Despite a good cast, good director, and great cinematography, “9 1/2 Weeks” can not overcome the unlikability of a key character that drains the film of its emotional core.
Philip Roth considered Larry Peerce’s adaptation of “Goodbye, Columbus” to be the best adaptation of his work. Fun City Editions has done a great job of bringing it to Blu-ray.
MGM has given Martin Ritt’s 1961 film “Paris Blues” a Blu-ray release. Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, and Sidney Poitier in Paris jazz clubs with a score by Duke Ellington make this one hard to resist.
Legends of the Fall was too heartfelt and emotional for the critics of its time, but audiences responded to the film then and now. Based on the novella by acclaimed author Jim Harrison, Edward Zwick’s film realizes the full potential of the text. Sony’s UHD is gorgeous.
“Strangers Kiss” is a romantic drama from 1983 that focuses on low budget filmmaking with Stanley Kubrick’s “Killer’s Kiss” as chief inspiration for the events in the film. Fun City Editions have gone above and beyond to give the film a solid release.
“Lisa Frankenstein” is an inventive dark comedy that benefits from good performances and a great soundtrack, but it can’t overcome core story issues and wild tonal changes.
“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.
With “A Moment of Romance” Radiance Films dives into Nineties Hong Kong cinema with Benny Chan’s film that is both a crime story and melodramatic romance. Andy Lau stars in an early role. The tonal changes are interesting, David Dresser’s essay is excellent, and this release comes recommended.
“Breathless” is an enjoyable reimagining of the classic French film. It can not match the original, but can be enjoyed on its own merits due to extremely colorful cinematography by Richard H. Kline. Fun City Editions has given the film a good release with a new 2K restoration.