Hi Bryan Here….
It’s the fucking KUBRICK week for releases which includes everything KUBRICK, plus some other goodies. As usual, in this article, you will get some info about the disc and the extras that come with the movie as well as a personal opinion about the movie and a link to purchase the film over at AMAZON where you can save quite a bit of money, and it will give a small percentage kick back to this site so we can continue bringing you excellent stories and sales.
Enjoy and Here We Go!!
AMERICAN GRAFFITI: SPECIAL EDITION (BLURAY)
Before George Lucas made Star Wars and then destroyed Star Wars, he made a little comedy film called ‘American Graffiti’. “ From director George Lucas (Star Wars) and producer Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather) American Graffiti is a classic coming-of-age story set against the 1960s backdrop of hot rods drive-ins and rock n’ roll. Starring Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford, Cindy Williams, Mackenzie Phillips, and Suzanne Somers in their breakout roles this nostalgic look back follows a group of teenagers as they cruise the streets on their last summer night before college. Nominated for five Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director American Graffiti features the howling sounds of Wolfman Jack and an unforgettable soundtrack with songs by Buddy Holly Chuck Berry The Beach Boys and Bill Haley & His Comets.” Packed with an “unknown at the time” cast and with a great score comes this blast from the past comedy. Glad to have this little pieces of history in hi-def. I wonder if Lucas will ever in the remainder of his life go back to this genre. This was pretty good. They don’t make em like this anymore.
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BARRY LYNDON (BLURAY)
FUCK YES!!!! I think ‘Barry Lyndon’ is one of the best looking films in cinema history. Everything about this film visiually is perfect,much like every other Kubrick film. “How does an Irish lad without prospects become part of 18th-century English nobility? For Barry Lyndon (Ryan O’Neal) the answer is: any way he can! His climb to wealth and privilege is the enthralling focus of this sumptuous Stanley Kubrick version of William Makepeace Thackeray’s novel. For this ravishing, slyly satiric winner of 4 Academy Awards, Kubrick found inspiration in the works of the era’s painters. Costumes and sets were crafted in the era’s designs and pioneering lenses were developed to shoot interiors and exteriors in natural light. The result is a cutting-edge movie bringing a historical period to vivid screen life like no other film before or since.” Damn this movie looks fucking magnificent in hi-def, and the sound is amazing. Sadly, this is pretty much a “bare bones” release. I hope at some point soon they will release an ultimate badass edition with tons of extras. But definitely, this is worth the convert up from the previous DVD release. It looks and sounds excellent.
EXTRAS
– Theatrical Trailer
BIG JAKE (BLURAY)
Not my favorite John Way film, but definitely worth checking out, plus it has Bruce Cabot from King Kong in it. “In this action-filled western, John Wayne stars as Big Jake McCandles, a husband who hasn’t seen his wife (Maureen O’Hara) in over 18 years. But he returns home after his grandson is kidnapped by a vicious outlaw gang. While the law gives chase in rickety automobiles, Jake saddles up with an Indian scout (Bruce Cabot) and a box of money-even though paying a ransom isn’t how Jake plans to exact good old frontier justice. Spiced with humor and first-class gunfights, this is a vivid depiction of the last days of the wild frontier.” Looks amazing.
BIUTIFUL (BLURAY)
This film is pretty heavy. Javier Bardem is absolutely brilliant in the role in one of the best portrayals of an anti hero ever portrayed. Javier plays a father who has to resort to crime to provide for his children in the dangerous streets of Spain. It is heart breaking and “Biutiful” all at the same time. Very solid film and highly recommended. The visuals of the city looks so good on blu-ray and it sounds pretty good as well. Get it. See it.
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THE CAT O’ NINE TAILS (BLURAY)
Another Dario Argento film is on bluray. HOORAY. I own this on DVD, and while it isn’t my favorite Argento film, it is really good none-the-less. “When a simple robbery at a research institute leads to a series of brutal murders, a blind puzzle maker (Karl Malden of A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE) and a tenacious reporter (James Franciscus of MAROONED) begin their own investigation of the crimes. With nine different clues to follow, they uncover a shocking web of twisted genetics and dark sexual secrets that will finally lead them to a shattering climax of violence and suspense.” I can only think that at some point in the near future there will be a big box set of all the Argento films on bluray. One can hope right. But this film looks pretty decent on hi-def, but is a must own for any Argento fan.
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A CLOCKWORK ORANGE: 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION (BLURAY DIGIBOOK)
A re-release for the 40th anniversary on blu-ray….this time in digibook format, plus tons of features. “Stomping, whomping, stealing, singing, tap-dancing, violating. Hooligan Alex (Malcolm McDowell) has a good time – at the tragic expense of others. His journey from amoral punk to brainwashed proper citizen and back again forms the dynamic arc of Stanley Kubrick’s future-shock vision of Anthony Burgess’ novel. Controversial when first released, A Clockwork Orange won New York Film Critics Best Picture and Director Awards and earned four Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Its power still entices, shocks and holds us in its grasp.” I adore this film. This is really a no brainer. Must be purchased.
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DAVID BYRNE: RIDE, RISE, ROAR (BLURAY)
I had the pleasure to see David Byrne in concert a couple of years ago and I must say it was nothing short of spectacular. Full of choreography and packed with all the hits, I came out of the concert glowing. “This live concert film featuring David Byrne was shot during his ‘08/’09 tour. A blend of live footage and intimate behind-the-scenes interviews with Byrne and his band, Ride Rise Roar unveils the unique creative process behind this Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Famer’s incredible and in-depth show: a dramatic and moving showcase melding music and dance.” If you like the Talking Heads or David Byrne solo, then you must pick this up. It sounds fucking great on the surround sound. Loved re-living this.
DRIVE ANGRY (BLURAY)
A lot of people had a great time with this movie. I still haven;t seen it, but our writer FedMex has. So CLICK HERE to read his review. I can say that it has by judging by the mastering specs, it will looks and sound demo worthy in your home.”A vengeful father escapes from hell and chases after the men who killed his wife and kidnapped his daughter.”
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LEGEND: ULTIMATE EDITION (BLURAY)
I am so happy this got the ultimate treatment. I was talking about this release with my friend just last night and we were both very much excited about this release. “Legend, from director Ridley Scott (Blade Runner, Gladiator), is a visually stunning fantasy-adventure in which pure good and evil battle to the death amidst spectacular surroundings. Set in a timeless mythical forest inhabited by fairies, goblins, unicorns and mortals, this fantastic story stars Tom Cruise as a mystical forest dweller, chosen by fate, to undertake a heroic quest. He must save the beautiful Princess Lily (Mia Sara) and defeat the demonic Lord of Darkness (Tim Curry) or the world will be plunged into a never-ending ice age!” Before Tom Cruise was the joke he is today and with a scary as hell Tim Curry, we get this awesome adventure film for all ages. I remember watching this growing up constantly and always wanting to enter this fantasy world. Loved it. Definitely worth picking up and is loaded with extras.
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LOLITA 1962 (BLURAY)
Usually the first film in the Kubrick box sets that have come out in the past two decades. This is quite the awkward comedic film with Peter Sellers and Shelley Winters and of course James Mason about an underage girl who seduces the men that come to stay at her and her mom’s bed and breakfast. “Newly arrived in Ramsdale, New Hampshire, European émigré Humbert Humbert is smitten. He plans to marry Charlotte Haze. That way he’ll always be close to his dear one – Charlotte’s precocious daughter! Filmmaker Stanley Kubrick explores the theme of sexual obsession (a subject he would revisit 37 years later in Eyes Wide Shut) with this darkly comic and deeply moving version of Vladimir Nabokov’s novel. James Mason plays devious, deluded Humbert: wedded to needy Charlotte (Shelley Winters); rivaled by the ubiquitous Clare Quilty (chameleonlike Peter Sellers); and enraptured to his gelatinous core by the blithe teen (Sue Lyon) with that “lovely, lyrical, lilting name” – Lolita.” Just like the ‘Barry Lyndon’ release above, it is fairly bare boned with only the theatrical trailer. But it looks and sounds great. Glad to have it on bluray finally.
EXTRAS
-Theatrical Trailer
ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST (BLURAY)
I just love this Sergio Leone masterpiece. It might be one of his best if not his best. Everything about this movie is awesome. “Epic story of a mysterious stranger with a harmonica who joins forces with a notorious desperado to protect a beautiful widow from a ruthless assassin working for the railroad.” This comes packed with awesome extras and looks exquisite in hi-def. Definitely worth picking up. One of the true great westerns.
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STANLEY KUBRICK: LIMITED EDITION COLLECTION (BLURAY)
“Boxed set containing nine films including: ‘Spartacus,’ ‘Lolita,’ ‘Dr. Strangelove,’ ‘2001: A Space Odyssey,’ ‘A Clockwork Orange: 40th Anniversary Edition,’ ‘Barry Lyndon,’ ‘The Shining,’ ‘Full Metal Jacket,’ and ‘Eyes Wide Shut.'” Another format, and finally we have the box set of some of Kubrick’s films. Now most of these have all ready been released on bluray, but for those of you who do not own them yet, this is the one set to get. These are some of the best films in cinema. Kubrick was a genius. “9 Groundbreaking Movies. 10 Discs. One Visionary Moviemaker.
SPARTACUS (1960) The genre-defining epic tale of a bold gladiator (Kirk Douglas) who leads a triumphant Roman slave revolt.
LOLITA (1962) Academic Humbert Humbert (James Mason) is obsessed with a blithe teen (Sue Lyon) in a dark comedy from Vladimir Nabokov’s novel.
DR. STRANGELOVE (1964) “Accidental” nuclear apocalypse, anyone? Peter Sellers heads the cast of one of the most blazingly hilarious movies of all time.
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968) “The most awesome, beautiful and mentally stimulating science-fiction film of all time” (Danny Peary, Guide for the Film Fanatic).
A CLOCKWORK ORANGE: 40th Anniversary Edition (2-Discs) (1971) Future world neo-punk Malcolm McDowell becomes the guinea pig for a government cure of his tendency toward “the old ultraviolence.”
BARRY LYNDON (1975) The visually spellbinding tale of an 18th-century Irish rogue’s (Ryan O’Neal) climb to wealth and privilege.
THE SHINING (1980) In a macabre masterpiece adapted from Stephen King’s novel, Jack Nicholson falls prey to forces haunting a snowbound mountain resort.
FULL METAL JACKET (1987) Marine recruits endure basic training under a leather-lunged D.I., then plunge into the hell of Vietnam.
EYES WIDE SHUT (1999) A wife’s admission of unfulfilled longing plunges a Manhattan doctor into a bizarre erotic odyssey. Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman star.”
EXTRAS
SPARTACUS:
-Deleted Scenes
-Archival Interviews with Peter Ustinov and Jean Simmons
-Behind-the-Scenes Footage
-5 Vintage Newsreels
-Image Galleries Including: Production Stills, Concept Art, Costume Design, Storyboards and Print Ads
LOLITA:
-None
DR. STRANGELOVE:
-The Cold War: Picture-in-Picture and Pop-Up Trivia Track
-No Fighting in the War Room: Dr. Strangelove and the Nuclear Threat
-Inside the Making of Dr. Strangelove
-Best Sellers or: Peter Sellers and Dr. Strangelove
-The Art of Stanley Kubrick from Short Films to Strangelove
-An Interview with Robert McNamara
-Original Split-Screen Interviews with Peter Sellers and George C. Scott
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY:
-Commentary by Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood
-Documentary 2001: The Making of a Myth
-Standing on the Shoulders of Kubrick: The Legacy of 2001
-Vision of a Future Passed: The Prophecy of 2001
-What Is Out There?
-2001: Conceptual Artwork
-Look: Stanley Kubrick!
-Audio-Only Bonus: 1966 Kubrick Interview Conducted by Jeremy Bernstein
A CLOCKWORK ORANGE: 40th Anniversary Edition:
-Malcolm McDowell Looks Back: Malcolm McDowell reflects on his experience working with legendary director Stanley Kubrick on one of the seminal films of the 1970s.
-Turning like Clockwork Considers the Film’s Ultra-violence and its Cultural Impact
-Commentary by Malcolm McDowell and historian Nick Redman
-Documentary Still Tickin’: The Return of Clockwork Orange
-Great Bolshy Yarblockos!: Making A Clockwork Orange
-Theatrical Trailer
-Jan Harlan’s Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures
-Career Profile O Lucky Malcolm! Featuring Malcolm McDowell
BARRY LYNDON:
-None
THE SHINING:
-Commentary by Steadicam inventor/operator Garrett Brown and historian John Baxter
-Vivian Kubrick’s Documentary “The Making of the Shining” with Optional Commentary
-View from the Overlook: Crafting The Shining
-The Visions of Stanley Kubrick and Wendy Carlos, Composer
FULL METAL JACKET:
-Commentary by Adam Baldwin, Vincent D’Onofrio, R. Lee Ermey and critic/screenwriter Jay Cocks
-Full Metal Jacket: Between Good and Evil
EYES WIDE SHUT:
-Three -Part Documentary The Last Movie: Stanley Kubrick and Eyes Wide Shut
-Lost Kubrick: The Unfinished Films of Stanley Kubrick
-Interview Gallery Featuring Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman and Steven Spielberg
-Kubrick’s 1998 Directors Guild of America D.W. Griffith Award Acceptance Speech
TRUE BLOOD: COMPLETE THIRD SEASON (BLURAY)
This 3rd season really took shit to “11”. Werewolves, fairies, monsters, southern vampires, and some voodoo shit gave way to tons of sex, blood, guts, and mayhem. I really enjoyed all the glory and glamour that is this show. Especially the third season. I can’t wait till season 4. “The Maenadian reign of terror may be over, but Sookie Stackhouse and the townspeople of Bon Temps face a new calamity that makes the bacchanalian evils of Maryanne Forrester seem tame by comparison. In Season 3, Sookie desperately tries to locate her fiancé, ending up in a netherworld of human and undead interlopers, among them the powerful Vampire King of Mississippi, Russell Edgington.”
EXTRAS
-Anatomy of a Scene
-True Blood Post Mortems
-Snoop Dogg “Oh Sookie” video
-6 Audio Commentaries with the cast and crew including Executive Producer and Creator Alan Ball, Anna Paquin (Sookie), Stephen Moyer (Bill), Alexander Skarsgard (Eric), Joe Manganiello (Alcide Herveaux), Kristin Bauer Van Straten (Pam De Beaufort), Denise O’Hare (Russell Edgington) and more!
Well that is it for this week. Stay tuned for next week. There are tons and tons of releases next week.