DVD RELEASES FOR THE WEEK OF 3/13/07

[criterionmaster]

Sorry about being a little late with these, I forgot to do them yesterday. I listened to ie last week and decided to include a little more to my comments on the films.

DVD'S I'LL BUY

Muriel - A film by the master Resnais. PLOT: "Delphine Seyrig gives an award-winning performance in Alain Resnais hauntingly brilliant masterpiece. Helene (Seyrig) is a widow who sells antiques from the apartment she shares with her eccentric filmmaker stepson, Bernard. Bernard is a veteran of the Algerian War and is haunted by his participation in the torture and murder of a young woman named Muriel. " Anything with 'Resnais' and 'masterpiece' in the same sentence, I must see. I suggest all you do to, after everyone checks out Night and Fog and Hiroshima mon amour.

War & Peace - This has been on my must watch list forever now. It has gotten so much praise, and been called one of the best films ever made. I am glad I may finally get the chance. Has anyone seen this on here?

DVD'S I'LL RENT

Burmese Harp - Criterion Collection - Japanese anti-war film that has been called one of the best films ever. Directed by Kon Ichikawa who also did Tokyo Olympiad. Despite such high reviews I have heard of this film, I have to give it a rent first. I can't bring myself to blind-buy this, when there are so many other films I need to buy first.

Casino Royale (Two-Disc Special Edition) - I am not huge on Bond at all, in fact, I don't give a damn about this film and could care less if I ever see it. I mean, tons of people on this site gave it good reviews and I still don't care about it, but I know my dad will probably rent it, and then I may just watch it then. I hope the favorable reviews are true.

Fires on the Plain - Criterion Collection - This is also done by Kon, and just based on the cover alone this looks more interesting. PLOT: "It is the Philipines, 1945. The Japanese Imperial Army has been reduced to a ragtag mob hiding in the jungles. Among them is Pvt. Tamura. The situation goes from bad to worse and in the face of the brutal conditions facing the men, some go insane and resort to murder and cannibalism. In the midst of this, Pvt. Tamura tries to survive without giving up his principles." Yeah, that makes me want to see it even more. For anyone interested, Amazon.com has these films for only $19.99.

The Ed Wood Collection - A Salute to Incompetence - Glen Or Glenda? (1953), Jail Bait (1954), Bride Of The Monster (1955), The Violent Years (1956), Night Of The Ghouls (1959), Plan 9 From Outer Space (1959), Bonus Feature: The Ed Wood Story - I was just talking about this man over in the actors section, and here we go with this release. This looks to be a super cheap collection ($10) of many of his films. All of which I am dying to see. He has been called the king of cult/so-bad-they're-good, so I must see these all.

DVD'S I'LL IGNORE

Blood Trails - This looks like another one of 'those' kind of films. The horror films that just use blood and guts, and rely on cheap scares. I mean look at the plot description: "Guilty for a drunken one-night stand with a stranger, Anne proposes a romantic escape to the mountains with her boyfriend Michael. The fresh air and scenic beauty do wonders for the couple as they sail down the bike trails of the exotic mountain range...until the stranger from that night reappears...killing Michael and beginning his deadly pursuit." It sounds like more than half the other horror films that come out.

Ghost (Special Collector's Edition) - Not really a fan of this film, but I haven't seen it in years. I just remember it being 'eh'. And it has Swayze in it, which is almost always a negative ('cept The Outsiders). I would pass on this if I was yous.

Harsh Times - This does not look interesting to me, and it is about a dude who slips back into crime after his job as a cop is over. It got mediocre ratings on Amazon and just isn't something I would be interested in, even if it did. It does have Bale in it, so I am sure Slapshot will check it out.

The Holiday - For some reason this has decent ratings on Amazon, and it has Jack Black in it, who I like. But when I saw the trailer it just looked like another stupid romantic comedy, so I will not be seeing this anytime soon. Has anyone heard anything about this though? The PLOT is so stupid haha: "Two women troubled with guy-problems (Diaz, Winslet) swap homes in each other's countries, where they each meet a local guy and fall in love. "

A Little Trip to Heaven - PLOT: "After a suspicious fatal car accident in Hastings where the identity of the victim was forged, the Quality Life insurance company sends their smart investigator Abe Holt to identify the body. The unique beneficiary of the one million dollars death benefit is the sister of the victim, Isold, who lives with her son Thor and her husband Fred in a poor cabin in the middle of nowhere. Along the investigation, Abe discloses the truth about the fraud, but feels sorry for Isold and Thor and tries to help them with tragic consequences. " Doesn't really look good to me, nor does the cover. It does have Whitaker in it.

Pope John Paul II - ooohhh, three hours about Pope John Paul II!! I need to see this film, sike. The only reason I would see this is because Voight's performance is probably great, other than that, it looks like a snooze-fest.

The Pretender 2001 / The Pretender - Island of the Haunted - From what I read, I guess these are two films that ended some sorta cult series (?). And since I haven't seen/heard of the series, nor do I really care to since most TV sucks, these I will pass on.

Sublime - When I first saw this title I thought it might be about the group Sublime, I got happy, then come to find out it is just some mediocre horror film, I was sad. PLOT (for those who care): "Admitted to Mt. Abaddon Hospital for a routine procedure, George Grieves discovers that his condition is much more serious and complicated than originally expected; and as his own fears begin to manifest around him, he learns that Mt. Abaddon is not a place where people come to get better... it is a place where people come to die."

Shortbus - This film interests me, it is a doc (?) about a group of people having problems with their sexual relations. It is suppose to be rather funny actually, and if anyone has heard anything really good about this, I may give it a rent sometime.

La Belle Captive - PLOT: "Alain Robbe-Grillet’s erotically-charged film portrays a married man’s obsession with a mysterious woman who steps out of his fantasies. Walter (Daniel Mesguich) becomes fascinated with Marie-Ange (Gabrielle Lazure) after seeing her in a nightclub. One evening he finds her bound in the middle of the road. After a surreal night of passion, he awakens the next morning wondering if it all was just a dream.
A sensuous, surreal drama in the manner of EYES WIDE SHUT and MULHOLLAND DRIVE" That last line got me really excited, I may give this a rent actually. I would like to hear some opinions on this, so if anyone knows if this is suppose to be good, or has seen it, please tell me.

Becket - Might be good, it has O'Toole in it, but I am not much in the mood for a historical drama about Henry II. It does have great reviews, so don't let me stop you from enjoying this. Has anyone seen it?

The Perfect Crime (El Crimen Perfecto) - Nominated for many Spanish awards, but something that doesn't really interest me. I would see it, but only if someone told me to. PLOT: "Rafael is the best salesman in the biggest department store of Madrid. He is a fascinating man; all his colleagues fell in love for him. He tries to live high-standard life. He is definitively ambitious and aspires to be the new head of sales at his floor. But he has to beat Don Antonio the best salesman in the man wearing sector. Competition gets harder and harder, till Rafael kills Don Antonio! Lourdes, the ugliest woman in the store, unexpectedly helps Rafael to hide the corpse, but her help isn't for free. Rafael soon will start considering a new crime. A new perfect crime. "

TV RELEASES




Bosom Buddies - The First Season
Mile High - The Complete First Season
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Original Series (Season 4) *
Without a Trace - The Complete Second Season

SOME GOOD OTHER REGION RELEASES

Catherine Deneuve Screen Icons Collection (Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Belle de Jour, Donkey Skin, Manon 70 and Ma Saison Préférée) - "The screen's greatest cool blonde" as the cover says. I haven't even seen one of her films, I have only seen pictures, but she is just beautiful. I have really be dying to see Belle de Jour and Cherbourg, so anyone who hasn't seen any of her films, this might be the collection for you.

Guillermo Del Toro Collection (Pan's Labyrinth/Cronos/The Devil's Backbone)

Julie Christie Screen Icons Collection (The Go-Between, Billy Liar, Darling and Far From the Madding Crowd) - Billy Liar I want to see, but I don't know much about this woman... yet.

Pan's Labyrinth - I haven't heard like any negative reviews yet.

Tout va bien - I watched some of this and wasn't that entertained. It is Godard though, so I will finish it. Love the cover by the way.

*I will watch this when ptahole buys it, and I make it through the rest of the series. I can't wait to see this show again.

[blackmoses]

I want to see Fires on the Plain!

[eatawiiner]

Shortbus isn't a doc. Its a film about sexuality in NYC post 9-11 or some shit. That asian lady is pretty hot too. I'll be renting it for sure. The two CC's seam like perfect Netflix rentals as well.

[captainofbeef]

I'm gonna buy Casino Royale and try to rent the Ichikawa's.

[Clark Nova]

already rented (and by rented i mean downloaded ) Casino Royale. i'll either watch it tonight or tomorrow, most likely.

[criterionmaster]

eatawiiner said:

Shortbus isn't a doc. Its a film about sexuality in NYC post 9-11 or some shit. That asian lady is pretty hot too. I'll be renting it for sure. The two CC's seam like perfect Netflix rentals as well.

Oh, I just read the review for it in Entertainment Weekly, now I realize it isn't a doc, but thanks for clearing it up. I still want to see it though. And yes, those Criterions have both been thrown in my queue as well.

[eatawiiner]

I got Shortbus on the DL last night and watched the 1st scene had to shut it off instantly. It was so fucked up I have no idea what its doing in a motion picture. I dont want to give it away, but jesus tapdancin christ, I couldn't take anymore. I would only recommend it to people with strong stomachs or the depraved.

[criterionmaster]

I have a strong stomach, if you didn't see, I just watched that movie where a girl jerks off a horse. So... yeah.

Oh my God, you say "jesus tap-dancin' christ" too?! I can't believe someone else uses that phrase, I say it all the time, even in person. It is so good. I believe it is from Blues Brothers.

[eatawiiner]

oh, i've only heard it on South Park. Totally missed it on Blues Bros.

What movie did you watch where a lady did that thing that you said?

[criterionmaster]

Spanked a horse?

This little baby right herrr. It has its own thread.

[ie]

Dan, just wanted to let you know that I really REALLY appreciate the overhaul. I've just been kinda busy, so I'm a little late on this response, but I find this to be much more constructive, even though I know it takes more work.


Not too many thoughts this week. Just a couple:

I liked Casino Royale, but for some reason, I don't feel like buying it. I guess I just want to get it on the cheap end and don't really need to see it again for a while.

I heard MASSIVELY good reviews for Becket in the Stranger (newspaper which references "the stranger" ). One thing that really caught my attention was "the director had the nerve to make a war drama without even throwing in one war sequence! " The reviewer really liked it, and kind of wrote something to that effect toungue and cheek, but it was just kinda funny to read that.

Concerning A Little Trip To Heaven, yeah, the plot doesn't really look too interesting. And, DVD covers are getting to be so shitty nowadays, that even The Last King of Scotland's cover went from this amazing piece of art to a bland shitty cover. Don't they realize that people won't buy awesome movies that have stupid covers? Don't they?!

Here's a better cover:

Now doesn't that make you want to go out and buy that movie? Especially because it's Icelandic?

(edit: Said massively one too many times.)

[criterionmaster]

ie said:

Dan, just wanted to let you know that I really REALLY appreciate the overhaul. I've just been kinda busy, so I'm a little late on this response, but I find this to be much more constructive, even though I know it takes more work.


Not too many thoughts this week. Just a couple:

I liked Casino Royale, but for some reason, I don't feel like buying it. I guess I just want to get it on the cheap end and don't really need to see it again for a while.

I heard MASSIVELY good reviews for Becket in the Stranger (newspaper which references "the stranger" ). One thing that really caught my attention was "the director had the nerve to make a war drama without even throwing in one war sequence! " The reviewer really liked it, and kind of wrote something to that effect toungue and cheek, but it was just kinda funny to read that.

Concerning A Little Trip To Heaven, yeah, the plot doesn't really look too interesting. And, DVD covers are getting to be so shitty nowadays, that even The Last King of Scotland's cover went from this amazing piece of art to a bland shitty cover. Don't they realize that people won't buy awesome movies that have stupid covers? Don't they?!

Here's a better cover:

Now doesn't that make you want to go out and buy that movie? Especially because it's Icelandic?

(edit: Said massively one too many times.)

Yeah, no problem. I will try and add more to the comments from now on, or at least the plot or something about the film, instead of just saying "no" or whatever, 'cause then no one even knows what the film is.

Hmm, even though I am not hugely interested in Becket, that does sound interesting not having a single war sequence. I might check it out someday, if only for O'Toole.

DVD covers make me sick most of the time, they should get someone talented to make the covers, oh wait, that would require work. ah well.

andruini said:

you say you haven't even seen a catherine deneuve film dan?
what's your second favorite film then?

Wha...? She is in Dancer in the Dark? Fill me in. Thanks for reading the comments by the way, I was surprised.

[criterionmaster]

andruini said:

www.imdb.com/title/tt0168629/

wtf, man, she's like the second main character.

Wow, I didn't know the actresses name who played that character when I watched it. That is cool, she was really great. Well, looks like I have seen one film of hers at least.

[The Pseudo Cathartic]

You should see Casino Royale as like some people, I hate the bond series but this one is way cool to be ignored.

Shortbus is a funny, film. The first 85% of the movie was just brilliant and funny. Even if the last 15% was self indulgent, self congratulatory and confused, the rest of the movie makes up for it. This was in my Top 15 of 2006.

[criterionmaster]

crey014 said:

You should see Casino Royale as like some people, I hate the bond series but this one is way cool to be ignored.

Shortbus is a funny, film. The first 85% of the movie was just brilliant and funny. Even if the last 15% was self indulgent, self congratulatory and confused, the rest of the movie makes up for it. This was in my Top 15 of 2006.

Ah, welcome back, glad to see you still around. I will use this time to set the record straight, I DO NOT hate the bond series; I actually really like every Connery Bond film I have seen (I even own Goldfinger). But I just think the series lost something after that point, the film's styles that I loved so much were gone, probably because of the years they were made, and they just never felt the same. But I will probably end up seeing this new Bond film at some point, and maybe I will be wrong and it will be a great new type of Bond film.

That sounds good; I hope the end doesn't spoil it for me now though. I will still check it out; it will probably be on one of my digital cable channels and stuff soon.