Blog Archives

Steel Magnolias (1989) drips onto Blu

Steel Magnolias (1989) drips onto Blu

January 26, 2013 | By

New review of an old-ish classic, the 1989 weepie Steel Magnolias, which defied stiff critics and enjoyed a healthy theatrical run. Twilight Time’s new Blu-ray looks swell, and includes George Delerue’s lovely score as an isolated track.

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CanCon 101 and a Career Nadir: John Huston’s Phobia (1980)

CanCon 101 and a Career Nadir: John Huston’s Phobia (1980)

January 24, 2013 | By

Yes, another installment of CanCon 101, featuring John Huston’s much-maligned tax shelter film Phobia (1980), shot in Toronto, and available nowhere. Also: short Editor’s Blog with nods to EOne’s recent purchase of Alliance Films, and the Canadian film channel Starlight.

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Atli Örvarsson’s Hansel & Gretel + Liquid Puppetry

Atli Örvarsson’s Hansel & Gretel + Liquid Puppetry

January 17, 2013 | By

Just uploaded is a soundtrack review of Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters, the latest film by Dead Snow director Tommy Wirkola, which opens January 25. Also up: a podcast interview with Hansel and Gretel composer Atli Örvarsson, and an update on my current short-short film (er, editing exercise), Liquid Puppetry, filmed in Newvicon-o-vision-o-rama, with teasing frame grabs.

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Canada’s Top 10, Doc Soup, and CanCon 101: Death Ship (1980)

Canada’s Top 10, Doc Soup, and CanCon 101: Death Ship (1980)

January 5, 2013 | By

Quick tally of notable screenings in T.O., including The Bloor’s Doc Soup: Portrait of Wally (with director Q&A) + Cinema Politica: Doctors of the Dark Side (with guest Q&A), and Canada’s Top 10 at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. Speaking of Canadian cinema heritage (ahem): I’ve uploaded a lengthy review of Alvin Rakoff’s Death Ship (1980), recently released in a crisp Blu-ray special edition by Scorpion Releasing, which somewhat replaces the 2007 Region 2 DVD from Nucleus Films.

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Leith Stevens’ Destination Moon + Chapter 2: The Making of BSV 1172

Leith Stevens’ Destination Moon + Chapter 2: The Making of BSV 1172

December 30, 2012 | By

Quick Editor’s Blog and review links for Leith Stevens’ Destination Moon (1950), recently released on CD by Monstrous Movie Music, plus related material at KQEK.com Mobile. Also added: Chapter 2 of the Making of BSV 1172 at Big Head Amusements regarding burns, spots, and splotches on vintage tube video cameras.

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