Reviewing films slightly off the beaten path
Featuring an introduction from film scholar and author Troy Howarth!
The Bird with the Crystal Plumage changed the Italian thriller genre for forever. Spawning a million imitations, Argento’s stylized film remains one of the best giallo films ever made.
The Shop Around the Corner by Ernst Lubitsch remains one of the defining romantic comedies. The film was so good that it has been remade twice. Stewart and Sullavan shine in their roles. WB Archive has given the film a release with a stunning transfer.
The Player was the film that ushered Robert Altman back onto the center stage of American filmmaking in the Nineties. It’s an enduring satire. Criterion Collection gave it a great release in 2016.
Arrow Video’s presentation of The Last Starfighter is extremely well done. This family friendly science fiction film has remained a fan favorite since 1984.
The Comfort of Strangers is a perfectly realized adaptation of the unsettling Ian McEwan novel of the same name. Paul Schrader directs. Christopher Walken and Helen Mirren shine in the film. Criterion Collection has given the film a pristine Blu-ray release.
Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter is easily one of the best entries in the series. The new Shout! Factory Blu-ray release features an exceptional new 4K scan. One of the best slashers from the Eighties.
Silent Running is a great science fiction film from the Seventies starring the fantastic Bruce Dern. The film is unique because of its sense of melancholy and prescient environmental themes. Arrow Video has given the film an excellent new release.
Friday the 13th Part 2 is a very important film in the series. Building upon the first film, the focus shines on Jason Voorhees and a formula is locked in place for the series. The new Shout! Factory Blu-ray looks fantastic.
High Plains Drifter is one of Eastwoods most unusual and best Westerns. Kino Lorber have given the film a stunning new 4K restoration. Highly recommended!
Friday the 13th gave the world Camp Crystal Lake and set the gold standard for camp based slasher films. Shout! Factory’s new release inside their massive box set looks the best the film has ever looked.
