The Top 5 DVD's of the week - 3/9/10
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Mar 8 2010, 6:03 PM
PICK OF THE WEEK – Up in the Air (DVD/Blu-ray)
Nominated for seven Academy Awards! Winner of none! I would hate to say that the loss for Up in the Air in the screenplay category was one of the most public shamings in recent history, but it seems the animus between credited writer Sheldon Turner and writer/director Jason Reitman, and Reitman’s douche behavior at the Golden Globes cost him what looked to be a fait accompli. Hell, until Avatar came along and became Avatar, Up in the Air looked to be the front runner (Avatar then became the big dog, which cleared the way for The Hurt Locker). Up in the Air is much like 2006’s Dreamgirls, except without the obvious showcase role that guaranteed a win. But this may have something to do with Reitman going front and center and not coming off well. Dude’s a talent (maybe medium talent), and the film has Danny McBride. And Anna Kendrick, along with George Clooney and Vera Farmiga. This may be the best sort of Oscar-friendly filmmaking, light but not without weight. Also coming out this week is Precious: Based on the book Push by Sapphire.
REISSUE – Tapeheads (DVD)
Originally this was put out by Anchor Bay, and this is the stripped down version of that release (no commentary, no Swanky Modes CD), but this is one of the seminal cult films of the 1980’s. Like most cult films it’s uneven, but engaging in a scrappy way. John Cusack’s filmography in the 1980’s plays as The Rolling Stones to The Beatles/John Hughes films of the era (overlap in Sixteen Candles), with some of the funniest, most charming, and romantic films of the decade. And Tapeheads is a charming stoner comedy with a great comic partnership between Tim Robbins and Cusack. Plus also: the amazing Clu Gulager.
NEW – The Avon Barksdale Story (DVD)
Like anyone with good taste, I worship at the feet of The Wire. Like all its diehards, I think it’s the best TV show in the history of television, and arguably the finest artistic accomplishment of the 21st century to date. Like I said, I’m a die-hard fanatic. I had no idea about this title, but I’m sold. Wood Harris talks to the guy who was the inspiration for his character, Avon Barksdale. Though often criminals are not the most reliable narrators, (and I’m saying I haven’t seen this), it’s got to be worth the netflixing if you love this show as I do.
RETRO– The Kids are Alright (Blu-ray)
They’re called The Who. And they rock real hard.
RETRO – Savage Cinema – 12 movie collection (DVD)
I admitted my love of The Wire, I also worship at the temple of Tarantino. And with his Death Proof, I’ve found myself watching more shitty movies from the 70’s in the search of gold. Some of these I’ve watched with Devin Faraci and our friend Kevin Biegel, which has led to a Lee Frost obsession amng our clandestine group. Frost is one of those 70’s directors who made porn and biker flicks, and all sorts of crap, but it’s been one of the best parts of watching bad films. Finding filmmakers who may deserve to be rescued. And that’s the fun of this sort of set. This collection has The Pink Angels. The less said about the film the better, but Gay Bikers. This also has Sidehackers, which is famous for being a MST3K favorite. There’s probably some other winners, and mostly bad films in this twelve film collection, but – shit – you can get twelve movies for $15, so it’s worth taking a risk.
PICK OF THE WEEK – Up in the Air (DVD/Blu-ray)
Nominated for seven Academy Awards! Winner of none! I would hate to say that the loss for Up in the Air in the screenplay category was one of the most public shamings in recent history, but it seems the animus between credited writer Sheldon Turner and writer/director Jason Reitman, and Reitman’s douche behavior at the Golden Globes cost him what looked to be a fait accompli. Hell, until Avatar came along and became Avatar, Up in the Air looked to be the front runner (Avatar then became the big dog, which cleared the way for The Hurt Locker). Up in the Air is much like 2006’s Dreamgirls, except without the obvious showcase role that guaranteed a win. But this may have something to do with Reitman going front and center and not coming off well. Dude’s a talent (maybe medium talent), and the film has Danny McBride. And Anna Kendrick, along with George Clooney and Vera Farmiga. This may be the best sort of Oscar-friendly filmmaking, light but not without weight. Also coming out this week is Precious: Based on the book Push by Sapphire.
REISSUE – Tapeheads (DVD)
Originally this was put out by Anchor Bay, and this is the stripped down version of that release (no commentary, no Swanky Modes CD), but this is one of the seminal cult films of the 1980’s. Like most cult films it’s uneven, but engaging in a scrappy way. John Cusack’s filmography in the 1980’s plays as The Rolling Stones to The Beatles/John Hughes films of the era (overlap in Sixteen Candles), with some of the funniest, most charming, and romantic films of the decade. And Tapeheads is a charming stoner comedy with a great comic partnership between Tim Robbins and Cusack. Plus also: the amazing Clu Gulager.
NEW – The Avon Barksdale Story (DVD)
Like anyone with good taste, I worship at the feet of The Wire. Like all its diehards, I think it’s the best TV show in the history of television, and arguably the finest artistic accomplishment of the 21st century to date. Like I said, I’m a die-hard fanatic. I had no idea about this title, but I’m sold. Wood Harris talks to the guy who was the inspiration for his character, Avon Barksdale. Though often criminals are not the most reliable narrators, (and I’m saying I haven’t seen this), it’s got to be worth the netflixing if you love this show as I do.
RETRO– The Kids are Alright (Blu-ray)
They’re called The Who. And they rock real hard.
RETRO – Savage Cinema – 12 movie collection (DVD)
I admitted my love of The Wire, I also worship at the temple of Tarantino. And with his Death Proof, I’ve found myself watching more shitty movies from the 70’s in the search of gold. Some of these I’ve watched with Devin Faraci and our friend Kevin Biegel, which has led to a Lee Frost obsession amng our clandestine group. Frost is one of those 70’s directors who made porn and biker flicks, and all sorts of crap, but it’s been one of the best parts of watching bad films. Finding filmmakers who may deserve to be rescued. And that’s the fun of this sort of set. This collection has The Pink Angels. The less said about the film the better, but Gay Bikers. This also has Sidehackers, which is famous for being a MST3K favorite. There’s probably some other winners, and mostly bad films in this twelve film collection, but – shit – you can get twelve movies for $15, so it’s worth taking a risk.
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