Month: May 2022

Articles, Review, Top Blu-rays

Top Blu-Rays of 2021: Ryan’s 21 Favorite Blu-Rays-Number 1 Last Action Hero UHD Steelbook

Hollywood icon, Arnold Schwarzenegger plays the Action Hero, Jack Slater, in Jack Slater IV! This time the kill his favorite second cousin…Big Mistake!

Danny (Austin O’Brien) is the biggest Schwarzenegger fan. More so in his tole as Jack Slater. Danny sneaks away instead of going to school to watch Jack Slater III over and over again. Danny’s best friend is Nick (Robert Prosky), the kind projectionist at a rundown New York Cinema.

Danny is invited to see the latest Jack Slater, early. Before Danny sees the film he is given a golden ticket by Nick. Who was given the ticket by Houdini. By tearing the ticket in half, Nick unknowingly unleashes its magical powers. While watching the movie, Danny is sucked into the film and is now part of Jack Slater’s world!

Last Action Hero in my opinion was way ahead of its time and one of Schwarzenegger’s best films. He is brilliant in it. He’s playing an amped up version of his onscreen persona and nails it. He also plays himself in the film. And he has an emotional arc that you don’t see coming that defines his character throughout the film.

I plead with everyone to watch this film. I still don’t think people get it. It is funny, full of action and heart.

Known more as being a financial disaster for Schwarzenegger and Sony pictures, it has languished on blu-ray with a horrible scan and no bonus features.

During the pandemic, Brad and I started a campaign to get Last Action Hero on 4K and with bonus features. Not only did our idea come true but I read that when Sony put a write-in section on what film would fans like to see on 4K, Last Action Hero was by far the most requested title. And I give Sony a ton of credit. They listened to the fans and delivered a great UHD. I like to say Brad and I are the ones that got the ball rolling, seriously we even interviewed a fellow fan, who is also a stuntman from Canada, about this very subject.

Grade: A+

Last Action Hero 4K Video Quality

Last Action Hero takes no prisoners with a fantastic new 4K scan. Gone is the awful previous blu-ray release of crushed colors, heavy pixelization and washed out colors. In its place is a robust new scan showing of detail and colors previously not seen.

Grade: A+

Last Action Hero 4K Audio Quality

Last Action Hero delivers a full on assault to your eardrums. Heavy metal, guns shooting and explosions. Everything in this film is big and the sound mix is no different. From New York’s rain drenched streets to Los Angeles’ sun bathed avenues the ambient sound is stellar.

Grade: A+

Last Action Hero Bonus Features

While this release isn’t packed it is nice to have some features included after the barebones dvd and blu-ray release of the past.

Commentary by Director John McTiernan: Although McTiernan is somewhat boring to listen to, he does give you a lot of information to digest. And he spends a lot of time apologizing for the film, which he doesn’t need to.

Original Behind the Scenes Featurette

Deleted and Alternate Scenes: Also included is an alternate ending which is not good.

Big Gun by AC/DC

Grade: B

One of the most exciting releases for me personally earns my top blu-ray of the year. I adore Last Action Hero, and hope that with this release it will find the audience it deserves!

Overall: A+

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Top Blu-Rays of 2021: Ryan’s 21 Favorite Blu-Rays of 2021-Number 2 The Cartoon Saloon’s Irish Folklore Trilogy

Hands down the best looking release of 2021, Cartoon Saloon’s Irish Folklore Trilogy, is a sight to behold physically and the films themselves. Each film is stunningly animated, with wonderful storytelling.

The Secret of Kells

In an effort to keep the Vikings out, Abbot Cellach (Brendon Gleason) has ordered the constructive of a giant wall to protect the Abbey of Kells. When the young and adventurous Brendan (Evan McGuire) wants to know what’s beyond the wall. He gets his chance when Brother Aiden (Mick Lally) arrives to write a book called The Book of Iona. Brendan leaves to the forest to collect berries for ink. While out in the woods he meets a fairy named Aisling (Christen Mooney). The threat of the Vikings is a constant threat looming in the film, and one that Brendan and the Abbey of Kells must prepare for.

Grade: A+

Song of the Sea

Ben (David Rawls) is a young boy who watched his mother, Bronagh (Lisa Hannigan) disappear. Now years later he dislikes being a big brother to his sister Saoirse (Lucy O’Connell) and would rather spend time with his dog and his imagination. When Saoirse finds a seashell flute and plays it, a new realm of fairies awakens. It also awakens evil owls too, which the children must fend off and fulfill a quest and Saoirse’s destiny.

Grade: A+

WolfWalkers

Pledging his loyalty to Lord Protector (Simon McBurney), Bill Goodfellowe (Sean Bean) aims to rid Ireland of wolves. But what Bill doesn’t count on is his young daughter and apprentice, Robyn (Honor Kneafsey) befriends a Mebh (Eva Whittaker), a young woman who transforms into a wolf as she sleeps. Mebh is alone after her mother Moli (Maria Doyle Kennedy) never returned one night. As the danger of the hunt increases, can the two girls survive the hunt not only from Lord Protector but Robyn’s own father?

Grade: A+

All three films are magical examples of the power of storytelling coupled with stunning animation. I love how great animation looks in 3D. What the artists at Pixar are able to do is nothing short of outstanding. I however will always love hand-drawn animation the most, and I miss it terribly. The Cartoon Saloon fills that void by not only delivering 2D, hand drawn animation but they do it so well.

Cartoon Saloon’s Irish Folklore Trilogy Video Quality

The incredible worlds of these films is brought to life to outstanding video transfers, highlighting the colors, the textures of each film. And while each film is made by the same studio, they all have distinct looks to them. The characters look familiar in each film but each film has distinct color hues and settings. Bold and Beautiful.

Grade: A+

Cartoon Saloon’s Irish Folklore Trilogy Audio Quality

Wow. Everything is top notch in the sound department. From the music, to the vocal performances, it all comes through clearly and properly. Each film is supported by a 5.1 DTS-HD MA, that shines bright.

Grade: A+

Cartoon Saloon’s Bonus Features

As soon as Shout Factory announced this title I preordered it from them. The packaging alone makes this a worthwhile addition to anyones library, The accompanying 40-page book is stunning with an essay and character designs. They come housed in the most beautiful packaging that looks stunning on the shelf. It also comes with an exclusive bonus disc.

The Secret of Kells

Commentary by Directors Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey and Art Director Ross Stewart

Voices of Ireland: A look at the actors recording their lines, sometimes at the same time.

Director’s Presentation: A making of feature that explores the filming process. It was a long journey to get this picture made and the documentary does a great job exploring that.

Pencil to Picture

Aisling at the Oscars

Concept Trailer

Theatrical Trailer

Song of the Sea

Commentary by Director Tomm Moore

Behind the Scenes

Animation Tests

The Art of Song of the Sea

Conceptual Trailer

2 Theatrical Trailers

Wolfwalkers

Commentary by Director Tomm Moore and Screenwriter Will Collins

Interviews with the Voice Actors

The Art of Voicing Wolfwalkers

Behind “Running with the Wolves”: A look with the filmmakers at a key scene.

How to Draw: Wolf, Mebh and Forest: A rather lengthy how to, it is a lot of fun to watch

The Music of Wolfwalkers

Character Designs of Wolfwalkers: An hour long talk with the director.

2020 Comic Con Panel

Behind the Scenes

Conceptual Trailer

Bonus DIsc

The Secret of Kells Animatic

Song of the Sea Animatic

Wolfwalkers Animatic: All three animatics are feature length and have commentary by Tomm Moore and others.

Reading of Pangur Ban

The Two Worlds of Wolfwalkers

Trailer

Grade: A+

One of the most beautiful sets you can own. Easily some of the best animated movies to come out. Cartoon Saloon’s Irish Folklore Trilogy is the set collector’s need to own.

Overall: A+

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Top Blu-Rays of 2021: Ryan’s 21 Favorite Blu-Rays-Number 3 Bringing Up Baby

A chance meeting on a golf course brings together a paleontologist, David Huxley (Cary Grant) and the flighty, fun loving heiress Susan Vance (Katharine Hepburn). After receiving a leopard from her brother named Baby, Susan believing David is a zoologist coaxes him to go with her to Connecticut. David is reluctant at first because he has spent the last four years trying to assemble a brontosaurus fossil and needs to secure a one million dollar donation. Plus he’s engaged to wed the not fun Alice Swallow (Virginia Walker) and impress Elizabeth Random (May Robson).

At Susan’s farm in Connecticut she discovers she has fallen for David and does all she can to interrupt his marriage. She hides his clothes (which leads to a hilarious moment of Grant in a ladies robe), and when the intercostal clavicle for his brontosaurus is delivered, Susan’s aunt’s dog George (Skippy, Mr. Smith in Grant’s film The Awful Truth and as Asta in The Thin Man) buries it. Complicating matters is we learn the identity of Susan’s aunt as Elizabeth Random, the lady he must impress for his donation.

Bringing Up Baby is hilarious. A trademark and high water mark in screwball comedies. Everything is silly, everything is funny, everything works. Hepburn, whom her role was written for is stellar. She isn’t afraid to be on the end of a joke and delivers a manic performance. Cary Grant’s star was starting to ascend at that time. He settled into his role as one of the greatest comedic actors ever, not only that but he would soon be one of the biggest stars in the world. Howard Hawks directed the film and he never lets you get bored, yes, everyone is a little screwy, but by not taking his foot of the gas delivers a face paced classic.

Interestingly, this film wasn’t always viewed with high regard. In fact after it was released, Katharine Hepburn was labeled as “box office poison” due to a string of misses. She would get the last laugh however as she quickly recovered in 1940’s classic The Philadelphia Story and continue to make films until 1994, and I am sure laugh at everyone who thought her career was over almost 60 years prior.

Grade: A+

Brining Up Baby Video Quality

The word that comes to mind for me is, finally! Bringing Up Baby has not looked good in many years. I know as I own three different release of this film. When HBO Max put it on their streaming service I was hoping it would look better, it looked worst than my DVDs. After reading the lengths and pains, Criterion, along with Warner Bros. Archives went through to give us the best Bringing Up Baby they could they get my salute. With a fresh 4K restoration, and even with the caveats given by Criterion, Bringing Up Baby is a sight to behold. Seeing new layers of depth and clarity is like experience in the film for the first time. It looks stunning.

Grade: A+

Bringing Up Baby Audio Quality

Screwball comedies’ dialogue comes at you so fast that you need a great sound mix to deliver the goods. Criterion’s release of Bringing Up Baby does just that. It sparkles without any blemishes or pops. For a film that is 83 years old, this sounds phenomenal.

Grade: A+

Bringing Up Baby Bonus Features

Scott Eyman: an interview with the author of Cary Grant: A Brilliant Disguse, which is far better than Marc Eliot’s tabloid riddled, but popular biography about Grant. Good interview focusing on Grant’s legacy.

John Bailey: a cool interview with the cinematographer, who explains the work of Russell Metty as well as scenes in the film.

Craig Barron: the film historian discuss the career of visual effects artist Linwood Dunn.

Selected Scene Commentary: costume historian, Shelly Foote treats us with a breakdown of key scenes and the career of Howard Greer.

Commentary: Peter Bogdanovich recorded this in 2005.

Howard Hawkes: A Hell of a Good Life: A nearly hour long documentary about the acclaimed director, a treat to watch.

Cary Grant: An interview with the star after a screening of the film in 1969. Grant is awesome in this interview and my favorite extra this year. He’s funny, charming and tells some truly great stories.

Howard Hawks and Peter Bogdanovich: A conversation from 1972 between the two filmmakers.

Trailer

Overall: A+

Bringing Up Baby is one of my most favorite films from one of my most favorite actors. I love Cary Grant and I love that Criterion released this film and gave it the respect it deserves. I was calling for this film t be released properly and I was given one of the best releases of the year. Buy it. Now.

Overall: A+

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Top Blu-Rays of 2021: Ryan’s Favorite 21 Blu-Rays-Number 4 High Sierra

Roy Earle (Humphrey Bogart) has just been released from prison. He decides to do one last job. His plan with his former associates is to hit a California Resort. He runs into trouble, that trouble is love. After meeting a family from Ohio, Roy falls Velma (Joan Leslie). She needs a procedure to fix her leg, Roy agrees to pay for it.

While on lookout for the robbery, Roy meets Marie (Ida Lupino) and they also start to fall for each other. The plan goes sideways and Roy tells Marie to go to Las Vegas, where he will meet her there.

High Sierra is one heck of a film. Often times referred to as one of the best Film Noirs it also made Bogart a leading man, after years of being a supporting player. In fact, the script written by John Huston would be a springboard for Huston and his relationship with Bogart. They would make The Maltese Falcon later in the same year, Huston’s first directing job.

High Sierra is plan cool. Bogart is the perfect man to lead this film. He embodies the darkness and the forgiveness you need for a “criminal with a heart”. Ida Lupino is spellbinding as Marie. The direction by Raoul Walsh is top notch from the getting the most out of the locations to directing one heck of a car chase.

Grade: A+

High Sierra Video Quality

I am going to say something shocking, Criterion did a masterful job restoring High Sierra. I know your shocked as I am. Seriously the 4K restoration is outstanding. Black and white photography looks so great when it is restored. The blacks, the grays, the shadows and the textures all look amazing.

Also included in this release is Walsh’s Colorado Territory which is a loose remake of High Sierra, but a western. That too has been given a facelift and looks just as good.

Grade: A+

High Sierra Audio Quality

The gunshots sound clear and the dialogue crackles in High Sierra. There is some minor hissing happening here and there but this film is 80 years old and it sounds pretty great. The hissing is never distracting and it isn’t throughout the film so you most likely won’t notice it.

Grade: A

High Sierra Bonus Features

Spread across two discs, High Sierra is packed with bonus content.

Disc 1

W.R. Burnett: A look at the author of the book which the film is based on.

Bogart: Here’s Looking at You, Kid: An older but awesome documentary about Bogart.

Curtains for Roy Earle: A look at some gangster films.

Willie Best: Miriam J. Petty in on hand to talk about the actor in a new interview.

The Screen Guild Theater: A radio adaptation starring Bogart and Lupino.

Disc 2

Colorado Territory: Made by Walsh in 1949, this film is a western that has some ties to High Sierra, as the author of the book W.R. Burnett is citied as the inspiration behind the film. It is a really good film too and a treat that it is included here. I would’ve blind bought this film if it was released separately and nit have been disappointed.

The True Adventures of Raoul Walsh: A feature length documentary about the famed director is great.

Dave Kerr and Farran Smith Nehme: A new interview discussing Walsh.

Grade: A+

High Sierra is a great film that gets an equally great release from Criterion. The bonus features are incredible and even include a second film by Walsh, Colorado Territory. This is an easy buy.

Overall: A+

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Top Blu-Rays of 2021: Ryan’s Favorite 21 Blu-Rays-Number 5 Psycho Goreman

“The horrors you have just witnessed cannot be unseen. Your young minds will carry this until it consumes you in a miserable death.”

“Cool”

Psycho Goreman is the name given to a monster hellbent on destroying the Universe. Why was he given such a B-Movie villian name? Two kids, Mimi (Nita-Josee Hanna) and her brother Luke (Owen Myre) have unknowingly freed him from his prison and now because they posses a magical gem, Psycho Goreman (Matthew Ninaber) must do their bidding, and he can’t kill them! By unleashing “PG” the children have also brought other creatures from the Universe to Earth to try and stop him.

Truth be told, I was not a fan of Psycho Goreman the first time I saw it. I thought it was too weird and did not go far enough with its premise. But it stayed with me, and when I saw how packed the blu-ray was and how reasonable the price was I decided to give the film another chance.

My second viewing of Psycho Goreman made me enjoy the film so much more. The dark humor, the over the top violence all hit their mark. The weird way the father is obsessed with how people feel about his microwaved chicken is comedy gold. The fact that PG is into “Hunky Boys” made me laugh out loud.

My one still complaint is I don’t think it quite sticks the ending and Mimi is the most obnoxious child in a film, maybe ever, which takes away from the sheer goofiness of what you are watching.

But if you are able to turn of your brain, Psycho Goreman is one hell of a ride.

Grade: B-

Psycho Goreman Video Quality

Psycho Goreman lets the red blood fly with a sharp transfer. This is a low budget film but it is loaded with practical effects that are brought to life by a wonderful looking blu-ray. Don’t let the budget fool you though, the makers of the film are extremely talented and they get the most out of their limitations. The practical monsters look like R-Rated Power Rangers villains in the best way possible and the blu-ray does a great job showing them off.

Grade: A

Psycho Goreman Audio Quality

The guts are really squishy and Psycho Goreman’s blu-ray makes it all sound wonderful. Equipped with a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix, the cool synth-y music and dialogue sound out of this world. The sound design is first class and it is ported over on the disc extremely well.

Grade: A

Psycho Goreman Bonus Features

This blu-ray is jam packed with awesome features. It makes buying this disc worth the price of admission alone.

Commentary with Director Steven Kostanski: This is a must listen as Kostanski delivers one hell of a commentary, he touches on everything.

One-on-One: An Interview with Director

Interviews with the Cast

Interview with Adam Brooks: What a minute who is interviewing him?

Kotex: A Konversation: A villain gets the spotlight.

The Music of PG

Fight Choreography

Fight Pre-Viz

Filming the Paladin Fight

Miniature Magic

Inside the Creature Shop: One of the coolest features on the disc.

Concept Art, Trading Cards and Behind the Scenes Galleries

Grade: A+

Psycho Goreman is weird and wonderful. If you are willing to buy the concept, you will have a great time. And while everything might not work, most of it does and it’s a blast. It is not for everyone, but for people who appreciate dark-absurdist humor, there is a lot to like in Psycho Goreman.

*there is an Ultimate Edition of this film called “Hunky Boy Edition” with more goodies*

Overall: A

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Top Blu-Rays of 2021: Ryan’s Favorite 21 Blu-Rays-Number 6 My Fair Lady UHD

Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn) has quite the Cockney accent, and surely she couldn’t be a lady of high society. Or could she? That’s the bet between Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison) and Colonel Hugh Pickering (Wilfrid Hyde-White). Higgins, a phonetics professor is tasked with transforming Eliza into a “lady” but not only is she stubborn but he must also contend with her father, the good-natured but morally ambiguous Alfred P. Doolittle (Stanley Holloway).

My Fair Lady is one of the best movies, ever. From a charming and alluring portrayal by Hepburn, to the realization by Higgins that maybe he treated her poorly the whole time, the film just radiates with comedy, heart break and drama. The music is iconic, trust me even if you have never seen this film, you know some of the songs.

George Cukor directs with a deft hand and an eye for what makes a musical pop. The set designs, the costumes, all iconic. The film is nearly 3 hours but it just moves along with great pace. I adore this film. It is one of my favorites and if it isn’t one of yours you are wrong.

Grade: A+

My Fair Lady UHD Video Quality

Absolutely stunning. My Fair Lady in 4K might be the best looking film I have ever seen on the format. Already a show stopper on standard blu-ray, it soars to new heights on 4K. Everything is top notch. The colors, the textures, the way the film retains all of it’s film quality. This is one of the best looking films available, hands down.

Grade: A+

My Fair Lady UHD Sounds Quality

The 96k Dolby TrueHD 7.1 is the same one found on the 50th Anniversary blu-ray and there was no need to update this amazing sound mix. The clarity of the score booming through your speakers in unmatched. The music, the dialogue are all crystal clear and beautiful. Another one of the best marks here.

Grade: A+

My Fair Lady UHD Bonus Features

Although the 4K disc all the awesome bonus features from the 50th Anniversary disc are housed on their own blu-ray.

More Loverly Than Ever: The Making of My Fair Lady Then and Now: A truly great documentary about the film and also how it was restored.

1963 Production Kick Off Dinner

Los Angeles Premiere 10/28/1964

British Premiere

George Cukor Directs Baroness Bina Rothschild

Rex Harrison Radio Interview

Alternate Audrey Hepburn Vocals: Hepburn wasn’t a bad singer at all as these tracks prove.

Production Tests

Comments on a Lady

Galleries and Trailers

The Story of a Lady

Design For a Lady

The Fairest Fair Lady

Rex Harrison BFI Honor

Rex Harrison Golden Globe Acceptance Speech

Academy Awards Ceremony Highlights

Grade: B+

My Fair Lady is everything a movie should be. It is one of the best movies of all time and is also one of the best 4K discs of all time. you’re a damn fool if you don’t own this disc.

Overall: A

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Top Blu-Rays of 2021: Ryan’s Favorite 21 Blu-Rays-Number 7 King Kong (1976) Collector’s Edition

An evil oil company (is there any other kind?) has found a long lost island and plans on searching it for some of that liquid gold. A stowaway (Jeff Bridges) makes it onto their ship and attempts to stop them. Also on board is the sole survivor of a shipwreck, Dwan (Jessica Lange) randomly floating in the middle of the ocean.

On the island they encounter the inhabitants who seem to be keeping out a something large with 100 foot tall fences! Of course they are keeping out Kong! The giant gorilla who is hellbent on capturing, seducing I don’t know Dwan!

King Kong was the brain child of Dino De Laurentiis who wanted to remake the legendary picture and turns it into an event film. And while the ambition of the project is admirable, the pieces do not all come together.

The acting is fine, the dialogue is laughable. The direction is flat, not giving Kong the power he deserves. Most shots of Kong are level, so it doesn’t give him the weight or size the film os trying to convey, unless it is trying to show you how many times his giant hand can grab Dwan.

As for Kong himself it is a mixed bag. The animatronics for his head are impressive, but when we see him in action, he looks like a man in a monkey suit, because that’s what it is. Gone is the awe of the stop-motion monster from 1933.

Having said all that, there is a goofy charm to the film. It is silly and not very well made but there is something to the silliness of it all. It is a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Grade: C-

King Kong (1976) Video Quality

King Kong (1976) is not too smashing on blu-ray but it looks pretty good. Colors and details are great and the the disc retains the movies film like quality. Also included in the set is the TV version which comes with a quick note from Scream Factory about framing issues, but it too looks solid with no major blemishes.

Grade: A-

King Kong (1976) Audio Quality

Trees never sounded more broken on a powerful 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix. The film delivers a high quality sound mix which is a must in a monster movie. Kong’s roars, his chest thumps have a ton of weight behind them which gives the film a robust sound.

Grade: A+

King Kong (1976) Bonus Features

A branded Collector’s Edition from Scream Factory never disappoints and King Kong (1976) has some truly great features, and a lot of them.

Arriving in two discs, disc one is the 134 minute theatrical cut and disc two is the enormously long TV cut that clocks in at a whopping 182 minutes!

Disc 1

Commentaries by King Kong Performer Rick Baker and a second one by author Ray Morton

On Top of the World: Interviews with production manager Brian Frankish and assistant director David McGiffert give some great insight into making the film.

When the Monkey Dies, Everybody Cries: A fun discussion with two production messengers, that give insight on the film and the difficulties of biking between 30(!) sets.

Maybe in Their Wildest Dreams: An interview with Steve Varner a sculptor who worked on the 40 foot Kong.

Something’s Haywire: An interview with actor Jack O’Halloran who is candid and funny, this is a great interview.

From Space to Apes: An interview with photographic effects assistant Barry Nolan and his move from aerospace to Kong.

There’s a Fog Bank Out There: An interview with second unit director Bill Kronick who is also candid about the difficulties with a 40-foot King Kong.

Four Image Galleries

TV and Radio Spots

Two Theatrical Trailers

Disc 2

King Kong ‘76: A panel discussion

NBC Promos: A fun collection of clips from the TV broadcast promoting the film.

Grade: A+

King Kong 1976 is not a good film, but it is fun. Hats off to Scream Factory for giving this film a proper home video release, with compelling interviews, awesome commentaries this is an easy purchase for fans of monster films.

Overall: A

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Top Blu-Rays of 2021: Ryan’s Favorite 21 Blu-Rays-Number 8 The Abbott and Costello Show: Season 1

Arriving in a wonderful 3-disc set, The Abbott and Costello Show: Season 1 is a funny, timeless comedy from two of the greatest comedians if all time.

I love Abbott and Costello, and it is a great shame of mine that I had never seen their TV show. Lasting only two seasons the show follows the lovable duo as they rent an apartment from Sid Fields (Sid Fields) and the mischief they get into around the neighborhood. Or in the case of Costello, women who walk up to him and just smack him, “How dare you look like someone I hate!” Also each episode is introduced and played out by the two legends talking to you at home, and performing some of their most famous routines (yes, “Who’s on First?” is included and it’s probably the version you’ve seen).

There are 26 episodes to enjoy and each one moves at quick pace. And while there is a semblance of a through line in the series for the most part it’s just the Boys getting into one mess after another, from causing problems at a sporting goods store to trying to stay the night at a “haunted house” each episode is a gem.

Grade: A

The Abbott and Costello Show: Season 1 Video Quality

The Abbott and Costello Show : Season 1 arrives in a stunning newly restored image from 35mm Master Elements by the 3-D Film Archive with cooperation from The Library of Congress. The results are mesmerizing. Each frame looks sharp as if it were filmed yesterday. The details are amazing and there isn’t a blemish to be found. Shows like this need to be preserved and the 3-D Film Archive should be given a medal for the work they did on this show.

Grade: A+

The Abbott and Costello Show: Season 1 Audio Quality

Much like the video, the audio delivers a smack to your TV screen. For show that was filmed in the early 1950’s the sound design is pretty robust. Dialogue is crystal clear without a blemish, which is so important for Abbott and Costello as they talk fast and the jokes come at a lightning fast pace. No pops, no scratches everything hits the mark.

Grade: A+

The Abbott and Costello Show: Season 1-Bonus Features

The Abbott and Costello Show: Season 1 comes with some fun special features.

Commentaries: These can be found throughout the set, with 10 episodes containing commentaries from several different people. Each one is well worth a listen as it gives you great history lessons about the show and the legendary duo.

Original non-audience tracks for two complete episodes and six partial episodes: A really interesting feature as two episodes, “Getting a Job” and “Television Show” presented without laugh tracks. They are not as common as they used to be in sitcoms so watching an older sitcom without a laugh track is a fun experience.

Saving the Negatives-a featurette with Bob Furmanek: Found on disc three this is my favorite bonus feature. I just wish it was longer as Mr. Furmanek, as his story about tracking down some thought to be lost negatives is incredible.

There are also trailers for other Classic Flix releases and the inside of the case or rather the back of the cover art has brief descriptions of each episode.

Grade: A

The Abbott and Costello Show: Season 1 is a spectacular release. It’s funny, silly and the best kind of fun. Classic Flix has given this show the release and respect it deserves. Incredible picture, an amazing set of extras make this a no-brained purchase.

Overall: A

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Top Blu-Rays of 2021: Ryan’s Favorite 21 Blu-Rays-Number 9 Alfred Hitchcock Best Buy Exclusive 4K Steelbooks

9. Rear Window/The Birds/Vertigo

Best Buy released some of Alfred Hitchcock’s finest films with stunning steelbooks that match the stunning 4K transfers of the films.

Rear Window

Based on the 1942 short story “It Had to Be Murder”, Rear Window is Hitchcock at his absolute best.

L.B. “Jeff” Jefferies (James Stewart) is a photographer who is wheelchair bound due to a broken leg. In the sweltering heat of the summer, Jeff spies on his neighbors through his apartment’s rear window. Jeff is visited frequently by his girlfriend Lisa Fremont (Grace Kelly) and his nurse Stella (Thelma Ritter). One night Jeff gets into an argument with Lisa and while alone Jeff hears a woman scream “Don’t!” Jeff is convinced that his neighbor Lars Thorwald (Raymond Burr) has murdered his wife and will go to great lengths to prove it.

Rear Window is thrilling, suspenseful and wonderfully acted. The direction by Hitchcock is first rate slowly building the suspense to a crescendo. Rear Window is so well done and well known that is constantly parodied (the best is The Simpsons episode “Bart of Darkness”). Although most people might know the story without even seeing the film, this is an absolute must watch.

Grade: A+

The Birds

After meeting Mitch Brenner (Rod Taylor) at a pet store, Melanie Daniels (Tippi Hedren) follows him from San Francisco to Bodega Bay, with a couple of love birds in tow. While there, birds randomly start attacking and killing people.

The Birds is sorta of a monster movie, but what makes it scary is the birds attack seemingly for no reason, making their attacks all that more terrifying. Well crafted and some truly scary moments The Birds is iconic for a reason.

Grade: A

Vertigo

A former police detective, John “Scottie” Ferguson (James Stewart) was forced to retire due an incident that caused him to have acrophobia and vertigo. Scottie is hired by a friend, Gavin Elster (Tom Helmore) to follow his wife, Madeline (Kim Novak) who he believes is acting strangely.

A suspenseful, twisty, film with some great chases, Vertigo is a shining example of how great Hitchcock is at not only suspense but misdirection. James Stewart and Kim Novak shine, what else can be said about one of the greatest films of all time, except if you haven’t seen it, stop reading this and watch it now.

Grade: A+

Rear Window/The Birds/Vertigo Video Quality

Hitchcock’s films are some of the best upgrades one can get on UHD. Hitch himself had such an eye for detail and shadows that his films feel like they were made for the format. Maybe the only downside to these impressive transfers is all the optic shots in The Birds showcases the limits of that particular effect. I will forgive that when all the colors, shadows and textures look beautiful.

Rear Window Grade: A+ /The Birds: A/ Vertigo A+

Rear Window/The Birds/Vertigo Audio Quality

In an unusual move, only Vertigo was given a new DTS: X Master Audio upgrade. The Birds and Rear Window have their previous blu-ray audio mix of DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, but they are no slouch and sound crystal clear.

Rear Window: B+/The Birds: B+/ Vertigo A

Rear Window/The Birds/Vertigo Bonus Features

All three films steelbooks are attractive suit each film well. Rear Window is a little busy but it still looks fine. My favorite is Vertigo. The orange makes it standout and its simple design makes it a must own.

Each film comes packed with bonus features that are on a separate disc.

Rear Window

Rear Window Ethics: An Original Documentary

A Conversation with Screenwriter John Michael Hayes

Pure Cinema: Through the Eyes of the Master

Breaking Barriers: The Sound of Hitchcock

Hitchcock/Truffaut Interview Excerpts

Masters of Cinema

Feature Commentary with John Falwell, Author of Hitchcock’s Rear Window: The Well-Made Film

Production Photographs, Trailer and Re-Release Trailer

Grade: A

The Birds

The Original Ending

The Birds: Hitchcock’s Monster Movie

Deleted Scene

All About “The Birds”

Tippi Hedren’s Screen Test

Hitchcock/Truffaut Interview Excerpts

Storyboards

100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics and The Lot

The Birds is Coming!

Suspense Story: National Press Club Hears Hitchcock

Production Photos and Theatrical Trailer

Grade: A

Vertigo

Obsessed with Vertigo: New Life for Hitchcock’s Masterpiece

Partners in Crime: Hitchcock’s Collaborators

Hitchcock/Truffaut Interview Excerpts

Foreign Censorship Ending

The Vertigo Archives

Restoration Theatrical Trailer

Feature Commentary with Film Director William Friedkin

100 Years of Universal: The Lew Wasserman Era

Grade: B+

These three films are easy upgrades The sharp looking steelbooks are the way to go for collectors. Hopefully you will be able to find them at your local Best Buy and if you see them in the wild, snatch them up!

Overall for All Three Films: A

Articles, Review, Top Blu-rays

Top Blu-Rays of 2021: Ryan’s Favorite 21 Blu-Rays-Number 10 Running Time

10. Running Time

Carl (Bruce Campbell) has just been released from prison. He wastes little time planning his next heist. In fact, as soon as Carl leaves prison he is greeted by Patrick (Jeremy Roberts), a fellow criminal who Carl has recruited for the job, which is happening right now. Carl learns of the warden’s stash of money at a laundry mat. Joined by Buzz (William Stanford Davis) the safecracker and Donny (Gordon Jennison Noice) who is unreliable due to his drug problem. Throw in a high school sweetheart Janie (Anita Barone) and you are in for one intense hour.

Running Time is one hell of a film. As a Bruce Campbell fan I am disappointed I haven’t seen this film before. Director Josh Becker uses Alfred Hitchcock’s “single” take technique he used in Rope and creates an unrelenting, fast moving 69 minute film. Campbell is awesome is the film, and the camera work and choreography employed to pull off some of the shots is outstanding. More impressive is the film’s micro-budget of only $130,000. The film is elevated by the acting and a commitment by Becker to pull of the single take crime saga.

Grade:A

Running Time Video Quality

Running Time busts onto blu-ray with a new “2K scan and restoration of the original camera negative” giving the black and white film great texture and detail. The film was shot in 1.42:1 aspect ratio giving the film a tight and focused look.

Grade: A+

Running Time Audio Quality

Running Time breaks onto high definition with a terrific 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio that gives the film a life like feel. Dialogue, ambient noise sound crystal clear. No hiccups or hissing to be found on the track.

Grade: A

Running Time Bonus Features

Running Time comes with a reversible cover!

Commentary by Director Josh Becker and Bruce Campbell is funny and technical, a great listen

Run and Gun: An interview with Bruce Campbell. A funny, engaging 20 minutes that just fly by. Campbell has a great memory and he not only touches on the film but also growing up with Becker. Campbell also talks about how he wanted a better role after being in McHale’s Navy.

Freaky Film Festival Q&A: Becker is joined by Campbell with which has a fun intro with them scrambling to get the film prepared to show.

Theatrical Trailer

Grade: A

A hidden gem in Bruce Campbell’s filmography, Running Time deserves a spot in your film collection. From first rate performances to a technical wizard of a “single” take, Synapse Films deliver a must own blu-ray with first rate technical specs and bonus features.

Overall: A

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