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DVD News
Harry's DVD PICKS & PEEKS - The Rest of 2011 - FISH STORY, LOVE EXPOSURE, HEAVENLY CREATURES, THE ROCKETEER, SEIJUN SUZUKI, APES, Woody Allen Time Travel & more!!!
Hey folks, Harry here… Here's a treat. I caught up and even have one more week of releases. That's right, this is the rest of the year column. Since I'm going to be at DisneyWorld on a Holiday vacation with my fam, I figured I'd just do it up early for ya. It's been a tough year and next year will be another fight. But I'll do my best to keep these columns coming and even more regular, I hope. As usual, the images and links take you over to Amazon where you can learn more on a given title or purchase the item, which gives a bit back to help keep the column going. Something that is highly appreciated. Now – here's the releases through to the end of the year…
Tuesday, December 13th, 2011
This is the great film that I feel is still my favorite Peter Jackson film. I love it because it dares to get inside the confused, manic imaginations of a pair of girls that committed a horrible, terrible murder. The film is a tragedy told as a romance, with beautiful doses of fantasy, youth and blood. But most of all… it has MARIO!!! More on that with the next film. But HEAVENLY CREATURES really made the entire world pay attention to what Peter Jackson was up to in New Zealand. The plugged in here were already in love with BAD TASTE and BRAIN DEAD (DEAD ALIVE) – but this film stood out not only due to the amazing screenplay, not just the beautiful cinematography or the pure energy that Jackson infused in this film… But due to the discovery of not just Kate Winslet, but Melanie Lynskey – if you don't fall in love with them, there's something horribly ajar with your compassion lobe in your brain. But if you get this… I highly recommend getting the following film as well!
Part of the magic of HEAVENLY CREATURES is the giddy schoolgirl mad love that Winslet and Lynskey espouse for "the world's greatest tenor," MARIO LANZA! There's even a poster for THE GREAT CARUSO featured in the film. The key to loving this film, beyond the fact that it's just fucking a great movie about the life of Enrique Caruso – is frankly the ludicrous joy that screaming out MARIO!!!! Everytime he appears on screen to sing … it is just, a blessed feeling. And allowing yourself to be taken over by mania, it's so silly and awesome. That said, it really is a great film all on its own. I just love the tie to one of my favorite films.
THE ROCKETEER: 20th Anniversary Edition Blu Ray
Disney can create a far far better release for THE ROCKETEER… but will they? I would love it if they had a Rocketeer versus Commie spies movie and bring the cast back. But it'll never ever happen. But I'd settle for a deluxe Blu-Ray that would have Joe Johnston talking about the missing action scenes… show us the storyboards. Celebrate the life of Dave Stevens. Do a special feature with Rick Baker talking about Rondo Hatton and why he is beloved and what Rick had to go through to bring him back to life. I'd love a piece on the history of the locations brought to life in the film. A piece on the music. A piece on Art Deco. A piece on B-Movie Serials, from which the spirit of the character leaps from. That said, the Blu Ray transfer on the film is outstanding. Outstanding. Perhaps if this disc sells well enough, Disney will see the light. SO gift it to everyone you know! That's a geek mission of the highest order!
Those that have been following the DVD column for over a decade will remember my write ups on this title and the next from when Criterion first released them on DVD. Seijun Suzuki's films played in Japanese Grindhouses… the theaters off the beaten tracks… in the neighborhoods tourists fear to tread. This wasn't the image of Japan that the government wanted seen. In the United States – it reminds me of pre-code Gangster flicks, before the morality of the nation shifted the stories to G-MEN. The difference is… this film was made in 1967 and has one of the most amazing stylistic pulses that I've felt come off of just about any film. You'll love this film, but when you put in the next one. Holy shit. Watch this first though! It warms you up for the Technicolor awesome of TOKYO DRIFTER!
New high-definition digital restoration with uncompressed monaural soundtrack
Video interviews with director Seijun Suzuki and Masami Kuzuu
Interview with Suzuki from 1997
New interview with actor Joe Shishido
Original theatrical trailer
New and improved English subtitle translation
PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by critic and historian Tony Rayns
Buy this… fix some cocktails, have everyone dress up in retro suits and dresses and heaven my friends. Think about 1960's James Bond films… but imagine if instead of Sean Connery, you had a Japanese cool version of Chow Yun Fat, working in a pop-art universe of hot powerful colors – all while telling a Yakuza story that was sexy and fucking awesome. That's TOKYO DRIFTER! On Blu – it is just stunning to watch. Stunning. I squealed with glee when I received my copy!
New high-definition digital restoration
Video interviews with director Seijun Suzuki and Masami Kuzuu
Interview with Suzuki from 1997
Original theatrical trailer
New and improved English subtitle translation
PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by film critic Howard Hampton
In an odd way, I've always considered this as Buster Keaton's TOUCH OF EVIL… a brilliant wonderful film, even if it was forced upon him. A failing business man gets an inheritance that forces him to be married by 7pm that day. This is a film, that I almost didn't put on the list for fear of some executive seeing this very topical comedic potential that SEVEN CHANCES has. And then the horror as Charlie Sheen gets cast… and then I'm crying. However, if you put Buster Keaton on and you watch SEVEN CHANCES you'll see the master at work – and he just didn't have suck in him. Not at all. Kino also gives us Keaton's shorts… NEIGHBORS and THE BALLOONATIC… you'll love both. Great job from KINO!
DETECTIVE DEE & THE MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM FLAME Blu
I love Tsui Hark films. That's just true, even in his glorious failures… they are glorious failures. Big, visionary. This is not a glorious failure. It is a Sherlockian mystery adventure – not unlike Guy Ritchie's take on that character… and yeah, there's some magic and weird Chinese hocus pocus – and as someone that loves BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA…. This is more like DETECTIVE DEE'S BIG TROUBLE IN CHINA…. Because the action is crazy, the scope is enormous, the mystery is a tight puzzle box that continues to transform over the course of the film. This is one to appreciate on Blu, the visuals are totally worth it all on their own!
One of the best films of the new millennium, just period. It is also a film that could profoundly affect your desire to go to Rio De Janeiro. At the very least it will make you steer clear of areas of Rio. This film is one for Blu. One of the greatest crime films ever made. Must be seen. This film has the power to shake you. Fantastic filmmaking unleashed. There's one doc on the disc, the excellent "NEWS FROM A PERSONAL WAR" – definitely worth checking out!
The great thing about international cinema is the capacity to peek through the cinematic window and discover an impression of what it would be like to be a pair of lovely teenage girls living in Tehran, Iran… There's secret dance clubs, drug use, sexual intimidation, the brother that was so smart – now a crackhead. I mean, really, it is a universal tale. Soderbergh told his version here in the U.S. This is also a great film for those that love HEAVENLY CREATURES. It stays more grounded than Peter's film, but despite the cultural gulf, kids still can get in any kind of trouble anywhere. Beautiful film. Really was surprised by this one.
This is a spectacular old flick from fellow Texan, King Vidor, and starring the great Spencer Tracy, but more importantly… Walter Brennan is in NORTHWEST PASSAGE – and Walter Brennan is one of the great character actors of all time. He makes every film he's ever been in an absolute sit still and watch affair for me. Also this is stunning old school Technicolor. It is a shame that we're not getting a Blu Ray on this one. It is one worth the format, so worth it.
INTRUDER – Director's Cut Blu Ray
You know the friends you watch EVIL DEAD with? The folks you watch BASKETCASE with? The folks that just delight in MOTEL HELL with? Well, you just call em all up right now and put INTRUDER in. This is a film that not only features Ted Raimi, but Sam Raimi in a significant and awesomely goofy part! Directed by Scott "Madman" Spiegel – this is fun, low-budget, goofy horror that makes being a horror geek fun. Oh – did I mention it has the awesome of Bruce Campbell in it? Circa 1989? That's right ladies… come give INTRUDER some sugar baby! Excellent film to watch with Frank Darabont's THE MIST!
RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES Blu Ray
I really like this movie a lot. I'm just not a fan of the "Contagion" aspect of the film. Anything that took me away from Caesar and his story just kind of annoyed me. I love Lithgow. But that other story just left me rolling my eyes. The rest of the film is too good for that. Will Andy Serkis get nominated at last? I'm really not expecting miracles. Most of all, I just love Weta's work. It is flat out the visual fx film of the year. Caesar reigns! That said, I don't quite feel this is the premium Blu-Ray that we'll eventually see on this title.
Feels over complicated to me. The search for Po's true origin, then directly tying that to the Bad Guy in this film just seemed like a very tired and played out structure. It always seems to end with an explosive death. But my god there's a lot of fun to be had in this film. The action is visually dynamic and inventive. Yeah. It's a whole lot of fun, I just prefer the first.
My Fright Night is still better than this, but this is pretty damn fucking fun too. I can't shrug the nostalgic perfection of the original… but I do love the actors in this version. They're doing a very different, yet similar movie, with basically zero concern for the original – and that's the right way to do adaptive material. Like SWAN says, "give it a pulse, make it your own!" Far Out Man, I really wasn't expecting much on this one, but yeah… Anton Yelchin is just too good of an actor. He's got mad charisma. But when you add David Tennant and Colin Farrell into the mix. It is just really entertaining. For me, Roddy McDowall puts the original film at a cool factor that a remake, by it's nature, is going to fall short of. But there's no denying, this is a really wonderful young horror film. Check it out if you haven't!
Musicals are the soul of cinema soaring. Don't ask me why I feel that way, but it is true, it is how I feel. The Technicolor serves this film beautifully. The dresses, the vibrancy of the sets. You can really appreciate the lush work. But the real jewel to this film are the songs. In the history of musicals there are few that have as many great numbers. THE TROLLEY SONG is my personal fave from the film. Really wonderful film. It is also filled with extras. So overall a great deal.
THE EXPENDABLES (Extended Director's Cut) Blu
Yeah, I prefer the longer cut. It gives pretty much all the guys more room to breathe as characters. The opening sequence plays better longer. Feels like a battle of some scale now. This next film is looking like it is crazy awesome. At least I hope so. If you're a fan, you won't even question the double dip. We did mention there would be an extended cut, so we all kinda knew it was coming. More is better in this film's case. The film has been completely put back together from scratch. The result is a far better film I feel. I liked the original, but it felt rough, this is a better cut. Sly did great work putting this together. I've decided that I'm going to hold on to both versions though.
Before he was Batman and before he was OB1 Kenobi… they were both bisexual glam-rock stars. That's kind why they both rule so hard in everything else. If you grok Ziggy Stardust, VELVET GOLDMINE is a movie right up your alley. The transfer is quite nice and the film is as fun as the day it came out. Nice to have this out on Blu! More Todd Haynes please.
There's a lot of folks that just discovered 99 and 44/100% DEAD & they've lost their minds for the film. Me, not so much. But THE NICKEL RIDE? That's a fucking movie! Directed by TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD's Robert Mulligan and starring Jason Miller as the man with the keys to all the warehouses with all the Mob's stolen shit. He's the keys to the underworld. And Jason Miller plays it so damn good. First saw THE NICKEL RIDE at one of Tarantino's QT Fests. So if you've been paying attention to those titles over time… then get this, watch THE NICKEL RIDE and see if you lose your mind for Frankenheimer's flick too. Moriarty did.
Because some nights require and demand this precise flavor of ass. If you don't know – be curious. I won't say another thing.
It's a girl school story. I always expect these to end in rolls of razor wire, but they hardly ever do. But I always watch just in case. Rooney Mara is good here. The other girls are fine. It's just one of those "growing up is hard to do" stories. The film is likable enough. It flirts with titillation, but never succumbs. Sex is in the air, but isn't overt in the film. Ultimately it is a quiet tale, one that you either like following the characters on or not. Me, I liked it.
In the 60's this was a major release from Warner Brothers and yeah it kind of rocks. If you ever rocked out to DAKTARI – then you may know this preceded that. People just loved this movie when it came out. Watching it today – to see a lion completely unaided with CG working like this in a movie is just rather whimsical and magical all on it's own. Plus it has Judy the Chimp. Yeah. Chimpanzee. It rules!
I really do have a large Sherlock Holmes collection. If put to a blade to name my favorite literary character, I'd most likely say Sherlock Holmes. I love reading about him. Love watching tons of different actors playing him. John Barrymore is a fascinating Holmes. Wish this had been a better Holmes story though. Really cool seeing William Powell in his first. Early Film Blogger Hedda Hopper also appears.
I have to see this. Buster Keaton and Jimmy Durante. I will see this soon. This was the last film on Keaton's MGM contract. And what I've heard is that Buster and Jimmy decide to open up a beer selling business to start selling on the first day after the end of prohibition, figuring they'll become millionaires. Of course shit goes down. And that's what I can't wait to see. I love Prohibition tales.
Tuesday, December 20th, 2011
If you've ever had the Time Travel fantasy conversation… the destinations in history explored in this film was sure to be amongst the most popular choices. With the exception of during the Nazi Occupation… it is almost always a nice place to be… Paris that is. Woody Allen is magical when he plays with fantasy. MIDNIGHT IN PARIS is one of his very best films. For much of the year, this was my pick for the Best film of the year. That has changed.
I love this film. Not real sure why the rest of the world didn't jump all over this, but with Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton and Nick Nolte – this single film contained 3 of the best performances in film this year. The fights are simply brutal. The drama is superbly crafted. I love sports tales and while I know jack and shit about MMA, this is a story about brothers and a father and they've been fighting all their lives… not necessarily on each other's sides. Nolte is superb in the film. He's simply on a higher plane of great acting here. He should collect the Oscar, but probably won't because the heat isn't on this film. That's a shame.
In the world of Screwball Comedies – Carole Lombard was the picture of perfection. Beautiful and dizzingly funny. She believes she has radium poisening. The brilliant Fredric March plays a Journalist wanting to turn her human interest story into a meal ticket. Written by the great Ben Hecht and James Street and directed by William Wellman (OX-BOW INCIDENT, PUBLIC ENEMY, THE HIGH AND THE MIGHTY and many other great films). This early 3-strip Technicolor flick is beautiful. Kino struck the digital master off the original Nitrate master. It doesn't get better. And the movie is funny as hell.
A real man cries for love, Hemingway will teach you that – and teach you that it is noble and right. Gary Cooper and Helen Hayes play an ambulance driver and a nurse that fall in love in the midst of WWI. The film is fantastic. Adophe Menjou… whew. This is a great film. Love Gary Cooper in it so much.
I am told this is my favorite film that I've yet to see. The movie is 4 hours long in Japanese. I have it sitting right here on my desk. Everybody I know that has seen this film is hopelessly in love with the film. I have zero doubt that it will play that way for me, although I know nothing about the film. I won't read anything on it. Right now – this is a film that Yoko and I want to just sit down and digest. Without the possibility for interruption or disturbance.
Tuesday, December 27th, 2011
I hate this film. It isn't quite worthy of hate. It's just – a found footage film about evil moon rock monsters, the original APOLLO missions and a phantom Soviet Moon shot. Dammit, how do you fuck that up? This thing is just crazy boring. Nothing gripping. The dialogue feels too modern. I don't believe the actors. It just doesn't work on any level for me. Bad.
Watching this the other day at home, I just admired just how amazing the story of Gary Oldman the actor is. He's best known for BIG performances, but in this year's TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY, he plays brilliant quiet every man so well that you have no idea there's a volcano inside of him. Alex Cox's SID & NANCY is a fantastic film. Great to have on Blu Ray!
The greatest film ever to espouse the true power of art. The film is on Netflix, but trust me, you're gonna have to own this. It's the kind of brilliance that we've come to expect from director Yoshihiro Nakamura. You may remember that Massawyrm was a raving lunatic about this film. He raves a lot, this is one time you might ought to listen to him.
Well that's it for 2011 for Blu-rays and DVD. We'll kick back up on January 3rd, 2012 as we talk about CONTAGION, THE GUARD, SERENDIPITY, MILDRED PIERCE, DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK, THE LAST LIONS, SHARK NIGHT, SHE'S ALL THAT, UNLEASHED, PUNCTURE, SWASTIKA and well… that's the first offering of the new year. Till then, be happy and safe with those you love, be they family or friend. I'm off to DisneyWorld!
Readers Talkbackcomments powered by Disqus
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Dec. 20, 2011, 2:11 a.m. CST
enjoy your 3 cents!
by muggles
Reminded me I had to get a Christmas present for my boss... Tokyo Drifter it is! Thanks, Harry!
Dec. 20, 2011, 2:20 a.m. CST
Nice picks, Harry. BRANDED TO KILL and TOKYO DRIFTER are must-buys.
by cactusjack1972
Dec. 20, 2011, 2:50 a.m. CST
Merry Christmas..
by MattsSwellHouse
..I'm sure you'll add a rundown of your Disneyland trip to your new year's output. I look forward to reading it..(by about mid-March!) Cheers Fella!
Dec. 20, 2011, 2:51 a.m. CST
by MattsSwellHouse
Dec. 20, 2011, 3:03 a.m. CST
Last chance to get 1985 FRIGHT NIGHT on Blu-ray
by justmyluck
December 19 - Special Offer! Buy $100 or more (pre-shipping) from the Twilight Time catalog and get an autographed copy of Fright Night on Blu-ray for FREE! Signed by writer-director Tom Holland--only 100 available! Put the request "Add FREE autographed Fright Night" in the notes field on the final page of checkout. 100 will go fast--don't delay! LESS THAN 30 REMAINING! http://www.screenarchives.com
Dec. 20, 2011, 3:08 a.m. CST
by DavidDunn
Seemed like no one saw this movie. It connected with me really deep and I second Harry's thoughts on it. Hardy puts one of the best heart wrenching and broken soul performances on screen that I have seen in a long time. From what I understand, this movie is effecting people in big, emotional, ways quite often. For me, it was having a strong relation to Tommy and Brendan but I can see many other possible connections. Everyone has something to fight for and this movie really captures that.
Dec. 20, 2011, 3:14 a.m. CST
WARRIOR was pretty good, and excelled with the performances.
by justmyluck
It sold itself out to be a sports movie in the end, and couldn't resolve the conflict of how to satisfy the arc of both brothers, while at the same time requiring one of them take a fall. Still, pretty great and affecting.
Dec. 20, 2011, 3:18 a.m. CST
Apes was THE genre film of the year...Harry's lame ass nitpicking is simply because he saw it after everyone else : therefore he couldn't 'OWN' it
by quantize
Dec. 20, 2011, 3:26 a.m. CST
i saw warrior 3 times in the theater
by antonphd
i predict that it will be one of those movies that eventually find it's way into just about every man's film library. you visit your friend at his house and while he's grabbing drinks from the fridge you are gazing at his movies on the shelf and see Warrior, and say loudly 'oh, you have Warrior too, that's a great movie' and you buddy says 'fuck yeah' and you both pause for a moment and think about your dads and brothers and then blink and you are back to sitting down for the game.
Dec. 20, 2011, 4:24 a.m. CST
Sid and Nancy: One of Oldman's best peformances ever!
by Stalkeye
Actually, methinks it's that very same movie that put him in the spotlight. Tragic but great film and not to mention Joe Strummer's superb "Love Kills" during the credits.
Cheers Harry, I will double bill HEAVENLY CREATURES with THE GREAT CARUSO. Then the next night i'll double bill THE EXPENDABLES with MEET ME IN ST LOUIS.
Dec. 20, 2011, 4:50 a.m. CST
APOLLO18 does not exist in this dojo
by Cobra--Kai
btw when the APOLLO 18 trailer came out one of the aicn writers ran the story and mentioned how good it looked. To a man, the talkbackers responded by saying how shite it looked. Seems like talkbackers 1, aicn 0.
Dec. 20, 2011, 5:38 a.m. CST
City of God is magnificent.
by Happyfat73
It is, without a doubt, my #1 film of the noughties.
Dec. 20, 2011, 6:08 a.m. CST
wow, lotsa good stuff this week!
by Spandau Belly
I'll probably grab TOKYO DRIFTER, and I already have HEAVENLY CREATURES on regular DVD, but it's fullscreen and a horrible transfer that looks like VHS, so I might upgrade because it's one of the best movies out there. I will revisit THE ROCKETEER, although it might be one of those movies where I buy it, watch it once, have a nice time but realize I'm never going to watch it again, then sell it off.
Dec. 20, 2011, 6:15 a.m. CST
by lock67ca
Also known as Harry's Inception Review: The Sequel
Dec. 20, 2011, 6:20 a.m. CST
just, just, just, just, just
by Dollar Bird
That said, just.
Dec. 20, 2011, 6:24 a.m. CST
Hate that Sid and Nancy cover.
by beastie
The Photoshop looks terrible (not that I can do that at all) and it seems to embody a late 80s early 90s punk attitude, not The Sex Pistols.
Dec. 20, 2011, 6:24 a.m. CST
Warrior (spoilers)
by tattooedjackass
It was an ok film but way to predictable and over the top too cheesy, all the performances where great but the need to show Nolte's character drunk was not needed and pointless, also it ended so quickly i mean did the brother give any money to the dead soldiers wife???? how long did Tom Hardy's character do inside, questions i wouldn't have minded knowing about!! Definatly prefered The Fighter as a movie to this!
Dec. 20, 2011, 6:24 a.m. CST
Finally agree with Harry on something...
by The_Credible_Hulk
City of God is one of the best movies EVER!!!
Dec. 20, 2011, 6:30 a.m. CST
by hspahr
Not sure why there is so much love for Rocketeer on this site. I remember going to see it in a theater back in the day and thinking it was pretty stupid. Even my massive Jennifer Connolly crush wasn't enough to save the movie for me. (And please, Jennifer, put on 20 pounds or so - you looked so much better in your Reubenesque youth)
Dec. 20, 2011, 6:35 a.m. CST
I didn't like Apes either.
by DiscoGodfather
It had an interesting concept, was technically well done and Serkis was phenomenal, but a major logic flaw early on in the movie kind of took me out of it and kept me from buying in 100%. Basically, how did the world's greatest chimpanzee scientists NOT know that the chimp they were testing experimental drugs on was pregnant? And if they didnt care, why didnt they explain this? It was just "Oh, this one was pregnant and she just had a baby." I can and have overlooked plot holes in plenty of movies, but I just couldn't get over this one.
Dec. 20, 2011, 7:35 a.m. CST
Velvet Goldmine
by c4andmore
Great movie, would make an excellent double feature with Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Where's the bluray for that one?!?!
Dec. 20, 2011, 7:57 a.m. CST
Love Exposure is radiant!!!!
by Andrew Quinsatt
Sion Sono is my favorite director right now, just an entertaining film and those 4 hrs go by so damn fast!!!
Dec. 20, 2011, 8 a.m. CST
We need the original Fright Night & Frigh Night 2 on Blu
by Gorgomel
Julie Carmen in 1080P!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dec. 20, 2011, 8:01 a.m. CST
Disney should release Condorman and The Black Hole on Blu too
by Gorgomel
Dec. 20, 2011, 8:04 a.m. CST
Jennifer Connelly in The Rocketeer....
by Mugato5150
Dec. 20, 2011, 8:08 a.m. CST
Rocketeer 20th anniversary edition
by Samuel Fulmer
I don't know why you make a big hoopla puting that on the cover when all you get is the movie, but hey, at least it's anamorphic this time out and in HD!
Dec. 20, 2011, 8:09 a.m. CST
Disney live action on Blu-How about Treasure Island (1950)!
by Samuel Fulmer
Dec. 20, 2011, 8:15 a.m. CST
People love Warrior? Really?!?
by huskerdu2
There's a reason it flopped, guys. It's crap! It's the most obvious, over the top, poorly written and weakly conceived piece of male-on-male emo-porn ever committed to celluloid. I'm no fan of 'The Wrestler', but it shits all over this turkey. Even the three lead actors, whom I usually adore, are weak in this flick. It wants to be 'On The Waterfront', but ends up drowning in three feet of treacle. Not good.
Dec. 20, 2011, 8:18 a.m. CST
Harry, couldn't agree more about 'Apollo 18'
by Judge Briggs
What a fucking waste! Seriously, didn't the producers see the South Park episode of crab people? Rocks on the moon? So silly! And sadly, a waste. QQ What's up with the found footage movie, 'Area 51?'
Dec. 20, 2011, 8:49 a.m. CST
Velvet Goldmine suuuucccckkked
by hst666
And Bowie never fucked Iggy.
Dec. 20, 2011, 8:52 a.m. CST
Sid and Nancy wasn't exactly a slave to reality
by hst666
It's loosely based on the facts. Also, Nacy Spungeon wished she looked half as good as the actress in that film.
Dec. 20, 2011, 8:53 a.m. CST
Sid and Nancy...most annoying characters ever on film!!!!!!!!
by K-Gin
I hope for the people that knew the real Sid and Nancy, that they weren't quite as aggravating as the people depicted in the movie.
Dec. 20, 2011, 9:07 a.m. CST
by disgustingduo
People who knew Nancy Spungen have said that Chole Webb's performance in Sid and Nancy was pretty much spot-on. We heartily agree with you about the depiction of Sid, though - he wasn't nearly the mindless moron seen in the film.
Dec. 20, 2011, 9:07 a.m. CST
If only micheal bay hadn't come out with
by UltraTron
literally the most advanced visual effects ever committed to film this year with transformers 3 then I think apes would have taken it. Haha- of course it's going to win. Nobody saw transformers(the greatest superhero giant robot action movie ever made) because they thought it would suck. Put it this way- if you didn't like that girl's ass- you are fucking insane. I'm sure homosexuals appreciate her ass. That's how fine that chick is. And now that Shia has been beat down on video I can handle him. We know somebody has beaten him down for all of us. He also gets double chest stomped in the movie which is really satisfying.
Dec. 20, 2011, 9:26 a.m. CST
And the award for the Most Overrated Film Ever goes to...
by brad negrotto
City of God.
Dec. 20, 2011, 9:32 a.m. CST
Kung Fu Panda 2
by aaron
FYI, your link and photo are incorrect, it links to the original kung fu panda not the sequel
Dec. 20, 2011, 9:40 a.m. CST
Lots of thoughts about all of these
by BlaGyver
I hate that I haven't seen The Rocketeer. I hear so much about it but I've never gotten around to watching it. Tokyo Drifter actually sounds really cool. Thanks for the recommendation, Harry. I love City of God. Love it. My friend popped it in as sort of a way to bide time one night at senior beach week a few years ago before we all went out. We ended up staying in far later than we meant because we were all so enraptured by the film (this included friends of mine that aren't film buffs by any means). What a great movie. I actually really want to see Fright Night. I'm a big horror fan and a friend of mine said that this movie convinced him that a horror remake can be good. I'm gonna be alone on this, but Warrior tied with Drive as my favorite movie I've seen this year so far. This is the only movie I've seen in a theatre this year that: 1. Had tears literally streaming down my face. 2. Had the audience cheering DURING the movie (during the fight scenes). 3. Got actual applause, not just half-assed clapping, when it finished. I'm breaking my "don't buy anything for myself until after Christmas" rule today to go get this movie right now. I want to sit down and watch it with my dad.
Dec. 20, 2011, 9:44 a.m. CST
Forgot about Rise of the Apes (spoilers)
by BlaGyver
I'm mixed on that movie, and not in the conventional meaning of the term. I think it's a great movie. I loved watching it, I loved the performances....shit, one of the coolest moments of the year was sitting in the theatre and hearing the collective gasp from the audience (and participating in it) when Caesar spoke for the first time. The fact that it was back-to-back with "damn dirty ape" was fucking cool. But it's funny...I have no desire to rewatch it. I kind of wish I did, but for some reason....it's not out of a disliking for the movie, I just don't particularly care if I ever see it again.
Dec. 20, 2011, 9:45 a.m. CST
For every person in the world that doesn't like City of God
by BlaGyver
The Grinch steals Christmas presents from an underprivileged family.
Dec. 20, 2011, 10:03 a.m. CST
So what is Harry's pick for BEST OF THE YEAR if its no longer Midnight in Paris?
by D.Vader
Way to slack off there at the end.
Dec. 20, 2011, 10:25 a.m. CST
by BlaGyver
I will say that as far as the actual plot goes, it is somewhat....I don't wanna say melodramatic, but something to that effect. It's one of those instances where if the performances weren't so incredibly strong, it would be corny. It hit me the right way. However, I do know people that didn't really get it. And City of God....I can't think of a movie that is so simultaneously Tarantino-cool at points and Lars von Trier-rip-your-soul-out-heartbreaking at others while maintaining balance throughout.
Dec. 20, 2011, 10:31 a.m. CST
Wrong Kung fu panda, Harry
by tatoosh
You actually have the cover and link to the first Kung Fu Panda movie in your article. Don't feel bad...my wife went to target intending to buy KFP2 and picked up the original blu. Dreamworks made the covers intentionally similar so lots of people would make this mistake and boost sales.
Dec. 20, 2011, 10:35 a.m. CST
Funny - thats the years end? I picked up Straw Dogs and Columbiana at Redbox today..
by openthepodbaydoorshal
..the well reviewed Margin Call and John Landis' Burke & Hare come out today, and Final Destination 5 comes out next week. Yea, your year end wrap-up is really complete Harry.
Dec. 20, 2011, 10:40 a.m. CST
Fright Night
by Andrew
Does anyone know what Harry means by "My Fright Night is still better?" Is he referring to the original?
Dec. 20, 2011, 11:08 a.m. CST
I'm already writing my jokes for when the big guy reviews Drive's blu-ray release
by BlaGyver
Dec. 20, 2011, 11:08 a.m. CST
Chops, Winslet is delicious
by Stabby
And a truly fabulous actress as well. I think she will soon replace Meryl Streep as our greatest working actress. She's got the acting CHOPS!
Dec. 20, 2011, 11:25 a.m. CST
Hugo is a better film than Paris
by Stabby
Arguably a perfect film. that said, I will lob the same criticism at Hugo that I had of Midnight in Paris: it should have been funnier. Or at least the funny scenes that were their should have been more laugh inducing. That said, both films are more about fantasy than giggles. Paris did suffer from the dreadful cardboard cutout cliche that was Rachel McAdams' character. At least if Woody had made us see something in that stereotype to help us understand what Owen Wilson's character saw in her... The best review I heard of Midnight in paris is that it was as light and delicious as a souffle. I completely agree. Hugo on the other hand imparted wisdom and life lessons.
Dec. 20, 2011, 11:30 a.m. CST
Clearly I'm in the minority here, but I didn't think the original Fright Night was that great.
by sweeneydave
I certainly own it because it's great 80s MST3K type of fodder - like The Last Dragon. And it gets bonus points for a couple of cool conventional effects scenes and Roddy McDowal. But other than that, the new remake was WAY better. I was expecting something similar to the original and instead I got everything that I love about vampire movies - like it was a big SCREW YOU to Twilight.
Dec. 20, 2011, 11:37 a.m. CST
Melanie Lynskey
by Bouncy X
man, who knew she'd go from that under average chubby girl you wouldnt look twice at to being freakin gorgeous and sexy. i know some people are "late bloomers" but damn.
Dec. 20, 2011, 11:38 a.m. CST
Chop - "It was like watching a completely different movie, a whole new experience."
by BlaGyver
Because, you know, it will be....
Dec. 20, 2011, 12:08 p.m. CST
sweeneydave- they are almost apples and oranges
by openthepodbaydoorshal
Neither was supposed to be more than a scary/funny movie to take a date to. But McLovin' is no Stephen Geoffreys (sp), and the gotcha female face worked better in the original.
Dec. 20, 2011, 12:21 p.m. CST
X - The Unheard Music on Blu
by Noddy93
come on Harry... only one of the best.
Dec. 20, 2011, 12:29 p.m. CST
So my understanding is the original Fright Night is great because it's dated.
by sweeneydave
I can see that. Both movies can be loved for completely different merits. Bear with me, fellas. With my sheltered past, I only saw the original Fright Night 3 years ago. I watched it right after Near Dark. Near Dark gripped me with ruthless talons. Fright Night didn't so much (but clearly I liked something I saw in it since I bought it).
Dec. 20, 2011, 12:36 p.m. CST
The Fighter > Warrior
by elsewhere
Nick Nolte and Tom Hardy's performances are great though.
Dec. 20, 2011, 1:03 p.m. CST
Apparently the Fright Night (1985) Bluray has sold out
by Samuel Fulmer
Dec. 20, 2011, 1:06 p.m. CST
Most of Harry's reviews are spent talking about other fucking movies.
by SierraTangoFoxtrotUniform
It's pretty obvious he hasn't seen most of the items on this list. The movies themselves, maybe. But not the disc versions he posts about. If it takes so much effort to write something so completely half ass, perhaps he should give it up. I can't imagine Amazon getting much money from this partnership as he doesn't even comment on the DISC itself most of the time (no mention of quality or extras), he just uses the review as an exercise to see how many movies he's seen that he can list in order to try to wow us. Does Harry namedrop or titledrop more? Harry's RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES is like his INCEPTION "review": he picked those movies to dislike just so that he can use them as evidence to counter the arguments of him liking everything. Plus he didn't receive any PWESENTS from them. Check out Harry's WIKIPEDIA article. It's pretty sad when the controversy section is almost as big as the biography section, and it still leaves out details like how GREEN LANTERN won Harry over with a free ring from Warner Bros. I'd love to take some time to fill out the controversy section. Unfortunately, Harry deletes a lot of his old film reviews and articles which incriminate him. I so wish I had screen-capped that page where he actually BEGGED for PWESENTS. Yes, begged the studio to send him "pwesents" because he "wuvs" them.
Dec. 20, 2011, 1:14 p.m. CST
Sid & Nancy Criterion DVD
by thelordofhell
still blows away any BluRay of the movie
Dec. 20, 2011, 1:17 p.m. CST
Harry. Make no mistake. It's MY Fright Night.
by UltraTron
I had the soundtrack on cassette tape beotch. We're talking actually seducing chicks by singing botched lyrics from that soundtrack
Dec. 20, 2011, 1:18 p.m. CST
My criterion laserdisc could crush your Sid and Nancy blueray
by UltraTron
Dec. 20, 2011, 1:20 p.m. CST
Wasn't Seven Chances already remade...
by eustisclay
...a The Bachelor or something like that? Had what's his name in it, Robin from Batman and Robin. And as much as I liked the original Fright Night, I thought the remake was pretty good. My main problem with it was (SPOILER) the ending where all the vampire victims become human again. Does this mean all his victims from all time return to life? And why didn't Peter vincent's hot squeeze come back to life? Reminded me of that movie The Invasion's ending which I also hated. Otherwise, pretty good for a remake.
Dec. 20, 2011, 1:53 p.m. CST
Of course Harry has a problem with RISE OF THE APES
by Mattman
It was, after all, the best summer film of the year.
Dec. 20, 2011, 2:08 p.m. CST
FRIGHT NIGHT remake was horrible
by TitusPullo
although the actors were good for what they were given, the script was lame and the F/X sucked. Plus, it's the first of these "3-D" movies that actually looked like they were making it for 3-D when you watched it in 2-D i.e. things keep being thrown or poked or shoved toward the screen. Yes I'm a fan of the original and yes I went into this one with an open mind.
Dec. 20, 2011, 2:09 p.m. CST
eustisclay - another movie that bothered me with the
by openthepodbaydoorshal
"they're all okay after the threat is killed" concept is The Faculty. So Jon Stewart, hows that pencil in the eye feelin'?
Dec. 20, 2011, 2:10 p.m. CST
Sid and Nancy Criterion's commentary
by Ben Addiction
That commentary is one of my favorites. That the title wouldn't get licensed back to them for a proper Blu-ray makes me sad. I loved how they included people who had no problems sharing how much they DIDN'T like the movie, due to it's inaccuracies. Too often commentaries are a circle jerk of self-adulation, but Criterion did it right. I read an interview with Johnny Rotten and while he of course hated how he was portrayed, he did give Gary Oldman credit as a very believable Sid.
Dec. 20, 2011, 2:18 p.m. CST
Suzuki fans - check out the Koreyoshi Kurahara box set
by Ben Addiction
Criterion's sister label Eclipse released the Kurahara box set earlier this year - and "The Warped Ones" was mind-blowing, jazzy, anarchic and funny. Arguably better than the Suzuki stuff that's getting the more prominent release. The protagonist was like a Japanese amalgamation of Elvis and Sid Vicious. Amazing stuff.
Dec. 20, 2011, 2:38 p.m. CST
We need one last villainous bat shit crazy performance from Oldman
by rapscallion86
He has been amazing as Jim Gordon, Sirius Black, and from what I've read Smiley in 'TTSS'. I by no means am complaining but I would love one more over the top terrifying performance from him ala 'Leon'.
Dec. 20, 2011, 2:46 p.m. CST
I felt the same way about WARRIOR, Harry
by hollywoodsummers
Well crafted and acted film. Best Picture, no, but some solid performances and leaves a lump in the throat at the end for even the most hardened tough guy.
Dec. 20, 2011, 4:07 p.m. CST
sweeneydave mentioned Last Dragon!!
by Ted Knight
He gets talkbacker of the week honors for that. But then must forfeit the award for proclaiming that Fright Night (1985) was not great. Easy come, easy go.
Dec. 20, 2011, 4:23 p.m. CST
wow, i thought I was the only one that remembered Condorman
by pedro cassou
I have the original one sheet, one of my favorites movies, but I only have it in VHS
Dec. 20, 2011, 5:41 p.m. CST
Harry. Cmon. You liked the new Fright Night??
by Hint_of_Smegma
If ever there was a moment that you should look at the films you're openly supporting, this was it. I appreciate you saying the original is always going to be the best. That is obvious. But to then turn around and say this is a good young horror film?? Give me a break. It was bloody awful from beginning to end, a pale shadow of Fright Night 2 - let alone Fright Night itself. Fucking terrible film, fucking awful they didn't go the "meta" route with Chris Sarandon as was originally intended before they decided to go cheap as chips instead. Terrible. Without doubt one of the worst of 2011 and that's before you even count it in comparison to the original.
Dec. 20, 2011, 5:42 p.m. CST
The thing about Rise of the Apes
by Mugato5150
Was that I feel like I saw the whole thing in the trailer. I realize it was a prequel and we already knew what was going to happen but still. And like King Kong, the face close-ups look good but they neglected all the rest of the CGI.
Dec. 20, 2011, 5:45 p.m. CST
stargrove - I also own Alex Winter's Freaked and Jan Svanmajer's Alice.
by sweeneydave
That's got to at least put me at a C- on the geek report, right?
Dec. 20, 2011, 5:46 p.m. CST
Dang it. Missed the "k" in Svankmajer. Fail.
by sweeneydave
Dec. 20, 2011, 6:22 p.m. CST
The thing about Rise of the Planet of the Apes...
by Baryonyx
...is that it makes you care for Caesar despite the fact that he looks so obviously a CGI creation. How can people, including Harry, say stuff like "It is flat out the visual fx film of the year"..? The apes NEVER look real in this movie. Roddy McDowall is still more realistic that what Weta can currently come up with.
Dec. 20, 2011, 6:47 p.m. CST
Some of you are real jealous...
by Andrew Coleman
Like the one rambling about Harry's Wikipedia page. Then constantly used the words "pwesents". Look you can disagree with him all you like but holy shit what is your problem? Must be jealousy. You come to his site and then ramble off like a child... Hey moron you're still coming here and posting. If you think he is being bought off fine but you look like a dip shit coming here and bitching. Thing about movies is some people like them and some people don't. Just because he disagrees with a movie you liked doesn't mean you have to take it so personally. Shit. Haven't seen Fright Night remake but I will check it out. Warrior I really enjoyed. I don't really compare it to The Fighter or anything like that. Real different movies really. Tom Hardy's performance was amazing.
Dec. 20, 2011, 7:04 p.m. CST
The "That Said," Drinking Game
by Michael DA
You take a big gulp every time Harry uses the overused phrase "That said," in a review. Not bad, only three times this week. Means I can get home unimpaired this time...
Dec. 20, 2011, 7:15 p.m. CST
Preach it, myphdisdoom!
by sweeneydave
It makes no sense to go to McDonalds EVERY DAY to complain about the food. Get over it people. McDonalds isn't a steakhouse. It's never gonna be a steakhouse, no matter how loudly you complain. I come here regularly because I like the hamburgers. But too many people come here and shout and scream and you're ruining my appetite. It's not like y'all are paying a monthly Ain't It Cool subscription. The food here is free! The hosts are topical. The company is great, minus the screaming haters. I don't care about all this "but they used to serve much better food here" crap. That great! I believe you! But now, it's just hamburgers, so deal with it or eat somewhere else! I don't want to hear about you whining how the behind-the-scenes-pic-of-the-day shake machine is down, when Quint is dolling out free Hobbit apple pies!
Dec. 20, 2011, 7:41 p.m. CST
WARRIOR should be getting awards buzz.
by blackwood
I'm not going to say I saw a lot of films this year, but of those I did, WARRIOR was among the best. Yes, it's a sports movie -- but about a sport a like, and is relevant. It has a lot of the sports movie cliches, but they don't come of as contrivances, just circumstances. Both Joel Edgerton and Tom Hardy are amazing, and Nick Nolte gives one of the best performances of his career. And it's exciting. Genuinely exciting. That the film is able to make your root for both guys, sincerely -- that last match is incredibly weighted and every bit earned. Very well done, highly recommended.
Dec. 20, 2011, 7:43 p.m. CST
The make-up FX in the original Planet of the Apes were great
by Mugato5150
The ones in the terrible 2001 remake were even better. But in this one since they had to have a dozen apes running up a building in one shot, they had to go for everything or nothing CGI-wise and I think they did a pretty good job. Giving Andy Serkis an Oscar might be overkill though.
Dec. 20, 2011, 8:10 p.m. CST
Just wondering..
by BookhouseBoy
Was Brian Cox is ROTPOTA?
Dec. 20, 2011, 8:11 p.m. CST
by BookhouseBoy
Dec. 20, 2011, 8:18 p.m. CST
bookhouseboy, Brian Cox was not in Rise...
by Mattman
But Ian Holm was excellent in it.
Dec. 20, 2011, 8:21 p.m. CST
Warrior and Apes 2 of the best this year
by WINONA_RYDERS_PUSSY_JUICE
The visual effects in Planet of the Apes were amazing. Some of you guys are too fucking spoiled by 200 million budget cgi-fests, seriously. The Fighter was pretty good but I liked the Warrior a lot more. It was a masterfully crafted film.
Dec. 20, 2011, 9:19 p.m. CST
Myphisdoom, unhook your lips from Harry's ass.
by SierraTangoFoxtrotUniform
Then maybe you can understand. I don't understand, however, is why morons like yourself get so butthurt when people use forums to complain about articles. It's only been written about a million times why people still come here, and if you're too stupid or stubborn to realize this, go fuck off and die. Sorry we're calling out your ginger boyfriend, but he deserves it. He took a great website and ruined it with his over-inflated ego. And what, you think we're making up the "pwesents" thing? Seriously, perhaps you're used to feeling Harry's breath on the back of your neck so you're blind to him, but you truly don't know jack shit, retard.
Dec. 21, 2011, 12:08 a.m. CST
"Warrior" was great.
by Mr. Waturi
Sure it's a crowd pleaser, but it's a well-crafted crowd pleaser. Nolte and Tom Hardy are spectacular.
Dec. 21, 2011, 12:47 a.m. CST
I felt the same way about WARRIOR
by CherryValance
at the time no one here wanted to talk about it except me and one other person. On twitter it seemed like most people who saw it loved it. The Oscar race isn't over. There's still time to champion it. Especially now that it's on DVD and people have a second chance to find it. Anyone who hasn't seen VELVET GOLDMINE should. I love that movie. Must have watched it 50+ times by now.
Dec. 21, 2011, 1:51 a.m. CST
"The apes NEVER look real in this movie."...retarded...the opening scenes alone looked 100% photorealistic REAL animals you tool. I love the original movies but you are fooling yourself completely if you think a rubber mask competes with THAT
by quantize
Dec. 21, 2011, 3:15 a.m. CST
by Baryonyx
Go watch a documentary showing real chimps walking in a jungle, then re-watch the opening scenes in Rise. Notice how the Weta apes don't move in a realistic way? By the way, they aren't photorealistic, or you'd be tricked into thinking they used real chimps - but, obviously, even you know they're not real because they are CGI. They should've used real chimps sometimes, to help trick the viewer into the illusion.
Dec. 21, 2011, 3:23 a.m. CST
Harry - you should start a series of guide books for world travellers
by Samson_K
With the exception of during the Nazi Occupation… it is almost always a nice place to be… Paris that is. Eh? I'd also recommend not going to Paris during the Reign of Terror as that was also a time when it was not nice to be - there that is. So, avoid 1783 and 1784 when travelling to Paris as well as the Nazi Occupation. I lived in Paris for six months and fucking hated it by the way - rude Parisian bastards!
Dec. 21, 2011, 3:24 a.m. CST
I wonder why they didn't call it Judge Dee?
by HornOrSilk
And will they ever release the 70s tv movie?
Dec. 21, 2011, 3:29 a.m. CST
Sometimes AICN is like - Here are some words and stuff I know
by Samson_K
Fright Night - I like Fright Night with Roddy McDowell but Andie McDowell was rubbish in Greystoke but I like Tarzan, Africa is nice and has elephants and lions but not tigers they come from India. The End!
Dec. 21, 2011, 4:48 a.m. CST
why does no one grok Harry?...
by Brian
probably because he's been...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................coxxed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dec. 21, 2011, 4:58 a.m. CST
Wasn't aware I had a 'compassion lobe'.
by scrote
Dec. 21, 2011, 5:14 a.m. CST
samson k
by paul burnett
now thats a review,funny,informative and to the point, take note boys..
bookhouseboy that is. Fucking noobs eh. Nice column Harry by the way. Cheers man.
Dec. 21, 2011, 5:52 a.m. CST
icanthavethat - thank you
by Samson_K
I should make it clear that I was taking about MY Fright Night - the one with the friendly dinosaur sidekick and Jerry Dandridge being played by Jerry Mouse. Giggle.
Dec. 21, 2011, 6:33 a.m. CST
About CITY OF GOD...
by AsimovLives
.... you guys who do not know portuguese do not know how funnythe movie really is. While somef the humour is translated by the subtitles, it's not often. Scenes and dialogues that in english translation might sound serious in the original brazilian portuguese is just simply hillarious, in a very dark humour sort of way. It makes me think of how much humour i might miss out from watching movies whose language i'm not familiar with, like chinese, japanese, korean, finnish, swedish, etc...
Dec. 21, 2011, 7:47 a.m. CST
VELVET GOLDMINE, the movie where Henry VIII fucks Obi Wan Kenobi who fucks Batman.
by AsimovLives
Mega Alpha Males Fucking Each Other: The Movie. Kidding aside, it's a pretty good movie. A sort of Citizen Kane version of the earlier career of David Bowie, but as if Bowie was not a cool guy but a real stinky motherfucker. It's full of references to glam rockstars, from the mor eobvious (Bowie and Iggy Pop) to more subtles (Brian Eno). It's also a very funny movie. Specially if we consider the later developement of the actors' careers.
Dec. 21, 2011, 8:16 a.m. CST
Re:POA make-up versus CGI..plotwise it would make no sense to have actors in suits realistically portray
by openthepodbaydoorshal
various species of simian. I think outside of the "child" Casear, the CGI works amazingly well. And IMO the work on Maurice the orangutuan is better than the main character. I have to admit Kubrick did a damn fine job with actors in the Dawn Of Man scenes during 2001, a , what?, 40-some years ago... And I just watched the original again, and the only problem I have with John Chambers' amazing (for the time) make-up, is Maurice Evans' habit of speaking so forcefully that you see his mouth behind the appliance. It's like seeing the zipper in the man-in-suit, takes me out for a second.
Dec. 21, 2011, 8:55 a.m. CST
Did he really say "...with my fam."? What a dork.
by Jeffrey
Dec. 21, 2011, 10:25 a.m. CST
Hey Harry! Where you staying?
by captain_kirk
Gonna be at the DW this week too!
Dec. 21, 2011, 10:34 a.m. CST
Rocketeer's Missing Rondo Hatton Featurette ...
by Guru Onsen
... can be found in the latest MST3K DVD release, on the same disc with the episode riffing The Brute Man. But since Harry hates MST3k, he will never see this great bonus feature.
Dec. 21, 2011, 12:02 p.m. CST
With the exception of during the Nazi Occupation… it is almost always a nice place to be… Paris that is.
by joe90025
Not if you're a Nazi!
Dec. 21, 2011, 12:07 p.m. CST
baryonyx: totally agree
by sunwukong86
movie was a waste of time
Dec. 21, 2011, 12:23 p.m. CST
Apollo 18
by longloaddropper
I actually thought it was pretty good. Saw it on the big screen. I thought they did a good job re-creating cold war era NASA and I thought the actors the actors were believable as astronauts. Not an overly ambitious film but a solid horror effort.
Dec. 21, 2011, 1:38 p.m. CST
DEF-CON 4? Amazing film.
by Leto III
Recently re-watched this one after not having seen it in almost 20 years (via a second-hand VHS tape copy so old you could feel the heaviness of the metal oxides). And you know what? Dear God, what a thoughtful, meaningful meditation on what the end of the world could mean, and how it could affect the survivors. Its pacing would never be allowed in today's machine-gun action-cutting environment, but the film gives the characters room to breathe, takes its time (but not too much time) in getting to the next big setpiece, and the director did an amazing job with squeezing every penny out of his budget -- the spacewalk sequences, for example, look amazing even today. Bottom line...this film has aged remarkably well, and is worth at least an encore viewing.
Dec. 21, 2011, 2:53 p.m. CST
I watched DEF-CON 4 for the first time ever recently
by Autodidact
And it was not as good as the poster/video box always made it out to be. But it was good enough to recommend if you like to explore cold-war, nuclear brinksmanship, or post-apocalyptic movies from the past. It starts off rather strong and feeling like a proper sci-fi movie. It doesn't end poorly but kind of descends into more and more common, but well-executed territory.
Dec. 21, 2011, 3:18 p.m. CST
It's not like y'all are paying a monthly Ain't It Cool subscription.
by detinue
Wait a minute, so no one else here is having their credit card charged $39.95 a month by Harry for access to this website?
Dec. 21, 2011, 3:44 p.m. CST
City Of God/La Haine
by DustinBones
City Of God is number 2 on my list of favorite/best movies. La Haine is number 1 on my list. I never understood the comparisons between City of God and Goodfellas, never once thought of GF while watching CoG. Thematically, CoG has more in common with La Haine: the kids in the slums with now way out.
Dec. 21, 2011, 7:42 p.m. CST
"Go watch a documentary showing real chimps walking in a jungle" - i have many times idiot, and they NAILED it...you're fucking BLIND
by quantize
Dec. 21, 2011, 7:43 p.m. CST
"even you know they're not real because they are CGI."...In the opening scenes NO, NO I DIDNT...stop babbling horseshit
by quantize
Dec. 21, 2011, 7:43 p.m. CST
"They should've used real chimps sometimes," From someone defending 1967 rubber masks? please fuck off, you are an idiot
by quantize
Dec. 22, 2011, 12:11 a.m. CST
Harry, do you drop acid before you write these columns?
by Jaka
Are you using some kind of pirated voice recognition software that converts everything you say from Russian to English before it types it out? *siiiiigh*
Dec. 22, 2011, 2:01 a.m. CST
Planet of the Apes had me worried in those first 10 minutes
by Bass Ackwards
The way they got the basic plot set-up was pretty stupid, and each act is propelled forward by its own "villain," which would be fine if the villains weren't all so thinly drawn and over-acted. Yet I still ended the film really loving it, and completely awed by the FX. I'm anxious to see what these guys can do with a sequel that will obviously get a bigger budget and will hopefully get genuinely strong script to go along with it.
Dec. 22, 2011, 2:07 a.m. CST
And as for Harry's writing
by Bass Ackwards
The Expendables is longer and longer is better. More is better. This release is a longer cut. I feel like this cut is better. There's going to be a sequel. This is not the original cut of the film, its a new cut, and I like it more.
Dec. 22, 2011, 2:09 a.m. CST
As for Harry's writing
by Bass Ackwards
Harry's writing has always been poor, but I'm guessing its deteriorated even further due to twitter. Hell, many of these "write-ups" feel like they're just random tweets that were culled together.
Dec. 22, 2011, 4:12 a.m. CST
"Hand over ze rocket or I blow her brains...
by kwisatzhaderach
... all over ze cabin!" Classic, and about 1000 times better than Captain America. Greatest Horner score ever too.
Dec. 22, 2011, 7:55 a.m. CST
HARRY, sucking that Stallone cock all over again...check out the review at highdefdigest
by bruce
Dec. 22, 2011, 10:20 a.m. CST
Wow I redboxed the new fright night for pure mst2k comparison to the original
by UltraTron
purposes. Woooof! I mean. Daaamn. It is turd in need of flexy-seal to make it float. I mean daaaamn. It got a slight lift when doctor who showed up but it sucks the chrome off in every scene it can. I wasn't trying to compare it really. It forced me too. From the needless apple eating to you name it. The original is a take of Rear Window- this one is I guess trying to make a visual representation of Ron Jeremy's asshole. This is just a perfect example of terrible. It's just such an easy target. Let's take Colin Farrel. Ok. What is he like- 5 feet tall? Ok. Fine. A 5 foot 40 something vampire. Ok. I'm going to resist comparing him to Chris Sarandon who still could have played the part with a slight youth makeup. Let's just talk about his zero screen prescence and complete lack of intimidation. How about the no setup whatsoever? How about that? How about the neighborhood from the suburbia circle of hell that is never used to any effect after being established nicely? How about there are no people living there or they'd call the cops with all this madness taking place? How about every scene in the movie missing the point of the original -yet every scene wants to nod to the original. How about that balding 30 something looking high school lead? Hey look he's 5 times as ripped as Colin Farrel. Just a bucket of fried shit slung out a bus window
Dec. 24, 2011, 3:52 a.m. CST
Harry's like Charley from Its Always Sunny
by Jerkmeister
I love Tsui Hark films. That's just true, even in his glorious failures… they are glorious failures.
Dec. 24, 2011, 4:09 a.m. CST
Harry's english is awful because he guzzles cum while typing.
by Jerkmeister
Dec. 25, 2011, 11:02 a.m. CST
I've been following AICN since the beginning and even though Talkbacks can be nasty, I appreciate the freedom of geek expression allowed by the AICN editiorial staff. I've only followed BadAssDigest for a short time and ONE single brief bit of snark got m
by The Reluctant Austinite
I've been a friend of Harry's and a fan of the Alamo for almost 15 years. I love Time League and Zack and Lars and the whole Alamo staff and wish all of these wonderful people a Merry Christmas today! I've had a rough week that included a best friend's mom who I grew up with passing away, so maybe I wasn't in the best of moods when I read a ridiculously indulgent, seemingly unedited and endless rant from the mind of one of BAD's new writers. I posted a bit of a snarky response before heading off to the funeral home and came home to find out I had been banned for life by Faraci. Devin, from California and CHUD, moves into the Alamo's website and starts banning long time fans who he doesn't know from Adam. What a windbag. He seems to think he can completely control the comments section of the website. I appealed to him, but he didn't care and basically insulted me for even trying to appologize (although I shouldn't have to). You Talkbackers who insult Harry on a constant basis, I don't always like, but I appreciate the freedom of expression your given on this site. This site is not ruled with an iron hand by an oppressive asshole who can say whatever he wants to whoever he wants and ban anyone who says something he doesn't like without warning. If anyone here knows me or has remembers anything I've said over the years, please appeal to Tim League that Devin, while a good writer and sharp witted reviewer, might not be of the right temperament to represent the Alamo on the web. The Alamo has always represented fun, craziness and love of film to me. It has really lessened my enjoyment of the Christmas season to be banned by this know-it-all Grinch.
Dec. 27, 2011, 11:09 p.m. CST
So what the hell happened to the Hardware Wars Christmas Special?
by paper
There are only 500 of those out there, did you or did you not snag one Harry.
Dec. 30, 2011, 12:20 a.m. CST
For all the heaps of shit people pile on Harry...
by Ben Addiction
it's amazing he doesn't censor the talkbacks. Thanks for taking it in stride even when it gets really nasty and personal and letting people express themselves here. Nobody's gonna see this since the article's a couple weeks old, but thanks. That's pretty cool.
Dec. 30, 2011, 12:57 a.m. CST
Harry's cum stained hands
by Jerkmeister
Dec. 30, 2011, 10:10 p.m. CST
Harry isn't even writing in English anymore
by Jaka
English would make sense. That shit he's posting doesn't make sense about 3/4 of the time. So it can't possibly be English.
Jan. 2, 2012, 12:03 a.m. CST
My early childhood was filled with Mario Lanza.
by gotilk
My dad was fanatical about him and would listen to him daily. That and , oddly enough, Trini Lopez. I know... Listening to Mario Lanza now can be difficult because it brings the loss of my father back into sharp focus every damned time. In spite of that, I must own that disc. Also, all of the main actors in The Rocketeer have aged REMARKABLY well(especially Jennifer Connelly RAWR!!). Why NOT bring the cast back together?
Jan. 2, 2012, 12:56 a.m. CST
by gotilk
YES! LOVE that film. Must own it.
Jan. 3, 2012, 8:19 a.m. CST
Warrior Cover Art
by 88keyz
Is it just me or is the Warrior cover art not totally giving away the ending? Isn't that kind of like having a picture of Rocky having lost on the cover of Rocky. Studios are so stupid sometimes it hurts.
Jan. 4, 2012, 1:49 p.m. CST
Already late with this week's
by DrGogol
Offer's still up, Harry. I have no writing ability, no "voice" and most of the time I rub people the wrong way. But I can get a column in on time every week. Give me the job.
Top Talkbacks
- 1st wk of Sept 2014's PICKS & PEEKS with Universal Monsters, FIRESTARTER, Eco-Terrorism, swords & fantasy! -- 166 total posts 162 posts
- A Badass GAME OF THRONES Sword Guy Has Apparently Been Cast In STAR WARS EPISODE VII!! -- 84 total posts 84 posts
- See Luke Evans' Kinect Bats In This New DRACULA UNTOLD Trailer!! -- 41 total posts 41 posts
- BBC Issues DOCTOR WHO: 'Robot of Sherwood' Promo Images!! + DOCTOR WHO EXTRAs For 'Deep Breath' And 'Into the Dalek' Are Now On YouTube!! -- 35 total posts 35 posts
- This New Trailer For MONSTERS: DARK CONTINENT Is Looking Promising!! -- 34 total posts 34 posts
- The Friday Docback Crawls 'Into The Dalek'!! Reader Reaction For DOCTOR WHO S08E02 Is Here!! + HornOrSilk's 'Breaking Bubbles and Other Stories' Big Finish Audio Review, Clips, And More!! -- 431 total posts 18 posts
- Who is in consideration to take the role of Snake in the ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK remake!?! -- 730 total posts 16 posts
- AICN COMICS PODCAST reviews GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY! WAYWARD! SUNDOWNERS! & More! -- 16 total posts 16 posts
- The DRUNK HISTORY Finale!! HOUDINI Finale!! ROYAL PAINS Finale!! RIZZOLI & ISLES Finale!! HARD KNOCKS Finale!! New TALENT, CARTER, GEAR, LITTLE, LIARS, MATADOR, WIZARD!! The Chenbot On LETTERMAN!! Brienne Of Tarth On CRAIG!! Herc's Tuesday TV Talkback!! -- 15 total posts 15 posts
- Final PICKS & PEEKS of Aug 2014: LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE, Zombies, FOSSE, RATS, Nukes & Teens!!! -- 385 total posts 13 posts


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The Wolverine 5 Star
Running Time:
129 minutes
Wolverine makes a voyage to modern-day Japan, where he encounters an enemy from his past that will impact on his future. Stars: Hugh Jackman, Famke Janssen, Will Yun Lee
Date of Show:
Tuesday, September 02, 2014
Showtimes for Tuesday, September 02, 2014
No showings of this movie for this date.
2012 Wehrenberg Theatres

subset: commoncrawl


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Tokina AT-X 16.5-135mm f/3.5-5.6 DX Review
Sample images
|Overall Score
On sale: 1st Aug
Your guide to picking up a bargain: we reveal the best deals to be had on the best cameras. Plus, we help you to get creative by showing you how to master long-exposure photography. Plus the regular listings and much more!
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STARmeterTop 500
Down 44 this week
Will Smith (I)
Will Smith was the second of four children of Caroline (school board employee) and Willard C. Smith Sr. (owner of a refrigeration company). He grew up in a middle class area in West Philadelphia called Wynnefield. Will attended the Overbrook High School located in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He got the nickname "Prince" ... See full bio »
More at IMDbPro » Contact Info: View agent, manager, publicist and company
Represent Will Smith? Add or change photos


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I almost troll-rated that comment. Almost.
on a comment on Another Nonstory About Jewish Voters over 4 years ago
comment on a post "This is quite a system. What do you call it?" over 4 years ago
Very Entertaining.
on a comment on The Importance of the Question over 4 years ago
Got them from the Pollster.com post, but here's the topline if you want.
on a comment on Evan Bayh Gets a Challenger over 4 years ago
For whatever reason they split civ pro into two separate classes at Boalt: procedure, then jurisdiction/Erie. I think they're changing it, but folks who are 3Ls now haven't necessarily gotten all of that important stuff.
comment on a post A Vote for Alben Barkley over 4 years ago
Barkley also had perhaps the most famous final words of anyone in American politics:
On April 30, 1956, the 78-year-old Kentucky senator traveled to Virginia's Washington and Lee University. There he gave one of his trademark rip-snorting, Republican-bashing speeches. At its conclusion, he reminded his audience that after 42 years in national politics he had become a freshman again and had declined a front-row chamber seat with senior senators. "I am glad to sit on the back row," he declared, "for I would rather be a servant in the House of the Lord than to sit in the seats of the mighty." Then, with the applause of a large audience ringing in his ears, he dropped dead. For an old-fashioned orator, there could have been no more appropriate final stage exit.
on a comment on House 2010: The Money Chase over 4 years ago
If you notice the post, the DCCC had as much in the bank as the NRCC down the stretch in 2006.
on a comment on FL-12 Looking Ripe for a Dem Pick Up over 4 years ago
Per the St. Pete Times:
(UPDATE: Edwards' campaign says the 46-42 spread came before positives and negatives were tested for either candidate)
on a comment on MyDD Interview with Bill Ritter over 4 years ago
I think he finally said he's not running today. But at the time he was considering the race.
comment on a post Open Thread over 4 years ago
I'm heading out to Oracle Arena in Oakland to watch the Warriors versus the Blazers. Rip City!
comment on a post The Election of 1816: America's First Anti-Incumbency Election over 4 years ago
Very interesting post.
on a comment on Pelosi Endorses Capuano in MA-Sen over 4 years ago
While Senate appointments are permitted, special elections are required for the House. http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/hist ory/resources/pdf/Vacancies.pdf
on a comment on Dems Continue to Lead on Generic Ballot Question over 4 years ago
Indeed. Thanks for the catch.
on a comment on Virginia Polls Close over 4 years ago
Election days are our favorites, too!
on a comment on GOP Matches All-Time Low in NBC/WSJ Poll over 4 years ago
It's been 3+ years since CA-50 (June 2006) and 4+ years since the OH-02 special (August 2005).
on a comment on Afghan Election Fraud over 4 years ago
Dunno. My dad managed to safely drive from Sweden to India and back via Bamyan and the heart of Afghanistan in the late 1960s. Not exactly a trip I could replicate today.


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We booked this cruise for it's ports, sailing dates, past experience with RC and cost. We were not disappointed but I do have a few thoughts to share. Our past RC cruise was on it's twin the Serenade in 2006. This was a 7 day Western Caribbean with one sea day and we loved everything about it. I think I just tired a bit of the Brilliance after 13 nights with 4 sea days.
The Brilliance is in overall nice condition after her recent dry dock. The added outside movie screen was not a big hit because it was never that warm (think Alaska cruising). The staff was fantastic in every venue. The shows were a mix, some great, some so-so but we were disappointed they only had one "Broadway" type show in 13 nights. The on ship activities (which we enjoy) did get old near the end and you would think RC could spring for more than a pen as a prize (every time).
We have always done (late) seated dining and opted for the "My Time" dining this cruise. It is not called "Anytime Dining" for a reason. Unless you want to wait or chance eating at 9:00, you need to make a reservation for 6:30 or 8:00 (the only 2 reservation times). We made reservations for every evening a month before we departed, guessing whether or not we thought we'd like to eat early or late which worked out ok. I'd recommend going to the dining room the first day and picking out a table you like. They can assign you to that table for the rest of your reservations if it's available. Because we didn't pick a table and often came 15 min late for our 6:30 reservation we ended up by the kitchen more than once. The food ranged from ok to excellent in the dining room. I think the food was better in 2006 (and they gave you lobster then). We almost never ate in the Windjammer which was a free-for-all most of the time. We usually ate breakfast in the dining room and lunch was either on the excursion or at the Park Cafe.
I don't like that there are now only 3 venues to eat with out additional charge (Dining Room, Windjammer buffet or Park Cafe). They've taken out the Skyview Cafe and it's a bar only. The Park Cafe was good but usually very crowded. Rita's Cantina was only a minimal surcharge but service was very slow on 2 occasions.
During our past cruises our children enjoyed the kids club or the teen clubs. This trip 2 of them were too old (21 and 19) for the clubs and it would have been nice to have more specific activities for this age group, especially early in the cruise. They only had a late night "get together" in the bar on a few occasions for "18 - 21+" The 16 year old wouldn't venture into the teen club on his own. This forced them to hang around with us more which was actually nice.
One thing to keep in mind is that you will lose 3 hours on 3 different evenings during the first 5 days on your way to St. Petersburg and if you flew in on the day of the cruise and lost 6 hours going to England (like we did), the jet lag can be significant.


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Weight: 0.11
In stock
List Price:$11.61
Your Price:$6.96
You Save: $4.65 (40%)
International customers, please view our shipping page for information on additional shipping fees. CLICK HERE
SLICE-Precision Cutter. Cut just about anything with a ceramic blade that won't rust and lasts longer than standard steel blades. The small but sharp blade is safer than a craft knife and ideal for cutting intricate shapes. Plus the soft-touch grip makes it a pleasure to use. This package contains one Precision Cutter. Measures 7 inches long. Designer: Karim Rashid. Colors: Green and White. Caution: Contains sharp functional edge. Handle with Care. Imported.


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Routes Sorted
L to R R to L Alpha
This is a spectacular, continuously overhanging pitch. It has no good rests and not one easy move. The rock is sharp and a bit crumbly in places, which is the only thing that keeps me from giving it 4 stars. It starts off with very steep, bouldery moves, then continues with less steep but more technical climbing up the arete. The climbing eases slightly once you reach the giant flake, but if you're like me, your arms are screaming by this point so things still feel quite hard. Lay-back for glory to the anchors!
Currently the farthest left route at the Rough and Readies. Climbs the obvious arete with bouldery start, to an overhanging flake. The first bolt is easy to clip, but a clip stick might be advisable for the second bolt.
7 bolts to a two-bolt anchor. The first bolt is easy to clip, but a clip stick might be advisable for the second bolt.


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In June, middle schoolers from The Chapel youth group went on a week long mission trip to do Hurricane Katrina Clean-up. For 3 days the kids worked on demolishing a house and finally pulling it down. The other 2 days were spent insulating 2 houses in the extreme heat and humidity of the Biloxi-Gulfport area, We are so proud of their giving spirit!
Chapel Youth Group - Katrina Clean-up
By: cnestelSubscribe Channel: News Location: Biloxi-Gulport Mississippi
+ Comment!
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About the Author
Bob McGinn
Contributing writer
Recent posts by Bob McGinn
Related Stories
First in a series of 10 Super Bowl top-10 lists excerpted from "The Ultimate Super Bowl Book" by Bob McGinn.
1. Eddie Brown, S, Rams, XIV: The Rams were leading the favored Steelers, 19-17, early in the fourth quarter and had them in a third-and-8 hole at their 27. Brown took the blame for leaving the middle of the field and giving WR John Stallworth room to haul in a 73-yard touchdown pass from Terry Bradshaw.
2. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Cardinals, XLIII: In the final minute, Rodgers-Cromartie short-circuited and vacated the left corner of the endzone, but Steelers WR Santonio Holmes dropped the ball. On the very next play, the rookie made an even more egregious error and left Holmes open again. This time, Holmes made the game-winning catch.
3. Danieal Manning, FS, Bears, XLI: On third and 10 with the Bears up, 6-0, Manning surged forward in man coverage on TE Ben Utecht when everyone else was correctly playing zone. That enabled WR Reggie Wayne to be wide open deep for a 53-yard touchdown pass from Peyton Manning.
4. Aaron Kyle, CB, Cowboys, XIII: Kyle lined up across from John Stallworth to take an outside release when his help from FS Cliff Harris was sitting inside. Harris had no chance to get over, and the result was a 28-yard touchdown.
5. Shaun Williams, FS, Giants, XXXV: On second and 7 in a scoreless first quarter, Williams was supposed to help CB Jason Sehorn double-cover WR Brandon Stokley in the slot. When Williams jumped TE Shannon Sharpe, Stokley was wide open for a 38-yard touchdown pass from Trent Dilfer.
6. Etric Pruitt, FS, Seahawks, XL: Early in the fourth quarter and Pittsburgh leading 14-10, WR Antwaan Randle El moved from left to right and then threw deep to Hines Ward. Pruitt, an injury fill-in, had no clue and let Ward cross his face flying in the other direction. Ward's 43-yard touchdown catch completed the scoring.
7. Kent McCloughan, CB, and Rodger Bird, S, Raiders, II: Early in the second quarter, Boyd Dowler ran a quick post, caught Bart Starr's pass 20 yards downfield, and strode in for a 62-yard touchdown. The plan was to switch off the coverage, but neither McCloughan nor Bird played it properly.
8. Ricky Manning Jr., CB, Panthers, XXXVIII: With the score tied at 29, the Patriots had the ball at the Carolina 40 with 14 seconds left. On the right side, Manning was playing Cover 2 with a receiver in front of him and another receiver, Deion Branch, behind him. Manning moved up, giving the more dangerous receiver, Branch, ample room to catch Tom Brady's pass for 17 yards. As a result, Adam Vinatieri's game-winning kick was from 41 and not 51 yards.
9. Eugene Robinson, FS, Falcons, XXXIII: Leading 10-3 with 5:07 left before halftime, the Broncos ran a deep bootleg pass off a play-action fake by John Elway. When Elway pump-faked, Robinson got turned around and was burned deep by Rod Smith for an 80-yard touchdown.
10. Bernard Jackson, FS, Broncos, XII: On third and 10 in the third quarter, the Cowboys were leading, 13-3. Roger Staubach had seen Jackson take chances and leave the middle of the field. When Jackson crept in too shallow, Butch Johnson ran by him for a 45-yard touchdown pass.
Wednesday: Ten costliest dropped passes in Super Bowl history
Bob McGinn, the author of "The Ultimate Super Bowl Book," has covered the Green Bay Packers and the NFL for 30 years, including the last 19 for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He has been Pro Football Weekly's correspondent in Green Bay since the early 1980s. McGinn spent 4½ years interviewing more than 150 head coaches, assistant coaches, players, general managers, scouts and owners, as well as studying tapes of every game, in preparation for writing his book. His objective was to break down why each game was won. "The Ultimate Super Bowl Book," published by MVP Books, is available at mvpbooks.com, Amazon.com and book stores across the country. It contains more than 25 top-10 lists, a comprehensive statistical summary of each game and a list of Super Bowl records.


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Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Corel PaintShop Pro X7
Corel PaintShop Pro X7 features new editing tools, faster brushes and modern UI updates. Giving photo pros and enthusiasts an image editing application that's affordable and easy to use, Corel PaintShop Pro X7 delivers the impressive feature set and power expected from a professional caliber software package. "With the new PaintShop Pro X7, we're continuing our commitment to give photographers and creative users the tools they need to create their best-ever work. X7 offers more creativity, speed and productivity to help you achieve amazing results, faster," said Greg Wood, Senior Product Director for Photo Products at Corel.
Suggested retail pricing for PaintShop Pro X7 is $79.99 (USD/CAN)/ EUR 69.99/ £59.99 (inclusive of VAT, where applicable)/ $99.95 (AUD).
Suggested retail pricing for PaintShop Pro X7 Ultimate is $99.99 (USD/CAN) / EUR 89.99/ £79.99 (inclusive of VAT, where applicable)/ $129.95 (AUD).
Hama Lismore Backpacks
Hama has introduced a duo of photo backpacks. The smaller model, the Hama Lismore 130, is actually a casual shoulder bag that can be quickly turned into a practical backpack. The bigger Lismore 170 can only be used as a backpack - however, it offers more than enough room for a larger SLR camera and accessories. The Lismore 130 will be available for €69.99, whilst the Lismore 170 will cost €119.00.
Canon Digital Learning Center Offers New Tutorials
The Canon Digital Learning Center has posted several new educational resources for videographers. These include, among other videos, an entire series of tutorials explaining how to use the top features of the XF200 and XF205 HD camcorders. The series discusses several key benefits of the cameras, including the optics and zoom range, how to quickly access features, and understanding all the tools that help control image quality, such as Wide DR gamma, waveform monitor and dynamic range. Another new video walks viewers through the new RC-V100 Remote Control Unit, which enables users to remotely control the manufacturer's XF Series professional HD camcorders and Cinema EOS C500, Cinema EOS C300 and Cinema EOS C100 cameras.
Toshiba Launches 20-megapixel CMOS Sensor for Mobile Devices
Toshiba has announced "T4KA7", a 1/2.4"-type, 20-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, which enables 6mm z-height camera modules for smartphones and tablets. With a 1.12 micrometer pixel size contributing to a smaller chip size, the. new imager offers a much improved frame rate of 22fps, 1.8 times faster than that of Toshiba's previous 20-megapixel sensor. Mass production is scheduled to start in February 2015.
Hama Citytour Bags
Hama has announced a new camera bag range. The Citytour line includes three shoulder bags and a waist bag, designed for compact digital cameras. Even the smallest bag in the series has a soft fleece lining to prevent scratches and features two adjustable and removable interior dividers, guaranteeing that everything has its place in the bag. The shoulder bags additionally feature a padded compartment for tablet computers. One of them, the Hama Citytour 140 (pictured), doubles as a photo backpack and features a removable inner compartment for additional flexibility. The bags are priced from €29,99 to €69.99.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
New Zeiss Loxia Lenses at Photokina
Zeiss are set to launch a new family of lenses at Photokina, dubbed Loxia. Rumoured to be for Sony FE full-frame mirrorless cameras (A7S, A7R, A7), the new range will be joined at the show by another Otus full-frame DSLR lens as well as new rangefinder products. Zeiss are currently running a special interactive puzzle on their blog which will eventually reveal the new Photokina 2014 products.
Samyang 50mm f1.4 and T1.5 Lenses
Samyang have officially announced the 50mm f1.4 and T1.5 lenses, due later in 2014. The much rumoured 50mm lenses will be available in the Samyang 50 mm f1.4 AS UMC photographic version and the Samyang 50 mm T1.5 AS UMC VDSLR cine lens version with decoupled aperture and follow focus gearing. Both lenses will be vailable in Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Sony A, Fujifilm X mount, Pentax and Micro Four Thirds (MFT) fit, retailing for £449 for the f1.4 lens and £479 for the T1.5 version.
Official Fujifilm X30 Sample Images
Fuji has posted six high-resolution sample photographs taken with the new Fujifilm X30 digital compact camera. Captured at low sensitivity settings (ISO100/21°, ISO125/22° and ISO200/24°), these Fujifilm X30 samples demonstrate the effects of some of the film simulation modes available on this camera including Astia, Provia, Velvia and "Classic Chrom." You can download the official Fujifilm X30 sample images from the website below.
Website: Fujifilm X30 Samples
Fujifilm X30 Hands-on Photos
Want to see exactly what the new Fujifilm X30 camera looks like in the flesh?
Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of 64 photos of the Fujifilm X30.
The Fujifilm X30 is a premium compact camera with a 12 megapixel X-Trans CMOS II sensor, newly-developed Real Time Viewfinder, EXR Processor II, 4x optical zoom lens, phase detection auto-focusing as fast as 0.06 seconds, and a tilting LCD screen.
Fujifilm X30
The Fujifilm X30 is a premium compact camera featuring an innovative Real Time Viewfinder. Other new features offered by the Fujifilm X30 include a 'Classic Chrome' film simulation mode, new control ring along with extra dials and function buttons, and a tilting 3.0-inch 920K-dot LCD monitor. The Fujifilm X30 will cost £479 in the UK, available from September 2014.
The Fujifilm X-E2: Beyond the Manual
The Fujifilm X-E2: Beyond the Manual by Rico Pfirstinger is a new title from Rocky Nook. Providing experience-based information for owners of the Fujifilm X-E2 compact system camera, this new book focuses on insights that you won't find in the manual, skipping tedious explanations of basic camera functions and operations. Instead, Rico cuts to the chase and provides readers with a plethora of tips and practical instructions that will enable them to fully explore the capabilities of the X-E2. The 130-page ebook is available from the website below, priced at $16.95.
Manfrotto Befree Carbon
Manfrotto today launched Befree Carbon, a new product in the Befree range of tripods. The carbon fibre version, devoted to hobbyists who love to travel, is now lighter but still fast to set up and intuitive to use, the company says. Its weight is only 1.1kg and its foldable legs, packed tightly, reach a folded length of just 40cm, thanks to an exclusive mechanism and to the ballhead's compact Quick Release Adapter. It can be comfortably carried everywhere thanks to its extra cushioned carry bag that protects it from any unintentional damage. The Manfrotto Befree Carbon tripod is available now for £279.95.
Toshiba Canvio Alu
Toshiba today announced the Canvio Alu portable hard drive, which features a shock sensor as well as USB 3.0 and ramp loading technologies. Available in black or silver, the Canvio Alu boasts a compact design, encased in a stylish aluminium chassis for high durability. It comes in 500GB, 1TB and 2TB capacities. and features intuitive NTI software to automatically back up and restore up to 2TB of your files and folders. The new Canvio Alu will be available for purchase from September, with a price starting at £43.00.
Color Confidence Announce Active Colour Training Dates
Color Confidence has announced dates for two Active Colour Training events designed to teach photographers about colour management. The next event will take place in Manchester on 25 September, followed by a training session in Birmingham on 19 November 2014. Each event will feature 8 exhibitors including X-Rite, NEC, DxO, EIZO, Macphun Software, Epson, TECCO and Manfrotto; a keynote speech from Richard Curtis, Principal Solutions Consultant at Adobe; and the opportunity to enter into a competition to win an all-expenses-paid photo week in Iceland. There will also be special offers and discounts on the day. The events are each priced at £25. This is refundable on purchase of a product on the day. The price also includes lunch and refreshments. To register for either event, visit the website below.
HDRinstant Version 1
HDRlog has released the first update to hte standalone version of its HDRinstant software. Version 1 brings new features such as a tool to help you choose the sharpest image, user tone-mapping presets, image sharpening and adjustment tools. The innovative technology behind the program allows the user to create an HDR image from video footage, and its anti-ghosting capability removes motion blur when creating HDR images from several frames. After importing your video clip, you can extract as many images as possible, then select your favorite frame. HDRinstant will stack the frames and apply a special morphing algorithm to build the final HDR photograph. The Mac and Windows versions can be downloaded from the website below.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-KW11
Sony Asia Pacific has introduced a new digital camera that looks like a perfume bottle. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-KW11 has a 1/2.3"-type, 19.2-megapixel Exmor RS CMOS imager, a 21mm (eq.) f/2 lens mounted on a 180-degree swivel to facilitate the capture of self-portraits, and a large high-definition, high-contrast, 3.3 Type OLED screen with approximately 1,299k dots. Key highlights include a Beauty Effect mode, Flick Touch Shutter, NFC, Wi-Fi and remote shooting via a compatible smartphone or tablet computer. The Cyber-shot DSC-KW11 comes in four colours (White, Pink, Green and Violet) and will be available in Asia Pacific from October 2014 onwards. Currently, there is no word on US/EU availability and pricing.
Pickture Reaches 100,000 Users
Pickture, a photographic contest app for Android and iOS, has now reached over 100,000 Instagrammers through a series of collaborations. Initially released to a key group of high-volume Instagram users, the intuitive app activates the capabilities of Instagram to provide users with a platform to share their images, be immersed inphotography and have the chance to win a range of prizes. Pickture adopts a multi-platform approach by putting winners in the spotlight both within the app and on its own Instagram account. This provides users a chance to not only be rewarded for their images through prizes, but also with a chance to build their network of followers as they are exposed to a wide audience. Through celebrating the winners, Pickture also enables users to connect with and discover others who hold the same creative interests. You can download the app from the website below.
Chicago Portraits
Chicago Portraits is a new book featuring an assortment of photographic portraits compiled from the Chicago Tribune's vast historical archives. The photos are a mix of black and white and full-colour, drawn from the early 1900s to the present day. Notable subjects include Jim Belushi, Oprah Winfrey, Studs Terkel, Rev. Jesse Jackson, John Malkovich, Harold Washington, Walter Payton, Billy Corgan, Vince Vaughn, Gillian Flynn, Tavi Gevinson, John C. Reilly, Tracy Letts, members of the Chicago Blackhawks, Barack and Michelle Obama, and many more. The 288-page volume will go on sale on 15 September, priced at $35.
Canon Pixma iP110
The Canon Pixma iP110 is a slim, single-function printer that produces quality prints, from clear crisp documents to vibrant photos, fast. Replacing the current Pixma iP100. the iP1110 comes with a range of new connectivity features, including Wi-Fi and cloud printing. Compatible with Google Cloud Print and Apple Air Print, the Canon Pixma iP110 supports Canon's Pixma Printing Solutions app. The iP110 prints at up to 9600dpi resolution, with print speeds of 5.8ipm for colour and 9.0ipm for mono prints, and produces a 4x6 borderless photo in approximately 53 seconds. The printer will be available from October 2014 with an RRP of £279.99/€329.99.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Fujifilm X-T1 Camera Winner
We've teamed up with CameraWorld to give away a fantastic Fujifilm X-T1 camera with a 18‑55mm f2.8‑4 LM R OIS lens!
The lucky winner is Jackson Anderson. Congratulations!
CameraWorld is a real camera shop, helping you to make the most of your hobby. Our expert team has many years experience within the photographic trade with knowledge gained over 40 years. Many are photographers themselves and enjoy passing their knowledge on. You'll also find our online service fast, efficient and courteous and you can always call us if you want to talk to a human being! We are dedicated to bringing you the very best in service, choice and price.
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Ukrainian will, Carpathian pride and the summer of '69
The song most often credited as the inspiration for Kulchitskiy and his comrades in Moscow is "Cheremshyna" (The Bird Cherry Tree), a traditional folk song in Ukraine. The popular song, whose refrain goes "yet again, the bird cherry tree will blossom," does not in itself contain any political connotations. Yet since one can hardly imagine the fans performing more politically charged tunes in Brezhnev's Russia in 1969, "Cheremshyna" took on a new meaning for players at the final. Journalist Alexander Tikhovod writes in Vremya Karpat (Time of the Carpathians):
It was an important psychological nuance: the influx of patriotism, borne out by a song many considered the national anthem in Ukraine, helped the Karpaty players in those tense moments when they became the focus of national attention—in full view of the millions of viewers around the country glued to their television sets.
In historical interpretations of the match, the importance of where the opposition came from and the significance of a Cup trophy also became clearer. As the official Karpaty website now tells it:
As the leading team in western Ukraine, Karpaty's win in the Soviet Cup was not only a soccer victory—it was a broad recognition of Ukraine. The reaffirmation of the political meaning of that triumph was the 30,000-strong column of fans that marched down the main streets of the capital of the USSR, singing Ukrainian songs.
The symbolism of achieving victory, albeit in sport, in Moscow—and then proceeding triumphantly down main streets in the colonial aggressor's capital city—was not lost on most western Ukrainians. Three decades before, in the fall of 1939, the Red Army had marched across western Ukraine and into Poland, heralding the beginning of World War II. For the first time in its history, the Galician region became part of the Russian-dominated Soviet empire.
Unlike most Soviet republics, resistance to Soviet rule in western Ukraine persisted well into the 1950s, arguably until 1959, when the KGB arranged the murder of Ukrainian nationalist leader Stepan Bandera in Munich.
Defeating one's ethnic rival on its own soil qualified as poetic justice.
Karpaty's founding and history are often presented in L'viv as one long struggle against the all-too-visible hand of Moscow.
Nearly 70 years after L'viv hosted the first official match in Ukraine, on 14 Jul 1894, organizers broached the idea of forming a larger regional club. Soviet authorities were suspicious of it serving as a platform for "misguided" nationalist sentiment. When it came to naming the side, "Galicia" was rejected out of hand. As the head of the local party committee sarcastically remarked, "Perhaps we should add SS to the team name?" referring to SS Galicia, a division of Nazi sympathizers formed in western Ukraine in 1943 to repel the Red Army.
Organizers ultimately settled on the fail-safe option, Karpaty, meaning Carpathians. The new stadium was called Druzhba (Friendship), intended to reflect the brotherly bonds that united all Soviet ethnic groups. As documented in the club history, Karpaty's first head coach came from Donetsk' in the Russian-speaking east of Ukraine.
Moscow's perniciousness allegedly impeded Karpaty's progress through the lower ranks of Soviet football. In 1968, the club had a chance to advance to the first division but was foiled by—as Karpaty faithful and players would describe it—one-sided refereeing in its last match against Russian club Uralmash. For Karpaty defender Petro Danyl'chuk, the reasons were relatively simple: "Of course, during that time, Moscow wanted to see a Russian club in the top league, not a team from western Ukraine."
Years later, the Estonian referee of that match, Eugen Hyarms, admitted that party higher-ups offered him a promotion in exchange for favoring the Russian club. He called the game "the most shameful" of his career.
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Celebrated writers of poetry, fiction, and literary non-fiction visit campus several times each year to give lectures, readings, discussions, and book signings. Presentations are held at 6:00 p.m. (preceded by receptions at 5:30 p.m.) in the Smith Chapel. All events are free and open to the public.
Spring 2014
February 20, 2014: Behrend Reads
March 20, 2014: Thesis reading
Thursday, March 27, 2014: Laura van den Berg
Laura van den Berg earned her M.F.A. at Emerson College. Her stories have or soon will appear in Ploughshares, Glimmer Train, One Story, American Short Fiction, Conjunctions, Best American Nonrequired Reading 2008, Best New American Voices 2010, and The Pushcart Prize XXIV. Her first collection of stories, What the World Will Look Like When All the Water Leaves Us (2009), was a Barnes & Noble "Discover Great New Writers" selection, longlisted for The Story Prize, and shortlisted for the Frank O'Connor International Award. Her second collection of stories, The Isle of Youth, is forthcoming from Farrar, Straus & Giroux in November 2013. The recipient of the Emerging Writer Lectureship at Gettysburg College and the Tickner Fellowship at the Gilman School, Laura currently lives in Baltimore and teaches in the creative writing at George Washington University.
Thursday, April 3, 2014: David Shumate
David Shumate's books include The Floating Bridge (2008), High Water Mark, winner of the 2003 Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize, and the newest, Kimonos in the Closet (2013). His work has appeared in North American Review, Prairie Schooner, Mississippi Review, Mid-American Review, and Lake Effect, among other journals. David Shumate is poet-in-residence at Marian College in Indianapolis, IN.
April 10, 2014: Thesis reading
April 17, 2014: Thesis reading
Thursday, April 24, 2014: Brian Doyle
Literary Nonfiction
Brian Doyle is the editor of Portland Magazine at the University of Portland, in Oregon. He is the author of thirteen books of essays, poems, nonfiction, and fiction, including the sprawling Oregon novel Mink River and The Grail: A year ambling & shambling through an Oregon vineyard in pursuit of the best pinot noir wine in the whole wild world, The Wet Engine: Exploring the Mad Wild Miracle of the Heart, and Spirited Men: Story, Soul, and Substance, three collections of literary nonfiction. His work has appeared in such venues as The American Scholar, The Atlantic Monthly, Orion, Harper's, and The Georgia Review, and been reprinted several times in The Best American Essays and The Best Spiritual Writing, and he has received the prestigious Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
Previous Visiting Writers:
Fall 2013
Fall 2012