DVD/Blu-Ray Picks Of The Week - 4/24/12

Sammy's Pick: THE SCARLET WORM (Region 1 DVD and Blu-Ray; Unearthed/MVD)
I still have a hard time believing this film was made for about $25k....it baffles me because it has a nice strong atmosphere and some good performances. The lead may be a bit much for some but the film is pretty solid for a modern Western....color me impressed. I should say that this film has a GGtMC connection with good friend of the show Mike Malloy in a supporting role and as a producer. This disc is loaded with commentaries and other bonus features. Support solid low, low budget film making folks!!!

Links:
Amazon Blu-Ray and DVD
Diabolik DVD and Blu-Ray

DVD/Blu-Ray Picks Of The Week - 4/3/12

Chad's pick: TODD AND THE BOOK OF PURE EVIL (Region 1, DVD; Paradox)
One of my favorite recent discoveries was stumbling upon Todd and The Book of Pure Evil. Simply put, this TV series is a blast. Imagine Evil Dead meets Shaun of Dead set in high school, and there you go. Constantly hilarious, and featuring practical F/X work (Man in Rubber Suit galore!!!). The show is criminally underseen, at least here in the States, since it airs on a channel (FearNet) that few cable providers offer. You can pick up Season 1 in the U.S. now, and if like me you can't wait months on end for the Season 2 release then cherry pick across the border!

Links:
Amazon US (Instant Video)
Amazon Canada (DVD)

DVD/Blu-Ray Picks Of The Week - 3/27/11

Sammy's Pick: A NIGHT TO REMEMBER (Region 1 Blu-Ray; Criterion)
The best film about the tragedy of the Titanic....it lacks Winslet's breasts and the ego of James Cameron's version...but it makes up for that by being a better film.

Links:
Amazon
BoulevardMovies.com
Blu-Ray.com Review

DVD/Blu-Ray Picks Of The Week - 3/13/12

Sammy's Pick: THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST (Region 1 Blu-Ray; Criterion)
There was a TON of controversy when this film was getting made, and once it was released it was attacked for being anti-religion. I find this film to be one of the most religious films I have ever seen, from a director who was bold enough to ask questions about his own faith. The controversy really stems from a "what if" moment in many ways, and if Jesus was human did he possibly not have the same desires and faults of man? Many believe not and this film doesn't support one belief over another but yet shows a subtle touch that possibly Jesus was as much man as any of us. I won't make this personal but I think this film is a catalyst on the true power of cinema as discussion and thought-provoking material. I will be upgrading my DVD copy....fact.

Links:
Amazon
BoulevardMovies.com
Blu-Ray.com Review
High-Def Digest Review

DVD/Blu-Ray Picks Of The Week - 3/6/12

Sammy's Pick: THE SKIN I LIVE IN (Region 1 DVD/Blu-Ray Combo; Sony)
My second favorite film of 2011 comes to DVD and Blu and this one is a doozy, folks!!! See one of the best performances in a film all year from Banderas and one of the most mind-bending films of recent memory. Perverse and yet romantic....BUY!!!

Links:
Amazon
BoulevardMovies.com
Blu-Ray.com Review

DVD/Blu-Ray Picks Of The Week - 2/14/12

Large William's Pick: ELITE SQUAD: THE ENEMY WITHIN (Region 1 DVD & Blu-Ray; New Video)
Although there are several great options this week, I have to go with this Brazilian powerhouse. For the uninitiated, the 2 Elite Squad films focus on the BOPE task force in Brazil. Truly one of the most rugged, hardcore tactical units on the planet. Focusing on interwoven characters and themes, specifically corruption and how pervasive it is throughout Brazil, this certainly is a sequel well worth everyone's time. Written by the same scribe as City of God, those familiar with that film, can expect the same style, quality, and effortless density with this seriously great duo of films.

Kisses,
Will

P.S I have a man crush on Werner Maura

Links:
Amazon Blu-Ray and DVD
Blu-Ray.com Review

Sammy's Pick: THREE OUTLAW SAMURAI Region 1 Blu-Ray; Criterion)
No Questions. Just Buy.

Links:
Amazon Blu-Ray and DVD
BoulevardMovies.com - Blu-Ray and DVD
Blu-Ray.com Review
High-Def Digest Review

DVD/Blu-Ray Picks Of The Week - 1/31/12

Sammy's Pick: FERNANDO DI LEO CRIME COLLECTION (Region 1 Blu-Ray; Raro)
If you don't own it in some capacity your are missing out!!! I have seen the Blu Set and I have to admit it is a very nice upgrade....either way its a definite BUY!!!!

Large William's Pick: FERNANDO DI LEO CRIME COLLECTION (Region 1 Blu-Ray; Raro)
My pick is also the Di Leo collection. For all the reasons I mentioned when this set came out on DVD. We Euro-Crime fans are truly blessed to have as important and high quality a set as this on Blu. Sadly, there's a real lack of Euro-Crime on blu(much like DVD), so when a set like this comes out, we buy it. We need to encourage fine companies like Raro to have financial justification for doing great work like this. BUY. BUY. BUY. And besides, who doesn't want to see Silva's legendary yellow robe in Hi-Def?

Kisses,
William

Links:
Amazon
Diabolik DVD
BoulevardMovies.com

DVD/Blu-Ray Picks Of The Week - 1/24/12

Sammy's Pick: GODZILLA (Region 1 Blu-Ray & DVD; Criterion)
It's the Criterion treatment for the only honestly solid Godzilla movie in my opinion. I know there are people that like them all, but this is truly a film to me whereas the others are cashing in more on the novelty. I am honestly picking this because I feel more films like Godzilla DESERVE the Criterion treatment and we as film fans need to support this title!!!

Links:
Amazon Blu-Ray and DVD
Diabolik DVD and Blu-Ray
BoulevardMovies.com Blu-Ray and DVD
Blu-Ray.com Review

Large William's Pick: LETHAL LADIES COLLECTION 2 - Roger Corman's Cult Classics Collection (Region 1 DVD; Shout! Factory)
This is an absolutely fantastic value pack; we've got 3 great exploitation films from the early to mid 1970's directed by genre stalwarts(and personal favorites) Cirio Santiago, and a Joe D'Amato/Steve Carver film that has been out of print FOREVER, that I've wanted to own a proper copy of. The 2 Santiago helmed films are Fly Me(1973), and Cover Girl Models. Both feature some fun 70's action, lots of naked 70's foxes and the pace that anyone who digs Santiago's films has come to trust. The third film stars none other than the Matron Saint of the GGtMC, Pam Grier re-teamed with her Black Mama, White Mama co-star, Margaret Markov, not to mention Lucretia Love, and one on my all time favorite Euro babes, Rsalba Neri. It's co-directed by Steve Carver(of Lone Wolf McQuade fame) and Joe D'Amato(of every sleazy as fuck George Eastman penned romp from Italy in the mid to late 70's). All of these for under $20 gang. It's a S-T-E-A-L, and worth every dime!

kisses,
William

Links:
Amazon
Diabolik DVD
BoulevardMovies.com

Aaron's Pick: FASCINATION (Region 1 Blu-Ray & DVD; Redemption/Kino)
The works of the late French filmmaker Jean Rollin can be hit or miss with me, but FASCINATION - an atmospheric unconventional vampire film set in the French countryside - is one of my favorites of his that I've seen thus far. The folks over at Kino and Redemption have teamed up to restore a number of Rollins's films which are being released this week - some of which (including this film) are being made available on Blu-Ray for the very first time. If you're into erotic horror, lesbian vampires, atmospheric Gothic Horror films, and beautiful nude women wielding scythes, give FASCINATION a shot.

Links:
Amazon Blu-Ray and DVD
Diabiolik DVD and Blu-Ray
BoulveardMovies.com Blu-Ray and DVD

DVD/Blu-Ray Picks Of The Week - 1/17/12

Sammy's Pick: TRAFFIC (Region 1 Blu-Ray; Criterion)
Soderbergh is one of the most versatile directors working, and one of my favorites all together.He can adapt to any style and he pulls great performances from actors. This is a pretty easy choice as it is one of his best films and also look for a small role from GGtMC fav Tomas Milian...Benecio Del Toro is SO good in this film as well!!! BUY!!!

Aaron's Pick: TRAFFIC (Region 1 Blu-Ray; Criterion)
I tried to avoid going with the same pick as Sammy this week, but seeing as I'm a huge fan of director Steven Soderbergh and consider TRAFFIC to be one of his best films, it's extremely difficult for me to NOT echo his recommendation. TRAFFIC has great performances from a wonderful ensemble cast, with some surprisingly garish cinematography that should lend itself well to high-def. As an alternate pick of the week, consider the 80's classic LICENSE TO DRIVE on blu-ray.

Links:
Amazon
Blu-Ray.com Review
High-Def Digest Review
BoulevardMovies.com

Large William's Pick: BELLE DE JOUR (Region 1 DVD & Blu-Ray; Criterion)
Criterion has put out arguably one of Luis Bunuel's more accessible films, in the Catherine Deneuve starring Belle du Jour. She stars as a bored housewife who spends her spare time working in a bordello, working out her own frustrations and fantasies sexually, not to mention those of the men who frequent the bordello. Bunuel's signature surrealism works brilliantly in a film such as this with such a strong pyschlogical/emotional bent. Deneuve consistently was one of the best actresses of her time and consistently challenged herself with a myriad of roles and experiences, this being no exception. Come for the standout performances, stay for the coffee shop debate about the ending.. Definitely a buy gang

Bisou bisou,
William

Links:
Amazon Blu-Ray and DVD
Blu-Ray.com Review
BoulevardMovies.com Blu-Ray and DVD

DVD/Blu-Ray Picks Of The Week - 1/3/12

Large William's Pick: BUSTING (MOD; MGM)
Admittedly, this is a really weak slate of films coming out this week, in saying that, there are a few gems to be had. Busting sees Robert Blake and Elliott Gould has cops, partners at that, out doing what they do, all the while casting a cynical eye on the system and everyone in it, the fish rots from the head down as they say. Gould and Blake are two of the finest actors of the golden decade of film that no one gives enough love to... This film has it's flaws, but it's a joy to behold

Kisses,
William

Links:
Amazon
DVD Empire

Aaron's Pick: FRANKENHOOKER (Region 0 Blu-Ray; Arrow)
As Large William said, it's a slow week in regards to notable DVD and Blu-Ray releases in North America, so I thought I'd go to the UK for my pick this week. I assume most of you reading this are already familiar with Arrow Films; if not, you better reckanize! Arrow has been doing an amazing job of putting out quality releases from the horror/exploitation genres and giving them Criterion-style attention in terms of packaging and special features. This week sees Arrow's release of Frank Henenlotter's hilarious FRANKENHOOKER on Blu-Ray, and it comes with a ridiculous amount of bonus material. Comp that! Wait... did I say that right?

Links:
Amazon UK

DVD/Blu-Ray Picks Of The Week - 12/27/11

Sammy's Pick: SID AND NANCY (Region 1 Blu-Ray; MGM/20th Century Fox)
This film will always be Alex Cox's masterpiece in my opinion. It's his most complete film and it captures an era I have great affection towards as it reminds me of my youth and how I was anti EVERYTHING. Gary Oldman puts in an amazing performance and Chloe Webb (whom many have forgotten) puts in just as good a performance as Nancy. I highly recommend this film.

Links:
Amazon
Blu-Ray.com Review
High-Def Digest Review

Aaron's Pick: FINAL DESTINATION 5 (Region 1 Blu-Ray & DVD; New Line/Warner Home Video)
I don't particularly care for this movie too much, but I got a chance to see it in theaters in 3D and thought it was a fun enough film with some decent kills, an impressive collapsing-bridge sequence, and a nice twist ending. The 3D was a bit disappointing, as I felt they didn't really exploit it as much as they could have, but it was perfectly fine, and as a whole this is pretty much everything you'd expect from a FINAL DESTINATION movie. I originally wanted to pick Uwe Boll's latest, IN THE NAME OF THE KING 2 (starring Dolph Lundgren!), but who am I kidding; we all know it's gonna be garbage.

Links:
Amazon Blu-Ray and DVD
Amazon Blu-Ray/DVD Combo
Blu-Ray.com Review
High-Def Digest Review

Large William's Pick: MONDO KEYHOLE (MOD; Allied Vaughn)
Other than its awesome title and the pedigree of the director(Jack Hill), who I have a great deal of affection for(in fact, we would have reviewed more of his films on the show, if so many people in our circle hadn't done so already). Basically, it plays like a domestic version of Powell's tremendous Peeping Tom. An otherwise normal man has a voracious appetite for rape, and one night, his heroin addicted wife follows him to a costume party to see what a gwan. Needless to say, things don't go well.. Check it out gang, to see a genre godfather honing his craft early on

Kisses,
William

Links:
Amazon
DiscountMovieSale.com

DVD/Blu-Ray Picks Of The Week - 12/20/11

Large William's Pick: THE BLACK POWER MIXTAPE (1967-1975) (Region 1 DVD; IFC/MPI)
This one was a docco I'd been tracking for what seemed like close to a year, and finally had the chance to see fairly recently. Essentially, it's footage that a Swedish tv crew shot when they came to America in the 60's and early 70's to chronicle the Civil rights movement and the Black experience in America at that time. Bobby Seale, Angela Davis, Stokely Carmichael and several other prominent Afro-American civil rights leaders are featured in footage, as well as numerous African American figures from today narrating(Talib Kweli, Erykah Badu, etc). It's an utterly fascinating documentary about one of the most pivotal times in American history. It touches on several things, much like any good mixtape would. It made me smile, it made me misty eyed, it made me think; which is really the most you can ask from any film. This will absolutely be on my top 30 of the year when we do our "Year end show" in a few months. How high? You'll have to tune in to find out boppers..

kisses,
William

Links:
Amazon

Sammy's Pick: WARRIOR (Region 1 Blu-Ray; Lionsgate)
Well acted, well directed and this film made Sammy tear up at least three different times. It offers nothing original, it's just well done. Macho cinema with heart!!!!

Links:
Amazon Blu-Ray and DVD
Blu-Ray.com Review
High-Def Digest Review

DVD/Blu-Ray Picks Of The Week - 12/13/11

Sammy's Pick: HEAVENLY CREATURES - Uncut Version (Region 1 Blu-Ray; Miramax/Lionsgate)
I will defend to my dying breath that this is Peter Jackson's best film. It is full of all the things Jackson adores, cinema history, violence...I miss the Jackson that made these types of films and hope he returns at some point but I doubt it will ever happen. This film features a very young looking Kate Winslet and is just gorgeous to behold...BUY!!!

Links:
Amazon
Blu-Ray.com Review

Aaron's Pick: THE ROCKETEER - 20th Anniversary Edition (Region 1 Blu-Ray; Disney/Buena Vista)
Between RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (a lock for my top ten of the year), Peter Jackson's excellent HEAVENLY CREATURES on Blu-Ray, and the extremely fun FIVE ELEMENT NINJAS on Blu-Ray, I was really torn as far as what to pick this week, but I have to go with ROCKETEER on Blu. I'm not sure why it took so long for this film to get released on Blu-Ray, but with this being the 20th Anniversary of the film and director Joe Johnston's CAPTAIN AMERICA playing in theaters over the summer, the timing makes sense.

Links:
Amazon
Blu-Ray.com Review
High-Def Digest Review

DVD/Blu-Ray Picks Of The Week - 12/6/11

Large William's Pick: POINT BLANK (Region 1 Blu-Ray & DVD; Magnolia)
Apologies for the long hiatus in getting a dvd/blu pick of the week out, I've been absolutely swamped, but my fellow Gentlemen have been holding it down proper in the meanwhile. This week, there were a decent amount of rock solid under the radar releases that one could choose from. Although I've never seen it(or my pick of the week, for that matter), I almost went with Lamberto Bava's Late Cycle Giallo, Body Puzzle. Raro is putting it out, and they always do a great job picking films and providing some good content to back up the feature film itself. But I digress, my pick this week has a Gallic flavor to it, I decided to go with a French thriller entitled A Bout Portant(a.k.a Point Blank), to be clear, it's not a remake of the fantastic Boorman/Marvin joint, but what it is, is a breakneck paced, absolutely frantic 86 minute film about a man in over his head, desperately trying to get his Wife back from criminals. He's not an ex-special Ops guy, he's not a former police officer, he's a nurse. An everyman, who's going to need to pull out all the stops to get his Wife back. From what I've seen from the director, Cavayé, he's a more than capable helmer. His 2008 film Pour Elle, was remade here in the U.S with Russell Crowe and Elizabeth Banks, a few years ago. I bring this up, as like a lot of modern French directors, he brings an American adrenaline and sensibility with French flair and technical prowess. Check it out gang!

baisers,
Le Grande William

Links:
Amazon Blu-Ray and DVD

Aaron's Pick: CAPTAIN POWER AND THE SOLDIERS OF THE FUTURE - The Complete Series (Region 1 DVD; Video Service Corp.)
Children of the 80's unite! A group of soldiers, led by Captain Power, attempt to put an end to a robot uprising that has led to the enslavement of the human race. Ring a bell? To tell you the truth, this show was completely erased from my memory until I hit the internet in search of new DVD releases, and I'm recommending it right now purely on a nostalgia high. For those of you who aren't familiar with the show, CAPTAIN POWER, which combined live action with animation, only lasted one season because it was deemed too dark for children and also because it was a bit too costly to produce, which is understandable considering its ambitious nature. (to be exact, the show nearly cost one million dollars per episode to produce - and that's 1987 money we're talking about!) And now, thanks to the fine folks at Video Service Corp., it's been dug out of obscurity and given a DVD release with loads of special features, including a documentary on the making of the show.

Links:
Amazon

DVD/Blu-Ray Picks Of The Week - 11/29/11

Sammy's Pick: HORROR EXPRESS (Region 1 Blu-Ray/DVD Combo; Severin)
Fun little film with Cushing and Lee seemingly having a good time. There are many scenes with them together on screen (for a change) and Telly Savalas really hams it up, sans lollipop unfortunately. Good price as well....GRAB IT!!!

Links:
Amazon
Diabolik DVD
Blu-Ray.com Review

Aaron's Pick: CHILLERAMA (Region 1 DVD & Blu-Ray; Image Entertainment)
First of all, I second Sammy's pick for this week. HORROR EXPRESS is a great, underseen horror movie, and I'm glad the boys at Severin finally cleaned it up and gave it a decent, much-deserved release. However, I decided to go with CHILLERAMA as my pick of the week despite not having seen it yet. It's been making the rounds at festivals and whatnot over the last few months, and everything I've heard about it this far has been positive. Plus, I'm a sucker for anthology horror movies.

Links:
Amazon DVD and Blu-Ray
Blu-Ray.com Review

DVD/Blu-Ray Picks Of The Week - 11/8/11

Sammy's Pick: THE COLLECTOR (Region 1 Blu-Ray; Sony/Image)
Go back and listen to our episode where we cover The Collector in detail to get the skinny on the Gent's thoughts but know this...The Collector is a great film, it has a fantastic performance from Terence Stamp and it is a gorgeously shot film from director William Wyler. MUST OWN here folks!!

Links:
Amazon
Blu-Ray.com Review
High-Def Digest Review

Aaron's Pick: BLUE VELVET - 25th Anniversary (Region 1 Blu-Ray; MGM/20th Century Fox)
It's been proven that David Lynch is simply not for everyone, but BLUE VELVET is one of his most accessible films despite still being pretty fucking weird, and in my opinion it's without a doubt a classic of American cinema. The late great Dennis Hopper turns in one of his most memorable performances in BLUE VELVET as Frank Booth - one of the scariest and most psychotic villains to ever grace the screen.

Links:
Amazon
Blu-Ray.com Review

DVD/Blu-Ray Picks Of The Week - 11/1/11

Sammy's Pick: COPLAND (Region 1 Blu-Ray; Miramax/Lionsgate)
I am picking this up on Blu because A. I think the film is pretty great and B. I wanna see De Niro's porno-stache in HD. All kidding aside, Copland was bally-hooed because Sly put on 30 or 50 lbs for his role in the film and it was his return to "real" acting or something but the truth is, the film has a great cast filled with heavy hitters. Harvey Keitel, Ray Liotta (great in this film), Robert Patrick (another porno-stash)...its just packed and the script is solid. It has some flaws but for fans of modern westerns this film is a MUST OWN!!!

Links:
Amazon
Blu-Ray.com Review

Aaron's Pick: MACHETE MAIDENS UNLEASHED (Region 1 DVD; Dark Sky/MPI)
I haven't seen it yet, but this documentary about Filipino exploitation movies looks to be a good time. It's directed by the same guy who did the excellent NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD documentary and features talking-head segments with the likes of Roger Corman, Brian Trenchard-Smith, and John Landis (always a great interviewee to watch) to name a few. I hear it's not as good as NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD, but I'm sure it's still an informative and interesting watch for fans of obscure and absurd exploitation cinema.

Links:
Amazon
Diabolik DVD

DVD/Blu-Ray Picks Of The Week - 10/25/11

Samurai's Pick: ATTACK THE BLOCK (Region 1 Blu-Ray & DVD; Sony)
This is one of the best and most fun filled films of 2011. I had an absolute blast watching this film and this is a MUST BUY!!! The interaction between the characters, the simple and effective creature design....probably in my top 10 for the year. TRUST.

Also guys, it should be said...this week is FREAKIN PACKED with choices...Island of Lost Souls Criterion, Serbian Film, Winnie the Pooh (which I am also buying), City of Life and Death, Shaolin, Dazed and Confused Criterion Blu, The Conversation on Blu and Rare Exports.....FUCK ME...I'm broke

Links:
Amazon Blu-Ray and DVD
Blu-Ray.com Review
High-Def Digest Review

Large William's Pick: CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH (Region 1 Blu-Ray & DVD; Kino)
We've all seen powerful films that show us the senselessness and tragedy that befalls all involved in War. How humans forget a little thing called humanity. The destruction at times of all that is good and pure, and how war isn't the noble, patriotic endeavor that we've been told time and time again.

Chuan Lu's City of Life and Death, simply put,, is the best made, most powerful anti-war film I've ever bared witness to. It chronicles the "Rape of Nanking", Japan's brutal 1937 occupation of the Chinese capital. There are things in this film that simply left my jaw agape. Things that I couldn't believe I was seeing. Things that brought tears to my eyes. What was and is most impressive about Lu's film, is that it never sensationalizes the atrocities, never throws s black hat dastardly villain's greatest hits package at you. Everything feels documentary-like, yet still incredibly cinematic. 2 years ago, this film was 3rd on my top 10 of the year, ahead of another little war film, far more based in fantasy, Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds. I cannot recommend this film highly enough. It is an absolute buy..

Kisses,
Will

Links:
Amazon Blu-Ray and DVD
Blu-Ray.com Review

Aaron's Pick: ZOMBIE: 2-Disc Ultimate Edition (Region 1 DVD/Blu-Ray; Blue Underground)
Just in time for Halloween, Lucio Fulci's splatter classic is now available for the first time on Blu-Ray, and in a 2-disc edition from Blue Underground jam-packed with extra features no less, although I'm not exactly sure how the supplemental material in this differs from the previous Shriek Show 2-disc version (I'm sure they're different, but I haven't been able to verify it myself). Personally, this is my favorite of Fulci's horror movies, and in my opinion easily one of the best films that the late Italian director ever made. It's an obviously flawed film in spots, but very effective as a horror movie. Highly recommended.

Links:
Amazon DVD and Blu-Ray
Diabolik DVD and Blu-Ray
Blu-Ray.com Review

DVD/Blu-Ray Picks Of The Week - 10/18/11

Large William's Pick: THE LAST CIRCUS (Region 1 DVD & Blu-Ray; Magnet/Magnolia)
Alex De Iglesia's latest film was at tiff last year and sadly, I was not able to swing seeing it, but was happy to hear from some friends that it was excellent. Incredibly strong visually and with a scathing absurdist commentary of fascist Spain and human nature in general. This is a film that will look absolutely STUNNING in blu as De Iglesia has a strong command of imagery and a sublime visual flair. Equal parts grotesque and beautiful. Don't miss this one gang, or you just might be the one playing the sad trumpet*rim shot*

besos,
William

Links:
Amazon Blu-Ray and DVD
Blu-Ray.com Review

Sammy's Pick: KURONEKO (Region 1 DVD & Blu-Ray; Criterion)
We all know about Kurosawa and Ozu....but one of the hidden, or at least less talked about . talents from Japan is Kaneto Shindo. Shindo was born in 1912 and is still working today, he directed Postcard in 2010!!! That's 98 years old folks!!! I am personally not a big fan of ghost stories, they just don't scare me and sometimes if the mood and tone aren't spot on I find myself bored and uninterested. Shindo directed this film and Onibaba, two of my favorite Japanese films of all time and two very solid, and similar, ghost stories. He was also one of the pioneers of feminism in films and sexuality...educate yourself on his work...film buffs should adore!!!

Links:
Amazon Blu-Ray and DVD
Diabolik DVD and Blu-Ray

Aaron's Pick: ENTER THE NINJA (DVDR; MGM MOD)
This actually came out last week, but due to a shameful oversight on my part, I'm recommending it this week.

Anyway...

Franco Nero plays a fucking NINJA in this! Done.

Links:
Amazon
Amazon Instant Watch
Diabolik DVD

DVD Pick Of The Week - 10/11/11

Large William's Pick: TREE OF LIFE (Region 1 DVD & Blu-Ray; 20th Century Fox [US]/E1 Entertainment [Canada])

Tree of Life. A film that had cinephiles chomping at the bit, opened to mixed reactions at Cannes this past year, but ultimately, garnered top prize there. Terence Malick has become increasingly more fixated on the enormous, profound beauty of life, earth, the heavens, and how man's relationship to each of those things are intertwined. Whether it's insects or flowers, Malick finds the transcendent poetry in them. With his latest offering, it would seem that he's tackled the elusive mystery of life through the dynamic of Father/Son bonds and the lifelong ripple effects those bonds have on all involved. How things seemingly small and insignificant in a boy's life can be magical or tragic.. A missed baseball game, fireworks with your Father and myriad other snapshots in the proverbial photo album of one's life. By now, allow me to provide full disclosure, I have not yet seen the film*. I've merely seen the trailer twice. Once during the theatrical run of the film and once before writing this. The first time I watched this trailer, it literally moved me to tears. I immediately proclaimed that based on the strength of the trailer alone, Tree of Life would be my number one film of the year. The beauty of Malick's lyricism, and of course, the skin I have in the game; my relationship with my own Father and the gift I've had bestowed on me of Fatherhood to my own two young boys. The constant striving to be the best man I can be, the questioning of whether the tremendously important decisions I have, no matter how altruistic my intentions, are going to bear out as the right ones... Malick seems to have captured the enormity of it all, an emotional epic that seems to be to Father/Sons what 2001 was to space and time(and so much more..)



If you buy one film I suggest all year, let it be this one. Malick is still an artist, untainted by the drone of the Hollywood machine. Still as wide eyed and fascinated by his surroundings as ever...

Kisses,
William

*Update- 10 minutes after writing this, I put my Loonies and Toonies where my mouth is, and ordered the blu/DVD combo pack

Links:
Amazon Blu-Ray/DVD Combo
Amazon Instant
Blu-Ray.com Review