Reviewing films slightly off the beaten path
The WInd Rises is a beautifully written and directed film from master filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. The film may take place during some of the hardest times for the world, but the central story is focused on selfless love and the desire for artistic expression. Shout! Factory have given the film a pristine release.
Pump Up the Volume was a clarion call to Generation X advocating self expression and how voices can change society. The film feels somewhat dated viewed thirty years later, but the revolutionary ethos remains the same. Warner Archive have given the film a Blu-ray release.
In X,Y, and Zee Elizabeth Taylor turns in a dynamite performance alongside Michael Caine and Susannah York. The video transfer on the Twilight Time Blu-ray looks fantastic.
Death Wish set the standard for the urban justice films that would be made in its wake. One of Charles Bronson’s best loved films was given a Steelbook release by Paramount Pictures.
Willie Dynamite is an entertaining Blaxploitation film that is not as tough as other films from that era, but the styles worn by Willie are truly things of beauty.
No Down Payment is a deeply cynical look at the troubled suburban lives of the post-war generation. Martin Ritt directs an excellent cast that includes Tony Randall and Joanne Woodward. Twilight Time gave the film a Blu-ray release with a great transfer provided by 20th Century Fox.
Sleeping Dogs was a big leap forward for New Zealand cinema when it was released in 1977. Arrow Academy has given the film a great looking release.
The Possessed is an exceptionally crafted film. It is an atmospheric masterpiece and one of the best films in Arrow’s fantastic lineup.
Talk Radio is a well made adaptation of the one-man play by Eric Bogosian. Oliver Stone directs the film capably, even if the film can feel abrasive at times. Twilight Time brought the film to Blu-ray.
JSA: Joint Security Area was the third film by Park Chan Wook and the last before his Vengeance Trilogy made him an international sensation. Arrow Video have given the film a pristine new release.
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.
