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Ongoing: Ron's Blu-Ray Discoveries Thread (renamed) (1 Viewer)

Ronald Epstein

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February 6, 2016

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Another amazing movie discovery thanks to the recommendations made in this thread

Made in 1967 by director John Boorman, POINT BLANK seems to be a very dark film made during the experimental period of the late 1960s. It's editing is quite stylish, telling a time fractured story intertwined with memories of its main character (Walker), as he seeks revenge on a man that left him stranded during an illegal money payoff. Filled with scenes of violence and sex, the mood is often tough.

One of my favorite moments in the film takes place in a club where one of the most violent fights in the movie takes place against a movie back screen with the sounds of a screaming singer. It's probably a scene that will stick in the back of your mind for quite some time.

The best part of this film, for me, was the inclusion of Caroll O'Connor. His appearance comes at the end of the film, it's only brief, but highly enjoyable to watch.

...Oh, almost forgot to mention that this film features the introduction of a young actor named John Vernon who would go on to play the infamous Dean Wormer in ANIMAL HOUSE some 11 years later.

The Blu-ray transfer is quite good. This is a Warner release, so you know that quite a bit of effort was put into cleaning up the presentation. Colors are strikingly vivid. There is a good amount of detail in the picture, with the exception of some of the darker scenes. However, it's quite astonishing to see how well the dark scenes look. I can imagine if not for the 1080p transfer, they would look very muddy.

This is just a terrific film that I can see myself watching over and over again. Highly recommended purchase.​
 

Ronald Epstein

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You are correct. Forgot to mention Angie's true nude glimpse (not like in Dressed to Kill where a stand-in was used)
 

Ronald Epstein

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Another a-mazing discovery!

Richard Widmark and Jack Palance star in this 1950 gritty thriller directed by Elia Kazan. It offers a bit of a different twist on similar film-noir for the fact that its villain is the Bubonic plague.

The acting performances are top-notch, particularly from newcomer JackPalance, who plays a gangster named "Blackie." Adding to the film's emotional level is the beautiful B&W photography lensed on location in New Orleans.

The highlight of this film for me, was the harbor chase scene at the end of the film. It's quite a way to end such a remarkable movie.

This 1080p B&W transfer is immaculate and well defined, it not a touch soft. Looks fantastic blown up on a large 110" screen.

Highly recommend this as a blind purchase



 

Matt Hough

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Yes, I reviewed it for HTF three years ago and loved it, too. I think that was the first time I had ever seen it all the way through.
 

Charles Smith

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Images still broken...and there's a new similar thread today with the same situation.
 

Mike Frezon

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Ron: I had a similar issue with some Weekly RoundUp images since the migration.

It turns out I had entered some of the images I use each week into thier own new album and the default says only the member can see them or add to them (and there are various levels of participation. Staff only/members only/everyone/etc.). You may need to change the permissions for viewing the images in a particular album to "everyone."

By the way, I can see them, too.
 

Ronald Epstein

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Sunday February 14, 2016

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"Obviously, one of us is going to die!"

Oh my goodness, why did it take me so long to discover this film? You know, I have had it in my Blu-ray collection for a few years now, sitting in shrink-wrap. It wasn't until members of Home Theater Forum recommended this title, that I gave it a look.

It only takes the first five minutes of the film to realize that this film is going to be a great ride!

You know, I have put a lot of thought to this, and come to the realization of something I probably knew already. Out of all the leading tough guys that exist in motion picture history, whether it be Eastwood, Wayne, Bronson, McQueen, Cagney or De Niro....my absolute favorite would be Burt Lancaster. The Professionals is one of Burt's very best, particularly for the fact that he's in the company of some very enjoyable first-rate actors.

This is basically about a team of Professionals, from all walks of life, who have been hired by a wealthy oil baron to rescue his wife who has been kidnapped deep into the heart of Mexico. The film is filled with expertly choreographed action sequences, beautiful cinematography, and a lively score that helps keep things well paced. There isn't a dull moment in this film, and time after time it brought a smile to my face.

In fact, The Professionals can be placed up on the mantle with the greatest westerns of all time. It is so much fun to watch, and is loaded with so much firepower, that it makes for repeated watches.

If you have never seen this film -- and I am sure I am one of the last who hasn't -- it is worth a blind purchase. It's only $7 on Amazon as I type this review.

Just beware upside down wooden crosses!​
 

Richard V

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Ron, here is a suggestion. If you haven't already seen Vera Cruz, be sure you check it out. Gary Cooper and Burt Lancaster (in a rare deliciously villainous role) backed up by a fantastic supporting cast of Ernest Borgnine, George Macready, Cesar Romero, Morris Ankrum, Charles Bronson, and the incomparable Jack Elam, it is a real treat, especially Lancaster, who has never seemed to have so much fun in a role.
 

Ronald Epstein

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Ron, here is a suggestion. If you haven't already seen Vera Cruz, be sure you check it out. Gary Cooper and Burt Lancaster (in a rare deliciously villainous role) backed up by a fantastic supporting cast of Ernest Borgnine, George Macready, Cesar Romero, Morris Ankrum, Charles Bronson, and the incomparable Jack Elam, it is a real treat, especially Lancaster, who has never seemed to have so much fun in a role.

Richard,

Never seen it. Just ordered. Only $13. Could not pass it up. What a cast!

Thank You. Will watch it Wednesday and let you know
 

Robert Crawford

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Sunday February 14, 2016

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"Obviously, one of us is going to die!"

Oh my goodness, why did it take me so long to discover this film? You know, I have had it in my Blu-ray collection for a few years now, sitting in shrink-wrap. It wasn't until members of Home Theater Forum recommended this title, that I gave it a look.

It only takes the first five minutes of the film to realize that this film is going to be a great ride!

You know, I have put a lot of thought to this, and come to the realization of something I probably knew already. Out of all the leading tough guys that exist in motion picture history, whether it be Eastwood, Wayne, Bronson, McQueen, Cagney or De Niro....my absolute favorite would be Burt Lancaster. The Professionals is one of Burt's very best, particularly for the fact that he's in the company of some very enjoyable first-rate actors.

This is basically about a team of Professionals, from all walks of life, who have been hired by a wealthy oil baron to rescue his wife who has been kidnapped deep into the heart of Mexico. The film is filled with expertly choreographed action sequences, beautiful cinematography, and a lively score that helps keep things well paced. There isn't a dull moment in this film, and time after time it brought a smile to my face.

In fact, The Professionals can be placed up on the mantle with the greatest westerns of all time. It is so much fun to watch, and is loaded with so much firepower, that it makes for repeated watches.

If you have never seen this film -- and I am sure I am one of the last who hasn't -- it is worth a blind purchase. It's only $7 on Amazon as I type this review.

Just beware upside down wooden crosses!​
Ron,

I recommended this film to you because it's been a personal favorite of mine since I first viewed it on the big screen back when I was a kid in the mid-60's with the rest of my family. It was one of those films in which I shared a common fondness of it with my father. IMO, it's probably one of the best written westerns of all-time with some of the best spoken dialogue in that film genre. The cast was superb and the cinematography was simply beautiful! Every year, I watch it at least one time from beginning to end just like I do The Searchers and a few other titles.
 

Robert Crawford

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Richard,

Never seen it. Just ordered. Only $13. Could not pass it up. What a cast!

Thank You. Will watch it Wednesday and let you know
You'll like Vera Cruz, but the PQ of this BD isn't the best. It's serviceable, but it could have been better. I had a buddy in my childhood who would always try to emulate Burt Lancaster's draw in this film whenever we played with our toy cap guns. Once you see it, you'll know what I mean.
 

Ronald Epstein

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You'll like Vera Cruz, but the PQ of this BD isn't the best. It's serviceable, but it could have been better. I had a buddy in my childhood who would always try to emulate Burt Lancaster's draw in this film whenever we played with our toy cap guns. Once you see it, you'll know what I mean.

Robert,

Today I confirmed that my all-time favorite tough-guy was Burt Lancaster. I just love him.

I don't think I ever asked this to you...

If you could pick just one, who is your favorite leading tough-guy actor? And, I know how much you love John Wayne.
 

Robert Crawford

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Robert,

Today I confirmed that my all-time favorite tough-guy was Burt Lancaster. I just love him.

I don't think I ever asked this to you...

If you could pick just one, who is your favorite leading tough-guy actor? And, I know how much you love John Wayne.
Ron,

That's a difficult question for me to answer as I have so many favorites. John Wayne's my guy, but tough guys like Lancaster, John Garfield, Bogart and Cagney are right up there with the Duke. I also have an affinity for Robert Ryan, an underrated actor in my opinion. Also, I can't forget my homeboy, Robert Mitchum. Many of my favorites were also the favorites of my old man because I started watching films with my Dad that many of those actors where in, back in my childhood.
 
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Robert Crawford

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I will definitely second this recommendation. This was a pretty strong film that fans of the Western genre should check out. Really enjoyed this one.

- Walter.
Yeah, the other day while I was channel surfing, I watched a good portion of that film. I might pick up that BD. I still have Slow West on my Amazon Price Watch List.
 

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