names or faces, but nonetheless
play and important role in the world of film and television. I enjoyed the
time I spent with Mr. Young. The Georgia actor is unassuming and genuine.
Talking with him gave me an insight into the day to day life of a man who's
work just happens to be acting.
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<p>It was the first day of the Memphis Film Festival and yours truly had forgotten his tape recorder. It's a shame because I spent the next hour and a half laughing and talking with Mr. Young. I approached him while waiting to speak with Hammer scream queen Veronica Carlson. I wouldn't get to speak to her for a while.
<p>Mr. Young has appeared in several features since the 1970s including "<b>The
Prize Fighter</b>," "<b>Tank</b>," "<b>Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken</b> (sort of)" and the unreleased "<b>Raney</b>" with Jennifer O'Neil. (UPDATE: Since this interview Mr. Young has appeared in a number of films. The screen captures are from his work in "<b>Big Fish</b>" and "<b>We Are Marshall</b>.") He is most recognizable as the Stan Laurel-looking guy in Tony Scott's big budget Miller beer commercial about the Elba River Flood. He's the "I sure could use a beer" guy.
<blockquote>
Don Young: People come up to me all the time and ask if that was me. A snotty guy said, 'I saw you. Me and my friends just laughed at your silly self.' I laughed too, all the way to the bank.
</blockquote>
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<p>Mr. Young is a union man. He had numerous stories about walking the picket lines.
<blockquote>
<p>DY: It's a tough industry. 99% unemployment most of the time. I'm a union man, but I'm diplomatic. If you file a complaint depends on who you're working for. Sometimes you say something and sometimes you don't. I've done a couple of Disney films. They are the tightest company to work for. You have to stay on top of them. But I was working on "<b>Unsolved Mysteries</b>" on location in Tennessee. They were a good company. They screwed up on our meals, but it was no big deal. The producers and director were doing their best. When we wrapped, there was a $235.00 meal penalty bonus on our checks. They knew they had messed up and reported it voluntarily to the union. No one had to say a thing because we were working for a reputable company.</p>
<strong>Rusty White: You worked with Steve Martin in "<b>A Simple Twist of Fate</b>." How was he to work with?</strong>
<p>DY: I found him to be a genuinely nice guy. there were a lot of folks who bad mouthed him, but hell, it's all how you approach someone. If you go up to stars in the middle of production and bother them, they may get rude. They're busy. People take that personal and start saying bad things. They don't think about what they did wrong to provoke the reaction. Steve was great to me. He gave me a real nice autographed color photo. I was the only one who got one. The make up girls and several of the crew were asking about it. I wrote Steve to tell him thanks and he sent me another.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Mr. Young went on to tell me how he moved up from an extra to a principle actor.</p>
<blockquote>
DY: I was an extra in a movie until the producers found out I could handle a horse. I then became a principle player. the more you can do the better off you are. On "<b>Tank</b>" the producers went ape when they found out I could drive a tractor.
</blockquote>
<p>Mr. Young proceeded to jump up and down, squealing like a girl in imitation of the production assistant.</p>
<blockquote>
DY: 'Don Young can drive a tractor! Don Young can drive a tractor!' They acted like I'd cured cancer. I'm a Georgia boy, of course I can drive a tractor. But it got me a bigger part and more money.
</blockquote>
<p>Mr. Young spent a long time talking about his friends Jock Mahoney (Sally Field's stepfather) and Ben Johnson (<b>The Wild Bunch</b>).</p>
<blockquote>
DY: The best advice I ever got was from Ben Johnson. He said 'There's lots a folks who can out act me, but nobody can play Ben Johnson better than me.' I took that advice to heart. I just play myself. Nobody can play Don Young better than me.
</blockquote>
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<p>We went out to the lobby to smoke a cigarette.</p>
<blockquote>
DY: I became friends with Troy Donahue at a convention a few years ago. He's always on my case about smoking. If he reads this he'll get mad I hadn't quit yet.
</blockquote>
<p>We got to talking about how I was a lawyer by profession. He gave me a stern look and said that he wouldn't hold my profession against me. You can't help but like this guy. Mr. Young used this a transition into his memories of working on the TV series "<b>In the Heat of the Night</b>."</p>
<blockquote>
<p>DY: I wasn't surprised when Hugh (O'Conner) killed his self. It was a shame. The drugs got a hold of him and wouldn't turn loose. A real shame. Great bunch of actors on that show. Anne Marie who played Virgil's wife is as nice a person as you'd like to me.</p>
<strong>RW: What was Howard Rollins like?</strong>
<p>DY: Didn't get to know him that well. He was different. We didn't really connect.</p>
</blockquote>
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<p>Mr. Young works steady in TV commercials. Besides the aforementioned Miller Beer commercial he did a memorable Nike shoe commercial.</p>
<blockquote>
DY: The kids found out I was going to be in a Nike commercial with Frank Thomas of the White Sox. They went crazy. Get his autograph! I love acting. I get to travel around, meet great folks in the business and out. It's great work if you can get it!
</blockquote>
<p>
The afternoon panel discussion was about to start and we had to say our good byes for now. We did talk again over the next couple of days, but that's the making for another story.</p>
obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-23065539199171281922014-07-08T15:16:00.000-05:002014-07-08T15:16:59.587-05:00An Interview (mini) with Lisa Wilcox<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDT5tM_0V0JGSa_BCgRfxE3xDrHwLR95Xs40OxJuIOlFoK_TA9hpyXXoZmX_UmWAp0A_EWPI05MVz5hN32mgAsPlXnaaf_101Pp1FCAaZOBqv7YJXJucn5vK6-S4orR-Qp2sqCoEiRw/s1600/l_wilcox1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDT5tM_0V0JGSa_BCgRfxE3xDrHwLR95Xs40OxJuIOlFoK_TA9hpyXXoZmX_UmWAp0A_EWPI05MVz5hN32mgAsPlXnaaf_101Pp1FCAaZOBqv7YJXJucn5vK6-S4orR-Qp2sqCoEiRw/s1600/l_wilcox1.jpg" /></a></div><b>(NOTE: Found a couple of old interviews which I have not rescued from cyberspace. Hope you enjoy!!) </b><p>
An Interview with Lisa WIlcox<br>
by Rusty White<br>
Monday, September 2, 2002<br>
<P><P>
<p>Day Four of DragonCon: Monday, September 2, 2002: Exhaustion is the order of the day. I should be on the road back to Memphis, but I want to squeeze in a few more interviews. The costumed characters are not as prevalent today. It is like the last day of Woodstock for the unashamedly weird. The crowds have thinned out. The celebs are wiped out and I've got an eight-hour drive back to Memphis in front of me.</p>
<P>A large line of fans forms from out of nowhere. The <b>Mystery Science Theater 3000</b> guys have landed. I decide to wait for the line to clear out before I approach them. The stunningly beautiful and very tired Lisa Wilcox is enjoying a rare moment of peace. I decide to invade her tranquility. I feel a bit of a fool this weekend. Not being a fan of <b>Star Trek</b> or its progeny, I have steered clear of actors from the series because I wouldn't know what to ask. I make an exception in Ms. Wilcox's case for two reasons. First, Ms. Wilcox has been in quite a few other movies that I have seen. Second, this is one of the few occasions I can say "Hi!" to a beautiful woman without having the words "Get Lost Jerk!" follow in short order.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoBwe4ysXOAv9htWFRKj4RYfCJxNcoWzRzG0aRTevpeVdhj4bt3sNWbRUfyJvLlFCPLR84-YvT7dKjoXQulLUPidsb8iqeZd-RKR8vUwTguRIpKh56Mnrhhw5CYVeR1-o7QUJPNF4rA/s1600/l_wilcox2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoBwe4ysXOAv9htWFRKj4RYfCJxNcoWzRzG0aRTevpeVdhj4bt3sNWbRUfyJvLlFCPLR84-YvT7dKjoXQulLUPidsb8iqeZd-RKR8vUwTguRIpKh56Mnrhhw5CYVeR1-o7QUJPNF4rA/s1600/l_wilcox2.jpg" /></a></div><P>Ms. Wilcox tells me she studied theater arts at U.C.L.A. followed by professional acting classes. She studied a Czech method of acting known as the Grotowski method. She remembered director Renny Harlan as a very giving director. Harlan cast her in <b>Nightmare IV</b>.</p>
<blockquote><p>"With Renny, casting was the difficult part. They said I looked too much like a cheerleader for the
part. I did call back after call back. I went back with dirty hair, no make-up
and scruffy clothes. I got the part."</p></blockquote>
<p>Ms. Wilcox has an All-American, Girl-Next-Door beauty that is both striking and intimidating. She admitted that
many in Hollywood refuse to see past looks when it comes to casting.</p>
<blockquote><p>"I'm an actress who can alter my looks. I've played everything from a nun to a prostitute. Hollywood finally realized I could play a wide range of characters."</p></blockquote>
<P>Ms. Wilcox has two projects near and dear to her heart. She and fellow <b>Nightmare IV</b> alum, actress Tuesday Knight own and operate a jewelry business under the name "<b>Toe Brights</b>". What started as a line of toe rings turned into a full line of different types of jewelry. The two businesswomen own two factories and have 1200 clients including Nordstoms.</P>
<P>Ms. Wilcox's other project is entitled <b>The Further Adventures of Chastity Blade</b>. Ms. Wilcox's agent passed her the script for a student film. The French film student; Julien Magnat had admired Ms. Wilcox since her <b>Nightmare</b> days. She reluctantly read the student's script and fell in love with it. According to Ms. Wilcox, the short film received an Oscar nomination for best short subject. A feature-film version, as well as a TV series is currently in development.</P>
<p>I see that the line for the <b>MST3000</b> guys has disappeared. I thank Ms. Wilcox for her time. Nice lady. I cross the room, only
to discover that the <b>MST3000</b> guys have also disappeared! Oh well. Maybe next year Dragon*Con 2003 will come up off of some extra press passes. Time to thank Star Roberts.</P>obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-37326782804335495322014-07-08T08:57:00.000-05:002014-07-08T08:57:27.612-05:00An Interview (sort of) with Virginia Hey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_cSDEqhDTdmo5OvIvDB-lq7FYVD54QNDyPud_cu0xSEqHyka_Ke9iaO8Kx3w2eckxUHCNnmDksqTsk_RcFMYIMur4bTFCPgblyi_VG72SqQTqGgoOuba6ps5VMDCDuaOBITbfgfYBQ/s1600/v_hey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_cSDEqhDTdmo5OvIvDB-lq7FYVD54QNDyPud_cu0xSEqHyka_Ke9iaO8Kx3w2eckxUHCNnmDksqTsk_RcFMYIMur4bTFCPgblyi_VG72SqQTqGgoOuba6ps5VMDCDuaOBITbfgfYBQ/s1600/v_hey.jpg" /></a></div>(NOTE: Found a couple of old interviews which I have not rescued from cyberspace. Hope you enjoy!!)
An Interview with Virginia Hey<br>
by Rusty White<br>
Monday, September 2, 2002<br>
<P><P>
<P>Day Four of DragonCon: Monday, September 2, 2002: Exhaustion is the order of the day. I should be on the road back to Memphis, but I want to squeeze in a few more interviews. The costumed characters are not as prevalent today. It is like the last day of Woodstock for the unashamedly weird. The crowds have thinned out. The celebs are wiped out and I've got an eight-hour drive back to Memphis in front of me.</p>
<P>I came back on day four to talk with Australian actress Virginia Hey. Ms. Hey's performance in George Miller's action classic <b>The Road Warrior</b> is a haunting portrait of strength and vulnerability.</P>
<blockquote><p><b>"It was sheer luck. That was my first film performance. I just
read the script and went on instinct. I didn't have a method. George's direction
had more to do with placement and movement than emoting."</b></p></blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqLYwj6smyCv81Z3KQkzjErA1b7J8s5Wmt76LB1y94TRNgjxEH-Yxisx3h997gwxFswqcBUPnimmhwjub09kZW2XuYx7uDaZUlx6bVdGg-u7WSlrQ5cO7BEsUPNQquMFllYQZLSa1cg/s1600/v_hey2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqLYwj6smyCv81Z3KQkzjErA1b7J8s5Wmt76LB1y94TRNgjxEH-Yxisx3h997gwxFswqcBUPnimmhwjub09kZW2XuYx7uDaZUlx6bVdGg-u7WSlrQ5cO7BEsUPNQquMFllYQZLSa1cg/s1600/v_hey2.jpg" /></a></div><p>I asked about her impression of Mr. Miller.</p>
<blockquote><p><b>"He was a great action director. I believe this was only his second or third film. Like me, he was still learning. He evolved into a very sensitive director."</b></p></blockquote>
<P>Ms. Hey is running on fumes. I spoke to her the previous evening and she was near death then. She signs autographs for free because her manager is away. Nice lady. I want to ask her about her meditation CDs. Events involving a small kitten, some clumsy and pushy fans and shear exhaustion prevent me from imposing on the poor lady any further. She apologizes, unnecessarily and tells me that all the info I would want about her meditation tapes can be found on her web-site. She thanks me for leaving. It is the first time that I didn't mind that a woman was grateful for my departure.</P>obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-18100478407936371762014-07-08T08:43:00.000-05:002014-07-08T08:43:27.644-05:00An Interview with Kenny Baker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8REyQFiElQou1fOTpinld4tgTGF7Gm2D2j6xbHt8TOBA53uvl9AIf25a05gxcD0LsxYg4dLXlDB7gNVlNaxNVAmnUuKIPE6tArFr6H7dw9eOcLSwzZbU8jcmxwst6EmhtIY3O_nKrA/s1600/k_baker1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8REyQFiElQou1fOTpinld4tgTGF7Gm2D2j6xbHt8TOBA53uvl9AIf25a05gxcD0LsxYg4dLXlDB7gNVlNaxNVAmnUuKIPE6tArFr6H7dw9eOcLSwzZbU8jcmxwst6EmhtIY3O_nKrA/s1600/k_baker1.jpg" /></a></div><p><b>(NOTE: Found a couple of old interviews which I have not rescued from cyberspace. Hope you enjoy!!)</b></p>
An Interview with Kenny Baker<br>
by Rusty White<br>
Monday, September 2, 2002
<P><P>
<P>Day Four of DragonCon: Monday, September 2, 2002: Exhaustion is the order of the day. I should be on the road back to Memphis, but I want to squeeze in a few more interviews. The costumed characters are not as prevalent today. It is like the last day of Woodstock for the unashamedly weird. The crowds have thinned out. The celebs are wiped out and I've got an eight-hour drive back to Memphis in
front of me.</P>
<P>Kenny Baker welcomes me to sit for a while. He is losing his voice. I strain to hear as he whispers. Mr. Baker, like the rest of the celebs has given his all to meet, greet and talk to fans.</p>
<blockquote><P><b>"I've been in show business for 50, no, 60 years. I was approached in school to join a variety act."</b></p></blockquote>
<P>Fans approach. Mr. Baker strengthens his voice, puts on a big smile and
gives his all for the couple dressed like vampires.</P>
<blockquote><P><b>"This has been a crazy convention. The women! I was on an escalator last night. The woman in front of me was only wearing a thong!"</b></p></blockquote>
<p>I ponder Mr. Baker's statement. I imagine that being a man of Mr. Baker's stature
does have its advantages.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhncb-MR7DmJuixmAIf5CMzAOQL-zkpzHLYxucsVlBZOyMEEp8ZG3AovFAsTnBOca4NLq663xRnm0W5U8MaFJPQ0SNrO_ZXv44rThfekHyO43x_wz8ZEfjdqvtsGqIeIvz9fRUXxMntA/s1600/k_baker2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhncb-MR7DmJuixmAIf5CMzAOQL-zkpzHLYxucsVlBZOyMEEp8ZG3AovFAsTnBOca4NLq663xRnm0W5U8MaFJPQ0SNrO_ZXv44rThfekHyO43x_wz8ZEfjdqvtsGqIeIvz9fRUXxMntA/s1600/k_baker2.jpg" /></a></div><P>Mr. Baker talks about some of his work.</P>
<blockquote><P><b>"I skated in ice shows all over Europe and South Africa for 20 years. I love to ice skate."</b></p></blockquote>
<p>Being the not-so-proud owner of two left feet, I admire anyone who can skate. Blair, my 13-year-old son plays ice hockey. He will think it very cool that R2D2 can ice skate.</P>
<P>Mr. Baker seems to like <b>Time Bandits</b> above his other films.</p>
<blockquote><P><b>"Michael Palin was a lot of fun. John Cleese was much more reserved."</b></p></blockquote>
<P>There is a bit of a rascally glint in Mr. Baker's eyes. You can see why he enjoyed playing a scoundrel in <b>Time Bandits</b>.</P>
<blockquote><P><b>As for his most famous role, Mr. Baker says, "That wasn't
acting. I was the right size to fit into the robot. I was operating a machine.
There were switches and knobs to turn the head, eyepiece and the lights." Mr.
Baker demonstrates R2D2's impatient 'potty-dance' stomp. "That was the only
movement I did. The rest was radio controlled." I always liked that little step.
It personified R2D2's spunk. The little robot is always ready to do battle for
his friends. Size isn't an issue.</b></p></blockquote>
<P>I think, as I leave Mr. Baker, that just maybe his personality did show from underneath the robot prop.</P>obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-50807291693867972722014-07-08T08:15:00.000-05:002014-07-08T08:15:09.229-05:00An Interview with Peggy Stewart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPFAezfCB8EIqqIl-Nhs8yZ1zam8CTMM_zI1lMQYNo184v7GaWhtuGWzWxA4edkYGWJjUXd79FA3uetKXy0cZqeH7ZHLzQpeWttDlvO0e8lP_63pAxdK-9_Pnj9kQ77aaQjT2djlwaQ/s1600/p_stewart1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPFAezfCB8EIqqIl-Nhs8yZ1zam8CTMM_zI1lMQYNo184v7GaWhtuGWzWxA4edkYGWJjUXd79FA3uetKXy0cZqeH7ZHLzQpeWttDlvO0e8lP_63pAxdK-9_Pnj9kQ77aaQjT2djlwaQ/s1600/p_stewart1.jpg" /></a></div><p><b>(NOTE: Found a couple of old interviews which I have not rescued from cyberspace. Hope you enjoy!!)</b></p>
An Interview with Peggy Stewart<br>
by Rusty White<br>
Friday, August 24, 2001<br>
<P><P>
There were numerous actors at the Memphis Film Festival which I was not able to spend extended periods of time with. I wasn't able to speak with Sam Edwards other than to say hello and have him sign my daughter's "Bambi" video box. He was Thumper. Due to time constraints, Kathryn Adams and Peggy Stewart were two others who I was unable to ask more than a few questions of. What follows is my conversation with Ms. Stewart.
<p>
At the panel discussion in which Peggy Stewart appeared, moderator Ray
Neilson asked her about her "<b>Red Ryder</b>" costar, Robert Blake's legal
problems.
<blockquote>
Peggy Stewart: I've know Robert since he was a boy. There is no way he would kill
someone. It makes me sick to hear these accusations about him. I'll give you
an example of the type of person he is. I asked Robert to attend (a fan
festival in Los Angeles, which this writer forgot to note). Robert said that
he didn't attend those festivals. He is desperate to be liked by his fans,
but he is aware of his reputation as a tough guy. Robert was afraid that
someone would come up and say something stupid to him and he might react in
such a way that would get him bad press. I don't want the folks not to like
me. Anyway, A month or so later I go to the festival. The crowds are huge.
The organizer came up to me and said that Robert Blake was there. I went up
to him and wanted to strangle him. 'What are you doing here?' He was sitting
with another actress as she signed and sold autographed pictures. It turned
out that the actress was down on her luck and came to Robert for a loan. He
didn't have the money to help her, but he told her about the fan festival and
said he would come and sit with her while she sighed autographs. Maybe it
would help her to sell more pictures. Well, as you can imagine, the lines
were the longest of the whole festival. He is a generous spirit who could not
commit murder. He called me up after the shooting. He seemed in good spirits.
I told him my prayers were with him and his family.
</blockquote>
<table width="375" align="center" border="0">
<tr>
<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDa9oNBsSjWTxkNbRgD14HMh54Q_AJKVYs_C0xYhbUY4JIkq9KucNCZZBTxYyF-ul-J-RKXsh3ds5ozSqy1bzn4iabbHVyqcOPeNt7m9z8YIIwJ-XopKTIhhjjpxoV3FyOhibwOVHxiA/s1600/adams_stewart-redryder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDa9oNBsSjWTxkNbRgD14HMh54Q_AJKVYs_C0xYhbUY4JIkq9KucNCZZBTxYyF-ul-J-RKXsh3ds5ozSqy1bzn4iabbHVyqcOPeNt7m9z8YIIwJ-XopKTIhhjjpxoV3FyOhibwOVHxiA/s1600/adams_stewart-redryder.jpg" /></a></div><br>
Peggy Stewart and Robert Blake in <em>Red Ryder</em></td>
</tr>
</table>
<p>Later that day.</p>
<blockquote>
<strong>Rusty White: Miss Stewart, I'm a big fan of Mr. Blake's work. I was touched by your
defense of him. It is good to know he has friends in his corner.</strong>
<p>PS: He didn't kill anyone. I've known him since he was a boy.</p>
<strong>How was it working on the set of <b>Seinfeld</b>? I believe you were in the "<b>Implant</b>" episode.</strong>
<p>PS: It was a lot of fun. Jerry was very nice. He would come up and make sure
everything was going all right, that I felt a part of the cast. The others
were another story. It seemed that everyone was jockeying for position. It's
that way sometime with an ensemble cast. Everyone wants to make sure that
they get their moment in the sun. No one was rude to me, they just seemed
wrapped up in their own parts. But Jerry was a real gentleman.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>
Unfortunately I was unable to get in more time with these two ladies.
Maybe next time.
<p>
Fans of Peggy Stewart may want to check out <b>VCI Home Entertainment</b>'s web
site. They have the following Peggy Stewart titles available: <b>UTAH</b>,
<b>CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH</b>, <b>THE FIGHTING REDHEAD</b> and <b>STAGECOACH TO DENVER</b>. VCI also
is in the process of restoring two "<b>Red Ryder</b>" films with Peggy Stewart and
Robert Blake.
<p></p>obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-52852568944909672052014-07-08T07:58:00.000-05:002014-07-08T08:05:19.524-05:00An Interview with Kathryn Adams<p><b>(NOTE: Found a couple of old interviews which I have not rescued from cyberspace. Hope you enjoy!!)</b></p>
A interview with actress Kathryn Adams<br>
by Rusty White<br>
Friday, August 24, 2001<br>
<P><P><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRou1lPWIfDRcjeHriwnflrdGe3dMR8BLeNVpVFLM-GeGldXx0IOpAHnSRdPOV_DQYjTbtgiNObeuIzw3L1S-WSN9flIkOU5bMp_h3Jxk4fXYynvVYAouGHqRwfotKpJ2Zv839eDbnw/s1600/k_adams1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRou1lPWIfDRcjeHriwnflrdGe3dMR8BLeNVpVFLM-GeGldXx0IOpAHnSRdPOV_DQYjTbtgiNObeuIzw3L1S-WSN9flIkOU5bMp_h3Jxk4fXYynvVYAouGHqRwfotKpJ2Zv839eDbnw/s1600/k_adams1.jpg" /></a></div>
There were numerous actors at the Memphis Film Festival which I was not
able to spend extended periods of time with. I wasn't able to speak with Sam
Edwards other than to say hello and have him sign my daughter's "Bambi" video
box. He was Thumper. Due to time constraints, Kathryn Adams and Peggy Stewart were two others who I
was unable to ask more than a few questions of. What follows is my conversation with Ms. Adams.
<p>The former Mrs. Hugh Beaumont (Mr. Cleaver) was attending her first film
festival. She is pictured with her former husband at right from the film "<b>Blonde for a Day</b>." She seemed genuinely amazed at the adoration of her fans.
</p>
<blockquote>
Katherine Adams: I haven't given my career a second thought in 20 years. This all so
amazing.
</blockquote>
<p>
An elderly man handed her a stack of movie stills to sign and
personalize. After signing several, she came upon one of her and Billy Halop
(one of the Dead End Kids). It was obvious that the photo brought back some
forgotten memory,</p>
<blockquote>
KA: Oh my, that's Billy. He was a dear soul. He's dead now.
</blockquote>
<p>
As with others of her generation, death is an ever present thought. So
many of their friends and colleagues have passed on.
<blockquote>
KA: Poor Billy. Huntz Hall (probably the most recognizable of the Dead End
Kids) is gone too.
</blockquote>
Then, thinking of her husband of over 40 years....
<blockquote>
KA: It's to bad Hugh didn't live long enough to see how popular "Leave It To
Beaver" became with newer generations. Oh my, I sure am getting philosophical
today.
</blockquote>
<p>
Ms. Adams smiled. It was easy to see that the Memphis Film Festival was
impacting her in ways she hadn't imagined. I asked her about working with
Hitchcock.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigo1_x2aP67Z_MxFXl6qbtgJidnevf9prIijHpljMGVOr-FHVgRR41TSxmFGOF-5x-i26c452qU1CX5vrLcaBGshSikd4Aa7_pWG1PqTktIC0SbWmDoLOa9ALi_Jah0l5eYZXm4pGMFQ/s1600/k_adams2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigo1_x2aP67Z_MxFXl6qbtgJidnevf9prIijHpljMGVOr-FHVgRR41TSxmFGOF-5x-i26c452qU1CX5vrLcaBGshSikd4Aa7_pWG1PqTktIC0SbWmDoLOa9ALi_Jah0l5eYZXm4pGMFQ/s1600/k_adams2.jpg" /></a></div>
<blockquote>
<strong>Rusty White: It has been said that Hitchcock saw actors as cattle. What are your
memories of working with him on "Saboteur?"</strong>
<p>KA: Hitchcock was wonderful. There is a term called 'Minnesota nice.' Have
you heard of it?</p>
<strong>No I haven't.</strong>
<p>KA: Well Mr. Hitchcock was Minnesota nice. He was very gentle. He moved slow.
Just a delight. I don't even remember him having to direct me. He never said
"Do it this way, or that way." He was just a delight. So was the star of the
movie Robert Cummings. Bob called everyone 'Stinky.' It was his way of
leveling the playing field. Every one from Hitchcock to the crew was stinky.</p>
</blockquote>obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-82894465348358891242014-07-08T07:35:00.000-05:002014-07-08T08:16:41.203-05:00An Interview With Wright King<P><b>(NOTE: Found a couple of old interviews which I have not rescued from cyberspace. Hope you enjoy!!)</b></P>
An Interview with actor Wright King<br>
by Rusty White<br>
Friday, August 31, 2001<br>
<P><P>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZWHrtpjd3ealr5ML3aVqqZ2OJkNTQ5Y86pgl1fkU_AUVDFyMoP5Amte6B1SqL9Zf6stnigMn1M4DPmPBlFpVBB1Qj0YvGO8omrOFjf7_NxnWY7fjwuYKHP3pCcmuUB6I0MtjKeiedA/s1600/w_king1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZWHrtpjd3ealr5ML3aVqqZ2OJkNTQ5Y86pgl1fkU_AUVDFyMoP5Amte6B1SqL9Zf6stnigMn1M4DPmPBlFpVBB1Qj0YvGO8omrOFjf7_NxnWY7fjwuYKHP3pCcmuUB6I0MtjKeiedA/s1600/w_king1.jpg" /></a></div>
Of all the actors present at the Memphis Film Festival, Wright King was
the one I wish I had more time to talk with. Mr. King has appeared in a
number of films ranging from "<b>A Streetcar Named Desire</b>" to "<b>King Rat</b>" and
"<b>Planet of the Apes</b>." He also appeared in the cult classic "<b>Invasion of the
Bee Girls"</b> which had something to do with young women killing men through
exhaustive sex. I don't think Anna Nicole Smith starred in it. What struck me
about Mr. King was the passion with which he talked about his craft. He told
me some great stories about the days of live television. How one had to be in
top condition to carry off their performance.
<p>
I had a whole list of questions prepared for Mr. king but to tell the
truth, I got so caught up in his stories that I forgot to ask most of them. I
also was so caught up in Mr. king's stories that I didn't take notes as we
talked. He is a fascinating gentleman. His speech at the closing banquet
showed him to be a man who takes his craft seriously. Acting is a craft that
Mr. King has honed over the years on stage, television and film. Here are a
few of the questions and answers that Mr. King shared with me.
<blockquote>
<strong>Rusty White: You worked with Steve McQueen when his career was really starting to take
off. How was he to work with on "<b>Wanted: Dead or Alive</b>?"</strong>
<p>Wright King: His life was becoming very busy. I remember one episode in which we had a
very dramatic scene. I went up to Steve and asked him if we could take some
extra time to practice the scene. We filmed it and it turned out great. Steve
then got a film role and was going to leave the show. Steve came up to me and
said that the producers wanted me to replace him in the series. They were so
impressed by the scene we had done extra rehearsal on that they gave me the
job.</p>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9y6Uq5Nrt2040H0XiYULLP2EGzYyyIN0-REINUN5sVccE-mfNYdFR32OgH_8Wu0wDAqTPFZQmbyTjgQ1BDXJPzrHHwYBs7ZEEtEjMy60pskRSWGsBgneXE81q_nP0Us7qqNt67luqBg/s1600/w_king3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9y6Uq5Nrt2040H0XiYULLP2EGzYyyIN0-REINUN5sVccE-mfNYdFR32OgH_8Wu0wDAqTPFZQmbyTjgQ1BDXJPzrHHwYBs7ZEEtEjMy60pskRSWGsBgneXE81q_nP0Us7qqNt67luqBg/s1600/w_king3.jpg" /></a></div>
<blockquote>
<strong>RW: You appeared in the made for TV movie "<b>The Missiles of October</b>" about the
Cuban Missile crisis which was a break through film for William Devane. How
do you think it holds up against the Kevin Kostner film "<b>13 Days</b>?" </strong>
<p>I haven't seen "<b>13 Days</b>" but I was very happy with "<b>The Missiles of
October</b>." </p>
<strong>RW: What are your memories of "<b>Finnian's Rainbow</b>"?</strong>
<p>There was the great Broadway musical and it was going to be turned into a
movie with Fred Astaire. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Well, it really
didn't turn out like any one would have hoped. Coppola came into his own
later. </p>
</blockquote>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH13hVU5O7qNAxegcuEcwadaZx5pYPMgj3Rt69ul45hN-PEK41hLv7O40tT75LN9LhhBjswF_4GMxuzD8kALJ9KtwA_VBjTVfA3CWfpXPELlJIFEBgwjNWE6iv57Q67lTerhbYc7q6Vg/s1600/w_king2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH13hVU5O7qNAxegcuEcwadaZx5pYPMgj3Rt69ul45hN-PEK41hLv7O40tT75LN9LhhBjswF_4GMxuzD8kALJ9KtwA_VBjTVfA3CWfpXPELlJIFEBgwjNWE6iv57Q67lTerhbYc7q6Vg/s1600/w_king2.jpg" /></a></div>
As I said before, Mr. King's fondest memories were from his days in live
television. Check out Mr. King's filmography on the IMDB. You will see a
quite lengthy list of credits from this era. Woody Wise's Hollywood's Attic
carries many of these titles for those interested. As far as Mr. King's big
screen work is concerned, "<b>Planet of the Apes</b>" and "<b>A Streetcar Named Desir</b>e"
are certifiable classics. In "Planet of the Apes" Mr. King had the
distinction of being the only actor who's arms were made up. This added
several hours to the make-up process. I highly recommend the WWII POW drama
"<b>King Rat</b>" with George Segal and an all star British cast as a movie not to
be missed. I hope one day to make contact with Mr. King for a fitting
interview.
<p></p>
obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-52438515766115593032014-07-08T07:15:00.000-05:002014-07-08T08:18:43.932-05:00An Interview with Jerry Maren<P><b>(NOTE: Found a couple of old interviews which I have not rescued from cyberspace. Hope you enjoy!!)</b></P>
<div class="featureHeader">An Interview with Jerry Maren</div>
<span class="medium">by Rusty White</span><br>
Friday, August 31, 2001<br>
<p></p>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54MSLVzMgk0EoYHAbnQ9l0D5dAuf7DarAyz2-lAjE6WXfmgS5IkQgimdSNTrMKX0alSuzkU7hyOMI3wyFc5-egmdU6EIEj0CP2RQgij3Raea7wVXhgIsL83RMz21ggspAud6BgyXMsg/s1600/j_maren1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54MSLVzMgk0EoYHAbnQ9l0D5dAuf7DarAyz2-lAjE6WXfmgS5IkQgimdSNTrMKX0alSuzkU7hyOMI3wyFc5-egmdU6EIEj0CP2RQgij3Raea7wVXhgIsL83RMz21ggspAud6BgyXMsg/s1600/j_maren1.jpg" /></a></div>
I have to admit that I got a thrill out of meeting Jerry and Elizabeth
Maren at the Memphis Film Festival. The Lollipop Kid from "<b>The Wizard of Oz</b>"
has always been a favorite cameo performance of mine. When I sat down to talk
to Mr. and Mrs. Maren, Jerry wasn't feeling to well. His delightful wife
Elizabeth did most of the talking.
<blockquote>
<strong>Rusty White: Mr. Maren, you were in "<b>Under the Rainbow</b>." What was it like on the set
of that film, and how did what "<b>Under the Rainbow</b>" depict compare to what
really happened on "<b>Wizard of Oz</b>?"</strong>
<p>Jerry Maren: That was a terrible movie.</p>
<p>Elizabeth Maren: Just a horrible film. It was nothing like what went on during "<b>Wizard of
Oz</b>." The munchkins weren't running around getting drunk all the time like
they said. We did make a lot of money for "<b>Under the Rainbow</b>" but it wasn't
like on the set of "<b>Wizard of Oz</b>."</p>
<strong>Did you remain friends with Billy Barty over the years?</strong>
<p>Jerry: Yes, we stayed in touch. It sad that he's gone.</p>
<p>Elizabeth: Jerry is years older than Billy was. Billy worked himself to death. He
never turned down a role.</p>
<p>Jerry: I haven't had to work so much. I made some smart investments and have
been able to enjoy retirement. Of course the real reason I've lasted this
long is the woman sitting next to me. Elizabeth is the worlds best cook.</p>
<strong>What was it like on the set of "<b>The Marx Brothers at the Circus</b>?"</strong>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC68EMHfTxTY2qxp6BCECcBVk2EZpDJCwqEo6IE-yxzB8Ci93zQxColkHRTLHgOAQxY6mzVCU3VeZYar7Ma-zgaDCsz4jcGlxOw9RsxAQ1zl11LgnAD8z8-6IHmN4PblKBqXWEev4GKQ/s1600/j_maren2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC68EMHfTxTY2qxp6BCECcBVk2EZpDJCwqEo6IE-yxzB8Ci93zQxColkHRTLHgOAQxY6mzVCU3VeZYar7Ma-zgaDCsz4jcGlxOw9RsxAQ1zl11LgnAD8z8-6IHmN4PblKBqXWEev4GKQ/s1600/j_maren2.jpg" /></a></div>
<blockquote>
<p>Jerry: Oh man they were funny. I couldn't keep a straight face. Groucho would
get you every chance he got. He'd do something to crack you up. He was the
funniest man I ever met. Harpo and Chico were funny, but not like Groucho.</p>
</blockquote>
Later at the panel discussion Jerry spoke about the third member of the
Lollipop Guild: Billy Curtis. Billy Curtis is best known to modern audiences
as the dwarf sheriff in Clint Eastwood's Western Ghost story "<b>High Plains
Drifter</b>." During the panel discussion Mr. Maren stated that Mr. Curtis wasn't
very smart and cited several forms of moral deficiencies. Actor Gary Gray, a
costar of Mr. Curtis on television came to his defense.
<blockquote>
<p>Gary Gray: I have to butt in here. I worked with Mr. Curtis and found him to
be very much the gentleman. He's not here to defend himself. I can't let this
pass. Billy Curtis is a very fine human being.</p>
<p>Jerry Maren: But stupid!</p>
</blockquote>
Mr. Maren played the announcer at the recreation of the "<b>Gunsmoke</b>" radio
show on Saturday afternoon. He an Elizabeth also treated the audience to an
impromptu bit of fancy ballroom dancing at the closing banquet.
obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-35836678216465912372014-07-07T21:42:00.000-05:002014-07-07T21:42:58.195-05:00Mario Bava Collection, The: Vol. 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB12l7RHNFz_ZaYMDaguT11an__eIr3kdGCIGrR6yrB82BGWjtZ71GtdNAcBajerWT_K6iTkjTmM4q5T9LLq5868pMnS0xLT524eV__H1JShWS3DzjpQCQJ0G-mWSw4Lz0dnTe7cb9QA/s1600/mariobavavol2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB12l7RHNFz_ZaYMDaguT11an__eIr3kdGCIGrR6yrB82BGWjtZ71GtdNAcBajerWT_K6iTkjTmM4q5T9LLq5868pMnS0xLT524eV__H1JShWS3DzjpQCQJ0G-mWSw4Lz0dnTe7cb9QA/s1600/mariobavavol2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="dvdHeader">Film & Disc Review, <i>Mario Bava Collection, The: Vol. 2</i></div>
by Rusty White
<br><span class="medium"><i>reviewed: 2007-11-23</i></span>
<p></p>
<table border="0">
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign="top">Director:</td>
<td class="boxReg">Mario Bava<br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Movie rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">7/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">DVD rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">8/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">DVD Release Date:</td>
<td class="boxReg">10/23/2007</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Running Time:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>813 minutes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">R</td>
</tr>
</table>
<div class="dvdHeader">Disc Details</div>
<p>
<b>Distributor:</b><br>
Starz / Anchor Bay <p>
<b>List Price:</b> $49.98<p>
<b>Running Time:</b> 813 minutes
<p>
<b>Special Features:</b><br>
Feature Film: Lisa and the Devil<br>
Commentary by author Tim Lucas<br>
Trailer<br>
Feature Film: The House of Exorcism<br>
Commentary by producer Alfred Leone and actress Elke Sommer<br>
Trailers<br>
Radio spot<br>
Feature Film: Baron Blood<br>
Commentary by author Tim Lucas<br>
Trailer<br>
Radio spots<br>
Feature Film: Kidnapped<br>
Feature Film: Rabid Dogs<br>
Commentary by author Tim Lucas<br>
Documentary: End of the Road: Making Rabid Dogs and Kidnapped<br>
Mario Bava Bio<br>
Trailer<br>
Feature Film: Four Times That Night<br>
Feature Film: Five Dolls For An August Moon<br>
Feature Film: Roy Colt & Winchester Jack<br>
Feature Film: Bay of Blood<br>
Commentary by author Tim Lucas<br>
Trailer<br>
Radio spots<br>
Poster and Still Gallery<p>
<b>Video Format:</b><br>
Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1)<br />
<p>
<b>Language Tracks:</b><br>
English (Dolby Digital 1.0)<br>
Italian (Dolby Digital 1.0)<br><p>
<b>Subtitles:</b><br>
English<p>
<b>Closed Captions:</b><br>
Yes<p>
<b>Casing:</b><br>
6-disc Keep Case<p>
<P><P>
Volume 2 of "<b>The Mario Bava Collection</b>" contains several very good films and some really bad ones. The reviews below are based on my preference from best to worst.
<p>
<b>RABID DOGS/KIDNAPPED</b><br>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXm-sDYFfVIEI3AOpTZhsBqLN__hVIKjco4baZdrvj0MOgvdkXhUJ3oiwCwgWWbR1eZmjKDygI4fFvHbfNAc3k_i-UjdgRjaZuej1libvZek-P4mJtFEYMHnIvdBd7UqptBJNMsmzvg/s1600/kidnapped2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXm-sDYFfVIEI3AOpTZhsBqLN__hVIKjco4baZdrvj0MOgvdkXhUJ3oiwCwgWWbR1eZmjKDygI4fFvHbfNAc3k_i-UjdgRjaZuej1libvZek-P4mJtFEYMHnIvdBd7UqptBJNMsmzvg/s1600/kidnapped2.jpg" /></a></div>
Italian horror master tried to branch out into another genre in 1974. He shot a film and was in the process of editing it when the producer went bankrupt. Bava's film languished in legal limbo for 25 years. He died before his film would see the light of day. Bava fans can rejoice at this long lost masterpiece. Who knows what effect this would have had on Bava's career had it been released back in 1974! I won't go into a lot of the background of these two films as the DVD includes some great extras which explain everything. I will say this: two versions of the film have been released. "<b>Rabid Dogs</b>" came out in 1998 and the restored version called "<b>Kidnapped</b>" was released in 2002. This DVD includes both versions of the film.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Rx_66-x4ir7qPhzX7PExWsfxzBlCADH8aHiwd-ws1sLVfzwM-fr1KdijwBvDEzne5o9u8IXfzKVjn80oUjNSACIrTzAY2WZwriRULL3Qajq6pnbOXHeog1J__r0crNkh87KZsvnLYg/s1600/kidnapped4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Rx_66-x4ir7qPhzX7PExWsfxzBlCADH8aHiwd-ws1sLVfzwM-fr1KdijwBvDEzne5o9u8IXfzKVjn80oUjNSACIrTzAY2WZwriRULL3Qajq6pnbOXHeog1J__r0crNkh87KZsvnLYg/s1600/kidnapped4.jpg" /></a></div>
The plot involves a robbery gone quite bad. Four gangsters take down a payroll. There is loss of life on both sides as the police arrive immediately. A car and then foot chase results in the gang being surrounded in a parking garage. They take a hostage and escape. A few blocks later, the gang abandons the woman's car and carjacks a man sitting at a red light. The man has a sick boy in the car with him. The remainder of the movie involves the gang's escape. The bulk of the story takes place in the car as it tries to get out of Rome.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkI4kinvr7A-jEHCqjRU9R-lbMTIYrGfgJAATmltgX4jHRuc9dLqJC8Go9BJ5uaVBkHTOd1OX2_9cB2dsb_26hfmlKkuRTkZlYltjzVuDn6NusXaU9tO4CvqcBfrBTA5937WAmjKU88A/s1600/kidnapped6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkI4kinvr7A-jEHCqjRU9R-lbMTIYrGfgJAATmltgX4jHRuc9dLqJC8Go9BJ5uaVBkHTOd1OX2_9cB2dsb_26hfmlKkuRTkZlYltjzVuDn6NusXaU9tO4CvqcBfrBTA5937WAmjKU88A/s1600/kidnapped6.jpg" /></a></div>
Actor Riccardo Cucciolla plays Riccardo, the level-headed driver who only wants to get his son to the hospital. German actress Lea Lander plays the distraught woman hostage. The three surviving gang members are lead by Doctor (Maurice Poli). Doc is a calm but menacing presence. His two henchmen are '32' (George Eastman) and Blade (Don Backy). '32' is so named because of the size of his penis. Remember that Italy is on the metric system. You do the conversion. Blade is proficient in the use of his stiletto.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfG0t4gpAz2R326LCfJ02IVAjWL7aeYzdOhpP8JIka4iwE1D4uEeZSjOdsg5iMCmZbzbgW3K8HULIJXIdUqSCUVes8oxPifq_ll6xbwCEp5iJJWBnjW9oCBiEKlfL7uRiuLJQwhf72A/s1600/kidnapped7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfG0t4gpAz2R326LCfJ02IVAjWL7aeYzdOhpP8JIka4iwE1D4uEeZSjOdsg5iMCmZbzbgW3K8HULIJXIdUqSCUVes8oxPifq_ll6xbwCEp5iJJWBnjW9oCBiEKlfL7uRiuLJQwhf72A/s1600/kidnapped7.jpg" /></a></div>
The movie is harrowing. The story is told in real time. The claustrophobic setting adds tension that is almost unbearable. The film also includes one of the great twist endings in film history. Mario Bava was a master story-teller. His horror films have sent shivers down countless millions of spines. These two films show that he would have been one of the great crime movie directors had fate worked out differently. There are many who say that this is the director's best film. I'm still undecided on that point, but this is one of the greatest films to be produced in the 1970s.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzehut00b2kU22SWxSaU4vAtfUlGy1CrYwBxKx06TnYvZ1IOsG0exlntYfC1EUW5LT48w_wLgqHAUvtFgrrbST5PdFs90_E2V1LxVvtKFVAOj3-wCBDovKDZwt3p0jnH-OlW29UFumvQ/s1600/kidnapped8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzehut00b2kU22SWxSaU4vAtfUlGy1CrYwBxKx06TnYvZ1IOsG0exlntYfC1EUW5LT48w_wLgqHAUvtFgrrbST5PdFs90_E2V1LxVvtKFVAOj3-wCBDovKDZwt3p0jnH-OlW29UFumvQ/s1600/kidnapped8.jpg" /></a></div>
There are some differences in the two versions of the movie. "<b>Kidnapped</b>" is a tighter film. Even though it is just one minute shorter, it moves much faster. Mario Bava's son Lamberto filmed a couple of short prologue scenes to clarify a point that is important to the end of the film. He also took out one scene from the 1998 version. The big difference is that the 1998 film has a new score. The earlier score is raw, like the movie itself. You be the judge of which version you like better.
<p>
<b>BAY OF BLOOD aka TWITCH OF THE DEATH NERVE</b><br>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFv7Isr6NXGZQzVa288EiRSMwpu282ToUTY2yVz6zBl-IpPG30yjqhqW-qSm1b1pAiEvnAbPi_zPbK3bV4vMfEA9xHRKAPGyP7nKB3CT34fqa1QsjPAJrekuN3LrSBzROCGYhii4tbvA/s1600/bayofblood1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFv7Isr6NXGZQzVa288EiRSMwpu282ToUTY2yVz6zBl-IpPG30yjqhqW-qSm1b1pAiEvnAbPi_zPbK3bV4vMfEA9xHRKAPGyP7nKB3CT34fqa1QsjPAJrekuN3LrSBzROCGYhii4tbvA/s1600/bayofblood1.jpg" /></a></div>
In 1971 Mario Bava invented the slasher film. "<b>Bay of Blood</b>" is one of the most imitated horror films in modern history. The plot involves a series of murders perpetrated to gain control of the estate of the movie's first victim. The film's opening shows an elderly woman being hung from her wheelchair. She dies and it is revealed that her husband did the dirty deed. Out of the darkness the film's real killer dispatches the husband. There are eleven more murders to go. Mario Bava turned from his giallo routines and focused on all out gore. Watching this for the first time, I was surprised by how much was familiar to me. Several of Mario Bava's set pieces have been copied shot for shot by other filmmakers. Sean S. Cunningham owes much of his work to this movie.
<p>
<b>LISA AND THE DEVIL</b><br>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdhJArIVCfyZcEK5AujT1Mz1tmSfxr8PJko5xa_6sfSsKbDrrBgwYcrSFrmNEq60IhT9yqUfLRFvj9syMvaBLNQIVGlPsyfWr-bTDcKcKC3EPD5mRbUsk9xJOpBb47okrazYYiHwiSA/s1600/lisa&devil2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdhJArIVCfyZcEK5AujT1Mz1tmSfxr8PJko5xa_6sfSsKbDrrBgwYcrSFrmNEq60IhT9yqUfLRFvj9syMvaBLNQIVGlPsyfWr-bTDcKcKC3EPD5mRbUsk9xJOpBb47okrazYYiHwiSA/s1600/lisa&devil2.jpg" /></a></div>
"<b>Lisa and the Devil</b>" is a poetic and romantic gothic horror film. It is one of his certifiable masterpieces. The beauty of the film was not recognized when it was first released. Producer Alfred Leone later filmed new scenes and recut the movie to cash in on the success of "<b>The Exorcist</b>." The resulting "<b>House of Exorcist</b>" will be discussed much further down on the list of reviews.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsE1Vr-2TMG2uuT16QoJPgOQV2RGo8HS8bO5kON8QDV2MZGOhXlX9HmZLLcQntSTvrLKVLJqD2FO3wCyZTHt4YTO7vo2OnRoPpsxUzssFn35_S56-Lz1iLb1miZuUQaMl55JYyWi_r4w/s1600/lisa&devil1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsE1Vr-2TMG2uuT16QoJPgOQV2RGo8HS8bO5kON8QDV2MZGOhXlX9HmZLLcQntSTvrLKVLJqD2FO3wCyZTHt4YTO7vo2OnRoPpsxUzssFn35_S56-Lz1iLb1miZuUQaMl55JYyWi_r4w/s1600/lisa&devil1.jpg" /></a></div>
Mario Bava's masterpiece is a surreal ghost story that deserves several viewings to appreciate the director's artistry. Tim Lucas explains on the commentary track that Bava had free reign to make the kind of movie he wanted to make with this production. Elke Sommer plays a tourist who ends up in a Spanish town. She sees a mural depicting the devil taking souls to Hell. Later she stumbles into a curio shop and sees man picking up a mannequin. The customer (Telly Savalas) turns to face her and she is startled to discover he looks just like Satan in the mural.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiEGPo2dv8bEzO32LPvfbEQSVoK-ok9sRywciQmf7VE_SHaoLfNz6qx1RDvhzAGyVtgwSS3OCCo3VqjVmjavx3kV__o4gFzWpK9x84Q3KRZQbJTNU4vKFigY3X_AN99nfCUxB2Ec_gw/s1600/lisa&devil3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiEGPo2dv8bEzO32LPvfbEQSVoK-ok9sRywciQmf7VE_SHaoLfNz6qx1RDvhzAGyVtgwSS3OCCo3VqjVmjavx3kV__o4gFzWpK9x84Q3KRZQbJTNU4vKFigY3X_AN99nfCUxB2Ec_gw/s1600/lisa&devil3.jpg" /></a></div>
Ms. Sommer gets separated from her tour group. Through a chain of events she ends up at a mysterious mansion. Guess who the butler is? Telly Savalas. What follows is best discovered by the viewer. This dream-state horror film holds many rewards.
<p>
<b>FIVE DOLLS FOR THE AUGUST MOON</b><br>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaDpyljEALUEgwul7Zsg2iGJdCXeHOPD5sUJcpIqkMF4zmiNi3hu8YqTKyYuzDsTdncYvteu_4EOTc-uh4qm32gJObEPFHbs8OIwC0xnBuaxuulPR5XzfJFn9pSZGdwDv0PKopLJDWw/s1600/augustmoon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaDpyljEALUEgwul7Zsg2iGJdCXeHOPD5sUJcpIqkMF4zmiNi3hu8YqTKyYuzDsTdncYvteu_4EOTc-uh4qm32gJObEPFHbs8OIwC0xnBuaxuulPR5XzfJFn9pSZGdwDv0PKopLJDWw/s1600/augustmoon1.jpg" /></a></div>
"<b>Five Dolls For the August Moon</b>" was one of Mario Bava's final giallos. The film contains an ecological undertone. It is also a sharp satire about corporate greed.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEEE1NrRPlVaJY2eSlhvhO3CdfvFVF8MDJNqySmWxJLpIJswS1hnE-leV12n-bn2S3tckhdPOL3sJMKoPLf3BMInHbfWLvrHIQsBii_O9HnUzVmkyEI4UbLjCCnzx_AQtGGp4cmMfXTg/s1600/augustmoon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEEE1NrRPlVaJY2eSlhvhO3CdfvFVF8MDJNqySmWxJLpIJswS1hnE-leV12n-bn2S3tckhdPOL3sJMKoPLf3BMInHbfWLvrHIQsBii_O9HnUzVmkyEI4UbLjCCnzx_AQtGGp4cmMfXTg/s1600/augustmoon2.jpg" /></a></div>
A group of businessmen and their wives gather on an island estate. The tycoons have invited a scientist in order to buy the miraculous formula he invented. The scientist is not interested in profit. He wants to give his discovery to mankind. Bodies start piling up and yet the bigwigs continue their quest to buy the scientist. They seem nonplussed by the brutal murders which happen around them. This movie contains many deaths but no on-screen murders. More mystery and satire than gorefest.
<p>
<b>BARON BLOOD</b><br>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31hIsh7JJbXcujMgdlh2Hl5veqvCACZlpZdilMmFD1PVDygaP_XiWuNrFrhB26DbrportUBpvFlXPpNYaI0D8qGl4sFbZzhES_IeKwzSWa9exHFYmVON5EUgI6YgbBbpXl8kSinrlCw/s1600/baronblood1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31hIsh7JJbXcujMgdlh2Hl5veqvCACZlpZdilMmFD1PVDygaP_XiWuNrFrhB26DbrportUBpvFlXPpNYaI0D8qGl4sFbZzhES_IeKwzSWa9exHFYmVON5EUgI6YgbBbpXl8kSinrlCw/s1600/baronblood1.jpg" /></a></div>
Elke Sommer co-stars with Joseph Cotten in this somewhat predictable but still entertaining horror film. This was a work-for-hire by Mario Bava. The plot deals with the revived spirit of an evil baron committing murder and mayhem in Austria. There is no surprise concerning just who the evil baron really is. The film is interesting due to Mario Bava's visual flair. The movie also pays homage to the Vincent Price classic "<b>House of Wax</b>."
<p>
<b>FOUR TIMES THAT NIGHT</b><br>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqXi1ioQnLVYQLT9e7VB1_fZxfzs_zAinhVTsSABJUrlhdfBG25sIowcZEsZBkRbFxcoLkviaFgyhxCv0Rhu-h6jz0tHZttn4k-oNXmHPMEMfOxpNwga2rqbqAE-qWFR8Nvq9uMTBZA/s1600/4timesthatnight1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqXi1ioQnLVYQLT9e7VB1_fZxfzs_zAinhVTsSABJUrlhdfBG25sIowcZEsZBkRbFxcoLkviaFgyhxCv0Rhu-h6jz0tHZttn4k-oNXmHPMEMfOxpNwga2rqbqAE-qWFR8Nvq9uMTBZA/s1600/4timesthatnight1.jpg" /></a></div>
Mario Bava took a stab (no pun intended) at sex farce with this Kurosawa inspired comedy. A virgin comes home from her date with her dress torn. Her beau for the evening has scratches on his forehead. Was she raped or did she submit to some rough sex? Bava takes the plot device from Kurosawa's "<b>Rashoman</b>" and tells what happened from several points of view. A few laughs. More a curio than anything else. The movie is full of Mod 60s production design and costumes. A time capsule.
<p>
<b>THE HOUSE OF EXORCISM</b><br>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYL_TIcVSFlVfieGCgtK7DJt7QR-WO1oiLkH7Vgrvqbq4NYRJgHc85_He6piJpRCYT_2lZx_tQ9dsemfPM3eXN5P-a_krKtqyoXiqt4zsOQMeBFIVr3SnJd-jPc2qKDWJ2lbFM1oLiPA/s1600/houseofexorcism1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYL_TIcVSFlVfieGCgtK7DJt7QR-WO1oiLkH7Vgrvqbq4NYRJgHc85_He6piJpRCYT_2lZx_tQ9dsemfPM3eXN5P-a_krKtqyoXiqt4zsOQMeBFIVr3SnJd-jPc2qKDWJ2lbFM1oLiPA/s1600/houseofexorcism1.jpg" /></a></div>
Producer Alfred Leone could not sell Bava's "<b>Lisa and the Devil</b>." Three years later he approached Elke Sommer and enlisted her in shooting additional scenes to turn the movie into an "<b>Exorcist</b>" rip-off. Actor Robert Alda was brought on board to play the priest. What follows is a major mess. The violence and sex is more graphic than in the original film. To be avoided at all costs.
<p>
<b>ROY COLT & WINCHESTER JACK</b><br>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAxz9E0T-qaFeolCDNn9kAoN-maW52k0VU-1SyL1-jV30JbmMk4ohADQ7dzj3_FoQzhLVXmTcpJiEls9JD06TfKBkMu8SdbN8M8lmRrQQ7kxtIIjUPQur6Qgtq8JAjmjB7wfbVDTUpw/s1600/roycolt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAxz9E0T-qaFeolCDNn9kAoN-maW52k0VU-1SyL1-jV30JbmMk4ohADQ7dzj3_FoQzhLVXmTcpJiEls9JD06TfKBkMu8SdbN8M8lmRrQQ7kxtIIjUPQur6Qgtq8JAjmjB7wfbVDTUpw/s1600/roycolt.jpg" /></a></div>
If you read the last line of my review of the above movie, then you can imagine what I think about this one. This was Bava's Spaghetti Western. It is more comedy than action film. It works as neither. The plot involves two gunslingers from the same gang who split up and go into competition with each other. Poorly shot, acted and written.
<p>
<div class="dvdHeader">The Disc</div>
A nice set for Bava completist. I would have rather had "<b>Hatchet For the Honeymoon</b>" in this set than the Western. Oh well. In a perfect world. Good picture and sound. Fair extras.<p>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Picture Quality:</b> <span class="rating">7/10</span><br>
The picture quality varies from film to film. Bava's Western has the worst picture quality. Washed out colors and artifacts galore. A few of the other films contain the occasional artifact, but for the most part have sharp images and well-saturated colors.<p>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Sound Quality:</b> <span class="rating">7/10</span><br>
Each soundtrack is in the original mono. No loss of dialogue. <p>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Easter Eggs:</b><br>
<i>No Easter Eggs Found on Disc.</i><p>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Extra Features:</b> <span class="rating">7/10</span><br>
Kudos to author Tim Lucas for a great commentary tracks. I've enjoyed Mr. Lucas's commentary tracks on a previously released "Mario Bava Boxed St" released by VCI, as well Anchor Bay's "Mario Bava Boxed Set Vol. 1." Mr. Lucas is the founder and editor of the great magazine "Video Watchdog." He is also the author of a huge book on the life and films of Mario Bava. Like Eddie Mueller, who does the best commentary tracks around for Film Noir DVDs, Tim Lucas adds so much to the experience of watching a Mario Bava film. I enjoy Bava's work for its visual beauty and psychological terror. Tim Lucas takes you several steps deeper into the mind of Mario Bava. (Hey Santa! Bring me Mr. Lucas's book!)
<p>
The "<b>Rabid Dogs</b>" contains a great original documentary on the making of this film. Do not watch the documentary before you see the movie as it includes spoilers. The documentary includes interviews with many of the main players in this drama.
<p>
The collection also includes a quite lengthy text biography of director Mario Bava. Trivia note. The Italian master of suspense died within days of THE master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock.
<p>
This set also contains trailers for most of the movies as well as radio spots for others.<p>
<div class="dvdHeader">The Final Word:</div><br>
A good follow-up to Anchor Bay's first boxed set of Mario Bava films.
<p>obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-39827772803645944842014-07-07T18:05:00.001-05:002014-07-07T18:24:20.025-05:00Mario Bava Collection, The: Vol. 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOIfdUa35JtMIk03nb3gpIl91qX-2l-Cs2muhEihlKXrQD7QRX16Qz1zL7Ff8YOtLcxqq3268KENCKdbNfjB0daHZ-3prrkwDxcyGIxM5mVI4njNQAEpKHKBvKH8Ev7lVUyU9U5Qayg/s1600/mariobavacollection_vol1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOIfdUa35JtMIk03nb3gpIl91qX-2l-Cs2muhEihlKXrQD7QRX16Qz1zL7Ff8YOtLcxqq3268KENCKdbNfjB0daHZ-3prrkwDxcyGIxM5mVI4njNQAEpKHKBvKH8Ev7lVUyU9U5Qayg/s1600/mariobavacollection_vol1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="dvdHeader">Film & Disc Review, <i>Mario Bava Collection, The: Vol. 1</i></div>
by Rusty White
<br><span class="medium"><i>reviewed: 2007-04-06</i></span>
<p></p>
<table border="0"><tr><td><span class="whiteHeader">Mario Bava Collection, The: Vol. 1 (2007)</span></td></tr></table>
<table border="0">
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign="top">Director:</td>
<td class="boxReg">Mario Bava<br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Movie rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">8/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">DVD rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">9/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">DVD Release Date:</td>
<td class="boxReg">04/03/2007</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Running Time:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>430 minutes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">NR</td>
</tr>
</table>
<div class="dvdHeader">Disc Details</div>
<p>
<b>Distributor:</b><br>
Anchor Bay <p>
<b>List Price:</b> $49.98<p>
<b>Running Time:</b> 430 minutes
<p>
<b>Special Features:</b><br>
Widescreen anamorphic format<br>
Chapter selection<br>
Feature film: <b>Black Sunday AKA The Mask of Satan</b><br>
Commentary by author Tim Lucas<br>
International trailer<br>
US trailer<br>
Poster and still galleries<br>
TV spot<br>
Mario Bava bio<br>
Barbara Steele bio<br>
Feature film: <br>Black Sabbath AKA The Three Faces of Fear</b><br>
Commentary by author Tim Lucas<br>
A Life in Film: An Interview with actor Mark Damon<br>
International trailer<br>
US trailer<br>
Poster and still galleries<br>
TV spot<br>
Radio spot<br>
Mario Bava bio<br>
Boris Karloff bio<br>
Feature film: <b>Kill, Baby...Kill! AKA Curse of the Living Dead</b><br>
International trailer<br>
Curse of the Living Dead trailer<br>
Mario Bava bio<br>
Feature film: <b>Knives of the Avenger AKA Viking Massacre<br>
Trailer<br>
Mario Bava bio<br>
Feature film: <b>The Girl Who Knew Too Much</b><br>
Commentary bu author Tim Lucas<br>
Featurette: Remembering the Girl With John Saxon<br>
International trailer<br>
US Trailer<br>
Poster and still galleries<br>
Mario Bava bio<p>
<b>Video Format:</b><br>
Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1)<br />
<p>
<b>Language Tracks:</b><br>
Italian (Dolby Digital 2.0)<br><p>
<b>Subtitles:</b><br>
English<p>
<b>Closed Captions:</b><br>
Yes<p>
<b>Casing:</b><br>
5-disc Keep Case<p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtU_1h7cmxAtg6osAnjYc0YYI_N2tf5cVSFoSSd2IF5UWmqEIUAI8x3Om0kx6TDBPTfn0RcBSjA-mkqScNtK_vbUYG-4DUXQ_GSOILNTN0cMuTBqON6ycpGArW6gvlVEc4W6jUBUirQ/s1600/blacksunday1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtU_1h7cmxAtg6osAnjYc0YYI_N2tf5cVSFoSSd2IF5UWmqEIUAI8x3Om0kx6TDBPTfn0RcBSjA-mkqScNtK_vbUYG-4DUXQ_GSOILNTN0cMuTBqON6ycpGArW6gvlVEc4W6jUBUirQ/s1600/blacksunday1.jpg" /></a></div>
Mario Bava's influence on the world of horror films is quite profound. He co-directed Italy's first sound horror film. Bava directed the first Giallo film. He directed a proto-slasher film over a decade before such films became the rage. Bava's cinematography was as influential as his direction. Bava's films were released in Italian versions as well as English language versions in the US and UK by American International Pictures. The rights to his AIP versions are tied up in a legal limbo. Producer Alfreado Leone holds the rights to the films licensed to Anchor Bay. While this is not a definitive Bava collection it is a good start. The "Volume 1" in the title of this set gives me hope that Anchor Bay will continue to release Bava's films until his complete output is available. Author Tim Lucas is considered by many to be the top expert on Mario Bava. He provides much background information concerning the state of the legal rights to the various versions during several of the commentary tracks found in this boxed set. The reviews are in chronological order based on release dates.
<p>
<b>BLACK SUNDAY aka THE MASK OF SATAN</b> (1960)<br>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36I96VmmZcR0-ifry2y4HUCvEpnbVMXuVGrDeDxo05wEUnup5SzwH_F8ydNaccU18DOdjaTH_d39PClxqOV_uGPxL9JrCZd__EmgufubJtHMKa3jB-Q7u8Baqv4s1P3pfqfJkYo4ulQ/s1600/blacksunday2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36I96VmmZcR0-ifry2y4HUCvEpnbVMXuVGrDeDxo05wEUnup5SzwH_F8ydNaccU18DOdjaTH_d39PClxqOV_uGPxL9JrCZd__EmgufubJtHMKa3jB-Q7u8Baqv4s1P3pfqfJkYo4ulQ/s1600/blacksunday2.jpg" /></a></div>
British actress Barbara Steele cemented her place in scream history as one of the hottest film fatales in history with her dual performance in "<b>Black Sunday</b>." "<b>Black Sunday</b>" was the US title of this film. That version was 84 minutes long and featured a new score by Lex Baxter as well as a new dubbing track. This DVD is the "<b>The Mask of Satan</b>" version. It is Mario Bava's original, uncut international version of the film. This version features the original Italian score as well as the original English dub.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijo-g_3a0a71nEAORrnSqX-bMLfRGgYmiI9SXsODjwZ1vYor9FX5EEYxOzD0ghI95gaXiYleTjdNGl3lpeS5viOzF22nRM6dVMuUa_5zR74XXjUR3JrjkfhVmkBRuZn77Q4TK5NovUg/s1600/blacksunday3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijo-g_3a0a71nEAORrnSqX-bMLfRGgYmiI9SXsODjwZ1vYor9FX5EEYxOzD0ghI95gaXiYleTjdNGl3lpeS5viOzF22nRM6dVMuUa_5zR74XXjUR3JrjkfhVmkBRuZn77Q4TK5NovUg/s1600/blacksunday3.jpg" /></a></div>
"<b>The Mask of Satan</b>" is Bava's gothic horror masterpiece. The story combines elements of satanic cults and vampirism to tell a tale of revenge from beyond the grave. Barbara Steele plays the witch Katia Vajda, a condemned witch in service to Satan. She and her lover are killed by having a bronze mask of Satan's face nailed on to their heads. Before their bodies can be destroyed by burning at the stake, a storm quenches the fire. Both bodies are buried. The witch placed a curse on the descendants of her executioners before having the mask impaled on her face.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-C96bvJ71n2_n0Y9l0YmTRVJWPLflRZDhS8MwbUbAnf8YyFsznP3FrHW2n5qeYAh6bBU-xjdbiaqBvujw3mxbVDGraP7iYjjaOlFGz1-2M1PW3tc_fyv7davCKTrO9pADVY0gMUkWQ/s1600/blacksunday4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-C96bvJ71n2_n0Y9l0YmTRVJWPLflRZDhS8MwbUbAnf8YyFsznP3FrHW2n5qeYAh6bBU-xjdbiaqBvujw3mxbVDGraP7iYjjaOlFGz1-2M1PW3tc_fyv7davCKTrO9pADVY0gMUkWQ/s1600/blacksunday4.jpg" /></a></div>
Two centuries later we are introduced to Dr. Gorobec (John Richardson) and Dr. Kruvajan (Andrea Checchi). They are passing through the area on their way to a doctor's conference. As fate would have it, the two doctors stop at the ruins of the crypt that house the cursed Katia. All hell rises from the grave. I'll leave it for you to discover. If you are familiar with the film, this DVD provides you with the most graphic and complete version available. There is a smoldering eroticism to Barbara Steele's performance that was only mimicked by many of the great Hammer scream queens. Overlook to rubber bat scene and you have one of the greatest horror films in history.
<p>
<b>THE GIRL WHO KNEW TOO MUCH</b> (1963)<br>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpK5ytyVvzvtiX_ZnQUo4N8tgBOfl6FTXWAo8XteM58EYiDgn8fY9JBLTR09sLD6pDOXyeFkgtFI-HH_8XbIkI6261XE3TFTKXjKjEn1jQCZi_MMtSoauaLjeAohyrwifayQErRmiZQw/s1600/girlknewtoomuch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpK5ytyVvzvtiX_ZnQUo4N8tgBOfl6FTXWAo8XteM58EYiDgn8fY9JBLTR09sLD6pDOXyeFkgtFI-HH_8XbIkI6261XE3TFTKXjKjEn1jQCZi_MMtSoauaLjeAohyrwifayQErRmiZQw/s1600/girlknewtoomuch1.jpg" /></a></div>
This is one of the Bava films that is tangled up in a legal mess. The US version was called "<b>The Evil Eye</b>" and included a comedic edge that has been cut out of this version of the movie. This was Bava's final Black & White film. Nora Davis (Leticia Roman) is an American Tourist obsessed with murder mysteries. She is staying with her sick aunt while in Rome. Her aunt is attended by the handsome Dr. Bassi (John Saxon). Nora's first night in Rome is marked by the death of her aunt. Nora runs outside to summon help where she is mugged. When she comes to, Nora sees a young woman murdered. She passed back out, only to aroused by a policeman the next morning. Nora tells the police what she saw, but there is no body or blood to be found. Was it all a dream? Did Nora see a murder from the past? Just how much marijuana was in that cigarette Nora smoked?
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIgXUH9oXBP6_a6McTsq77ric86SgrbamMx0eiQWnBvgvr9GT16DJDooBwqefHL6zUOexnunvJZa3LugtUg1-K4IISK8EOkC_rqvLuWAGq2KuBW6a8f5EztmYBkT_7yeEkNQ_Nk7q9Q/s1600/girlknewtoomuch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIgXUH9oXBP6_a6McTsq77ric86SgrbamMx0eiQWnBvgvr9GT16DJDooBwqefHL6zUOexnunvJZa3LugtUg1-K4IISK8EOkC_rqvLuWAGq2KuBW6a8f5EztmYBkT_7yeEkNQ_Nk7q9Q/s1600/girlknewtoomuch2.jpg" /></a></div>
This was my least favorite film in the set. Granted, Leticia Roman is a real beuaty. She is lovingly photographed throughout the film. Ah, to have been John Saxon in 1963! There are three great set pieces in this film. Bava creates a menacing atmosphere too. I guess I was disappointed by the ending. Sure, the ending includes a great performance by the villain, but it seemed to come out of left field. Oh well. Film historian Tim Lucas points to this movie as the first Giallo film. It does contain elements of the genre. I won't dispute that. To me, the film was more like a grown up version of Nancy Drew.
<p>
<b>BLACK SABBATH aka THREE FACES OF FEAR</b> (1963)<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtB1_odmlhnfpKMq3H-g-R3gCazUzIFmXfXjuVj2nlGc83yhX4elR8umLCI71FQ1ztXSk98cR0oaVUMN-LRygOeMAsuXi0ejanocWdC33n9Vo5UAoOMH6f6O8TdCZ96mcIyAUelDBog/s1600/blacksabbath4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtB1_odmlhnfpKMq3H-g-R3gCazUzIFmXfXjuVj2nlGc83yhX4elR8umLCI71FQ1ztXSk98cR0oaVUMN-LRygOeMAsuXi0ejanocWdC33n9Vo5UAoOMH6f6O8TdCZ96mcIyAUelDBog/s1600/blacksabbath4.jpg" /></a></div><p>This is the one DVD which will divide Bava fans. I've heard from a number of people who refuse to purchase this set because it does not include the voice of Boris Karloff. That would be a shame for a number of reasons. Yes, I too have the VHS version of AIP's "<b>Black Sabbath</b>," which includes the English language track dubbed by Boris Karloff. Yes, I will rejoice the day that the AIP version is disentangled from legal troubles and be released on DVD. That said, this uncut, original Italian version of the film: "<b>Three Faces of Fear</b>" is an excellent horror film with more of an adult edge than the US version released by AIP.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_P8UDPOY0D8MwBin_9a967kJTPUjP6MZxtVhBO0SVPEiQeS6ikMJ_hxQYVlc9vCTrkjomfV4I1tyTZzH3IGCUPD6uRR6WetntiQc3FgvAjONL5wdpgSv-GSR_4q4lYTZtq_7ybeBpaA/s1600/blacksabbath1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_P8UDPOY0D8MwBin_9a967kJTPUjP6MZxtVhBO0SVPEiQeS6ikMJ_hxQYVlc9vCTrkjomfV4I1tyTZzH3IGCUPD6uRR6WetntiQc3FgvAjONL5wdpgSv-GSR_4q4lYTZtq_7ybeBpaA/s1600/blacksabbath1.jpg" /></a></div>
"<b>Three Faces of Fear</b>" is an omnibus film with three tales of the macabre. Boris Karloff introduces the film, stars in the middle (and best) episode and returns at the end in a humorous coda. This original Italian version has the stories in a different order. It also shows a very different, and adult version of the story "The Telephone." "The Telephone" is a claustrophobic tale of a woman alone, being terrorized by her former boyfriend VIA the telephone. This version involves a very adult subplot and dénouement. This version of the story is more of a Giallo story than a horror tale than found in the AIP version.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxuSMMsvT9nDl3uzBFAfvJ1R9BwSu0M4Jbj1TcRp2UdjZsNqCiOOHRvZjigUH2QrqaHDNpug1BUzqiP_lmMXesumhBdgTv1yaK83CmOn7gbNihSk9x8dHYBIScWme5Ii_abJ9LLtsSA/s1600/blacksabbath2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxuSMMsvT9nDl3uzBFAfvJ1R9BwSu0M4Jbj1TcRp2UdjZsNqCiOOHRvZjigUH2QrqaHDNpug1BUzqiP_lmMXesumhBdgTv1yaK83CmOn7gbNihSk9x8dHYBIScWme5Ii_abJ9LLtsSA/s1600/blacksabbath2.jpg" /></a></div>
Boris Karloff delivers his last great film performance in the middle tale : "The Wurdalak." Yes, Mr. Karloff was excellent in Peter Bogdanovich's later film "<b>Targets</b>" but this was his last classic horror movie performance. Set in Russia in the 1800s "The Wurdalak" is an eerie vampire tale that presents a different legend from that found in "Dracula." Boris Karloff plays the patriarch of a rural family who has set out to kill a vampire that has terrorized the countryside. Karloff has warned his children that if he does not return before five nights have passed, then he is to be destroyed as he would now be a wurdalak (undead vampire). As fate would have it, Karloff returns after five nights have passed. Even with the dubbed Italian language soundtrack, this segment is excellent. Sure, I miss Karloff's voice, but his mannerisms and facial expressions also evoke terror and emotion in the viewer.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nufszJQfXAlB_3fZF-pV2iH20dalaVJuFDsBxcIkk3RAJXYQDpme96uWYwfRFub9SARstysnNzXfqMByXp4m6_yleWw1TKYwkzBfy7PZELEuBXz_WK0ckuGo7rhm82gtosuxaFRuDw/s1600/blacksabbath3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nufszJQfXAlB_3fZF-pV2iH20dalaVJuFDsBxcIkk3RAJXYQDpme96uWYwfRFub9SARstysnNzXfqMByXp4m6_yleWw1TKYwkzBfy7PZELEuBXz_WK0ckuGo7rhm82gtosuxaFRuDw/s1600/blacksabbath3.jpg" /></a></div>
"The Drop of Water" is the third installment in this great film. It is a nightmare inducing chiller with a number of goose-bump inducing scenes. You want to scare the crap out of little kids, let them watch this segment in a dark room. The tale involves a woman who steals a ring from an old dead woman. Bad mistake. Scary movie!
<p>
<b>THE KNIVES OF THE AVENGER</b> (1966)<br>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfE6taqMdMUvCwRSmdLp5mbU72EpAVOczcInSAZ47V5qvX23A7XALX9gwUTLpE3QiXu3SU99U1Bpc4jQnReeHXn1NcvXFGZ71aiMFki3vyY9XIUA0KRG8N5NyEG_muqlEzy1jahoGag/s1600/knivesavenger1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfE6taqMdMUvCwRSmdLp5mbU72EpAVOczcInSAZ47V5qvX23A7XALX9gwUTLpE3QiXu3SU99U1Bpc4jQnReeHXn1NcvXFGZ71aiMFki3vyY9XIUA0KRG8N5NyEG_muqlEzy1jahoGag/s1600/knivesavenger1.jpg" /></a></div>
Cameron Mitchell stars in this action, adventure film. Though Mario Bava is best known for his horror genre films, he also directed Spaghetti Westerns, Sword and Sandal and Viking films. "<b>Knives of the Avenger</b>" is a tale of revenge. Viking King Arald (Giacomo Rossi-Stuart) has been missing at sea for three years. His beautiful wife Karin (Lisa Wagner) flees into hiding with her son Moki. The brutal criminal Hagen (Fausto Tozi) is searching for her in order to force her to marry him so he can become king. Karin and Moki are rescued from Hagen's first attempt to capture her by a stranger named Helmut (Cameron Mitchell). Helmut saves the beautiful woman. He stays with her and teaches her son how to fight, hunt and become a man. Turns out that Helmut is really prince Rurik, the man who killed her husband's father when he mistook Hagen's actions for those of her husband's father. Lots of conflicting emotions and lots of fighting. I've never seen a Viking film before. Bava directed several during his career. This is a fun film. Not as memorable as his horror films, but still fun.
<p>
<b>KILL, BABY...KILL!</b> (1966)
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrNfGUK9aNpOP_klwSZhaEbm7G23tVvKrmmA4bR439wffFL_h3c9-ayPsaF7RSEC8T-vwZ5PuhgxN3bxEqC76dvSF6ciqWedhdRDygA24mt96ekQgTrjqFXorDA8ebn2ySyAOJm1iqg/s1600/killbabykill1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrNfGUK9aNpOP_klwSZhaEbm7G23tVvKrmmA4bR439wffFL_h3c9-ayPsaF7RSEC8T-vwZ5PuhgxN3bxEqC76dvSF6ciqWedhdRDygA24mt96ekQgTrjqFXorDA8ebn2ySyAOJm1iqg/s1600/killbabykill1.jpg" /></a></div>
Mario Bava's 1966 film "<b>Kill, Baby...Kill!</b>" is a neat little chiller set in a remote superstition filled European village at the turn of the last century. A demonic little girl is driving the town's folk to commit some very bloody suicides. Each victim it turns out also has a silver coin embedded in their hearts. All of his information is established in the films first ten minutes. It's the whys and wherefore's behind these strange occurrences that makes for a spooky evening with the lights out. This was Bava's last gothic film. Some say it is among his best, I can't say that I disagree.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijOK5psa-qoIkxah0KW6YPukvs7yN0YHtDIaSh3FWRiytmjTIc_Ce-QZbQ8czMvE2mY6ZAw72nGKXW7ClUffAOZEW78tBBCK_nOc5Nc-bO24cfLHLiyfCfYO8EE5zqV9cqk7HpW5seQ/s1600/killbabykill2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijOK5psa-qoIkxah0KW6YPukvs7yN0YHtDIaSh3FWRiytmjTIc_Ce-QZbQ8czMvE2mY6ZAw72nGKXW7ClUffAOZEW78tBBCK_nOc5Nc-bO24cfLHLiyfCfYO8EE5zqV9cqk7HpW5seQ/s1600/killbabykill2.jpg" /></a></div>
The film opens with a bloody suicide and the laughter of a child. Following the credits, Dr. Eswe (Giacomo Rossi-Stuart, king Arald in <b>Knives of the Avenger</b>) arrives via a reluctantly driven horse and carriage. This seems to be a staple of gothic horror movies. No matter how hard you try, the coach driver is going to make you walk the last mile so he can get out of Dodge before sundown. Chances are, when you reach the town, you will find it inhabited by terrified rubes who are tightlipped except to say "you're now welcome here." Of course, the visitor never heeds their advice and usually pays dearly for it. Bava spins a unique yarn which breaks free of this standard launching pad to become something special. Dr. Eswe is a coroner who has been called in by an Inspector (Piero Lulli) to examine the body of the impaled woman from the opening scene. The Inspector is also an outsider called in by the town mayor, Karl (Max Lawrence). No one wants to answer the questions of the Doctor or the Inspector. It turns out that the body he was supposed to examine has already been moved to the graveyard. The two interlopers arrive just in time to prevent the burial. The good Doctor begins his autopsy, aided by the mysterious Monica (Erica Blanc). Monica has also just arrived in town due to the recent death of her parents. It is during the autopsy that Doc discovers a silver coin in the heart of the dead woman. Monica has a superstitious explanation for why it is there, but no one can explain how it got there.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbk-au8dvDyBI6G_oBYvGNE5dhJXCBqnzuTfv5e6If2JzccDt_Q4GhVlagY0AfbftwlJPjxl2gk3RJFBQZAfcCy7GdDRI0a8V0TGpXxD-jFGqGbGeu35n78fJmUCCnSKWENlGfdbS__w/s1600/killbabykill4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbk-au8dvDyBI6G_oBYvGNE5dhJXCBqnzuTfv5e6If2JzccDt_Q4GhVlagY0AfbftwlJPjxl2gk3RJFBQZAfcCy7GdDRI0a8V0TGpXxD-jFGqGbGeu35n78fJmUCCnSKWENlGfdbS__w/s1600/killbabykill4.jpg" /></a></div>
And I'm not gonna tell ya! You'll just have to get the movie and find out for yourself. I will tell you that there is a sorceress, Ruth (Fabienne Dali), a demonic ghost of a little girl who has a habit of popping up to ruin the day for many a townie, a sinister villa which may be the key to all of the carnage. This is a spooky little movie. Don't rent it is your looking for splatter. If you enjoy films such as Hammer's "<b>The Horror of Dracula</b>" and the like, then you will enjoy this one.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplpztUX7VeaRUTsd5oBgRsRaAeORRViwMwRDTZAucYAXh6F9pyHwhMj8lQpPk-9ZZzJ8RxYXgVBDYoA4beO_TXtiW6mIoorXjvyEWNbrZ11ifEB8OISQRQb8L8mYyy5n3nYY8lgiGZw/s1600/killbabykill3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplpztUX7VeaRUTsd5oBgRsRaAeORRViwMwRDTZAucYAXh6F9pyHwhMj8lQpPk-9ZZzJ8RxYXgVBDYoA4beO_TXtiW6mIoorXjvyEWNbrZ11ifEB8OISQRQb8L8mYyy5n3nYY8lgiGZw/s1600/killbabykill3.jpg" /></a></div>
As in he did in "<b>The Whip and the Body</b>" Bava uses light and shadows to paint a creepy mosaic of suspense. Bava's pacing is impeccable. He has created some very creepy images which will stay with you, as he did in the final portion of "<b>Black Sabbath</b>." The little girl creeped me out. Maybe it is because I have two daughters and saw a little of them in her! (They are little heathens!) Seriously, the girl appears at the window of one of her intended victims at night. It is a shock. One particular death scene stands out in its twisted beauty. A young girl awakens to see the imp from hell at her window. She is drawn toward a lamp decorated with a sword. The victim's face vacillates between horror and ecstasy. She knows that she will soon be dead, but she also looks longingly at the metal that will soon penetrate her. As if shaking off the demonic seduction of her mind and will, the victim's face is overcome by the realization that she is not going to enjoy this, but will be powerless to stop it. It is a haunting scene which is not easily forgotten. The interplay between the two actresses is excellent. The imp shoots a look at the weapon the victim will use on herself. The victim looks to the weapon. The small nuances that Bava elicited from the two girls are great.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2L0ZoNa5-tQI-1-bpv1VOtylPYKOZnXthnWYanxCYPtaPOc-xyIxwPvezhNx7d81nmNfIQE499-4qPSPOwnHXgJUkzs89TNUuj3MUYaewhHP39uDbh9PgYqtGHasWYUKCqqzKA1v-Lw/s1600/killbabykill5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2L0ZoNa5-tQI-1-bpv1VOtylPYKOZnXthnWYanxCYPtaPOc-xyIxwPvezhNx7d81nmNfIQE499-4qPSPOwnHXgJUkzs89TNUuj3MUYaewhHP39uDbh9PgYqtGHasWYUKCqqzKA1v-Lw/s1600/killbabykill5.jpg" /></a></div>
There is also an interesting chemistry between Dr. Eswe and Ruth, the sorceress. The Doctor is the product of the age of reason. If it cannot be empirically proven he does not believe in it. He soon realizes that there is more to be found under the sun than he imagined. Instead of ridiculing the witch, he seeks knowledge from her. He believes that there is a logical explanation (rather than a supernatural one) for the events in the town. It is interesting to see these characters interact in such a way. It goes against the mold for this type of film, and it was very refreshing.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnky4o3na4i-ksvHrZoIZhtz-5dbLwDddTxzzYXSrxs3rYoj65V4bWPYvnfyTpsZHei6K-NcYsicV15MamVZFUXPfEbiql8Up1Z_TJftlfxJVbqqetKFqfh1dsuNAGcfa29XqjP8vvw/s1600/killbabykill6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnky4o3na4i-ksvHrZoIZhtz-5dbLwDddTxzzYXSrxs3rYoj65V4bWPYvnfyTpsZHei6K-NcYsicV15MamVZFUXPfEbiql8Up1Z_TJftlfxJVbqqetKFqfh1dsuNAGcfa29XqjP8vvw/s1600/killbabykill6.jpg" /></a></div>
The only distraction in the film is Bava's overuse of the zoom lens. The zoom can be a great tool if use sparingly ala the great ending of "<b>Count Yorga Vampire</b>." However, Bava's use of the zoom becomes extreme at times, and ends up taking away from the suspense. This little bitch aside, "</b>Kill, Baby...Kill!</b>" is an eerie little gem. The title makes it sound more like an exploitive slasher film, but it isn't. It is a well paced, suspenseful little ghost story. If you go into the experience knowing that you will be better prepared to enjoy it. Carlo Rustichelli returns to provide a great score. Many an otherwise good movie had been ruined by a lame score. Bava chose well in Rustichelli as a frequent collaborator.
<p>
The movie is dubbed. They didn't do a bad job, but for some reason, I have to watch a movie twice to get past the dubbing. The first time around, I sit there wondering what the actors really sound like. Fortunately for me this movie is worth seeing twice. I think I'll put it away for sometime until the shocks and twists fade into memory, and then take it out for a fresh scare.
<p>
<div class="dvdHeader">The Disc</div>
A great set of films. Good picture and sound. Excellent extras.<p>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Picture Quality:</b> <span class="rating">8/10</span><br>
There were a few delineation problems around the edges on "<b>Black Sunday</b>." "<b>Knives of the Avenger</b>" had the occasional scratch or other artifact.
<p>
The aspect ratios for the DVDs are as follows:<br>
<b>Black Sunday</b> 1.66:1<br>
<b>Black Sabbath</b> 1.77:1<br>
<b>The Girl Who Knew Too Much</b> 1.77:1<br>
<b>Knives of the Avenger</b> 2.35:1<br>
<b>Kill, Baby...Kill!</b> 1.85:1<p>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Sound Quality:</b> <span class="rating">9/10</span><br>
The sound on all five DVDs is excellent. "<b>Black Sabbath</b>" and "</b>The Girl Who Knew Too Much</b>" are presented in Italian only. The other three DVDs include both the original Italian sound and a dubbed English track. <p>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Easter Eggs:</b><br>
<i>No Easter Eggs Found on Disc.</i><p>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Extra Features:</b> <span class="rating">10/10</span><br>
As always, Anchor Bay sets the standard when it comes to DVD extras. Author Tim Lucas is recognized as one of the top authorities on Mario Bava in the world. I enjoyed his commentary tracks on VCI's "Mario Bava Boxed Set" which was released in October 2000. Mr. Lucas provides three great commentary tracks for this set. Mr. Lucas fills you in on just about everything you would ever want to know concerning "<b>Black Sunday</b>," "<b>Black Sabbath</b>" and "<b>The Girl Who Knew Too Much</b>." If this boxed set is missing anything, it is a commentary track for "<b>Kill, Baby...Kill!</b>." These commentary tracks make one wish that the release date of Mr. Lucas's long-awaited book on Mario Bava were last week.
<p>
There are two featurettes in this set. One features an interview with John Saxon as he remembers working on "<b>The Girl Who Knew Too Much</b>." Actor mark Damon remembers working with Mr. Bava on <b>Black Sabbath</b>."
<p>
There are a number of trailers and TV spots for each of the films. Several of the trailers are for the US versions of these movies. You do hear Boris Karloff's voice in the trailer for "<b>Black Sabbath</b>."
<p>
The boxed sets also include poster and still galleries for the films as well as the excellent Anchor Bay text bios for Mario Bava, Boris Karloff and Barbara Steele.
<p>
<div class="dvdHeader">The Final Word:</div><br>
Bava fans may wish they had Karloff's voice in this set. What they do have are the most complete film versions of these great Bava classics as have been released in the US. I can't wait to see what Volume 2 will include.
obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-58505519866824737942014-07-07T17:04:00.000-05:002014-07-07T17:04:04.342-05:00Lust for a Vampire<table border="0"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjiY8mxmElhlj2QBLl_joQuqmiAQONm-CzZVmFt3ZbJFQlyPI9EJbnNxWycN2KzVDbBlRUTePy3nr9shXprDLkKkFYSN5FcPwYGG8YmyWjJgq0KVAatQMOpSTUVoUf2DzS_MCNqJvBQ/s1600/lustforavampire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjiY8mxmElhlj2QBLl_joQuqmiAQONm-CzZVmFt3ZbJFQlyPI9EJbnNxWycN2KzVDbBlRUTePy3nr9shXprDLkKkFYSN5FcPwYGG8YmyWjJgq0KVAatQMOpSTUVoUf2DzS_MCNqJvBQ/s1600/lustforavampire.jpg" /></a></div>
<tr>
<td colspan="2"><span class="whiteHeader">Lust for a Vampire (1971)</span><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Movie rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">4/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">DVD rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">8/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Release Date:</td>
<td class="boxReg">December 4, 2001</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Running Time:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>1 hour 31 minutes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">R</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Distributor:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Anchor Bay Entertainment</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign="top">List Price:</td>
<td class="boxReg">$19.98</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=2><div class="dvdHeader">Disc Details</div></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Special Features: </strong></td>
<td>
Widescreen anamorphic format.<br>
Chapter selection.<br>
Commentary by director Jimmy Sangster, star Suzanna Leigh and Hammer Film historian Marcus Hearn.<br>
Theatrical trailer.<br>
Radio Spots.<br>
Poster and Still Gallery.<br>
Cast and crew bios. </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Video Format:</strong></td>
<td><strong>Anamorphic Widescreen (1.66:1)<br />
[SS-DL]</strong>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Languages:</strong></td>
<td><strong>
English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono)
</strong><br />
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Subtitles:</strong></td>
<td><strong>None.</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Captions:</strong></td>
<td><strong>No</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Casing:</strong></td>
<td><strong>1-Disc Keep Case</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
</table>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixANjxkCH77oXrjH1JU_CtyICMlimEgyexaeb_D1cT0K-9Fxjo5n4s3_tDtxU6o4S3e8K6I98YKt74l0c6o9X0YeHKo95BsHSXkhpDXSQyPQvc5V3HOS0J22bN_eDvwkBN50HeYCMilw/s1600/lustforavampire2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixANjxkCH77oXrjH1JU_CtyICMlimEgyexaeb_D1cT0K-9Fxjo5n4s3_tDtxU6o4S3e8K6I98YKt74l0c6o9X0YeHKo95BsHSXkhpDXSQyPQvc5V3HOS0J22bN_eDvwkBN50HeYCMilw/s1600/lustforavampire2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="dvdHeader">Review</div>
Hammer broke the nudity barrier with "<strong>The Vampire Lovers</strong>." Based on Le Fanu's book "<b>Carmilla</b>," "<strong>The Vampire Lovers</strong>" and it's two sequels "<strong>Lust For a Vampire</strong>" and "<strong>Twins of Evil</strong>" brought lesbian vampires out of the closeted coffin. "<strong>Lust For a Vampire</strong>" had a very troubled production history, and is the weakest film in the trilogy. While there are numerous beautiful women in all their bare-breasted glory, "<strong>Lust For a Vampire</strong>" is hampered by terrible special effects and one of the most contemptuous goofs in film history. More about that later.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHp6I3wY2XKxWfnWVJeAEwLanO8iuhbweCs9P8l2FwsRjmqR-ZB_3QMhByJIa7MY5CD_c8nYkBt4ziU5umTxHvCVZuKlBL22dKAtRhZtnIw3UmXhB7UONUePua_kn2E27EfiSK1XSiNA/s1600/lustforavampire9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHp6I3wY2XKxWfnWVJeAEwLanO8iuhbweCs9P8l2FwsRjmqR-ZB_3QMhByJIa7MY5CD_c8nYkBt4ziU5umTxHvCVZuKlBL22dKAtRhZtnIw3UmXhB7UONUePua_kn2E27EfiSK1XSiNA/s1600/lustforavampire9.jpg" /></a></div>
Richard Lestrange (Michael Johnson) is the son of an aristocrat. Richard writes novels. He has traveled to an isolated town to investigate superstitious stories concerning a family of vampires, the Karnsteins. Ignoring the local's warnings, Richard travels to the deserted Castle Karnstein and immediately finds himself surrounded by beautiful young women. His fear abates as he realizes that the young women are from a local private school for girls. They are there with their history teacher, Prof. Giles Barton (Ralph Bates). Richard walks to the school with Giles and the girls. As he meets the headmistress, Miss Simpson (Helen Christie) a new student arrives. Miacarlla (Yutte Stensggard) is a buxom Swedish beauty. She also happens to be the incarnation of Carmilla Karnstein. Needless to say, many of the privileged young women at the school are going to get fatal hickeys in the upcoming days. Richard finagles a job at the school teaching English Literature. He falls in love with Miacarlla, and she with him. Can the living and undead have a meaningful relationship? Can he stand to see her with other women? Has there ever been a more bizarre look on an actress's face while she is supposed to be experiencing an orgasm?
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDiVNK2wSV4ccPdkvp9f7E8QJ9qTfjBTaCjSPMc2w0GJtJIKgEt44OY1FGsiYnF42C2vDVaEg4r1JeE8tJSVfVqq2UmDYJDvH4WbkWUavD2NF5K_o119HJnd25de0OCEsf5qfEI5h0w/s1600/lustforavampire4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDiVNK2wSV4ccPdkvp9f7E8QJ9qTfjBTaCjSPMc2w0GJtJIKgEt44OY1FGsiYnF42C2vDVaEg4r1JeE8tJSVfVqq2UmDYJDvH4WbkWUavD2NF5K_o119HJnd25de0OCEsf5qfEI5h0w/s1600/lustforavampire4.jpg" /></a></div>
"<strong>Lust For a Vampire</strong>" isn't as bad as it could have been. It was originally supposed to be directed by Terrence Fischer, the man who directed the greatest film of Hammer's entire history, "<strong>The Horror of Dracula</strong>." Terry Fischer had a habit of playing chicken with cars. He would run across the street in front of on-coming traffic. Sometimes he broke a bone in the process. This happened just before shooting began. Hammer workhorse, Jimmy Sangster was brought in at the last moment. Peter Cushing was supposed to play the Ralph Bates role, but his wife's health deteriorated and he had to back out. Count Karnstein was played by an actor named Michael Raven. His similarity to Christopher Lee is amazing. The story goes, that Mr. Raven stormed out of the premiere when stock footage close-ups of Christopher Lee's bloodshot eyes were used in place of his.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Hh0I3ij5YmUVU2F8eP-xdwTZW_5lb6FPU_ln70vzPoUFDYUpQGVXin0OSqkYeQ1MOoLE9tomBSfnMpgXPlpkgDcboVJfg6MOayFQvN-EWd6nMJmy71f51GRPMBbeAEkbHHGiacWb8w/s1600/lustforavampire5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Hh0I3ij5YmUVU2F8eP-xdwTZW_5lb6FPU_ln70vzPoUFDYUpQGVXin0OSqkYeQ1MOoLE9tomBSfnMpgXPlpkgDcboVJfg6MOayFQvN-EWd6nMJmy71f51GRPMBbeAEkbHHGiacWb8w/s1600/lustforavampire5.jpg" /></a></div>
The faults that are apparent with this movie are due to the greedy, slipshod producers. Producers Harry Fine and Michael Style were the men responsible for the abundance of gore and nudity as substitutes for story and characters in Hammer films. Their contempt for anything but money is apparent in the film's final sequence. The Karnstein's vampire carriage driver tries to flee the castle as it is being stormed by the locals. The camera is mounted behind the carriage driver as he rolls toward the crowd. During this shot the entire left third of the frame is taken up by the film crew, studio lights and a second camera unit. There are about 30 behind the scenes people in full view. (See the screen capture at the end of this review!!!) On the commentary track, Jimmy Sangster says this was one of the first scenes they shot. Rather than spend the money to correct the scene, the producers let it stay. This horrible goof is followed by the most bogus vampire death ever filmed. Miacarlla is staked by a piece of wood which falls from the castle's burning ceiling. The wood pierces her heart and she is caught on fire. The dummy used to double for Ms. Stensggard bears a remarkable likeness to an inflatable love doll! Oh well.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKywtxVwX8DhWSqWS6YwnItwh2s7MxoZmDfnreYzim57OkDWB3mxnB6NJt63uQye2Uc8awIVuEo9o2XEGgtx_97KX7VjxYYAiSnXvZvDq07U49IEhU50EdtYi6Cx0fXCfSCD2vMtKBKg/s1600/lustforavampire6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKywtxVwX8DhWSqWS6YwnItwh2s7MxoZmDfnreYzim57OkDWB3mxnB6NJt63uQye2Uc8awIVuEo9o2XEGgtx_97KX7VjxYYAiSnXvZvDq07U49IEhU50EdtYi6Cx0fXCfSCD2vMtKBKg/s1600/lustforavampire6.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="dvdHeader">The Disc</div>
So-so movie. Great commentary track trashing the movie and shedding light on Hammer's demise. Good picture and sound.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpL7NLIINlOX9aAzIVcwh5ifQwZCbAzDHZLUfGuE0tF5qfitaOvOJtlVbSZxDFxXBnYLQF87jlhRWwKmrrB8rXQhyM2uBW93z9T-drpJQHYHdnQA5CAOwnx7mdiMoiK-A-wP1aiV1oA/s1600/lustforavampire7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpL7NLIINlOX9aAzIVcwh5ifQwZCbAzDHZLUfGuE0tF5qfitaOvOJtlVbSZxDFxXBnYLQF87jlhRWwKmrrB8rXQhyM2uBW93z9T-drpJQHYHdnQA5CAOwnx7mdiMoiK-A-wP1aiV1oA/s1600/lustforavampire7.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32-HdBIsuFrIL1aWq5y7yiZIPXt4h1vAJR9NQwohNXZv4Ekd81VtJDJD6ZU0YNE9-mua33JV29FWKzMyKf9cxlcQZELS6PhotIS8rS9-8R5WXj-MN7V70NB68rzOydLyiu4EdOIRI2A/s1600/lustforavampire8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32-HdBIsuFrIL1aWq5y7yiZIPXt4h1vAJR9NQwohNXZv4Ekd81VtJDJD6ZU0YNE9-mua33JV29FWKzMyKf9cxlcQZELS6PhotIS8rS9-8R5WXj-MN7V70NB68rzOydLyiu4EdOIRI2A/s1600/lustforavampire8.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong>Picture Quality:</strong> <span class="rating">9/10</span><br>
Only one really noticeable artifact and it comes during the scene where you can also see the film crew in nearly half the frame! Other than that, a very good picture. The flesh tones are great, especially the lovely Ms. Stensggard.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_Qkv4cv1yNQKCl6O-cYt2GbDCDW_82-ek4YLIdEszIWKuo11-qoIOsD1lMlWwkJmNMbwhQXSZsxO5KjTuoJKfuDLfyIIZByh8f786ul0ana5xvx8FsLGnwGDsuYGBdQ06e0Tt_ziHQ/s1600/lustforavampire10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_Qkv4cv1yNQKCl6O-cYt2GbDCDW_82-ek4YLIdEszIWKuo11-qoIOsD1lMlWwkJmNMbwhQXSZsxO5KjTuoJKfuDLfyIIZByh8f786ul0ana5xvx8FsLGnwGDsuYGBdQ06e0Tt_ziHQ/s1600/lustforavampire10.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong>Sound Quality:</strong> <span class="rating">7/10</span><br>
Fair sound. It is mono and comes across a bit flat. The high pitched screams are a bit much.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFI4qTm5z1QQ6h98oBoVH6j-5OIPWbaRp7hFD8HiChUrOa-h-VddL7XapAOxEiNENFfIiPOfd1rXfnmAhKuhITx0fZ83R3eFPKCvQ7Edylbtu9WHpm0r_mFbib8m316YD71IrYt5TxA/s1600/lustforavampire11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFI4qTm5z1QQ6h98oBoVH6j-5OIPWbaRp7hFD8HiChUrOa-h-VddL7XapAOxEiNENFfIiPOfd1rXfnmAhKuhITx0fZ83R3eFPKCvQ7Edylbtu9WHpm0r_mFbib8m316YD71IrYt5TxA/s1600/lustforavampire11.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong>Menu:</strong> <span class="rating">8/10</span><br>
Nice interactive menu. Lots of buxom vampires on display. easy to navigate. My usual complaint about Anchor Bay concerning a lack of photos in the chapter selection part of the menu. Yes, I'm one of those idiots who couldn't order of a menu unless there were pictures.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyFjJvhJr3PjEYO9CVpMNNuuKm_Z7RF7yho_6eO8-qQ7l-PxcW1JUT7z_1gSBwAeXGEXU64wxAk9vBxEPzJl6Yeza82E_NfugGplbygQVdwwgoQMBMBA0LSLsbft8Adpwn_tRloWtsQ/s1600/lustforavampire12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyFjJvhJr3PjEYO9CVpMNNuuKm_Z7RF7yho_6eO8-qQ7l-PxcW1JUT7z_1gSBwAeXGEXU64wxAk9vBxEPzJl6Yeza82E_NfugGplbygQVdwwgoQMBMBA0LSLsbft8Adpwn_tRloWtsQ/s1600/lustforavampire12.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong>Extra Features:</strong> <span class="rating">10/10</span><br>
Suzanna Leigh and Jimmy Sangster have so much fun getting down and dirty about this film. Lots of behind the scenes gossip and catty remarks. One of my all time favorite commentary tracks. Nice poster gallery. Plenty of flesh.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtDnKhD0HBuXIer_WBbvsjJYczHVYDVPWBfwbCQ3t7LPjV7O3QSEtsrvXsP9LtxlvAtZ2AMenNFA2wxAjV0A-aE3ERMB_I6TYQQsNJHu80GiuVi63vx80iofO7mGsxiZbyQXRDi-3QQ/s1600/lustforavampire13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtDnKhD0HBuXIer_WBbvsjJYczHVYDVPWBfwbCQ3t7LPjV7O3QSEtsrvXsP9LtxlvAtZ2AMenNFA2wxAjV0A-aE3ERMB_I6TYQQsNJHu80GiuVi63vx80iofO7mGsxiZbyQXRDi-3QQ/s1600/lustforavampire13.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSH0vkmvWKsI-tm5dHDyrNW0XL4VZr0LPexiGc2y4fTRntoTvNk8Nz4tXnhIFCjdnmrOdEbqL8NZvVeZY_SRCliALUzQJefclYU8wEcVqjP-4z5NhEr4tovPxAGp21qSuq-gg_psGYdw/s1600/lustforavampire14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSH0vkmvWKsI-tm5dHDyrNW0XL4VZr0LPexiGc2y4fTRntoTvNk8Nz4tXnhIFCjdnmrOdEbqL8NZvVeZY_SRCliALUzQJefclYU8wEcVqjP-4z5NhEr4tovPxAGp21qSuq-gg_psGYdw/s1600/lustforavampire14.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong>The Final Word:</strong><br>
I love Hammer films and even like collecting their inferior titles. This one had potential, but missed the boat. Worth a rental if you aren't a lesbian vampire movie fan. Fans of Hammer and vampire movies will want this one for the library. Very reasonably priced, but that is usually the case with Anchor Bay. <p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguARTXf5Es8EJYvYMghOcM5SCbLK3wf60KhjFq7lnw9gR68KhWd_9t5xkNiXWnSnA8Dxux2jNYuY9eKj2VzouyAjuhddIUBLN_yIWUAuu007cocqadxF5I1EyRN6Hx9J6dZmgKl9dgw/s1600/lustforavampire15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguARTXf5Es8EJYvYMghOcM5SCbLK3wf60KhjFq7lnw9gR68KhWd_9t5xkNiXWnSnA8Dxux2jNYuY9eKj2VzouyAjuhddIUBLN_yIWUAuu007cocqadxF5I1EyRN6Hx9J6dZmgKl9dgw/s1600/lustforavampire15.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-48390496510033264182014-07-07T16:04:00.002-05:002014-07-07T16:04:53.643-05:00The Magic Christian<table border="0"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjxdYI4UC5FhTO6AEItSOlwoBNOBBX7MZ02Qpqytqq6atyasW0pYyJhe89gFYv_gyMLkhJqaStY-mpA_4qpjVjruZs1LMPxDyKwKbMx-rKBLk8BZlruD81pyNHYlT9QQ4d9VSfhtkPA/s1600/themagicchristian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjxdYI4UC5FhTO6AEItSOlwoBNOBBX7MZ02Qpqytqq6atyasW0pYyJhe89gFYv_gyMLkhJqaStY-mpA_4qpjVjruZs1LMPxDyKwKbMx-rKBLk8BZlruD81pyNHYlT9QQ4d9VSfhtkPA/s1600/themagicchristian.jpg" /></a></div>
<tr>
<td colspan="2"><span class="whiteHeader">The Magic Christian (1969)</span><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Movie rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">6/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">DVD rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">6/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Release Date:</td>
<td class="boxReg">January 21, 2003</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Running Time:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>1 hour 41 minutes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">NR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Distributor:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Artisan</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign="top">List Price:</td>
<td class="boxReg">$14.98 </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=2><div class="dvdHeader">Disc Details</div></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><b>Special Features: </b></td>
<td>
Full frame format<br>
Chapter selection </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Video Format:</strong></td>
<td><strong>Pan-And-Scan (1.33:1)<br />
[SS-SL]</strong>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Languages:</strong></td>
<td><strong>
English (Dolby Stereo Surround 2.0)
</strong><br />
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Subtitles:</strong></td>
<td><strong>English for the hearing impared.</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Captions:</strong></td>
<td><strong>Yes</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Casing:</strong></td>
<td><strong>1-Disc Keep Case</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
</table>
<p>
Terry Southern wrote some of the best satire of the 1960s. He wrote or contributed to the scripts of "<strong>Dr. Strangelove</strong>," "<strong>The Cincinnati Kid</strong>," "<strong>Casino Royale</strong>," "<strong>Barbarella</strong>," "<strong>Candy</strong>," "<strong>Easy Rider</strong>" and others. Terry Southern's novel "<strong>The Magic Christian</strong>" was adapted for the screen by Joseph MacGrath, Peter Sellers and a couple of Monty Python alums John Cleese and Graham Chapman. You would think that will all that talent, the film version of Southern's acerbic novel would be better than it is. The result is essentially a one-joke film. There are many variations on the joke, but the film drags after a while.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOOv0uW3_lpZzfmgI1Im-rKY6N0LQqP8LVCQiEI-Ch8eSfciO7Korakkb9lEosZyQxCTZSvjl79usyUY9Ygs1GM0botcd1BpC4OHybgoOZqc126yItHj1cNAzyORXF5cB8zjOY3jJng/s1600/themagicchristian1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOOv0uW3_lpZzfmgI1Im-rKY6N0LQqP8LVCQiEI-Ch8eSfciO7Korakkb9lEosZyQxCTZSvjl79usyUY9Ygs1GM0botcd1BpC4OHybgoOZqc126yItHj1cNAzyORXF5cB8zjOY3jJng/s1600/themagicchristian1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="dvdHeader">Review</div>
Guy Grand (Peter Sellers) is a filthy rich businessman. On a whim, he adopts a homeless bum, Youngman (Ringo Starr) as his son. Guy and Youngman set out to prove that everyone has their price. In a series of episodic adventures, the two try to expose the hypocrisy that permeates upper-class society. The message seems to be that we are all bigoted whores.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8vtWzIBA35KtwW3EyIAa-DNk7iHRggaEFXHEllrlGk9TOCGKxz-2wDHJZYHchwp2AAT8I949j2Owa9eJAdNzfp-OdkFAVe2p3dNc4zC8jJ2x7YF4xvNGUwOHMw-qTc5wVhM4exMBRQ/s1600/themagicchristian3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8vtWzIBA35KtwW3EyIAa-DNk7iHRggaEFXHEllrlGk9TOCGKxz-2wDHJZYHchwp2AAT8I949j2Owa9eJAdNzfp-OdkFAVe2p3dNc4zC8jJ2x7YF4xvNGUwOHMw-qTc5wVhM4exMBRQ/s1600/themagicchristian3.jpg" /></a></div>
Numerous big name stars appear in cameo roles. They include Raquel Welch, Christopher Lee, Richard Attenborough, Roman Polanski, Lawrence Harvey, Yul Bryner, Spike Milligan, John Cleese and Leonard Frey.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iYo4ZR2xqk26k0LDaDDuzJAh41MWvg0SuQ6qKVjJ8rWxXFS3E_0K_I7N8RJm4cxUfYdERdNbeMljsaFhwVupl38TnKsD2IcGn0U1NtLk8K9qC9VUykPBwafo7RbeQN3ERHO6RSJtrw/s1600/themagicchristian2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iYo4ZR2xqk26k0LDaDDuzJAh41MWvg0SuQ6qKVjJ8rWxXFS3E_0K_I7N8RJm4cxUfYdERdNbeMljsaFhwVupl38TnKsD2IcGn0U1NtLk8K9qC9VUykPBwafo7RbeQN3ERHO6RSJtrw/s1600/themagicchristian2.jpg" /></a></div>
Some of the skits are very funny. Lawrence Harvey does a striptease while playing Hamlet's soliloquy on stage. Yul Bryner makes an uncredited appearance as a drag queen hitting on Roman Polanski. Raquel Welch has never looked sexier as the leather clad leader of a topless slave galley. Christopher Lee does a nice send up of his most famous role as the "ship's vampire."
<p>
How well you like this movie may depend on your age. Children of the 60s may have fond memories of the movie. It isn't the best adaptation of a Terry Southern book. The film meanders and never really achieves its purpose. Southern's book was much better.
<p>
<div class="dvdHeader">The Disc</div>
Odd but interesting film. Fair picture, poor sound. No extras.<p>
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<strong>Picture Quality:</strong> <span class="rating">6/10</span><br>
The DVD is filled with artifacts. There are scratches and pops in the picture that weren't taken out through restoration. The picture is also Pan and Scan, so, you miss 30% of the picture. Geoffrey Unsworth was a fine photographer. His palate is a bit pale here.<p>
<strong>Sound Quality:</strong> <span class="rating">5/10</span><br>
There are many scenes in which you struggle to hear what is being said. This is intentional. The viewer is supposed to wonder just what Guy is cooking up. When the truth is revealed, it is a let down. I bring this up to let you know you shouldn't be frustrated, as I was when first watching this DVD. The opening scene in which Peter Sellers talks with Ringo is completely unintelligible, but, like I said, it is intentionally done that way.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheajfZVPV2qv6QOtq88aJoUIwHGfI6-firIWL6MoT8a4SfsTzorhyCyunIeuNG6WyJ7N1yKBL-UaTFtvX_kN_5hOfHte_kKM4CgZZpIruV0LB_foMBWFNDlaR6zSfOXCPfoJ_P8t22Rg/s1600/themagicchristian5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheajfZVPV2qv6QOtq88aJoUIwHGfI6-firIWL6MoT8a4SfsTzorhyCyunIeuNG6WyJ7N1yKBL-UaTFtvX_kN_5hOfHte_kKM4CgZZpIruV0LB_foMBWFNDlaR6zSfOXCPfoJ_P8t22Rg/s1600/themagicchristian5.jpg" /></a></div>
The movie uses the Paul McCartney written, Badfinger performed song "Come and Get It" as it's theme. The jumpy hit song will take you back to 1969. For the most part, the sound is a bit flat. The highs sound tinny. The bass isn't oppressive; in fact it seems a bit shy.
<p>
<strong>Menu:</strong> <span class="rating">5/10</span><br>
Simple one-screen menu. Easy to navigate.<p>
<strong>Extra Features:</strong> <span class="rating">0/10</span><br>
There are no extras. The price reflects the lack of extras.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hqEHp_5T4NM1wZSDZm-xNbjx_HruJo5oabw-Rt9h1cGHWUwooRSNM3GMPbL3_OZARuyPgnDFB2hhN80L-TJf4PyLQLHMAyqLETgXODY-Xs0R9D0WI9Cd8yrdU6Qg3vBeNRwzlEwmuQ/s1600/themagicchristian6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hqEHp_5T4NM1wZSDZm-xNbjx_HruJo5oabw-Rt9h1cGHWUwooRSNM3GMPbL3_OZARuyPgnDFB2hhN80L-TJf4PyLQLHMAyqLETgXODY-Xs0R9D0WI9Cd8yrdU6Qg3vBeNRwzlEwmuQ/s1600/themagicchristian6.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong>The Final Word:</strong><br>
Children of the 60s might want to check this out. As inexpensive as the DVD is, you aren't really risking much. Those curious about odd films from a time you are not likely to see again, may also wish to take a peek.<p>
<p>
obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-12959134621380870982014-07-07T15:12:00.000-05:002014-07-07T15:12:46.219-05:00Bruce Lee Ultimate Collection<div class="dvdHeader">Film & Disc Review, <i>Bruce Lee Ultimate Collection</i></div>
by Rusty White
<br><span class="medium"><i>reviewed: 2005-11-05</i></span>
<table border="0"><tr><td><span class="whiteHeader">Bruce Lee Ultimate Collection (1972)</span></td></tr></table>
<table border="0"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTq39erTgrZretGfh-Olf1SrPmP8rGtcayf6oi85s8c1WaIJKuTeBknyqW0Yg0lqB1ItQJseKZcBivwCa1OUC2aKlZnXL-BFwumZkTbAydC4t3bj2CwDTKFuR3SZOgiew7B92PDgvR6w/s1600/brucelee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTq39erTgrZretGfh-Olf1SrPmP8rGtcayf6oi85s8c1WaIJKuTeBknyqW0Yg0lqB1ItQJseKZcBivwCa1OUC2aKlZnXL-BFwumZkTbAydC4t3bj2CwDTKFuR3SZOgiew7B92PDgvR6w/s1600/brucelee.jpg" /></a></div>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign="top">Director(s):</td>
<td class="boxReg"> Lo Wei, Bruce Lee, Robert Clouse, Ng See Yuen<br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Movie rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">6/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">DVD rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">7/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">DVD Release Date:</td>
<td class="boxReg">10/18/2005</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Running Time:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>501 minutes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">R</td>
</tr>
</table>
<b>Disc Details</b><br>
<p>
<b>Distributor:</b><br>
FOX Home Entertainment<p>
<b>List Price:</b> $49.98<p>
<b>Running Time:</b> 501 minutes
<p>
<b>Special Features:</b><br>
Widescreen anamorphic format<br>
Chapter selections<br>
Feature Film: The Big Boss (aka Fists of Fury)<br>
Feature Film: Fist of Fury (aka The Chinese Connection)<br>
Feature Film: Way of the Dragon (aka Return of the Dragon)<br>
Feature Film: Game of Death<br>
Feature Film: Game of Death II)<br>
Original movie trailers for each film<br>
New edited trailers for each film<br>
Photo albums and slide shows for each film<br>
Interview with Tung Wai<br>
Interview with Yeun Wah<br>
Interviews with director Sammo Hung, actor Simon Yam, actor Paul Pui, director Wong Jing, actress Flora Cheong-Leen, director Clarence Fok, stuntman Rocky Lai<br>
Outtakes from Game of Death<br><p>
<b>Video Format:</b><br>
Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1)<br />
<p>
<b>Language Tracks:</b><br>
English (5.1 DTS)<br>English (Dolby Digital 5.1)<br>Cantonese (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)<br>Mandarin (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)<br><p>
<b>Subtitles:</b><br>
English<p>
<b>Closed Captions:</b><br>
Yes<p>
<b>Casing:</b><br>
5-disc Digipak<p>
<P><P>
<p></p>
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<b>ul·ti·mate</b>: adj. Representing or exhibiting the greatest possible development or sophistication.
<p>
Using the above definition, FOX's new "<b>Bruce Lee Ultimate Collection</b>" really should be titled "<b>Bruce Lee Pretty Good Collection</b>." The potential for an Ultimate Collection is there, but the time and care hasn't been taken to produce it yet. First problem is that Bruce Lee's best film "<b>Enter the Dragon</b>" is owned by Warner Brothers. Warners is Warners and FOX is FOX and never the twain shall meet. It would be nice if they did. This summer, Turner Classic Movies showed the restored, and never before seen version of the famed Pagoda of Death footage that Bruce Lee filmed before his death. The lengthy sequence was raided and cut down for the lame "<b>Game of Death</b>" released in 1978. An Ultimate Collection would include Bruce Lee's unfinished, but very compelling version of "<b>Game of Death</b>" also. Of course, that means a third studio would be involved. How to split the profits? How else could you build the Ultimate Collection? DVD fans love extras. How about A&E's Biography of Bruce Lee, or E! True Hollywood Story of Bruce Lee, or even the excellent feature film "<b>Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story</b>"? There are also tons of archived interviews with Bruce Lee himself. I guess a fan can dream. I am a fan. I remember sitting in the cafeteria of Central High School in Memphis at the beginning of 10th grade talking about Bruce Lee's recent death. What a shock it was. The man had burst upon the world stage like a meteor. He had the charisma of Elvis and martial arts skills like none before or since. The fan base is there to support a truly Ultimate DVD Collection. Maybe someday, the powers that be will cooperate with each other and put out that dream boxed set. Until then, let's look at what we have here.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfx9cwqZfL0fXRiyj-6o0eVAnBEe-ie-_EimJXw_n2gBuTKonJwZpeLfRYSZOQjtKLpc0kQxeRrQBHR6lQM6anR5DmxBNj9Cyska4omgg-Z9oxCzwNdsBjRCPG90qDkVGQCyvr2wMreA/s1600/brucelee3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfx9cwqZfL0fXRiyj-6o0eVAnBEe-ie-_EimJXw_n2gBuTKonJwZpeLfRYSZOQjtKLpc0kQxeRrQBHR6lQM6anR5DmxBNj9Cyska4omgg-Z9oxCzwNdsBjRCPG90qDkVGQCyvr2wMreA/s1600/brucelee3.jpg" /></a></div>
"<b>The Big Boss</b>" (1971) was the first of Bruce Lee's important films. Sure, he had been around for a long time. Just like Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix had recorded and performed with a number of artists, but it wasn't until he redefined himself with The Jimi Hendrix Experience, that the Seattle guitarist became a superstar. Bruce Lee had appeared in a number of films and TV shows. It wasn't until he moved to Hong Kong and hooked up with the Chow Brothers that Bruce Lee became BRUCE LEE. "<b>The Big Boss</b>" was released in the US as "<b>Fists of Fury</b>." The film is the weakest of Lee's completed films. Lee plays a simple country man who moves to the corrupt city. His friends and family obtain a job for him in an ice warehouse. Turns out that the huge ice blocks are used to transport heroin. When Bruce Lee's kinfolk discover this, they are murdered. Bruce Lee exacts revenge and justice. The fight sequences are outstanding. The film suffers from a slow build up. The Bruce Lee character has made an oath not to fight. We wait patiently for him to break that vow. When he does, WOW! The movie also proves Lee to be a good actor. His angst over having taken the life of another human being (even though justified) is very moving.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJBWhQ2gL_QGh8H58Thgm7tyKen40r1c8AfNg6pP6sa6iJMkJrq5vCmPEev3gbnXyjPKxBPOQ8NMzPuWbaNh2JTRBToFiDiRV8k8OZiRhCpSquZnO8v5v8EpwU3UVmaU4EoaXreBueA/s1600/brucelee1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJBWhQ2gL_QGh8H58Thgm7tyKen40r1c8AfNg6pP6sa6iJMkJrq5vCmPEev3gbnXyjPKxBPOQ8NMzPuWbaNh2JTRBToFiDiRV8k8OZiRhCpSquZnO8v5v8EpwU3UVmaU4EoaXreBueA/s1600/brucelee1.jpg" /></a></div>
"<b>Fist of Fury</b>" (1972) is by far the best film in this collection. Released in the US as "<b>The Chinese Connection</b>" this is a period piece set in 1930s Shanghai. Bruce Lee is the star student at a martial arts school. His master emphasized the spiritual aspects of the skill. Though Bruce Lee could kill easily, he must not use his skills to do so. The film starts with the funeral of Lee's master. He was killed by a rival school run by the Japanese occupiers of his country. In "<b>Fist of Fury</b>" Bruce Lee is a time bomb waiting to explode. He wants revenge. His fellow students do what they can to hold him back. There is a star-crossed lovers subplot that works. Lee must forego earthly pleasures to defend the honor and lives of those he loves. This film includes one of Bruce Lee's best action sequences ever. The nunchaku fight between Lee and a dozen attackers has never been duplicated.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorCfjTwIFq2Wr9bmV5fAGBXW9gyWMfV-2XV_eSPL-AXWcCVHOJQ_eSiwB26YQ5Mj7MzWuo0X3C_G7aT8AYMy6bxG0l_IBFzNKhbVrcj-XDxGT7DFBOTOXBxVGvblNG4yuuqNIA7ia-g/s1600/brucelee4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorCfjTwIFq2Wr9bmV5fAGBXW9gyWMfV-2XV_eSPL-AXWcCVHOJQ_eSiwB26YQ5Mj7MzWuo0X3C_G7aT8AYMy6bxG0l_IBFzNKhbVrcj-XDxGT7DFBOTOXBxVGvblNG4yuuqNIA7ia-g/s1600/brucelee4.jpg" /></a></div>
"<b>Way of the Dragon</b>" (1972) proved that Bruce Lee was not as good a director as he was an actor. Set in Rome, Lee is a country cousin who travels from Hong Kong to Italy to work in a family restaurant. For some reason, a crime lord wants the restaurant and declares war on the owners. The plot is nothing but silly. The highlight of the film is the climatic fight in the Roman Coliseum between Bruce Lee and Chuck "oh my chest is hairy" Norris. This was the last of Bruce Lee's completed films to be released in the US, though it premiered in Hong Kong in December of 72. (Trivia note: Being a huge "<b>Billy Jack</b>" fan, I was surprised to find that much of the score for this film was lifted from Tom Laughlin's film. The Snake Ritual score from "<b>Billy Jack</b>" is used during a number of fight scenes in this film. I wonder if Tom knows about that?")
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8rnrTkAAmezdOdsavi5cnJDYm4dN_EHvt3y6yG5_G-uos1EtHQcakAZUyOhLxxdERiax5FP0rS0JM2Gr_Ezaum1ahprfGzpI2haJ30QKkMHSTK3DI-ToeWcZnuVmXxtZyCskl45H9w/s1600/brucelee5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8rnrTkAAmezdOdsavi5cnJDYm4dN_EHvt3y6yG5_G-uos1EtHQcakAZUyOhLxxdERiax5FP0rS0JM2Gr_Ezaum1ahprfGzpI2haJ30QKkMHSTK3DI-ToeWcZnuVmXxtZyCskl45H9w/s1600/brucelee5.jpg" /></a></div>
On July 20, 1973, six days before the premiere of his greatest film, Bruce Lee died of a cerebral edema. Like James Dean who died before the release of "<b>Rebel Without a Cause</b>" or "<b>Giant</b>", Bruce didn't live to see the public response to his greatest work. "<b>Enter the Dragon</b>" remains the classic martial arts film of all time. Prior to filming "<b>Enter the Dragon</b>," Bruce Lee went to work on a movie about a fighter who takes on the best fighters in the world in a Pagoda of Death. Each floor of the tower is inhabited by a master who is greater than the one below him. This footage would provide the foundation for one last theatrical Bruce Lee film.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmugBTuve9GunwGAPh6-lVhcc3Frv3jzxAgoWK9VqvUx7h5aLKp7S7vYj8G_PX8PKE-Qv7gqRYX7tWxdSFdea6niDAMVMrgkQvWpZJYBVXzWhKbiOxFmf7rRNfWyCqtAxwyt2ybQbgQ/s1600/brucelee6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmugBTuve9GunwGAPh6-lVhcc3Frv3jzxAgoWK9VqvUx7h5aLKp7S7vYj8G_PX8PKE-Qv7gqRYX7tWxdSFdea6niDAMVMrgkQvWpZJYBVXzWhKbiOxFmf7rRNfWyCqtAxwyt2ybQbgQ/s1600/brucelee6.jpg" /></a></div>
"<b>Game of Death</b>" (1978) serves no purpose in the universe. The film was built around some exciting footage of Bruce Lee's last unfinished film. Lee's story was abandoned for another hackneyed plot. US actors such as Dean Jagger, Gig Young, Colleen Camp and Hugh O'Brien were hired. A look-alike actor was used and this film was built. The plot involves an actor (Bruce Lee) and his singer girlfriend (Colleen Camp) being forced to sign contracts with evil producers. Forget about it. The film features three fight scenes with the real Bruce Lee. Skip to the end to watch them, or better yet, try and find the TCM restoration I mentioned before. It includes much more footage and tells a coherent story.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGxBUzH5Cqv1ecTk08HfL1tMnUN36LqgNM7hzOuUVQ5TuSwURHGccEGyzP4oOsBrM-gpAeNRhFmUyqYzPvxUUXbMOf9KE0-GRqHsVVvCdLFXZTjyCgH96G62kpZ9zE3G_GWECBVzlkQ/s1600/brucelee7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGxBUzH5Cqv1ecTk08HfL1tMnUN36LqgNM7hzOuUVQ5TuSwURHGccEGyzP4oOsBrM-gpAeNRhFmUyqYzPvxUUXbMOf9KE0-GRqHsVVvCdLFXZTjyCgH96G62kpZ9zE3G_GWECBVzlkQ/s1600/brucelee7.jpg" /></a></div>
If a movie makes money, chances are there will be a sequel. How else did the travesty "<b>Game of Death II</b>" (1981) come into being." There are no fight scenes with Bruce Lee anywhere in the movie. There are a number of dubbed outtakes that just look silly. The inclusion of this movie into any set that claims to be an Ultimate Collection is really nothing more than an attempt to make money on the bones of Bruce Lee. It is really an insult to his memory.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNyHm329l_vmQklAjuHbnkPjAgDZ9qKgnYfZHOPA7-BMH3LzhQUIAVRqTj3B2yKYby217QHV5L_IUFKyK4nxY3K8KJAW5dhZzoVuet8kXImxX6OULKEpILceucWse9-JPddX3F8x3RQ/s1600/brucelee8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNyHm329l_vmQklAjuHbnkPjAgDZ9qKgnYfZHOPA7-BMH3LzhQUIAVRqTj3B2yKYby217QHV5L_IUFKyK4nxY3K8KJAW5dhZzoVuet8kXImxX6OULKEpILceucWse9-JPddX3F8x3RQ/s1600/brucelee8.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="dvdHeader">The Disc</div>
One great film, two good films and two wastes of time. Great picture. Terrible sound. OK extras.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzoxrk6pnDDojoNrXAQAcWHF4XeQqBYvDLMG9_6hDNaSHGd_Hf2ifb8zj5D-XjDXNmFnm3YTmfKzrrC4A70ZIbBENY77xV9e14XYAVVh5fiqOAC-5mcyrpVNdUJutpDoIcQWA8yRD7vA/s1600/brucelee9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzoxrk6pnDDojoNrXAQAcWHF4XeQqBYvDLMG9_6hDNaSHGd_Hf2ifb8zj5D-XjDXNmFnm3YTmfKzrrC4A70ZIbBENY77xV9e14XYAVVh5fiqOAC-5mcyrpVNdUJutpDoIcQWA8yRD7vA/s1600/brucelee9.jpg" /></a></div>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Picture Quality:</b> <span class="rating">8/10</span><br>
The films have been restored. The color is excellent. "<b>Fist of Fury</b>" is by far the best. The colors on that beautiful film are lush, rich and well-saturated. No artifacts, pixilation. There are some delineation problems on "<b>The Big Boss</b>" as well as the <b>Game of Death</b> films. <p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4YPN_uzciJ_5mz2K7aVRRWgVnwF5uipkUB4qn8UMs8CFVlwFs-75re2D_WpB1Q53eQ18frbL-Ppu1U42PdHgfpCyf11NRD0ugArXf7bxqE3mGPIcPsm19vWnz6VyfDUb3WCwOvhEsA/s1600/brucelee10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4YPN_uzciJ_5mz2K7aVRRWgVnwF5uipkUB4qn8UMs8CFVlwFs-75re2D_WpB1Q53eQ18frbL-Ppu1U42PdHgfpCyf11NRD0ugArXf7bxqE3mGPIcPsm19vWnz6VyfDUb3WCwOvhEsA/s1600/brucelee10.jpg" /></a></div>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Sound Quality:</b> <span class="rating">5/10</span><br>
The sound is way off! The levels are not balanced. It is really a mess. I watched the English track with subtitles so as to not miss the dialogue. It is actually preferable to watch the movies in Mandarin or Cantonese and read the subtitles. It is fun to note that the English subtitles don't match the English dubbing!<p>
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<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Easter Eggs:</b><br>
<i>No Easter Eggs Found on Disc.</i><p>
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<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Extra Features:</b> <span class="rating">7/10</span><br>
There are some good interviews with a number of artists in Hong Kong who worked with Bruce Lee. Each disk also includes trailers and photo galleries. The "<b>Game of Death</b>" disks include outtakes which were used in the TCM restoration I mentioned above.<p>
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<div class="dvdHeader">The Final Word:</div><br>
There are some good interviews with a number of artists in Hong Kong who worked with Bruce Lee. Each disk also includes trailers and photo galleries. The "<b>Game of Death</b>" disks include outtakes which were used in the TCM restoration I mentioned above. Die-hard fans will want this until something better comes along. I understand that there is a foreign compilation that is somewhat better for the inclusion of much historical supplements. I can't say for sure because I haven't seen it. This is the Pretty Good Collection. I'm still waiting for the Ultimate Collection.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEM1IIUrEvANdFhpS7W_WwAI_pTNVjFOCJIe1WKdK4NF90RL-Cl4sKs_ZYUuzm79AsRBO7ETRDLg4GcpANvUMYxvQdbvHFGLrSLtG2ipDiehNYFPFXTpxq2KIJk8D7TfFh_KYL-3-avg/s1600/brucelee14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEM1IIUrEvANdFhpS7W_WwAI_pTNVjFOCJIe1WKdK4NF90RL-Cl4sKs_ZYUuzm79AsRBO7ETRDLg4GcpANvUMYxvQdbvHFGLrSLtG2ipDiehNYFPFXTpxq2KIJk8D7TfFh_KYL-3-avg/s1600/brucelee14.jpg" /></a></div>obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-4553442613881204642014-07-07T13:13:00.000-05:002014-07-07T13:13:07.844-05:00Femme Fatale<table border="0"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mjgvg6vDcmeYLd63RhdALfEQzPwkkOpQheIuY-OugxXeT-liAbWMXadyPjxtWWNCEfdtAFamFwziH8eu8RY8QZMSR5MopIVot5r4O3DBNo7ZHu7QYS3SnnuF9jTTDtEiiNsFhVd-Xg/s1600/femmefatale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mjgvg6vDcmeYLd63RhdALfEQzPwkkOpQheIuY-OugxXeT-liAbWMXadyPjxtWWNCEfdtAFamFwziH8eu8RY8QZMSR5MopIVot5r4O3DBNo7ZHu7QYS3SnnuF9jTTDtEiiNsFhVd-Xg/s1600/femmefatale.jpg" /></a></div>
<tr>
<td colspan="2"><span class="whiteHeader">Femme Fatale (2002)</span><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Movie rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">8/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">DVD rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">9/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Release Date:</td>
<td class="boxReg">March 25, 2003</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Running Time:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>1 hour 55 minutes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">R</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Distributor:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Warner Home Video</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign="top">List Price:</td>
<td class="boxReg">$26.98 </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=2><div class="dvdHeader">Disc Details</div></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Special Features: </strong></td>
<td>
Widescreen anamorphic format
<br>
Chapter selection<br>
Featurette: "From Dream to Reality"<br>
Featurette: "Dream Within a Dream "<br>
Featurette: "Femme Fatale: Behind the Scenes"<br>
Dressed to Kill montage<br>
Cast and crew bios and filmography<br>
Theatrical trailers: French and American </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Video Format:</strong></td>
<td><strong>Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1)<br />
[SS-DL]</strong>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Languages:</strong></td>
<td><strong>
English (Dolby Digital 5.1)<br>
French (Dolby Digital 5.1)
</strong><br />
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Subtitles:</strong></td>
<td><strong>English, Spanish, French.</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Captions:</strong></td>
<td><strong>Yes</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Casing:</strong></td>
<td><strong>1-Disc Snap Case</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
</table>
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<div class="dvdHeader">Review</div>
Laure Ash (Rebecca Romijn-Stamos) is very, very bad. The sexy siren is part of a team of high-tech thieves aiming to steal ten million dollars worth of diamonds off the body of a hot young starlet at Cannes. Laure seduces the hot young starlet in a posh toilet. Little do Laure's cohorts realize that the sexy bad girl is going to getaway with the goods. Laure flees the scene. The next day she is mistaken for a young widow at a funeral she attends. Through a series of chance events, Laure finds herself in the apartment of her very own suicidal-doppelganger. You will learn no more from me.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKdbM80GsB_TamaHk0FraS4IhO6hqfsTG6At6j5zklFhjVhA8fmXckYorE9MroU40cKZ-7lZp5_gQmdXNp5kRKuyT1NMvJjiwlmkkj1AwcYRJOfkDdmShtmwFcGHKnItQjmZ42urH3A/s1600/femmefatale2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKdbM80GsB_TamaHk0FraS4IhO6hqfsTG6At6j5zklFhjVhA8fmXckYorE9MroU40cKZ-7lZp5_gQmdXNp5kRKuyT1NMvJjiwlmkkj1AwcYRJOfkDdmShtmwFcGHKnItQjmZ42urH3A/s1600/femmefatale2.jpg" /></a></div>
Brian De Palma once again proves that he is the rightful heir to the crown of Alfred Hitchcock. "<strong>Femme Fatale</strong>" must be seen more than once to fully appreciate what an artist and craft's man De Palma is. I hated this film when it ended. A few minutes later, I found myself liking it. I went round and round this way for hours, so I decided to watch it again.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokdXO4mJlh85p4LhzNtmbUq69hHp7PXvdNrUunN_hQ5r3xkpUvFMeufwf-RPE48kmdDKyNWTAn99ZiGapo3IfnNP0KQHMeLy7gChEbvW0NSBU4GurzhY-CnweqlfoVy8_eSAQGwb-DQ/s1600/femmefatale3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokdXO4mJlh85p4LhzNtmbUq69hHp7PXvdNrUunN_hQ5r3xkpUvFMeufwf-RPE48kmdDKyNWTAn99ZiGapo3IfnNP0KQHMeLy7gChEbvW0NSBU4GurzhY-CnweqlfoVy8_eSAQGwb-DQ/s1600/femmefatale3.jpg" /></a></div>
The less said about the plot of "<strong>Femme Fatale</strong>" the better. This is a movie that should be viewed without expectations other than you are going to love it or hate it, only to love it later.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1pNo2D0Xg29oN4_qot32tgcluEDxPNs2nyjn1CuuALI0yko1Mrl6cRobk5ICYBP2fxR9CziVzApe_OJPQW1mg7MNQpGyF-R5-gYRlx8qP6zcFeY6uM1R8LXRkkxlt7eRLPkik2KiEg/s1600/femmefatale4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1pNo2D0Xg29oN4_qot32tgcluEDxPNs2nyjn1CuuALI0yko1Mrl6cRobk5ICYBP2fxR9CziVzApe_OJPQW1mg7MNQpGyF-R5-gYRlx8qP6zcFeY6uM1R8LXRkkxlt7eRLPkik2KiEg/s1600/femmefatale4.jpg" /></a></div>
Rebecca Romijn-Stamos makes the transition from just another pretty face (with a very hot bod!) to accomplished actress. Ms. Romijn-Stamos pays tribute to the great Noir badgirls of yesteryear in this wonderfully demented and twisted thriller. Antonio Banderas is remarkable good as the good-guy in for a world of hurt once he meets the dragon lady.
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De Palma has some wonderful treats in store for those with the patience to pay close attention. De Palma makes great use of split screen. I think this is his best thriller since "<strong>Dressed to Kill</strong>." There are hints of "<strong>Obsession</strong>" to be found among the red herrings and plot twists. There is also a maturity to the denouement that I enjoyed.
<p>
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<div class="dvdHeader">The Disc</div>
Infuriating, but ultimately satisfying film. Great picture, sound and extras.<p>
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<strong>Picture Quality:</strong> <span class="rating">10/10</span><br>
Outstanding transfer. Brian De Palma directs the most visually interesting movies you will ever see. "<strong>Femme Fatale</strong>" is a wonderful return to the visual style he made famous in his great thrillers of the 70s and 80s. Excellent delineation of colors. Great detail in the shadows. No artifacts or pixilation. This is probably the best 'color' Film Noir ever made. Excellent flesh tones with lots of flesh to go with it!<p>
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<strong>Sound Quality:</strong> <span class="rating">10/10</span><br>
A large portion of the opening sequence is done with very little dialogue. The remarkable sequence is far from silent though. The 5.1 track picks up all of the ambient sounds which surround the characters. Nice balance between the ranges. Rich sound with nice integration of the sub-woofer into the rest of the channels. No loss of dialogue. Ryuichi Sakamoto's score is hauntingly reminiscent of the great Bernard Herrmann scores of "Sisters" and "Obsession." As De Palma shots many long scenes without dialogue, the music is very important.<p>
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<strong>Menu:</strong> <span class="rating">8/10</span><br>
Sexy, smart menu makes great use of images from the movie. Easy to navigate.<p>
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<strong>Extra Features:</strong> <span class="rating">10/10</span><br>
There are several excellent featurettes on this DVD. Do not watch them before you see the movie.
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"From Dream to Reality" examines the development of "<strong>Femme Fatale</strong>" from idea to script to the finished project. It includes interviews with the cast and crew. It is good, but I enjoyed the featurette "Dream Within a Dream" more. "Dream Within a Dream" concentrates more on De Palma's style and the film's many twists. The third featurette is a montage of Rebecca Romijn-Stamos's many, and very sexy costumes.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnNcJptU7EaXOxuEUpDNzGxoBa-iZJ6a20EiTZw2NfI85IUdXFsE-H9sockIdkjQMNA9-_YMaC6ELzgUfPluYHKT4fNlxD3Jro-lZD9WPdN6bpCaE57d65dHMzl2SKkynDjhfEZhbJA/s1600/femmefatale12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnNcJptU7EaXOxuEUpDNzGxoBa-iZJ6a20EiTZw2NfI85IUdXFsE-H9sockIdkjQMNA9-_YMaC6ELzgUfPluYHKT4fNlxD3Jro-lZD9WPdN6bpCaE57d65dHMzl2SKkynDjhfEZhbJA/s1600/femmefatale12.jpg" /></a></div>
The behind the scenes section is a short promotional piece including interviews given during the film's production. There are also two trailers that are interesting. It is cool comparing the US and French trailers. This gives you an idea of the more mature style of advertising in Europe.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTfBLdmOVwZ_H9nJNp7jZsEdcPLnKnpLBRHwxzr6a1APFX5Jv2GEIsGhDaUEhdFmJYeUJd2xleYHoMt17rXZGu0jIdBKQMrBDeim0mwE-wPY-64eI6bgtsjvGiGN3mE-fewZ649MyaQ/s1600/femmefatale13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTfBLdmOVwZ_H9nJNp7jZsEdcPLnKnpLBRHwxzr6a1APFX5Jv2GEIsGhDaUEhdFmJYeUJd2xleYHoMt17rXZGu0jIdBKQMrBDeim0mwE-wPY-64eI6bgtsjvGiGN3mE-fewZ649MyaQ/s1600/femmefatale13.jpg" /></a></div>
The DVD also includes bios and filmographies for the main cast and crew members.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvElFVf4-WMXLlQapitLAYsC9MrdlL3QPzgNVY_F0Yt4uFfy-OXGVaQbsUkXQ_JizJVwtBGKuvCgXA6nr7ivN-gAYwe93SvAN5ET7SgnP79BWCMMcmlM2akt7NCn5qtk0IZPfqfEcCg/s1600/femmefatale14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvElFVf4-WMXLlQapitLAYsC9MrdlL3QPzgNVY_F0Yt4uFfy-OXGVaQbsUkXQ_JizJVwtBGKuvCgXA6nr7ivN-gAYwe93SvAN5ET7SgnP79BWCMMcmlM2akt7NCn5qtk0IZPfqfEcCg/s1600/femmefatale14.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong>The Final Word:</strong><br>
"<strong>Femme Fatale</strong>" will either enthrall you or leave you high and dry. I went through a whole range of emotions before I decided that I really, really liked this movie. Rent it once, then rent it again. You will probably end up renting it a third time or maybe even buying it. A must have for De Palma fans.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2ZLghI_bcIkJO-MXOL8B5ESaiBlumhX4SVcxXY2oAtDx09h3R6oSU6sSQb78WOHxxCauWZuiPD_zSF6pY8IbpVcAkx7ZxBYo4aO4lKLNIFBOjWcqj_xWtnctaUKJRq2KDGwTpzunwA/s1600/femmefatale15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2ZLghI_bcIkJO-MXOL8B5ESaiBlumhX4SVcxXY2oAtDx09h3R6oSU6sSQb78WOHxxCauWZuiPD_zSF6pY8IbpVcAkx7ZxBYo4aO4lKLNIFBOjWcqj_xWtnctaUKJRq2KDGwTpzunwA/s1600/femmefatale15.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-20885927170998472492014-07-07T11:35:00.000-05:002014-07-07T11:35:33.104-05:00Abominable<div class="dvdHeader">Film & Disc Review, <i>Abominable</i></div>
by Rusty White
<br><span class="medium"><i>reviewed: 2006-10-06</i></span>
<P><P><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVpR4haq6NVBIjpq1DWLldpExaz7AddBlr02DVff0U2hhL9OTvOnHOiHWmvcoeUuULQ4mb4m70hTkVp6Gxeo5MW9wcVf_9vF4DOdr6GYBcHtVR533tGBKKrtEHoS65CNwnp-A9iHD8A/s1600/abominable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVpR4haq6NVBIjpq1DWLldpExaz7AddBlr02DVff0U2hhL9OTvOnHOiHWmvcoeUuULQ4mb4m70hTkVp6Gxeo5MW9wcVf_9vF4DOdr6GYBcHtVR533tGBKKrtEHoS65CNwnp-A9iHD8A/s1600/abominable.jpg" /></a></div>
<table border="0"><tr><td><span class="whiteHeader">Abominable (2006)</span></td></tr></table>
<table border="0">
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign="top">Director(s):</td>
<td class="boxReg">Ryan Schifrin<br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Movie rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">7/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">DVD rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">8/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">DVD Release Date:</td>
<td class="boxReg">10/03/2006</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Running Time:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>95 minutes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">R</td>
</tr>
</table>
<div class="dvdHeader">Disc Details</div>
<p>
<b>Distributor:</b><br>
Anchor Bay<p>
<b>List Price:</b> $19.98<p>
<b>Running Time:</b> 95 minutes
<p>
<b>Special Features:</b><br>
Widescreen anamorphic format<br>
Chapter selection<br>
Featurette: "Back to genre: Making Abominable"<br>
Audio Commentary with writer/director Ryan Schifrin, Actors Matt McCoy and Jeffrey Combs<br>
Deleted and Extended Scenes<br>
Outtakes and Bloopers<br>
Shadows: Director Ryan Schifrin's USC Student Film<br>
Trailers<br>
Poster & Still Gallery<br>
Storyboard Gallery<br>
Production notes insert<br>
Screenplay (DVD-ROM)
<p>
<b>Video Format:</b><br>
Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1)<br />
<p>
<b>Language Tracks:</b><br>
English (Dolby Digital 5.1)<br>
English (Dolby Digital 2.0)<br><p>
<b>Subtitles:</b><br>
English<p>
<b>Closed Captions:</b><br>
Yes<p>
<b>Casing:</b><br>
1-disc Keep Case<p>
<P><P>
<p></p>
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There is something to be said for genes. Lalo Schifrin is one of the most talented composers in Hollywood. It would make sense that his offspring would inherit creative genes. If his son Ryan Schifrin's first feature film is any indication, the senior Mr. Schifrin passed on the creative trait. The younger Mr. Schifrin's music is what Bela Lugosi would call the sweet music of the children of the night. Ryan Schifrin's musical notes are screams and growls. I've been a monster movie fan my whole life. Sure, I learned to like other forms of horror films later on, but my first cinematic love was and always will be the Monster Movie. Thanks to Ryan Schifrin's "<b>Abominable</b>" that love is once more fufilled.
<p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIvGBf9zJYaVZtdTx7cpJaznHyDvjdXEeZtrULiw1VbSauRvL5XPAX94_8KCY6DAM6OylOHjWKgAkfGvDlElywjCDrhyphenhyphenmInOTFY3pM8AOAz62MTiOKKegmG_aag4vHbKx-Ih9_lAk8Q/s1600/abominable2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIvGBf9zJYaVZtdTx7cpJaznHyDvjdXEeZtrULiw1VbSauRvL5XPAX94_8KCY6DAM6OylOHjWKgAkfGvDlElywjCDrhyphenhyphenmInOTFY3pM8AOAz62MTiOKKegmG_aag4vHbKx-Ih9_lAk8Q/s1600/abominable2.jpg" /></a></div>
"<b>Abominable</b>" shows that not all mythical, or better yet, as yet undiscovered, creatures are friendly. Unlike the family friendly Bigfoot from "<b>Harry and the Henderson</b>" this badass creature has very sharp teeth. Director Schifrin borrows a plot twist from Hitchcock by placing the hero in a wheelchair. He watches through binoculars as his mountain retreat neighbors are picked off one by one.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrfkmEdBVj4csPXAEeQeFOIp6W0FlqyQYbh5TBVxeoVRBEBzx5qEERRBhdm7dQV6oG6u6S_pji6Ryrx8iY6vcbge_9puAyoK-WtIodvg13HGE91PydIFqpwH4WxL_UJrenm9ehE2cfQ/s1600/abominable3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrfkmEdBVj4csPXAEeQeFOIp6W0FlqyQYbh5TBVxeoVRBEBzx5qEERRBhdm7dQV6oG6u6S_pji6Ryrx8iY6vcbge_9puAyoK-WtIodvg13HGE91PydIFqpwH4WxL_UJrenm9ehE2cfQ/s1600/abominable3.jpg" /></a></div>
The film's pacing is just fine. The creature isn't exposed until the proper foundation of suspense is laid. The creature design is impressive. A number of familiar character actors pop up throughout. "<b>Reanimator</b>" star Jeffery Combs is a quirky standout. Lance Henriksen is also funny as a macho hunter. Paul Gleason (in one of his last roles) and Dee Wallace also make appearances.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAAPp6RqyvZigfiExzSpNF-GhZPKR6jwGJDOiK93RS6Rpp4AtqhmmzLc24J_cxILoXT4q8IemDsuI5h_5lgqrK-5mY7-T1c14bTyH8eR3PPsXUDTr721CfcohLwZuWdOScE8TSp-kTg/s1600/abominable4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAAPp6RqyvZigfiExzSpNF-GhZPKR6jwGJDOiK93RS6Rpp4AtqhmmzLc24J_cxILoXT4q8IemDsuI5h_5lgqrK-5mY7-T1c14bTyH8eR3PPsXUDTr721CfcohLwZuWdOScE8TSp-kTg/s1600/abominable4.jpg" /></a></div>
Matt McCoy (<b>L.A. Confidential</b>) stars as mountain climber Preston Rogers. Preston returns home for the first time since the accident which killed his wife and left him in a wheelchair. The adjoining cabin is being used by five nubile young women including co-star Haley Joel, <b>American Idol</b> contestant Ashley Hartman and scream queen Tiffany Shepis. Ms. Shepis guarantees that the movie also includes boobs as well as blood.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3Qqbj49kl20HEt5HD-X7-WGpeV9pbjRQTT2OE8TsLgqWJRi2QP67TrXdJrUA_z8c0CBmWzkt3hM9y0azsbTme6T-OvHwh_RBizjZ25Mj5uWzeKO-RgGy4mNRlSPussAxWxNHzdj-5Q/s1600/abominable5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3Qqbj49kl20HEt5HD-X7-WGpeV9pbjRQTT2OE8TsLgqWJRi2QP67TrXdJrUA_z8c0CBmWzkt3hM9y0azsbTme6T-OvHwh_RBizjZ25Mj5uWzeKO-RgGy4mNRlSPussAxWxNHzdj-5Q/s1600/abominable5.jpg" /></a></div>
Blood. The movie doesn't rely on gore, but it does include enough of the gruesome stuff to satisfy fans. There is one particular monster attack that results in one of the coolest demises I've ever seen. You will know it when you see it.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4mxQl7s8sBwGwEai8S0g1qSCTe6nhh7u8eCmg9PmxXOIBPLQPTo7AwaHiey1HuGOt2ElWbrRmroTMUkANUIKlk6Sj1GjLhysr2w7-4YWP1H3g-LrM0pmyGWA3MqWqHLo2CQXQX0ghA/s1600/abominable6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4mxQl7s8sBwGwEai8S0g1qSCTe6nhh7u8eCmg9PmxXOIBPLQPTo7AwaHiey1HuGOt2ElWbrRmroTMUkANUIKlk6Sj1GjLhysr2w7-4YWP1H3g-LrM0pmyGWA3MqWqHLo2CQXQX0ghA/s1600/abominable6.jpg" /></a></div>
Humor is another element in good monster movies. Unfortunately, the main characters do not provide the fun stuff. As a leading man, Matt McCoy is very staid. The good news is that the supporting actors provide the comic relief.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-XPQ8EnipsBOyuP0YPmNZYN7u1uBGnSBchguwIeDz7S09_iYVeIq7tXngl5IzoJ6Vj2vhqJTaX-AvGowjlz6P8e0ZYUCDLTOo9l9STmSHkQKU0TVkeq5d9LiOKpOgYYk8nlSDCTbyQ/s1600/abominable7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-XPQ8EnipsBOyuP0YPmNZYN7u1uBGnSBchguwIeDz7S09_iYVeIq7tXngl5IzoJ6Vj2vhqJTaX-AvGowjlz6P8e0ZYUCDLTOo9l9STmSHkQKU0TVkeq5d9LiOKpOgYYk8nlSDCTbyQ/s1600/abominable7.jpg" /></a></div>
Hollywood is an industry town. In many, many cases multiple family members work and thrive in the town. Nepotism might get one in the door, but a lack of talent will lead to a quick exit. I don't know if Ryan Schifrin's family name got him in the door, but I will say this. Ryan Schifrin's talent behind the camera will keep him in the room for a long time to come.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwH0uL53hyphenhyphenZLlIvGgpB84_g_tV4FGUie9CTWzrbIyXnx5xZyvFKxwlPpvc0zKdi8pf47Xx1axkraApUMGInQgyxwTeP1ablVqw7u_X5J4s5ppd8Q7_xPBVoy_FG8kpAlsho3lFXG5DFA/s1600/abominable8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwH0uL53hyphenhyphenZLlIvGgpB84_g_tV4FGUie9CTWzrbIyXnx5xZyvFKxwlPpvc0zKdi8pf47Xx1axkraApUMGInQgyxwTeP1ablVqw7u_X5J4s5ppd8Q7_xPBVoy_FG8kpAlsho3lFXG5DFA/s1600/abominable8.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="dvdHeader">The Disc</div>
Fun monster movie just in time for Halloween. Great picture and sound. Excellent extras.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIvsaMQq0WzQFJIvWIrysVo443wEl7Wwx4gzqbW8sPrbCu5twEEJtjHOyJvVSpwLfVAynbhOCyPkxmHjWDnLWA1SB2SloaLNDmn3AlMBDKv_YPx_heGgqdUBb_7OLEsEFdxkd55IuAA/s1600/abominable9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIvsaMQq0WzQFJIvWIrysVo443wEl7Wwx4gzqbW8sPrbCu5twEEJtjHOyJvVSpwLfVAynbhOCyPkxmHjWDnLWA1SB2SloaLNDmn3AlMBDKv_YPx_heGgqdUBb_7OLEsEFdxkd55IuAA/s1600/abominable9.jpg" /></a></div>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Picture Quality:</b> <span class="rating">8/10</span><br>
Other than a few delineation problems during some of the nighttime scenes in the woods, the transfer is great. The distractions are not enough to detract from your enjoyment of the movie. The flesh tones are great, especially during Tiffany Shepis' shower scene!<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0pmMByoOp6MXRQgTXGeuEL2bURgACX2pYPJlgluQLv1j9JgvZGZGKSN-OrL-xJ0GXOAjxcm74lvNzrJ9nllZRkPtqq0QniISxXPUygTwleto-EkkvxvP1IF2MZYsdBQKgD-zJG8b-w/s1600/abominable10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0pmMByoOp6MXRQgTXGeuEL2bURgACX2pYPJlgluQLv1j9JgvZGZGKSN-OrL-xJ0GXOAjxcm74lvNzrJ9nllZRkPtqq0QniISxXPUygTwleto-EkkvxvP1IF2MZYsdBQKgD-zJG8b-w/s1600/abominable10.jpg" /></a></div>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Sound Quality:</b> <span class="rating">9/10</span><br>
The movie benefits greatly from Lalo Schifrin's score. It sounds great. The sound effects likewise. No loss of dialogue.<p>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Easter Eggs:</b><br>
<i>No Easter Eggs Found on Disc.</i><p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKp-phJLPvNNQHDSjluQ1J6sWOujS3Czy06hMT1piQ3pjyFk43_elcDWlpX0Kmkqmf-9Rt3DYskp3QXymxpBfm5K2LFMmCSk0FA50G4qow1qeGAwVHbqhkeAXzL7zP4cVaKp1SP37Lyg/s1600/abominable11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKp-phJLPvNNQHDSjluQ1J6sWOujS3Czy06hMT1piQ3pjyFk43_elcDWlpX0Kmkqmf-9Rt3DYskp3QXymxpBfm5K2LFMmCSk0FA50G4qow1qeGAwVHbqhkeAXzL7zP4cVaKp1SP37Lyg/s1600/abominable11.jpg" /></a></div>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Extra Features:</b> <span class="rating">10/10</span><br>
The DVD includes an excellent "Making Of" featurette. It is par for the course for Anchor Bay. They always seem to have the most interesting and informative documentaries.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9BDaToE_hgWDgnkUOyL5UFJDnkElgONbh_KJ3mA-GPsIHC6MVzv_6S1W0YYOjpxxyYVRqZVRp2j1-IKRJBRteqCUW711yURlvTDXQIdsIzZNee6hSHA5iqR8PNpufYfHjql8PIlXfg/s1600/abominable12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9BDaToE_hgWDgnkUOyL5UFJDnkElgONbh_KJ3mA-GPsIHC6MVzv_6S1W0YYOjpxxyYVRqZVRp2j1-IKRJBRteqCUW711yURlvTDXQIdsIzZNee6hSHA5iqR8PNpufYfHjql8PIlXfg/s1600/abominable12.jpg" /></a></div>
New director Ryan Schifrim provides a passionate commentary track. He is joined by star Matt McCoy and cult actor Jeffrey Combs. Horror fans will enjoy the track.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Ri47G6NCJd4mhN_MbUZoBYqN8uHCul75K7p_0xP-9yVUFKNANCu6KH8vQeZqboo_Syu-lvIUMp24ECJk6XP9mb8dIEAaHen7QzKdcRPVYW5epuGpR0c4sf0H2y_VfPyEA1ExkZF0sw/s1600/abominable13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Ri47G6NCJd4mhN_MbUZoBYqN8uHCul75K7p_0xP-9yVUFKNANCu6KH8vQeZqboo_Syu-lvIUMp24ECJk6XP9mb8dIEAaHen7QzKdcRPVYW5epuGpR0c4sf0H2y_VfPyEA1ExkZF0sw/s1600/abominable13.jpg" /></a></div>
There are several deleted scenes. They belonged on the cutting room floor for pacing purposes. It was nice to see the late Paul Gleason chew the scenery in his deleted scene. The DVD also includes several bloopers and outtakes. Most deal with several attempts to film one scene.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbi3szUa1A8CSxqvicAdx9VBFzVewbhiNExfEHFvedf9cQ4Qw7cvjMR7jrcRgwIND9-0wdNBdGKCMJcPfHsc6XbijvXraD2rq9Ink9VgjBMMBV8BpDOp3itg8QGVXQEoIyatVRukPVEA/s1600/abominable15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbi3szUa1A8CSxqvicAdx9VBFzVewbhiNExfEHFvedf9cQ4Qw7cvjMR7jrcRgwIND9-0wdNBdGKCMJcPfHsc6XbijvXraD2rq9Ink9VgjBMMBV8BpDOp3itg8QGVXQEoIyatVRukPVEA/s1600/abominable15.jpg" /></a></div>
There are several galleries dealing with posters, stills and storyboard art. The film's script is available on the DVD-ROM extra.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2hOdKm15FYLnThR8rrV85xrvYarazCmIO86_bJeNFjbzI0XTg3biUcHzMm705WwslHv7qXA1Y27jGsah2RC03LxzWB-XCowF5_Kcnn8lcF99o5hyphenhyphennBrv3Lm7QCZNrHcRP-ehL1_XZg/s1600/abominable14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2hOdKm15FYLnThR8rrV85xrvYarazCmIO86_bJeNFjbzI0XTg3biUcHzMm705WwslHv7qXA1Y27jGsah2RC03LxzWB-XCowF5_Kcnn8lcF99o5hyphenhyphennBrv3Lm7QCZNrHcRP-ehL1_XZg/s1600/abominable14.jpg" /></a></div>
Another cool extra is director Ryan Schifrin's 1994 student film "<b>Shadows</b>." It is a Black and White homage to the films of the 1950s. I guess my love for the films of that era added to my enjoyment of his short tale of a paranoid painter. Its ending reminded me of the Ray Bradbury short story "<b>While the Whole Town Slept</b>."
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gR9IJAdenrJqysMOfedKIgMjl3OGT4yRLXD2JZ1rmDiPpYyRdgW8-fSZqK7qNaRAcrgEPjlWGu9NN9pUazaJb0R5E7rnZNwfMWWYxPL95YfU54OcLN_Na5IFYIyIv3w7Gy8uIZkfrQ/s1600/abominable16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gR9IJAdenrJqysMOfedKIgMjl3OGT4yRLXD2JZ1rmDiPpYyRdgW8-fSZqK7qNaRAcrgEPjlWGu9NN9pUazaJb0R5E7rnZNwfMWWYxPL95YfU54OcLN_Na5IFYIyIv3w7Gy8uIZkfrQ/s1600/abominable16.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="dvdHeader">The Final Word:</div><br>
Monster fun for Halloween. I hope this is the first of many more fun films by Ryan Schifrin.obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-44433125066966724342014-07-07T10:30:00.000-05:002014-07-07T10:30:38.851-05:009 to 5: Sexist, Egotistical, Lying Hypocritical Bigot Edition<div class="dvdHeader">Film & Disc Review, <i>9 to 5: Sexist, Egotistical, Lying Hypocritical Bigot Edition</i></div>
by Rusty White
<br><span class="medium"><i>reviewed: 2006-03-24</i></span>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCw1zTBAiPZCTxJlHOM1lQsL7CKJWz1pmabrQzV8_uLgBjpdQRvXnuknkFSSp1eE1zY7zDf-sTkqRGj8os79HFmSkCmh3XM-fDm798cZYN4KF_Yw6urvlT8C5VhZNxnzr9cTazaYoFug/s1600/9to5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCw1zTBAiPZCTxJlHOM1lQsL7CKJWz1pmabrQzV8_uLgBjpdQRvXnuknkFSSp1eE1zY7zDf-sTkqRGj8os79HFmSkCmh3XM-fDm798cZYN4KF_Yw6urvlT8C5VhZNxnzr9cTazaYoFug/s1600/9to5.jpg" /></a></div>
<table border="0"><tr><td><span class="whiteHeader">9 to 5: Sexist, Egotistical, Lying Hypocritical Bigot Edition (1980)</span></td></tr></table>
<table border="0">
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign="top">Director(s):</td>
<td class="boxReg">Colin Higgins<br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Movie rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">7/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">DVD rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">8/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">DVD Release Date:</td>
<td class="boxReg">04/04/2006</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Running Time:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>110 minutes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">PG</td>
</tr>
</table>
<div class="dvdHeader">Disc Details</div>
<p>
<b>Distributor:</b><br>
FOX<p>
<b>List Price:</b> $19.98<p>
<b>Running Time:</b> 110 minutes
<p>
<b>Special Features:</b><br>
Widescreen anamorphic format<br>
Chapter selection<br>
Commentary by producers Bruce Gilbert and Jane Fonda and actors Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton<br>
Featurette: "Nine @ 25"<br>
Featurette: "Remembering Colin Higgins"<br>
10 deleted scenes<br>
Gag reel<br>
Nine to Five karaoke<br>
<p>
<b>Video Format:</b><br>
Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1)<br />
<p>
<b>Language Tracks:</b><br>
English (Dolby Digital 2.0) Stereo<br>
English (Dolby Digital 1.0) Mono<br>
Spanish (Dolby Digital 1.0) Mono<br>
French (Dolby Digital 1.0) Mono<br><p>
<b>Subtitles:</b><br>
English, Spanish<p>
<b>Closed Captions:</b><br>
Yes<p>
<b>Casing:</b><br>
1-disc Keep Case<p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgWHGvxiGr8v4U-bOTIfCa1S72M80Tc4qRpmKvzqRJsupZ9w5wX9aWXGxcElBU-cpYLir2eNkXJH05XQ7_vmgEeOJiPmRiWzYJa4x7p7bmMqP6Y-jukkLHhOZypHFtkSStmAvx1-enQ/s1600/9to5_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgWHGvxiGr8v4U-bOTIfCa1S72M80Tc4qRpmKvzqRJsupZ9w5wX9aWXGxcElBU-cpYLir2eNkXJH05XQ7_vmgEeOJiPmRiWzYJa4x7p7bmMqP6Y-jukkLHhOZypHFtkSStmAvx1-enQ/s1600/9to5_1.jpg" /></a></div>
"<b>9 to 5</b>" was one of the most popular films of 1980 and 81. I saw it in a packed house at the Parkway Theater in Las Vegas on opening night. The movie still holds up 25 years later. It is very, very funny. While much is made that the movie is a feminist landmark, I only know that the movie is fun. For me that is enough. Let those who want to hail this movie as something more have their say. Live and let live.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaavODc8mDVWAbqvjsH0jy_PoO7PLZX7PcpRUrr1EwABHsCLYOpX0ZxxBM4CAfN-HneNYeqSquBlCrmorlKGOfzhFKhPv37ITkL51c5PYk-Yu8uaLUkJ9kOHbkNAUeoWYio_gvxLkxQ/s1600/9to5_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaavODc8mDVWAbqvjsH0jy_PoO7PLZX7PcpRUrr1EwABHsCLYOpX0ZxxBM4CAfN-HneNYeqSquBlCrmorlKGOfzhFKhPv37ITkL51c5PYk-Yu8uaLUkJ9kOHbkNAUeoWYio_gvxLkxQ/s1600/9to5_2.jpg" /></a></div>
The long and the short of it is that Dabney Coleman plays the most sexist boss you've ever seen. He glows in his pure evilness. The kind of character you love to hate. The three leading ladies play put upon secretaries. After a particularly rough day at work, they sit around, smoke a joint and fantasize about killing the boss. A chain of event leads the ladies to believe they have killed the boss. This leads to kidnapping and further complications. Chances are that you have already seen this film during the past 25 years and already know the plot. Dolly Parton received her first Oscar nomination for the catchy theme song. Look for Sterling Hayden in a cameo at the end of the film.
<p>
<div class="dvdHeader">The Disc</div>
Great movie, picture, sound and extras.<p>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Picture Quality:</b> <span class="rating">10/10</span><br>
The restored picture looks great. All three leading ladies glow. Rich colors. No artifacts or pixilation. The picture was cleaned up very nicely. <p>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Sound Quality:</b> <span class="rating">10/10</span><br>
I'm not a Country music fan, but you can't help but like Dolly Parton. Her Oscar nominated song "<b>9 to 5</b>" is a classic. It still sounds great 25 years later. The soundtrack on this DVD make it so. Full, rich tones. Nice balance between the ranges. <p>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Easter Eggs:</b><br>
<i>No Easter Eggs Found on Disc.</i><p>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Extra Features:</b> <span class="rating">8/10</span><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7gxPTOiU0MavZEOpOzuuZrXTbPO4agVUaijX0QqsfyN3L4RHZ-nBePUcQoyJjX_cOUFnU7seOZl6ydMKZHZgwpnwA7VKxgjlGlpfvmXobbMY4B31kNajUeSUsFPvAM_1x8J53-w9IQ/s1600/9to5_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7gxPTOiU0MavZEOpOzuuZrXTbPO4agVUaijX0QqsfyN3L4RHZ-nBePUcQoyJjX_cOUFnU7seOZl6ydMKZHZgwpnwA7VKxgjlGlpfvmXobbMY4B31kNajUeSUsFPvAM_1x8J53-w9IQ/s1600/9to5_5.jpg" /></a></div>
Director Colin Higgins died in 1988. It was a loss to the film community. His best know work was the script for Hal Ashby's "<b>Harold and Maude</b>." Anyone who could write something as brilliant as "<b>Harold and Maude</b>" should have been given more time to entertain us. Mr. Higgins was one of the early victims of the AIDS virus. There is a tribute to Mr. Higgins on this DVD called "Remembering Colin Higgins." As an obit writer, I looked forward to this extra. I wish there had been more emphasis placed on his other films. It was nice to see a tribute, but it was mainly interviews with the stars of this film. A lot of praise with little factual information about the man.
<p>
The commentary track is hit and miss. While there is a lot of behind the scenes info on the making of the film, there is also a lot of chatter that is of little interest to folks who were not on the set. I wonder if the DVD producers ever hire commentary track directors?!
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2bPiU2yVvIc5rwsH9oUpMCxfkOz4TYSqWsFfDGsHEGTuikVuHQ10cYO-ScBvG2U5UTEJR-_Btd-qYfIr5WmtzHlOtSBFkW8Rf06VTDfQ9TB2LJLKK1zelT26M-RsB0Hl-6NGcupBqw/s1600/9to5_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2bPiU2yVvIc5rwsH9oUpMCxfkOz4TYSqWsFfDGsHEGTuikVuHQ10cYO-ScBvG2U5UTEJR-_Btd-qYfIr5WmtzHlOtSBFkW8Rf06VTDfQ9TB2LJLKK1zelT26M-RsB0Hl-6NGcupBqw/s1600/9to5_4.jpg" /></a></div>
The best extra for my money was the lengthy featurette "Nine @ 25." There are extensive interviews with all of the main players. It is both informative and entertaining.
<p>
There are also 10 deleted scenes and a gag reel. Some of the extras scenes are longer versions of existing scenes. There are a couple of extra scenes that show just how evil Dabney Coleman's character was. This could have easily been a much darker comedy ALA "<b>Harold and Maude</b>."
<p>
<div class="dvdHeader">The Final Word:</div><br>
It is nice to see yet another old and significant film get the royal DVD treatment. A must have.
<p>obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-27936616883876958542014-07-07T10:12:00.000-05:002014-07-07T10:12:25.834-05:00Eight Men Out: 20th Anniversary Edition<div class="dvdHeader">Film & Disc Review, <i>Eight Men Out: 20th Anniversary Edition</i></div>
by Rusty White
<br><span class="medium"><i>reviewed: 2008-04-27</i></span>
<P><P><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFR1xKoecPurh7tMOA8og-vtDvtwyaMZxO3V-5GmGdoZBZz1TtQT0wi_x-d8Gq5BZHX8GJGe6GJ9VqQ5DZnIHUq0VxMbad6p3OJEzVGgiLaIkFQVKQTZNPrVfOGYpSJ_vex3Ktv1GDA/s1600/8menout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFR1xKoecPurh7tMOA8og-vtDvtwyaMZxO3V-5GmGdoZBZz1TtQT0wi_x-d8Gq5BZHX8GJGe6GJ9VqQ5DZnIHUq0VxMbad6p3OJEzVGgiLaIkFQVKQTZNPrVfOGYpSJ_vex3Ktv1GDA/s1600/8menout.jpg" /></a></div>
<table border="0"><tr><td><span class="whiteHeader">Eight Men Out: 20th Anniversary Edition (1988)</span></td></tr></table>
<table border="0">
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign="top">Director(s):</td>
<td class="boxReg">John Sayles<br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Movie rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">10/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">DVD rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">10/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">DVD Release Date:</td>
<td class="boxReg">03/18/2008</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Running Time:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>119 minutes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">PG</td>
</tr>
</table>
<div class="dvdHeader">Disc Details</div>
<p>
<b>Distributor:</b><br>
MGM<p>
<b>List Price:</b> $14.98<p>
<b>Running Time:</b> 119 minutes
<p>
<b>Special Features:</b><br>
Audio Commentary from director John Sayles<br>
Two Part Retrospective Documentary<br>
Featurette: The Story Behind The Movie<br>
DB, The Bat & The 2005 World Series<p>
<b>Video Format:</b><br>
Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1)<br />
<p>
<b>Language Tracks:</b><br>
English (Dolby Digital 5.1)<br>
English (Dolby Digital 1.0)<br>
Spanish (Dolby Digital 1.0)<br>
French (Dolby Digital 1.0)<br><p>
<b>Subtitles:</b><br>
English, Spanish<p>
<b>Closed Captions:</b><br>
Yes<p>
<b>Casing:</b><br>
1-disc Keep Case<p>
<p>
<p></p>
John Sayles 1988 film "<b>Eight Men Out</b>" is one of the best baseball films of all time. His take on the 1919 Black Sox Scandal examines the myths and realities of our national pastime. Director Sayles lovingly recreates the era in this perfectly cast film.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2xkQjx2MeGu7OusSNDhOnlotP4LUEA8MP4XJpNahTS7wcdHEj0gWTN1-EDs_ZP_xuGlAkke9mDvn0pYiDFj2CYYgiKKLVyynaNk88rMtxWowf7sNDRgCsQ0zQavV0nbzj5J47TX_Mg/s1600/8menout1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2xkQjx2MeGu7OusSNDhOnlotP4LUEA8MP4XJpNahTS7wcdHEj0gWTN1-EDs_ZP_xuGlAkke9mDvn0pYiDFj2CYYgiKKLVyynaNk88rMtxWowf7sNDRgCsQ0zQavV0nbzj5J47TX_Mg/s1600/8menout1.jpg" /></a></div>
The film tells the tale of the 1919 Chicago White Sox, arguably one of the greatest teams in baseball history. Owner Charles Comiskey (Clifton James) is a tightwad who pays his boys nada. Enter gangster Arnold Rothstein (Michael Lerner). Rothstein is approached by various small time hoods with the opportunity to fix the world series. The rest is history.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjLbinFPnwNKEss2aRYsd7RjVC_HtuhiDLNrh9JIt1nHGmLR2w1X0qnTTZjoFJKf8jbNGJkupFBV1JQT_IlTz7PUcGdvqTWOxGcWulj4PTXyyPMBIKTRArvBstqwPDBEnfI1YN8jYMw/s1600/8menout2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjLbinFPnwNKEss2aRYsd7RjVC_HtuhiDLNrh9JIt1nHGmLR2w1X0qnTTZjoFJKf8jbNGJkupFBV1JQT_IlTz7PUcGdvqTWOxGcWulj4PTXyyPMBIKTRArvBstqwPDBEnfI1YN8jYMw/s1600/8menout2.jpg" /></a></div>
The cast is excellent. John Sayle's college classmate David Strathairn shines as pitcher Eddie Cicotte. Getting Cicotte to throw games was key to the plot. His moral struggle is at the heart of the film. John Cusak is also excellent as shortstop Buck Weaver. He is aware of the fix and did nothing to throw the series, but he said nothing to stop it. D.B. Sweeney plays Shoeless Joe Jackson, the most tragic victim of the scandal. Eight players were banned from baseball for life. This film is a wonderful examination of corruption, greed and the frailty of the human spirit in times of temptation.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyweN8R7XjSjytgxnobs5n-78jgbiqpbe7-sivxQeX9M2sM-qCqt4_oeyXkZZ5iLO1ObO8wPfHTgD2SEB01FRzN5tM_1HBnwbj-Kt3R2h8IhmPCSzz11PwN1fhfbDa5FFqpqwyDpwIw/s1600/8menout3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyweN8R7XjSjytgxnobs5n-78jgbiqpbe7-sivxQeX9M2sM-qCqt4_oeyXkZZ5iLO1ObO8wPfHTgD2SEB01FRzN5tM_1HBnwbj-Kt3R2h8IhmPCSzz11PwN1fhfbDa5FFqpqwyDpwIw/s1600/8menout3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="dvdHeader">The Disc</div>
A classic movie from one of the world's best indie directors. Excellent picture, sound and extras.<p>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Picture Quality:</b> <span class="rating">10/10</span><br>
Oscar-winning cinematographer Robert Richardson's rich images are flawlessly presented. Well-saturated colors. No delineation problems or artifacts. <p>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Sound Quality:</b> <span class="rating">10/10</span><br>
The remastered 5.1 track is outstanding.<p>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Easter Eggs:</b><br>
<i>No Easter Eggs Found on Disc.</i><p>
<b style="font-size: 12px;color:#003399;">Extra Features:</b> <span class="rating">10/10</span><br>
John Sayles is someone that film students can learn from. His commentary track is great. The DVD includes a two-part, feature-length documentary dealing with the making of the film and the real events portrayed. Numerous interviews with filmmakers and historians make this an worthwhile expense of the viewer's time.<p>
<div class="dvdHeader">The Final Word:</div><br>
A must have DVD. A great film given the excellent treatment on DVD which it deserves.
<p>obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376941141624481766.post-57832537024296999512014-07-06T21:52:00.001-05:002014-07-06T21:52:45.345-05:00The Fog: Special Edition<table border="0"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-0Kr48104y_FWD1wxPVclyhAeJTIeGpdxu8_RikrDeftP34Anq6Ab3ATFy15IHWCCzBTr-ovlybzbtuPaSgsUo1AzudrB0J1Nrale5TasiuofEEELp2oTUrIoYFmvImYSf1irv3lzw/s1600/thefog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-0Kr48104y_FWD1wxPVclyhAeJTIeGpdxu8_RikrDeftP34Anq6Ab3ATFy15IHWCCzBTr-ovlybzbtuPaSgsUo1AzudrB0J1Nrale5TasiuofEEELp2oTUrIoYFmvImYSf1irv3lzw/s1600/thefog.jpg" /></a></div>
<tr>
<td colspan="2"><span class="whiteHeader">The Fog: Special Edition (1980)</span><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Movie rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">6/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">DVD rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">8/10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Release Date:</td>
<td class="boxReg">August 27, 2002</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Running Time:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>1 hour 30 minutes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg">Rating:</td>
<td class="boxReg">R</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>Distributor:</td>
<td class="boxReg" valign=top>MGM</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="boxReg" valign="top">List Price:</td>
<td class="boxReg">$19.98</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=2><div class="dvdHeader">Disc Details</div></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Special Features: </b></strong></td>
<td>
Widescreen anamorphic and full-frame formats<br>
Chapter selection<br>
Commentary track by director John Carpenter and producer Debra Hill<br>
New documentary "Tales from the Mist: Inside The Fog"<br>
Original 1980 documentary: "Fear on Film: Inside The Fog"<br>
Theatrical trailers and TV spots<br>
Photo galleries<br>
Storyboard to film comparison<br>
Outtakes<br>
Liner notes by John Carpenter.
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Video Format:</strong></td>
<td><strong>Widescreen (2.35:1)<br />
[DS-RSDL]</strong>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Languages:</strong></td>
<td><strong>
English (Dolby Digital 5.1)<br>
English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono)<br>
French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono)
</strong><br />
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Subtitles:</strong></td>
<td><strong>English, Spanish, French.</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Captions:</strong></td>
<td><strong>Yes</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign=top><strong>Casing:</strong></td>
<td><strong>1-Disc Keep Case</strong><br /></td>
</tr>
</table>
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYbkNgCqb1jL8B5naFMhCADGBvFmTsSAyQaUnlv6MTVq_v6isg9-Ozaaq6uoK2bQJ8gwUoXz-9_-8qH2RY_s-3iFz4QqHMxiFk72QWIrCK3N_xzKzK_1ZMc5USm0TsAZ_p9Cp_tUT1w/s1600/fog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYbkNgCqb1jL8B5naFMhCADGBvFmTsSAyQaUnlv6MTVq_v6isg9-Ozaaq6uoK2bQJ8gwUoXz-9_-8qH2RY_s-3iFz4QqHMxiFk72QWIrCK3N_xzKzK_1ZMc5USm0TsAZ_p9Cp_tUT1w/s640/fog1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="dvdHeader">Review</div>
John Carpenter's "<strong>The Fog</strong>" was his first theatrical movie after "<strong>Halloween</strong>." "<strong>The Fog</strong>" is an old-fashioned ghost story dressed up with loads of gore. The 1980 film features an excellent cast, some good special effects and a few genuine frights. The problem with the movie is the fact that Carpenter gives up the ghost early in the film.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdfy16dUwLNgNPKMC_12QZIU3kDe0Nn4osUjrWt_prVg0h8NpIjbQUdoKF5HBeg9Cc6MiIYJ_QCcf9OlpJyHhgt8MCl2L2R_zP2Qb2-8e4PUrP-OEnvICtpQMNwLDng04X3XsEz69nQ/s1600/fog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdfy16dUwLNgNPKMC_12QZIU3kDe0Nn4osUjrWt_prVg0h8NpIjbQUdoKF5HBeg9Cc6MiIYJ_QCcf9OlpJyHhgt8MCl2L2R_zP2Qb2-8e4PUrP-OEnvICtpQMNwLDng04X3XsEz69nQ/s1600/fog2.jpg" /></a></div>
In the opening scene, John Houseman tells a group of children a story about a ship that sank of the shore of their town 100 years ago that night. In a later scene between Hal Holbrook, Janet Leigh and Nancy Loomis, Mr. Holbrook reveals a dark secret about the town. These two scenes reveal the film's "mystery." By revealing the secret early on, John Carpenter lost the potential to maintain suspense during the film's climatic scenes.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5o1cO_1lKwnpvVJyk8STON5pD-SgLZKDdIobt4LVo4CPq4YGHUtLbq8MH5kMdzDy51H4Zndk4iTo7KkJpPKjiEGq35GoJWl-Gz4hExG_B8hdMElMZVMRNHOVK1IfPMTkxACJGvVbAg/s1600/fog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5o1cO_1lKwnpvVJyk8STON5pD-SgLZKDdIobt4LVo4CPq4YGHUtLbq8MH5kMdzDy51H4Zndk4iTo7KkJpPKjiEGq35GoJWl-Gz4hExG_B8hdMElMZVMRNHOVK1IfPMTkxACJGvVbAg/s1600/fog3.jpg" /></a></div>
This complaint aside, "<strong>The Fog</strong>" is still an enjoyable film. The photography and special effects are genuinely creepy. The cast, especially Adrienne Barbeau, is great. "<strong>The Fog</strong>" is far from Carpenter's best work. While the film has his distinctive style, he has trouble making the story work. The idea of things coming out of a fog bank is wrought with horrific possibilities. Had Carpenter left the eerie happenings less well explained, the film might have achieved the cult classic status of "<strong>Halloween</strong>" or "<strong>The Thing</strong>." Instead, "<strong>The Fog</strong>" is a fun film, which doesn't achieve its full potential.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIA62H99hs0KUzkS6C4xaFICKuL3hNMlrgWHBPu8XWOvnFYVB4rLdBgNBo93FDJ2qBwvQzJenbYZkLLiqW9Y9Vv9JgjV89VH2i6dYVR7Y4c8DJT3McoKAYPfEiNvjBengROVFsi2rwQ/s1600/fog4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIA62H99hs0KUzkS6C4xaFICKuL3hNMlrgWHBPu8XWOvnFYVB4rLdBgNBo93FDJ2qBwvQzJenbYZkLLiqW9Y9Vv9JgjV89VH2i6dYVR7Y4c8DJT3McoKAYPfEiNvjBengROVFsi2rwQ/s1600/fog4.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="dvdHeader">The Disc</div>
Good movie. Great picture and sound. Excellent extras.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoC8lu0dstYqwvyCWkMhS0-bz08jQiQCUAi10Tyx9dWVDcZmsS3J9M-aMXbrPif0yS-wUNTo1P-28bplmcLnO2-rgtfwpt0wEK86zRdXdINNQOzv1Ln_JoZxT5JBlSIvoSJzlylgyvw/s1600/fog6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoC8lu0dstYqwvyCWkMhS0-bz08jQiQCUAi10Tyx9dWVDcZmsS3J9M-aMXbrPif0yS-wUNTo1P-28bplmcLnO2-rgtfwpt0wEK86zRdXdINNQOzv1Ln_JoZxT5JBlSIvoSJzlylgyvw/s1600/fog6.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong>Picture Quality:</strong> <span class="rating">8/10</span><br>
MGM did a nice job with the transfer. Especially nice job with the delineation of dark and light colors. The film's scariest scenes take place in the fog-enshrouded town at night. The scene in which Adrienne Barbeau fights off the ghosts atop her lighthouse is a standout.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzkJT8DYhhBrKqWCKMDxum6NAI9uu2U3IS5Ai5n061_26-B3OQBvOqSJ-hoP9n_riPiPmu21m_8k4VVIdLD3v6uUEU3smj0bpIzEszoJEyMJMH3i_EwnKw3bq-kp_J8c17J5lKojZ7w/s1600/fog5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzkJT8DYhhBrKqWCKMDxum6NAI9uu2U3IS5Ai5n061_26-B3OQBvOqSJ-hoP9n_riPiPmu21m_8k4VVIdLD3v6uUEU3smj0bpIzEszoJEyMJMH3i_EwnKw3bq-kp_J8c17J5lKojZ7w/s1600/fog5.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong>Sound Quality:</strong> <span class="rating">9/10</span><br>
John Carpenter's electronic music works well in his films. While not up to par with his scores for "<strong>Halloween</strong>" or "<strong>Assault on Precinct 13</strong>," his music is still very good. In addition to the music, "<strong>The Fog</strong>" features a large number of sound effects designed to make you jump out of your skin. Most scares are emphasized with a musical cue, followed by the wet sounds of flesh ripping. Adrienne Barbeau's throaty voice sounds as sexy as ever. The 5.1 remastered track is superior to the 2.0 mono.<p>
<strong>Menu:</strong> <span class="rating">7/10</span><br>
Good use of images and music from the film. Easy to navigate. Nothing special though.<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmZIrOm18tOrCpvQHFiHrQW-TKM2mrShVKLNPo351xG94z3gYXQKTeSouv3z4SdmJrERTvXpUzfVzo-VV1tUL3EuYFyVMNgmuJXz0gJPffCcsT3GG2HNuqiGB-AK0H0gv3cIgrxR-3Q/s1600/fog7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmZIrOm18tOrCpvQHFiHrQW-TKM2mrShVKLNPo351xG94z3gYXQKTeSouv3z4SdmJrERTvXpUzfVzo-VV1tUL3EuYFyVMNgmuJXz0gJPffCcsT3GG2HNuqiGB-AK0H0gv3cIgrxR-3Q/s1600/fog7.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong>Extra Features:</strong> <span class="rating">9/10</span><br>
Very nice extras. The commentary track by Carpenter and Hill gives some good insights into the mechanics of low-budget filmmaking. They describe how they had to spend a few hundred thousand dollars to re-shoot many scenes in order to make the film work. Originally, there was much less gore. The success of the David Cronenberg's gory "<strong>Scanners</strong>" causes studio pressure on Carpenter to bloody up his movie.
<p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYw6kd0hNbTg8KJcnDInOaSK1281cvL6BBR8f4o91HYeDf-F2vrsJ3JWIB1z-AIj2CRmeTiwJL-QgdT9OI6VOVIe77CwLDKmsTZA7eNWP9eX_uQECaNjCebgHC2qBEF6d39e_nSqwjQ/s1600/fog8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYw6kd0hNbTg8KJcnDInOaSK1281cvL6BBR8f4o91HYeDf-F2vrsJ3JWIB1z-AIj2CRmeTiwJL-QgdT9OI6VOVIe77CwLDKmsTZA7eNWP9eX_uQECaNjCebgHC2qBEF6d39e_nSqwjQ/s1600/fog8.jpg" /></a></div>
There are two so-called documentaries. "<strong>Fear on Film: Inside "The Fog</strong>" is a seven minute promotional featurette made by Avco-Embassy for the film's original release. I found it of interest only for comparing it to the second documentary to see how much the people involved had aged. I know, I'm shallow. The second documentary is very good. "<strong>Tales From the Mist: Inside 'The Fog'</strong>" is a nice look back at the making of "<strong>The Fog</strong>." The 30-minute documentary includes new interviews with all of the major players on this fan favorite. Lots of nice candid stills.
<p>
The advertising gallery includes three theatrical trailers, three TV spots and a poster and memorabilia gallery. There is also a publicity photo gallery and a behind-the-scenes gallery.
<p>
The outtakes are funny if you like scenes of actors flubbing their lines. I like that kind of stuff, so I enjoyed the five-minute montage of screw-ups. The storyboard comparison covers the first ghost attack on a trawler.
<p>
<strong>The Final Word:</strong><br>
Fans of the director will eat this one up. "<strong>The Fog</strong>" isn't his best work, but fans will enjoy the commentary track with both Carpenter and his long time business partner Debra Hill.<p>
<p>obitguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02811649894474639021noreply@blogger.com0