A Planet Fury-approved selection of notable genre releases for July.
Twins of Evil (1971) Synapse Blu-ray/DVD combo Available Now
One of the greatest Hammer horror films ever made. This stylish, sexy vampire tale revolves around two orphaned twin sisters (Playboy centerfold models Mary and Madeleine Collinson) who are sent to live with their uncle (Peter Cushing), the leader of a witch-hunting sect. When one of the twins is turned into a vampire by a devil-worshipping Count (Damien Thomas), she attempts to keep her new life a secret from her sister and their puritanical uncle. Directed by John Hough (whose eclectic genre career included Disney's Escape to Witch Mountain), Twins of Evil showcases Hammer at its "R-rated" best. This new Synapse release features an all-new 1080p high definition transfer and several exclusive extras, including:
*The Flesh and the Fury: X-Posing the Twins of Evil (84 min.) – A feature length documentary on the making of Twins of Evil.
*The Props that Hammer Built: The Kinsey Collection Featurette (Blu-ray Exclusive)
*Motion Still Gallery (Blu-ray Exclusive)
*Original Theatrical Trailer & TV Spots (Blu-ray Exclusive)
*Motion Still Gallery (Blu-ray Exclusive)
*Deleted Scene (Blu-ray Exclusive)
*Isolated Music & Effects Track (Blu-ray Exclusive)
Barbarella (1968) Paramount Blu-ray and DVD Available Now
Roger Vadim’s cheeky sci-fi opus is still a great psychedelic ride. A wide-eyed Jane Fonda plays space adventurer Barbarella, who is assigned by the President of Earth to find missing scientist Durand Durand (Milo O’Shae), the creator of the destructive Positronic Ray. Based on the popular French comic strip, Barbarella has a little something for everyone, including a zero gravity strip tease, death-by-pleasure machine, a gorgeous blind male angel and one of the grooviest theme songs of the ‘60s. The only extras are the original trailer, but this new high definition release is still essential for fans of the film.
Celebrated cinematographer Gordon Willis’ first and only directorial effort was a critically panned box-office failure. But it’s too beautiful and wrong-headed to dismiss entirely. After Emily (Talia Shire in mousy mode) is raped in her New York apartment, she believes that the worst is over when the perpetrator is arrested. Seeking a new start, she moves into a new apartment and begins a relationship with the detective on the case (Joe Cortese from Evilspeak). But it seems that the rapist may have only been a pawn in a far more twisted (and hilariously un-PC) plot. A fiery Elizabeth Ashley gives all as the very caring best friend. Willis also shot this gonzo piece of Hitchcockian ga-ga, ensuring the awfulness is at least framed and lit well. Available for the first time EVER in any format, this manufactured-on-demand disc is essential viewing for fans of odd and forgotten cinema.
Will Ferrell’s send-up of telenovelas was given an underwhelming theatrical release last spring. Now everyone can check out the insanity with the digital release of director Matt Piedmont’s straight-faced parody. Ferrell plays Hispanic(!) ranch hand Armondo, whose family business is on the brink of financial ruin. Gael Garcia Bernal (Y Tu Mama Tambien), Diego Luna (Milk) and gorgeous Genesis Rodriguez get all hot and bothered under the scorching Mexican sun. Screenwriter Andrew Steele’s only previous film credit was the unfortunate SNL film from 2000, Ladies Man, so keep expectations in check.
Means Streets (1973) Warner Home Video Blu-ray July 17
Martin Scorsese’s first great film finally gets the high definition treatment. This riveting drama, revolving around several small-time hoods in NYC's Little Italy, set the template for the gritty crime films of the ‘70s. The impressive cast includes Harvey Keitel, David Proval, Richard Romanus and a very young Robert De Niro.
This crackerjack science fiction fable is one of the best films of the 1950s. Don Siegel’s brilliant adaptation of Jack Finney’s frightening book features Kevin McCarthy as a small-town doctor caught up in an all-consuming paranoia. When several friends and patients begin to believe their loved ones are no longer “themselves,” McCarthy’s Dr. Bennell and a small group of town folk begin to believe that an alien intelligence just might be responsible. Featuring superior performances and impressive special effects, this influential thriller still manages to unnerve.
Singin’ in the Rain (1952) Warner Home Video Blu-ray and Special Edition Blu-ray/DVD combo July 17
Gene Kelly co-directed (with Stanley Donen) this classic musical available for the first time on Blu-ray. Kelly also stars as silent film star Don Lockwood, who is forced to move into the world of “talkies” after the success of The Jazz Singer. The transition isn’t easy, especially with his frequent co-star Lina Lamont (the hilarious Jean Hagen), whose voice proves problematic for their new film. The amazing cast includes Debbie Reynolds, Cyd Charisse and Donald O’Connor (who ends up stealing the film). The Collector’s Edition is pricey, but features a hardcover book with never-before-seen photos, poster reproductions, a custom full-size(!) umbrella and many more extras.
Double the depravity, double the fun. Both Meir Zarchie’s 1978 original feel-bad hit along with Steven R. Monroe’s competently made (and infinitely better) remake from 2010. Zarchie's film benefits from its stark documentary quality, which is helped by low production values, absence of a music score and bold, amateurish performances. Monroe's remake showcases some solid acting from all of the principals and much more assured direction. Both are superior exploitation films, if for different reasons. These are the same Blu-ray packages from the previous single disc releases with all of the extras intact (including the great Joe Bob Briggs commentary on the ’78 version).
Whit Stillman’s wonderfully observed meditation on the Manhattan party scene of the early ‘80s gets the Criterion treatment. This art house favorite features a clever script by Stillman and some great early performances from Underworld's Kate Beckinsale, Chloe Sevigny, Matt Keeslar and Robert Sean Leonard.
The special features include:
* Restored high-definition digital transfer (supervised and approved by Stillman)
* Audio commentary featuring Stillman and actors Sevigny and Chris Eigeman
* Four deleted scenes with commentary by Stillman, Eigeman, and Sevigny
* Audio recording of Stillman reading a chapter from The Last Days of Disco
* A behind-the-scenes featurette
* Stills gallery with captions by Stillman
* Original theatrical trailer
* An essay by novelist David Schickler
Jean Renoir’s moving WWI film follows two French soldiers captured and imprisoned in a German POW camp. Its focus on the compassionate and human side of war is modern even by today’s standards. Far removed from the American “Hollywood” machine, Renoir’s take on the tragedy of war is one of the most authentic and heartbreaking ever committed to celluloid.
Another little tidbit about "Windows:" it was the very first film released in 1980. So it was essentially the first film of that decade. It is an interesting film, Cash. If for no other reason than Willis' gorgeous New York cinematography.
I am more a fan of Puppet Masters, the book which Snatchers "borrowed" from for it's storyline. Singin' in the Rain is a nice addition, TCM recently had a special anniversary showing of the film.
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" I grant, at least, that there are two distinct conditions of my mental existence -- the condition of a lucid reason, not to be disputed, and belonging to the memory of events forming the first epoch of my life -- and a condition of shadow and doubt, appertaining to the present, and to the recollection of what constitutes the second great era of my being. Therefore, what I shall tell of the earlier period, believe; and to what I may relate of the later time, give only such credit as may seem due, or doubt it altogether, or, if doubt it ye cannot, then play unto its riddle the Oedipus. " - Eleonora, Edgar Allen Poe
I've heard of "Puppet Masters." I should seek out the book which I've heard is very good. I remember that they made a film adaptation a few years ago and cast Donald Sutherland (which I thought was pretty clever).
I am more a fan of Puppet Masters, the book which Snatchers "borrowed" from for it's storyline. Singin' in the Rain is a nice addition, TCM recently had a special anniversary showing of the film.
Singin' in the Rain is one of my all-time favorite films!
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A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it's not open.
I've heard of "Puppet Masters." I should seek out the book which I've heard is very good. I remember that they made a film adaptation a few years ago and cast Donald Sutherland (which I thought was pretty clever).
The film was alright, but ultimately flopped. I would watch it again, if I caught it on television but I wouldn't suggest owning it.
Theron wrote:
Singin' in the Rain is one of my all-time favorite films!
I liked it, but I am still a sucker for Scaramouche despite its numerous plot holes and historical inaccuracies. I love how the audience is reminded constantly by one of the characters that without the mask, Scaramouche is horribly disfigured. Like we would forget that Andre took over the role of Scaramouche from a disfigured drunkard.
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" I grant, at least, that there are two distinct conditions of my mental existence -- the condition of a lucid reason, not to be disputed, and belonging to the memory of events forming the first epoch of my life -- and a condition of shadow and doubt, appertaining to the present, and to the recollection of what constitutes the second great era of my being. Therefore, what I shall tell of the earlier period, believe; and to what I may relate of the later time, give only such credit as may seem due, or doubt it altogether, or, if doubt it ye cannot, then play unto its riddle the Oedipus. " - Eleonora, Edgar Allen Poe
The special features include:
![Barbarella](<img src="http://www.planetfury.com/images/articles/2012/Q3/Invasion.jpg" hspace="5" align="right" vspace="5" alt=""> ){kind=link}
Never heard of WINDOWS before.
Sounds interesting.