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DVDs and Films You Have Watched Recently #2


The Cum Doctor

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I'm currently watching April from Parks and Recs The Movie aka Safety Not Guaranteed, it's looking to be pretty decent but Aubrey is playing the exact same character at times.

 

I've just watched this and really liked it, but I can imagine a lot of people not caring for it.

 

I started watching REC 3 earlier, and made it about halfway through. About twenty minutes in, it abandons the REC style and becomes a more generic zombie film, which is fine but jarring. But then it's a weird slapstick horror-comedy as well, like a half-arsed Braindead. I couldn't get on with that at all so I switched it off.

 

I downloaded Shame but I don't know if I can be arsed to watch it. I'm afraid the film will just be an overrated, average pile of wank like Drive. Although apparently the sister from Homeland gets the lot out.

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Watched Scary or Die last night http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1833879/

 

It's a compendium of five short horror film each lasting about 10-15 minutes. The films are viewed as an unseen person surfs a YouTube-esque site. The Crossing involves 2 unpleasant rednecks and their girlfriend who live in the South of the USA near the border with Mexico. They have the nasty habit of kidnapping and murdering Mexican immigrants - steps which they believe will keep their country clean. However this particular expedition goes rather awry.

 

Tajeum Lament involves a Japanese man in mourning. He has recently lost his wife and begins to see her wherever he goes. One night he witnesses a woman with a close resemblance to his departed spouse being abducted by a group of thugs and he makes it his mission to rescue her. He is successful and the woman invites him to join her at her apartment, leading to a revelation which truly dropped my jaw.

 

RE-Membered This one is perhaps loosely based on Poe's "Tell-Tale Heart". A hitman has killed. He dismembers the body with a saw and places it in the boot of his car in a black bag. Things get eerie when he begins to hear a knocking coming from the boot. Soon after, he is stopped by a police officer as he tries to retain his composure. Soon his victim will wreak his necromantical vengeance...

 

By a good margin, Clowned is the longest film present here. And it is absolutely and utterly bizarre. A man scuffles with the clown at his little brother's birthday party. The clown ultimately manages to deliver a horrific bite to the man's leg. This leads to a strange metamorphosis into a horrifically evil-looking clown (those with Coulrophobia beware, this will traumatise you). Fearing for the safety of his family due to his new erm, feeding habits, the man flees into the city to find the clown who had cursed him. The ending is sadly not a happy one.

 

Love Come Back is the shortest offering, lasting only a few minutes. A woman narrates the story of her love with an individual who appeared to be the man of her dreams but it is apparent he is not the man of character she fell for. As she wanders through the streets in an odd shuffle, memories of her past come back to her and it is apparent that through the powers of her mystical grandfather, when she loved, it would be love which was eternal. A love which cannot allow her to rest. The film ends, before we get a final reveal.

 

Scary or Die was a very entertaining way to pass 90 minutes. Especially with All Hallows Eve approaching, this might be a good one to check out for horror fans. The fact that this is 5 mini-films keep things moving quickly and the film is effective in delivering a variety of moods and emotions ranging from "Fuck yeah! This is cool!" to a couple of moments which are rather more subdued and sentimental. I'll give this an 8 or a 9.

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Having never seen it before, yestreday I watched Face/Off, and thought it was brilliant. Completley over the top, with shit loads of action and stunts, with the story kept to a minimum. Great action film. Travolta piloting the chopper within the first 15 minutes of the film sets the tone for the whole film.

 

 

Also watched Casino Royale for the first time, and thought it was pretty good. Not as good as Face/Off, mind. The last part of the film let it down badly, I thought.

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Anyway, I went to see Sinister last night and it was pretty decent-ish. There is a really tense mood going on with a few class scares then it all sort of falls apart towards the end and it turns out really disappointing. The home movies are probably the best part and maybe the most chilling. Ethan Hawke is also really good.

 

I also spent ages trying to figure out where I recognised Deputy So and So from, turns out he was Ziggy in The Wire.

 

Kermode got it spot on in his review.

Its set up well but seems to skip a part so the ending doesnt really work. I also didnt know if i was jumping at certain scares because of a well put together story, or because the music goes quiet before having a very very loud bang.

 

SPOILER - Highlight the black box to read

Yeah I dont think the kids were done particularly well, maybe a little bit more depth to his kids and it would have been okay. his wife only existed to shout at him aswell. They needed to do more with the deity stuff and maybe less with Baguls lured ghost children who lingered around far too long and then it just became crap.

 

 

I loved the music but i know what you mean, the music playing with the family at the car is haunting, some scares were 'cheap' as they say. Also the one at the end was so tacked on it made me hate the whole thing.

Edited by Cobra1000
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Best thing I've watched lately is the Universal Classic Monsters Blu-ray set. They all look amazing.

Awesome. Which films are on it if you don’t mind? And which ones have you enjoyed the most?

 

I love the Universal monsters series. I’ve only ever seen them in poor quality before though. I might invest in that blue ray set.

I've got the ltd edition coffin set, which is only a fiver more than the 'standard' set if it's ever in stock on Amazon. It keeps popping back on from time to time. Very nice set.

 

In terms of what the set contains:

 

For the first time ever, eight of the most iconic cinematic masterpieces of the horror genre are available together on Blu-ray as Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection. Digitally restored in perfect high-definition picture and perfect high-definition sound. This essential set includes a never-before-seen featurette about the restoration of Dracula and the first ever offering of Creature from the Black Lagoon in its restored Blu-ray 3D version.

 

Contains hours of bonus features, a 44-page booklet and 8 exclusive art cards with original theatrical posters.

 

<-- click on 'spoiler' to show/hide the spoiler

Dracula (1931):

The original 1931 movie version of Bram Stoker's classic tale has for generations defined the iconic look and terrifying persona of the famed vampire. Dracula owes its continued appeal in large part due to Bela Lugosi's indelible portrayal of the immortal Count Dracula and the flawless direction of horror auteur Tod Browning.

 

Bonus Features:

 

Dracula (1931) Spanish Version

Introduction to the Spanish Version by Lupita Tovar Kohner

Dracula: The Restoration

The Road To Dracula

Lugosi: The Dark Prince

Feature Commentary by Film Historian David J. Skal

Alternate Score By Philip Glass performed by the Kronos Quartet

Dracula Archives

Monster Tracks Pop-Up Facts (pop-up facts about the making of Dracula that can be read while watching the film)

Trailer Gallery: Centennial Trailer, Dracula Trailer, Dracula's Daughter Trailer, Son Of Dracula Trailer, House of Dracula Trailer

 

 

Frankenstein (1931):

Boris Karloff stars as the screen's most tragic and iconic monster in what many consider to be the greatest horror film ever made. Dr. Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) dares to tamper with the essential nature of life and death by creating a monster (Karloff) out of lifeless human body parts. Director James Whale's adaptation of the Mary Shelley novel and Karloff's compassionate portrayal of a creature groping for identity make Frankenstein a timeless masterpiece.

 

Bonus Features:

 

100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics

The Frankenstein Files: How Hollywood Made A Monster

Karloff: The Gentle Monster

Monster Tracks Pop-Up Facts (pop-up facts about the making of Frankenstein that can be read while watching the film)

Universal Horror

Frankenstein Archives

Boo!: A Short Film

Feature Commentary With Film Historian Rudy Behlmer

Feature Commentary With Historian Sir Christopher Frayling

Trailer Gallery: Centennial Trailer, Frankenstein Trailer, The Bride of Frankenstein Trailer, The Ghost of Frankenstein Trailer, Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man Trailer, House of Frankenstein Trailer

 

 

The Mummy (1932):

Horror icon Boris Karloff stars in the original 1932 version of The Mummy in which a team of British archaeologists accidentally revives a mummified high priest after 3,700 years. Alive again, he sets out on an obsessive--and deadly--quest to find his lost love. Over 50 years after its first release, this brooding dream-like horror classic remains a cinematic masterpiece.

 

Bonus Features:

 

Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed

He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce

Unraveling the legacy of The Mummy

The Mummy Archives

100 Years of Universal: The Carl Laemmle Era

Feature Commentary with Film Historian Paul M Jensen

Feature Commentary by Rick Baker, Scott Essman, Steven Haberman, Bob Burns and Brent Armstrong

Trailer Gallery: Centennial Trailer, The Mummy Theatrical Trailer, The Mummy's Tomb Theatrical Trailer, The Mummy's Ghost Trailer, The Mummy's Curse Trailer, The Mummy's Hand Trailer

 

 

The Invisible Man (1933):

Claude Rains delivers an unforgettable performance in his screen debut as a mysterious doctor who discovers a serum that makes him invisible. Covered by bandages and dark glasses, Rains arrives in a small English village and attempts to hide his amazing discovery, but the drug's side effects slowly drive him to commit acts of unspeakable terror.

 

Bonus Features:

 

Now You See Him: Invisible Man Revealed

100 Years of Universal: Unforgettable Characters

Production Photographs

Feature Commentary with film historian Rudy Behlmer

Centennial Trailer

 

 

The Bride of Frankenstein (1935):

The acclaimed sequel to the original Frankenstein has become one of the most popular horror classics in film history. The legendary Boris Karloff reprises his role as the screen's most misunderstood monster, now longing for a mate of his own. Colin Clive is back as the proud and overly ambitious Dr. Frankenstein, who creates the ill-fated bride (Elsa Lanchester). The last horror film directed by James Whale features a haunting musical score that helps make The Bride of Frankenstein one of the finest and most touching thrillers of its era.

 

Bonus Features:

 

100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics

She's Alive! Creating The Bride of Frankestein

The Bride of Frankenstein Archives

Feature Commentary with Scott MacQueen

Trailer Gallery: Centennial Trailer, Frankenstein Trailer, The Bride of Frankenstein Trailer, The Ghost of Frankenstein Trailer, House of Frankenstein Trailer

 

 

The Wolf Man (1941):

Originally released in 1941, The Wolf Man introduced the world to a new Universal movie monster and redefined the mythology of the werewolf forever. Featuring a heartbreaking performance by Lon Chaney Jr. and groundbreaking make-up by Jack Pierce, The Wolf Man is the saga of Larry Talbot, a cursed man who transforms into a deadly werewolf when the moon is full. The dream-like atmospheres, elaborate settings and chilling musical score combine to make The Wolf Man a masterpiece of the genre.

 

Bonus Features:

 

100 Years of Universal: The Lot

Monsters By Moonlight: An Original Documentary

The Wolf Man: From Ancient Curse to Modern Myth

Pure In Heart: The Life and Legacy of Lon Chaney Jr.

He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce

Wolf Man Archives

Feature Commentary with Film Historian Tom Weaver

Trailer Gallery: Centennial Trailer, The Wolf Man (1941) Trailer, Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man Trailer, Werewolf of London Trailer, She-Wolf of London Trailer, House of Frankenstein Trailer, House of Dracula Trailer

 

 

The Phantom of the Opera (1943):

This lavish retelling of Gaston Leroux's immortal horror tale stars Claude Rains as the masked phantom who haunts the Paris Opera House. A crazed composer who schemes to make beautiful young soprano Christine DuBois (Susanna Foster) the star of the opera company, the Phantom also wreaks revenge on those he believes stole his music. Nelson Eddy, as the heroic baritone, tries to win the affections of Christine as he tracks down the murderous, horribly disfigured Phantom.

 

Bonus Features:

 

100 Years of Universal: The Lot

The Opera Ghost: A Phantom Unmasked

Production Photographs

Feature Commentary with Film Historian Scott MacQueen

Phantom of the Opera Theatrical Trailer

Centennial Trailer

 

 

The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954):

Captured and imprisoned for scientific study, a living "amphibious missing link" becomes enamored with the head researcher's female assistant (Julie Adams). When the hideous creature escapes and kidnaps the object of his affection, a crusade is launched to rescue the helpless woman and cast the terrifying creature back to the depths from which he came. Featuring legendary makeup artist Bud Westmore's brilliantly designed monster, The Creature from the Black Lagoon is an enduring tribute to the imaginative genius of its Hollywood creators.

 

Bonus Features:

 

The Creature From The Black Lagoon in Blu-ray 3D

100 Years of Universal: The Lot

Back to the Black Lagoon

Production Photographs

Feature Commentary With Film Historian Tom Weaver

Trailer Gallery: Centennial Trailer, The Creature From The Black Lagoon Trailer 1, The Creature From The Black Lagoon Trailer 2, Revenge of the Creature Trailer, The Creature Walks Among Us Trailer

 

[close spoiler]

");document.close();

 

It's a nice set, especially considering I've seen all the films on dodgy VHS and various states on DVD throughout the years. I'm happy with the price point I paid, but it will come down pretty quick probably.

 

In terms of what I like the most? Probably Dracula. It seems like the biggest improvement to me, though Creature 3D is a fun experience. To be honest they all look wonderful to me.

Edited by ItsClobberingTime
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Also watched Casino Royale for the first time, and thought it was pretty good. Not as good as Face/Off, mind. The last part of the film let it down badly, I thought.

 

It's a shame they couldn't do an ending similar to the tone of the one in the book. I mean, I know why they couldn't, but I think it'd be a little more effective.

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Watched Triangle tonight at the behest of a few people on here who were praising it in another thread. To be honest, at the moment I don't really even know how to describe it besides: mind fuck. An absolute mind fuck. I don't really want to describe the plot too much (one as it's pretty complex, and two, more importantly. to attempt to describe the film would take a great deal away from its impact) but I can't even tell how much I enjoyed it yet. Interested to see how it will hold up in a rewatch in a month or so. It's certainly a very interesting film, so definitely worth a watch, although some things didn't seem explained at all and left me quite confused. Check it out guys.

 

Edit: After having a think about it and having a wee read of the wiki page the ending makes a good bit more sense. The main thing I'm having trouble with now is

<-- click on 'spoiler' to show/hide the spoiler

where did the horrendous storm and lack of wind come from?

 

[close spoiler]

");document.close();
Edited by SpiritOfTheForest
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Following on from my viewing of the first one on Sunday, I decided to watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 (1991) last night. Another quality encounter. Nostalgic too, as I remember going to the old pictures which has since been knocked down with my older cousin to see it. I especially liked Vanilla Ice singing the Turtle Rap in the night club as our heroes beat up the foot clan to rapturous applause. Nash as the mutated Super Shredder at the end, too, devine. And wouldn

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I do. The first one is absolutely brilliant. The others aren't anywhere near as good. The third one is notable only for the villain being the absolute spitting image of Rik Mayall.

 

The scene where the Foot ambush Raphael and then fight in the antiques shop is one of my favorite film scenes ever. Especially the bit where April says "Are you sure Raph's okay?" and Leonardo replies "He does this all the time, he likes it!" and the camera cuts to him unconscious being dragged down a staircase.

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