Caffeinated Clint
Bi-Weekly Downunder Disc-View
If you’ve come here looking for a written explanation about how to fix a surface scratch – whomever named this column, should be spanked thrice, please! – then you’ve come to the wrong site/column/person. The purpose of this new column (weekly, bi-weekly or simply, whenever it’s get cold and we want to warm our fingers up by typing) is to inform y’all about the latest DVD releases on the shelf – here in Australia. Naturally, we will only be covering those we haven’t covered as a ‘major review’, films that don’t necessarily warrant a full-page review or something we may have missed in the ‘must watch’ pile. Good way to keep everyone happy and let y’all know about some of the lesser releases. So here we go….
August 30th – September 13th Issue
The Day After
Or as the daybill text scrawled ‘Steve Guttenberg in Good Film Shock’. This early 80’s TV series (so early that Mahoney went by ‘Steven’ back then) is about as silly as a cordial-induced fair-going five year old but still strangely affecting. For those that recall – it’s about what happens when a Nuclear bomb goes off in Kansas when Clark Kent’s not around to help anyone. Extras Free, and the Audio/Video is pretty average, but as a cheap offering – it’s not bad. With Jason Robards, John Callum.
Buy it Here : EzyDVD
Wedlock
One of those films that I recall, as a teenager, really enjoying – “Wedlock”, not surprisingly is as clichéd as a English teacher with a chastity belt, and for most parts, not as grand as one recalls. Still, it is a reasonably fun movie – prisoners, Rutger Hauer and Mimi Rogers are linked to each other via device, and if they separate, they’ll explode – that many have been quite willing to Xerox in later years. OK transfer. No Extras. With Stephen Tobolowsky.
Buy it Here : EzyDVD
Soundstage – Chicago
He may make more ‘Worst love Songs of All time’ lists on VH1 than he deserves, but Peter Cetera’s got the voice of voices – and I, for one, love his choral styling. Unfortunately – Cetera is nowhere to be found on this DVD, but his legendary band Chicago – all aged – works their way through the group’s (which one time included Cetera) back catalogue of hits – including “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” and “Hard Habit to Break” – and delivers them in smooth-sounding style. The 5.1 packs a punch. Hopefully your loungeroom is equipped with something better than a Teac amp.
Buy it Here : EzyDVD
Complete James Dean Collection
7 Discs – featuring "Giant SE", "East of Eden SE" and "Rebel Without a Cause SE" plus a documentary that’s exclusive to this pricey, but highly recommended series. All the films on offer – unlike a lot of box sets – are gold, and come with fine-ass extras, and the bonus documentary is better than anything you’ll dial up on E!. If you’re a fan of the classics – you’ll be stupid to let this go out-of-print without picking up a copy.
Buy it Here : EzyDVD
Ong Bak : 2-Disc Collectors Edition
Whilst we wait for Daulton Dickey’s full, fat, review of the disc – let me just say – this is some spicy Kung-Fu action. Best of all, the disc we’ve got here in Australia is finer than anything else you’ll find around this spinning globe of ours. In addition to Tony Jaa’s feature-length whoop-ass demonstration you get documentaries, interviews, added footage, two different versions of the film and much, much more.
Buy it Here : EzyDVD
Bangkok Hilton
Probably even more relevant now – what with all the Aussies being arrested on drugs charges in Bali – than it was in the Hawke-era, “Bangkok Hilton”, one of the 80’s most memorable mini-series, still packs quite a punch. Nicole Kidman shows signs of immensity as the woman imprisoned on choof charges, and Hugo Weaving is as powerful as ever (even at such an early age) as the lawyer determined to have her freed. Gorgeous 5.1 soundtrack and widescreen transfer.
Buy it Here : EzyDVD
Coyote Ugly : Director’s Cut
If it means we get to see more of Piper Perabo’s bits – then put us down. Granted, there’s not a lot more in the extended edition of uncle Jerry’s bum-wiggler of a guilty-pleasure, but if you’re yet to own a copy – this is probably the edition to snag. In addition to some choice extras (commentary, featurettes, music video, trailer) you get a rockin’ good transfer that’ll give those new wall-wired speakers a nice workout. With Maria Bello, John Goodman, Adam Garcia.
Buy it Here : EzyDVD
Sideways
More a film to ‘admire’ rather than ‘enjoy’, the brilliantly performed “Sideways” is something, I’m guessing, that’ll be shown to drama students everywhere in future years. Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church are as fine as silver dinner forks in this unique little tale of friendship, love and a good glass of red – and although it’s tale won’t appeal to everyone, you’ll be hard-pressed finding someone that wasn’t impressed by its leads and yarn. Extras (aplenty) include commentary, featurettes, deleted scenes and extended scenes. A good lil’ buy. No wine included sorry.
Buy it Here : EzyDVD
5 to Buy
1. The Sopranos : Season 5 : Not a large amount of extras, but the funktastic series makes up for that. Buy It
2. The OC : Complete Second Season : The bitching, boozing, babes, and brooding returns. Loads of surprises this season – including a rather unfortunate death. Not many extras. Buy It
3. Enterprise : Season Two : Series 3 might be the season where the show hit it stride, but this is still a pretty good effort. Loads of extras, Loads of T’Pol. Buy It
4. Deadwood : Season 1 : I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to the second season. This show rocks more than a heavy-metal band at BDO. Buy It
5. The Chucky Collection : For the first time, all "Child’s Play" movies available in a sweet-ass box set. A horde of extras on the later discs too. Buy It Get a Free Cap!
