list http://www.spout.com/ Recent community activity around Dark City on Spout Copyright 2005-9 Spout, LLC Spout RSS http://www.spout.com/images/SpoutLogoRSS.jpg http://www.spout.com/ 136 30 http://www.spout.com/films/Dark_City/114683/default.aspx Title: Dark City
Year: 1997
Director: Alex Proyas
Plot: Alex Proyas (The Crow) directed this noir-styled futuristic thriller, scripted by Proyas, Lem Dobbs (Kafka), and David S. Goyer (The Puppet Masters). Separated from his wife Emma (Jennifer Connelly), amnesiac John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell) awakens alone in a strange hotel to learn he is wanted for a series of brutal killings -- but he can't remember if he did or didn't commit these murders. Indeed, most of his memories have completely vanished, and he becomes the focus of interest for both mad genius Dr. Schreber (Kiefer Sutherland) and sympathetic detective Frank Bumstead (William Hurt). Attempting to unravel the twisted riddle of his identity, Murdoch encounters a group of ominous beings known as the Strangers, shadow-like figures who have a collective memory and possess the ability to stop time and alter physical reality through a process called The Tuning. Focusing their minds, they are able to change the size and shape of the material world. Murdoch manages to stay a step ahead of his adversaries as he slowly jigsaws together the puzzle of his past-bittersweet memories of his childhood, his love for Emma, and the key to the murders -- while following a labyrinth leading to the Strangers' Underworld, a set inspired by Fritz Lang's Metropolis. Rufus Sewell commented on the Underworld: "When Alex first sent me the sketches for that set, I was more excited than I had been when I read the script. The Underworld was truly remarkable -- a little bit scary, very thrilling, and full of hundreds of bald people." At the Fox Film Studios in Sydney, Australia, where 50 sets were built, three months were spent constructing the set for the Underworld, the largest indoor set ever built in Australia. The production design by George Liddle (Rapa Nui) and Patrick Tatopoulos (Godzilla, Space: Above and Beyond) is a composite of different styles and eras, combining the look of 1940s Manhattan with German Expressionism. The music is by Trevor Jones (G.I. Jane). The film's dedication reads: "In Memory of Dennis Potter with gratitude and admiration." ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
Times Tagged: 39
Number of Lists: 79
Number of blog posts: 7
Number of discussion threads: 10
SpoutRating: 3
]]>Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:35:47 GMTDark City1997Alex Proyas<a href="/players/P___107167/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Alex Proyas</a> (<a href=/films/89418/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>The Crow</a>) directed this noir-styled futuristic thriller, scripted by Proyas, <a href="/players/P____87918/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Lem Dobbs</a> (<a href=/films/18567/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>Kafka</a>), and David S. Goyer (<a href=/films/91947/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>The Puppet Masters</a>). Separated from his wife Emma (<a href="/players/P____14510/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Jennifer Connelly</a>), amnesiac John Murdoch (<a href="/players/P____64649/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Rufus Sewell</a>) awakens alone in a strange hotel to learn he is wanted for a series of brutal killings -- but he can't remember if he did or didn't commit these murders. Indeed, most of his memories have completely vanished, and he becomes the focus of interest for both mad genius Dr. Schreber (<a href="/players/P____69200/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Kiefer Sutherland</a>) and sympathetic detective Frank Bumstead (<a href="/players/P____34104/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>William Hurt</a>). Attempting to unravel the twisted riddle of his identity, Murdoch encounters a group of ominous beings known as the Strangers, shadow-like figures who have a collective memory and possess the ability to stop time and alter physical reality through a process called The Tuning. Focusing their minds, they are able to change the size and shape of the material world. Murdoch manages to stay a step ahead of his adversaries as he slowly jigsaws together the puzzle of his past-bittersweet memories of his childhood, his love for Emma, and the key to the murders -- while following a labyrinth leading to the Strangers' Underworld, a set inspired by <a href="/players/P____98675/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Fritz Lang</a>'s <a href=/films/22495/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>Metropolis</a>. <a href="/players/P____64649/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Rufus Sewell</a> commented on the Underworld: "When Alex first sent me the sketches for that set, I was more excited than I had been when I read the script. The Underworld was truly remarkable -- a little bit scary, very thrilling, and full of hundreds of bald people." At the Fox Film Studios in Sydney, Australia, where 50 sets were built, three months were spent constructing the set for the Underworld, the largest indoor set ever built in Australia. The production design by George Liddle (<a href=/films/90865/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>Rapa Nui</a>) and Patrick Tatopoulos (<a href=/films/118151/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>Godzilla</a>, Space: Above and Beyond) is a composite of different styles and eras, combining the look of 1940s Manhattan with German Expressionism. The music is by <a href="/players/P____36240/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Trevor Jones</a> (G.I. Jane). The film's dedication reads: "In Memory of <a href="/players/P___106930/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Dennis Potter</a> with gratitude and admiration." ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide39Tag Target (>10)797103http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t06159nf5it.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/Dark_City/114683/default.aspxFilm http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/Re_Weekly_Theme_for_May_4_Express_Yourself/625/42047/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: leeroy711
Post To: Weekly Theme
Post Date: 5/5/2009 7:01:50 PM
Body: [quote user="mercurial"] M is probably the film that stands out as one of the great Expressionist films made. It's such a creative, thrilling film; something which surprised me when I first saw it years ago as I hadn't seen too many films pre-1950 and those that I had I couldn't really get a feeling for. Hitchcock utilized Expressionist techniques in pretty much all of his films: Psycho and Vertigo being my favorite. Aside from Batman and Batman Returns, which I LOVE, Dark City is another recent film that tried to recapture the overall feeling of an authentic German Expressionist film. [/quote] Yes yes! M is probably in my top 5 all time favorite films. I had never really thought about Hitchcock as an expressionist but now that you mention it, the house on the top of the hill in Psycho is absolutely a great example... Scary huh?! Dark City is the one I was hoping someone would mention. This is another one of my favorite films and its kind of a throwback to Metropolis. I haven't gotten a chance to see the director's cut yet but I'm looking forward to it. I don't listen to a lot of audio commentaries but on the disc that I had, Roger Ebert provides a commentary that is incredible. He goes into the artwork of the set and costume a lot in relationship to German Expressionism and specifically its similarities to Metropolis. Also, Alex Proyas' earlier film The Crow was heavily steeped in this week's theme.
]]>Tue, 05 May 2009 23:01:50 GMTleeroy711Weekly Theme5/5/2009 7:01:50 PM[quote user="mercurial"] M is probably the film that stands out as one of the great Expressionist films made. It's such a creative, thrilling film; something which surprised me when I first saw it years ago as I hadn't seen too many films pre-1950 and those that I had I couldn't really get a feeling for. Hitchcock utilized Expressionist techniques in pretty much all of his films: Psycho and Vertigo being my favorite. Aside from Batman and Batman Returns, which I LOVE, Dark City is another recent film that tried to recapture the overall feeling of an authentic German Expressionist film. [/quote] Yes yes! M is probably in my top 5 all time favorite films. I had never really thought about Hitchcock as an expressionist but now that you mention it, the house on the top of the hill in Psycho is absolutely a great example... Scary huh?! Dark City is the one I was hoping someone would mention. This is another one of my favorite films and its kind of a throwback to Metropolis. I haven't gotten a chance to see the director's cut yet but I'm looking forward to it. I don't listen to a lot of audio commentaries but on the disc that I had, Roger Ebert provides a commentary that is incredible. He goes into the artwork of the set and costume a lot in relationship to German Expressionism and specifically its similarities to Metropolis. Also, Alex Proyas' earlier film The Crow was heavily steeped in this week's theme. http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/Re_Weekly_Theme_for_May_4_Express_Yourself/625/42043/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: mercurial
Post To: Weekly Theme
Post Date: 5/5/2009 4:33:09 PM
Body: M is probably the film that stands out as one of the great Expressionist films made. It's such a creative, thrilling film; something which surprised me when I first saw it years ago as I hadn't seen too many films pre-1950 and those that I had I couldn't really get a feeling for. Some of the noir films that I have loved and which embrace a certain amount of Expressionistic ideas are The Big Sleep, The Maltese Falcon, Gilda and Sunset Boulevard. Hitchcock utilized Expressionist techniques in pretty much all of his films: Psycho and Vertigo being my favorite. Aside from Batman and Batman Returns, which I LOVE, Dark City is another recent film that tried to recapture the overall feeling of an authentic German Expressionist film. Saving the best for last: Nosferatu. I just can't get enough of this movie and it gives me the willies every time I watch it. As I'm sure everyone who watches it describes it, it is hauntingly beautiful. Like M, the filmmaker combined such startling techniques with an interesting story and their power has not diminished in the decades since their initial release.
]]>Tue, 05 May 2009 20:33:09 GMTmercurialWeekly Theme5/5/2009 4:33:09 PMM is probably the film that stands out as one of the great Expressionist films made. It's such a creative, thrilling film; something which surprised me when I first saw it years ago as I hadn't seen too many films pre-1950 and those that I had I couldn't really get a feeling for. Some of the noir films that I have loved and which embrace a certain amount of Expressionistic ideas are The Big Sleep, The Maltese Falcon, Gilda and Sunset Boulevard. Hitchcock utilized Expressionist techniques in pretty much all of his films: Psycho and Vertigo being my favorite. Aside from Batman and Batman Returns, which I LOVE, Dark City is another recent film that tried to recapture the overall feeling of an authentic German Expressionist film. Saving the best for last: Nosferatu. I just can't get enough of this movie and it gives me the willies every time I watch it. As I'm sure everyone who watches it describes it, it is hauntingly beautiful. Like M, the filmmaker combined such startling techniques with an interesting story and their power has not diminished in the decades since their initial release. http://www.spout.com/groups/Filmgaming/Recast_DARK_CITY_1998/563/39843/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: SkyPilot
Post To: Filmgaming
Post Date: 1/23/2009 3:54:22 PM
Body: I love Jennifer Connelly, but if I end up seeing He's Just Not That Into You, I'll have to follow it with a quick Dark City chaser. This got me thinking: when Dark City was made (1998) Jennifer Connelly wasn't the Princess Grace-like figure she is today; William Hurt and Kiefer Sutherland weren't back on the hot list yet; Rufus Sewell was rad as always, but a far cry from a movie star. Could a different cast have made the movie even better? Recast Dark City. Best recast gets a t-shirt. Check back here on Friday, 2/2 to see if you've won. Watch the Dark City trailer. DARK CITY (1998) Rufus Sewell ... John Murdoch Jennifer Connelly ... Emma Murdoch / Anna William Hurt ... Inspector Frank Bumstead Kiefer Sutherland ... Dr. Daniel P. Schreber Melissa George ... May Colin Friels ... Det. Eddie Walenski Frank Gallacher ... Chief Insp. Stromboli Bruce Spence ... Mr. Wall (Left) Richard O'Brien ... Mr. Hand (Center) Ian Richardson ... Mr. Book (Right)
]]>Fri, 23 Jan 2009 20:54:22 GMTSkyPilotFilmgaming1/23/2009 3:54:22 PMI love Jennifer Connelly, but if I end up seeing He's Just Not That Into You, I'll have to follow it with a quick Dark City chaser. This got me thinking: when Dark City was made (1998) Jennifer Connelly wasn't the Princess Grace-like figure she is today; William Hurt and Kiefer Sutherland weren't back on the hot list yet; Rufus Sewell was rad as always, but a far cry from a movie star. Could a different cast have made the movie even better? Recast Dark City. Best recast gets a t-shirt. Check back here on Friday, 2/2 to see if you've won. Watch the Dark City trailer. DARK CITY (1998) Rufus Sewell ... John Murdoch Jennifer Connelly ... Emma Murdoch / Anna William Hurt ... Inspector Frank Bumstead Kiefer Sutherland ... Dr. Daniel P. Schreber Melissa George ... May Colin Friels ... Det. Eddie Walenski Frank Gallacher ... Chief Insp. Stromboli Bruce Spence ... Mr. Wall (Left) Richard O'Brien ... Mr. Hand (Center) Ian Richardson ... Mr. Book (Right) http://www.spout.com/groups/Filmgaming/Re_PINEAPPLE_EXPRESS_DVD_Giveaway/563/39277/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: usesoap
Post To: Filmgaming
Post Date: 1/8/2009 4:36:44 PM
Body: Two words: "Dark" and "City" (you never said it had to be a good high!). I was paranoid after that one.
]]>Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:36:44 GMTusesoapFilmgaming1/8/2009 4:36:44 PMTwo words: "Dark" and "City" (you never said it had to be a good high!). I was paranoid after that one. http://www.spout.com/groups/Top_5/Re_Top_5_weirdest_movies/190/38821/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: Smooth_J
Post To: Top 5
Post Date: 12/24/2008 2:16:08 PM
Body: [quote user="stacey042"] Seeing as though many people listed movies that are decades old, I could understand why they'd be weird since they're from a different time era. However, I have to admit that the bulk of the movies I watched are mostly from after the '80s... So my movies might pale in comparison to a lot of the movies given here since they're more recent... but I just have two that I would classify as really weird: The Cell (2000) This movie was odd and randomly creepy. Maybe the weirdness stemmed from the fact that the plot was based around the mind of a psychopath, so it was bound to be twisted and "psychotic." I was actually pretty disturbed after subjecting myself to such a dark imagination taking place in someone's mind... Afterward, I just remember being like, "What the hell was that all about?" and then feeling like I had somehow polluted my mind because that was the first dark, abnormal movie I ever watched at the time. [/quote] I just watched that the other night, and I couldn't shake it off for a while...some of the images in the killer's head are so grotesque that they're almost assaults on the viewer. It goes overboard in a few scenes, but I guess that was some of the movie's appeal. Tarsem's visual style also adds some bizarrity to the experience...he seems to constantly quote from surrealist art, with his focus on things like desert sands and warped perspectives. However, this seems to be most of the film's allure, making it an example of a movie that draws you in with weirdness instead of repelling you. I also watched Dark City a while ago...that was another weird one. I don't know if it's in league with some of the others mentioned on the list, but it is pretty strange.
]]>Wed, 24 Dec 2008 19:16:08 GMTSmooth_JTop 512/24/2008 2:16:08 PM[quote user="stacey042"] Seeing as though many people listed movies that are decades old, I could understand why they'd be weird since they're from a different time era. However, I have to admit that the bulk of the movies I watched are mostly from after the '80s... So my movies might pale in comparison to a lot of the movies given here since they're more recent... but I just have two that I would classify as really weird: The Cell (2000) This movie was odd and randomly creepy. Maybe the weirdness stemmed from the fact that the plot was based around the mind of a psychopath, so it was bound to be twisted and "psychotic." I was actually pretty disturbed after subjecting myself to such a dark imagination taking place in someone's mind... Afterward, I just remember being like, "What the hell was that all about?" and then feeling like I had somehow polluted my mind because that was the first dark, abnormal movie I ever watched at the time. [/quote] I just watched that the other night, and I couldn't shake it off for a while...some of the images in the killer's head are so grotesque that they're almost assaults on the viewer. It goes overboard in a few scenes, but I guess that was some of the movie's appeal. Tarsem's visual style also adds some bizarrity to the experience...he seems to constantly quote from surrealist art, with his focus on things like desert sands and warped perspectives. However, this seems to be most of the film's allure, making it an example of a movie that draws you in with weirdness instead of repelling you. I also watched Dark City a while ago...that was another weird one. I don't know if it's in league with some of the others mentioned on the list, but it is pretty strange. http://www.spout.com/blogs/usesoap/archive/2008/12/9/38160.aspx Post By: usesoap
Post To: usesoap Blog
Post Date: 12/9/2008 8:46:01 PM
Body: Folks in the current economy just haven’t warmed to the whole Blu-ray concept just yet. So while they are still commercially viable (even though they are waning in popularity), there are still a number of special edition DVDs funneling into the market. As the holiday approaches, it can be confusing for consumers as they toggle between choosing the “Special Dynamic Super Edition” or the “Ultimate Collectors Shiny Happy Edition” of the same films that have been released, re-released, and re-re-released. I am not going to include the latest films that have perhaps just been released this year in theaters and are receiving their big DVD debuts, but rather the digital roads less traveled, providing a range of options for all to fit every price range for DVD films and box sets released in 2008. As you are striking off names of cinephiles from your holiday gift list, consider some of the following options: For the kids/family: All kids will clamor for the Wall *E and Horton Hears a Who, but do you want your child to be a follower or a leader? Here’s some healthy alternatives: .The Woody Woodpecker and Friends Classic Cartoon Collection, Vol 2 Woody was sort of like the Rodney Dangerfield of cartoon characters for me and my friends growing up. The ubiquitous bird was really just animated padding as we awaited what we perceived to be better cartoons that would come on when we returned home from school. He was the television equivalent to Ziggy. And while there are several valleys in this three-disc collection of shorts produced between 1952 and 1958, there are countless peaks, including Niagara Fools, which could quite possibly be the best of his entire run on the tube. (About $35 at Amazon.com). Classic Caballeros Collection: (The Three Caballeros/ Saludos Amigos): Walt Disney, cash strapped after spiraling budgets of Pinocchio and Fantasia threatened to bankrupt the company, found himself traveling to Central and South America in search of distributing his product and cashing in to new markets. The results are these two (and a few other) shorts that are bouncy enough to satiate the kids in the house (with staples like Donald Duck and Goofy) , but filled with enough behind-the-scenes travelogues to keep the parents entertained long after the tots head off for bed. It’s a time capsule that shows the first footsteps taken in Disney’s now-global stranglehold on all things relating to childhood. (About $15) American Slapstick 2: In this three-disc compilation of shorts, 30 silent-era films are featured, demonstrating the breadth and depths of this oft-chided comic institution whose public recognition of it usually focuses solely on some guy named Chaplin. Harold Lloyd, then-unknown Oliver Hardy, Bebe Daniels, Snub Pollard all share screen time with even lesser-known pioneers. The popularity of the one-half silent slapstick of this year’s Wall*E will perhaps encourage viewers to uncover these long-forgotten pearls. (About $35) The Red Balloon: A lonely Parisian boy befriends a helium-filled titular object that seems to have a mind of its own in this 1956 film that is still as enchanting today and Janus Films has done an impeccable job in its cleanup of the print. The result in a simple, sweet , funny and even moving tale (the balloon’s flirtatious dance with a blue balloon is priceless) that would still be as meaningful for children today as those in post-war France, when it was made. (About $10) Big beefy sets: For those who still have job security and can perhaps shell out a few extra dollars, here are some options that are actually worth the money: The Godfather (Coppola Restoration Giftset): Yes, Coppola and company have returned to this well many a time on DVD, but if even if you have one of the former incarnations, you may want to start using them as coasters, as this is by far the best-looking version of the films you are likely to find. For those film geeks who appreciate the film for its nuances like the chiaroscuro lighting, era-perfect costuming and flawless framing, this is one sweet canoli. (About $45 for the whole set, though films can be purchased separately to avoid that whole Godfather III mistake) The Pink Panther Ultimate Collection: So the series bats about 500, mostly during Peter Sellers’ earliest work as the inept Inspector Clouseau (but this set also includes interpretations of the bumbling detective by Alan Arkin, Roger Moore (in 1983’s Curse of the Pink Panther), Roberto Benigni and, sadly, Steve Martin in the current re-boot of the franchise. But, the shoddy latter film entries are completely forgiven by this box set’s inclusion of all 190 far-superior Pink Panther cartoons. (About $180, but you are getting a total of 18 discs with this) Mystery Science Theater 3000: 20th Anniversary Edition : Unfortunately, it is true: two decades have passed since this fantastic series first aired, meaning you are that much older. Fortunately, the series contains so many laughs you may forget about all how much hair you’ve lost/wrinkles you’ve gained in that time. Films held up for merry mockery include: First Spaceship to Venus (1960), Laserblast (1979), Werewolf (1983) and Future War (1997). In the past, many MST3K discs have been rather sparse on extras, but this set comes loaded with features, including the show’s history, a reunion Q & A, and countless different versions of the theme song. (About $160, but you get a life-size head of Crow T. Robot, people!) The Complete Monty Python's Flying Circus - Collector's Edition Megaset: To know it is to love it: Flying Circus and its co-conspiratorial crew calling itself Monty Python have been purveyors of all modern silliness for more than three decades, leaving many sketch-comedy contenders in their wake. Take a look at any “comedy” channel on the internet today and you will no doubt see the influence of these ground-breaking masters of mockery. (About $55) The Budd Boetticher Box Set: What, you’ve never heard of Budd Boetticher? Does the fact that Marin Scorcese, Clint Eastwood and Taylor Hackford all volunteered to introduce films included in this set persuade you at all? The Tall T, Decision at Sundown, Buchanan Rides Alone, Ride Lonesome (1959) and Comanche Station, are but a few contributions to the Western genre from the director, giving James Coburn (in his film debut), Richard Boone, Maureen O'Sullivan, Pernell Roberts, Lee Van Cleef, and Craig Stevens and place to hang their hats, so to speak. (About $45) The Bette Davis Collection, Vol. 3 : Made during the grand dame’s peak of popularity (the non-campy kind) while working with Warner Brothers, this collection includes seldom-seen-but-worthwhile classics as The Old Maid (1939), All This and Heaven Too (1940), The Great Lie (1942), In This Our Life (1942), Watch the Rhine (1943) and Deception (1946). Also tossed into the six-disc set are commentary tracks from film scholars, era-specific film trailers, behind-the-scenes footage, and vintage cartoons. (About $47) The Alfred Hitchcock Premiere Collection: Spanning eight discs, this MGM set highlights some of the more obscure, but no-less interesting, works from the master, including The Lodger (1927), one of his silent pictures, Sabotage (1936), the Oscar-winning Rebecca (1940), Lifeboat (1944) a mini-masterwork that is set entirely on an inflatable raft and still manages to build tension, Spellbound (1945) , Notorious (1946) and The Paradine Case (1946), starring Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck. Included are the famous Hitchock Francois Truffaut interviews, trailers, radio adaptations, and other nuggets of cinema goodness. (About $60) Georges Méliès: First Wizard of Cinema (1896-1913): Melies’s sad ending was criminal compared to his contribution to the world of film (he died penniless and all-but-forgotten), and this posthumous compilation only further proves just how influential this man was. Some of the ways the effects are done today have changed, but the more things change… A total of 173 short films from this movie master are included in this box set, filled with fantastic journeys, interplanetary travel, and fairy tale lands. The set also includes a booklet documenting his life in and out of film, as well as a famous short documentary on him from another French legend, Georges Franju. (About $90) A really, very, super-special, ultimate collector’s edition: Almost every film today is released in rated and “unrated” director’s cuts. But few of them have any negligible differences. Here are a few that merit a purchase: The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (20th Anniversary Edition): Visionary director Terry Gilliam has seldom had smooth sailing from sets to screen (the legendary aborted Johnny Depp project, The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, made for a fascinating documentary of the filmmaking process titled Lost in La Mancha), and this 1988 film is no exception. Budgets and schedules spinning out of control led to one of the more intriguing behind-the-scenes lore of film production, which is recounted rather honestly and thoroughly through its cast and crew in this special edition DVD. For those who have never witnessed this hallucinatory fantasy since it was first released, a repeat viewing after following how it was made is required to gain an entirely new respect for it. (About $20) The Thief of Bagdad (Criterion Collection): If you or your children’s only exposure to bottled genies and flying carpets are limited to either Disney and/or Barbara Eden, you owe it to yourself and your kids to pick up this restored gem that featured at-the-time groundbreaking effects (that even today, while dated, still impress), a thrilling adventure and now packed with bonus material such as the original trailer, several commentaries (including a couple of hacks by the name of Scorsese and Coppola), documentaries on Ray Harryhausen, Dennis Muren and Craig Barron and various other features. (About $25) Dark City (Director’s Cut): Hot off the success of The Crow, in the early 90s, director Alex Proyas was given a bigger budget to create an even larger alternate universe, not unlike the ones created in Blade Runner. And it was perhaps a little too close, as the film was initially met with a shrug from many critics (except Roger Ebert) and quickly disappeared. It has developed a sizeable cult following, allowing a DVD rebirth in the form of a director’s cut, inviting newbies and former haters alike to view the film as originally intended. (About $12) Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains!: Here’s another film that a backstory almost as interesting as the one on the screen. Disowned by its writer, dropped by its studio and abandoned by home video, this rarity stars a young Diane Lane, Ray Winstone, and Laura Dern (as well as members from The Clash and The Sex Pistols). After making the rounds of HBO and late-night USA Network back in the day (late 80s), the film vanished into obscurity. Rhino has lovingly picked it up and polished it off with a number of features, including audio commentaries (from Lane and Dern, no less!). (About $15) The General: The Ultimate Two-Disc Edition: No self-respecting lover of film should be without this one in their collection. Be wary, as since this classic has gone into public domain (meaning almost any rag-tag releasing company can distribute a beat-up print for profit), this comedic classic from Buster Keaton has countless versions clotting bargain bins everywhere. Kino, which has already released a fine dust-off of the film years ago, now present a definitive version, including introductions from Gloria Swanson and Orson Welles, a tour of the filming locations (including the train used in the film) and a choice of musical accompaniments for this silent masterpiece of meticulously calculated mayhem. (About $22)
]]>Wed, 10 Dec 2008 01:46:01 GMTusesoapusesoap Blog12/9/2008 8:46:01 PMFolks in the current economy just haven&rsquo;t warmed to the whole Blu-ray concept just yet. So while they are still commercially viable (even though they are waning in popularity), there are still a number of special edition DVDs funneling into the market. As the holiday approaches, it can be confusing for consumers as they toggle between choosing the &ldquo;Special Dynamic Super Edition&rdquo; or the &ldquo;Ultimate Collectors Shiny Happy Edition&rdquo; of the same films that have been released, re-released, and re-re-released. I am not going to include the latest films that have perhaps just been released this year in theaters and are receiving their big DVD debuts, but rather the digital roads less traveled, providing a range of options for all to fit every price range for DVD films and box sets released in 2008. As you are striking off names of cinephiles from your holiday gift list, consider some of the following options: For the kids/family: All kids will clamor for the Wall *E and Horton Hears a Who, but do you want your child to be a follower or a leader? Here&rsquo;s some healthy alternatives: .The Woody Woodpecker and Friends Classic Cartoon Collection, Vol 2 Woody was sort of like the Rodney Dangerfield of cartoon characters for me and my friends growing up. The ubiquitous bird was really just animated padding as we awaited what we perceived to be better cartoons that would come on when we returned home from school. He was the television equivalent to Ziggy. And while there are several valleys in this three-disc collection of shorts produced between 1952 and 1958, there are countless peaks, including Niagara Fools, which could quite possibly be the best of his entire run on the tube. (About $35 at Amazon.com). Classic Caballeros Collection: (The Three Caballeros/ Saludos Amigos): Walt Disney, cash strapped after spiraling budgets of Pinocchio and Fantasia threatened to bankrupt the company, found himself traveling to Central and South America in search of distributing his product and cashing in to new markets. The results are these two (and a few other) shorts that are bouncy enough to satiate the kids in the house (with staples like Donald Duck and Goofy) , but filled with enough behind-the-scenes travelogues to keep the parents entertained long after the tots head off for bed. It&rsquo;s a time capsule that shows the first footsteps taken in Disney&rsquo;s now-global stranglehold on all things relating to childhood. (About $15) American Slapstick 2: In this three-disc compilation of shorts, 30 silent-era films are featured, demonstrating the breadth and depths of this oft-chided comic institution whose public recognition of it usually focuses solely on some guy named Chaplin. Harold Lloyd, then-unknown Oliver Hardy, Bebe Daniels, Snub Pollard all share screen time with even lesser-known pioneers. The popularity of the one-half silent slapstick of this year&rsquo;s Wall*E will perhaps encourage viewers to uncover these long-forgotten pearls. (About $35) The Red Balloon: A lonely Parisian boy befriends a helium-filled titular object that seems to have a mind of its own in this 1956 film that is still as enchanting today and Janus Films has done an impeccable job in its cleanup of the print. The result in a simple, sweet , funny and even moving tale (the balloon&rsquo;s flirtatious dance with a blue balloon is priceless) that would still be as meaningful for children today as those in post-war France, when it was made. (About $10) Big beefy sets: For those who still have job security and can perhaps shell out a few extra dollars, here are some options that are actually worth the money: The Godfather (Coppola Restoration Giftset): Yes, Coppola and company have returned to this well many a time on DVD, but if even if you have one of the former incarnations, you may want to start using them as coasters, as this is by far the best-looking version of the films you are likely to find. For those film geeks who appreciate the film for its nuances like the chiaroscuro lighting, era-perfect costuming and flawless framing, this is one sweet canoli. (About $45 for the whole set, though films can be purchased separately to avoid that whole Godfather III mistake) The Pink Panther Ultimate Collection: So the series bats about 500, mostly during Peter Sellers&rsquo; earliest work as the inept Inspector Clouseau (but this set also includes interpretations of the bumbling detective by Alan Arkin, Roger Moore (in 1983&rsquo;s Curse of the Pink Panther), Roberto Benigni and, sadly, Steve Martin in the current re-boot of the franchise. But, the shoddy latter film entries are completely forgiven by this box set&rsquo;s inclusion of all 190 far-superior Pink Panther cartoons. (About $180, but you are getting a total of 18 discs with this) Mystery Science Theater 3000: 20th Anniversary Edition : Unfortunately, it is true: two decades have passed since this fantastic series first aired, meaning you are that much older. Fortunately, the series contains so many laughs you may forget about all how much hair you&rsquo;ve lost/wrinkles you&rsquo;ve gained in that time. Films held up for merry mockery include: First Spaceship to Venus (1960), Laserblast (1979), Werewolf (1983) and Future War (1997). In the past, many MST3K discs have been rather sparse on extras, but this set comes loaded with features, including the show&rsquo;s history, a reunion Q &amp; A, and countless different versions of the theme song. (About $160, but you get a life-size head of Crow T. Robot, people!) The Complete Monty Python's Flying Circus - Collector's Edition Megaset: To know it is to love it: Flying Circus and its co-conspiratorial crew calling itself Monty Python have been purveyors of all modern silliness for more than three decades, leaving many sketch-comedy contenders in their wake. Take a look at any &ldquo;comedy&rdquo; channel on the internet today and you will no doubt see the influence of these ground-breaking masters of mockery. (About $55) The Budd Boetticher Box Set: What, you&rsquo;ve never heard of Budd Boetticher? Does the fact that Marin Scorcese, Clint Eastwood and Taylor Hackford all volunteered to introduce films included in this set persuade you at all? The Tall T, Decision at Sundown, Buchanan Rides Alone, Ride Lonesome (1959) and Comanche Station, are but a few contributions to the Western genre from the director, giving James Coburn (in his film debut), Richard Boone, Maureen O'Sullivan, Pernell Roberts, Lee Van Cleef, and Craig Stevens and place to hang their hats, so to speak. (About $45) The Bette Davis Collection, Vol. 3 : Made during the grand dame&rsquo;s peak of popularity (the non-campy kind) while working with Warner Brothers, this collection includes seldom-seen-but-worthwhile classics as The Old Maid (1939), All This and Heaven Too (1940), The Great Lie (1942), In This Our Life (1942), Watch the Rhine (1943) and Deception (1946). Also tossed into the six-disc set are commentary tracks from film scholars, era-specific film trailers, behind-the-scenes footage, and vintage cartoons. (About $47) The Alfred Hitchcock Premiere Collection: Spanning eight discs, this MGM set highlights some of the more obscure, but no-less interesting, works from the master, including The Lodger (1927), one of his silent pictures, Sabotage (1936), the Oscar-winning Rebecca (1940), Lifeboat (1944) a mini-masterwork that is set entirely on an inflatable raft and still manages to build tension, Spellbound (1945) , Notorious (1946) and The Paradine Case (1946), starring Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck. Included are the famous Hitchock Francois Truffaut interviews, trailers, radio adaptations, and other nuggets of cinema goodness. (About $60) Georges M&eacute;li&egrave;s: First Wizard of Cinema (1896-1913): Melies&rsquo;s sad ending was criminal compared to his contribution to the world of film (he died penniless and all-but-forgotten), and this posthumous compilation only further proves just how influential this man was. Some of the ways the effects are done today have changed, but the more things change&hellip; A total of 173 short films from this movie master are included in this box set, filled with fantastic journeys, interplanetary travel, and fairy tale lands. The set also includes a booklet documenting his life in and out of film, as well as a famous short documentary on him from another French legend, Georges Franju. (About $90) A really, very, super-special, ultimate collector&rsquo;s edition: Almost every film today is released in rated and &ldquo;unrated&rdquo; director&rsquo;s cuts. But few of them have any negligible differences. Here are a few that merit a purchase: The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (20th Anniversary Edition): Visionary director Terry Gilliam has seldom had smooth sailing from sets to screen (the legendary aborted Johnny Depp project, The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, made for a fascinating documentary of the filmmaking process titled Lost in La Mancha), and this 1988 film is no exception. Budgets and schedules spinning out of control led to one of the more intriguing behind-the-scenes lore of film production, which is recounted rather honestly and thoroughly through its cast and crew in this special edition DVD. For those who have never witnessed this hallucinatory fantasy since it was first released, a repeat viewing after following how it was made is required to gain an entirely new respect for it. (About $20) The Thief of Bagdad (Criterion Collection): If you or your children&rsquo;s only exposure to bottled genies and flying carpets are limited to either Disney and/or Barbara Eden, you owe it to yourself and your kids to pick up this restored gem that featured at-the-time groundbreaking effects (that even today, while dated, still impress), a thrilling adventure and now packed with bonus material such as the original trailer, several commentaries (including a couple of hacks by the name of Scorsese and Coppola), documentaries on Ray Harryhausen, Dennis Muren and Craig Barron and various other features. (About $25) Dark City (Director&rsquo;s Cut): Hot off the success of The Crow, in the early 90s, director Alex Proyas was given a bigger budget to create an even larger alternate universe, not unlike the ones created in Blade Runner. And it was perhaps a little too close, as the film was initially met with a shrug from many critics (except Roger Ebert) and quickly disappeared. It has developed a sizeable cult following, allowing a DVD rebirth in the form of a director&rsquo;s cut, inviting newbies and former haters alike to view the film as originally intended. (About $12) Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains!: Here&rsquo;s another film that a backstory almost as interesting as the one on the screen. Disowned by its writer, dropped by its studio and abandoned by home video, this rarity stars a young Diane Lane, Ray Winstone, and Laura Dern (as well as members from The Clash and The Sex Pistols). After making the rounds of HBO and late-night USA Network back in the day (late 80s), the film vanished into obscurity. Rhino has lovingly picked it up and polished it off with a number of features, including audio commentaries (from Lane and Dern, no less!). (About $15) The General: The Ultimate Two-Disc Edition: No self-respecting lover of film should be without this one in their collection. Be wary, as since this classic has gone into public domain (meaning almost any rag-tag releasing company can distribute a beat-up print for profit), this comedic classic from Buster Keaton has countless versions clotting bargain bins everywhere. Kino, which has already released a fine dust-off of the film years ago, now present a definitive version, including introductions from Gloria Swanson and Orson Welles, a tour of the filming locations (including the train used in the film) and a choice of musical accompaniments for this silent masterpiece of meticulously calculated mayhem. (About $22) http://www.spout.com/blogs/monoman/archive/2008/11/2/36884.aspx Post By: MonoMan
Post To: MonoMan Blog
Post Date: 11/2/2008 4:14:27 PM
Body: To fully be able to enjoy Dark City, you have to buy the whole package. To begin with, it's Film Noir at it's moist noirish. It's futuristic as well. It's got lots of stylish, weird characters. It's not a romantic comedy starring Hugh Grant. It's not Ingmar Bergman. It's magic, like a good movie should be. Allow yourself to enter the City or stand by the gates, trying to look over the walls from outside. This is a fine piece of art that happens to be set in the future. Unlike The Matrix, which is a decent movie set in the future. What's it all about? See for yourself.
]]>Sun, 02 Nov 2008 21:14:27 GMTMonoManMonoMan Blog11/2/2008 4:14:27 PMTo fully be able to enjoy Dark City, you have to buy the whole package. To begin with, it's Film Noir at it's moist noirish. It's futuristic as well. It's got lots of stylish, weird characters. It's not a romantic comedy starring Hugh Grant. It's not Ingmar Bergman. It's magic, like a good movie should be. Allow yourself to enter the City or stand by the gates, trying to look over the walls from outside. This is a fine piece of art that happens to be set in the future. Unlike The Matrix, which is a decent movie set in the future. What's it all about? See for yourself. http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/Weekly_Theme_for_August_11_The_Secret_Society/625/33832/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: leeroy711
Post To: Weekly Theme
Post Date: 8/11/2008 1:57:26 AM
Body: This was a last minute decision for a theme, primarily based on an article I just read in on RogerEbert.com about Fritz Lang's 1927 film, Metropolis. By Roger Ebert: It is the most sensational find in recent film history. A nearly-complete print of Fritz Lang's "Metropolis" (1927) has been discovered in Buenos Aires, 80 years after it was thought a quarter of the film was lost forever. Called by many the most important of German films, one of the landmarks of silent Expressionism, its plot had several loose ends that will now be repaired. The find was made by Paula Félix-Didier, director of the cinema museum in Buenos Aires. Her story is told in an article in Germany's Zeit magazine, which traces the print from its arrival in Argentina in 1928. It found itself in the collection of a local film critic, who sold it to the National Art Fund in the 1960s, the magazine says. It arrived in the Museo del Cine in 1992. The False Maria. (Enlarge Image) Felix-Didier's ex-husband, director of the museum before the position was taken by his wife, "had heard from the manager of a cinema club, who years before had been surprised by how long a screening of this film had taken. Together, [they] took a look at the film in her archive --and discovered the missing scenes." Their print has been examined by experts in Berlin, where the film had its 1927 premiere. They agree it is authentic. After a restoration, the Murnau Foundation, owner of the rights, will release it to festivals, theaters and DVD. I'm very excited about this one. I really liked the movie but you definately get the feeling that something is missing when you watch it. I was drawn to see this movie about ten years ago when I heard Roger Ebert's audio commentary on the film Dark City. Dark City, pays a great deal of homage to Metropolis and Ebert's commentary explains how Lang's work is commonly thought as the first time a film presented the concept of a "secret society." It really is a fun topic, everthing from The Matrix to Hot Fuzz has dealt with it. So tell me, did The X-Files and Conspiracy Theory change the way you look at things. Or, do you go more for the sci-fi based Equilibrium or Constantine, or even Night Watch. It seems that any movie that tackles this theme scores a few extra points with me.
]]>Mon, 11 Aug 2008 05:57:26 GMTleeroy711Weekly Theme8/11/2008 1:57:26 AM This was a last minute decision for a theme, primarily based on an article I just read in on RogerEbert.com about Fritz Lang's 1927 film, Metropolis. By Roger Ebert: It is the most sensational find in recent film history. A nearly-complete print of Fritz Lang's "Metropolis" (1927) has been discovered in Buenos Aires, 80 years after it was thought a quarter of the film was lost forever. Called by many the most important of German films, one of the landmarks of silent Expressionism, its plot had several loose ends that will now be repaired. The find was made by Paula F&eacute;lix-Didier, director of the cinema museum in Buenos Aires. Her story is told in an article in Germany's Zeit magazine, which traces the print from its arrival in Argentina in 1928. It found itself in the collection of a local film critic, who sold it to the National Art Fund in the 1960s, the magazine says. It arrived in the Museo del Cine in 1992. The False Maria. (Enlarge Image) Felix-Didier's ex-husband, director of the museum before the position was taken by his wife, "had heard from the manager of a cinema club, who years before had been surprised by how long a screening of this film had taken. Together, [they] took a look at the film in her archive --and discovered the missing scenes." Their print has been examined by experts in Berlin, where the film had its 1927 premiere. They agree it is authentic. After a restoration, the Murnau Foundation, owner of the rights, will release it to festivals, theaters and DVD. I'm very excited about this one. I really liked the movie but you definately get the feeling that something is missing when you watch it. I was drawn to see this movie about ten years ago when I heard Roger Ebert's audio commentary on the film Dark City. Dark City, pays a great deal of homage to Metropolis and Ebert's commentary explains how Lang's work is commonly thought as the first time a film presented the concept of a "secret society." It really is a fun topic, everthing from The Matrix to Hot Fuzz has dealt with it. So tell me, did The X-Files and Conspiracy Theory change the way you look at things. Or, do you go more for the sci-fi based Equilibrium or Constantine, or even Night Watch. It seems that any movie that tackles this theme scores a few extra points with me. http://www.spout.com/groups/Criterion_Collection/Re_Criterion_Predictions/115/31758/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: leeroy711
Post To: Criterion Collection
Post Date: 6/26/2008 9:34:20 PM
Body: [quote user="Smooth_J"] [quote user="leeroy711"] 1984 - To the best of my knowledge, there is still no dvd release availiable for this movie. [/quote] There was one a while ago, but it's indefinitely out of print, and is going for about $60 USED on Amazon. Quite ridiculous...that would be a great one though. I loved the book, have yet to see the movie. [/quote] I also thought of Dark City, if for no other reason than it's early German industrialism feel and that a few critics (especially Ebert) loved it. But I think I just read that New Line is releasing a director's cut of it soon so I don't think criterion will be getting it for the next 20 years or so. I definately think (and hope) at some point they release Z. This is one that came finally made it to dvd in (I'm guessing) a very limited release. The only place you can find a copy is online and the asking price is usually around $35-45. There isn't much to speak of when in regards to special features. This is one of my favorite films and I'm reduced to finding it at the library everytime I want to watch it. I wouldn't mind paying the $30+ for it if it were criterion though.
]]>Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:34:20 GMTleeroy711Criterion Collection6/26/2008 9:34:20 PM[quote user="Smooth_J"] [quote user="leeroy711"] 1984 - To the best of my knowledge, there is still no dvd release availiable for this movie. [/quote] There was one a while ago, but it's indefinitely out of print, and is going for about $60 USED on Amazon. Quite ridiculous...that would be a great one though. I loved the book, have yet to see the movie. [/quote] I also thought of Dark City, if for no other reason than it's early German industrialism feel and that a few critics (especially Ebert) loved it. But I think I just read that New Line is releasing a director's cut of it soon so I don't think criterion will be getting it for the next 20 years or so. I definately think (and hope) at some point they release Z. This is one that came finally made it to dvd in (I'm guessing) a very limited release. The only place you can find a copy is online and the asking price is usually around $35-45. There isn't much to speak of when in regards to special features. This is one of my favorite films and I'm reduced to finding it at the library everytime I want to watch it. I wouldn't mind paying the $30+ for it if it were criterion though. http://www.spout.com/groups/Movie_Games/Re_Roger_Ebert_said/598/29832/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: leeroy711
Post To: Movie Games
Post Date: 5/23/2008 1:57:31 PM
Body: [quote user="SkyPilot"] [quote user="leeroy711"] "(this movie) is a great visionary achievement, a film so original and exciting, it stirred my imagination like ``Metropolis'' and ``2001: A Space Odyssey.'' [/quote] My gut says The Manster. My heart says Brave Little Toaster. My brain says Dark City. [/quote] Follow your heart............................... or not.
]]>Fri, 23 May 2008 17:57:31 GMTleeroy711Movie Games5/23/2008 1:57:31 PM[quote user="SkyPilot"] [quote user="leeroy711"] "(this movie) is a great visionary achievement, a film so original and exciting, it stirred my imagination like ``Metropolis'' and ``2001: A Space Odyssey.'' [/quote] My gut says The Manster. My heart says Brave Little Toaster. My brain says Dark City. [/quote] Follow your heart............................... or not. http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/Classic/MemberTagFilms.aspxClassic
Number of films tagged: 816

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