Fabulous Transfer Of A Rather Bizarre Movie
599366
The picture and sound quality on this DVD are excellent. I'm watching it on 32-inch LCD and the sharpness of all those weird textures is amazing. Kudos to DP Frederick Elmes.

Also excellent is the sound quality, especially all those menacing sound effects courtesy of Alan Splet.

As for the meaning of Eraserhead, well, who can really say? Lynch directs his movie in such a way as to obstruct any attempts at interpretation. German Expressionism is an obvious influence, and along with it the themes of fate and determinism. The movie's opacity seems to put us in the unfortunate plight of Eraserhead himself, a comically inept Everyman overwhelmed by forces he cannot understand. Another obvious target is the American nuclear family and all the conformism and shallow optimism that it promotes.

Beyond that, Eraserhead depicts some of the lewdest, appalling, and grotesque images I've ever seen. I'm tempted to call it a horror film--some people do--but its relentless emphasis on granite-like abstraction and impenetrability prevent the movie from being very frightening simply because Lynch keeps the events in the movie too far away from us. His characters are live beetles wriggling on pins--gross and sometimes pathetic, but never frightening or sorrow-inducing.

It's that detachment and coolness that prevents me from totally like the movie--not because it prevents me from feeling compassion but because it prevents me from feeling anything besides repugnance, repulsion, and the occasional sick laugh.

The special features include a long interview with Lynch which includes many useful reflections about the making of Eraserhead. However, Lynch offers little discussion of the movie itself.
14081
If you are a devotee of the wonderfully ill-conceived and unintentionally hilarious (as I am) it's impossible to extoll in sufficient detail the pleasures that await you in this famously absurd production of The Scarlet Letter. A cast of wonderful distinguished actors, a big budget, great gusto, glorious production values--this one has it all, except for, well, competent direction and a script that expresses any clue about Hawthorne's novel. What we have here is a kind of spirited hallucinogenic mashup combining (1) a Classics Illustrated version of a couple of scenes from the novel, (2) a late-twentieth century take on the Salem Witchcraft trials, and (3) a fever-dream combo of King Phillip's War and the climax from the Errol Flynn version of Robin Hood. I won't spoil the Turkeyfest with too much detail here: let me say only that the jaw-droppingly ludicrous love scene alone is worth the price of admission, as magical editing keeps moving us back and forth between  Dimmesdale and Hester's tender mating in-the-grain-bin and shots of Hester's servant Mituba (yes! change one letter and you have a historical figure) as she disrobes and steps into Hester's roomy redwood Puritan Special hot tub, all the while while lasciviously eyeing a spray-painted Red Bird Of Passion who perches atop the tub. It's not clear quite how these two are going to commune beyond their inexplicably suggestive eye contact, but a bird can dream, I guess. Golden Turkey fans, it gets no more glorious than this :-)
1700068
Disturbingly great movie - the scenes move you through perceptions you may not expect.
87991
Wonderful transfer of this classic. Well worth a watch (it's long). Audio is sad due to original use of Perspecta Stereo - a failed attempt to create cheap stereo for theaters that didn't want to upgrade in the 50's. Should have done a magnetic track for this. Performances are flawless if a bit stiff at times. The condensed script works well. The epic scenes are impressive and even stunning a times. Remember - no computers, no CGI, no green/blue screen. Yes, real extras in real costumes.
4871999
First let me say that I am one of L& H;s BIGGEST  FANS  and ADMIRERS.  This was made at RKO and their FIRST FILM MADE  AWAY from the HAL ROACH-HOME  lot. I've  found this lesser L&H feature to be saddled with an unappetizing musical score- which is in no way  as pleasing  as is  the music used FOR THEIR FILMS prior at HAL ROACH--- MUSIC which hilariously matched  ALL of the funnies- on -screen MADE  by ROACH during the 1930's..This COLORIZATION  makes a VERY PLEASANT OUTING (FOR ME )when compared  the  B& W. original -actually making it a much more pleasurable viewing experience.!. Being the 100% L &H FAN that I AM,  I'd like to mention a desire for ALL of the VHS  COLORIZATIONS past MADE THE SAME for DVD!  ALSO to note here,  that there are a few (VERY BRIEF) EDITS in the beginning that might hinder any viewer not already familiar with it. It's a mystery why this transfer came from an edited print to begin with--since THIS transfer of ''THE FLYING DEUCES'' is OTHERWISE OUTSTANDING, and the best WATCHABLE version of this particular title that THIS person has EVER seen., and  IT REMAINS  A WELL-WORTH ADDITION for any collector/collection. A LOT OF FUN for SURE, IN ANY CASE.and RECOMMENDED.
174590
Having seen the marvelous "Shadow of the Vampire" a few nights ago, I went home and watched the Image DVD of F.W. Murnau's classic "Nosferatu". Ever wake up from a nightmare with the feeling that you were suffocating? Well, I have that feeling when I watch "Nosferatu". The film is not without its "shocks", such as the scene when Orlock rises up from his coffin aboard the doomed ship, like an erect, diseased male organ, but its power is in its overall creepy, almost stifling sense of doom. The camerawork is remarkable, free of the staginess that would undermine Tod Browning's "Dracula" ten years later. The staginess of Browning's film may have been due to the problems with early sound film, as well as laziness on Browning's part, where the film looks like "a filmed play", with the exception of the remarkable first scenes in Transylvania. But, back to "Nosferatu". The print quality is excellent, considering the fact that this film is 80 years old, and the organ score contributes to the nightmare on the screen. My only complaint about "Nosferatu" is the ridiculous overacting, but hey, this IS a silent film. And now, I have to put my own "spin" on the classic image of Max Schreck as Count Orlock. When something is created that is so incredibly frightening, it becomes a "classic image".  Count Orlock looks like an incredibly thin, two-legged rat. Thomas Kuntz, a brilliant sculptor and model-kit designer, whose figure of Count Orlock is a masterpiece, says, "He puts the RAT in Nosferatu". Byron couldn't have said it more eloquently!
629545
I am reviewing this item not for the feature (as I already reviewed this excellent film a while back), I am reviewing the Criterion Special Edition DVD, which is a two-disc set packed and
loaded with tones of special features. The first disc contains the original theatrical version which director Herk Harvey edited some sequences and scenes out. The first disc also contains a really neat look back on the film in a 1989 documentary "The Movie That Wouldn't Die". There is also a very neat extra of 45 minutes of rare outtakes seen for the first time, and accompanied by the eerie organ music of Gene Moore. Some rare songs not heard in the original movie are here for your scary enjoyment. There is also a theatrical trailer feature.
A very interesting look back on the locations for Carnival of Souls is included, and it talks about the history of the Saltair Resort, which has a very magnificent history and was used for the carnival location, this is an illustrated history.
On the second disc, there is a director's cut of the film, including some scenes not even shown on the VHS "director's cut" editions. One scene that is most notably absent from the original
is the scene where the priest talks to the church carpenter about how strange Mary Henry (Candace Hilligoss) is. This disc also contains a selected audio commentary by screenwriter John Clifford and the late Herk Harvey. Some excerpts of films made by the Centron Corporation. As well as an essay on the history of Centron. Some printed interviews with film illustrations are featured here as well.
This DVD-set is the best DVD-set I've ever seen. The image quality of the black and white transfer is unbelievably clear, and is the best image transfer I've ever seen. The special features are very cool, and believe it or not, the outtakes featured here are remastered in picture quality as well, along with the music score.
I was blown away with this DVD, and I'm sure you will be too. It is one of the best treatments to a cult classic every put on screen. I am so pleased with this DVD-set I could just burst. I thank the Criterion people for making this a dream come true :)
2142507
Over time, there have been a number of cheap knockoff DVD versions of this classic film. I can only think that some of the reviews read on this page refer to those knockoffs, most of which are pretty poor. However, the official MGM DVD release sold here is a superb transfer. The original print is in great shape with no scratches that I could see. The colors on the transfer are bright and true to life, the red tunics particularly well rendered with no bleeding. It is crystal clear and wide, wide screen best viewed on a wide-screen monitor. As for the film, it was certainly one of my favorites as a youngster when it first came out, and I still need to see it at least once a year, but it does have the pace of an older film with a bit too many histrionics to stand up well today(as if the sergeant and his men would have the time to stand around spouting verses with the Zulu hordes just over the horizon). But that said, visually it's a sumptuous film. If you've never seen it, it is well worth a visit. If you've seen it before, it's a great transfer and you can always fast-forward through the over-dramatic bits ("The Lord sayeth you shalt not kill...!). I think my favorite line is by the above-mentioned sergeant while reading off the company roster: "Say 'Sir'... officer on parade.)
68020
If you are a serious movie lover, you must see this movie.  The DVD  transfer is very good, and you'll see facial expression details that could  not be seen on VHS (even with the best equipment).  END
1057167
KINO LORBER are rapidly getting quite a reputation for releasing good quality hard to find films. Winner has his critics (and then some) but I can't help but find this remake hugely entertaining. I thought it was beautifully filmed, immensly overacted by Faye D, but I can't quite see anyone else in the part (she would have made a great "Forever Amber"), with nudity abounding, violence (the "Quote" Erotic Whipping duel between Faye and an almost nude Marina Sirtis), sex (Oliver Tobias and Glynis Barber (body double?) in a very unerotic scene), and a plot that never stops so you can question any developments. Lovely stuff and 98 mins of "adults only" fun. The transfer from Kino is first rate, 16.9 ratio clear picture bright colours and good sound and SUBTITLES. This film is obviously not to everyone's taste, but if you want some rudish fun and you Like Faye, well you won't be disapointed.
2571794
I haven't seen this film in decades, and I got it manufactured on demand here at Amazon. The quality ot the transfer for this 1972 film is astoundingly excellent; though a lot of the credit would have to go to the original cinematographer of the film, Douglas Slocombe who lensed it (and got an Oscar nomination for it.) The film looks superb in it's widescreen format. A lot of talent is behind this film starting with George Cukor's sure handed Direction. Anthony Powell's Oscar winning costumes just amaze you throughout. But, it is Maggie Smith who's the star here and she carries the entire film, effortlessly. She's a woman you'd love to travel on The Orient Express to Istanbul with as Alec McCowen does here with her. It's a genuinely FUN film and you won't be disappointed with this from Amazon. You won't see it on Netflix or in the stores as of this writing on New Years Eve, Dec. 31,2011
3244878
I watched this film on a whim and was quite suprised.  It was so wierd I had to finish watching it the whole way through.  I really found it quite entertaining. It is very bizarre and an original piece, much better than that so-called Academy Winner "American Beauty."  John Malkovich is one of the best actors of the 20th century and his acting is superb.  I have a feeling this is one of those films you either love or hate, but try watching it--it's pretty good.
4466175
"Who wants to go to Hell with Madam Satan?"

Well, this viewer did & thoroughly enjoyed the trip! Cecil B. DeMille delivers one of his most bizarre films, one that changes constantly, going from risqu bedroom farce to rudimentary musical to Art Deco debauchery to an early disaster epic. Neglected wife Kay Johnson, still attractive but verging on matronly (at least in attitude & dress), discovers that playboy husband Reginald Denny is cavorting about town with sharp-witted cutie Lillian Roth. Accompanied by bachelor playboy Roland Young, who seems a human incarnation of Droopy Dawg in his hilarious line delivery, hubby blames his wife for his own inability to grow up. This being a DeMille film, a stern moral lesson must be taught -- but only after depicting plenty of sin to be renounced first!

And this is where the film goes into glorious overdrive, with a masquerade ball on a zeppelin, filled with rich, spoiled, drunken partygoers & a seemingly endless parade of gorgeous young women in outrageously absurd but sexy costumes. The proceedings culminate with an auction of these all-too-willing women -- for charity, of course! -- that's interrupted by the arrival of hubby's determined wife in the guise of Madam Satan, slinky & purring in a faux French accent that's somehow even sexier for being such a cartoon. No more verging on the matronly here! And she proceeds to seduce her own sap of a husband to teach him a lesson.

Then lightning strikes -- literally! The zeppelin is torn loose from its tower, screaming party guests scramble for parachutes, the band plays on, and DeMille turns up the spectacle to 11. Considering the era in which it was made, the effects still look pretty good, in that dreamlike way of early film FX. And everything is brought to a satisfactory conclusion by the time "The End" appears. (Just note where the delighted Lillian Roth's parachute appropriately lands her.)

Now, modern viewers will undoubtedly find parts of the film stagey & stodgy, particularly the first 30-40 minutes -- though even that does have some great one-liners. Just keep in mind that this was an early talkie, when filmmakers were still finding their way with new technology & suitable pacing. But on the whole, it's a lot of ridiculous fun in all of its aspects, the sort of wildly insane film no studio would dare make today. I especially love the avant-garde dance salute to Electricity, which looks like an outtake from "Metropolis" as seen through a Dada lens. And Kay Johnson is a perfectly scrumptious Madam Satan -- which makes for an amusing final scene, as dim-bulb hubby slowly realizes that his supposedly dull, serious wife still has that other side to her, as she emphasizes with a knowingly raised eyebrow & a sly half-smile. It's definitely not a masterpiece, but if you approach it with the right spirit, it's a hoot & a half -- recommended!
2616161
This film changed my life. I watched this in a theater and was completely mesmerized by its awesome scope. You can't find much fault with the editing, music, and overall presentation.

What I CAN find fault with is the abysmal transfer to dvd. Its initial release was beyond atrocious, it was excrement. Now, this transfer improves upon it, but when you consider that this film was shot on 70mm film, which inherently offers supremely better resolution than standard 35mm, and its anamorphic coding, the picture quality AGAIN fails to deliver. Who in the HELL was (ir)responsible for working this?

Not only that, but fans are slapped in the face with a meager 8 minute "featurette". THAT'S IT. Something this gorgeous and deep should have had so much more. Personally I would have liked to have seen a subtitling option naming the locations of each shot, all the better to appreciate the majesty and mystery of our world.

To the producers of THIS home video version: GO BACK AND TRY AGAIN!!!!
325108
With just about zero fanfare, one of the most magnificent of movies ever made has appeared in the past 24 hours on Amazon in a previously unreleased version that is astonishing. The black & white (aka black & chrome) incarnation of Mad Max: Fury Roadwhich director George Miller considers the best versionis already streaming on Amazon as you read this. The theatrical release isn't until Nov. 1 and the Blu-ray box will come after that, so this is quite a surprise.

You must see it. It takes the already masterful film to places that make it a fresh and thrilling viewing experience, elevating the film in ways that actually surpass the color version. Like mono versions of records that sound more present than their stereo counterparts, MM:FR has an in-your-faceness that is searing in its detail and dimension. The geometry of space in MM:FR is a hyper-real b&w dream world that recalls Cocteau, Fritz Lang and Bergman. Can a black and white movie be psychedelic? Absolutely!
3919816
I have to concur with the other reviewers in that this is a truly excellent movie. The set, the acting, and the ambiance really made it feel like a a 1920s movie. I was very impressed.

Lovecraft's stories are not easily made into movies, since they require non-Euclidian geometries, and weird visions that drive men insane. I doubt any modern special effects could do it justice, so a replica of a 1920s movie was definitely the right decision.

It's also a very faithful adaptation of the Lovecraft story, which is a godsend for those of us who grit their teeth every time a director takes liberties with a storyline. On seeing it for the first time I couldn't detect any deviance, but I'll read the story and check. If there are any changes from the story it's so minor that it doesn't matter.

There's just one little quibble that keeps me from giving it 5 stars, it's from the part where the protagonist is in Australia: They didn't have fluorescent tubes in the 1920s. The first mass produced fluorescent tubes came out in 1938. It may be subtle, but it really stood out for me the first time I watched it.
3790397
When I was much younger ,this movie ,Creature From the Black Lagoon was released and with a new technology called 3-D. Well ,I went to see it and it scared me to no end. Thru the years this film has become a classic and became one of my all time favorites. Moving forward, when I saw it was released in Blu Ray and 3-D ,to me that was a must have. Let me just say this transfer is one of the best I have seen. The Picture quality is wonderful ( ok it's in Black and White) ,the sound is outstanding and the 3-D is so good it rivals many of the modern 3-D movies that are out now. For those of you that would like to take a trip to the past with a great vehicle, this ones for you.