Reviewing films slightly off the beaten path
“Carlito’s Way” is one of the best films from virtuoso filmmaker Brian De Palma. Pacino and Sean Penn are both fantastic in the film, and the final sequence is one of the best that De Palma put to celluloid. The Universal Pictures UHD is an excellent presentation of the film.
“12 Monkeys” is one of the best science fiction films of the Nineties. Brad Pitt and Bruce Willis are both wonderful in the film, and Terry Gilliam directs the film beautifully. The Arrow Video Blu-ray (or Steelbook) earns our highest recommendation.
“The Shawshank Redemption” is one of the best films of all time and is the best prison drama ever made. Warner Bros. has given the film a new 4K UHD release that brings out the very best from Roger Deakins’ cinematography.
“Scream” was a generation defining horror film when it was released in 1996. Wes Craven reminded everyone that he was a master at generating suspense. The script by Kevin Williamson still feels fresh twenty five years later. The new Paramount 4K UHD is a big improvement over all prior releases.
“Cruel Jaws” is a jaw dropping work of boldfaced plagiarism. One of the most infamous and enjoyable “Jaws” ripoffs, it was actually released as “Jaws 5” in some territories. Severin Films released this cinematic gift on Blu-ray.
“Deep Cover” is one of the most visually exciting and eccentric undercover cop films from the Nineties. Kudos to Criterion for releasing this wonderful film from director Bill Duke on Blu-ray from a stunning 4K transfer.
“Another 48 Hrs.” is an enjoyable follow up to “48 Hrs.” that can’t quite match the original. The Paramount Presents release looks and sound great.
“Drive” is one of the most enjoyable MVD Rewind releases to date. A martial arts filled action film starring Mark Dacascos features some truly incredible choreography.
“Event Horizon” was one of the better science fiction – horror hybrids to ever be made. Critics missed the mark on the film, but fans have kept it alive. The new Shout! Factory Collector’s Edition is solid.
“The Lawnmower Man” is probably the best known film from the brief boom of Cyber Cinema. Starring Jeff Fahey and Pierce Brosnan, it is a fun and fairly traditional science fiction film. The Shout! Factory Blu-ray is a definitive Collector’s Edition.
“Scanner Cop” is an enjoyable piece of mid-Nineties straight-to-video science fiction. Vinegar Syndrome has done a truly exceptional job restoring the film on their new 4K UHD release. Fans of this film or genre should consider it a mandatory purchase.
