- Joined
- Jul 3, 1997
- Messages
- 66,787
- Real Name
- Ronald Epstein
Week Ending February 6, 2004
Introduction
Since this is the first installment of what I hope
to be a weekly submission, let me give you a little
background of what I am trying to accomplish.
Early last year I resigned myself from doing DVD
reviews. After writing nearly 400 in the span of
just over two years, I found myself burnt out, unable
and unwilling to write anything further. I gave the
position up to 7 unknowns who have been doing an
incredible job of providing this forum with quality
DVD reviews every week.
What I have discovered as of late is that this is
a very exciting time for DVD. From classics to
New Releases, never before have there been so many
really good DVD titles released to this format.
I have had the chance to sit and watch some really
outstanding films over the past few weeks. Most of
them are titles that were personally recommended to
me -- most blind purchases I took a gamble on and
found myself completely enjoying.
I don't want these films to be missed by those
who may overlook it on their shelves just because
it may not be a mainstream release.
For the next few weeks, for as long as I can put
a few sentences together, I am going to write about
some of the "gems" that I have had the opportunity
to watch. These will not be full-fledge reviews.
I may only briefly touch upon transfer quality or
the supplements.
My main purpose is to personally recommend DVD
titles to our readers.
Here we go.....
The Diary of Anne Frank
I have grown extremely fond of the assortment of Fox
Studio Classics that have been released over the
past year. I have made it a point to watch just about
everything the studio has released under its classic
label, and have yet to be disappointed.
Of all the Studio Classics that have been
released, perhaps none is as important as The
Diary of Anne Frank, the extraordinary story of
a family who spent two years hiding from the Nazis
in an Amsterdam attic.
At 3 hours in length, the film manages to take its
viewers through an exhaustive journey inside cramped
spacing as we bear witness to the various emotions
of a family confined under duress conditions.
Having known very little about Anne Frank, I found
this film to be very touching, and highly educational.
Most of all, it stands as a powerful reminder of the
horrors of the Holocaust.
All the performances are outstanding here --
particularly that of Millie Perkins, a model
that had no previous acting experience before this
film was made. Many film veterans will recognize
Shelley Winters and Ed Wynn, both
providing memorable moments.
I was very proud of the supplements that Fox put
on this disc, particularly Echoes From The Past,
a documentary that gives more insight into the
Anne Frank story. You'll see interviews from her
friends, as well as actresses Millie Perkins
and Shelley Winters. There's also fascinating
insight into director George Stevens and how his
personal vision (and struggle with Fox's request to
film in Cinemascope) made this film the triumph that
it is.
To see what a superb job Fox has done on this
transfer, one only has to look at the condition
of the original prints shown in the documentaries.
Without a doubt, this is one to buy!
Secondhand Lions
I love it when the younger generation gets to
appreciate the talents of film veterans like
Michael Caine and Robert Duvall.
In what easily can be described as a family film,
Secondhand Lions manages to bring big smiles
across all generations.
Uncles Hub (Duvall) and Garth (Caine) are tough
old codgers who are believed to be residing upon
a pile of money. They spend their day sitting on
their porch, taking shotgun aim at at every salesman
and family member that happens along.
Walter (Haley Joel Osment) isn't initially very
happy his Mother dropped him off to live with his
eccentric Uncles, but soon the boy bonds with his
distant relatives and interesting adventures begin.
Truly one of the sleeper films of the year,
Secondhand Lions is terrific fun, full of
laughs and surprises. Most of all, it's just great
to sit back and watch Caine and Duvall having the
times of their lives in very unexpected PG-RATED
roles.
Trust me, this is the perfect film for family gathering.
American Splendor
I first heard of this film early last year when
a huge buzz was created at Cannes and the Sundance
Film Festival. Every review I read practically raved
that this was the most brilliant of the year.
The critics weren't wrong.
In the performance of his career, Paul Giamatti
plays Harvey Pekar, a filing clerk at a local
veterans hospital in Cleveland. He's a regular
curmudgeon who comes into fame through his real-life
story told in the American Splendor comic book.
Though not a real upbeat film, American Splendor
manages instead to be a fascinating look at a man filled
with rage and loneliness who only looks to be loved.
What I enjoyed most about this film was its stylish
means of telling its story through its live action,
comic book animation, and interaction with the real
life people the film portrays. By the time the film
is over, you can't help but to be touched by it all.
That's it for this week. See you next week!
