last movie you watched

[Greystoke]

I got a heads up in Hmv today that a 40% off Criterion sale starts within the next week.

It's also interesting that my local store has expanded its cd racks by about 25% recently, although they're not stocking the cd version of LA is my Lady at HMV, for some reason.

There's a few Criterion releases I might pick up during the sale. And I'm really enjoying the new release of L.A. Is My Lady. It sounds quite incredible. And it's great to see footage from Portrait of an Album officially uploaded to YouTube, along with the L.A. Is My Lady music video. This said, it would have been good to see the documentary paired with the album and perhaps even remastered on Blu-ray. The DVD is fine, but it could look so much better, and it would have made sense being released with the album.

[pmp]

I got a heads up in Hmv today that a 40% off Criterion sale starts within the next week.

It's also interesting that my local store has expanded its cd racks by about 25% recently, although they're not stocking the cd version of LA is my Lady at HMV, for some reason.

There's a few Criterion releases I might pick up during the sale. And I'm really enjoying the new release of L.A. Is My Lady. It sounds quite incredible. And it's great to see footage from Portrait of an Album officially uploaded to YouTube, along with the L.A. Is My Lady music video. This said, it would have been good to see the documentary paired with the album and perhaps even remastered on Blu-ray. The DVD is fine, but it could look so much better, and it would have made sense being released with the album.

I've only heard it on Spotify so far, but will pick it up at some point between now and Christmas. I know someone is buying me the Columbia Horror blu ray box for Christmas, so that's one thing I don't have to buy in the coming months, but it's going to get expensive with the releases piling up.

[pmp]

A little good news, I think, as this event at the bfi suggests that there will be a bbc ghost story this Christmas- Woman of Stone based on a story by Edith Nesbitt.

https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=woman-of-stone-preview-plus-qanda&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=

[Greystoke]

A little good news, I think, as this event at the bfi suggests that there will be a bbc ghost story this Christmas- Woman of Stone based on a story by Edith Nesbitt.

https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=woman-of-stone-preview-plus-qanda&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=

That's good to read. I was still hoping for another episode or two of Worzel Gummidge, but that doesn't seem to be happening any time soon. There's a new Wallace and Gromit film on Netflix for Christmas, too, which I'll be glad to see.

[Greystoke]

I watched The Last Voyage of the Demeter tonight, which is inspired by the Captain's Log chapter from the novel, Dracula. Directed by André Øvredal, the writer and director of Troll Hunter, this Dracula film begins where the ship ends up, and flashes back from there, as we see the contents of the ship being transported to port and loaded up.

It's quite a handsome looking film at first, with scenic countryside and mountain views, and a bustling dock where the Captain and members of the crew are first encountered. They're mostly types, although those familiar with the novel will spot a few new characters, which serves to change aspects of a story that's certainly fleshed out here.

In most of the Dracula films, time spent on the Demeter is quite brief, although we discussed the BBC Dracula series from a few years ago, where one of the three episodes is set onboard the ill-fated ship. This said, the premise here isn't dissimilar to that of Alien, The Thing, or Horror Express, for example. Monster movies or horror movies with a threat in a singular location.

Javier Botet plays Dracula, and this version of the Count is very much in the Count Orlok / Kurt Barlow mould. It's more beast than man. Pale-skinned, gaunt, sinewy, and scuttling in the shadows, before ripping his victims apart. There's one especially vivid shot of Dracula in close up, with his hand over a victim's face as he feasts. Whilst one particular shot reminded me of the Winged Devourers in The Beast Master.

Unfortunately, it's never chilling or sinister enough, whilst the characters are built for heroic monologues and a last stand that's driven to serve the plot mechanics. There's a few nice in-jokes or references, but it's too long and is obviously geared towards a sequel, which hasn't and isn't likely to happen. It misses the mark, then. For me, at least. But there's a lot of zeal here, and there are times when its gothic qualities are effective.

[pmp]

I got around to watching Smile last night, and have to say I wasn't overly excited by it - especially given the amount of hype over it. It's "fine," but just seemed to be a regurgitation of The Ring or, to be less charitable, Truth or Dare from Blumhouse. It's perfectly serviceable, I guess, but probably won't be staying on the blu ray shelves.

[Greystoke]

Tonight I watched Sting, Kiah Roache-Turner's effectively contained chiller about a mutant spider that's captured by a young girl, who feeds and talks to her new pet, without realising that its rate of growth and intelligence isn't normal. Set within a small apartment building, events unfold over the space for four days, beginning with an intriguing set-up, where an old lady calls in an exterminator to deal with some loud noises.

The film's grip does slacken after this, as the young girl and her family are introduced, although family dynamics are able to detract from a growing presence that soon becomes a menace and a danger. It's quite good fun, with grisly deaths and some decent gore, whilst the overarching plot is in similar territory to that of Alien. Complete with obvious nods to Ridley Scott's film, amongst other monster movies set in a singular location. Much like The Last Voyage of the Demeter, although this is more effective. Even if it doesn't do much that's new or particularly inventive.

I also watched The Enforcer, which stars a well cast Humphrey Bogart as an assistant D.A., whose key witness dies just before he testifies against a mob boss. The first act, set inside the city halls, is especially gripping, before it moves into a series of flashbacks that effectively tell a sprawling tale of murder and deceit.

[Greystoke]

I got around to watching Smile last night, and have to say I wasn't overly excited by it - especially given the amount of hype over it. It's "fine," but just seemed to be a regurgitation of The Ring or, to be less charitable, Truth or Dare from Blumhouse. It's perfectly serviceable, I guess, but probably won't be staying on the blu ray shelves.

It's definitely and firmly within the curse movie sub-genre that has gotten a new degree of traction and interest in recent years. I liked it more than you did, although it's undoubtedly in familiar territory, albeit with a new idea. In this regard, and I think you might agree, Night of the Demon is still one of the better films of this type. Although I'm a big fan of Ring.

[Greystoke]

I watched A League of Their Own this afternoon, which was and is quite an affable, often uplifting, but also a bittersweet film about the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and its first year of existence during World War II.

It's well-cast, with a reliance on disparate personalities, and Geena Davis standing out in the film's leading role, alongside Tom Hanks, as the salty and alcoholic coach, who soon focuses himself and warms to the team. Penny Marshall was a fine director, and her work here is very good. Not just in showing the personalities and individuality of the film's characters, but also with regards to how involving the baseball scenes are. I enjoyed watching this again.

[Greystoke]

Tonight I watched Chinatown, which I'm glad to say, looks fantastic on Paramount's new 4K Blu-ray. It's a perfect upgrade to my eyes. And with this film being a big favourite of mine, this was great to see. I also watched The Power of Kangwon Province, Hong Sang-soo's thoughtful melodrama about a woman who travels to a mountain resort after a breakup, although she's unaware that her ex is vacationing there, too. It's masterfully made, and much like Chinatown, warrants repeat viewings. Although this is a film I hadn't seen in a while.

[Greystoke]

It's really great to see the new restoration of The Searchers being released on 4K by Warner Archive. This was a surprise announcement in addition to their recently announced December slate, and it's also the first Warner Archive 4K release. I'm very excited about this one and about what the future holds with regards to more 4K releases from Warner Archive. I might take a guess at A Star is Born (1954) and High Society being possible contenders for future releases.

20241105_003544.jpg

[ForeverElvis]

It's really great to see the new restoration of The Searchers being released on 4K by Warner Archive. This was a surprise announcement in addition to their recently announced December slate, and it's also the first Warner Archive 4K release. I'm very excited about this one and about what the future holds with regards to more 4K releases from Warner Archive. I might take a guess at A Star is Born (1954) and High Society being possible contenders for future releases.

20241105_003544.jpg

Fantastic news- do you have a link to the announcement please?

[Greystoke]

It's really great to see the new restoration of The Searchers being released on 4K by Warner Archive. This was a surprise announcement in addition to their recently announced December slate, and it's also the first Warner Archive 4K release. I'm very excited about this one and about what the future holds with regards to more 4K releases from Warner Archive. I might take a guess at A Star is Born (1954) and High Society being possible contenders for future releases.


20241105_003544.jpg

Fantastic news- do you have a link to the announcement please?

https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=35453

[pmp]

It's really great to see the new restoration of The Searchers being released on 4K by Warner Archive. This was a surprise announcement in addition to their recently announced December slate, and it's also the first Warner Archive 4K release. I'm very excited about this one and about what the future holds with regards to more 4K releases from Warner Archive. I might take a guess at A Star is Born (1954) and High Society being possible contenders for future releases.

I think we might have to differ on this one. While it's good to see The Searchers getting a 4K release, I'd rather it not be on the Warner Archive imprint. I'd much rather they concentrate on getting out movies that we haven't seen on blu ray before than going back over old ground in this way. It's a bit different if they continue with their full blu ray slate at the same time, but my guess is that 4K releases will eat into that, and that would (for me, at least) be a shame.

[pmp]

I got around to watching Smile last night, and have to say I wasn't overly excited by it - especially given the amount of hype over it. It's "fine," but just seemed to be a regurgitation of The Ring or, to be less charitable, Truth or Dare from Blumhouse. It's perfectly serviceable, I guess, but probably won't be staying on the blu ray shelves.

It's definitely and firmly within the curse movie sub-genre that has gotten a new degree of traction and interest in recent years. I liked it more than you did, although it's undoubtedly in familiar territory, albeit with a new idea. In this regard, and I think you might agree, Night of the Demon is still one of the better films of this type. Although I'm a big fan of Ring.

Yes, Night of the Demon is probably the best films of this type, although it concentrates on one man rather than a curse spreading through a group.

[Greystoke]

It's really great to see the new restoration of The Searchers being released on 4K by Warner Archive. This was a surprise announcement in addition to their recently announced December slate, and it's also the first Warner Archive 4K release. I'm very excited about this one and about what the future holds with regards to more 4K releases from Warner Archive. I might take a guess at A Star is Born (1954) and High Society being possible contenders for future releases.

I think we might have to differ on this one. While it's good to see The Searchers getting a 4K release, I'd rather it not be on the Warner Archive imprint. I'd much rather they concentrate on getting out movies that we haven't seen on blu ray before than going back over old ground in this way. It's a bit different if they continue with their full blu ray slate at the same time, but my guess is that 4K releases will eat into that, and that would (for me, at least) be a shame.

4K has certainly been mentioned over the years by George Feltenstein, and it did seem inevitable that Warner Archive would eventually release something on 4K. But I didn't think it would be this soon. And it didn't actually look as though the new restoration of The Searchers was getting a release on disc this year. I absolutely agree, however, that getting films preserved, restored, and onto Blu-ray should remain a priority. Or even online. As long as they're available.

We also know that Warner Archive has a limited budget, but considering the volume of Blu-ray releases in recent years and ways in which the collector's market is thriving, perhaps that budget has been increased. Perhaps there's been long-term designs on getting certain titles released on 4K. The recent rebranding at Warner indicates that the company does want to keep moving forward with the label. Whilst their association with the likes of Arrow and Criterion is also encouraging.

Ideally, we'll have the best of both worlds. Especially when there's probably going to be a lot of demand for a film like The Searchers on 4K. I'll certainly be buying this one as soon as I can. Although I definitely see where you're coming from, Shane.

[Greystoke]

Another surprise announcement this week was Murder By Decree coming to 4K from Kino. We've discussed this film in the past and the less than encouraging release on Blu-ray from Studio Canal in 2021. This is one my favourite Sherlock Holmes films, and I'm hoping for a major improvement over that particular release. Although I've had my issues with Kino 4Ks in the past. But they are mostly stellar.

[pmp]

Another surprise announcement this week was Murder By Decree coming to 4K from Kino. We've discussed this film in the past and the less than encouraging release on Blu-ray from Studio Canal in 2021. This is one my favourite Sherlock Holmes films, and I'm hoping for a major improvement over that particular release. Although I've had my issues with Kino 4Ks in the past. But they are mostly stellar.

I don't have any Kino 4Ks, but it's fair to say that their blu rays of older films are a bit hit and miss. The transfers are always good, but the prints are normally not ones that have been painstakingly restored. But I'm actually OK with that. I'll take four films in a solid state than one film that looks pristine - especially when it's B-movie setc. Murder by Decree will be interesting, especially as both the US and UK blu ray release got a bit of a panning by critics and buyers.

We were talking about Warner Archive earlier, and Mark of the Vampire is coming out in the UK next month. As for their US December slate, it's a bit of a weird one with no real obvious big title leading that pack. Certainly nothing there for me, not that I'm disappointed as there's plenty to spend my money on, what with the Capra and Hitchcock boxes, and saving up for a £200 classical CD boxed set in February, too.

A couple of nights ago, I revisited Zodiac, following the documentary from a week or two back. I'm a sucker for journalism stories of that nature, but it remains a fascinating movie that holds up extremely well, and doesn't actually cover all that much of the same territory as the documentary did.

More newsroom drama tonight with The Big Clock, starring Ray Milland and Charles Laughton. This noir-ish thriller is also very good, even if it seems just a tad overlong due to the rather extended exposition. But there are good performances all around, and it's thoroughly enjoyable.

And Sky Arts have been showing The Alfred Hitchcock Hour recently, and one of the episodes was Death and the Joyful Woman, which I've wanted to see for a long time. It's based on a novel by Ellis Peters, who wrote the Cadfael books, but this is from her Inspector Felse series. Peters' books with a contemporary setting often feel like a midway point between The Famous Five and Agatha Christie. While writing for an adult audience, her protagonists are often young adults or teenagers, and that gives those books a somewhat lighter feel. The Hitchcock Hour episode picks up on this, making the Inspector's son the lead character (as do some of the books), but otherwise it's a pretty awful affair, with the book changed beyond recognition, and the whole hour set in one location - which is a bit odd as the book contains a kidnapping and a car chase etc, which would be far more exciting on screen. Even the direction by John Brahm is rather lacklustre, and silent star Gilbert Roland chews up the scenery somewhat. Very disappointing.

[Greystoke]

Another surprise announcement this week was Murder By Decree coming to 4K from Kino. We've discussed this film in the past and the less than encouraging release on Blu-ray from Studio Canal in 2021. This is one my favourite Sherlock Holmes films, and I'm hoping for a major improvement over that particular release. Although I've had my issues with Kino 4Ks in the past. But they are mostly stellar.

I don't have any Kino 4Ks, but it's fair to say that their blu rays of older films are a bit hit and miss. The transfers are always good, but the prints are normally not ones that have been painstakingly restored. But I'm actually OK with that. I'll take four films in a solid state than one film that looks pristine - especially when it's B-movie setc. Murder by Decree will be interesting, especially as both the US and UK blu ray release got a bit of a panning by critics and buyers.

We were talking about Warner Archive earlier, and Mark of the Vampire is coming out in the UK next month. As for their US December slate, it's a bit of a weird one with no real obvious big title leading that pack. Certainly nothing there for me, not that I'm disappointed as there's plenty to spend my money on, what with the Capra and Hitchcock boxes, and saving up for a £200 classical CD boxed set in February, too.

A couple of nights ago, I revisited Zodiac, following the documentary from a week or two back. I'm a sucker for journalism stories of that nature, but it remains a fascinating movie that holds up extremely well, and doesn't actually cover all that much of the same territory as the documentary did.

More newsroom drama tonight with The Big Clock, starring Ray Milland and Charles Laughton. This noir-ish thriller is also very good, even if it seems just a tad overlong due to the rather extended exposition. But there are good performances all around, and it's thoroughly enjoyable.

And Sky Arts have been showing The Alfred Hitchcock Hour recently, and one of the episodes was Death and the Joyful Woman, which I've wanted to see for a long time. It's based on a novel by Ellis Peters, who wrote the Cadfael books, but this is from her Inspector Felse series. Peters' books with a contemporary setting often feel like a midway point between The Famous Five and Agatha Christie. While writing for an adult audience, her protagonists are often young adults or teenagers, and that gives those books a somewhat lighter feel. The Hitchcock Hour episode picks up on this, making the Inspector's son the lead character (as do some of the books), but otherwise it's a pretty awful affair, with the book changed beyond recognition, and the whole hour set in one location - which is a bit odd as the book contains a kidnapping and a car chase etc, which would be far more exciting on screen. Even the direction by John Brahm is rather lacklustre, and silent star Gilbert Roland chews up the scenery somewhat. Very disappointing.

I've got a handful of pre-orders due this month and next, then I think I'll cut back a bit until February. I've got hold of the releases I was most eager to buy, or I have them pre-ordered. I am really glad to see Mr. Lucky on Warner Archive's December slate, though.

I'll probably watch Zodiac again quite soon, too. As you've said and as we've discussed previously, it's such a fascinating and well-crafted film. It's one of the best films of its kind, in my opinion.

The Big Clock is a bit of a gem, too. I watched it again a few months ago. The cast is great and it's an interesting premise. It's also good to see Charles Laughton so engaged in a role at that time. Which wasn't always the case by the late-forties. And Ray Milland is reliably solid, although he's certainly a film star of his era.

[Greystoke]

Tonight I watched Broken Oath, Jeong Chang-hwa's inventive remake of Lady Snowblood, which stars Angela Mao in the film's leading role as a young woman who seeks vengeance on her father's killers. It's very much nuts and bolts genre filmmaking from the late-seventies, although it's elevated by Mao's personality and some great ideas.

It's a bit too long and baggy, all the same, and the tone occasionally goes astray, but there's lots to like here. Although it isn't as accomplished as Lady Snowblood.

[pmp]

I saw Dirty Harry for the first time tonight - not sure how I got through 50 years without seeing it! What's your view of the rest of the serors, Greystoke? Are they worth a look or is it downhill all the way?

[Greystoke]

I saw Dirty Harry for the first time tonight - not sure how I got through 50 years without seeing it! What's your view of the rest of the serors, Greystoke? Are they worth a look or is it downhill all the way?

None of the subsequent films are anywhere near as good, especially Magnum Force and The Dead Pool, but I quite like Sudden Impact. Tonally, it's quite different to the other films. And it's hardly intelligent filmmaking. But there's a lot of diminishing returns in the series.

I haven't watched any of them in quite a while, though. But I do like the first film. And I'll gladly watch them all again. I wouldn't be surprised if there's a new restoration and a 4K release of Dirty Harry at some point soon. The Blu-rays are showing their age now.

Next for me tonight was The Blood Beast Terror, which found Tigon creating a new monster within the same template as any number of vampire, mummy, or werewolf films. It's a film with a lot of padding, but it's held together by Peter Cushing in good form as the detective who is looking into a series of murders.

It isn't a patch on Hammer's better films of the same type, and whilst this has never been a favourite of mine, I hadn't seen it in years and decided to buy the new 88 Films Blu-ray, which is very good.

[Greystoke]

I'm delighted to see 88 Films releasing Rouge on Blu-ray in January. This is an absolutely wonderful film.

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[pmp]

I saw Dirty Harry for the first time tonight - not sure how I got through 50 years without seeing it! What's your view of the rest of the serors, Greystoke? Are they worth a look or is it downhill all the way?

None of the subsequent films are anywhere near as good, especially Magnum Force and The Dead Pool, but I quite like Sudden Impact. Tonally, it's quite different to the other films. And it's hardly intelligent filmmaking. But there's a lot of diminishing returns in the series.

I haven't watched any of them in quite a while, though. But I do like the first film. And I'll gladly watch them all again. I wouldn't be surprised if there's a new restoration and a 4K release of Dirty Harry at some point soon. The Blu-rays are showing their age now.

Next for me tonight was The Blood Beast Terror, which found Tigon creating a new monster within the same template as any number of vampire, mummy, or werewolf films. It's a film with a lot of padding, but it's held together by Peter Cushing in good form as the detective who is looking into a series of murders.

It isn't a patch on Hammer's better films of the same type, and whilst this has never been a favourite of mine, I hadn't seen it in years and decided to buy the new 88 Films Blu-ray, which is very good.

Thanks. The trailers were on the blu ray, but looked rather....lacking.

I saw The Blood Beast Terror relatively recently, which is fine, but I didn't go for the new release, although that series from 88 Films are certainly nicely packaged.

[Greystoke]

Speaking of Clint, I saw Juror No. 2 at the cinema today, along with Anora, which is Sean Baker's latest film. Clint's latest, however, is a return to better form in many respects, and I think it's his best film in many years.

Nicholas Hoult stars as an alcoholic journalist who is called up for jury duty on a murder trial, although he has personal doubts about the case, due to being at the scene of the crime on the night of the murder. It's quite well-crafted and well-written, with Eastwood building tension and intrigue in ways that I found involving and thought-provoking.

Hoult is very good here, and he gives one of his better performances in recent years, as does the always reliable, Toni Collette, as the assistant D.A. It's a film that keeps moving in interesting directions up until the very end, and it's great to see Clint directing so assuredly at this late stage of his career.

Anora stars Mikey Madison in the film's titular role as a sex worker who marries the heir of a Russian oligarch, and proceeds to cause chaos within the family and his criminal organisation. She is driven to make something of herself, whilst Ivan, her young husband, who childishly tries to rebel against his father, would rather waste time and money.

Baker directs with dazzling amounts of flair, especially in the club scenes, which are reminiscent of Lorene Scafaria's 2019 film, Hustlers. Anora is almost as good. With the film moving in unexpected directions, as handlers and henchmen try to annul the wedding and bring Anora into line. Yet she is more than a match for anybody she encounters.

It's dazzling stuff, with the best use of a Take That song in any film to date. Baker directs with the same kind of zeal and attention to detail that has been a hallmark of his previous films. Madison is fantastic as Anora, or "Ani," as she's called throughout the film. It's a remarkable performance from a young actor who is captivating from the minute she's first seen on screen.

The wider cast is also very good, whilst Baker is sure to treat characters on the periphery in ways that make minor roles layered, interesting, and valuable. And this has been a hallmark of Baker's work in the past. It's just a bit too long, all the same. But this romantic fairytale in less than romantic settings is one of the year's best films.