DVD/Blu-Ray Review
Blu-Ray Review: The Life of Oharu (Criterion Collection)
There have been many films made about prostitutes, courtesans and concubines, but in Kenji Mizoguchi 1952 film The Life of Oharu the principal is all three. However, it’s more in the territory of Raise the Red Lantern or Farewell My Concubine than Pretty Woman. Whilst prostitutes tend to be gin-soaked cockneys in British period dramas, …
Blu-Ray Review: Drunken Master (Masters of Cinema)
Martial Arts films were a huge global phenomenon at the beginning of the 1970s. The market was flooded with hundreds of low budget, badly dubbed films from Hong Kong. The most iconic figure from this era was undoubtedly Bruce Lee, but after his tragic death the hunt was on for someone to fill his shoes. …
Blu-Ray Review: Umberto D
Italian Neo-realism emerged after the end of the Second World War. It was a direct reaction to the changing social and economic climate in Italy, characterised by a focus on the everyday lives of ordinary people. Amongst The major players in the movement was Vittorio De Sica. His film Bicycle Thieves became the most iconic …
Blu-Ray Review: The City of the Dead
Christopher Lee was the most iconic face of horror cinema. He was one of the most prolific actors around in a career in film and television which spanned eight decades. His face, voice and figure is synonymous with terror. Lee’s career began to hit its stride in the late ‘50s/early ‘60s. He’s best-known for his …
Blu-Ray Review: Caltiki: The Immortal Monster
The 1950s was a boomtime for science fiction and horror cinemas. In the aftermath of the Second World War and in the nuclear shadow, there was a new generation with an appetite for escapism. Films such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Creature from the Black Lagoon and The Thing from Another Planet packed out …
Blu-Ray Review: The Innocent (L’Innocente)
After a couple of misfires, Luchino Visconti returned to familiar territory for his final film. Whilst The Innocent (L’innocente) may not reach the heights of The Leopard, Death in Venice or Le Notti Bianche, it’s contains all the elements which make his one of the greatest Italian directors of his era. Over a period of …
Blu-Ray Review: Swiss Army Man
The role of sound design is an often a neglected or overlooked area of cinema, but it can make or break a film. In genre cinema, it’s imperative in terms of building tension and maximising scares. In war films, and Saving Private Ryan is one of the best examples of this, it can really draw …
Blu-Ray Review: Alice
Woody Allen films tend to be grounded in reality, but occasionally dally and linger with elements of fantasy. His formula normal revolves around a combination comedy, romance and drama. Occasionally, he lets loose. Most memorably in Sleeper and Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex (But Were Afraid to Ask). Unlike most of his …
DVD Review: Revolution: New Art for a New World
Over the centuries art and politics have often been inextricably linked. No more so than in times of political upheaval, social strife and nationalistic tensions. Art can be used as a form of protest, especially when free speech is severely restricted or non-existent. The 1917 Revolution was possibly the most important moment in Russian history. …
Blu-Ray Review: Seoul Station
Train to Busan was a blessed release. Not only was it one of the best action films of 2016 it also breathed life into the stale genre of zombie movies. Yeon Sang-ho’s film pitched the apocalypse against the background of societal decay. The Korean director, responsible for The King of Pigs and The Fake, returns …