Film Buff Friday - American Gigolo

On June 18th, Paul Schrader’s stylish neo-noir crime drama American Gigolo makes its debut on 4K UHD and Blu-ray in Limited Edition sets featuring a brand new 4K remaster from the original negative. Julian (a mesmerizing Richard Gere, in his breakthrough performance), a high-priced male escort, has the perfect car, the perfect wardrobe, the perfect house, and the perfect life. He desires the same lifestyle that his elite clients enjoy, but that desire turns to jealousy and one of his clients ends up dead. The drama builds as Julian realizes he’s being framed for the murder and races to prove his innocence.  

 

American Gigolo was shot by John Bailey (In the Line of Fire, The Big Chill), and features music by Golden Globe nominee for Best Original Score, Giorgio Moroder, who co-wrote “Call Me,” the film’s signature theme song by Blondie. The costuming by Giorgio Armani defined the era of disco and 80s extravagance and is widely credited for establishing the designer’s brand in North America. Featuring performances by Lauren Hutton, Bill Duke, and Héctor Elizondo.

 

The 4K UHD and Blu-ray editions feature an audio commentary, seven brand new interviews with cast and crew, original trailer, and more. 

 

View the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN7sz-T_tUY&t=2s

Film Buff Friday

On May 7th, Arrow Video will release the crime thriller Night Falls On Manhattan from director Sidney Lumet, who brings his gritty realism to this adaptation of former NYPD officer Robert Daley’s novel. Assistant DA Sean Casey (Andy Garcia) is assigned to prosecute a drug dealer whose case has deep ties to his family. As the young attorney uncovers the truth about the arrest, his career, family, and life are threatened. The Limited Edition Blu-ray features an all-star cast that includes Academy Award® nominees Richard Dreyfuss, Ian Holm, and Lena Olin, as well as James Gandolfini, Vincent Pastore, Frank Vincent, Bobby Cannavale, and Ron Liebman.

 

The special features include two audio commentaries; a documentary about the director; on-set interviews with cast and crew; behind the scenes footage; trailers and TV spots.

Watch trailer »

Film Buff Friday: The Postman Always Rings Twice

It's time for some film noir Minions. Does The Postman Always Ring Twice at your door? Well he does at Lana Turner's in the form of John Garfield and such.

Erotic tension is the name of the game in this sizzling piece of movie history. 

It was also remade in 1981 with Jack Nicholson and Jessica Lange.

So let's enjoy my buddy Jay Jacobson's write-up about it shall we? We shall for sure!!!

T.G.I.F!

https://www.jaysclassicmovieblog.com/post/the-postman-always-rings-twice-1946

Film Buff Friday: North By Norhtwest

After this week I know I need to unwind and see a film that will Entertain Me. Thus I am recommending a classic Alfred Hitchcock film to help all of you do just that: North By Northwest. 

This movie was made with no other agenda than to be top notch entertainment and it's exhilarating!

How exhilarating is it you may ask? Well I'm glad you did, so much so that the American Film Institute rated it the 4th most thrilling film of all time!!!

If you would like to know more before viewing this gem hit the link below to my buddy Jay Jacobson's Classic Movie Blog he's got all the 411 and them some.

T.G.I.F & Film! 

https://www.jaysclassicmovieblog.com/post/north-by-northwest-1959

Film Buff Friday: Flatliners

"An original, intelligent thriller, well-directed by Joel Schumacher"

     —Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

SOME LINES SHOULDN'T BE CROSSED. Known for his impressively eclectic filmography and for helping to launch the careers of several young Hollywood stars of the 80s and 90s, Joel Schumacher (The Lost Boys, St. Elmo's Fire) tackles the existential question that, at one time or another, haunts us all: what awaits us after we die? At the University Hospital School of Medicine, five ambitious students subject themselves to a daring experiment: to temporarily induce their own deaths, hoping to glimpse the afterlife before being brought back to life. But as competition within the group intensifies and their visions of the world beyond increasingly bleed into their waking lives, they're about to learn that the greatest threat comes not from the spirit world but from the long-suppressed secrets of their own pasts... Stylishly photographed by Jan de Bont (Basic Instinct) and featuring a cast of Hollywood's hottest talent - including Kiefer Sutherland (Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me), Julia Roberts (Secret in their Eyes) and Kevin Bacon (Wild Things) - Flatliners is the ultimate life-and-death thrill ride.

Media

 Watch trailer »

Bonus Materials

• Brand new 4K restoration from the original negative, approved by director of photography Jan de Bont
• High Definition Blu-ray™ (1080p) presentation
• Lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 surround soundtracks
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Brand new audio commentary by critics Bryan Reesman and Max Evry
• The Conquest of our Generation, a brand new video interview with screenwriter Peter Filardi
• Visions of Light, a brand new video interview with director of photography Jan de Bont and chief lighting technician Edward Ayer
• Hereafter, a brand new video interview with first assistant director John Kretchmer
• Restoration, a brand new video interview with production designer Eugenio Zanetti and art director Larry Lundy
• Atonement, a brand new video interview with composer James Newton Howard and orchestrator Chris Boardman
• Dressing for Character, a brand new interview with costume designer Susan Becker
• Theatrical trailer
• Image gallery
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Gary Pullin
• FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by Amanda Reyes and Peter Tonguette

Order Here: https://mvdb2b.com/b2b/s/AV466

Film Buff Friday: Scarface

Before the brilliant Brian De Palma film starring Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer there was the 1932 version of Scarface that was equally groundbreaking and helped shape American Cinema.

Wanna go gangster or go home? Then check out my buddy Jay Jacobson and he will give you all that is Scarface straight outta 1932  on his Classic Movie Blog by hitting the link below.

Do it, and do it now!!!

https://www.jaysclassicmovieblog.com/post/scarface-1932  

Film Buff Friday: Planet Of The Apes

                        "Take your stinking paws off me you damn dirty ape!"

Today we take a walk down memory lane to when science fiction films were truly interesting and not what is passed off today for the genre. Let's re-visit the 1968 version of Planet Of The Apes.

What's that you say, you didn't know there was another version other than the, how shall I put this nicely, awful 2001 Tim Burton movie of the same named? Well there was and it is quite compelling and provocative.

Hey, don't simply take my word for it, check out my buddy Jay Jacobson's Classic Movie Blog. Jay really digs deep into this film and gives behind the scenes commentary as well.

"Go Ape" at the link below!

https://www.jaysclassicmovieblog.com/post/99-planet-of-the-apes-1968

Film Buff Friday: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Kenneth Branagh leads an all-star cast including Robert De Niro, Helena Bonham Carter, Tom Hulce, Ian Holm, John Cleese and Aidan Quinn in his definitive cinematic version of Mary Shelley's classic tale of gothic terror. At the turn of the 19th century, visionary scientist Victor Frankenstein (Kenneth Branagh) embarks on an obsessive quest to conquer the mysteries of human mortality. But his hubristic bid to create life out of death goes hideously wrong, and succeeds only in begetting a deformed monster (Robert De Niro). Horrified by what he has wrought, the scientist attempts to destroy his creation, but fails. Rejected by his creator and shunned by the world of man, the tormented creature swears vengeance against Frankenstein and his family. As the monster begins to enact his murderous revenge, Victor must face a terrible reckoning with the tragic consequences of attempting to play God. Mary Shelley's seminal novel is one of the most adapted books of all time, and this retelling faithfully goes back to the original source, lushly transforming the story's twin themes of love and death into a darkly operatic gothic romance. Unlike many versions of Shelley's novel, Branagh's adaptation understands that Frankenstein's misbegotten creation is as pitiable as he is monstrous, and never loses sight of the human tragedy lying at the core of its horrific tale. Filled with sweeping, atmospheric visuals and powerfully emotional performances from an award-winning ensemble of acting talent, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein stands as a landmark interpretation of this enduring masterpiece.

Media

 Watch trailer »

Bonus Materials

• New 4K restoration from the original camera negatives by Sony Pictures Entertainment
• 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
• Original uncompressed stereo audio and DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Brand new audio commentary by film historians Michael Brooke and Johnny Mains
• Brand new interview with composer Patrick Doyle
• Brand new interview with costumer designer James Acheson
• Brand new interview with make-up designer Daniel Parker
• Mary Shelley and The Creation of a Monster, a brand new documentary featurette on the origins and evolution of the Frankenstein story, featuring Gothic specialists David Pirie, Jonathan Rigby and Stephen Volk
• Dissecting Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, a brand new featurette with David Pirie, Jonathan Rigby and Stephen Volk on the differences between the novel and Kenneth Branagh’s screen adaptation
• Frankenstein: A Liberal Adaptation from Mrs. Shelley’s Famous Story for Edison Production (1910): The first screen adaptation of Shelley’s story in a 2K restoration by the Library of Congress, with music by Donald Sosin
• Original trailers
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Laz Marquez
• FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by Jon Towlson and Amy C. Chambers

Order Here:

https://mvdb2b.com/b2b/s/AV372

Film Buff Friday: April Fool's Day

Being as today is April Fool's Day I thought I would bring to your attention a fun little slasher movie from 1986 called: April Fool's Day, duh!

AFD is considered one of the better entries into the horror genre of it's time.

Oh, and another thing don't get fooled and watch the 2008 remake, then you will have really been punked!

Here is a review of the original...fools! 

Have a great weekend, and watch your collective backs today...

http://www.themovieboy.com/reviews/a/86_aprilfoolsday.htm  

Film Buff Friday: Metropolis

Now for some Fritz Lang... 

“Metropolis” is one of those prime treasures you don’t want to miss. Colossal sets, groundbreaking special effects, and a literal cast of thousands come together so extraordinarily, that this film contains some of cinema’s most iconic images and perhaps its most astounding use of production design. There is nothing else like “Metropolis” - Jay Jacobson Jay's Classic Movie Blog

Read on Minions by hitting the link below!

https://www.jaysclassicmovieblog.com/post/metropolis-1927

Film Buff Friday: An American Werewolf In London

"A horror film that packs a wallop"  - 

Janet Maslin, The New York Times

One of the greatest directors of the 1980s, John Landis (The Blues Brothers, Trading Places), expertly combines macabre horror with dark humor in the lycanthropic classic, An American Werewolf in London. American tourists David (David Naughton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne) are savaged by an unidentified vicious animal whilst hiking on the Yorkshire Moors. David awakes in a London hospital to find his friend dead and his life in disarray. Retiring to the home of a beautiful nurse (Jenny Agutter, Walkabout) to recuperate, he soon experiences disturbing changes to his mind and body, undergoing a full-moon transformation that will unleash terror on the streets of the capital... An American Werewolf in London had audiences howling with laughter and recoiling in terror upon its cinema release. Landis' film has gone on to become one of the most important horror films of its decade, rightly lauded for its masterful set-pieces, uniquely unsettling atmosphere and Rick Baker's truly ground-breaking, Oscar-winning special makeup effects. Now newly restored and presented with an abundance of extra features, this big beast of horror can be devoured as never before...

Media

 Watch trailer »

Bonus Materials

• Brand new 4K restoration by Arrow Films from the original camera negative
• 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
• Original uncompressed 1.0 mono and optional 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Audio commentary by Beware the Moon filmmaker Paul Davis
• Audio commentary by actors David Naughton and Griffin Dunne
• Mark of The Beast: The Legacy of the Universal Werewolf, a feature-length documentary by filmmaker Daniel Griffith, featuring interviews with John Landis, David Naughton, Joe Dante and more
• An American Filmmaker in London, an interview with John Landis in which he reflects on British cinema and his time working in Britain
• I Think He’s a Jew: The Werewolf’s Secret, a video essay by filmmaker Jon Spira (Elstree 1976) about how Landis’ film explores Jewish identity
• The Werewolf’s Call, Corin Hardy, director of The Hallow and The Nun, chats with writer Simon Ward about their formative experiences with Landis’ film
• Wares of the Wolf, a featurette in which SFX artist Dan Martin and Tim Lawes of Prop Store look at some of the original costumes and special effects artefacts from the film
• Beware the Moon, Paul Davis’ acclaimed, feature-length exploration of Landis’ film which boasts extensive cast and crew interviews
• An American Werewolf in Bob’s Basement and Causing a Disturbance: Piccadilly Revisited, two 2008 featurettes filmed by Paul Davis
• Making An American Werewolf in London, a short archival featurette on the film’s production
• An Interview with John Landis, a lengthy archival interview with the director about the film
• Make-up Artist Rick Baker on An American Werewolf in London, the legendary make-up artist discusses his work on the film
• I Walked with a Werewolf, an archival interview with Rick Baker about Universal horror and its legacy of Wolfman films
• Casting of the Hand, archival footage from Rick Baker’s workshop showing the casting of David Naughton’s hand
• Outtakes
• Storyboards featurette
• Original trailer and teaser plus TV and radio spots
• Extensive image gallery featuring over 200 stills, posters and other ephemera
• Reversible sleeve featuring original poster art and artwork by Graham Humphreys
• Double-sided fold-out poster
• Six double-sided, postcard-sized lobby card reproductions
• Limited edition 60-page, perfect-bound book featuring new writing by Craig Ian Mann and Simon Ward, archival articles and original reviews

Order Here -

https://mvdb2b.com/b2b/s/AV426

Film Buff Friday: Camille

"Hollywood films of the 1930s were in many ways, the most bewitchingly glamorous of any period in cinema history. They offered escapism through beautiful actors, dazzling decors, sensational clothing, and gripping stories - all larger than life. As the saying goes, it was the “stuff dreams were made of", and “Camille” is a shining example of this intoxicating time. This tragic romance showcases the brilliance of director George Cukor, the magnetism of Greta Garbo, and the mesmerizing elegance of 1930s films - in particular, those made by MGM Studios. The world it creates is so lavish and rich, you can’t help but long to be a part of it. “Camille” is breathtaking, highly emotional, and an apex in melodrama and romance. It earned one Academy Award nomination, for its star, Greta Garbo."

Wanna read more? Of course you do, so saunter over to my friend Jay Jacobson's Classic Movie Blog by hitting the link below...T.G.I.F!

https://www.jaysclassicmovieblog.com/post/42-camille-1936

Film Buff Friday: Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs

With all of the buzz about the upcoming Disney live action re-do of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs and the push back on it from actor Peter Dinklage ( https://variety.com/2022/film/news/peter-dinklage-snow-white-remake-1235161936/ ) -

I think it's time to revisit the pioneering animated film from the Disney vaults via my buddy Jay Jacobson's Classic Movie Blog.

Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho  click on the link below!

https://www.jaysclassicmovieblog.com/post/92-snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs-1937

Film Buff Friday: Surf Nazis Must Die

Girlfriend in a Troma...

An earthquake leaves the California coastline in ruins and reduces the beaches to a state of chaos. A group of neo-Nazis led by Adolf (Brenner), the self-proclaimed "Führer of the new beach", takes advantage of the resulting chaos by fighting off several rival surfer gangs to seize control of the beaches. Meanwhile, an African American oil well worker named Leroy (Harden) is killed by the surf Nazis while jogging on the beach. Leroy's mother, "Mama" Washington (Neely), devastated by the loss of her son, vows revenge. After arming herself with a handgun and grenades, she breaks out of her retirement home and exacts vengeance on the Surf Nazis.

Media

 Watch trailer »

Order Here -

https://mvdb2b.com/b2b/s/TRO1094

Film Buff Friday: The Women

Ever heard of the 1939 classic film The Women? Well now you have, right here, right now. The Women is most notable for many reasons the least of them not being it features a cast of all, well, women, naturally. 

Director,  George Cukor was known in Hollywood as a "Woman's Director" because of his talent for drawing compelling performances from "difficult actresses" i.e. women with strong personalities on and off screen.

He is said to have discovered Katherine Hepburn.

Now the time has come Minions to leave you in the more than capable hands of my buddy Jay Jacobson and his Classic Movie Blog. 

"Yes" Jay is the one to turn to when your thirst of film knowledge is whetted, happy link clicking!

https://www.jaysclassicmovieblog.com/post/the-women-1939  

Film Buff Friday: My Stepmother Is An Alien

"Basinger proves here, as she did in 'Blind Date,' that she has a natural gift for slapstick... Aykroyd falls in love with her - not because she looks sexy, but because she makes him laugh. I had much the same reaction."

     —Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

He married a girl from out of town... Way out of town. Dan Aykroyd (Ghostbusters), Kim Basinger (The Nice Guys) and Jon Lovitz (Southland Tales) star in a fish-out-of-water comedy with a sci-fi twist that questions whether a romance between two star-crossed lovers who are literally worlds apart can ever work. When widowed astronomer Steve Mills (Aykroyd) inadvertently causes a gravitational disruption in deep space, a race of hyper-advanced alien lifeforms sends one of their own to investigate, disguised in the alluring human form of Celeste (Basinger). Tasked with seducing the lovelorn Steve in a bid to gain access to his scientific research, Celeste finds herself falling for the man she's been sent to swindle. But they've not counted on Steve's young daughter Jessie (Alyson Hannigan, TV's Buffy the Vampire Slayer), who's none too thrilled by the prospect of a new mother - especially not one from another planet. Funny and touching in equal measure, My Stepmother is an Alien is an offbeat and at times surprisingly risqué comedy that confirms the adage that what unites us is far greater than what divides us... even if what divides us happens to be an entire galaxy.

Media

 Watch trailer »

Bonus Materials

• Brand new 2K restoration from the original camera negative
• High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation
• Original lossless 2.0 stereo audio
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
• Brand new audio commentary by critic Bryan Reesman
• Cosmetic Encounters: Directing My Stepmother is An Alien, a brand new interview with director Richard Benjamin
• Original trailer
• Image gallery
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Colin Murdoch
• FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Amanda Reyes

Order Here -

https://mvdb2b.com/b2b/s/AV391

Film Buff Friday: The Miracle Worker

Being it's the season of miracles I thought we should commemorate it with a movie about that very thing, The Miracle Worker.

This film is based on two real people Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan. Helen Keller is famous for her courage in overcoming her handicaps of being blind and deaf and achieving great things. The movie focuses on the time period where Anne Sullivan was employed by Helen's parents to teach her how to do those things.

Helen played by Patty Duke and Anne played by another Anne, Anne Bancroft both went on to win Academy Awards for their roles. Rightfully so their performances are honest and raw.

Wanna know more about this miracle? Click on the link  below to my buddy Jay Jacobson's Classic Movie Blog for his expert musings on it.

Remember miracles happen every day.

https://www.jaysclassicmovieblog.com/post/86-the-miracle-worker-1960

Film Buff Friday: West Side Story

With the release today of Steven Spielberg's retelling of West Side Story I thought it would be fun to revisit the original 1961 film starring Natalie Wood & Richard Beymer Directed by Jerome Robbins & Robert Wise.

That means the film is four years older than me. So you are correct in assuming that I saw it at a stage in my life where I was older.

I first saw West Side Story in High School for a drama class I believe. I was blown away by it then, it was amazing to a younger me, still is. But the main takeaway I have from it is it was my first exposure to the late great Natalie Wood. Her performance moved me in ways I had never felt at the movies before and have rarely felt since.

"Yes" I had a lifelong crush on her after that and sought out other things she had done post seeing WSS.

OK, enough of my hyperbole I'm now going to leave you in the expert hands of my buddy Jay Jacobson and his Classic Movie Blog. He will give you everything you need to know about the original WSS and then some by hitting the link below...

T.G.I.F! Minions only 15 more days until Christmas!!!

https://www.jaysclassicmovieblog.com/post/86-west-side-story-1961

Film Buff Friday: It's A Wonderful Life

Being as that we are in the midst of the countdown till Christmas and such I thought it would be fitting to recommend the Holiday classic It's A Wonderful Life starring the legendary James Stewart. Directed by the equally legendary Frank Capra, "Yes" legends walk among us.

While I don't want to say too much about the film I would encourage those uninitiated to watch it. There's a reason it has endured since 1946. It's themes and magic are simply timeless.

I am going to leave you now in the very capable, not to mention knowledgeable hands of my buddy Jay Jacobson with a link to his musings about IAWL on his classic movie blog. 

22 days to go Minions!

https://www.jaysclassicmovieblog.com/post/36-it-s-a-wonderful-life-1946  

Film Buff Friday: The Producers

Hello Minions, how was your Thanksgiving? Mine was perfect I watched Halle Berry's directorial debut Bruised. How was it you ask? She's a good director and gave a truly great performance in it even if the material was pretty cliched, I recommend it.

So here we are, the morning after, the day of overeating. Most of us will be couch potatoes I am sure. Here's my suggestion for a PMU today. Mel Brooks movie The Producers!

Hey nothing can take on those post Turkey Day blahs like a Mel Brooks comedy, nothing even remotely comes close.

I have also included an informative link for the uninitiated to my buddy Jay Jacobson's Classic Movie Blog. It will give you all the 411 and then some on this comic masterpiece (Mel made a few of those in case you didn't know.)

Enjoy your post TG chill, Michael says: Relax...

https://www.jaysclassicmovieblog.com/post/the-producers-1967