Reviewing films slightly off the beaten path
“True Romance” is one of the best films of the Nineties. Watching Tony Scott interpret the words of Quentin Tarantino while maintaining his signature visual style is an absolute treat. The 4K UHD release by Arrow Video looks gorgeous and features the legacy content alongside a few new features.
“God Told Me To” is a unique thriller from the inimitable mind of independent guerrilla filmmaker Larry Cohen. The Blue Underground release looks and sounds fantastic and features a new commentary by Steve Mitchell and Troy Howarth.
“The Untouchables” benefits from great direction by Brian De Palma and a strong cast made up of Sean Connery, Kevin Costner, and Robert De Niro. The Paramount UHD release is a vast upgrade from the 2007 Blu-ray release.
“The Batman” is the best Batman film since “The Dark Knight.” Matt Reeves’s vision of Gotham is one of the most compelling yet. The Warner Bros. 4K UHD is one of the most impressive releases this year on the format.
“Beverly Hills Cop II” is a sequel that in many ways is the equal of the first film. The cinematography by Jeffrey Kimball and direction by Tony Scott make the film a winner. The UHD by Paramount looks fantastic.
“Beverly Hills Cop” is the film that elevated Eddie Murphy to superstar status. A great blend of comedy and action, it helped establish the formula for buddy cop movies in the Eighties. Paramount’s UHD release is the best the film has looked.
“The Godfather: Part II” is a brilliant successor to the classic first film. It stands on its own as an artistic triumph which still resonates today. The 4K UHD is exceptional.
“The Godfather” is one of the best crime dramas ever made. Coppola directed an ensemble cast of Brando, Pacino, Caan, Duvall, and more in roles that defined their careers. The Paramount 4K UHD is an essential purchase with a jaw-dropping new restoration.
“Wild Things” was one of the last erotic thrillers to see large scale success at the box office. With a strong neo-noir story and sly sense of humor, it has aged well. The Arrow Video 4K UHD is gorgeous.
“Miami Blues” is a very well done neo-noir adaptation of the eccentric and wonderful Charles Willeford novel. Alec Baldwin, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Fred Ward are all perfectly cast. Shout! Factory released the Blu-ray in 2015.
Arrow Video has brought Shinji Somai’s genrebending yakuza/coming-of-age/idol film/dramedy “Sailor Suit and Machine Gun” to Blu-ray. The long-take sequences are truly impressive, and the film is strangely hypnotic.
