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Blu-ray Review: Dune
Anyone who has ever read Frank Herbert’s novel, or any of its increasingly confusing sequels, will know that the world of Dune is a fascinating and highly perplexing one. With the release (at the time of writing, at least) of Denis Villeneuve’s version later this year, it’s likely that a whole new generation will be …
Blu-Ray Review: A Tale of Two Sisters
The first wave of modern Asian horror hit the rest of the world at the turn of the century, with the likes of Ringu, Battle Royale, Audition and Pulse wowing and terrifying unprepared and unsuspecting new audiences. Genre filmmaking borrowed generously from national folklore, legends and superstitions. Where Japan led, South Korea soon followed. Whispering …
Blu-Ray Review: El Topo
Many films claim to be unusual, different or just plain strange. Profess to be totally removed from anything we’ve ever seen before. Sadly, very few live up to this billing. Often borrowing wholesale from other movies or pale imitations of someone else’s imagination. This cannot be said for anything Alejandro Jodorowsky has made. He’s one …
Blu-ray Review: Vengeance Trials
Roared on by the success of Sergio Leonne in Hollywood, a host of Italian directors followed is his wake; making a raft of Spaghetti Westerns during the 1960s. Whilst similar in many ways to their American cousins these films revelled in turning genre cliches and tropes on their head. Instead of the likes of John …
Blu-Ray Review: Tales From the Urban Jungle
During the 1940s, Jules Dassin was somewhat of an underrated powerhouse within Hollywood. However, like so many he fell foul of the blacklist which decimated the US entertainment industry at the beginning of the Cold War. Barred from fully completing post-production on Night and the City, he had no option but to flee to Europe. …
Blu-Ray Review: The Invisible Man Appears/ The Invisible Man Vs. The Human Fly
Since featuring as the protagonist in the H. G. Wells’ novel, first serialised in 1897, the eponymous Invisible Man has been a frequent figure in popular culture. However, the idea of invisibility is a concept which harks back to Greek and Roman legend, and beyond. The fascination with this character or idea is not merely …
Blu-Ray Review: Demons 1 & 2
Dario Argento was hugely influential on Italian horror cinema throughout the 1970s and 1980s. As well as being responsible for some of the most iconic and exciting genre movies of that era, he was also instrumental in helping many of his fellow countryman. One such recipient was Lamberto Bava, son of Mario, who he collaborated …
Blu-Ray Review: JSA – Joint Security Area
Since the end of the Korean War, there has been an (very) uneasy peace between the North and South. Located within the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the Joint Security Area was the only place where soldiers from both armed forces directly faced each other. This area was traditionally used for diplomatic events and peace negotiations, …
Blu-ray Review: [REC]
The release of The Blair Witch Project in 1999 sparked a wave of ‘found footage’ films which has continued to sweep across genre cinema. As you’d probably expect given the relative low cost of this approach, there have been a number of duds. However, it’s a format which can produce impressive result. Lake Mungo, Cloverfield, …
Blu-Ray Review: King of New York
There are few actors working in Hollywood today who are as instantly recognisable and steadfastly loved as Christopher Walken. Whilst he’s had a remarkably diverse and rich career, which includes starring in such eclectic films as Hairspray, The Deer Hunter and A View to a Kill, he’s become known for a rather terrifying screen presence. …