Olive Films Releases Rare Film from Preminger and Liza Minnelli, Beloved Classic, and Nostalgic 80's Action Flicks
Chicago, IL – Olive Films, a boutique theatrical and home entertainment distribution label dedicated to bringing independent, foreign, and classic films to DVD and Blu-ray, is excited to announce that August 16th will be the Blu-ray debut of eight films including Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon (1970); the first four American Ninja films (1985-1990); and The Pride and the Passion (1957).
TELL ME THAT YOU LOVE ME, JUNIE MOON (1970)
“Working on this film with Ken Howard was such a joy,” said Liza Minnelli in regards to the Olive Films release of Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon. “I look forward to watching this film again for the first time in years and am so happy that a new audience will be able to discover it.”
The film, which has been previously unavailable on disc, comes to DVD and Blu-ray August 16th. It boasts a reputation amongst fans of Otto Preminger, because it fits perfectly into and provides an interesting perspective on his oddball late career, including films such as Skidoo, Such Good Friends, and Bunny Lake is Missing. The cult classic also showcases one of Liza Minnelli’s most emotional and powerful performances.
At the time of the film’s original release, director Preminger said of its star, “I am not the easiest man in the world to work for and I do not praise people promiscuously, but I tell you Liza Minnelli is a professional actress who has more natural acting talent than almost any other young actress I can think of.”
Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon focuses on a trio of misfits rejected by mainstream society, made up of a former party girl whose face has been badly scarred by an acid attack (Liza Minnelli), an epileptic young man (Ken Howard), and a gay paraplegic man (Robert Moore). Painting a rich and loving portrait of its characters, the film found its way into the hearts of audiences everywhere. With the film robbed of a previous DVD or Blu-ray, fans of Liza Minnelli, Otto Preminger, and cult classics can look forward to the Olive Films release.
THE PRIDE AND THE PASSION (1957)
The Pride and the Passion, directed by Stanley Kramer, also receives its Blu-ray debut from Olive Films on August 16th. This spectacle of a historical epic is perhaps best remembered for its all-star cast, beautiful shot-on-location cinematography, and troubled production history. In the lead role is Cary Grant, playing against type as a noble and serious English captain. Starring alongside him is Sophia Loren in a breakthrough year. She had already begun her rise to fame, but this film and Boy on a Dolphin (1957) solidified her status as an international sex symbol. Behind the scenes, Grant was falling madly in love with Loren, and they began an affair. He proclaimed his love to her publicly, prompting her longtime foot-dragging boyfriend Carlo Ponti to appear on set and propose to her.
Production was no easier with the film’s other star, Frank Sinatra. Supposedly, he filled in for Marlon Brando only to be near his wife Ava Gardner, who would be nearby filming The Sun Also Rises. As their marriage crumbled and Sinatra came to dislike Spain, he acted out on set in ways such as hanging a banner that said “Franco is a Fink” outside his hotel window. He eventually stormed out on the filming early, necessitating some of the scenes to be filmed in the studio. The film’s previous DVD release was lackluster, with a troublesome color palette and matting issues. The Olive Films Blu-ray will improve on the color and is presented in 1.78:1, created using the best possible materials available with a slight modification of the aspect ratio to fit home viewing screens.
AMERICAN NINJA (1985), AMERICAN NINJA 2: THE CONFRONTATION (1987), AMERICAN NINJA 3: BLOOD HUNT (1989), AMERICAN NINJA 4: THE ANNIHILATION (1990)
These quintessential low-budget 1980’s action films occupy a special place in the hearts of many people who grew up in the era of VHS. Full of cheesy moments and goofs that endeared them to their audiences, Cannon Films’ American Ninja series still packed enough ninja action to launch a wave of martial arts obsession amongst young people across the US. Olive Films is proud to bring these four campy nostalgic favorites to 80’s kids everywhere on DVD and Blu-ray with new, original bonus features.
The first film teams up Michael Dudikoff and Steve James, a duo with uncanny chemistry and charisma. American Ninja 2: The Confrontation, often considered to be the best film of the series, reunites the two stars and director for even more ninja action. Although Michael Dudikoff was not in American Ninja 3: Blood Hunt, he was replaced by the skilled martial artist David Bradley and aided by returning cast member Steve James. Director Sam Firstenberg also stepped aside to make room for Cedric Sundström for film 3. In American Ninja 4: The Annihilation, Michael Dudikoff returned to the series to save the day with David Bradley.
The newly produced extras for the releases are as follows:
American Ninja
Audio Commentary with director Sam Firstenberg
A Rumble in The Jungle: The Making of American Ninja featuring interviews with director Sam Firstenberg, actors Michael Dudikoff and Judie Aronson, Screenwriter Paul De Mielche and Stunt Coordinator Steve Lambert
Theatrical Trailer
American Ninja 2: The Confrontation
Audio Commentary with director Sam Firstenberg
An American Ninja in Cape Town: The Making of American Ninja 2 featuring interviews with Director Sam Firstenberg, actors Michael Dudikoff and Gary Conway, Executive Producer Avi Lerner and Stunt Coordinator BJ Davis
Theatrical Trailer
American Ninja 3: Blood Hunt
Strike Me Deadly: The Making of American Ninja 3 featuring interviews with Director Cedric Sundström, Executive Producer Avi Lerner, and actor Gary Conway
David Bradley Audition Tape
Theatrical Trailer
American Ninja 4: The Annihilation
Last Tango in Lesotho: The Making of American Ninja 4 featuring interviews with director Cedric Sundström and Executive Producer Avi Lerner
“The Cobra Strikes” Music Video
Theatrical Trailer
Other Olive Films August Title
Blu-ray debut of Wild in the Streets (1968), directed by Barry Shear, starring Christopher Jones, Shelley Winters, Hal Holbrook, Millie Perkins, and Richard Pryor.
Blu-ray debut of Saved! (2004), directed by Brian Dannelly, starring Jena Malone, Mandy Moore, Patrick Fugit, Macaulay Culkin, Chad Faust, and Eva Amurri.
Extras: Audio commentary with Mandy Moore and Jena Malone; Audio commentary with Brian Dannelly, Sandy Stern, and Michael Urban; Deleted/Extended Scenes; Bloopers; Featurettes; Trailer
About Olive Films
Olive Films is a Chicago-based boutique theatrical and home entertainment distribution label dedicated to bringing independent, foreign, documentary, and classic films to life. Its catalog boasts over 500 titles ranging from Hollywood classics to contemporary titles. More information about Olive Films may be found at olivefilms.com.
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