Reviewing films slightly off the beaten path
Ivan Passer’s “Born to Win” is a well made character driven drama from the “New Hollywood” era. George Segal stars as J, a heroin addict whose hustles cause him to continuously spiral downward. Fun City Editions have given the film an attractive release.
“Morvern Callar” is an exceptionally well made film by filmmaker Lynne Ramsay. It is a beautiful rumination on loss, grief, and rejuvenation. The soundtrack is killer. Fun City Editions has given the film a great release with a strong 2K scan.
Written by novelist Thomas McGuane, “Rancho Deluxe” is an out there “acid Western” starring Jeff Bridges and Sam Waterston. Fun City Editions’s release has great supplements and a solid 4K transfer.
“Married to the Mob” is a colorful film that mixes mobster intrigue and romantic comedy elements. Fun City Editions has given the film a solid 2K scan and new special features.
Jonathan Hertzberg of Fun City Editions was kind enough to talk to us for a couple hours about his label and his love of film. The conversation is roughly 25 pages long and full of insights into his processes and inspirations.
John Huston’s “The Maltese Falcon” is a flawless adaptation of the novel by Dashiell Hammett featuring Humphrey Bogart in one of his most iconic performances as Sam Spade.
“Training Day” is one of the best urban crime films thanks to excellent performances by Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke and an excellent soundtrack of Los Angeles rap. Warner Bros. have given the film a strong 4K transfer and excellent Atmos track.
“The Russia House” is a well made espionage film with romantic elements adapted from John le Carré’s novel. Starring Sean Connery and Michelle Pfeiffer, Twilight Time released the film on Blu-ray.
Scream Factory has given Don Coscarelli’s “Bubba-Ho-Tep” a 4K UHD release. It is the only film that features Bruce Campbell as Elvis alongside Ossie Davis as JFK battling a mummy that preys on the elderly.
“Cloverfield” was destined to be a cult film. Its experimental narrative techniques set it apart from other creature features and other films in general. Paramount’s handsome steelbook edition brings the best out of the film in 4K.
