Written by Hombre Divertido
Though clear that 20th Century Fox has put together the 2-Disc Special Edition of the classic 1951 science-fiction film to help promote its release of the 2008 version of the same name, due to hit theatres on Friday December 11th, it’s always a good time to revisit this classic, and some of the new bonus material is both entertaining and informative. As poignant and enthralling as it was in its day, The Day the Earth Stood Still remains an incredibly subtle look at our culture under the guise of the flying saucer-themed camp so prevalent in the fifties.
After being tracked around the world, a flying saucer lands in Washington D.C. on a beautiful summer day. After being surround by the military, Klaatu (Michael Rennie) and Gort (Lock Martin) emerge from the ship, announce that they have come in peace, and though baring a gift, Klaatu is shot by an over-zealous young soldier. After escaping from his hospital, Klaatu befriends Bobby (A pre-Father Knows Best Billy Gray) who gives Klaatu a tour around Washington and some insight into the culture. As he is tracked by the military, Klaatu will eventually be assisted by Bobby’s mom Helen (a slightly mis-cast Patricia Neal) and Professor Barnhardt (the always-reliable Sam Jaffe). Though shot again by the military, with the help of Helen and her delivery of the classic line “Gort, Klaatu Barada Nikto,” Klaatu manages to make his way back to his ship, and deliver his classic speech before speeding back from whence he came.
This film has a subtle elegance to it as it dabbles more in film noir than the typical monster-invasion films. From the lighting and set design to the dialogue-driven story combined with the classic theremin-filled soundtrack, this film was well ahead of its time in both special-effects technology as well as storytelling.
As this film has been released on DVD previously, as well as shown on television regularly, the question is: should you buy this new 2-Disc Special Edition? The answer is a qualified “Yes.”
Someone would really have to be a huge fan to want to scan through each page of the working script, or listen to all the available commentary and a reading of the original Harry Bates short story on which the film was based; all of which is certainly available here. Some of the more entertaining features include numerous galleries of photos and articles of the day, and some well-crafted documentaries on the making of the film. The interviews with the daughters of Edmund H. North are particularly entertaining, and finding out what became of the stationary Gort, or that Spencer Tracy was considered for the role of Klaatu, which would have resulted in Father Flanagan emerging from the flying saucer, certainly makes the bonus material worth owning.
Recommendation: Yes, over the years the meaning behind this simple film may have been over analyzed, but in some ways that only adds to its charm. Those looking for an action-packed science-fiction film should look elsewhere. This is a thought-provoking story told in vintage form by masters of the craft. A must-have for the true fan of classic films, and a must-see for those who have yet to experience Gort and Klaatu. Let us hope that the new rendition does it justice.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Sex and the City: The Movie - Extended Cut (Blu-ray)
Written by Senora Bicho
Sex and the City first aired on HBO in 1998 and ran for six seasons. I was 25 years old and was instantly captured by this show about four strong women bound together by friendship. I identified with their struggles, dreams and desires. For me it was so exciting to have a show that focused on smart and strong women and I couldn’t get enough. My friends and I would have viewing parties and were extremely sad when the show came to end. As soon as talk of the movie started I was scared, scared that they would mess it up and ruin all my fond and wonderful memories. But despite my fears I ran to the theater anyways. I laughed, cried, and fell in love all over again.
It picks up four years after the series left off. Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) is still in a relationship with John James "Mr. Big" Preston (Chris Noth) and they are moving in together. The apartment they are going to share is an expensive piece of real estate that Mr. Big offers to take care of. With Carrie concerned about what would happen if they split up, Big suggests they get married and the fun begins.
Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) and her husband Steve (David Eigenberg) are struggling and she is trying to find a balance between work and family. Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall) has moved to Los Angeles and is living Smith Jerrod (Jason Lewis), who is now a successful television star. Charlotte York-Goldenblatt (Kristin Davis) is enjoying marital bliss with Harry (Evan Handler) while raising their adopted daughter Lily.
While it may appear that the women are all living the lives they have dreamed of, problems arise, friendships are tested, and heartbreak abounds. But through it all the theme of the show that was always the foundation of what made it great shines through: friendship conquers all.
Ten years after it all began the movie was released in the theaters and it met all of my expectations. It is a super-sized episode that felt like coming home. They stayed true to all of the characters and did a wonderful job bringing even more depth to all of these special women. I was sad once again when it came to an end but considering how successful it was I am counting on the sequel. My only complaint would be the storyline for Charlotte; I think they could have done so much more with it and just took the easy way out.
The high definition picture is amazing, presented in 1080p and 1.85:1 widescreen. The city and fashion come alive assisted by the vibrant colors and the great detail. There is some slightly perceptible noise in dark places, but nothing that ruins the moment. The audio is Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1 with English being the only option. However, the movie is basically dialogue, so your system won’t get much of a workout. On the whole, it felt similar to what I remember experiencing in the theatre.
The special features included with the DVD are well done. There is a commentary by writer/director Michael Patrick King. At first I was disappointed that none of the women were included but soon realized it would not have provided the in-depth detail that he on his own could provide. Since King was also intimately involved with the television show, his depth of knowledge is immense and interesting. “A Conversation with Sarah Jessica Parker and Michael Patrick King” is exactly as the title indicates. While a lot of great behind-the-scenes information is presented here, their enthusiasm and genuine love of the show and movie is what drew me in and had me wanting more. “The Fabulous Fashion of Sex and the City” provides all of the women the opportunity to talk about their amazing clothes and highlights the talents of costume designer Patricia Field. Fashion was always such a large part of the television show and here it is elevated to another level so it is great to hear and see more about it. “Fergie in the Studio” is again what the title implies and shows Fergie in the studio recording the soundtrack. Lastly, there is additional footage, which helps enhance the story with some good character and plot information. The additional footage is incorporated into this extended cut or can be accessed separately. A digital copy of the .
Even if you never saw the show, Sex and the City - The Movie stands firmly on it own for new viewers. It provides an interesting and engrossing story, wonderful acting, and many touching moments. If you loved the movie as much as I did, you will buy the DVD right away and place it on the shelf next to your collection of all of the television episodes.
Sex and the City first aired on HBO in 1998 and ran for six seasons. I was 25 years old and was instantly captured by this show about four strong women bound together by friendship. I identified with their struggles, dreams and desires. For me it was so exciting to have a show that focused on smart and strong women and I couldn’t get enough. My friends and I would have viewing parties and were extremely sad when the show came to end. As soon as talk of the movie started I was scared, scared that they would mess it up and ruin all my fond and wonderful memories. But despite my fears I ran to the theater anyways. I laughed, cried, and fell in love all over again.
It picks up four years after the series left off. Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) is still in a relationship with John James "Mr. Big" Preston (Chris Noth) and they are moving in together. The apartment they are going to share is an expensive piece of real estate that Mr. Big offers to take care of. With Carrie concerned about what would happen if they split up, Big suggests they get married and the fun begins.
Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) and her husband Steve (David Eigenberg) are struggling and she is trying to find a balance between work and family. Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall) has moved to Los Angeles and is living Smith Jerrod (Jason Lewis), who is now a successful television star. Charlotte York-Goldenblatt (Kristin Davis) is enjoying marital bliss with Harry (Evan Handler) while raising their adopted daughter Lily.
While it may appear that the women are all living the lives they have dreamed of, problems arise, friendships are tested, and heartbreak abounds. But through it all the theme of the show that was always the foundation of what made it great shines through: friendship conquers all.
Ten years after it all began the movie was released in the theaters and it met all of my expectations. It is a super-sized episode that felt like coming home. They stayed true to all of the characters and did a wonderful job bringing even more depth to all of these special women. I was sad once again when it came to an end but considering how successful it was I am counting on the sequel. My only complaint would be the storyline for Charlotte; I think they could have done so much more with it and just took the easy way out.
The high definition picture is amazing, presented in 1080p and 1.85:1 widescreen. The city and fashion come alive assisted by the vibrant colors and the great detail. There is some slightly perceptible noise in dark places, but nothing that ruins the moment. The audio is Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1 with English being the only option. However, the movie is basically dialogue, so your system won’t get much of a workout. On the whole, it felt similar to what I remember experiencing in the theatre.
The special features included with the DVD are well done. There is a commentary by writer/director Michael Patrick King. At first I was disappointed that none of the women were included but soon realized it would not have provided the in-depth detail that he on his own could provide. Since King was also intimately involved with the television show, his depth of knowledge is immense and interesting. “A Conversation with Sarah Jessica Parker and Michael Patrick King” is exactly as the title indicates. While a lot of great behind-the-scenes information is presented here, their enthusiasm and genuine love of the show and movie is what drew me in and had me wanting more. “The Fabulous Fashion of Sex and the City” provides all of the women the opportunity to talk about their amazing clothes and highlights the talents of costume designer Patricia Field. Fashion was always such a large part of the television show and here it is elevated to another level so it is great to hear and see more about it. “Fergie in the Studio” is again what the title implies and shows Fergie in the studio recording the soundtrack. Lastly, there is additional footage, which helps enhance the story with some good character and plot information. The additional footage is incorporated into this extended cut or can be accessed separately. A digital copy of the .
Even if you never saw the show, Sex and the City - The Movie stands firmly on it own for new viewers. It provides an interesting and engrossing story, wonderful acting, and many touching moments. If you loved the movie as much as I did, you will buy the DVD right away and place it on the shelf next to your collection of all of the television episodes.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Petticoat Junction: The Official First Season
Written by Hombre Divertido
In 1963 Paul Henning was basking in the glow of one of the most successful situation comedies of all-time, The Beverly Hillbillies, which he had created. He took the simple fish-out-of-water premise of a country family striking it rich and moving to Beverly Hills and turned it into a rating smash. In 1965 Henning would reverse the premise, and send an affluent lawyer and his ditsy wife from Park Avenue, New York to live in the country, and would strike ratings gold again with Green Acres.
In between these two juggernauts, Henning also launched Petticoat Junction. A simple show based on the childhood memories of Henning’s wife. Petticoat Junction starred Bea Benadaret as Kate Bradley, the mother of three beautiful girls, Billie Joe (Jeannine Riley), Bobbie Joe (Pat Woodell), and Betty Joe (Linda Kaye Henning) who ran the Shady Rest Hotel along with Kate’s Uncle Joe (Edgar Buchanan). The Shady Rest was located just outside of Hooterville, and could be accessed by a ride on the Cannonball, which was part of the C&FW Railroad.
Despite a shaky premise for a series, substantial cast turnover, and a first season full of episodes with thin plots, America embraced this show depicting a simple life, and it lasted for seven years. On December 16th 2008, CBS will release all thirty-eight episodes of the first season.
The cast is solid in this kindhearted series, but the characters are not quite fleshed out yet, and the writing in the first season lacks depth, and often makes little sense. What this new release may lack in comedy writing, it certainly makes up for in bonus material.
Whereas CBS has made a habit of releasing series from the sixties with no bonus material, there is some fun and informative extras here. Each episode includes an optional introduction by original cast members Pat Woodell, and Linda Kaye Henning (daughter of show creator Paul Henning). Their brief introductions, which occasionally include memories of the filming, are as charming as the show itself. Other extras include in-depth interviews with Ms. Woodell and Ms. Henning, an interview with Paul Henning, original sponsor spots featuring cast members, and a photo gallery. Ms. Woodell and Ms. Henning provide introductions to all the extras and for all intents and purposes serve as hosts and guides for this trip down memory lane. You can applaud CBS for making the viewing of previews for its other releases optional when loading the discs.
Some of the episodes are fun, especially “The Ladybugs” in which Uncle Joe attempts to capitalize on Beatlemania by forming a rock group with his nieces. It’s fun to watch the girls don wigs, and rock out, but like many other episodes in this first season, it is the performances that make this episode enjoyable, as the plot and details are extremely weak.
Along with the talented cast, the first season also includes some fun guest appearances by a pre-Batman Adam West, Ken Osmond from Leave it to Beaver, and a young Dennis Hopper.
Recommendation: Petticoat Junction has always had a strong and loyal following, and though the first season was certainly not the best of the series, the insightful bonus material makes this new release well worth owning.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2
Written by Pollo Misterioso
The title of this film immediately connotes “chick flick.” Not only does it seem to be a movie only about women, there is a magical element that refers to jeans that can travel. But there is something much more to Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 and it isn’t just that it is the sequel. This film is a wonderful testament to young women and the relationships that they have, even if it does connect them by a pair of pants that can fit them all.
Based off the book Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood writer Ann Brashares has allowed her second novel to be auctioned into the second Sisterhood movie. Directed by Sanaa Hamri and with its original cast, including Blake Lively (Gossip Girl) and America Ferrera (Ugly Betty), with some new faces, the story stays true to the friendship between the four girls, picking up right where it had left off.
Carmen (Ferrera) is that familiar narrator that ties the story together, struggling to keep her friends close as they all go separate ways for the summer. With a short montage in the beginning of the film, we find out where these girls have gone—all to different colleges, pursuing different things. Tibby (Amber Tamblyn) is at NYU and has to stay there over summer to re-take a screenwriting class. Lena (Alexis Bledel) is back from Greece and is taking a life-drawing art class for the summer. Bridget (Lively) is off to Turkey for an archeological dig, leaving Carmen to go to a theater workshop as a stagehand so that she will not be alone all summer.
The pants play a very minor role this time around. They are still mailed to each girl in a certain rotation, connecting their storylines and only slightly referencing the magic that occurs from wearing them. Apparently when the pants are worn, they work in mysterious ways, not only being that they fit each girl, but helpful—as when Tibby has a pregnancy scare; she wears them and soon after gets her period. Lena is faced with her old love, Kostas, reappearing in her life after she finds out that he had been married and then later divorced. Bridget wears the pants in Turkey and realizes the importance of family and that she must reconnect with her father and grandmother. Carmen takes on a new role as the lead actress in the summer production, battling with mixed emotions about her friends and her needs.
Refreshing to most female-oriented films are the problems that these girls face, separately—coming together and reaching out when they need help from one another. There are family problems, relationship bumps, and personal struggles challenging each one of these girls as they are trying to find themselves. But however far apart they are, they always stay connected, not through pants, but a female bond that cannot be so easily worn.
Life is not always picture-perfect, as many chick-flicks have it seem, and Sisterhood 2 captures moments and fears that are realistic and therefore they are heartfelt and redeeming. The tagline for this film is “some friends just fit together” and like your favorite pair of jeans, true friends are reliable, comfortable, and perfect even with all the flaws.
The DVD extras include a funny gag reel that is fun to watch if you really enjoy watching how close the girls got on set. There is a deleted scenes feature that the director introduces, making it interesting to hear why they decided to cut or ever why they shot the particular scene. The most interesting featurette would have to be the documentation of how they decided to add the final scene into the film. It is the cliff jump and I’ll just say that it came from real life before it was put on screen.
The title of this film immediately connotes “chick flick.” Not only does it seem to be a movie only about women, there is a magical element that refers to jeans that can travel. But there is something much more to Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 and it isn’t just that it is the sequel. This film is a wonderful testament to young women and the relationships that they have, even if it does connect them by a pair of pants that can fit them all.
Based off the book Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood writer Ann Brashares has allowed her second novel to be auctioned into the second Sisterhood movie. Directed by Sanaa Hamri and with its original cast, including Blake Lively (Gossip Girl) and America Ferrera (Ugly Betty), with some new faces, the story stays true to the friendship between the four girls, picking up right where it had left off.
Carmen (Ferrera) is that familiar narrator that ties the story together, struggling to keep her friends close as they all go separate ways for the summer. With a short montage in the beginning of the film, we find out where these girls have gone—all to different colleges, pursuing different things. Tibby (Amber Tamblyn) is at NYU and has to stay there over summer to re-take a screenwriting class. Lena (Alexis Bledel) is back from Greece and is taking a life-drawing art class for the summer. Bridget (Lively) is off to Turkey for an archeological dig, leaving Carmen to go to a theater workshop as a stagehand so that she will not be alone all summer.
The pants play a very minor role this time around. They are still mailed to each girl in a certain rotation, connecting their storylines and only slightly referencing the magic that occurs from wearing them. Apparently when the pants are worn, they work in mysterious ways, not only being that they fit each girl, but helpful—as when Tibby has a pregnancy scare; she wears them and soon after gets her period. Lena is faced with her old love, Kostas, reappearing in her life after she finds out that he had been married and then later divorced. Bridget wears the pants in Turkey and realizes the importance of family and that she must reconnect with her father and grandmother. Carmen takes on a new role as the lead actress in the summer production, battling with mixed emotions about her friends and her needs.
Refreshing to most female-oriented films are the problems that these girls face, separately—coming together and reaching out when they need help from one another. There are family problems, relationship bumps, and personal struggles challenging each one of these girls as they are trying to find themselves. But however far apart they are, they always stay connected, not through pants, but a female bond that cannot be so easily worn.
Life is not always picture-perfect, as many chick-flicks have it seem, and Sisterhood 2 captures moments and fears that are realistic and therefore they are heartfelt and redeeming. The tagline for this film is “some friends just fit together” and like your favorite pair of jeans, true friends are reliable, comfortable, and perfect even with all the flaws.
The DVD extras include a funny gag reel that is fun to watch if you really enjoy watching how close the girls got on set. There is a deleted scenes feature that the director introduces, making it interesting to hear why they decided to cut or ever why they shot the particular scene. The most interesting featurette would have to be the documentation of how they decided to add the final scene into the film. It is the cliff jump and I’ll just say that it came from real life before it was put on screen.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Shock Festival by Stephen Romano
Written by Fantasma el Rey
Romano writing is easy to read and makes the subject appealing for those that may not have a big interest in such movies. For those of us that dig this whacked-out, creepy, over-the-top, oddball “art,” the book is fascinating and reads at a quick pace. The pages are filled with photos and reprints of the posters that Romano has plastered all over his office walls, desk, ceiling, and, I believe, floor. He includes pictures of the office and his living room to verify that it is indeed plushed out so. The photos interject perfectly while not blocking or disrupting the text. The subject matter is kept at a digestible length as said photos spur you on to the next page. I would call it a page-turner but as I received an electronic copy the “book” kept me scrolling down to the next page.
The book covers too much material and way too many people to mention them all but a few names that stuck out and are repeated time and again include a particular Roc Benson (who starred in many of his own films as well as wrote, directed, and produced them) while a bunch of others where produced by Jayne Juanita Chance. Many of the chosen flicks star a dashing young man named Scott “Jetskie” Michelle along with the super-hot Natalya “Natalie” Ustinov. Some of these films I want to watch for her alone, well along with the fact that these films have interesting names that span many genres.
Popular genres range from space epics a la Star Wars to slashers and zombies pics right alongside cops, gangsters, monsters, mutants, barbarians (think Conan), bad girls exposed, and of course blaxploitation. I won’t even mention the titles of the last category but from some of the others we have great ones like Starfire and Raygun, Shark Hunters, The Wrong Idea, and for westerns with a twist we have Judge Blackheart and my personal favorite Nunslinger. That’s right, they did her wrong and she’s after an eye for an eye. I must find these films, I must, I must. Seriously. Wait, wait! I left out Lone Star Living Dead Axe Maniac Showdown. How could I forget that one? It’s like the father of them all. Zombies and axes; crazy shit I tell ya.
Anyway, ghoulies and creepy sorts, if gory, racy, kick-ass monster art is what you’re wanting to see and read about then go out and hunt up Stephen Romano’s Shock Festival. You won’t be disappointed with its “over 600 exclusive images including still photos and other rare memorabilia.”
Jake and the Fatman: Season One, Volume Two
Written by Senora Bicho
Jake and the Fatman aired on CBS from 1987-1992. The crime drama stars William Conrad as J.L. “Fatman” McCabe, a Los Angeles District Attorney, and Joe Penny as his private investigator/sidekick Jake Styles. The series is a loose spin-off; Conrad played a similair character, district attorney James L. McShane on two episodes of Matlock. Jake and the Fatman spawned a spin-off of its own when Dick Van Dyke guest starred in Season Four, which resulted in Diagnosis Murder. TV trivia fans should keep that under their hat.
McCabe is a hardnosed police officer turned district attorney. He is a tough old bird who is stubborn and stuck in his ways. Styles is handsome, easy going, and quite the ladies’ man. Their personalities often clash as they try to solve the toughest of crimes. In Volume Two of Season One the crimes include, rape, theft, and lots of murder. All of the episodes start off with the crime taking place and the home viewer as an eyewitness. Then, it is up to Jake and McCabe to figure it out.
I have never been a fan of this format; I like to try and figure it out the mystery along with the crime fighters. I find it boring and anti-climatic but some viewers may enjoy waiting to see how the criminal messes up. It is also interesting to now watch a crime show that is devoid of forensics. Here, gut instinct and hunch detective work are the crime-solving methods and they usually work.
Season One was comprised of 23 episodes, this DVD collection contains the last 11, which aired from January through April 1988. The only extra included in the DVD collection is episodic promos for a select number of episodes.
If you never watched the show or are not a fan, I really see no reason to start now. There are so many better, more interesting crime shows worth trying out first. However, this is a non-graphic, simpler drama, so if you like the older style crime dramas in the vein of Murder She Wrote, Magnum P.I. or Matlock this just might be the show for you.
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (3-Disc Collector's Edition)
This worthy sequel to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe gets the royal treatment as the 3-disc collectors edition from Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media hits shelves Tuesday December 2nd.
Our four stars are back as is equally important director Andrew Adamson whose ability to bring the work of C.S. Lewis to life is indispensable to the success of the series. Yes, the innocence is gone in this sequel and the story is much more simple as our experienced and restless warriors return to Narnia, but the pacing in this second outing is much quicker, and there is certainly more action.
Our heroes, Georgie Henley (Lucy), Skandar Keynes (Edmund), Anna Popplewell (Susan), and William Moseley (Peter) have only been back in our world for a year, but 1300 years have passed in Narnia when they are summoned back by Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) who is fleeing for his life from his evil uncle Miraz (Sergio Castellitto), who is out to secure the throne for himself and eventually his son. Caspian is befriended by the long-thought-extinct Narnian creatures that have been in hiding, and he and our four heroes lead the Narnians in an epic battle against Miraz and his mighty army.
Though the violence in the film may be too much for young children, a clear effort has been made to insure that the result of the deadly blows remains just out of the range of the camera.
The bonus material in this new release will have you longing to visit the sites where the film was shot as much as seeing the movie will make one long for a visit to Narnia. The in-depth documentaries cover not only the computer visualization of the film prior to a single frame being shot, but the extraordinarily beautiful locations, the numerous logistic and environmental challenges faced by individuals and the team as a whole, and the choreography of the exciting duel between Peter and Miraz as well.
The standard blooper reel leaves something to be desired and for the most part it is clear why the deleted scenes were indeed cut, but the audio commentary by Adamson is extremely informative as he pulls us into the process of storytelling here as well as throughout all the bonus material.
Recommendation: With the film itself running at a healthy 149 minutes, there is enough bonus material to keep the whole family entertained for an entire rainy afternoon, and the digital copy that is included will be great for road trips. Fans of the first installment may grow impatient waiting for Aslan to return, but his arrival and the subsequent scene with Lucy are well worth waiting for. As long as the parents are aware of the violent nature, there are enough cute characters, and light humor to keep all entertained.
Our four stars are back as is equally important director Andrew Adamson whose ability to bring the work of C.S. Lewis to life is indispensable to the success of the series. Yes, the innocence is gone in this sequel and the story is much more simple as our experienced and restless warriors return to Narnia, but the pacing in this second outing is much quicker, and there is certainly more action.
Our heroes, Georgie Henley (Lucy), Skandar Keynes (Edmund), Anna Popplewell (Susan), and William Moseley (Peter) have only been back in our world for a year, but 1300 years have passed in Narnia when they are summoned back by Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) who is fleeing for his life from his evil uncle Miraz (Sergio Castellitto), who is out to secure the throne for himself and eventually his son. Caspian is befriended by the long-thought-extinct Narnian creatures that have been in hiding, and he and our four heroes lead the Narnians in an epic battle against Miraz and his mighty army.
Though the violence in the film may be too much for young children, a clear effort has been made to insure that the result of the deadly blows remains just out of the range of the camera.
The bonus material in this new release will have you longing to visit the sites where the film was shot as much as seeing the movie will make one long for a visit to Narnia. The in-depth documentaries cover not only the computer visualization of the film prior to a single frame being shot, but the extraordinarily beautiful locations, the numerous logistic and environmental challenges faced by individuals and the team as a whole, and the choreography of the exciting duel between Peter and Miraz as well.
The standard blooper reel leaves something to be desired and for the most part it is clear why the deleted scenes were indeed cut, but the audio commentary by Adamson is extremely informative as he pulls us into the process of storytelling here as well as throughout all the bonus material.
Recommendation: With the film itself running at a healthy 149 minutes, there is enough bonus material to keep the whole family entertained for an entire rainy afternoon, and the digital copy that is included will be great for road trips. Fans of the first installment may grow impatient waiting for Aslan to return, but his arrival and the subsequent scene with Lucy are well worth waiting for. As long as the parents are aware of the violent nature, there are enough cute characters, and light humor to keep all entertained.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. - The Final Season
Written by Hombre Divertido
Whether it was because CBS was canceling all its rural comedies, or because the simple fish-out-of-water premise that served as the basis for Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. had run its course, the fifth season was the last for this classic series. All 30 episodes of the final season, which ran until September 1970, are available on a four-disc set. Though the episodes look and sound great, and the chemistry between Gomer (Jim Nabors) and Sgt.Vince Carter (Frank Sutton) still plays well, some of the stories are tired and appear to be retreads of previous efforts.
There are some wonderful guest appearances by Carol Burnett, Rob Reiner, and Ellen Corby in this season, but considering that our stars took a trip to Hollywood, which was a very common practice for sit-coms of that era, we certainly should have expected some cameos. Unfortunately there is little star-power in the four-part trip to Hollywood. It’s fun to spot a young Jamie Farr and Barry Williams, and the legendary George Fenneman and Sheldon Leonard, but considering that our Marines were in Hollywood to shoot a movie and most of the four episodes took place at a movie studio, one would certainly be justified in asking where all the stars were.
The fifth season also marks the return of Ronnie Schell as Duke Slater. Duke, who had formerly been a member of the platoon and a good friend of Gomer’s, returns as the company’s new corporal. Though the return of Schell certainly added energy to the show, the lack of growth in our characters was showing by the fifth season and it ended with little fanfare. A thirty-minute episode with a few flashbacks, serves as the ending of the series, but more importantly shows us the Sergeant Carter does indeed care about Gomer, as he arranges to keep him right where he is. Though heartfelt, the writers might have been better suited to promote Gomer long before the end of the series, than to leave him where he was. There were no longer any regulars amongst the platoon for Gomer to play off of as there had been in pervious years, and thus the stories had to rest solely on the shoulders of our two stars. As talented as they were, some growth would have helped.
Allan Melvin made regular appearances as Sergeant Hacker, and though his character will always be appreciated, it forced the stories to be more about his competition with Sergeant Carter, and how Gomer was the pawn, rather than Gomer being at the forefront of the stories.
Sure, this was a show with a simple premise, but five seasons and 150 episodes is an accomplishment for any show. Casting was the key to the success here. Though the loss of Gomer to The Andy Griffith Show was certainly felt, both faired well after the departure.
Recommendation: Perhaps not the best season of the series, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. - The Final Season is certainly still worth owning. Nabors and Sutton continue to give a lesson in comedic teaming and timing that makes the show worth watching for comedy fans of all ages. Some bonus material certainly would have made this set more attractive, but it remains a solid addition to any collection.
Whether it was because CBS was canceling all its rural comedies, or because the simple fish-out-of-water premise that served as the basis for Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. had run its course, the fifth season was the last for this classic series. All 30 episodes of the final season, which ran until September 1970, are available on a four-disc set. Though the episodes look and sound great, and the chemistry between Gomer (Jim Nabors) and Sgt.Vince Carter (Frank Sutton) still plays well, some of the stories are tired and appear to be retreads of previous efforts.
There are some wonderful guest appearances by Carol Burnett, Rob Reiner, and Ellen Corby in this season, but considering that our stars took a trip to Hollywood, which was a very common practice for sit-coms of that era, we certainly should have expected some cameos. Unfortunately there is little star-power in the four-part trip to Hollywood. It’s fun to spot a young Jamie Farr and Barry Williams, and the legendary George Fenneman and Sheldon Leonard, but considering that our Marines were in Hollywood to shoot a movie and most of the four episodes took place at a movie studio, one would certainly be justified in asking where all the stars were.
The fifth season also marks the return of Ronnie Schell as Duke Slater. Duke, who had formerly been a member of the platoon and a good friend of Gomer’s, returns as the company’s new corporal. Though the return of Schell certainly added energy to the show, the lack of growth in our characters was showing by the fifth season and it ended with little fanfare. A thirty-minute episode with a few flashbacks, serves as the ending of the series, but more importantly shows us the Sergeant Carter does indeed care about Gomer, as he arranges to keep him right where he is. Though heartfelt, the writers might have been better suited to promote Gomer long before the end of the series, than to leave him where he was. There were no longer any regulars amongst the platoon for Gomer to play off of as there had been in pervious years, and thus the stories had to rest solely on the shoulders of our two stars. As talented as they were, some growth would have helped.
Allan Melvin made regular appearances as Sergeant Hacker, and though his character will always be appreciated, it forced the stories to be more about his competition with Sergeant Carter, and how Gomer was the pawn, rather than Gomer being at the forefront of the stories.
Sure, this was a show with a simple premise, but five seasons and 150 episodes is an accomplishment for any show. Casting was the key to the success here. Though the loss of Gomer to The Andy Griffith Show was certainly felt, both faired well after the departure.
Recommendation: Perhaps not the best season of the series, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. - The Final Season is certainly still worth owning. Nabors and Sutton continue to give a lesson in comedic teaming and timing that makes the show worth watching for comedy fans of all ages. Some bonus material certainly would have made this set more attractive, but it remains a solid addition to any collection.
Friday, November 28, 2008
WALL·E (Three-Disc Special Edition)
Written by Pollo Misterioso
Pixar films have a way of making the familiar, unfamiliar; creating unknown worlds around the ordinary. With Toy Story we entered into the world of the children’s playroom, with Finding Nemo we journeyed underwater where marine life lives like humans but without them, and in A Bug’s Life where the smallest of insects can do the greatest things. Within these beautifully animated worlds, there are always lovable characters that are driven by instinct and simple desires, forming an intricate story that relies on the basics of storytelling and WALL·E is no different, presenting our world as we have never seen it -- hundreds of years into the future, where robots have more humane instincts than us and we can no longer inhabit Earth because of pollution.
WALL·E stands for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth class -- and his job is to clean up Earth. He is one of the last robots on Earth compacting the trash that has overrun the planet and made humans live on cruise ships in space. Already a very sentimental and caring robot, he finds new inspiration when EVE comes to Earth. She is a robot designed to find life on Earth, making it habitable again. When WALL·E shows her a plant, she shuts down to be picked up and taken to space—where WALL·E ends up following her. EVE’s directive is to deliver the plant, but this would cause the ship to return to Earth and the robots are under different orders.
It is here on the ship that we are given a glimpse of life hundreds of years in the future, when humans are dependent upon robots and technology. The main narrative follows the two robots on the ship, but weaved around it are clear criticisms of our culture as we see what life is like in the future. Everything to eat comes in a cup, nobody walks anymore as they are hover-crafted around -- making the body turn into a giant jellybean, and all communication occurs on a screen in front of you. In a world where technology is cutting more corners, these images hover over you causing you to really think about our own lives. But this movie never alienates or offends the viewer, something that only Disney/Pixar films are able to get away with.
Within this world WALL·E reminds us of the simpler things, even how important handholding can be. His directive changes after he has met EVE, following and protecting her because she gives him hope for love. One of the most beautiful and classic scenes takes place between WALL·E and EVE as they dance in space. They take something familiar and very human and transfer it between machines that are more life-like than people. It is here that they share a spark -- literally touching in a way that connects them by an electrical charge. What looks to be our equivalent to a kiss, it is represented as a deeper connection between two things. Classic.
The story aside, this film is visually incredible. The detail and perspective just in the beginning of the film gives a haunting and desolate look at our Earth. This little machine is the only form of life that maneuvers through the waste (of course he does have another companion who is a cockroach). The first third of the film is without dialogue, relying solely on images and sounds created by our character, developing WALL·E through his actions and movements. Never removing himself from the world created around him, everything is new to us, the way that it is new to WALL·E. His collection of trinkets and “trash” fascinate and amuse him, making his job worth while everyday. It’s funny when he has no idea where to place the spork he has taken home; it is not a fork, not a spoon.
And that is what this film is about: discovery. WALL·E’s understanding of “love” comes from the videotape Hello, Dolly and holding hands—but he soon learns that it takes a lot to get there and EVE also learns that “that is all that love is about.” WALL·E is a simple love story that is pleasing in everyway. But being that Pixar is so crafty, there are deeper and more universal themes that run throughout. Every little detail makes this film fun to watch again and again. So let’s learn something from these robots and enjoy the simpler things.
For those that loved this film, I suggest getting the DVD because the extras are absolutely wonderful. In the 3-disc Special Edition it comes with the film, a bonus disc with more special features and a digital copy that can be uploaded to computers and portable devices. The Bonus features on the first disc are some of my favorite. They include a short film called “BURN·E” which follows the robot BURN·E after he gets locked out of the ship. His story aligns with the narrative in the original film, expanding on what else is going on in the ship. “Presto” is the short film that played before WALL·E in theaters and is one of my favorite Pixar shorts. There are four other featurettes on this disk, including deleted scenes, a tour of the universe, and audio commentary. What I found most interesting was the “Animation Sound Design: Building Worlds from the Sound Up.” This explains the intense work that went into making this film. It is really fascinating for anyone that is interested in how they make sounds for films and cartoons.
The second disc is separated for families and for film lovers. There are additional deleted scenes and a section on Buy n Large shorts, giving a background story on how it began. The “Behind the Scenes” feature has six different shorts that explain different parts of the movie, including the score and WALL·E and EVE. One of the best features on this disk is an entire second documentary film called The Pixar Story which shows the beginning of Pixar and its collaboration with Disney. This is a very informative and fun documentary to watch for any Disney fan. For families, the fun featurettes include “Bot Files” which introduce all of the robots, “Lots of Bots” which is a storybook read-along for kids, and my favorite “WALL·E’s Treasures and Trinkets” which are a collection of shorts with WALL·E and all of his gadgets -- it is very funny and worth watching.
Pixar films have a way of making the familiar, unfamiliar; creating unknown worlds around the ordinary. With Toy Story we entered into the world of the children’s playroom, with Finding Nemo we journeyed underwater where marine life lives like humans but without them, and in A Bug’s Life where the smallest of insects can do the greatest things. Within these beautifully animated worlds, there are always lovable characters that are driven by instinct and simple desires, forming an intricate story that relies on the basics of storytelling and WALL·E is no different, presenting our world as we have never seen it -- hundreds of years into the future, where robots have more humane instincts than us and we can no longer inhabit Earth because of pollution.
WALL·E stands for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth class -- and his job is to clean up Earth. He is one of the last robots on Earth compacting the trash that has overrun the planet and made humans live on cruise ships in space. Already a very sentimental and caring robot, he finds new inspiration when EVE comes to Earth. She is a robot designed to find life on Earth, making it habitable again. When WALL·E shows her a plant, she shuts down to be picked up and taken to space—where WALL·E ends up following her. EVE’s directive is to deliver the plant, but this would cause the ship to return to Earth and the robots are under different orders.
It is here on the ship that we are given a glimpse of life hundreds of years in the future, when humans are dependent upon robots and technology. The main narrative follows the two robots on the ship, but weaved around it are clear criticisms of our culture as we see what life is like in the future. Everything to eat comes in a cup, nobody walks anymore as they are hover-crafted around -- making the body turn into a giant jellybean, and all communication occurs on a screen in front of you. In a world where technology is cutting more corners, these images hover over you causing you to really think about our own lives. But this movie never alienates or offends the viewer, something that only Disney/Pixar films are able to get away with.
Within this world WALL·E reminds us of the simpler things, even how important handholding can be. His directive changes after he has met EVE, following and protecting her because she gives him hope for love. One of the most beautiful and classic scenes takes place between WALL·E and EVE as they dance in space. They take something familiar and very human and transfer it between machines that are more life-like than people. It is here that they share a spark -- literally touching in a way that connects them by an electrical charge. What looks to be our equivalent to a kiss, it is represented as a deeper connection between two things. Classic.
The story aside, this film is visually incredible. The detail and perspective just in the beginning of the film gives a haunting and desolate look at our Earth. This little machine is the only form of life that maneuvers through the waste (of course he does have another companion who is a cockroach). The first third of the film is without dialogue, relying solely on images and sounds created by our character, developing WALL·E through his actions and movements. Never removing himself from the world created around him, everything is new to us, the way that it is new to WALL·E. His collection of trinkets and “trash” fascinate and amuse him, making his job worth while everyday. It’s funny when he has no idea where to place the spork he has taken home; it is not a fork, not a spoon.
And that is what this film is about: discovery. WALL·E’s understanding of “love” comes from the videotape Hello, Dolly and holding hands—but he soon learns that it takes a lot to get there and EVE also learns that “that is all that love is about.” WALL·E is a simple love story that is pleasing in everyway. But being that Pixar is so crafty, there are deeper and more universal themes that run throughout. Every little detail makes this film fun to watch again and again. So let’s learn something from these robots and enjoy the simpler things.
For those that loved this film, I suggest getting the DVD because the extras are absolutely wonderful. In the 3-disc Special Edition it comes with the film, a bonus disc with more special features and a digital copy that can be uploaded to computers and portable devices. The Bonus features on the first disc are some of my favorite. They include a short film called “BURN·E” which follows the robot BURN·E after he gets locked out of the ship. His story aligns with the narrative in the original film, expanding on what else is going on in the ship. “Presto” is the short film that played before WALL·E in theaters and is one of my favorite Pixar shorts. There are four other featurettes on this disk, including deleted scenes, a tour of the universe, and audio commentary. What I found most interesting was the “Animation Sound Design: Building Worlds from the Sound Up.” This explains the intense work that went into making this film. It is really fascinating for anyone that is interested in how they make sounds for films and cartoons.
The second disc is separated for families and for film lovers. There are additional deleted scenes and a section on Buy n Large shorts, giving a background story on how it began. The “Behind the Scenes” feature has six different shorts that explain different parts of the movie, including the score and WALL·E and EVE. One of the best features on this disk is an entire second documentary film called The Pixar Story which shows the beginning of Pixar and its collaboration with Disney. This is a very informative and fun documentary to watch for any Disney fan. For families, the fun featurettes include “Bot Files” which introduce all of the robots, “Lots of Bots” which is a storybook read-along for kids, and my favorite “WALL·E’s Treasures and Trinkets” which are a collection of shorts with WALL·E and all of his gadgets -- it is very funny and worth watching.
Monday, November 24, 2008
SABRINA: The Centennial Collection (1954)
Written by Musgo Del Jefe
Ten years before she would play Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Audrey Hepburn transformed herself from the daughter of a chauffeur to a sophisticated woman as the lead in Sabrina. This DVD release is one of three new releases in the new Paramount Centennial Collection. Also part of this initial release are other 1950s classics, Sunset Boulevard and Hepuburn's initial introduction to American audiences, Roman Holiday.
The plot of Sabrina seems very dated at first glance. Hepburn plays Sabrina Fairchild, the daughter of a chauffeur to the rich Larrabee family on Long Island. Sabrina is in love with the young, playboy David (played by William Holden). But she is ignored by him to the point that she attempts a suicide. This initial plot twist seems very melodramatic and seems extreme based on only one illustration of Sabrina being snubbed by David. Nor do we see any reason that David would be such an attractive catch.
Sabrina is accidentally rescued by David's older brother, Linus Larrabee (played by Humphrey Bogart). Bogart is eleven years removed from his role in Casablanca and shows every bit of his 54 years in his face and demeanor. He seems too far removed from William Holden, who seems much more of a romantic choice at the age of 36. Even a slightly younger Cary Grant (the first choice to play Linus) would have seemed more plausible.
Sabrina is sent off to Paris to attend culinary school. Once again, these scenes seem a little hurried. It's too bad because they are some of the better comedic scenes of the film. Sabrina's transition from young girl to sophisticated woman are only quickly glanced. I would like to have witnessed more of her change in Paris and some of the characters that helped this happen.
Her return to Long Island sets the main plot into action. Sabrina's new found sophistication is illustrated by the great Edith Head costumes that she wears. She immediately attracts the attention of David, who is already betrothed to another socialite. Linus steps in to entertain Sabrina while David recovers from an injury and tries to extricate himself from his impending nuptials. In the meantime, the worst kept secret from the viewers is that Linus is falling in love with Sabrina. He may not want to admit it but it's unmistakable and really could've been acted a little better.
The film finishes with a flourish as Sabrina is headed to Paris - either alone or with one of the the Larrabee brothers. Since this is Hollywood in the 1950s, you know that it won't be alone, but what brother will win out in the end? The one thing that keeps this film from becoming a sappy, run-of-the-mill 1950s Hollywood romance is Billy Wilder's directing. Wilder is in the middle of an incredible run of films in this decade. He's just come off Sunset Boulevard (starring William Holden) and the incredible Stalag 17 (also with Holden) and he's going to follow this up with The Seven Year Itch, Witness For the Prosecution and Some Like It Hot before the '50s end.
Wilder believes in the power of words over style. His direction is simple and very effective in a story like this. The black and white environment of Long Island and of the business world of New York are very rich in texture. But the shots are not obtrusive. The camera rarely moves and holds on characters long enough to see dialog and reaction. In a romance, this can be of utmost importance. And that's where Hepburn completely outshines her co-stars. Holden and Bogart feel a little cast against type. This is not the Holden from Stalag 17 nor Sunset Boulevard, he seems a little one-dimensional as the playboy brother. Bogart feels way out of his league as the hard businessman with a sensitive soul. But somehow Hepburn's combination of innocence and sophistication brings out the best in both men, in the end. Audrey Hepburn shines in a way that few actresses ever do and you can't take your eyes off of her in any scene. Her vibrancy makes her attempted suicide seem even more out of character.
This release comes with some interesting extras but not the type I would expect for such an important film in the Paramount collection. There are no commentaries. Instead, you do get some generic documentaries about Hepburn's Fashion, a good feature on the supporting cast, an interesting piece on the career of William Holden that should have been twice as long and a few others. Many of these feel like they could be generically placed on any film of this Centennial Collection.
Overall, the film doesn't feel as dated as it seems. The lead female has more depth than expected. She is not going to be manipulated by the brothers. Audrey Hepburn steals the show with her energy. The older men can only hope to shine in her brilliance. Sabrina's father instructs her, "Don't reach for the moon." She hits the nail on the head when she corrects him, "The moon is reaching for me."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)