Distributor: Shock (Australia) |
While these casual moments are sometimes irrelevant to the main plot, it provides an almost unfiltered perspective into Adele and Emma's relationship that most of us can relate to on a personal level. These scenes embody the essence of what its like to be human, and the inclusion of these controversial erotic scenes makes perfect sense, that allows us to experience the intimacy in the couple's private and public lives. |
What defines Blue potentially as an all time great is the stand out performances by its leading actresses. Exarchopoulos' role as Adele has been absolutely spectacular. Her ability to naturally express on-screen emotions from joy, lust and despair is easily conveyed to the audience; she becomes a character that we can empathise with, and reminds us of the emotional roller-coaster that comes with growing up. Seydoux's performance as Emma is just as commendable, that delivers a compassionate yet raw chemistry with Adele. Their shared happiness is contagious and their hardships are enough to bring the slightest tear to your eye.
Overall, Blue is the Warmest Colour is one of the most true-to-life motion pictures for 2013. This film is less about the contemporary challenges of LGBT relationships, and more about the complexities of romantic relationships and youth. A landmark for both French and romantic cinema, I highly recommend it to those yearning for intense drama and a heartfelt love story.
Verdict: 4.5/5
Overall, Blue is the Warmest Colour is one of the most true-to-life motion pictures for 2013. This film is less about the contemporary challenges of LGBT relationships, and more about the complexities of romantic relationships and youth. A landmark for both French and romantic cinema, I highly recommend it to those yearning for intense drama and a heartfelt love story.
Verdict: 4.5/5
Runaway Nightmare is a true cinematic oddity, one that should not have been forgotten in time and space. It never got a release outside the US, which added to the overall rarity of it. To my knowledge it was never released down here in Australia, and there's probably a few reasons why. It was too weird for a mainstream audience, it's bizarre for a modern audience; imagine how audiences back in 82' reacted. Mike Cartel wrote directed and stared in this movie, this is his opus his citizen Kane. He is quite a talented director and it is a shame he never went on to direct another feature film.
The film starts off with Ralph (Cartel) and Jason who are sitting in the desert when they spot two men who appear to be carrying a coffin, immediately I though of Fright Night (even though this movie was 3 years earlier). The two men bury it and our two protagonists go to see whats inside; it appears to be a young woman who has been buried alive. They take her home and from there they get ambushed by a group of females with guns. These girls are part of a cult, which is run by the great Hesperia. The two men are then kidnapped and taken hostage by the the women to a retreat in the desert, from there they become accepted into the cult. With various plot twists and turns throughout the film, the pacing of the movie is brilliant. it never slows down as you have absolutely what is coming next; the movie is a genre of its own and has not category to fit into.
Jason appears to get along fine with the women, but ralph has a hard time fitting in, as he is constantly being threatened. From here we discover girls work for a type of mafia and need to steal back a case of platinum; it is interesting as the film now falls into a crime genre.
Cartel's directing is probably the most interesting aspect of the film, his use of colours and shadows really stand out. It feels at time like a German expression silent film, using emotion and body language to present the beauty and evil of the women. The black backdrops as a surreal feeling, as characters stand out like objects. It certainly is creepy and effective, there is a fight scene with Jason in a bar, then it shows a shot of one of the girls sleeping on a table. There is a vintage circle around her, once again paying a stylish homage to silent cinema. There is character development throughout the film as we slowly see he sanity of the characters slip, and it makes you wonder what is reality.
The films ending honestly had myself laughing, and I'm unsure whether hat was intentional or not. It's just unexpected. Overall runaway nightmare is a true gem that stands out in the crowd of lost films. I thank Vinegar syndrome for introducing me to this wonder, if it wasn't for them, I would have never known about it's existence (and I know a lot of obscure titles).
The film starts off with Ralph (Cartel) and Jason who are sitting in the desert when they spot two men who appear to be carrying a coffin, immediately I though of Fright Night (even though this movie was 3 years earlier). The two men bury it and our two protagonists go to see whats inside; it appears to be a young woman who has been buried alive. They take her home and from there they get ambushed by a group of females with guns. These girls are part of a cult, which is run by the great Hesperia. The two men are then kidnapped and taken hostage by the the women to a retreat in the desert, from there they become accepted into the cult. With various plot twists and turns throughout the film, the pacing of the movie is brilliant. it never slows down as you have absolutely what is coming next; the movie is a genre of its own and has not category to fit into.
Jason appears to get along fine with the women, but ralph has a hard time fitting in, as he is constantly being threatened. From here we discover girls work for a type of mafia and need to steal back a case of platinum; it is interesting as the film now falls into a crime genre.
Cartel's directing is probably the most interesting aspect of the film, his use of colours and shadows really stand out. It feels at time like a German expression silent film, using emotion and body language to present the beauty and evil of the women. The black backdrops as a surreal feeling, as characters stand out like objects. It certainly is creepy and effective, there is a fight scene with Jason in a bar, then it shows a shot of one of the girls sleeping on a table. There is a vintage circle around her, once again paying a stylish homage to silent cinema. There is character development throughout the film as we slowly see he sanity of the characters slip, and it makes you wonder what is reality.
The films ending honestly had myself laughing, and I'm unsure whether hat was intentional or not. It's just unexpected. Overall runaway nightmare is a true gem that stands out in the crowd of lost films. I thank Vinegar syndrome for introducing me to this wonder, if it wasn't for them, I would have never known about it's existence (and I know a lot of obscure titles).
Distributer: Shock (Cinema Cult)
By John Mathews
The Abominable Dr. Phibes is probally one of the stranger B-movies of the 1970's, Vincent price stars in this English cult classic as a dead doctor risen to revive his dead wife. It appears that his wife died on the operating table many years ago and Dr. phibes could not get over the fact that the doctors failed to save her life. His plan is to resurrect from the dead and then go around and kill each of the doctors that caused to death. That's basically the premise of the entire film but what makes it so charming is the strangeness to it overall.
Nothing about this movie is serious, it obviously knows that it's a B grade movie, so it's entirely tongue in cheek. It is self-aware of what it is so it does not try to be deadpan; instead dive straight into the camp territory. It's Vincent price who plays a pleasantly brilliant role, however you never actually hear him speak you hear him voice box. When Phibes is revealed in his glorious form, audiences are in for quite a treat. It is also a classic British thriller with a build up to why Phibes is doing such atrocities. It is overall creepy because it has a disturbing charm to the film, it appears funny from the outside but once the murders begin, it becomes quite dark very fast. I remember seeing this movie as a kid and the murder sequences really did disturb me, essentially as he tortures victims before he kills them. Some of the deaths of the doctors involve killer rats, a killer mask, and the draing of blood. Overall this is Vincent price's most odd film, and there was a sequel released. The interesting thing about the movie is that it's not bad, it's actually very well directed. Director Robert Fuest at this time was experienced enough, making some of the most wonderful and odd English horror fantasy films of the time period. The buildup towards the end is so suspenseful, you find yourself on the edge of your seat. Overall despite it being obscure it has gained a large cult following, even being referenced in the Simpsons; apparently it's Marges favourite Vincent Price movie.
Nothing about this movie is serious, it obviously knows that it's a B grade movie, so it's entirely tongue in cheek. It is self-aware of what it is so it does not try to be deadpan; instead dive straight into the camp territory. It's Vincent price who plays a pleasantly brilliant role, however you never actually hear him speak you hear him voice box. When Phibes is revealed in his glorious form, audiences are in for quite a treat. It is also a classic British thriller with a build up to why Phibes is doing such atrocities. It is overall creepy because it has a disturbing charm to the film, it appears funny from the outside but once the murders begin, it becomes quite dark very fast. I remember seeing this movie as a kid and the murder sequences really did disturb me, essentially as he tortures victims before he kills them. Some of the deaths of the doctors involve killer rats, a killer mask, and the draing of blood. Overall this is Vincent price's most odd film, and there was a sequel released. The interesting thing about the movie is that it's not bad, it's actually very well directed. Director Robert Fuest at this time was experienced enough, making some of the most wonderful and odd English horror fantasy films of the time period. The buildup towards the end is so suspenseful, you find yourself on the edge of your seat. Overall despite it being obscure it has gained a large cult following, even being referenced in the Simpsons; apparently it's Marges favourite Vincent Price movie.
Video:
Local distributor Shock brings us Phibes in a 1080p transfer in its original aspect ratio of 1:84:1. It is really flawless with minimal print damage and specs. It appears to have undergone a true clean up, and for a film over 40 years old it looks quite stunning. The scenes in Phibes lair really do shine, the neon lights are lit up and stand out strong. The scenes shot on set present a lot of detail and clarity, there was detail on the DVD that was missing due to the old transfers compression. The outdoor scenes look great with natural grain and clarity. Overall this is the best the film has ever looked, and probably will for a long time to come.
Audio:
A strong audio performance here too, with dialogue coming off clear and easy to understand. The sound effects do blast when the time comes to show of your sound system. With no cracks or pops, its an extremely clean audio experience. The score and Phibes playing his large pain type thing, really sound fantastic. Shock has done a great job here.
Local distributor Shock brings us Phibes in a 1080p transfer in its original aspect ratio of 1:84:1. It is really flawless with minimal print damage and specs. It appears to have undergone a true clean up, and for a film over 40 years old it looks quite stunning. The scenes in Phibes lair really do shine, the neon lights are lit up and stand out strong. The scenes shot on set present a lot of detail and clarity, there was detail on the DVD that was missing due to the old transfers compression. The outdoor scenes look great with natural grain and clarity. Overall this is the best the film has ever looked, and probably will for a long time to come.
Audio:
A strong audio performance here too, with dialogue coming off clear and easy to understand. The sound effects do blast when the time comes to show of your sound system. With no cracks or pops, its an extremely clean audio experience. The score and Phibes playing his large pain type thing, really sound fantastic. Shock has done a great job here.
Extras:
The only extra on the blu ray is a trailer; it does show off the highlights of the film and is highly entertaining overall.
Overal:
M: 3.5
V: 4.5
A: 4.5
E: 2
Overall: 4 (Buy it!)
Buy Direct from Screenpop! Australia.
http://www.screenpop.com.au/blu-ray/abominable-dr-phibes-bluray/5278.html
The only extra on the blu ray is a trailer; it does show off the highlights of the film and is highly entertaining overall.
Overal:
M: 3.5
V: 4.5
A: 4.5
E: 2
Overall: 4 (Buy it!)
Buy Direct from Screenpop! Australia.
http://www.screenpop.com.au/blu-ray/abominable-dr-phibes-bluray/5278.html
By John mathews
Movie:
Larry Cohen is a director that makes an array of movies, his movies are mainly satirical. If Cohen had not stuck with the horror genre, I'm sure he would have had a far more successful career. He is a very good screen writer and his talent shined later on in his career with 'phone booth' and 'cellular.' The winged winged serpant is Cohen at his best, I first saw it on an old roadshow VHS as a kid, the cover excited me greatly. After re-viewing it on blu ray, my opinion hasn't changed too much, that it's a fun and hilarious movie.
Essentially the plot involves a winged giant dragon type creature that flies the skies of New York, we won't see it at first. It goes around ripping innocent New Yorkers in half, going from rooftop to rooftop. We are the introduced to Michael Moriarty who plays Johnny Quinn. Johnny is a criminal and Micheal plays an excellent role, as Micheal moriarty is a brilliant actor. It's unfortunate that he also got caught up to much in the horror genre, but for fans of horror it's also a blessing. His best role would have to be It's Alive 3.
Larry Cohen is a director that makes an array of movies, his movies are mainly satirical. If Cohen had not stuck with the horror genre, I'm sure he would have had a far more successful career. He is a very good screen writer and his talent shined later on in his career with 'phone booth' and 'cellular.' The winged winged serpant is Cohen at his best, I first saw it on an old roadshow VHS as a kid, the cover excited me greatly. After re-viewing it on blu ray, my opinion hasn't changed too much, that it's a fun and hilarious movie.
Essentially the plot involves a winged giant dragon type creature that flies the skies of New York, we won't see it at first. It goes around ripping innocent New Yorkers in half, going from rooftop to rooftop. We are the introduced to Michael Moriarty who plays Johnny Quinn. Johnny is a criminal and Micheal plays an excellent role, as Micheal moriarty is a brilliant actor. It's unfortunate that he also got caught up to much in the horror genre, but for fans of horror it's also a blessing. His best role would have to be It's Alive 3.
The Holy Grail of DS blu rays
This is the rarest blu ray in existence, its very unfortunate as it is the best English friendly version of the Leopard on the western market. It has the best transfer and exclusive extras, yet it cannot be found anywhere. It was a stroke of luck that I came across this blu ray at at JBHIFI, I had to get it transferred from a small JBHIFI in WA.
Why?
Rumours exploded speculating that the title was pulled from distribution due to the transfer they used; the Martin Scorsese transfer. Still all speculations, nothing solid. Did Scorsese give Madman the approval to use it? Its so so sad because its the most beautiful transfer of the film over towering the Criterion and BFI one. To begin the colours are extremely vibrant, much richer than the washed out ones used on previous releases.
Why?
Rumours exploded speculating that the title was pulled from distribution due to the transfer they used; the Martin Scorsese transfer. Still all speculations, nothing solid. Did Scorsese give Madman the approval to use it? Its so so sad because its the most beautiful transfer of the film over towering the Criterion and BFI one. To begin the colours are extremely vibrant, much richer than the washed out ones used on previous releases.
by Kay Q
Attack on Titan or Shingeki no Kyojin (進撃の巨人) is arguably considered the most popular anime series for 2013. From the director of Death Note, Akari Tetsuro's most recent work is based off the highly successful manga series under the Shonen genre.
The series is set in a world where man-eating giants called Titans would appear and devour humans without reason or remorse. To survive, humans were forced to construct massive walls and live their lives under seclusion. For over a hundred years, the walls have provided safety for mankind, until a Colossal Titan appears and destroys the outer wall that borders between human civilization and the outside world. Eren the protagonist and his two friends Mikasa and Armin, who have lived their entire lives behind these walls, began to see the cruel nature from the outside world for the very first time, as the invading titans preyed on anyone in sight and destroyed the peace that mankind has cherished. After witnessing so much death and chaos, Eren vows to enact vengeance upon every single titan without mercy.
Attack on Titan has some of the most memorable characters among the anime universe, that it is easy to become immersed and emotionally attached to their affairs and well being. Eren's commitment towards eliminating the titans is unrivaled, while Armin's innovative approaches provide strategic advantages over the titans. The absence of fan service and 'kawaii' elements in the series allows Mikasa and other females to be portrayed as strong, determined characters, who embody the ideal attributes of feminism. This provides a stark contrast to the notoriously submissive and lewd personalities of female characters found in other animes.
The series is set in a world where man-eating giants called Titans would appear and devour humans without reason or remorse. To survive, humans were forced to construct massive walls and live their lives under seclusion. For over a hundred years, the walls have provided safety for mankind, until a Colossal Titan appears and destroys the outer wall that borders between human civilization and the outside world. Eren the protagonist and his two friends Mikasa and Armin, who have lived their entire lives behind these walls, began to see the cruel nature from the outside world for the very first time, as the invading titans preyed on anyone in sight and destroyed the peace that mankind has cherished. After witnessing so much death and chaos, Eren vows to enact vengeance upon every single titan without mercy.
Attack on Titan has some of the most memorable characters among the anime universe, that it is easy to become immersed and emotionally attached to their affairs and well being. Eren's commitment towards eliminating the titans is unrivaled, while Armin's innovative approaches provide strategic advantages over the titans. The absence of fan service and 'kawaii' elements in the series allows Mikasa and other females to be portrayed as strong, determined characters, who embody the ideal attributes of feminism. This provides a stark contrast to the notoriously submissive and lewd personalities of female characters found in other animes.
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