In 1948, Italian director Luchino Visconti gave audiences a lovely nugget of neorealist cinema. That film is La Terra Trema and it is a black and white subtitled docufiction about fishermen who are exploited and the steps they take to rid themselves of these poor work conditions. Using non-professional actors and filmed in a unique style, La Terra Trema is a very interesting film that is both beautiful and realistic.
The Three Musketeers
“All for one and one for all!” This famous catchphrase has been a staple of Alexandre Dumas’s classic tale The Three Musketeers since 1844. Numerous versions of the story have been made over the years from theater, games, television, comics and for purposes of this review, film. The most recent adaptation of Dumas’ classic work was released last year in 3D and features both newcomer actors and more seasoned thespians. The Three Musketeers is now out on Blu-ray 3D so get ready for a delightfully swashbuckling piece of home entertainment.
Minions of Gozer Live Shadowcast of “Ghostbusters”
“He slimed me.” That was a bit of an understatement this past weekend as shadowcastersMinions of Gozer paid tribute to one the 80s most iconic films, Ghostbusters. These talented individuals performed the legendary film live as it was being screened simultaneously substituting silly string for proton streams not to mention over-the-top action and silly props. The awesome event took place on both Friday the 23rd and Saturday the 24th at the IFC Center in Manhattan and it was definitely a Ghosthead’s (Ghostbusters fan) dream come true.
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54
In the late 1970s, entrepreneur Steve Rubell opened the super hip discotheque Studio 54, a club which attracted New York’s creme de la creme. This included celebrities, rich folk and just downright attractive people. A feature-length film was made chronicling the club’s success and the people who worked there including Rubell. 54 features an ensemble cast and documents a time in American culture that was flashy, sensual and just plain fun.
Todd and the Book of Pure Evil: The Complete First Season
Todd and the Book of Pure Evil is a curious thing. It’s a Canadian horror-comedy television series about a small band of high-schoolers battling evil caused by a cursed book (ala The Evil Dead). Each episode follows a hapless teenager whom the book finds and then puts a curse upon. This of course is followed by paranormal activity and eventual bloodshed. It is then up to stoner Todd and his friends to find the book and conquer the evil it unleashes. Season one is now out on DVD and you might want to check this cool show out.
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The Catechism Cataclysm
Every now and then, a movie comes along that blurs genres, contains truly bizarre scenes and may manage to offend certain religious and ethnic groups. The movie I’m referring to is entitled The Catechism Cataclysm and it is a very odd indie/road/horror/comedy that is certain to offend if not entertain audiences. This strange little film is now out on DVD and if you want to absorb 81 minutes of absolute insanity, then I recommend giving this peculiar flick a whirl.
J. Edgar
The United States during the 20th century was full of many notable historical figures. One of, if not the most notable figures is J. Edgar Hoover, a man known both for his dedication and loyalty to his job as director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and as a sneaky little man with basically everyone’s secrets willing to air their dirty laundry at the drop of a hat. Director Clint Eastwood and star Leonardo DiCaprio have teamed up to bring this highly controversial man’s life to audiences with expert detail and dramatic intensity. J. Edgar is now out in a special Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo pack and if you are curious about this mysterious man’s infamous life, then now is your chance to learn about him in crystal-clear high definition, no less.
Lady and the Tramp: Diamond Edition
Walt Disney was a true visionary. His story ideas helped shape a generation and entertained millions upon millions of people. Through his films and theme parks, he has captured the spirit of youth in not just children but in adults as well. His legacy continues to live on with his production company and the films he is responsible for. One of those legendary films is 1955’s Lady and the Tramp, a sweet tale (pun intended) about love and acceptance. It is now out on Blu-ray/DVD yet again, this time in Disney’s Diamond Series. The film is lovely and so is the packaging so if you want to revisit this classic film, then picking it up might not be such a bad idea.
Nude Nuns with Big Guns
“Hell hath no fury like a nude nun scorned.” All kidding aside, Nude Nuns with Big Guns is quite simply a bad movie. It’s an action film that tries so hard to follow in the footsteps of Quentin Tarantino but fails miserably. Not only is the film violent but it’s highly offensive, featuring priests and clergymen as corrupt, evil murderers and drug-pushers. This train wreck is now out on Blu-ray, but we strongly advise against purchasing it.
Beavis and Butt-Head: Volume 4
Uh huh huh, uh huh huh, cue music. It’s been 14 years but those lovable idiots Beavis and Butt-Headare back! The show was pop culture phenomenon and a ‘90s hit featuring two unintelligent teenagers bashing music videos and creating general mayhem in their neighborhood. Creator and voice of the titular characters Mike Judge is also back and it seems as though he never left. This new revived season continues Judge’s unique and disturbing brand of humor. This time in addition to providing commentary behind music videos, they are also insulting reality shows such as Jersey Shore and 16 and Pregnant. Thanks to MTV for bringing this funny and irreverent show back to television; fans will certainly rejoice, especially now that this brand new season is out on Blu-ray.
Unger the Radar 