Film fans who think James Cameron's 1997 epic Titanic is the last word on this tragic true story might not have seen some of the other dozen or so movies on this subject.
I've narrowed the list down to three - and Cameron's Titanic is not No.1.
To find out what is and why, go my website and read the feature: www.andysdvdreviews.com/features.html
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Here's a cool site
Here's a great site for movie fans things-and-other-stuff.com
The well-illustrated site specializes in movie collectibles, everything from cards to film stills, portrait photos and press photos. Imagine being able to get an original fan photo that studios mailed out in the heyday of Hollywood's Golden Age.
There's also loads of great stuff about "real" movie stars (they are compared to most of today's shallow lot) from the silents to about 1950, including dozens of profiles on the likes of Errol Flynn, Lilian Gish, Olivia De Havilland and Basil Rathbone plus many interesting feature articles.
I particularly enjoyed site-owner Cliff's list of all the classic DVD movies he has in his personal collection, from 1915 to 1959. We both own many of the same titles, including Captain Blood, Tower of London, Laura, Casablanca, The Stranger, Touch of Evil and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. A great list for movie fans looking for a great title they might never have seen.
The well-illustrated site specializes in movie collectibles, everything from cards to film stills, portrait photos and press photos. Imagine being able to get an original fan photo that studios mailed out in the heyday of Hollywood's Golden Age.
There's also loads of great stuff about "real" movie stars (they are compared to most of today's shallow lot) from the silents to about 1950, including dozens of profiles on the likes of Errol Flynn, Lilian Gish, Olivia De Havilland and Basil Rathbone plus many interesting feature articles.
I particularly enjoyed site-owner Cliff's list of all the classic DVD movies he has in his personal collection, from 1915 to 1959. We both own many of the same titles, including Captain Blood, Tower of London, Laura, Casablanca, The Stranger, Touch of Evil and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. A great list for movie fans looking for a great title they might never have seen.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Get the box office scoop
Most movie fans are interested in how their favourite - or most-hated - movie does at the box office.
So am I, and I'm happy to recommend a great site for checking worldwide theatrical returns.
It's called Box Office Mojo and it's a "must check" for me most days.
For example, today (Friday) I was able to find out that, as of Aug. 23, the teen comedy Superbad had taken $50,572,274 in North America. Not bad for a flick made for an estimated of $20 million.
Get your Mojo fix at: http://www.boxofficemojo.com/
So am I, and I'm happy to recommend a great site for checking worldwide theatrical returns.
It's called Box Office Mojo and it's a "must check" for me most days.
For example, today (Friday) I was able to find out that, as of Aug. 23, the teen comedy Superbad had taken $50,572,274 in North America. Not bad for a flick made for an estimated of $20 million.
Get your Mojo fix at: http://www.boxofficemojo.com/
Travolta in the oil biz
The film version of the 1980s TV show Dallas is running into more problems than J.R.'s love life.
The project is now on its third director - and shooting doesn't even begin until January.
Fans of the original show will also be having a Saturday Night Fever over the prospect of John Travolta playing Larry Hagman's old role as the woman-chasing, ruthless tycoon J.R. Ewing.
I don't see him as J.R. myself, but I have to say Travolta did recently impress me with his depth as a weary, but idealistic cop in the true story Lonely Hearts, which recently arrived on DVD.
Those Dallas fans content to live with their memories have Seasons 1-7 already out on DVD and a special box set combining Seasons 8-14 is in the works.
Meanwhile, check out this link for the latest news on the movie version:
The project is now on its third director - and shooting doesn't even begin until January.
Fans of the original show will also be having a Saturday Night Fever over the prospect of John Travolta playing Larry Hagman's old role as the woman-chasing, ruthless tycoon J.R. Ewing.
I don't see him as J.R. myself, but I have to say Travolta did recently impress me with his depth as a weary, but idealistic cop in the true story Lonely Hearts, which recently arrived on DVD.
Those Dallas fans content to live with their memories have Seasons 1-7 already out on DVD and a special box set combining Seasons 8-14 is in the works.
Meanwhile, check out this link for the latest news on the movie version:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6962159.stm
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Region free discs
Hey Hollywood, here's a novelty: Region free DVDs that can be played anywhere.
You'll find them at EuroArts, a music DVD catalogue distributed by Naxos, the world's biggest seller of classical music CDs.
EuroArts does classical, Jazz, film music and other quality discs. I'm currently enjoying the brilliant Max Raabe & Palast Orchester in concert in Berlin before 20,000 fans. They play dance band music of the 1920s and 1930s and have sold out shows in Japan, China, Italy and recently at Carnegie Hall in New York.
Now why can't all movies be made Region Free like these so we don't have to buy special DVD players to enjoy that disc we just brought back from Paris, or Sydney?
No reason at all that I can see.
You'll find them at EuroArts, a music DVD catalogue distributed by Naxos, the world's biggest seller of classical music CDs.
EuroArts does classical, Jazz, film music and other quality discs. I'm currently enjoying the brilliant Max Raabe & Palast Orchester in concert in Berlin before 20,000 fans. They play dance band music of the 1920s and 1930s and have sold out shows in Japan, China, Italy and recently at Carnegie Hall in New York.
Now why can't all movies be made Region Free like these so we don't have to buy special DVD players to enjoy that disc we just brought back from Paris, or Sydney?
No reason at all that I can see.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Bond vs. Bourne . . . how boring
They share the same initials - JB - but that's where the similarities end for fans of Jason Bourne and James Bond.
While everyone obviously has favourites, this "who's the best" debate currently raging is kinda stupid. Why not accept the fact they're different?
Matt Damon's dynamic performance as Bourne is obviously seen as the government agent for contemporary times. Certainly, compared to the older Bond movies, the Bourne flicks are faster paced, edgier and have a more complex main character.
However, Daniel Craig's "new" Bond in Casino Royale is also a creature of these times, tough, but with a soft core. He still likes the ladies, but he can also fall in love like Bourne. The old Bonds were "use-'em-and-lose-'em as far as women were concerned.
I like Bourne AND the new Bond.
Let's just celebrate the fact these characters make for great action flicks instead of indulging in a boring debate about who is No. 1.
While everyone obviously has favourites, this "who's the best" debate currently raging is kinda stupid. Why not accept the fact they're different?
Matt Damon's dynamic performance as Bourne is obviously seen as the government agent for contemporary times. Certainly, compared to the older Bond movies, the Bourne flicks are faster paced, edgier and have a more complex main character.
However, Daniel Craig's "new" Bond in Casino Royale is also a creature of these times, tough, but with a soft core. He still likes the ladies, but he can also fall in love like Bourne. The old Bonds were "use-'em-and-lose-'em as far as women were concerned.
I like Bourne AND the new Bond.
Let's just celebrate the fact these characters make for great action flicks instead of indulging in a boring debate about who is No. 1.
Robert De Niro's underwear secret
You'll never watch these movies the same way again...
From Robert De Niro's weird underwear demands in The Untouchables to Charlton's Heston's fury at being passed over for a role in Jaws, here's a fascinating look at 14 blockbuster movies from the past 30 years.
They're all out on DVD, by the way.
Enjoy:
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070822/movie_trivia_070822/20070822?hub=Entertainment
From Robert De Niro's weird underwear demands in The Untouchables to Charlton's Heston's fury at being passed over for a role in Jaws, here's a fascinating look at 14 blockbuster movies from the past 30 years.
They're all out on DVD, by the way.
Enjoy:
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070822/movie_trivia_070822/20070822?hub=Entertainment
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Elementary set for Holmes fans
OK Sherlock Holmes fans: put Sept. 25 in your diaries.
That's the day MPI Home Video releases a monumental 12-DVD set of the great Granada/PBS collection of Sherlock Holmes mysteries from the 1980s starring Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke.
The greatest team since the legendary Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce in the 1930s and 1940s, Brett and Hardwicke starred in 41 shows, including movie-length treatments of The Hound of the Baskervilles and The Sign of Four.
This 43-hour feast of great mysteries by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle includes several extras.
Trivia Note: Jeremy Brett played Freddie Enysford-Hill, who fails to woo Eliza, in the famous movie version of My Fair Lady starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison.
For full details go to: http://www.mpihomevideo.com/?p=25467&pid=1849&pcid=&ccid=
That's the day MPI Home Video releases a monumental 12-DVD set of the great Granada/PBS collection of Sherlock Holmes mysteries from the 1980s starring Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke.
The greatest team since the legendary Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce in the 1930s and 1940s, Brett and Hardwicke starred in 41 shows, including movie-length treatments of The Hound of the Baskervilles and The Sign of Four.
This 43-hour feast of great mysteries by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle includes several extras.
Trivia Note: Jeremy Brett played Freddie Enysford-Hill, who fails to woo Eliza, in the famous movie version of My Fair Lady starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison.
For full details go to: http://www.mpihomevideo.com/?p=25467&pid=1849&pcid=&ccid=
Superbad formula for success
Ah, this has a familiar ring to it: Three high school nerds are desperate to get laid (preferably with hot babes) before they graduate.
Welcome to the premise of Superbad, a not unexpected big summer hit. I won't spoil it for you but the boys have already scored big at the box office, taking around $33 million in the opening weekend (the flick was made for around $20 million). Liquor, fake IDs, fumbling, awkward sex and other misadventures all teens can relate to plus the buzz created by YouTube trailers guarantee this will easily make $100 million....$200 million....who knows?
Not to mention a gazillion bucks in DVD sales featuring "hot" deleted scenes etc.
Check the story out: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070821/superbad_boxoffice_070821/20070821?hub=Entertainment
Welcome to the premise of Superbad, a not unexpected big summer hit. I won't spoil it for you but the boys have already scored big at the box office, taking around $33 million in the opening weekend (the flick was made for around $20 million). Liquor, fake IDs, fumbling, awkward sex and other misadventures all teens can relate to plus the buzz created by YouTube trailers guarantee this will easily make $100 million....$200 million....who knows?
Not to mention a gazillion bucks in DVD sales featuring "hot" deleted scenes etc.
Check the story out: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070821/superbad_boxoffice_070821/20070821?hub=Entertainment
Monday, August 20, 2007
Blu-Ray gets a boost from Fox
The fight over the next generation of DVD players and discs - Blu-ray or HD-DVD - got a lot more interesting Monday.
Paramount dumped Blu-Ray in favour of HD-DVD, while Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment/MGM escalated its backing of the Blu-ray format big time: the company will release 29 new movies and "must-have" catalog titles between now and the end of the year.
They include new titles like Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer and Live Free or Die Hard and the hit TV show Prison Break.
Among the other releases: Master & Commander, The Day After Tomorrow, From Hell, Edward Scissorhands, 28 Days Later, The Fly (1986), Amityville Horror (1979), Battle of Britain (MGM), A Bridge Too Far (MGM), Robot, Die Hard, Die Hard 2, Die Hard With a Vengeance, Red Dawn (MGM), Mr. & Mrs Smith, Independence Day and Cast Away.
Confusion reigns over the eventual format winner with two distinct studio camps emerging. Read more at this link:
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/media/article2295565.ece
Andys DVD Reviews
Paramount dumped Blu-Ray in favour of HD-DVD, while Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment/MGM escalated its backing of the Blu-ray format big time: the company will release 29 new movies and "must-have" catalog titles between now and the end of the year.
They include new titles like Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer and Live Free or Die Hard and the hit TV show Prison Break.
Among the other releases: Master & Commander, The Day After Tomorrow, From Hell, Edward Scissorhands, 28 Days Later, The Fly (1986), Amityville Horror (1979), Battle of Britain (MGM), A Bridge Too Far (MGM), Robot, Die Hard, Die Hard 2, Die Hard With a Vengeance, Red Dawn (MGM), Mr. & Mrs Smith, Independence Day and Cast Away.
Confusion reigns over the eventual format winner with two distinct studio camps emerging. Read more at this link:
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/media/article2295565.ece
Andys DVD Reviews
No smooth cruise for this shoot
Tom Cruise's latest project,Valkyrie, ran into some trouble at the weekend when a group of extras was hurt.
The 11 men apparently fell off a truck on the German set of Tom Cruise's latest movie, Valkyrie.
Fortunately, early reports suggest only one man was seriously injured.
The movie, which recounts the true story of a failed assassination attempt by German officers on Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler in 1944, has been dogged by problems.
First, there's the improbable casting of Tom Cruise as Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, the man who planted the bomb at Hitler's forest HQ only to discover later the Fuhrer had survived the explosion.
C'mon, pretty boy Cruise is too much of a matinee pin-up for a meaty role like this. British actors Clive Owen or Bond star Daniel Craig have far more range and would have been much better choices for the role.
The German government is rumoured to dislike Cruise because of his belief in Scientology, which some deem a cult. They deny it, but it might have played a role in the movie being denied permission to shoot in certain locations.
I'll skip the theatrical release and wait for the DVD, thanks.
Check out the story at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/default.stm
The 11 men apparently fell off a truck on the German set of Tom Cruise's latest movie, Valkyrie.
Fortunately, early reports suggest only one man was seriously injured.
The movie, which recounts the true story of a failed assassination attempt by German officers on Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler in 1944, has been dogged by problems.
First, there's the improbable casting of Tom Cruise as Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, the man who planted the bomb at Hitler's forest HQ only to discover later the Fuhrer had survived the explosion.
C'mon, pretty boy Cruise is too much of a matinee pin-up for a meaty role like this. British actors Clive Owen or Bond star Daniel Craig have far more range and would have been much better choices for the role.
The German government is rumoured to dislike Cruise because of his belief in Scientology, which some deem a cult. They deny it, but it might have played a role in the movie being denied permission to shoot in certain locations.
I'll skip the theatrical release and wait for the DVD, thanks.
Check out the story at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/default.stm
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Gotta love those free DVDs
Peter O'Toole's classic adventure Murphy's War is the latest free DVD to be given away by the Mail on Sunday newspaper in the UK.
As I've mentioned in earlier blogs, British newspapers give away hundreds of DVDs and CDs each year as part of their fierce battle for circulation. The consumer wins every time.
The fact the discs are Region 2 (PAL) is no problem for North American viewers. Just get yourself a Region Free player (see earlier blogs).
Of course, the biggest snag is obtaining the free discs if you don't live there or can't afford to travel. I'm lucky - my mother has more than 100 of these giveaways waiting for my next visit.
OK, find yourself a distant cousin or go to a chatroom and see if there's a willing Brit who'll save 'em up for you and mail a batch once in a while. Perhaps you could exchange for something?
Meanwhile, click on the link below to read about the free Murphy's War DVD.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=474721&in_page_id=1773
As I've mentioned in earlier blogs, British newspapers give away hundreds of DVDs and CDs each year as part of their fierce battle for circulation. The consumer wins every time.
The fact the discs are Region 2 (PAL) is no problem for North American viewers. Just get yourself a Region Free player (see earlier blogs).
Of course, the biggest snag is obtaining the free discs if you don't live there or can't afford to travel. I'm lucky - my mother has more than 100 of these giveaways waiting for my next visit.
OK, find yourself a distant cousin or go to a chatroom and see if there's a willing Brit who'll save 'em up for you and mail a batch once in a while. Perhaps you could exchange for something?
Meanwhile, click on the link below to read about the free Murphy's War DVD.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=474721&in_page_id=1773
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Stamp of approval
Wow - 10 years already since screen legend James Stewart died and in a nice touch, the U.S. Postal Service is honouring him with special stamp.
It features an image of Stewart as he appeared in a publicity photo for The Stratton Story in 1949.
Stewart made more than 90 movies and won an Oscar in 1941 for The Philadelphia Story, a riotous comedy which co-starred Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn. He was nominated for best actor in Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, It's a Wonderful Life, Harvey and Anatomy of a Murder.
Equally at home in light comedy, drama and westerns Stewart also memorably featured in two Alfred Hitchcock classics — Vertigo (my favourite) and Rear Window.
The stamp will be launched at two ceremonies - one at Universal Studios in Hollywood and the other at the Jimmy Stewart Museum in Indiana, his hometown. Check out the museum at www.jimmy.org
Visit my Web site - andysdvdreviews.com
Monday, August 13, 2007
Piracy does pay
Whoever says that piracy doesn't pay should take at look at the plunder from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End has, since May 25, taken $954.7 million at the global box office.
That's a tad short of the $1 billion, 66,000 hauled in last year by Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest - but hey, there's still all those DVD sales to look forward to (Can the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy box set be far away?
Speaking of the third and original movie - Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl - it took a modest $654 million in 2003.
So, a bunch of pirate movies has grossed $2.6 billion in four years - an idea that would have once seemed laughable to Hollywood studio suits. After all, didn't pirate movies die with the likes of Errol Flynn and Tyrone Power?
What's next -the revival of the western?
By the way, you can check out all the movie numbers at this great site: box office mojo
Meanwhile, see my Website: andysdvdreviews.com
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End has, since May 25, taken $954.7 million at the global box office.
That's a tad short of the $1 billion, 66,000 hauled in last year by Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest - but hey, there's still all those DVD sales to look forward to (Can the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy box set be far away?
Speaking of the third and original movie - Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl - it took a modest $654 million in 2003.
So, a bunch of pirate movies has grossed $2.6 billion in four years - an idea that would have once seemed laughable to Hollywood studio suits. After all, didn't pirate movies die with the likes of Errol Flynn and Tyrone Power?
What's next -the revival of the western?
By the way, you can check out all the movie numbers at this great site: box office mojo
Meanwhile, see my Website: andysdvdreviews.com
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Confessions of a DVD cheapskate
OK, time to own up:
I review movies on a 10-year-old, 35-inch Sony TV.
I do not own a home theatre system - I run the sound through my 21-year-old Bang & Olufsen stereo system which pumps out crystal clear sound from two speakers either side of the TV.
My Region-free Accura DVD player (allowing me to watch any DVD sold anywhere in the world) cost $29.
I do not own a Blu-ray or HD DVD player nor do I plan on getting one anytime soon.
What am I missing?
Bugger all. (I can almost hear the electronics store sales associates sobbing…)
Like most working stiffs, I do not have the budget for a Beverly Hills-type screening room (or the space).
Yes, I’ve watched movies in HD and Blu-Ray DVDs on screens that are almost as wide as my humble abode, with home theatre sound that made my ears ache. I admit it’s superficially impressive. But the best equipment in the world won’t make a poor film better or salvage a lousy script.
I mention all this because the latest battle for YOUR precious money is heating up. I refer to the Blu-ray/HD DVD format war.
We’ve been through this all before. Remember Betamax vs. VHS video recorders?
Once again the entertainment industry has failed to get its act together by deciding on one format (frankly I can’t tell the difference between either).
So, you ignore the warning voice in your head and spend your hard-earned cash on an HD DVD player for the high def experience - then discover Sony will only release Spider-Man 3 in Blu-ray.
The good news? You’ll be able to watch Universal’s The Bourne Ultimatum on your player, but Blu-ray owners won’t…
I do like Warner Bros. idea of a dual format disc that can be played on either machine. The technology is there. But it might prove a tough sell to those in the industry who want “their” DVD format to win this stupid war.
Meanwhile I’m sticking to DVD, plain and simple until the industry sorts it out … or the price of a Blu-ray/HD DVD player drops to $29...
Check out my Website andysdvdreviews.com
I review movies on a 10-year-old, 35-inch Sony TV.
I do not own a home theatre system - I run the sound through my 21-year-old Bang & Olufsen stereo system which pumps out crystal clear sound from two speakers either side of the TV.
My Region-free Accura DVD player (allowing me to watch any DVD sold anywhere in the world) cost $29.
I do not own a Blu-ray or HD DVD player nor do I plan on getting one anytime soon.
What am I missing?
Bugger all. (I can almost hear the electronics store sales associates sobbing…)
Like most working stiffs, I do not have the budget for a Beverly Hills-type screening room (or the space).
Yes, I’ve watched movies in HD and Blu-Ray DVDs on screens that are almost as wide as my humble abode, with home theatre sound that made my ears ache. I admit it’s superficially impressive. But the best equipment in the world won’t make a poor film better or salvage a lousy script.
I mention all this because the latest battle for YOUR precious money is heating up. I refer to the Blu-ray/HD DVD format war.
We’ve been through this all before. Remember Betamax vs. VHS video recorders?
Once again the entertainment industry has failed to get its act together by deciding on one format (frankly I can’t tell the difference between either).
So, you ignore the warning voice in your head and spend your hard-earned cash on an HD DVD player for the high def experience - then discover Sony will only release Spider-Man 3 in Blu-ray.
The good news? You’ll be able to watch Universal’s The Bourne Ultimatum on your player, but Blu-ray owners won’t…
I do like Warner Bros. idea of a dual format disc that can be played on either machine. The technology is there. But it might prove a tough sell to those in the industry who want “their” DVD format to win this stupid war.
Meanwhile I’m sticking to DVD, plain and simple until the industry sorts it out … or the price of a Blu-ray/HD DVD player drops to $29...
Check out my Website andysdvdreviews.com
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Universal nonsense
They don't want you to order DVDs from overseas or bring them back from your travels and they don't want you buying import CDs either.
"They" are the major entertainment companies like Universal, Sony etc.
While DVDs are my biggest concern, Universal Music has embarrassed itself this week by bullying American retailers who have been selling import copies of Amy Winehouse's debut album, Frank.
While Frank has been on sale in Europe since 2003, Universal won't be issuing it Stateside until November. Meanwhile it is promoting Winehouse's follow-up album Back to Black, which has reportedly sold 950,000 copies towards Universal's goal of 1.5 million to 2 million sales.
Retailers who've been responding to consumer demand for Frank have imported around 18,000 copies - prompting the thick necks at Universal to threaten legal action.
Hey, what about free trade and market forces?
And isn't Frank available on Internet download? Hello?
What's next - frisking music lovers for "illegal" CDs as they step off a plane from Paris, or Berlin or London?
Welcome to the 21st Century...
It's the same racket entertainment industry bean counters play with DVDs. To try and stop you legally buying a DVD on your travels or importing it, they imposed the Region Code system on DVD players. Thus, a Region 2 DVD purchased in Europe won't play on your standard Region 1 DVD player in North America.
This allows movie moguls the control the price and distribution of the DVD market worldwide (there are six regions).
Fortunately, you can legally buy a Region-free DVD player in North America and I strongly urge you to do so. Not only are DVDs often cheaper overseas (my copy of Alfred Hitchcock's Oscar-winning Rebecca cost $10 in the UK, compared with $50 here!!!), but there are some foreign movies that will never get a DVD release in North America.
Check out Region-free players by LG, Toshiba, Pioneer, JVC, Citizen, Norcent and Accura to name but a few. My Accura will play anything and cost me all of $29 CDN.
Do a Google search on Region free DVD and you'll find loads of useful information on this topic.
Check out my DVD reviews at andysdvdreviews.com
"They" are the major entertainment companies like Universal, Sony etc.
While DVDs are my biggest concern, Universal Music has embarrassed itself this week by bullying American retailers who have been selling import copies of Amy Winehouse's debut album, Frank.
While Frank has been on sale in Europe since 2003, Universal won't be issuing it Stateside until November. Meanwhile it is promoting Winehouse's follow-up album Back to Black, which has reportedly sold 950,000 copies towards Universal's goal of 1.5 million to 2 million sales.
Retailers who've been responding to consumer demand for Frank have imported around 18,000 copies - prompting the thick necks at Universal to threaten legal action.
Hey, what about free trade and market forces?
And isn't Frank available on Internet download? Hello?
What's next - frisking music lovers for "illegal" CDs as they step off a plane from Paris, or Berlin or London?
Welcome to the 21st Century...
It's the same racket entertainment industry bean counters play with DVDs. To try and stop you legally buying a DVD on your travels or importing it, they imposed the Region Code system on DVD players. Thus, a Region 2 DVD purchased in Europe won't play on your standard Region 1 DVD player in North America.
This allows movie moguls the control the price and distribution of the DVD market worldwide (there are six regions).
Fortunately, you can legally buy a Region-free DVD player in North America and I strongly urge you to do so. Not only are DVDs often cheaper overseas (my copy of Alfred Hitchcock's Oscar-winning Rebecca cost $10 in the UK, compared with $50 here!!!), but there are some foreign movies that will never get a DVD release in North America.
Check out Region-free players by LG, Toshiba, Pioneer, JVC, Citizen, Norcent and Accura to name but a few. My Accura will play anything and cost me all of $29 CDN.
Do a Google search on Region free DVD and you'll find loads of useful information on this topic.
Check out my DVD reviews at andysdvdreviews.com
Friday, August 10, 2007
DVD winners and losers
Funny how time plays tricks with you. After eagerly awaiting the arrival on DVD of a fondly remembered movie, you find it just sucks!
Then there's the dud movie you hated all those years ago that now looks inspired...
Cases in point:
1) Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1977). I was really looking forward to seeing this special 2-DVD edition. A remake of the 1956 cult classic, it boasts a great cast that includes Donald Sutherland, Leonard Nimoy and Jeff Goldblum, but it's as tame as a Disney cartoon. No wonder it only earned a PG rating. The extra features are decent, but the movie hasn't aged well. Perhaps the latest version of this story about alien plants making replicas of humans will have more of a kick to it. Out on Aug. 17, it stars Daniel (James Bond) Craig and Nicole Kidman.
2) Flash Gordon: Saviour of the Universe Edition (1980). The stupid, feeble, camp comedy of my faulty memory is one of the most enjoyable things I've seen in weeks! Perhaps because everyone is playing it to the hilt and the cast is so great. As cast member Melody Anderson relates, no one knew they were actually making a comedy at the time. The story of New York Jets quarterback Flash Gordon (Sam L. Jones) trying to save the Earth from destruction at the hands of Ming The Merciless (Max Von Sydow) features decent special effects, plenty of action, a clear-cut good vs evil storyline, outrageous sets and even background music by rock group Queen.
Topol and Timothy Dalton are among a strong supporting cast - with Anderson and Ornella Muti providing the sex appeal. Absolutely hilarious and a welcome antidote to all the earnest nonsense of Star Wars.
This special edition includes fascinating interviews on the making of the movie.
By the way, I did also check out the latest version of Showgirls . . . and it's still terrible.
Check out my Website for the latest DVD reviews: andysdvdreviews.com
Then there's the dud movie you hated all those years ago that now looks inspired...
Cases in point:
1) Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1977). I was really looking forward to seeing this special 2-DVD edition. A remake of the 1956 cult classic, it boasts a great cast that includes Donald Sutherland, Leonard Nimoy and Jeff Goldblum, but it's as tame as a Disney cartoon. No wonder it only earned a PG rating. The extra features are decent, but the movie hasn't aged well. Perhaps the latest version of this story about alien plants making replicas of humans will have more of a kick to it. Out on Aug. 17, it stars Daniel (James Bond) Craig and Nicole Kidman.
2) Flash Gordon: Saviour of the Universe Edition (1980). The stupid, feeble, camp comedy of my faulty memory is one of the most enjoyable things I've seen in weeks! Perhaps because everyone is playing it to the hilt and the cast is so great. As cast member Melody Anderson relates, no one knew they were actually making a comedy at the time. The story of New York Jets quarterback Flash Gordon (Sam L. Jones) trying to save the Earth from destruction at the hands of Ming The Merciless (Max Von Sydow) features decent special effects, plenty of action, a clear-cut good vs evil storyline, outrageous sets and even background music by rock group Queen.
Topol and Timothy Dalton are among a strong supporting cast - with Anderson and Ornella Muti providing the sex appeal. Absolutely hilarious and a welcome antidote to all the earnest nonsense of Star Wars.
This special edition includes fascinating interviews on the making of the movie.
By the way, I did also check out the latest version of Showgirls . . . and it's still terrible.
Check out my Website for the latest DVD reviews: andysdvdreviews.com
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Great movie music
If any of you have checked out the reviews of classic black and white movies on my website www.andysdvdreviews.com and bought, rented or caught one on TV, you'll likely have noticed how great the music is.
Treasure of the Sierra Madre (Max Steiner), King Kong (Max Steiner) and Rebecca (Franz Waxman) are among the all-time greats in which music played a key role in the films.
Here's the good news: many of those scores are available on newly recorded CDs for around $10. Naxos or its subsidiary Marco Polo are the labels to look for. Using the Moscow Symphony Orchestra, the Slovak Radio Orchestra and other top ensembles, the company has breathed new life into old film classic and they come with excellent liner notes.
If your sound system is anywhere near decent these spacious recording will raise the roof! King Kong, Red River and Treasure of the Sierra Madre are among my favourites.
Check out the Naxos catalogue at www.naxos.com
Treasure of the Sierra Madre (Max Steiner), King Kong (Max Steiner) and Rebecca (Franz Waxman) are among the all-time greats in which music played a key role in the films.
Here's the good news: many of those scores are available on newly recorded CDs for around $10. Naxos or its subsidiary Marco Polo are the labels to look for. Using the Moscow Symphony Orchestra, the Slovak Radio Orchestra and other top ensembles, the company has breathed new life into old film classic and they come with excellent liner notes.
If your sound system is anywhere near decent these spacious recording will raise the roof! King Kong, Red River and Treasure of the Sierra Madre are among my favourites.
Check out the Naxos catalogue at www.naxos.com
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