DVD Talk: July 2013 Archives

This week the DVD Savant has a number of new reviews and articles including: Sleepless in Seattle - Norah Ephron turns out a gem, a transcendent romance from the classic mold, that also examines why old weepie Chick Flick romance movies are so enjoyable; Summer and Smoke - Geraldine Page, Laurence Harvey, Rita Moreno and Pamela Tiffin enliven this hot 'n' bothered Tennessee Williams adaptation about a Southern Belle clashing with the man of her dreams, who just won't stop catting around; and The Silver Chalice - Paul Newman feared that his first film might be his last - this arty, awkward and often unintentionally funny Biblical epic casts him as a silversmith fashioning a holder for the last cup Jesus drank from. Read all this and more in this week's DVD Savant.

There are some pretty good sets and movies that are being released this week. Check out these new titles: The Fog [review] - a damn fine film and an especially accomplished ghost story... this new Blu-ray features a wonderful transfer as well as a host of revealing extras; Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season Four [review] - this season serves up a handful of top-tier classics and more than its fair share of durable, consistently strong episodes that have aged quite well during the last three decades; and Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh [review] - very nicely shot and well put together with a story this is interesting and genuinely eerie, this one turns out to be a surprisingly effective movie. Other reviews of note include G.I. Joe: Retaliation [review], The Angry Beavers: The Complete Series [review], and The Incredible Melting Man [review]. Be sure to check out our DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

The DVD Talk Review panel has been busy cranking out the reviews. Check out these recetn entries: The Ice Storm - a brilliantly-made tale of suburban ennui and generational disillusion that is simply timeless; A Boy And His Dog - a science fiction film with more than enough invention and personality to transcend its exploitative nature; and Hands of the Ripper - this Hammer horror film is far better-produced and more ambitious than most of the company's films of the 1970s. Other recent reviews include: The Brigand, Masquerade, and Pieta. Visit the DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

The 18th Annual San Freancisco Silent Film Festival

DVD Talk writer John Sinnott attended the San Francisco Silent Film Festival last week that was held on July 18-21 in the historic Castro Theater. This year's event screened a wonderful mix of popular classics including Harold Lloyd's hilarious Safety Last and G. W. Pabst's powerful Joyless Street as well as some more obscure films from the era that were equally good such as Yasujiro Ozu's Tokyo Chorus and Louise Brooks final starring role in a feature, Prix de Beaute. Featuring wonderful live music by excellent musicians such as the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra as pianist extraordinary Stephen Horn, this is the best way to enjoy the earliest days of cinema. Read John's entire coverage here, and make plans to attend next year's festival.

Planning a trip to the local multiplex this weekend? Here are DVDTalk's reviews of the latest theatrical releases: The Wolverine - Forget that there was an earlier Wolverine movie... this one shows that they've got it figured out and Hugh Jackman is the best he's ever been; I'm So Excited - this film is shot with director Pedro AlmodÃ³var's trademark candy-coated irreverence, and performed with such perverse glee, you'll likely find it a real challenge not to enjoy yourself; and Drinking Buddies - the movie isn't too funny and the drama doesn't always deliver, but both the characters and the actors are quite strong. Other recent films include: The Conjuring, Pacific Rim, The Lone Ranger , Despicable Me 2, The Way, Way Back, Monsters University, World War Z, Much Ado About Nothing, and Man of Steel. Check out these, and more, in DVDTalk's Theatrical Review section.

TV on DVD remains very popular with more and more favorites being released. New TV reviews include: Kimba the White Lion - this American adaptation of a Japanese cartoon is surprisingly sophisticated, honest about jungle and has a weightiness that still impresses; Fridays: The Best Of - a 16-episode best-of collection of ABC's answer to Saturday Night Live, the show may be hit-and-miss but it's fascinating just the same ; and Bonanza: The Official Sixth Season, Volume 1 - The Cartwrights continue to ride the range in this extras-filled release of the 1960's most successful TV series. Other shows recently reviewed include: Web Therapy: The Complete Second Season, Quincy, M.E. - Season 6, and Mountain Men: Season 1. Want more? Check out all of the TV on DVD reviews in the DVDTalk database.

This week the DVD Savant has a number of new reviews and articles including: Lord of the Flies - Stage legend Peter Brook tackles William Golding's ferocious novel about school kids reverting to savagery, filming on a shoestring in B&W on an island off Puerto Rico. Working with non-actors and minus special effects (or even lights), the film conveys most of the impact of the book; A Boy and His Dog - Adapted from a story by Harlan Ellison, this adult Sci-fi from L.Q. Jones shapes up as perhaps the first fully imagined tale of life in a post-apocalyptic future; and The Cat and the Fiddle - Jeanette MacDonald's first MGM film pairs her with the charming Ramon Novarro in a simple yet endearing musical romance. They're competing composer-singers that form a perfect union, only to be split up by an amorous patron of the arts. Read all this and more in this week's DVD Savant.

Babette's Feast: The Criterion Collection

It's a bit of a slow week, but there are still a few new releases that you won't want to miss. Check out these new titles: Babette's Feast: The Criterion Collection [review] - a movie that is a banquet for the eyes... an elegantly complex cinematic indulgence; Mystery Science Theater 3000: XXVII [review] - three solid, hilarious episodes of the venerable trash cinema yukfest, plus an entertaining curiosity from the first season... highly recommended; and Trance [review] - director Danny Boyle crafts a unique piece of filmmaking that is also a solid thriller. Be sure to check out our DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

Some cool discs have been reviewed over the past week. Check out these recent entries: Help! - The Beatles second film, this one in color, is a feast for the senses and one of the great films of the 1960s ; Foolish Wives - Erich von Stroheim writes, directs, and stars in this 1922 silent drama which is a masterful study of emotional manipulation; and Street Trash (Special Meltdown Edition) - A tremendously unique cult classic with a drop-dead gorgeous high-def presentation and copious extras. Other recent reviews include: The Fog, The Incredible Melting Man, and Tai Chi Hero. Visit the DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

Before you head off to the cinema this weekend, check out DVDTalk's reviews of the latest releases including: The Conjuring - for those who are searching for the "creep factor" that horror flicks have been lacking lately, this film comes highly recommended and Only God Forgives - unfortunately, this film with impeccable visuals and some cool concepts is a bit of a letdown. Other recent films include: Pacific Rim, The Lone Ranger , Despicable Me 2, The Way, Way Back, Monsters University, World War Z, Much Ado About Nothing, and Man of Steel. Check out these, and more, in DVDTalk's Theatrical Review section.

Some great TV shows have made their way onto DVD this week including: The Many Loves Of Dobie Gillis - The Complete Series - this classic 50's sitcom is pleasant and funny and still holds up on many levels; Masterpiece Mystery: Inspector Lewis Season Six - a fine entry into the long line of excellent British crime dramas; and Portlandia Season 3 - funny and charming, this show remains delightful in its third season. Other shows recently reviewed include: The Legend of Korra - Book One, MADtv: Season Three, and WWE: WrestleMania XXIX. Want more? Check out all of the TV on DVD reviews in the DVDTalk database.

This week the DVD Savant has a number of new reviews and articles including: Love is a Many-Splendored Thing - Fox's 1955 blockbuster is a sweeping romance with the ingredients audiences craved: big stars and an exotic CinemaScope background; The Life of Oharu - One of the most impressive Japanese classics, Kenji Mizoguchi's sad epic about a 17th century lady of Kyoto is a scathing criticism of gender politics; and Fall Guy - A foolish guy lets himself be drugged by a blonde he meets at a party, and before he knows it he's framed for a murder. Read all this and more in this week's DVD Savant.

There are some new titles coming out that might make it worth a trip to the video store this week. Check out these recent releases: Regular Show: Seasons 1 & 2 [review] - Cartoon Network's most zany and original animated series in years... one truly awesome cartoon with a lot of good humor; The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day [review] - There is plenty of action and humor to be found in this sequel to the cult hit; and Orphan Black: Season One [review] - it's smart, it's sexy, it's disturbing, it's constantly surprising, it's a hell of a lot of fun, and it's just about the most wildly addictive series on TV right now. Other reviews of note include Kidnapped - The Mario Bava Collection [review], Heavy Traffic [review], and 42 [review]. Be sure to check out our DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

Our reviewers have been busy this week, filling the DVD Talk Review Database more great entries. Some new reviews of note include: Keep your Right Up (Soigne ta droite) - A pivotal work by the great French director Jean-Luc Godard; The Curtis Harrington Short Film Collection - gratifying resurrection of an undeservedly obscured film artist; and The Garden of Words -a visually sumptuous anime, this film tells a simple, real-world story with a great sensitivity. Other recent reviews include: Comment Ca Va, The Tower, and Retreat, Hell!. Visit the DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

The summer movies haven't been too exciting so far, but that might change this weekend. Check out DVDTalk's latest reviews of movies currently playing in theaters including: Pacific Rim [a second rave review] - Guillermo del Toro turns his visionary gaze towards Japanese anime and monster movies to make the ultimate fanboy mash-up; The Hunt - American viewers finally get a chance to see this emotionally intense, BAFTA nominated drama on the big screen; and The Lone Ranger - while a lot of critics are slamming the movie, DVDTalk's Olie Coen found the movie action-packed and exciting. Other recent films include: Despicable Me 2, The Way, Way Back, Monsters University, World War Z, Much Ado About Nothing, Man of Steel, This Is the End, The Bling Ring, and The Internship. Check out these, and more, in DVDTalk's Theatrical Review section.

Interested in the latest TV on DVD reviews? DVD Talk has you covered! This week's notable entries include: Call the Midwife - Season Two - this fine British show offers rich characterizations and intriguing, historically interesting stories and situations; Falling Skies: The Complete Second Season - a great cast, strong writing, and impressive production values makes this an easy watch; and Midsomer Murders: Series 1 - the first season of this excellent series from the UK is a must-buy for mystery fans. Other shows recently reviewed include: Gabriel Iglesias: Aloha Fluffy, Adventure Time: The Complete Second Season, and Doctor Who: The Mind of Evil. Want more? Check out all of the TV on DVD reviews in the DVDTalk database.

This week the DVD Savant has a number of new reviews and articles including: Shoah - Claude Lanzmann's nine-hour, 26-minute epic documentary on the Holocaust is unmatched in its field; Retreat, Hell! - This supposedly minor Joseph H. Lewis turns out to be the least hectoring Korean War combat picture -- that means it's also the best; and The Painted Veil - MGM simplifies W. Somerset Maugham's novel and makes all the characters noble to the point of unreality. But Greta Garbo brings it all back to life again. Read all this and more in this week's DVD Savant.

While there aren't a lot of high profile titles being released this week, there are some new disc that come highly recommended and are worth searching out: Robot Chicken: DC Special [review] - Continuing their legacy of themed specials, the Robot Chicken crew have moved on to tackle the DC Universe with hilarious results; The Gatekeepers [review] - a fascinating film that gives us the stories of those who worked within a branch of Israel security force; and The Legend of Korra - Book One: Air [review] - one of the most impressive animated efforts to ever hit the small screen with great writing and stunning animation. Be sure to check out our DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

This week the DVD Talk Review Database has some great new entries, including a few discs you may have overlooked. Recent DVD reviews include: North Face - this film, with its cliff-hanging camera work, is both a technically impressive man vs. nature thriller; Hangar 18 - a gloriously goofy UFO conspiracy movie that comes highly recommended for fans of such pictures; and Eclipse Series 38: Masaki Kobayashi Against the System - a solid set of movies from the great Japanese director that ranges from pulp to baseball and the jailhouse to the board room. Other recent reviews include: In Another Country, The Devil-Ship Pirates, and Samurai Cop. Visit the DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

Check out DVDTalk's latest reviews of movies that are in theatrical release. This week's crop includes: Despicable Me 2 - unfortunately, this sequel lacks a lot of the appeal that the original film had; and The Way, Way Back - a charming coming-of-age flick... a standout that will surely please viewers. Other recent films include: Monsters University, World War Z, Much Ado About Nothing, Man of Steel, This Is the End, The Bling Ring, The Internship, The Purge, After Earth, and Fast & Furious 6. Check out these, and more, in DVDTalk's Theatrical Review section.

Fat Albert And The Cosby Kids: The Complete Series

More TV shows have made their way on to DVD, and DVD Talk has got them covered. Check out our reviews of the newest TV releases including: Fat Albert And The Cosby Kids: The Complete Series - those old enough to remember it should enjoy this whopping 15-disc boxed set that herds together all 110 episodes of the classic series; Lord Peter Wimsey Mysteries: Complete Collection - the tales of this iconic character are well paced, funny, exciting, and provide the intricate puzzles; and Todd & the Book of Pure Evil: The Complete Second Season - this is pretty great stuff... it's consistently funny, sometimes pretty shocking, and it's also often times quite clever. Other shows recently reviewed include: Perry Mason - Final Season - Season 9, Volume 1, Workaholics: Season Three, and Legendary Ninja Cats: The Complete Series. Want more? Check out all of the TV on DVD reviews in the DVDTalk database.

This week the DVD Savant has a number of new reviews and articles including: Black Sabbath -Mario Bava's scary omnibus of horror tales reaches Region A Blu-ray in its original Italian version and with a stunning HD transfer; Showdown at Boot Hill - Charles Bronson is a bounty hunter who catches his prey in a small town, only to find that the townspeople are friends with the dead murderer, and won't identify his body; and El Sicario Room 164 - A harrowing documentary: a narco hitman tells us the truth of how he kidnapped, tortured and murdered for the Mexican drug cartels. Read all this and more in this week's DVD Savant.

Another banner week for DVDs with the studios releasing some great films and boxed sets such as: The Producers [review] - This hilarious, irreverent film is rightfully considered one of the funniest comedies ever made and this Blu-ray release has excellent picture and sound quality along with an assortment of quality extras; 56 Up [review] and The Up Series [review] - the latest entry in Michael Apted's amazing series of documentaries, filming a divergent group of people every seven years to see how their lives unfold, is just as enthralling as the earlier entries; and Kentucky Fried Movie [review] -a silly, ribald good time with some iconic gags and this presentation makes it worth the upgrade for owners of the previous release. Be sure to check out our DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

Some great DVD and Blu-ray reviews have been added to the the DVD Talk Review Database recently including: Stoker - an artsy and dark piece of cinema that begs to be seen multiple times; Of Human Bondage: Kino Classics Remastered Edition - this 1934 silver-screen version of W. Somerset Maugham's perennially admired and beloved novel is surprisingly fluent and hard-hitting; and The Mask Of Dimitrios - a highly recommended film noir starring Peter Lorre and Sydney Greenstreet that is clearly patterned after The Maltese Falcon and Casablanca. Other recent reviews include: At Long Last Love, Free Radicals: A History of Experimental Film, and Executive Suite. Visit the DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.