DVD Reviews and More

Janis – Little Girl Blue

2016-06-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

There are icons in the history of contemporary music that refuse to be forgotten. This is, of course, due to the impact or footprint that they left for us to enjoy. There are also people that keep those legacies alive, via a music compilation, documentaries, etc. Amy J. Berg, who was nominated for an Academy Award for previous work (“Deliver Us from Evil”), is one of those people. The precious and captivating “Janis – Little Girl Blue” keeps alive the memory Janis Joplin, one of blues’ most remembered vocalists ( and rock & roll, for that matter).

Berg makes it easy for us, and basically takes us through Joplin’s life in an organized and chronological fashion, beginning in Port Arthur, Texas, where she was born on January 19, 1943. It was there that she began singing the blues, with the Waller Creek Boys. The filmmaker also uses drawings and photos from Janis’ scrapbook, which gives us a glance on her sad and, at times, tormented life. For example, some idiots in some university voted her the “most ugly man,” causing her a lot of grieve. Living in such a close-minded community made her move to San Francisco, where she felt much freedom, and where she began experimenting with drugs. It was there, apparently, that she met Bob Dylan and told him that one day she was going to be famous, to which he supposedly answered, “Yes, we are all going to be famous.” From then on, the film goes into the time that she spent with Big Brother & Holding Company, her famous performance at Monterrey in 1967, the recording of the seminal “Cheap Thrills,” her time as band leader with the Kosmic Blues Band, her interviews with Dick Cavett, her performance at Woodstock, her trip to Rio de Janeiro, and much more. We listen to the testimonies of Laura Joplin (sister), Michael Joplin (brother), Dave Getz, Peter Albin, and Sam Andrew (Big Brother Holding Company band members), Bob Weir (Grateful Dead), Clive Davis (legendary Columbia Records president), Joe McDonald (County Joe and the Fish), Kris Kristofferson (actor, composer, and singer), Snooky Flowers (Kosmic Blues Band), and others. In fact, Kristofferson was co-author of "Me and Bobby McGee," Joplin’s biggest single.

Janis Joplin, who died on October 4, 1970, belongs to that generation in which we lost Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix and others, at such a young age – all drugs or booze related. It was a special and powerful generation, represented by rebellious youth that needed rebellious idols. They certainly left a mark and I argue that they made the world temporarily better. “Janis – Little Girl Blue” is a great document to remember one of our top female singers of all time. The DVD also includes the remaining Big Brother members singing acapella, Hollywood walk of fame ceremony, and more. (USA, 2015, color and B&W, 105 plus additional materials)

Reviewed June 30, 2016 – MVD Visual DVD

Knight of Cups

2016-06-30T22:28:00.000-07:00

Terrence Malick occupies a very special place in the history of cinema in the United States. After directing two well-received films in the seventies (Badlands, 1973; Days of Heaven, 1978), he faded out for twenty years, in which he did other things, like, for example, teaching philosophy in France. In 1998 he returned with the successful “The Thin Red Line,” then faded out for eight years, and reappeared in 2005 with the fascinating “The New World”. And it is the 2000s where Malick has been working almost non-stop, as producer and director. “Knight of Cups,” one of his recent efforts, exquisitely and colorfully captures life, as only Malick is capable of -- you know, with his very particular vision of things.

If I have to describe “Knight of Cups,” I would just say that it is a visually poetic homage to the city of Los Angeles, as well as to Las Vegas, two cities four hours away from each other, yet each one embodies the emptiness of the human condition in a sea of luxury and money. This emptiness is reflected in Rick (Christian Bale), a screenwriter, who despite his success, is missing that “something” that sometimes eludes us, that something that causes men and women to live a life of excess and addiction. In this case, Rick is constantly partying, having relationships with assorted women (Freida Pinto, Teresa Palmer, Imogen Poots, Isabel Lucas), including his ex-wife (Cate Blanchett), and conflicting with his father (Brian Dennehy) and brother (Wes Bentley). One of these ladies may be the one that helps him see the light.

As in any Malick film, the cinematography takes a primordial seat, and here we enjoy the award-winning work of Emmanuel Lubezki, who captures the spirit of cities of Los Angeles and Las Vegas in all their splendor and decadence. If you are able to separate the background images, the silences (almost a total lack of dialogue, mostly narration), the vast spaces (“sense of space,” as Malick has been quoted), and glue all these things together, you will perhaps understand or figure what the director was trying to accomplish here. It is definitely a testament to our times. The Blu-ray includes a making-of documentary. (USA, 2014, color, 118 min plus additional materials).

Reviewed on June 30, 2016. Broadgreen Pictures Blu-ray

The Epic of Everest -- Kino Classics Blu-ray (Spanish translation)

2016-01-01T18:42:00.000-08:00

Edmund Hillary y Tenzing Norgay fueron las primeras personas en conquistar la cima del legendario Monte Everest en 1953. Eso no significa que no se hubiesen hecho intentos en lograr semejante proeza antes de ese año. “The Epic of Everest” documenta de manera meticulosa y majestuosa la trágica expedición de 1924. Y cuando digo majestuosa, me refiero a la calidad impresionante con la que el director y cinematógrafo, el Capitán John Noel, fotografió dicha expedición, la cual está disponible ahora en un exquisito Blu-ray.

El histórico documental comienza con sendas vistas de Everest desde la distancia, y luego unos acercamientos, usando diferentes colores – rosado y azul --, dependiendo de la toma. La música de fondo es instrumental, algo ambiental. Casi inmediatamente Noel nos traslada a la expedición misma, donde la fotografía se torna a blanco y negro, cada toma semejando una postal, debido a la calidad extraordinaria de la restauración, la cual se extrajo del Nitrato original por el BFI National Archive. Noel nos muestra la caravana de exploradores y sus interacciones con los habitantes de cada pueblo que visitan, logrando, de esa manera, documentar las costumbres de los nativos de esas alturas durante esa época, a donde pocos “blancos” habían llegado. Estas tomas valen el precio del Blu-ray por si mismas. Luego ya vemos a la expedición encabezada por los británicos Andrew Irvine, George Mallory, Noel Odell, Howard Somervell, Edward Norton, Bentley Beetham, John de Vars Hazard, Geoffrey Bruce, unos 60 Sherpas y varios yaks caminando arduamente hacia su base de operaciones en la cercanía del Everest. Dos de los Sherpas fallecieron antes de llegar a los campamentos, presuntamente debido al frio. Así, finalmente, establecen Camp Snowfield a los 21,000 pies de altura, donde deciden utilizar la vertiente noreste de la montaña como ruta hacia la cima. Tiempo después, establecen Cliff Camp a unos 23,000 pies de la cumbre. Luego de algunos intentos fallidos, Mallory e Irvine son divisados a unos 800 pies de la cima el 9 de junio, 1924, luego desapareciendo por completo. Nunca se supo si ambos lograron conquistar el Everest.

Casi 75 años después de la desaparición de Mallory e Irvine, una expedición logró encontrar sus restos en Mayo 1, 1999. No puedo describir a satisfacción la calidad de “The Epic of Everest”. He visto muchas películas y documentales filmados entre 1900 y 1930, y muy pocos tienen la imagen tan clara y poética de este filme. Su restauración, sin duda hecha con mucho afán y amor, solo incrementa su calidad. Este es, definitivamente, un testamento de aquellos tiempos. El Blu-ray también incluye documentales sobre la restauración del film y más. (UK, 1924, blanco y negro, y varios tintes, 87 min más material adicional).

Reviewed on January 1, 2016. Kino Classics Blu-ray

Jaco – Iron Horse – MVD Visual Blu-ray (Spanish translation)

2016-01-01T18:30:00.000-08:00

Todo aquel que haya escuchado jazz, especialmente el moderno, seguramente reconocerá el nombre Jaco Pastorius (1951-1987). Y debe ser así, pues John Francis Anthony Pastorius III – su nombre real -- ha sido descrito como el “más importante innovador del bajo eléctrico en la historia”. Recuerdo que el también bajista Andy González una vez me dijo que Pastorius en ocasión subía a la tarima y tocaba con Manny Oquendo y Libre, y era amigo de su hermano, Jerry González, con quien, me atrevo a aventurar, también acompañó con la Fort Apache Band. El excepcional “Jaco”, un trabajo de amor producido por Robert Trujillo, bajista del grupo de heavy metal Metallica, nos presenta, en un glorioso e históricamente importante Blu-ray, aspectos de la complicada vida de este formidable Rey del Bajo, a quien perdimos a los 35 años

El documental, hábilmente dirigido por Paul Marchand y Stephen Kijak, comienza dramáticamente con una entrevista realizada en 1983 u 84 por el también bajista Jerry Jemmott, donde encontramos a un Jaco algo desorientado, con Jemmott diciéndole a Jaco que “toca con sinceridad real cualquier tipo de música. Puedes tocar todas las partes de una pieza dada al mismo tiempo, con un solo instrumento, el bajo”. Jemmott entonces le pregunta: ¿Qué piensas al respecto?”, a lo que Pastorius le contesta: “Tú sabes, consígueme trabajo”. De allí nos vamos al pasado, durante los años jóvenes de Jaco en Florida, donde escuchaba música cubana por la radio, y donde participaba en algunos conjuntos musicales, entre los cuales se encontraba, por ejemplo, Wayne Cochran and the Chitlin Circuit Riders. Fue el nacimiento de su hija Mary, según Gregory, hermano de Jaco, el que al parecer afectó el resto de la vida del bajista, pues, al verla en el hospital y entendiendo su nueva responsabilidad, le dijo a su hermano: “Gregory, tengo que hacer con el bajo lo que nadie ha hecho jamás”. Y, efectivamente, así fue. Se ha citado a William Banfield, del Berklee College, describiendo a Jaco como “uno de los virtuosos americanos que definieron un movimiento musical, junto a Jimi Hendrix, Louis Armstrong, Thelonius Monk…”. De hecho, Pastorius estaba tan seguro de su talento que él mismo se presentaba como “el más grande bajista del mundo”. El filme incluye ejecuciones de partes de números como “Naima & Continuum”, “Portrait of Tracy”, “Havona”, “John and Mary” y muchos más. También se presentan segmentos de presentaciones con los grupos Blood, Sweat and Tears (1974), Weather Report (1976, 1978), Word of Mouth (1982), Joni Mitchell (1979), entre otros. Por supuesto, se documenta su estado maniaco-depresivo, enfermedad que lo afectó hasta el último de sus días, al igual que su asesinato temprano en la mañana de septiembre 12, 1987, finalmente dejando el mundo el 21 de septiembre,

“Jaco” nos presenta varias entrevistas, incluyendo, por ejemplo, Carlos Santana, Joni Mitchell, Jerry González, Alex Acuña, Sting, Robert Trujillo, Flea, Herbie Hancock, Josef Zawimul, Al Di Meola, Peter Erskine, Wayne Shorter, y muchos familiares y amigos. Es importante mencionar que uno de los entrevistados nos dice que él piensa que el principio del fin de Jaco ocurrió en marzo, 1979, cuando el bajista fue a Cuba, parte de la delegación de lo que fue llamado Havana Jam, donde al parecer estuvo a punto de pelear con un miembro de la Fania All Stars. “Jaco” es un trabajo magnífico que hace justicia a la memoria de tan talentoso músico. Además del Blu-ray de la película, se incluye otro Blu-ray con escenas adicionales, entrevistas, conciertos, y mucho más. (USA, 2015, color, 117 min más material adicional).

Reviewed on January 1, 2016. MVD Visual Blu-ray

Güeros – Kino Lorber Blu-ray (Spanish translation)

2016-01-01T18:07:00.000-08:00

Ganador de cinco Arieles mexicanos, incluyendo Mejor Película y Mejor Director, nos llega “Güeros”, bajo la osada dirección de Alonso Ruizpalacios, quien, riesgosamente, en 2014, nos presenta una película en blanco y negro. Y los Arieles son merecidos, pues “Güeros” es un filme altamente creativo, donde se nota la influencia francesa de cine, pero con un producto netamente mexicano, divertido, y, de cierta manera, realista a las necesidades mexicanas. Un triunfo definitivo para el director en su primer largometraje.

La historia de “Güeros” tiene lugar en 1999, e inmediatamente conocemos a Tomás (Sebastián Aguirre), un inquieto adolescente veracruzano a quien encontramos haciendo de las suyas junto a un amigo. Es esta travesura la que colma a su madre, quien lo manda al Distrito Federal (DF) a vivir con su hermano Federico (Tenoch Huerta), conocido como “Sombra”, un estudiante universitario en la universidad Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM). Federico, a su vez, comparte una habitación de un edificio multifamiliar con Santos (Leonardo Ortizgris), otro estudiante, ambos trabajando en sus tesis de graduación. Tomás (el Güero, por ser de piel blanca, en comparación de Federico, que tiene la piel más oscura) llega al DF en tiempos de ardor político en la UNAM, la cual se encuentra en huelga y cerrada por los estudiantes. Aunque Federico no le entra a los movimientos políticos, un problema con los vecinos (roba electricidad, pues no trabajan), hace que tanto él, como Santos y Tomás, salgan un día despavoridos del edificio. Su escape los hace ir a la UNAM, donde Federico se junta con su novia Ana (Ilse Salas), una líder estudiantil. Pero Tomás tiene otros planes: él quiere conocer a Epigmenio Cruz, un casi olvidado cantante de rock, el cual al parecer está al borde de la tumba. Tomás tiene un casete de un álbum de Cruz, el cual heredó de su papá, y que aparentemente lo influenció. De esa manera, pues, Tomás, Federico, Santos y Ana, se dirigen en busca del cantante. En el proceso, se encuentran con pandilleros, van a un hospital, al zoológico, un estreno de cine, entre otros eventos. Sobre Cruz, Federico nos dice: “Este buey pudo haber salvado el rock nacional”.

“Güeros” es creativa en el uso de la fotografía (Damián García, cinematógrafo), sus personajes con el DF de fondo, y una divertida historia. Me recuerda los años adolecentes, donde andar con gente mayor y ser acogido por ellos significaba un mundo para mí. Encontré curioso que siendo este un filme en blanco y negro, en un momento Santos se queja, diciendo: “Puto cine mexicano. Agarran unos pinches pordioseros, filman en blanco y negro, y dicen que ya están haciendo cine de arte”. El Blu-ray incluye una entrevista con el director, dos de filmes cortos, un librito con notas de la película, y más. (México, 2014, blanco y negro, 111 min más material adicional).

Reviewed on January 1, 2016. Kino Lorber Blu-ray

Diary of a Lost Girl – Kino Classics Blu-ray (Spanish translation)

2016-01-01T17:52:00.000-08:00

Louise Brooks (1906-1985) quizás no es un nombre conocido para la mayoría de los amantes del cine actual. Lo cierto es que en su tiempo, esta actriz estadounidense causó revuelo debido a su manera de ser, la cual se conocía como “flappers”, o sea mujeres que desafiaban los patrones convencionales de comportamiento durante los 1920s, algo así como “conducta escandalosa”. Clara Bow y Greta Garbo, por ejemplo, también pertenecían a ese distinguido grupo, el cual dejó su marca en la historia del cine. Brooks, al contrario de Garbo y Bow, se hizo famosa por su trabajo en Europa, donde participó en tres películas, siendo la suculenta e impactante “Diary of a Lost Girl” una de ellas.

Este clásico del cine mudo fue dirigido por el maestro austriaco-húngaro Georg Wilhelm Pabst, conocido como G.W Pabst (1885-1967), quien además dirigió a Brooks en la también clásica “Pandora’s Box” (1929). “Diary of a Lost Girl” nos cuenta la triste y apasionada vida de Thymian (Brooks), la hija privilegiada de Henning (Josef Rovensky), un farmaceuta de buen corazón, pero débil en sus decisiones. Henning también tiene el mal hábito de ahuyentar a sus criadas, debido a que las acosa sexualmente. De esa manera, pues, llega a la casa Meta (Franziska Kinz), la más reciente de las criadas, la cual no es débil, como las anteriores; al contrario, ella es fuerte y fácilmente somete a Henning y a su esposa, convirtiéndose en ama y señora del hogar. Al mismo tiempo, Thymian es embarazada por Meinert (Fritz Rasp), el asistente de Henning en la farmacia. Thymian no quiere casarse con Henning, pues no lo ama, y, “por faltas a la moral”, Thymian es internada en un reformatorio de señoritas, y su hijo es dado para adopción – todo esto bajo la ambiciosa autoridad de Meta y la complicidad de Meinert. Es en el reformatorio, bajo hostil supervisión, donde Thymian conocerá la persona que la ayudará a sobrevivir en el futuro y donde forjará su carácter. Thymian encontrará caminos difíciles, donde incluso un amigo le dice: “Sí, Thymian, ahora verdaderamente estás perdida, al igual que nosotros”. Por ende, el título del filme.

“Diary of a Lost Girl” fue escandalosa en su tiempo, debido al contenido de la misma, donde, incluso, se pueden ver escenas que brindan indicios de lesbianismo. Al mismo tiempo, esta es una historia de redención y tolerancia, donde se nos dice que “con un poco más de amor, nadie estaría perdido en este mundo”. La cinta originalmente fue cortada y censurada, y este increíble Blu-ray nos presenta la versión completa, no censurada del film, restaurada en 1997, con colaboración de Italia, Alemania, Dinamarca, Uruguay y Bélgica. La calidad fotográfica es extraordinaria, un clásico para atesorar. El Blu-ray también incluye el corto “Windy Riley Goes Hollywood”, con la actuación de Brooks, al igual que comentarios de historiadores. (Alemania, 1929, blanco y negro, 112 min más material adicional).

Reviewed on January 1, 2016. Kino Classics Blu-ray

Cavemen

2014-04-13T14:29:00.000-07:00

Once I finished watching “Cavemen,” it hit me that the movie has a perfect name -- not original or unheard of, but perfect. This honest and engaging film features an illuminating look at modern attitudes of some men toward women.

“Cavemen” examines the lives of four young men, who happen to be roommates in what appears to be a warehouse converted into a modern, cool -looking apartment, which is referred to as “the cave.” Two of these fellows – Jay (Chad Michael Murray) and Andre (Dayo Okeniki) – are womanizers, with Jay being the most prolific and loud. Pete (Kenny Wormald), on the other hand, has a girlfriend, but is confused. Dean (Skylar Astin), the main star, doesn’t have a girlfriend, and is also confused. Both Jay and Dean work as bartenders, in the same place as Tess (the irresistible Camilla Belle). Dean and Tess are good friends with no apparent love connection. So these are four guys enjoying life and trying to have either just sex or true love. It will all come to definition when these players throw a party once they are informed about being evicted from the good ol’ cave.

The movie is about an ensemble of men that want to party and enjoy life in the downtown part of Los Angeles, California. Women are just part of that fun, and their conversations about them are frank and at times funny, which make them, well, look like cavemen. It also features compromising scenes with nudity. I enjoyed the colorful cinematography by Nic Sadler, and it was nice to see sites known to me, like Little Tokyo, Santa Fe Avenue, and other places in the area. (USA, 2013, color, 87 min)

Reviewed on April 13, 2014. Well Go USA Blu-ray

The Pawnbroker

2014-04-13T13:57:00.000-07:00

I have to start by saying that Sidney Lumet is one of my all-time favorite film directors, being responsible for, among others, “12 Angry Men” (1957), “The Fugitive Kind” (1960), “Serpico” (1973), “Dog Day Afternoon” (1975), and “Network” (1976). His portrayals about the human condition and social justice are unbeatable – they stay in your mind. Another one of his masterworks, the powerful and visually absorbing “The Pawnbroker” is now available in a glorious Blu-ray edition.

Rod Steiger, who was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor for this film, plays Sol Nazerman, a Jewish immigrant who owns a pawnshop in a poor neighborhood in Harlem. He is clearly not a happy man, and spends his days in his business, with the assistance of Jesús Ortiz (Jaime Sánchez). There is a lot in Sol’s mind, as his clients are mostly people at the lower end of life, including drug-addicts, thieves, prostitutes, and occasional senior citizens in search for an ear to listen to their problems; some dissatisfied customers even call him a “bloodsucking kike”. In addition, Sol is his family’s only survivor from Auschwitz, an infamous Nazi Death camp during WW II, and not a day goes by that his current father in law harasses him for his good luck in being alive. Jesús, on the other hand, is a joyful young man that wants to correct his life and do the right thing, looking for Sol’s approval and guidance. Unfortunately, too, Sol is in bed with the devil as he is in business -- against his will -- with Rodriguez (Brock Peters), a local criminal. All these conditions have turned Sol into a bitter man, who hates his clientele and the world in general, making him say, “It’s been a long time since I have felt fear… Memories are flooding my mind.” He says this as a young African-American woman semi-undresses in front of him to get a better deal for her merchandise. He also tells Jesús, “I do nor believe in God, or art, or science, or newspapers, or politics, or philosophy,” to which Jesús asks, “Then, Mr. Teacher, ain’t there nothing you believe?” Somberly, Sol answers, “Money.” So, all these situations will take us to an intriguing end.

“The Pawnbroker” not only includes a solid, unforgettable story, but also features grandiose cinematography by Boris Kaufman (On the Waterfront), and a great, jazzy soundtrack by a young Quincy Jones. This film is a must; it will stay with you for a while. (USA, 1965, B&W, 116 min)

Reviewed on April 13, 2014. Olive Films Blu-ray

Inside Llewyn Davis

2014-03-15T22:41:00.000-07:00

The Brothers Coen -- Joel and Ethan – have a lot of love for Folk music. Ever since making their movie “O Brother, where art thou?”(2000), which featured a folk music soundtrack, they have been itching to do a film about this form of US traditional music. And they finally did it, and splendidly succeeded, with the very passionate and penetrating “Inside Llewyn Davis.”

They idea behind the film was to basically recreate New York’s Greenwich Village musical scene before the arrival of Bob Dylan. For that purpose, we are transported to New York in 1961, to a place called the Gaslight Café, where we meet Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac), who is playing for an attentive and receptive crowd. Once he finishes the set, he is told that a guy wanted to talk to him in the alley. He goes there and the fellow beats the hell out of Llewyn, apparently for something that happened the previous night. From then on, we are taken to the recent past, where we see a very talented Llewyn trying to get a chance to show his art, singing folk songs. However, he just can’t get that evading break. You see, the man just has bad luck, as he has a pregnant ex-lover (or not?) who tells him, “Everything you touch turns to s..t,” and verbally abuses him to no end. He is also trying to find a cat that he looses while sleeping in one of his friend’s (and protector) apartment. All these situations are enough to destroy a human soul, but Llewyn keeps trying against all odds. I truly enjoyed Carey Mulligan, as the abusive ex-lover, and John Goodman, as a junkie jazz musician. And Coen Brothers found gold in Isaac, who can actually sing and act – a rarity.

“Inside Llewyn Davis” doesn’t only represent the microcosm of Llewyn’s life, but also the daily existence of any struggling musician in the Greenwich Village scene during those creative years, especially during the nasty winter days. It is real and important. Justin Timberlake also plays a singer trying to make his mark. The DVD includes a very complete making-of documentary. (USA, 2013, color, 104 min plus additional materials)

Reviewed on March 15, 2014. Sony Pictures

Wild Bill, Hollywood Maverick

2014-02-09T05:38:00.000-08:00

These days, as I have mentioned in the recent past, I’m getting immersed more and more into silent movies. I’m just fascinated by how all the filmmakers of the silent era developed the industry and how it evolved. So, it was a blessing to watch the wonderful “Wild Bill, Hollywood Maverick - the Life and Times of William A. Wellman.” And what a fabulous life it was, all fantastically documented in this delightful film.

Well-directed by Todd Robinson, the movie goes through Wellman’s life from beginning to end, starting with his birth on February 29, 1896, in Massachusetts, and how he spent his early years as a decorated fighter pilot during World War I. It was there that he got nicknamed Wild Bill. Some time later, famous actor Douglas Fairbanks, impressed by Wellman’s talents, got him an acting job in “The Knickerbocker Buckaroo,” but Bill realized that he did not liked acting. He then moved to being a mailman at the Goldwyn Studio, then assistant director, and, finally, director. After helming some silent films, Bill directed “Wings” (1927), which cost 2 million dollars to make, and was very successful. This movie established him in Hollywood, but, due to his temper and antipathy for the studio, he was banned to attend the premiere of the film, as well as the first academy award ceremony, in which “Wings” won the best picture Oscar. Despite his disdain for the studio system, Wellman directed some of the best movies in Hollywood history, such as “The Public Enemy” (1931), “A Star is Born” (1937), “Nothing Sacred” (1939), “Beau Geste” (1939), “The Ox-Bow Incident” (1943), and many more. He also made five films with John Wayne, and, in a 35- year career, his films received 32 academy award nominations – 4 for Best Picture and 3 for Best Director. He also was recipient of the DW Griffith Award for Lifetime Achievement. The documentary includes interviews with some of the people associated with Wellman at one time or another, such as Robert Stack, Robert Redford, Nancy Reagan, Buddy Rogers, Sydney Poitier, William Wellman Jr., Clint Eastwood, Tom Laughlin, Robert Wise, and more.

William Wellman was a rare breed of director, and he was able to survive and thrive in Hollywood, despite his strong character, and not being part of the town’s politics or social scene. He was described as a man of strong convictions, deep loyalties, arrogant, with distaste for authority, honest, and with an explosive temper. In fact, Wellman, as well as Raoul Walsh and John Ford were known as “the” tough directors. In the end, he got tired of Hollywood, just saying, “I’m not retiring; I’m quitting.” Furthermore, in his deathbed, he told his son, “Bill, don’t feel sorry for me – I have lived the life of a 100 men.” This is a fellow that I definitely would have liked to have met. “Wild Bill, Hollywood Maverick” is a true pleasure and a glorious look to a grandiose career. (USA, 1996, color & B/W, 93 min)

Reviewed on February 9, 2014. KINO

Of Human Bondage

2014-02-09T05:34:00.000-08:00

William Somerset Maughan (1874-1965) was a famous British playwright and novelist, and it is said that he was the highest paid writer in the 1930s. During his lifetime, as well as afterwards, many of his stories were adapted to film, such as “The Magician” (1926), “Sadie Thompson” (1928), “Secret Agent” (1936), ‘The Letter” (1940), “The Razor’s Edge” (1946, 1984), and “Being Julia” (2004). The unforgettable “Of Human Bondage,” another one of his adaptations, is now available in a fabulous and essential Blu-ray edition, a must for any film lover or collector.

The film stars Bette Davis -- who was loaned to RKO from Warner Brothers to make this film -- as Mildred, and Leslie Howard as Philip. Philip is an aspiring artist residing in Paris, where he is told that his work is mediocre. He also has another problem: he has a deformed foot. Having to switch careers, he returns to his native England, where he decides to go to medical school, hoping that he can get a cure for his foot. One day, a friend from college asks him to help him with a girl, who works as a waitress in a local restaurant. The girl turns out to be Mildred, an attractive and flirtatious blond. In no time, it is Philip who falls for Mildred, and pursues her without any apparent luck. Eventually, Mildred “corresponds” to Philip’s affection in her own way. You see, Mildred is ambitious and manipulative, and knowing how to seduce men, she also knows how to play with them – at least the weak ones. She is not a bright woman in choosing her men, always looking for somebody better – there is no space for sentimentality in her life. Sadly, Philip is deeply infatuated with her and doesn’t want to let her go, drastically affecting his career and life. Slowly but surely, Philip will painfully learn the hard way.

Ably directed by John Cromwell, “Of Human Bondage” will touch your heart. I am sure that many men have meet women like Mildred, and that many women have met men like Philip, and in every case both sexes suffer a lot. It is an unpleasant experience, well documented in this remarkable film. Bette Davis shines by masterfully combining sexuality with malevolence. The Blu-ray also features the documentary “Revealing Mr. Maughan” (2012), about the life of the distinguished writer. (USA, 1934, B&W, 83 min plus additional materials)

Reviewed on February 9, 2014. Kino Classics & Library of Congress Blu-ray

Linda Lovelace’s Loose Lips, the Last Interview with Legs McNeil

2014-02-09T05:27:00.000-08:00

For better or worse, Linda Susan Boreman (aka Linda Lovelace, 1949-2002) is an American icon. Having participated in “Deep Throat,” the most famous adult film in US history, she entered the pantheon of famous luminaries. Yes, sir, just for that. Ah, but she earned it, as her life after that movie was also responsible for some unexpected, yet controversial issues that affect our lives. This is all explored and discussed in the painfully honest, well-researched and illuminating “Linda Lovelace’s Loose Lips, the Last Interview with Legs McNeil.”

Linda Lovelace’s life was marked by two incidents: “Deep Throat” and the publishing of her memoir “Ordeal,” in 1980. “Deep Throat” not only is the most famous adult film in US history, as I mentioned before, but is also responsible for creating the so-called Golden Age of Pornography in the US, which lasted from the launching of the film in 1972, to somewhere in the 80s. “Linda Lovelace’s Loose Lips’” main star is writer Legs McNeil, who uses parts of Linda Lovelace’s alleged last interview, segments featuring clips of some of her pictures, interviews with personnel related to the case, and varied archival footage, to present his case. McNeil, who co-directed the film, divides it into three parts or versions. In the first part, he proceeds to examine the official version of known facts about Linda’s life, mostly about her early years, her dominating mother, how she met future husband and manager Chuck Traynor, her early short films (Linda likes ‘em Lewd – 1971, The Foot – 1971, Piss Orgy – 1971), the making of “Deep Throat,” how Traynor verbally and physically abused her, how Traynor stole her money, the success of her book “Ordeal,” how the book initiated debate about pornography nationwide, her other romances, and more. In between, there is also a brief history of pornography in the US. On the other hand, in the second version, McNeil turns the tide, and provides evidence against Lovelace, indicating the she was a manipulator and a liar, and how she needed attention from the people. It is here that another short, “Dog F_ _ _ _r” (the name says it all), gets mentioned, stressing that Lovelace did enjoy pornography – after all, she also did “Deep Throat II.” The last version is basically an analysis of the two previous versions. At any rate, the viewer will be the judge. The interviews are helpful, particularly those with porn stars Marilyn Chambers, Harry Reems and Sharon Mitchell, as well as Chuck Traynor, FBI agent Bill Kelly, writers Al Goldstein and Eric Danville, and, of course, Miss Lovelace herself.

I recently had the opportunity to watch the film “Lovelace,” starring Amanda Seyfried, in which Lovelace is portrayed as the victim, as in the first version of “Linda Lovelace’s Loose Lips,” and I have to say that it can be hard to reach a verdict about who is telling the truth. This documentary does a great job in exposing both sides, and it should be required viewing by anybody that remembers those times, as the truth slowly surfaces throughout the years. (USA, 2013, color, 90 min)

Reviewed on February 9, 2014. MVD Visual

Sushi – The Global Catch

2013-12-10T18:48:00.000-08:00

Ever since the release “The Cove,” I believe that there has been an increase of awareness about the mismanagement of our oceans resources, a response that is both commendable and remarkable. We need more of this type of work, so it is gratifying that Mark S. Hall made the very necessary and unforgettable “Sushi – The Global Catch,” under the umbrella of Alive Mind Cinema and Kino Lorber, among others.

The documentary begins at the end, so to speak. The filmmakers take us to several Sushi restaurants in Japan, where master sushi chefs, such as Mamaro Sugiyama (Sushiko restaurant, opened since 1885) and Yasuharo Ida (Sushi Iwa restaurant) are interviewed and tell us about the history of sushi and what makes a great sushi chef. In addition, there are interviews with Kazuo Nazaki, who has a knife shop in Tokyo, and who sells traditional knives for sushi shops. From there we are taken to the famous Tjukiji Market, in Tokyo, which is the largest fish market in the world. We are presented interviews with Makoto Nozue and Hiroyasu Itoh, two experts – or dealers --on tuna fisheries and pricing, who know how to evaluate the price of each specimen based on certain characteristics, such as the condition of the eyes. One tuna fish can reach the price of $400,000!! Itoh says that his company sold 109,565 tons of tuna in 2008. From then on, tuna – specifically Blue-fin tuna -- becomes the subject of the film, as this fish is the most exploited in the oceans, with a 60 to 80% reduction of its population worldwide.

After discussing the final destination and use of tuna in the sushi world, we are then introduced to some experts on tuna ecological preservation., including Mike Sutton, director of the Center for the future of the Oceans, in Monterrey, California; Barbara Block, from Stanford University, expert on Blue-fin tuna; Greenpeace members who fight the overfishing of tunas both in the field and in the media; sushi chefs that are looking for alternatives, as well as research scientists that are trying to farm Blue-fin tuna in the lab and in the ocean in Australia, and much more. We are informed that 90% of the large fish in the oceans are gone, and that by 2048 100% will be gone if we don’t act. And, as one chef says, “One thing I’m sure of is we will run out of tuna sooner than we will run out of oil.” Much awareness should be kept on China, where sushi consumption is increasing significantly. In the end, someone else said, “Consumers’ decision will be the one, not the government.”

“Sushi – The Global Catch” is perfect in the way it delivers its message. The interviewees were both from the commercial field, as well as the scientific community. It really reaches your heart and mind, and should be a must for every citizen of this planet. (USA, Poland, Japan, Australia, Singapore; 2012; color; 75 min)

Reviewed on December 9, 2013 for Kino Lorber – Alive Mind Cinema

Fernando Di Leo – The Italian Crime Connection Vol. 2

2013-12-10T18:45:00.000-08:00

About two years ago, I had the privilege of reviewing the exciting “The Italian Connection,” as part of the formidable collection “Fernando Di Leo – The Italian Crime Connection Vol. 1.” Well, it took some time, but the awesome Volume 2, including 3 more fascinating films by this remarkable Italian director, is now available. And it was well worth the wait.

The 3 movies (in 3 discs) included in this collection are all crime-related, an area in Fernando Di Leo (1932-2003) excelled. The first feature, “Naked Violence” (I Ragazzi del Massacro), is about the rape and murder of a teacher by some of her students, which were collectively influenced by Aniseed, referred to as “the strongest liquor in the world, capable of causing “powerful psychic erythrism,” which leads to violence and madness. It takes detective Duca Lamberti (Pier Paolo Capponi) and social worker Livia Ussaro (Nieves Navarro) to meticulously solve the case and find the culprits. Next we have “Shoot First, Die Later” (Il Poliziotto È Marcio), where we meet Lieutenant Dominique Malacarne (Luc Merenda), a highly respected cop, whose proud father is also in the police force. Dominique is deeply engaged in fighting a local crime lord. Unfortunately, he also has a secret, which endangers his career and relationship with his father. Richard Conte plays Mafioso Mazzanti. The film has some funny moments, too, and one of the best car chases I have ever seen in movies. Finally, there is “Kidnap Syndicate” (La Citta Sconvolta. Caccia Spietata ai Rapitori), also starring Luc Merenda. Here he plays Mario Collela, a decent, working class, single father whose son is kidnapped by accident just as he was trying to defend his well-to-do classmate, who was the original target. They are both kidnapped, and we witness how Collela, as well as Ing. Filippini (James Mason) try to get their sons back. However, each one has a different way of dealing with the kidnappers. In the middle of it all, is Police Commissioner Magrini (an excellent Vittorio Caprioli), who tries to solve the crime as fast as he can.

I have to say that I truly enjoyed the three films presented in “Fernando Di Leo – The Italian Crime Connection Vol. 2.” They are all well crafted, with enough twists and turns until the very end, and Di Leo really shows up, step by step, the arduous work done by detectives. Not in vain the director has been referred elsewhere as the “master of mafia mayhem.” The collection also includes several documentaries about the films and Di Leo’s career, as well as a booklet with critical analyses. (Naked Violence – Italy, 1969, color, 96 min; Shoot First, Die Later – Italy, 1974, color, 94 min; Kidnap Syndicate – Italy, 1975, color, 98 min)

Reviewed on December 9, 2013 for RaroVideo Blu-ray

Bruce Lee – A Warrior’s Journey & In Pursuit of the Dragon

2013-12-10T18:41:00.002-08:00

I know that some of you, like me, are somewhat influenced by the cover of CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays. It is, at times, a very important first impression. So, when I initially saw the cover of the double feature DVD “Bruce Lee – A Warrior’s Journey & In Pursuit of the Dragon,” I didn’t think much of it. In fact, my first thought was, “Oh, here’s another Bruce Lee exploitation DVD of many.” But, my God, how wrong I was! These two films are some of the best visual documents about the life of the most influential martial artist of all time, a must for any Bruce Lee fan! There is stuff in here that you won’t find anywhere else.

The first feature that I watched was “A Warrior’s Journey,” perhaps the most significant of both films. In it, we learn a little bit more about Lee’s involvement in what would be his last film, “Game of Death,” of which he was a producer, writer, choreographer, and author of the screenplay. Bruce first began filming “Game of Death,” but had to temporarily stop to make his opus “Enter the Dragon,” which made him a star around the world. Once Dragon was completed, he would resume filming “Game of Death” on September 20, 1973. However, that was not meant to be, as Lee died on July 20, 1973. The rest is history, as they say, because “Game of Dead” was completed by using a double, and only the final fight scenes, which were shot before “Enter the Dragon,” were used with the real Bruce Lee. And here is when director John Little shines, as “A Warrior’s Journey” includes additional footage that has never been seen before of that famous last scene. We are told that 100 min of footage was available (about 2/3 retakes), but only 11 min were used in the film. The rest and unused material is what we enjoy in “A Warrior’s Journey” – and how lucky we are! Of course, there are also segments on Bruce’s auditions, Yip Man & Gung-Fu, “Longstreet” TV series, “Marlowe,” as well as interviews with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Linda Lee Caldwell. Taky Kimura, and others. They all discuss aspects of the final fight scene in the Pagoda, including casting, script, fighting techniques in each level of the pagoda, and much more.

The second film, “In Pursuit of the Dragon,” is another little gem for Bruce Lee fans, and, as it title indicates, it basically tracks down the locations in which Lee made his movies – or whatever is left of them. For this purpose, a crew of six, from Canada, United States, and Germany, led by director John Little, visited sites in which “The Big Boss,” “Fist of Fury,” “The Way of the Dragon,” and “Enter the Dragon” were filmed. Some of these locations were at Bangkok, Macau, Rome, and Hong Kong. Among the many things that we learn is that the fighting scenes between Bruce and Chuck Norris in Rome’s Coliseum were done inside a studio. The filmmakers really tried their best in finding these historic places, of which few are still standing.

“Bruce Lee – A Warrior’s Journey & In Pursuit of the Dragon” is just amazing to watch and enjoy. It truly adds new information about Bruce Lee’ short, but legendary life and it is a splendid addition to his legacy and any collection. (A Warrior’s Journey – 2000, color & B&W, 100 min; In Pursuit of the Dragon – 2011, color, 62 min)

Reviewed on December 9, 2013 for MVD Visual

Lion of the Desert

2013-11-14T12:29:00.000-08:00

Moustapha Akkad (1930-2005) is a name that you might not recognize in Hollywood, even though he produced the successful “Halloween” movie series. But this Syrian film director, who was sadly not totally accepted in Hollywood, left two great movies of historical significance: “Lion of the Desert” and “The Message” (1977). Now available on a handsome Blu-ray edition, “Lion of the Desert” passionately and absorbingly tells the story of one of Libya’s most important, historical icons. This is a story that was unknown to me, and answers many questions about current events.

Originally called “Moustapha Akkad, Lion of the Desert,” the feature begins with a brief history of Italy’s invasion of Tripoli and Benghazi in 1911, when Italy was “hunting for new territories,” like other imperial powers, and how Benito Mussolini’s fascist era began in 1922. We are then taken to 1929, when a frustrated and impatient Mussolini (Rod Steiger) summons General Rodolfo Graziani (Oliver Reed) to instruct him to go to Libya to quell the revolution led by Moustapha Akkad (Anthony Quinn), ordering Graziani to “bribe him or break his neck.” Akkad has been fighting the Italians for almost 20 years. Graziani is a respected strategist, who also happens to believe in force and bloodshed. However, Akkad, who is a school teacher, also happens to be a smart commander and he fights the Italians and their sophisticated war machines with intelligence, making one Italian diplomat say, “Poor fools, they think that they can rise against a modern army.” Graziani tries everything, including destroying the insurgents’ crops, poisoning their wells, and creating concentration camps where the prisoners were surrounded by barbwires. But Akkad never gives up, asking, “What is the will of wire, against the will of God?” So we are taken to the very end of this glorious, yet tragic part of Libya’s tortured history.

We, in the American continent, need to learn a lot about the Middle East, so that we can understand the roots of the conflicts that involve the United States in one way or another. “Lion of the Desert” is as good as it gets in terms to that, and it is also visually engaging, with gorgeous cinematography by Jack Hildyard. The movie also stars John Gielgud (in a small part), Irene Papas, and Raf Vallone. (Libya, USA; 1981; color and B&W; 156 min)

Reviewed on November 13, 2013. Anchor Bay Blu-ray

JFK – A New World Order

2013-11-14T12:21:00.000-08:00

Fifty years ago, on November 22, 1963, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK) was assassinated, ending the dreams of a nation, and giving birth to the myth, as well as a given number of so-called conspiracy theories. Everyone has an idea of the man and what he meant, but sometimes we need help. “JFK – A New World Order” is a well-done, engaging, and informative documentary – unbiased, I think --, which gives anybody an idea of what JFK accomplished in his two years and ten months in office.

The documentary is presented in eight parts, in which we take a guided tour through JFK’s life in a chronological manner, beginning with “Early years,” where we learn about his early years in Massachusetts, and how his father (the infamous Joseph Kennedy) helped him, and kind of pushed him toward a career in politics. He became the first Irish American mayor of Boston, went to Harvard, wrote his book “Why England slept,” served in the army, won a seat in the House of Representatives, won a Pulitzer Prize for his book “Profiles in Courage,” and more. “For All to see,” the second part, shows JFK’s run for the presidency against Richard Nixon, fights between democrats about JFK (he is too young, he is catholic, his father buys votes, not liberal enough, etc), and the 1960 election. The third part, “New Frontiers,” takes us to January 20, 1961, when JFK delivered one of his best speeches, creates the Peace Corps, his enthusiasm for the space race, the challenge of communism, etc. The following parts cover the Bay of Pigs, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the nuclear scare, his civil rights record, Martin Luther King, and much more, culminating with “Camelot and Beyond,” where JFK’s health problems, family Life, assassination, and legacy are examined.

As mentioned earlier, “JFK – A New World Order” is a good way to get an introduction to JFK, in a non-manipulative way – at least, I repeat, as I see it. The Blu-ray & DVD combo also features some extras, such as the Kennedy Vs Nixon debate, Assassination of JFK, Funeral service for President JFK, and “Vietnam! Vietnam!” (by John Ford). (USA, 2013, color & B&W, 6 hrs 35 min plus additional materials)

Reviewed on November 13, 2013. Mill Creek Entertainment Blu-ray

Baby Peggy: The Elephant in the Room

2013-11-14T12:17:00.000-08:00

I’m currently fascinated by the history of silent cinema and how Hollywood evolved through the years. When it comes to child actors, only Jackie Coogan, Shirley Temple, and members of the Gang come to mind. So it was a surprise to learn about the legacy of another popular child actor of the twenties: Baby Peggy (Peggy Lee Montgomery). “Baby Peggy: The Elephant in the Room” is a little gem of documentary brought to us by the hard-working folks at Milestone Film, which will truly light your day.

Directed by Vera Iwerebor, the film basically takes us from the early years of Baby Peggy, to her later years, with Peggy herself doing the narration, almost always accompanied by her young granddaughter. Even though she was born in 1918, Peggy’s mind was very sharp and resourceful during the making of the documentary. Her career, we are told, was very brief and it lasted from 1920 to 1924. But what a career it was! She was huge during those times, earning at one point 1.5 million a year salary. I’m surprised that I did not know about her contribution to silent cinema! In her early films, she was accompanied by Brownie, the wonder dog, but she evolved into a star by herself, with great ability to imitate stars from the era, like Rudolph Valentino, Pola Negri, and others. Her father, Jack Montgomery, was a good horseman (made a living as a cowboy), but Peggy was basically the main bread provider for the family – she also lived with her mother and one older sister. Her timing was also lucky, as Carl Laemmle, the venerated boss at Universal, hired her to do movies, because Jackie Coogan (from Charlie Chaplin’s “The Kid”) was already growing up. She was also one of the first stars of which merchandise was manufactured. Sadly, Peggy’s father infuriated a Hollywood director, and that abruptly ended the little, talented girl’s career. From then on, Peggy describes the sad years that followed, with flat-broke periods, her years in vaudeville, her marriage, and more. Somewhere between all this, she changed her name to Diana Serra Carey (Serra for Junipero Serra, a missionary, very known in California, and Carey, for her late husband). Her knowledge of the silent movies era has been very helpful to historians, and she is very much in demand for revivals. It’s all here for us to learn and enjoy.

“Baby Peggy: The Elephant in the Room” was a great joy to watch, despite the misfortunes that followed Peggy in her adult years, She was able to move along and survive to tell her stories and document them on books. Sadly, though, only 12 of the 56 shorts she filmed have been recovered, mainly in Europe. In fact, this wonderful DVD includes the feature film “Captain January” (1924), as well as the short films Carmen Jr. (1923), Peg O’ the Mounted (1924) and Such a Life (1924), plus more. What a pleasure! (USA, 2013, color & B&W, 54 min plus additional materials)

Reviewed on November 13, 2013. Milestone Film & Video

Magic City –The Complete Second Season

2013-11-03T22:42:00.000-08:00

When I watch a time period-specific movie or a TV series, I pay close attention to the production design, hoping that I would make me feel that I was there. Set in the Miami of the late fifties, “Magic City” certainly made me feel that way – its attention to detail is just fascinating as the story itself. Having reviewed the first season of this classy and intriguing series, I anxiously waited for the second one. And, for my bucks, the “Magic Season – The Second complete Season” did not disappoint – it is first class entertainment.

The second season Blu-ray edition includes 3 discs, the first two featuring eight episodes and the third one loaded with special features. It opens with “Crimes and Punishment,” where we find Ike Evans (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), the series’ main character, in prison, accused of murder, with Judi Silver (Elena Satine), a prostitute, as the main witness. However, Ike is able to get bail, and is also fortunate to keep his beloved Miramar Playa Hotel. “Angel of Death,” the second episode, introduces us to a new character: Sy Berman (the always dependable James Caan), a respected Chicago Outfit mobster, who arrives to Miami to visit Ben Diamond (Danny Huston, who shines in his role), the local mobster king. When asked by Sy if he is happy, Ben responds, “Happy? F-----g Howdy Doody is happy. I’m content.” At the end of the episode, Ike is traveling to Cuba, to expand his empire. In the following episodes, we’ll keep witnessing Ben’s sexual fantasies with his wife (Jessica Marais); Ike’s deals with the Cuban government; Jack Klein (Matt Ross), Miami’s District Attorney, restless harassment of Ike Evans; Ike’s son, Stevie (Steven Strait) rising up in the power structure, but not in a good way; Ben putting pressure on Miami politicians to pass the law that would allow gambling in Miami, and Ike and Meg Bannock (Kelly Lynch) fight against it; and much more. The last episode of the season, and the best, I think, feels like “The Godfather,” with all the pieces falling into place, and in which only the best will survive, with Ike always trying to save and keep his hotel, with the support of his beautiful wife Vera (Olga Kurylenko). In addition to Caan, the second season also features Esai Morales and Sherilyn Fenn. I specially enjoyed the use of the track “Fever,” with the voice of legendary Cuban singer La Lupe.

As I mentioned in the review for the first season, “Magic City” “has class and elegance in everything – the sex, the ambiance, the colors, the nudity… hell, even the violence. It has style and it has substance – great production design and photography --, and it feels like noir at times.” The exciting second season follows the same path, and I can’t wait for the next one. The special features include the documentaries “The gamble for Havana,” “The Criminal Element,” “Magic City Style,” and more. (USA, 2013, color, 411 min)

Reviewed on November 3, 2013 - Starz – Anchor Bay Entertainment Blu-ray

A Virgin Among the Living Dead

2013-11-03T22:33:00.000-08:00

It is said, according to existing records, that Spanish director Jesús “Jess” Franco (1930-2013) helmed 198 films in his long life, and is mostly remembered for exploring themes such as horror, sexy thrillers, women in prison, erotic, among others. His movies are now being released in splendid Blu-ray editions, thanks to the folks at Redemption Films and Kino Lorber. So here’s another delight from the sexy seventies: the riveting erotic-horror feature “A Virgin among the Living Dead.” And let me tell you that this is one special Blu-ray, full of special features, a true collector’s item.

Christina von Blanc is Christina Benton, an artist that resides in London and who is notified that she has to go to the country side, where her relatives live. Her father recently died and his testament will be read at that location. Once there, she meets and assorted group of weird and/or eccentric relatives, beginning with Uncle Howard (Howard Vernon), head of the family’s state. In addition, there are also Aunt Abigail (Rosa Palomar), Carmencé (Britt Nichols), Basilio (played by the Franco himself; he happens to be the most scary fellow in the film), and others. Furthermore, aunt Herminia just passed away as Christina arrived. All these folks make Christina afraid, as they radiate death, with their zombie-like behavior. Sadly for her, she has to stay in the mansion for a while because they have to wait for the notary who will read the will. Her prolonged stay gets her deeper into the horror inside that house and the real reason for her father’s death.

As in any of Jess Franco’s films, “A Virgin among the Living Dead” is loaded with female nudity, mixing the erotic with the horror. This fantastic Blu-ray includes the edited version (“A Virgin among the Living Dead”), plus “Christina, Princess of Eroticism,” the original director’s cut. And, as mentioned earlier, the Blu-ray also includes audio commentaries, alternate erotic footage, a documentary about the various versions of the film, a documentary about Franco, and much more! (France; 1973; color; original cut – 79 min, alternate cut – 90 min; plus additional materials)

A girl arrives from London to visit her estranged relatives in a remote castle for the reading of her father's will. After a while she discovers that they are all in fact dead and her decision to live with them turns into a nightmare. Unable to leave she's drawn into a macabre underworld through visions of nude satanic rituals and her own impending sacrifice.

Reviewed on November 3, 2013. Kino Lorber – Redemption Films Blu-ray

OKA!

2013-10-25T18:38:00.000-07:00

I sincerely don’t know how this movie got green-lighted and made -- really, because the story of “Oka!” is not something that would attract mass audiences, especially in the United States. But I’m glad that it was made and I got to watch it. It was truly a delightful and remarkable experience, in a time in which many of the world’s cultural treasures are disappearing due to greed, in all its manifestations.

“Oka!” is based on “Last thoughts before vanishing from the face of the Earth,” a memoir written by Louis Sarno, who left the comfort of his New Jersey home for Central Africa some 25 years ago. And it is precisely in New Jersey, at his mother’s home, that we meet Larry Whitman (Sarno’s movie name, played by Kris Marshall), where he is bored to death, haven’t sold any CD, and anxious to return to Africa, in order that he can keep recording the music of the Bayaka pygmies – Larry is an ethnomusicologist, an expert of Bayaka pigmy music. Sadly, Larry gets ill before the trip, and is diagnosed with a malfunctional kidney and problems with his hearing. Nevertheless, he’s desperate to go back to Africa, because his catalog of the music is incomplete -- he is still missing the Malimo instrument. Once in Africa, Larry meets his pygmy friends and goes to their village, where the habitants really like him. However, certain parts of Africa, like other parts of the so-called uncivilized world, are changing due to “civilized” expansion. In this case, a sawmill is destroying the forests and habitats of some native groups. This destructive movement is being led by Mr.Yi (Will Yun Lee), the manager of the enterprise, and the very corrupt Bassoun (Isaach De Bankolé, the area’s mayor. They will do anything to get the wood and for sure have no respect of and discriminate against the pigmies. To the get this precious land and its timber, Bassoun says, he needs to “prove to the wildlife club that they (the pigmies) are a threat to the elephants,” in order that he can say that the sawmill offers “a more stable partnership [with the environment].” Furthermore, Bassoun also informs Mr. Yi that he is in the process of “systemizing the pygmies.” So, for Larry and the pygmies, is a race against time.

The film is colorful, with a delicious soundtrack, beautiful scenery, and most importantly, great acting by the pygmies, who will win your heart. They are shown as knowledgeable noble individuals most of the time, but also with faults as all of us. In addition, very few films – if any, that I can remember – show the lives and dedication of ethnomusicologists who are trying to save the music and musical instruments of all cultures in the world. (USA, 2011, color, 105 min)

Reviewed on October 24, 2013. Well Go USA Blu-ray

Dead in Tombstone

2013-10-24T18:35:00.000-07:00

Danny Trejo, the one who made his movie career with his very recognizable face, is a busy man and he is enjoying his Hollywood moment. With a new “Machete” – yes, that guy -- film coming out pretty soon, he is at the top of his game. “Dead in Tombstone” is an enjoyable western, with a dose of fun and horror, released just in time for Halloween.

Right at the beginning of the movie, we meet the devil (Mickey Rourke) taking about how evil the west is, saying at one point that “in the west, I never go hungry.” Then we are taken to the last minutes of Red Cavanaugh (an aged and unrecognizable Anthony Michael Hall), who is about to meet his maker by hanging. However, he is saved at the last minute by his buddies from the Black Water Gang, led by Guerrero de la Paz (Trejo). Once free, and celebrating his escape with the gang, Red tells Guerrero that he has a new plan to make money. He informs Guerrero that there is a dispute over the ownership of a large quantity of gold in the town of Edendale, in Colorado, and that the gold is being stored in the local bank. Red thinks that they should rob the bank and that the job should be easy. Guerrero agrees with him, and off they go. Lucky for them, everything goes smoothly for them, and they secure the gold. Unfortunately, Red had another plan: become the town’s new marshal (having killed the current one during the robbery), and rule it with the help of his crime partners. Guerrero is against that (he is a bandit, but has some morals) and is shot to death. Enter the devil (Rourke), who accepts an offer from Guerrero (in hell by now) that he can’t refuse.

“Dead in Tombstone” was filmed in Romania, with beautiful, snowy landscapes, good production design, and directed by Roel René. The movie is colorful, yet dark when it needs to be, and successfully mixes western with horror. It has some great lines, like when Red tells Guerrero, “You don’t have to do this, brother. There is plenty of gold to go around,” to which Guerrero responds, “I prefer lead.” The film also has plenty suspense, and it will remind you of a Gary Cooper’s classic called “High Noon.” In fact, in one scene, the devil tells Guerrero that it’s “high noon, hombre.” The Blu-ray + DVD + Digital unrated edition includes deleted scenes, making-of documentaries, commentaries, and more. (USA, 2013, color, 100 min plus additional materials)

Reviewed on October 24, 2013 Universal Blu-Ray

Vanishing Waves

2013-09-28T17:51:00.000-07:00

Can we communicate with the dead? Perhaps since famous magician Houdini’s death – probably the most famous case –, that is a question that has been craving for an answer, and not a good one, as far as I know, has been provided. Perhaps we can be more successful trying to establish contact with semi-death persons (comatose, that is). That is precisely the story behind the captivating, intriguing, and at times erotic (depending on what arouses you) “Vanishing Waves.”

Lukas (Marius Jamploskis) is a young researcher who lives a steady and apparent tranquil life with his girlfriend. However, their calm days would be end soon, as Lukas volunteers to an experiment in the laboratory where he works. The senior scientists are trying to connect the minds – for a lack of a better word – of a normal, healthy person (Lukas), with that of a comatose one. In this case, they chose Aurora (Jurga Jutaite), a young, beautiful lady, who is in a comatose state. The experiment goes well, and Lukas gets some kind of connection with Aurora, as he is able to go into her thoughts. Despite the success, Lukas is not honest with the researchers, because he lies to them about the results, telling them that he wasn’t getting any connection at all. As it happens, the communication gets improving, to the point of reaching erotic encounters (plenty nudity, of course). As expected, Lukas gets more motivated, to the point of obsession, and his involvement cause unexpected results.

“Vanishing Waves” is original and heavy. It is a story of obsession told with intelligence, with great cinematography by Feliksas Abrukauskas, and able direction by Kristina Buozyte. The movie won awards at Fantastic Fest and other European film competitions. The 2-disc set includes a 12- page booklet with an interview with the director, a making-of feature, original motion picture soundtrack, and more. (Lithuania, France, Belgium; 2012; color; 120 min plus additional materials)

Reviewed on September 28, 2013. Arsploitation Films

Foolish Wives

2013-09-28T17:47:00.000-07:00

They called him “the man you loved to hate,” and that might have been the feeling that some moviegoers had for director Erich Von Stroheim. And that was for sure the feeling that some movie executives had for him, especially the legendary Irving Thalberg, who some consider the best producer ever. The majestic and delightful “Foolish Wives” is a testament of Von Stroheim’s appetite for big budgets and out-of-control behavior, the ones that he was famous for. However, it is also a testament of his grandiosity as both an actor and director. Referred to as the “first million-dollar picture,” “Foolish Wives” is now available in a glorious Blu-ray edition, thanks to the folks at Kino-Lorber.

The film opens in Monte Carlo -- “Europe’s playground” --, and we are immediately taken to Villa Amo Rosa, “secluded and leased for the season by three members of the Russian aristocracy (or so we are told): Princess Olga Petchnikoff (Maude George), Princess Vera Petchnikoff (Mae Busch), and their cousin, Count Wladislaw Sergius Karamzin (also a Captain in the Russian Army).” They also have a maid, Maruschka (Dale Fuller), who is clandestinely in love with Count Karamzin. They live an apparent idyllic life – caviar for breakfast--, but in the underneath, they are in desperate need of money. Enter Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Hughes (Rudolph Christians and Miss Dupont, respectively), who would be arriving to Monaco, with Mr. Hughes being the commissioner plenipotentiary from the United States. Mr. Hughes would be meeting Monaco’s officials to present them with his credentials. Count Karamzin immediately sees an opportunity there, and eventually befriends them, with the objective of conquering Mrs, Hughes’ heart (and money), telling them that he wanted to be a “kind protector” to them. He and his cousins also want to secure respect and status in Monaco’s high society. Count Karamzin is a playboy, and dresses as Captain in the Russian Army (a mania that Von Stroheim had in most of his pictures; he claimed to have been and officer in his native Austrian army), stating, “I think I’ll enjoy this undertaking.” And enjoy he did, playing the part perfectly until the very end.

For “Foolish Wives” von Stroheim, constructed an impressive and expensive set in the Universal lot, recreating luxurious Monaco, and he filmed 21 reels during its production in 1921, for which Thalberg ordered one third cut, and then one half. The Kino Blu-ray features the 1972 restored version from the American Film Institute. This is the best and almost complete edition of this film available. If you are a fan of silent movies, and of von Stroheim in particular, this is a must-have for any reason that you can think about – cinematic history at its best. The Blu-ray also includes the very complete and informative documentary “The Man you loved to hate,” audio commentary by Valerie von Stroheim and Paul Kohner, New York Censor Board cuts (yes, von Stroheim was racy), and much more. (USA, 1922, B&W, 143 min plus additional materials)
Reviewed on September 28, 2013. Kino Classics Blu-ray

I Shot JFK – The Shocking Truth

2013-09-28T17:16:00.000-07:00

The assassination of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was, is and will always be a matter of controversy and conspiracy theories, to such an extent that, when the real truth comes out, nobody will believe it. Hell, the same would happen if the real Jesus Christ suddenly shows up. But every now and then a new explanation for the murder is unearthed and we have to listen to it and make our own conclusions. “I Shot JFK: The Shocking Truth” gives us another twist, and a very detailed and eye-opening account of what might had happened that Friday on November 22, 1963.

Directed by Robert Kiviat, the documentary entirely focuses on James Sutton, aka James Files, who at the time when the interviews were conducted, was serving time in a prison (Stateville Correctional Center, Crest Hill, Illinois) for attempted murder of a cop – he explains this in detail during the film. He mentions that he was born in Alabama, and that his birth certificate indicates that he was “deceased at birth.” He goes on to explain in the detail his involvement in JFK’s assassination. He says that the original plot was supposed to take place in Chicago, but was changed, and that he arrived to Dallas, Texas, a week before, to study the area and landscape. He also discusses the involvement of a series of individuals in planning the murder, particularly elements from the Italian mob, including Johnny Roselli, Charles Nicoletti, and Sam Giancana, all of them assassinated later. Sutton also claims that David Atlee Phillip, former CIA chief of Latin American operations, was also an important part of the plan. He also talks about Jack Ruby and Lee Harvey Oswald, and that he actually spent a considerable amount of time with Oswald, who he maintains did not shoot JFK, as it was proven by the so-called paraffin test. He also explains, step by step, how he shot the last bullet (only one), which is the one that made JFK move backwards, as he was standing behind a fence at Dealey Plaza, and that he used a Remington Fireball XP-100, at the time the “most accurate weapon in the world.” Of course, he is also asked about the reasons to participate in the murder.

I have to confess that I was really impressed by Sutton’s arguments. Good research is necessary to prove his claims. In fact, he indicated that Joe West, a Houston private investigator, requested the exhumation of JFK’s body, because he wanted to provide evidence that JFK was killed with a mercury round, special load, because Mercury tends to stay in the body. A file says that the court accepted the request, but West died before it could be done. You be the judge. In addition to “I Shot JFK: The Shocking Truth,” MVD Visual also released the equally engaging “Confessions form the Grassy Knoll” and “Spooks, Hoods & JFK,” which contain more interesting information about the assassination of our 35th president. (USA, 2012, color & BW, 90 min)

Reviewed on 9/28/2013. MVD Visual