Reviewing films slightly off the beaten path
In a world of remakes and sequels, Aguirre, the Wrath of God remains a singular achievement from one of the great maverick filmmakers, Werner Herzog. The film is beautifully made and a testament to maniacally pursued dreams. Shout! Factory’s 4K edition is remarkable.
“Game Night” is one of the funniest comedies of the past decade. The ensemble cast features Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Kyle Chandler, Lamorne Morris, Kylie Bunbury, and Jesse Plemons. Warner’s 4K UHD is an enjoyable if slight upgrade.
Warner has gone the extra mile to present “The Mask of Fu Manchu” in its original ludicrous and racially problematic grandeur. Boris Karloff and Mirna Loy shine in one of the most over-the-top pre-code pictures.
“Quigley Down Under” is a great Western adventure film set in the Australian outback of the 19th century. With great performances by Tom Selleck and Alan Rickman, the film is still a joy to watch. Shout! Studios has given the film a 4K release.
Warner Bros. have given “Enter the Dragon” a truly exceptional 4K UHD release on its 50th anniversary. The new Dolby Atmos track and beautiful transfer bring out the very best from Bruce Lee’s greatest film.
“Magnificent Warriors” is an Indiana Jones style adventure film set during the Indo-China War. It is a showpiece for Michelle Yeoh’s incredible martial arts skills. 88 Films has given the film a very nice release.
“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.
Arrow Video has given Western territories a chance to check out Johnnie To’s “Running Out of Time” series of films. The release comes with both films and numerous supplements. Both films look nice on Blu-ray.
Mill Creek’s release of “Metropolis”brought a rare Blu-ray back into print in a well designed steelbook packaging. The technical specs are good, but the film quality is excellent. Otomo and Rintaro created a visually stunning world.
