Hey folks, Harry here with this week’s DVD PICKS AND PEEKS. Fun stuff to be had – lots of gamma happening here, along with some great silents & looney tunes. As always, by clicking on the box art or the titles, you’ll be sent to Amazon where you can learn more on the title in question, or you could purchase it, which would help to sponsor this column and it’s ongoing search for cool shit for all of us. Let’s get on with it, shall we…

Tuesday, Oct 21st, 2008

INCREDIBLE HULK

This is an incredible Blu Ray. First, I just love THE INCREDIBLE HULK, while there’s no character at the level of awesome that was Robert Downey Jr’s performance as IRON MAN, I do feel the end fight is a stronger finish to the film. Moreso, on this DVD – you’ll see a ton of deleted scenes. Including the original opening, that in the final frames reveals an incredibly subtle cameo by Captain America. Step carefully through the end frames and you’ll see him. More than that though are all the scenes of additional character development. You’ll begin to get an idea about what Edward Norton was fighting to keep in the film. It isn’t just about his character, but everybody’s characters. These are very strong scenes – that sure… would have slowed the film, but frankly they’d given us a stronger sense of character. I hope MARVEL releases a longer cut of the film with these scenes included, I for one, would buy it. That said, this is an incredibly strong release as is. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

LOONEY TUNES: GOLDEN COLLECTION, Vol. 6

This is the final volume of the Looney Tunes: Golden Collections, but fear not – these will not be the last classic Looney Tunes to be released. There are other future sets planned, under different titles… and then hopefully we’ll be getting some Blu Ray releases of Classic titles, at least I hope. This collection is a jewel featuring many of my favorite risqué titles and politically incorrect titles from the World War II era. Including the great RUSSIAN RHAPSODY, CONFUSIONS OF A NUTSY SPY, HERR MEETS HERR, YANKEE DOOD IT amongst others. BNAT fans will find a familiar treat on Disc 3 – the animated opening titles sequence to the Leon Schlesinger produced John Wayne film HAUNTED GOLD. You’ll also find HORTON HATCHES THE EGG, based upon Dr Seuss’ classic Horton story. There’s BUGS BUNNY IN KING ARTHUR’S COURT, which we saw in the 70’s. Then titles with Bosko, Foghorn Leghorn, Pepe Le Pew and many others. Here’s the overall list of titles as of this point that I know of:

Disc One: Looney Tunes All Stars
1. Hare Trigger
2. To Duck or Not to Duck
3. Birth of a Notion
4. My Little Duckaroo
5. Crowing Pains
6. Raw! Raw! Rooster!
7. Heaven Scent
8. My Favorite Duck
9. Jumpin' Jupiter
10. Satan's Waitin'
11. Hook Line and Stinker
12. Bear Feat
13. Dog Gone South
14. A Ham in a Role
15. Often an Orphan

Disc Two: Patriotic Pals
1. Herr Meets Hare
2. Russian Rhapsody
3. Daffy the Commando
4. Bosko the Doughboy
5. Rookie Revue
6. The Draft Horse
7. Wacky Blackout
8. The Ducktators
9. The Wekaly Reporter
10. Fifth Column Mouse
11. Meet John Doughboy
12. Hollywood Canine Canteen
13. By Word of Mouse
14. Heir Conditioned
15. Yankee Dood it

Disc Three: Bosko Buddie and Merrie Melodies
1. Congo Jazz
2. Smile Dam Ya, Smile!
3. The Booze Hangs High
4. One More Time
5. Bosko's Picture Show
6. You Don't Know What You're Doin'!
7. We're in the Money!
8. Ride 'em Bosko
9. Shuffle Off to Buffalo
10. Bosko in Person
11. The Dish Ran Away with the Spoon
12. Buddie's Day Out
13. Buddie's Beer Garden
14. Buddie's Circus
15. A Cartoonist's Nightmare

Disc Four: Most Requested Assorted Nuts
1. Horton Hatches the Egg
2. Lights Fantastic
3. Fresh Airedale
4. Chow Hound
5. The Oily American
6. It's Hummer Time
7. Rocket Bye Baby
8. Goo Goo Goliath
9. Wild Wife
10. Much Ado About Nutting
11. The Hole idea
12. Now Hear This
13. Martian Through Georgia
14. Page Miss Glory
15. Norman Normal

THIS is a tremendous value!

James Bond Blu-Ray Collection Six Pack (DR. NO / FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE / THUNDERBALL / LIVE AND LET DIE / FOR YOUR EYES ONLY / DIE ANOTHER DAY )

Oh sweet heaven, this is my fave release of the week. If you’re ordering, I’d recommend ordering via the above link, as you save more that way, but I want to discuss each of these separately. And I’m going to address each of these titles in order here…

DR. NO

Fairly gimmick-less. This is the Bond that started them all. An impossibly young and handsome and virile Sean Connery. The lusty busty Ursula Andress in that bikini with that knife… gathering shells… mmm… The series was without much of what we later considered to be standards in a James Bond film – and it is a smaller film in many respects. This is the meanest Connery Bond, in my opinion – the most business orientated. And I love the radiation suits at the end. Just great. It was the beginning stab at the formula that wasn’t perfected till GOLDFINGER, but it gave Bond his legs. And for that, I love it.

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE

I absolutely love FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE. There’s a great Cold War feeling, Daniela Bianchi as the gorgeous double agent asked to fuck for her country… is stunning in such a great exotic way. Then there’s Istanbul, I’ve wanted to travel there my entire life because of this movie. My Uncle was stationed there with NATO for many years and had to tolerate infinite questions about the Turkish Underground , by me due to this film. However, its Lotte Lenya and Robert Shaw – who really blow me away with this film. Lotte Lenya and those… stilleto shoes… then Robert Shaw and Connery’s fight on the Orient Express… BLISS. It is one of the great closed quarters hand to hand fights in cinema history. Holds its own with the very best ever. Great Bond film!

THUNDERBALL

The vast underwater battles of THUNDERBALL gave way to endless games of my dad and I playing “Frogman” – underwater wrestling at our neighborhood swimming pool as a kid. The whole time, I was James Bond in my youthful brain, and he was some big SPECTRE badass. This is why I love scuba diving so much. This was later remade as the lesser NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN – a shadow of this classic Bond, right on formula and doing great!

LIVE AND LET DIE

The first Roger Moore JAMES BOND isn’t the goofiest it does have a great theme song, but ya know… I do feel it is kinda retarded. That said, it’s fucking fun. This reminds me of those tragically unhip attempts that DC made with their superheroes to be hip or relevant. This is Bond trying to be hip and cool in a way that he kinda doesn’t fit. That said, I feel this film is more fun that DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER, but the Moore Bonds did improve, much like with this next title.

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY

I discovered something absolutely horrifying this past Friday. I discovered that my sister had been neglecting and abusing my nephew, Kublakhan. We were prepping the house for a WIZARD PEOPLE DEAR READER party that my wife had concocted. And my sister was over to shave and groom our Nazi Dog Rommel. So they were in the backyard, my wife was prepping goods for the party – and I was left watching my nephew, who asked, “Uncle Harry – can we watch a movie?” He then decided he would go pick. I’d just received this set of James Bond BluRays, so I said, “Do you want to watch a James Bond movie?” “What?” “James Bond, do you know who James Bond is?” and this look of confusion marked his 8 year old face. MEIN GOT! “Trust me, you’re going to love this!”

I then looked at the 6 James Bond titles – I had watched Dr. No the night before. I was meaning to watch From Russia With Love next, but upon thoughtful consideration. Which of these 6 should be the introduction to a 21st Century Kiddo. FOR YOUR EYES ONLY. Absolutely. Roger Moore was MY BOND as a kid.

Sure – I prefer Sean Connery, but Roger Moore was the Bond that had new movies coming up, when I was a kid. His were the trailers I saw before movies as a kid. The posters that I saw in theaters. The songs I heard on the radio. And they really were a childish version of James Bond. A playful, gimmicky and comic book James Bond – the exact opposite of where the current Bond series is headed. And ya know what? AMEN!

From the opening moments, through that great opening song, through the end of the film he was transfixed by the movie. As Roger was scaling the cliff towards the end of the feature, he ran into the kitchen to get a drink and exclaimed to my wife, “This movie has the coolest man ever!” She asked him who, to which he replied, “JOHN LENNON!” - Yoko was confused and Kubla yanked on Yoko to the screening room to show her… “Look, look – That’s him, That’s JOHN LENNON – he’s the coolest man ever!”

I corrected him, “No, that’s James Bond” – “Yeah yeah, James Bond, he’s the coolest!” Ever since Friday, my nephew has been working on his mother to let me show him more James Bond – and I feel good about life. The boy is officially on his way to being a man! Thank you James Bond!

DIE ANOTHER DAY

A fun, but forgettable James Bond by now. I seem to remember liking this film more when it came out, but boy – that sheen of “New James Bond Smell” turned into “Bad James Bond Smell” quickly. There’s some fun stuff here, but Madonna’s song and appearance are terrible. Basically all this film is about is gigantic gags and gadgets – and it just gets lame often and quickly. That said there is some fun stuff – like with all James Bond films. I’m a completist, so even if I didn’t like it, I’d have bought it had I not been sent it.

THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. – The Complete Series

You know – I still dream of the Quentin Tarantino helmed MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. franchise. I love this original series. It’s only appropriate that they release this series as James Bond releases the above set – the series was birthed from Bond Mania – but it was its own thing. Now – not only is this finally on DVD, but it’s hitting complete with an awesome attaché case. This didn’t get sent to me, but I am clicking the above link – I can’t wait to devour these!

SWEENEY TODD (Blu Ray)

Aha – another BNAT veteran, I love SWEENEY TODD – it’s so deliciously wrong and evil – and the ending is bleak and evil and cold blooded, yet it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. The Blu Ray is so lush, the blacks so deep, the colors so rich. And you must have the best sound to hear it in. Kinda key with a musical.

HALLOWEEN (Blu Ray)

This isn’t the worst of the HALLOWEEN films, not by a long shot, but it just can’t come close to touching the original, and because at moments, it is trying to be a shot for shot type of imitator – it makes the good ideas drown in a mediocrity of comparison. I actually prefer the Michael Myers as a kid parts and the moments where the film isn’t ape-ing Carpenter’s film. If anything – the lesson is to be your own thing. I wish Zombie had just made his own film, with a wholly original character – and not waste his time doing this.

THE STRANGERS

I was surprised how much I liked this film, but I really didn’t care for the wrap up. The last 20 minutes or so were just not very satisfying to me, but it does prey upon the fears of isolation well. It’ll be interesting to see what Bryan Bertino does next.

THE INCREDIBLE HULK – The Complete Fifth Season

The final season – during which we HULK followers lost track of our green skin monster friend till the recent onslaught of filmic translations. This officially collects my collection of THE INCREDIBLE HULK tv show – So if I every have the urge to watch the perennially clueless Jack McGee, hunting down the John Doe / David Banner and the green sasquatch Hulk… I’ve got my pick of the litter.

THE INCREDIBLE HULK: THE COMPLETE SERIES

Have you not been following along with my mania for each season of THE INCREDIBLE HULK? Well here’s your chance to get the complete series. Well, if you’re a real Hulkamaniac, you would!

FAMILY GUY – The Complete Collection

Here you have 22 discs loaded with FAMILY GUY. Torture for some, bliss for others. I’m not a FAMILY GUY guy. I far prefer ROBOT CHICKEN & THE SIMPSONS – and often find myself ignoring Family Guy on my way to other shows as a time killer. But folks like Guillermo Del Toro – well he’s a FAMILY GUY nut. Beyond having all the seasons in Stewie’s Head, his noggin also contains STEWIE GRIFFIN – THE UNTOLD STORY and FAMILY GUY: BLUE HARVEST. Apparently you can only get this set from AMAZON in this Stewie Head thing. Figured you FAMILY GUY addicts would like to know.

Eclipse Series 13: Kenji Mizoguchi’s Fallen Women ( OSAKA ELEGY / SISTERS OF THE GION / WOMEN OF THE NIGHT / STREET OF SHAME )

I haven’t seen these Mizoguchi films, but first off – Criterion is putting them out, which means they’re very high quality. 2nd, Mizoguchi is a master filmmaker – and everything he’s made that I have seen has been incredibly strong feminist film work, so I imagine these films will again focus on women like so much of his work. This ECLIPSE series from Criterion has been exceptional thus far.

DIARY OF THE DEAD (Blu Ray)

I know there’s a lot of folks out there that didn’t like this film. Including some of the AICN crowd, but I really do like this film. Is it a GREAT film? No, but I find it absolutely compelling. The zombie gags are strong, but what I like more are the ideas of the piece – and the concept of what would filmmaking students do during the apocalypse. They’d shoot it. Nice to add this to my growing Blu Ray collection.

MISSING – Criterion Collection

This is an outstanding film from Costa-Gavras, his first American film – starring Jack Lemmon and Sissy Spacek in a taut political drama about the search for a missing American journalist, that vanished during a coup in Chile back in the early seventies. Scored by Vangelis and featuring amazing performances from Lemmon and Spacek. This is one of those films that shows some of the evils of America’s foreign policy – a true story of us replacing one leader that believed in Communism, with one that believes in nothing by inhumanity to man. Very much in line with films like SALVADOR. A truly great film. Great job by Criterion!

Warner Gangsters Collection, Vol. 4 ( THE AMAZING DR. CLITTERHOUSE / INVISIBLE STRIPES / KID GALAHAD / LARCENY, INC / THE LITTLE GIANT / PUBLIC ENEMIES: THE GOLDEN AGE OF THE GANGSTER FILM )

The jewel of the set is KID GALAHAD which is a classic Edward G Robinson, Bette Davis and Bogart crime flick around the world of prize fighting. Fantastic little film. I’m also uite fun of the gangster comedy with Robinson, LARCENY INC, Jack Carson is a gas in it. The other three are absolutely watchable films, in particular I’m fond of THE AMAZING DR CLITTERHOUSE, but the weakest is INVISIBLE STRIPES. In all, a very nice fourth collection of Gangster flicks from Warner Brothers.

KNIGHT RIDER: THE COMPLETE SERIES

Yes, if you push me, I’ll play the Knight Rider theme and flash lights back and forth. It is very cool. However, the Hoff is the shit as Michael Knight in this fantastic fun television series, which was way better than the retread today. Now – why is this worth it? Well, like the recent MUNSTERS set, these are all single sided discs, not the two sided discs of the original sets. This is a pretty cool show throughout.

THE LAST MAN ON EARTH

This is the best version of I AM LEGEND, absolutely the creepiest, most atmospheric and bleak telling of the tale – and the most faithful. This DVD edition is part of a crazy release that offers a series of black & white genre films in color, but in addition – they offer pristine restored versions of the Black & White original films. Hey, at least they have that going for them. Adding color to this film just fucks it up, the bleak doesn’t translate as well in color.

RED DESERT

Right up front, you’ll need a Blu Ray player that can handle Region B, but this is one of those titles that you’ll want, the first gorgeous color masterpiece of Michelangelo Antonioni’s career! This print was captured from the original restored negatives via the BFI – and they’ve done a magnificent job. But remember – this is REGION B – so make sure your player can handle it.

DEVIL BAT

This is a science fiction horror starring Bela Lugosi. It’s a bit hokey, a tad creaky… but that’s part of the fun of it all. I love Lugosi – so that makes it all better. This was followed up by DEVIL BAT’S DAUGHTER, which frankly I feel is an even better film. Like with the other colorized films on today’s list, these DVDs also feature restored black & white prints for your enjoyment. This is ultimately about the worst aftershave ever invented. I am really not kidding.

BRIDE OF THE MONSTER

Ok – you remember Tim Burton’s ED WOOD, this is the movie with the “Atomic Supermen to take over the world” line… and the awesome octopus. Best thing about this film… is the awesome funkiness of it. That and the greater glory of Tor Johnson. A god amongst men. That said – this is the last real Lugosi pic, and one that’s just fun to relish in.

SANTA CLAUS: THE MOVIE

From the evil bastard that fired Richard Donner from SUPERMAN II, comes this… dammit, I love it… This big budget – mid-eighties would be epic: SANTA CLAUS: THE MOVIE. When a disillusioned elf goes to work for a corrupt American Business megalomaniac. Well – the elf is Dudley Moore and John Lithgow is the ABM… and it really makes for much fun. The sad thing about the film is it isn’t really interested in Santa, so much as Lithgow and Moore. Which is a bloody shame. SANTA is way cooler – but really, it’s my love of Matte Paintings and 80’s effects that makes this a keeper.

GOLDEN AGE OF SILENT FILMS ( THE MARK OF ZORRO / BLOOD AND SAND / THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME / DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE / THE GENERAL / POLLYANNA )

I love silent cinema – and in this set… man this is a great cheap beginner’s course in the world of Silent Film. You get Douglas Fairbanks in THE MARK OF ZORRO, Rudolph Valentino’s BLOOD AND SAND, Lon Chaney Sr’s THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, John Barrymore’s awesome DR. JEKYLL & MR HYDE, Buster Keaton’s THE GENERAL and Mary Pickford’s POLLYANNA. That pretty much runs the gamut. All they need is a great Chaplin movie and your basic guide to the best is complete. I love THE GENERAL, MARK OF ZORRO and the HUNCHBACK dearly, but in many ways – Barrymore’s Dr. Jekyll & Mr Hyde is the best. It’s Barrymore in a phenomenal performance, transforming himself sheerly by his power to transform himself. It is absolutely riveting. For $13, you literally can do no better for the money.

Lastly – here’s a preview of an upcoming title coming in December:

CASABLANCA: BLU RAY Ultimate Collector’s Set

That’s all for this week, however, I’ll be back next week with a look at: TINKER BELL, JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH, KIT KITTREDGE – AN AMERICAN GIRL, MST3K: 20th Anniversary Edition, THE LITTLE RASCALS: The Complete Collection, POLAR EXPRESS 3D Blu Ray, BARAKA 8k Blu Ray, POULTRYGEIST: NIGHT OF THE CHICKEN DEAD, THE FINAL COUNTDOWN Blu Ray, ZOMBIE STRIPPERS, ABBOTT AND COSTELLO: THE COMPLETE UNIVERSAL PICTURES COLLECTION, THE FLINTSTONES: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION, HELL RIDE, DORIS DAY: CHRISTMAS MEMORIES, ELF Blu Ray, PIECES, THE BEYOND, DR. QUINN MEDICINE WOMAN – Complete Series, A CHRISTMAS STORY Blu Ray, NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION Blu Ray, RED, PARADISE LOST Collector’s Edition, THE WILD PARROTS OF TELEGRAPH HILL, STRANGE BEHAVIOR and much more!