THE WEEK OF APRIL 27th 2010
GROUP EDITED by: TROY ANDERSON
DVD/BR SECTION by: Troy Anderson
THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS
Director: Terry Gilliam
Sony Pictures Classics
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Special Features
- Commentary with Director Terry Gilliam
- Introduction by Terry Gilliam
- Deleted Scene with Optional Commentary by Terry Gilliam
- Behind the Mirror
- Building the Monastery
- Heath Ledger Wardrobe Test with Optional Commentary by Terry Gilliam
- Interview with Heath Ledger
- Doctor Parnassus Around the World
- Cast & Crew Presentation on Stage
- The Artwork of Doctor Parnassus
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus has grown on me since my first viewing. A lot of noise was made about this being Heath Ledger’s last film, but I don’t feel enough attention is given to Christopher Plummer and Tom Waits. Playing off each very well, allows the veteran actor and troubadour to develop this great rapport. Jude Law and Johnny Depp support the main action with decent enough theatrics. But, you’re still left with the feeling that this is a lesser Gilliam work. It’s still better than Tideland, but much less important in the overall body of work.
THE DESCENT: PART 2
d. Jon Harris
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Special Features
- Audio commentary with director Jon Harris and actors Shauna MacDonald, Krysten Cummings and Anna Skellern
Deleted scenes
Storyboard gallery
The Descent Part 2 didn’t need to happen. But, like most horror movies…it screams franchise. Why do we need to force sequels down the throats of horror fans? Well, we can’t allow them to process gritty endings that showcase what happens when the mundane meets the supernatural. Plus, there’s something about now allowing a female-driven movie to end on a dark note. Sure, it’s not like this film tries to sunshine up the events. But, when you listen to the audio commentary…it’s hard to come up with answers justifying a second trip back to the caves.
RIDE WITH THE DEVIL
d. Ang Lee
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Special Features
Ride with the Devil
was not an easy film for some moviegoers in the Fall of 1998. Overshadowed by the gloss of Benigni and Madden, Ang Lee fell by the wayside at Awards time. The film is finally getting a second chance via this week’s Blu-Ray/DVD offering from the good folks at Criterion. Taking a look at the Bushwackers/Jayhawk border wars that took place in Missouri offers up an interesting look at the Civil War. One that takes away the majestic landscapes of Tara and offers up the dirt of the near frontier. Jeffrey Wright is amazing in the film, but it’s Tobey Maguire’s showcase.
THE FUGITIVE KIND
c. Marlon Brando, Joanne Woodward and Maureen Stapleton
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Special Features
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- New, restored high-definition digital transfer
- New video interview with Lumet
- New documentary featuring Robert Bray and R. Barton Palmer
- A booklet featuring an essay by film critic David Thomson
- Plus ! Three Plays by Tennessee Williams, an hour-long TV presentation
The Fugitive Kind is a great Sidney Lumet film that came after his debut, but before he got into the serious drama of the 1970s. Brando channels James Dean as guitar slinging drifter Val Xavier. Every moment Brando is on the screen makes you wish that he had never turned into the giant slob of his old age. The film is meant to reflect Tennessee Williams’ dabbling in the Southern Gothic tradition. This means that there’s a lot of pining and women wanting to be fucked. Unfortunately, there’s no overt themes or near sexual assaults. Not every Williams adaptation can equal Kazan’s A Streetcar Named Desire.
NETFLIX INSTANT VIEW (POURING THE DIRT INTO BLOCKBUSTER’S GRAVE)
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