DVD/Blu-Ray Review
Blu-Ray Review: Cruising
Following the masterful 40th anniversary Blu-Ray restoration of his lost classic Sorcerer in 2017, it’s now the turn of director William Friedkin’s even more unjustly forgotten 1980 thriller Cruising to get the Blu-Ray treatment. The film was adapted from Gerald Walker’s 1970 novel of the same name and also drew inspiration from a real-life series …
Blu-ray review: Eating Raoul
After the prudish post-war years and the stifled ‘50s, America was rocked by the sexual revolution. Which coincided with the free love movement and the emancipation of women from their sexual chains. What reached its height at Woodstock gradually evolved and eventually rotted. By the early 1980s, swingers were more likely to be viewed as …
Blu-Ray Review: 3 From Hell
One of the most singular and original voices in genre cinema today is Rob Zombie. The former White Zombie co-founder has clearly had a love of classic horror movies for a long time. However, unlike many of his peers, he has a deep grasp and understanding of film history. His first two films, House of …
Blu-ray Review: The Dogs of War
For many, the enduring image they have of Christopher Walken is of his performance as Nick in Michael Cimino’s The Deer Hunter. Whilst the distinctive actor has been working consistently since 1969, you’ve probably never heard of half the films he’s been in. Often, to be honest, with good cause. Back in 1980, he starred …
Blu-ray Review: The Dark Half
I, for one, believe that humans aren’t born intrinsically good or evil. Whilst nature obviously plays some part, nurture has a much bigger influence on defining the kind of person we become. Our entire life can be determined by a handful of important decisions. Or one cruel twist of fate. George A. Romero played with …
DVD Review: Balloon
After the end of World War II, the Allies portioned out their captured territory. The East and West were separated by the Inner German Border and subsequently the more famous Berlin Wall. During the 45 years this delineation separated capitalism and communism, over a thousand people lost their lives trying to cross it. In his …
DVD Review: Never Grow Old
Emile Hirsch is one of those actors who seems to have starred in more films than you remember. He’s also got a fairly chequered personal history, and all this at just 34 years of age. After featuring in The Girl Next Door and Lords of Dogtown Hirsch made his big break in Into the Wild, …
DVD Review: Kaleidoscope
When it comes to leading men, it’s fair to say that Toby Jones doesn’t really fit in with the norm. The British actor doesn’t have the dashing good looks or muscular physique you’d normally expect. Then again, unlike most he’s a damn fine actor. Roles in Tinker Taylor, Soldier Spy, Berberian Sound Studio and Detectorists …
Blu-Ray Review: The Go-Between
I think it’s fair to say that some actors, especially female ones, find their talent is sometimes overshadowed by (a press obsession with) their looks. Julie Christie was an icon of the swinging sixties. Whilst her ability was recognised with a number of awards, including an Oscar for Darling, she never really shook-off her status …
Blu-Ray Review: High Noon
In 1925, one of America’s most popular film stars first started out in the movies. Whilst Gary Cooper may have been a face which dominated cinema screens for decades, he came from humble beginnings. After a number of bit parts, his horsemanship and naturalistic acting style soon won him better roles. He starred in a …