list http://www.spout.com/ Recent community activity around Son of the Pink Panther 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/Son_of_the_Pink_Panther/82218/default.aspx Title: Son of the Pink Panther
Year: 1993
Director: Blake Edwards
Plot: After the death of Peter Sellers in 1980, writer/director Blake Edwards assembled a new "Pink Panther" film from outtakes of Sellers as Inspector Clouseau from previous movies in the series (the result was called The Trail of the Pink Panther) and later made two attempts to revive the series with another actor. In this case, Edwards cast Roberto Benigni as Jacques Gambrelli, a hopelessly inept French policeman who turns out the be the illegitimate son of Inspector Clouseau. Gambrelli becomes involved with the investigation of a kidnapping involving the beautiful Princess Yasmin (Debrah Farentino) literally by accident, when he crashes into a car driven by Police Commissioner Dreyfus (Herbert Lom). Gambrelli soon becomes smitten with Yasmin, while the investigation suggests that the kidnapping was set up by her mother, the Queen (Shabana Azmi), and her lover, General Jaffar (Aharon Ipale). Claudia Cardinale who played a different character in the original Pink Panther returns, while Burt Kwouk returns as the violent Korean manservant Cato. Roberto Benigni's Gambrelli proved no more successful at the box office than Ted Wass's Clouseau-like Clifton Sleigh in The Curse of the Pink Panther (1983), though after his multiple-Oscar winning success with 1998's La Vita e Bella, Roberto's probably gotten over it. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Number of blog posts: 2
Number of discussion threads: 1
SpoutRating: 2
]]>Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:53:00 GMTSon of the Pink Panther1993Blake EdwardsAfter the death of <a href="/players/P____64447/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Peter Sellers</a> in 1980, writer/director <a href="/players/P____88685/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Blake Edwards</a> assembled a new "Pink Panther" film from outtakes of Sellers as Inspector Clouseau from previous movies in the series (the result was called <a href=/films/35705/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>The Trail of the Pink Panther</a>) and later made two attempts to revive the series with another actor. In this case, Edwards cast <a href="/players/P____81377/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Roberto Benigni</a> as Jacques Gambrelli, a hopelessly inept French policeman who turns out the be the illegitimate son of Inspector Clouseau. Gambrelli becomes involved with the investigation of a kidnapping involving the beautiful Princess Yasmin (Debrah Farentino) literally by accident, when he crashes into a car driven by Police Commissioner Dreyfus (<a href="/players/P____43011/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Herbert Lom</a>). Gambrelli soon becomes smitten with Yasmin, while the investigation suggests that the kidnapping was set up by her mother, the Queen (<a href="/players/P_____3064/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Shabana Azmi</a>), and her lover, General Jaffar (Aharon Ipale). <a href="/players/P____10829/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Claudia Cardinale</a> who played a different character in the original <a href=/films/26749/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>Pink Panther</a> returns, while <a href="/players/P____39695/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Burt Kwouk</a> returns as the violent Korean manservant Cato. <a href="/players/P____81377/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Roberto Benigni</a>'s Gambrelli proved no more successful at the box office than <a href="/players/P____74879/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Ted Wass</a>'s Clouseau-like Clifton Sleigh in The Curse of the Pink Panther (1983), though after his multiple-Oscar winning success with 1998's La Vita e Bella, Roberto's probably gotten over it. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide212http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t71282qzc6l.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/Son_of_the_Pink_Panther/82218/default.aspxFilm http://www.spout.com/groups/Coming_Soon/Re_1_30_TAKEN_shaken_and_stirred_by_new_movie/216/39928/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: spout
Post To: Coming Soon
Post Date: 1/26/2009 6:53:00 PM
Body: NEW DVD's 1/27 1. RocknRolla -- Watch the trailer. RocknRolla made people say "Guy Ritchie is back," but when I recently watched Snatch I was surprised at how dated it felt. By contrast, RocknRolla seemed surprising, even as I recognized some of the trademark Richie-isms in the soundtrack choices and cinematography. I recommend this one, and I'm looking forward to the sequel. 2. Vicky Cristina Barcelona -- Watch the trailer. Most of the buzz around this Woody Allen film stemmed from the make-out scene between Scarlett Johansson and Penelope Cruz. But hey, it's Woody Allen, who once in a while he still puts together a really good movie (i.e. Match Point). Is VCB good? I haven't seen it. 3. Pride & Glory -- Watch the trailer. You've heard that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link? Well, this film has Ed Norton, Colin Farrell, and Jon Voight, and it's only as good as Jon Voight. 4. College -- Do not watch the trailer. Do not watch the movie. 5. Fireproof -- Watch the trailer. Something of a rarity, since it was produced by a Christian church and still received a wide release. Stars Kirk Cameron, as a fireman for whom it's easier to risk his life saving people than it is to work at his failing marriage. 6. Lakeview Terrace -- Watch the trailer. Samuel L. Jackson plays a psycho cop who's got an irrational beef with his neighbors, Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington. 7. The Lucky Ones -- Tim Robbins, Rachel McAdams and Michael Pena are Iraq veterans on a US road trip. 8. Zodiac -- Watch the trailer. The one David Fincher made before The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. The one about the 1970s Zodiac killer. The one that was far too long and only so-so. Re-releases 1. Groundhog Day (1993) -- Watch the trailer. I watch this once a year around February 2. This is the "Anniversary Edition," commemorating the...16th anniversary? Hey, how many years of Feb. 2 do you think Phil lived through? Sixteen years? Less? More? 2. The Bourne Trilogy -- A couple weeks ago, I was asking a friend if he thought Underworld 3 would be the best of the series, and he said, "When was the last time any part three was the best?" I suggest to you: The Bourne Ultimatum. 3. Pink Panther Film Collection -- Includes A Shot in the Dark (1964), Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976), Revenge of the Pink Panther (1978), Trail of the Pink Panther (1982), Curse of the Pink Panther (1983), and Son of the Pink Panther (1993). I hadn't seen A Shot in the Dark until the first Steve Martin Pink Panther came out, and I was surprised at how little Peter Sellers is onscreen! I haven't seen any of the later films; anyone have favorites to recommend? 4. The Stewardesses, Deluxe Edition -- Watch the trailer. FilmCouch discusses how this crappy little porno became the most successful 3D movie in history.
]]>Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:53:00 GMTspoutComing Soon1/26/2009 6:53:00 PMNEW DVD's 1/27 1. RocknRolla -- Watch the trailer. RocknRolla made people say "Guy Ritchie is back," but when I recently watched Snatch I was surprised at how dated it felt. By contrast, RocknRolla seemed surprising, even as I recognized some of the trademark Richie-isms in the soundtrack choices and cinematography. I recommend this one, and I'm looking forward to the sequel. 2. Vicky Cristina Barcelona -- Watch the trailer. Most of the buzz around this Woody Allen film stemmed from the make-out scene between Scarlett Johansson and Penelope Cruz. But hey, it's Woody Allen, who once in a while he still puts together a really good movie (i.e. Match Point). Is VCB good? I haven't seen it. 3. Pride &amp; Glory -- Watch the trailer. You've heard that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link? Well, this film has Ed Norton, Colin Farrell, and Jon Voight, and it's only as good as Jon Voight. 4. College -- Do not watch the trailer. Do not watch the movie. 5. Fireproof -- Watch the trailer. Something of a rarity, since it was produced by a Christian church and still received a wide release. Stars Kirk Cameron, as a fireman for whom it's easier to risk his life saving people than it is to work at his failing marriage. 6. Lakeview Terrace -- Watch the trailer. Samuel L. Jackson plays a psycho cop who's got an irrational beef with his neighbors, Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington. 7. The Lucky Ones -- Tim Robbins, Rachel McAdams and Michael Pena are Iraq veterans on a US road trip. 8. Zodiac -- Watch the trailer. The one David Fincher made before The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. The one about the 1970s Zodiac killer. The one that was far too long and only so-so. Re-releases 1. Groundhog Day (1993) -- Watch the trailer. I watch this once a year around February 2. This is the "Anniversary Edition," commemorating the...16th anniversary? Hey, how many years of Feb. 2 do you think Phil lived through? Sixteen years? Less? More? 2. The Bourne Trilogy -- A couple weeks ago, I was asking a friend if he thought Underworld 3 would be the best of the series, and he said, "When was the last time any part three was the best?" I suggest to you: The Bourne Ultimatum. 3. Pink Panther Film Collection -- Includes A Shot in the Dark (1964), Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976), Revenge of the Pink Panther (1978), Trail of the Pink Panther (1982), Curse of the Pink Panther (1983), and Son of the Pink Panther (1993). I hadn't seen A Shot in the Dark until the first Steve Martin Pink Panther came out, and I was surprised at how little Peter Sellers is onscreen! I haven't seen any of the later films; anyone have favorites to recommend? 4. The Stewardesses, Deluxe Edition -- Watch the trailer. FilmCouch discusses how this crappy little porno became the most successful 3D movie in history. 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/spoutblog/archive/2008/10/20/36532.aspx Post By: SpoutBlog
Post To: SpoutBlog on spout.com
Post Date: 10/20/2008 6:00:27 PM
Body: This is the first in what will be a series of posts examining the artistic life cycles of Oscar winners who failed to find continued mainstream success after taking home the statuette. If you have suggestions for stars or filmmakers that you’d like to see profiled, let us know in the comments. Roberto Benigni swang from general obscurity in the United States to media darling following his Academy Award for Life Is Beautiful. But what’s happened to him since? He was only the second filmmaker since Sir Laurence Olivier to direct himself in an Oscar-winning performance. That’s a long way to go for someone who had only been seen here in Blake Edwards’ terrible Son of the Pink Panther and as a sex-obsessed cabbie in Jim Jarmusch’s Night on Earth. While we love the underdog success story, we also love the fall from grace, and we’re in search of the crater that Benigni must have left somewhere. Benigni was poised to become an Italian Spielberg (if Spielberg appeared in his own movies) after Life is Beautiful, but in the five years after winning the Oscar, he only appeared as an actor in the comic book adaptation Asterix and Obelix Take on Caesar. That film was never even seen in American theaters, and only an import version of the DVD is available to order. Since then, he’s appeared in a one tiny role, and directed himself in two flops that failed to connect with audiences or critics, and is now touring in a one-man show based on Dante’s Divine Comedy. The comic actor didn’t return to the other side of the camera until 2002’s live-action Pinocchio, which has the dreaded distinction of being both the most expensive Italian film ever made, and one of its biggest critical failures. It grossed just over three and a half million dollars in the States, a far cry from Life’s $57 million. Critics said that the film had wonderful sets and costumes, but that no one could swallow Benigni in the role of a little puppet boy who wishes to be real. Especially since he was 50 years old at the time. But can one enormous flop really turn audiences off for good? With Benigni it’s more of a case of the curtain being drawn back to reveal The Wizard, and The Wizard not being what he’s cracked up to be. Benigni’s followup to Pinocchio was 2006’s The Tiger and the Snow, a comedy about an Italian poet stuck behind enemy lines during the Iraq war. The film received some of the worst reviews of the year. Jeannette Catsoulis at the New York Times said, “Roberto Benigni’s film is a scorching affront to Italians, Iraqis and the intelligence of movie audiences everywhere.” Prior to that, Benigni was in 2003’s Jarmusch’s short film mashup Coffee and Cigarettes, which oddly pairs him with narcoleptic comedian Steven Wright, although both of them seem highly caffeinated in this scene. This scene had been filmed as a short in 1986, and it’s a big departure from his dialogue heavy role as the chatty taxi driver in Night On Earth. In Coffee, he just looks manic and nervous, and check out that hairstyle. For someone as chatty and witty as Benigni seems to be, he’s fairly silent in this clip. Looks like a bad day at the Improv. A few years before Life is Beautiful, Benigni starred in Blake Edwards’ last theatrical film (to date) in an attempt to reboot the Pink Panther series. Despite Benigni’s pratfalls and enormous smile, it failed with audiences and critics, and mostly just underscored the fact that Peter Sellers was no longer with us. How they could possibly be making a sequel to Steve Martin’s The Pink Panther is still beyond me. Regardless, Son has been relegated to this discard bin, and is not considered part of the official Panther canon and has quietly been swept under the rug. What’s interesting is the fact that Benigni’s early Italian television career is just as colorful as some of his roles. He starred in a television show called Onda Libera, where he sang a hymn about the joys of defecation entitled “L’inno del corpo sciolto,” which was later censored. He’s also been a constant political figure in Italy as well, publicly criticizing the former Pope (which was also censored) and demonstrating for the Italian Communist Party. His outspoken nature and eccentric acting style brought him a lot of infamy in Italy, and before long he was starring in feature films, including 1985’s Nothing Left to Do But Cry, where he plays a modern day schoolteacher who time travels to the 15th century and plays cards with Leonardo da Vinci while trying to keep Columbus from discovering America. He starred in more than a dozen films from 1977 until Jarmusch put him in a short segment in Coffee and Cigarettes in 1986, just before giving him a larger role in Down By Law, which is still his highest-rated film on Rotten Tomatoes. So what is this Oscar winning actor/director doing now? For the past few years since directing and starring in The Tiger and the Snow he’s been starring in TuttoDante on stages across Europe. It’s a one-man show based on The Divine Comedy, and is supposed to be coming to America next year. It wouldn’t be surprising if he tries to make a feature film out of it. But would audiences even turn out for it? Based on his quickly plummeting box office appeal, it’s doubtful. Benigni was once hailed by the press as an Italian Charlie Chaplin, but it’s a name he hasn’t lived up to. Not to slight Life is Beautiful, which is a very touching film and Benigni’s performance is endearing, but he’s a one-note actor who thrives on slapstick comedy. Audiences quickly tired of repeated gags and pratfalls, and he was left exposed like the Emperor in “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Studios didn’t want to dismiss him so quickly, since surely someone who has won an Oscar knows what they’re doing, but Pinocchio and The Tiger and the Snow both show that he was probably highly overrated as a director. Perhaps he needs to work with Jarmusch again, or try more serious roles. Although for a terrific example of Benigni’s comedy in a darker setting, go rent his 1994 movie The Monster, which is probably one of the funniest films about a serial killer you’ll ever see. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog
]]>Mon, 20 Oct 2008 22:00:27 GMTSpoutBlogSpoutBlog on spout.com10/20/2008 6:00:27 PM This is the first in what will be a series of posts examining the artistic life cycles of Oscar winners who failed to find continued mainstream success after taking home the statuette. If you have suggestions for stars or filmmakers that you’d like to see profiled, let us know in the comments. Roberto Benigni swang from general obscurity in the United States to media darling following his Academy Award for Life Is Beautiful. But what’s happened to him since? He was only the second filmmaker since Sir Laurence Olivier to direct himself in an Oscar-winning performance. That’s a long way to go for someone who had only been seen here in Blake Edwards’ terrible Son of the Pink Panther and as a sex-obsessed cabbie in Jim Jarmusch’s Night on Earth. While we love the underdog success story, we also love the fall from grace, and we’re in search of the crater that Benigni must have left somewhere. Benigni was poised to become an Italian Spielberg (if Spielberg appeared in his own movies) after Life is Beautiful, but in the five years after winning the Oscar, he only appeared as an actor in the comic book adaptation Asterix and Obelix Take on Caesar. That film was never even seen in American theaters, and only an import version of the DVD is available to order. Since then, he’s appeared in a one tiny role, and directed himself in two flops that failed to connect with audiences or critics, and is now touring in a one-man show based on Dante’s Divine Comedy. The comic actor didn’t return to the other side of the camera until 2002’s live-action Pinocchio, which has the dreaded distinction of being both the most expensive Italian film ever made, and one of its biggest critical failures. It grossed just over three and a half million dollars in the States, a far cry from Life’s $57 million. Critics said that the film had wonderful sets and costumes, but that no one could swallow Benigni in the role of a little puppet boy who wishes to be real. Especially since he was 50 years old at the time. But can one enormous flop really turn audiences off for good? With Benigni it’s more of a case of the curtain being drawn back to reveal The Wizard, and The Wizard not being what he’s cracked up to be. Benigni’s followup to Pinocchio was 2006’s The Tiger and the Snow, a comedy about an Italian poet stuck behind enemy lines during the Iraq war. The film received some of the worst reviews of the year. Jeannette Catsoulis at the New York Times said, “Roberto Benigni’s film is a scorching affront to Italians, Iraqis and the intelligence of movie audiences everywhere.” Prior to that, Benigni was in 2003’s Jarmusch’s short film mashup Coffee and Cigarettes, which oddly pairs him with narcoleptic comedian Steven Wright, although both of them seem highly caffeinated in this scene. This scene had been filmed as a short in 1986, and it’s a big departure from his dialogue heavy role as the chatty taxi driver in Night On Earth. In Coffee, he just looks manic and nervous, and check out that hairstyle. For someone as chatty and witty as Benigni seems to be, he’s fairly silent in this clip. Looks like a bad day at the Improv. A few years before Life is Beautiful, Benigni starred in Blake Edwards’ last theatrical film (to date) in an attempt to reboot the Pink Panther series. Despite Benigni’s pratfalls and enormous smile, it failed with audiences and critics, and mostly just underscored the fact that Peter Sellers was no longer with us. How they could possibly be making a sequel to Steve Martin’s The Pink Panther is still beyond me. Regardless, Son has been relegated to this discard bin, and is not considered part of the official Panther canon and has quietly been swept under the rug. What’s interesting is the fact that Benigni’s early Italian television career is just as colorful as some of his roles. He starred in a television show called Onda Libera, where he sang a hymn about the joys of defecation entitled “L’inno del corpo sciolto,” which was later censored. He’s also been a constant political figure in Italy as well, publicly criticizing the former Pope (which was also censored) and demonstrating for the Italian Communist Party. His outspoken nature and eccentric acting style brought him a lot of infamy in Italy, and before long he was starring in feature films, including 1985’s Nothing Left to Do But Cry, where he plays a modern day schoolteacher who time travels to the 15th century and plays cards with Leonardo da Vinci while trying to keep Columbus from discovering America. He starred in more than a dozen films from 1977 until Jarmusch put him in a short segment in Coffee and Cigarettes in 1986, just before giving him a larger role in Down By Law, which is still his highest-rated film on Rotten Tomatoes. So what is this Oscar winning actor/director doing now? For the past few years since directing and starring in The Tiger and the Snow he’s been starring in TuttoDante on stages across Europe. It’s a one-man show based on The Divine Comedy, and is supposed to be coming to America next year. It wouldn’t be surprising if he tries to make a feature film out of it. But would audiences even turn out for it? Based on his quickly plummeting box office appeal, it’s doubtful. Benigni was once hailed by the press as an Italian Charlie Chaplin, but it’s a name he hasn’t lived up to. Not to slight Life is Beautiful, which is a very touching film and Benigni’s performance is endearing, but he’s a one-note actor who thrives on slapstick comedy. Audiences quickly tired of repeated gags and pratfalls, and he was left exposed like the Emperor in “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Studios didn’t want to dismiss him so quickly, since surely someone who has won an Oscar knows what they’re doing, but Pinocchio and The Tiger and the Snow both show that he was probably highly overrated as a director. Perhaps he needs to work with Jarmusch again, or try more serious roles. Although for a terrific example of Benigni’s comedy in a darker setting, go rent his 1994 movie The Monster, which is probably one of the funniest films about a serial killer you’ll ever see. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/romance/MemberTagFilms.aspxromance
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